KZ - Castor Pro (Harman Target Version)

I have bass and non bass pro version and when I listen first time I got amazed by non bass version is more refined and clean than the bass version and I return my bass version and keep my harmen target version I don't feel any difference in bass

KZ Castor Pro Silver (Balanced) KZ M2 Type C Cable with built in "EQ Tuner" For the above mentioned setup that is a great start in this hobby -- All in $15 to $20 depending on where you are geographically located in this beautiful world. Considering you're starting out, it will allow you to take a dive into the water without fear of drowning yourself into just 1 IEM blind buy @$100 etc... With the tuning switches and options KZ Castor Pro Silver provides and the preset EQ options of the M2 cable, this will give you an idea of what sound profile you are most comfortable with -- And in turn, make a sound profile on "experiential knowledge" based purchase for a future set of IEMs. In my opinion -- For gaming, particularly FPS games -- They are punching above their price. Edit: Also get the DUNU SS Eartips (price varies from $2 for 1 pair or 3 pairs for $7) to enhance your sound experience with a tight seal on your IEM. If you've made it this far into my response, then please look into "IEM burn in time for KZ Castor Pro" as this will help set initial expectations for sound out of the box if you decide to go the KZ route.

Hey there... I do not have experience with KZ PR1 for gaming, however, below mentioned is a post I've made before highlighting a great KZ branded setup. KZ Castor Pro Silver (Balanced) KZ M2 Type C Cable with built in "EQ Tuner" For the above mentioned setup that is a great start in this hobby -- All in $15 to $20 depending on where you are geographically located in this beautiful world. Considering you're starting out, it will allow you to take a dive into the water without fear of drowning yourself into just 1 IEM blind buy etc... With the tuning switches and options KZ Castor Pro Silver provides and the preset EQ options of the M2 cable, this will give you an idea of what sound profile/signature you are most comfortable with -- And in turn, make a sound profile on "experiential knowledge" based purchase for a future set of IEMs. In my opinion -- For gaming, particularly FPS games -- They are punching above their price. Edit: Also get the DUNU SS Eartips (price varies from $2 for 1 pair or 3 pairs for $7) to enhance your sound experience with a tight seal on your IEM. If you've made it this far into my response, then please look into "IEM burn in time for KZ Castor Pro" as this will help set initial expectations for sound out of the box if you decide to go the KZ route.

Castor Pro (Black) is not bad, especially if you like bass music. The silver (Harman Target) version heard that it is not bad also... I think it is the only one in these 3 selection that have 2 x 10mm Dynamic Driver, the other 2 if I remember correctly is single dynamic driver.

Castor Pro have a girthy nozzle, might be too much for people with smaller ear canals.

Castor Pro (Black) is not bad, especially if you like bass music. The silver (Harman Target) version heard that it is not bad also... I think it is the only one in these 3 selection that have 2 x 10mm Dynamic Driver, the other 2 if I remember correctly is single dynamic driver.

Hi everyone. I am seeking an IEM that would be optimal for Call of Duty Mobile - Battle Royale. Some of the key things I am looking for in an IEM is soundstage and the ability to pick up with accurate detail directional cues such as foot steps and gun fire. I've went ahead and attached some images of IEMs that caught my eye. Side note, as an entry to IEMs from my Hyper X Cloud Alpha, I recently bought the KZ Castor Pro (Silver Balanced) and it has been tremendous for game play in Battle Royale while utilizing UUUU, and it's arguably better than the Hyper X Cloud Alpha paired with a DAC. Is stepping up to any of the pictured IEMs from the KZ Castor Pro (Silver) going to make any if at all better user experience and difference? Any suggestions of different brands or input will be greatly appreciated.

You brought up a crucial point: "The IEM won't matter if the game's audio quality can't harness its full potential." My take on that above mentioned quote is; an expensive IEM bought for gaming but tuned for the best possible spoken word or music experience may not be any different compared to a budget $10-50 or $50-150 price range IEM. The game I play isn't really complex in terms of sounds (eg. footsteps, gun fire, reload, vehicles, grenades, enemy classes activated etc). One thing the KZ Castor Pro (Silver) is falling short on is the "vibrations" or bass of the footsteps. For lack of better audio terms footsteps sound like a high toned click clack instead of click clack plus thuds. 🤣 As for those brands you've suggested, the KBEAR KB03 looks nice and the specs appear to be the best in what a gaming IEM should be for Call of Duty Mobile - Battle Royale.

Okay... Update regarding this post... Giving it a shot, I've recently bought the KZ - M2 Type C cable and connected my KZ Castor Pro (Silver Balanced) to it... This cable brought out the entirety of life for my purposes within the KZ Castor Pro (Silver Balanced). It added body to the whole sound profile and tamed the airy tin treble. It transformed the sound so much so that it is like having "ear radar" for getting the drop on enemies within Call of Duty Mobile - Battle Royale. There are three presets in the DAC of that cable and they can be toggled on the fly for music or gaming purposes. I chose the "Green Light" for my purposes of fps gaming... (Image Attached) So now what is my next step? It is just hard to grasp if there could be something better, yes there is praise for the Kefine Delci AE in fps games but is the step up to it going to really be a night and day difference? https://preview.redd.it/khgld2zx1txf1.jpeg?width=1220&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5ed725e413ccfc1f184f995645871b9419ae4da6

update: at the end i also buy the KZ Castor PRO 2DD (the target version) for $13. im gonna test both and return the one i like the least. i hope i made a good purchase >< https://preview.redd.it/1cle6ao1sn0g1.jpeg?width=1169&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c12457c85b91b84ce285a711c541e6adb25c3459

You can also get KZ Castor Harman Target edition, I use the same with my Boss Katana 50 and they have been great since the past year

Kz castor harman target version or the tangzu wan'er. I've got both I prefer castor over wan'er but that's just me

I've had salnotes 7hz as my first iems and I'd say they felt flat to me ...flat enough that the music felt depressing to my ears . So I wouldn't recommend you to get an iem replicating music as is .... A lil fun element in listening don't hurt no one and ofc you don't have to go for punchy ones if that's not ur taste. You can check out KZ castor harman target which would be most suited for you, tangzu wan'er, else if you like a little bit of fun and vocal centricity ...Tanchjim bunny dsp it is ....this and good fit eartips ! 

Personally, at 2k INR. None will have the clarity and details for some and many audiophiles. It kinda starts at least at the 4k-5k INR or above. If you want some details in this price range, go with a bright sound signature or V-shaped with prominent bright or trebles. Neutral Warm * Tangzu Wan'er SG \*\* * Tangzu Wan'er 2 \* Neutral Bright * 7Hz Salnotes Zero * KZ Castor Silver (Harman tuning, DDUU switches) \*\* * KZ Castor Pro Silver (Harman tuning, DDUU switches) \*\* * KZ x Angelears Libra X V-shaped * 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 \* * Tanchjim Bunny 3.5mm \* * Tanchjim One 3.5mm * KZ Castor Silver (Harman tuning, UUDD switches) \*\* * KZ Castor Pro Silver (Harman tuning, UUDD switches) \*\* U-shaped * Tanchjim Bunny DSP \* * Tanchjim One DSP * DUNU Titan S2 \* (\* recommend | \*\* personally owned)

Personally, at 2k INR. None will have the clarity and details for some and many audiophiles. It kinda starts at least at the 4k-5k INR or above. If you want some details in this price range, go with a bright sound signature or V-shaped with prominent bright or trebles. Neutral Warm * Tangzu Wan'er SG \*\* * Tangzu Wan'er 2 \* Neutral Bright * 7Hz Salnotes Zero * KZ Castor Silver (Harman tuning, DDUU switches) \*\* * KZ Castor Pro Silver (Harman tuning, DDUU switches) \*\* * KZ x Angelears Libra X V-shaped * 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 \* * Tanchjim Bunny 3.5mm \* * Tanchjim One 3.5mm * KZ Castor Silver (Harman tuning, UUDD switches) \*\* * KZ Castor Pro Silver (Harman tuning, UUDD switches) \*\* U-shaped * Tanchjim Bunny DSP \* * Tanchjim One DSP * DUNU Titan S2 \* (\* recommend | \*\* personally owned)

And for your question, IEMs for gaming maybe at or under $20 or less. Tangzu Wan'er 2 * New and will improve the original Wan'er SG, 2-pin 0.78mm (better than QDC) * Pre-order and no reviews yet so far. Tangzu Wan'er SG * Mellow and easy to daily drive both physically and sound comfort wise, one of the best stock eartips I experienced. Best low sub-bass I experienced. * Might sound a tad muddy footsteps especially Valorant, uses QDC connector. Moondrop Chu 2 * Great all rounder for competitive gaming, light and small, metal case and 2-pin 0.78mm. * Bass might be lacking for some, and especially single-player games, might be abit treble harsh sounding for some. KZ EDC Pro * General all rounder, punchy bass with good clarity and highs. Great for general single-player games and maybe some online games as well. 2-pin 0.78mm and light to wear. Mellow and not treble harsh sounding. * Might muddies out footsteps especially Valorant KZ Castor * Silver version - A more versatile version of the EDC Pro, has the better soundstage a bit, can change sound feel from a neutral bright, neutral, and abit bassy. uses QDC and might be a tad heavier in the ears, treble harsh especially at its treble and mid focused tunings. * Bass version - Best avoid with competitive games, especially Valorant. But great with single-player games that are cinematic and has alot of cutscenes and environmental stuffs. QDC and heavy as well. KZ Castor Pro * Silver and Bass versions - same with the OG Castor, but a tad bit physically heavier. There are definitely better IEMs on slightly higher price range of $50-80, but they might be expensive for you. You can wait and save some more money for a more pricey set.

1500 INR? * KZ Castor/Castor Pro Silver * KZ EDC Pro If you can at least push it at 2k INR, I would suggest * Tangzu Wan'er SG 2 * Tangzu Wan'er SG * Truthear Gate * 7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2 * Kiwi Ears Dolce * Moondrop Chu 2 Prices are HeadphoneZone, Audio Store, and Concept Cart If Amazon * KZ EDC Pro above 1.5k INR * Tangzu Wan'er SG 2 * Tangzu Wan'er SG * Truthear Gate * 7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2 * Kiwi Ears Dolce * Moondrop Chu 2 * KZ Castor/Castor Pro Silver

yeah as long as you buy the Silver, not the bass. The silver is more all-rounder than the Black bass version which is more into EDM/Pop

- KZ Castor/Castor Pro Silver - KZ EDC Pro - Tangzu Wa'ner SG/Wan'er SG 2 - 7Hz Salnotes Zero/Crinacle Zero 2 - Truthear Gate - Tanchjim Bunny

tbh all budget ChiFi has meh QC or some of its quality reduced, especially under the 3-4k INR. As long as you take good care of your IEM, they will last long, cheap or expensive. [Here is my beginner's guide for IEMs,](https://www.reddit.com/user/NinjaSiren/comments/1jil8re/beginners_intro_guide_to_iems/) including how to protect these little stuffs This QKZ AK6 Pro that is below or above 1k INR lasted with me for 3 years and still running, QKZ is one of those IEM manufacturers that is known to have iffy issues. (Btw KZ not same as QKZ, different companies) https://preview.redd.it/tz0tlx4e49te1.jpeg?width=4272&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=584f698dcd0a4488307e52f7e48f599ff7e0c052

All under 3k INR (based on ConceptKart website) Neutral (including warm and bright) * Tangzu Wan'er SG (neutral warm) \*\* * Tangzu Wan'er 2 (neutral warm) \* * Tanchjim Bunny DSP (neutral bright) \* * Tanchjim One DSP (neutral warm) * Moondrop Chu 2 DSP (neutral bright) * 7Hz Salnotes Zero (neutral bright) * Truthear Gate (neutral balanced) \* * Kinera Celest Wyvern Qing (neutral balanced) \* * KZ Castor/Castor Pro Silver (v-warm-ish to neutral bright) \*\* V/U-shaped (including warm and bright) * Tanchjim Bunny 3.5mm * Tanchjim One 3.5mm * 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 (mild v-balanced) \* * ND Planet (v-warm) * Rose Technics (Roseselsa) Aurora Ultra (v-warm-ish) \* * Moondrop Chu 2 3.5mm (mild v) * DUNU Titan S2 (v-balanced) \* * BLON BL-03 (v-warm) * BLON BL-03 II (v-warm) * Kiwi Ears Dolce (u-bright) * TRN Conch (mild v-bright) * Moondrop Chu 2 3.5mm (mild v-balanced) \* * Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss (mild v-warm) * Tangzu Shimin Li (mild-v bright) * KZ Castor/Castor Pro Silver (mild v-warm-ish to neutral bright) \*\* * KZ Castor/Castor Pro Black Improved Bass (v-bass to v-bright-ish) \*\* * KZ EDC Pro (u-warm) \*\* * KZ EDX Pro (v-bright) (\* recommend | \*\* personally I own)

If you are going for the Castor or Castor Pro for general use, do not go for the Improved Bass version (even if its being advertised by many YouTubers) The Silver Harman is the way better Castor for general use, I have the OG Bass version as well. Its great for music but with gaming it gets muddied. Castor/Castor Pro Silver > Castor/Castor Pro Bass Terms of the Wan'er 2, from the people I ask and comparing vs the original Wan'er SG. Seems its a minor upgrade, better bass and mid separation (less muddy mids), and better cable with the inclusion of their Sanchai eartips. But the tuning is still the original Wan'er SG with its slighty anemic treble and sparkles (personally)

If you are going for the Castor or Castor Pro for general use, do not go for the Improved Bass version (even if its being advertised by many YouTubers) The Silver Harman is the way better Castor for general use, I have the OG Bass version as well. Its great for music but with gaming it gets muddied. Castor/Castor Pro Silver > Castor/Castor Pro Bass Terms of the Wan'er 2, from the people I ask and comparing vs the original Wan'er SG. Seems its a minor upgrade, better bass and mid separation (less muddy mids), and better cable with the inclusion of their Sanchai eartips. But the tuning is still the original Wan'er SG with its slighty anemic treble and sparkles (personally)

They are for the most part similar in general sound experience and tuning. Just that Castor Pro has abit more clarity and minor details vs the original. Though the Pro is abit more larger in size and abit heavier. Like a little bit. Both are good tbh, though I personally go for the og version. If you want less treble with them, then you go for UUDD switches.

|WARM|BALANCED-ish|BRIGHT| |:-|:-|:-| |Tangzu Wan'er SG (neutral warm)|Moondrop Chu 2 (mild v-bright-ish)|7Hz Salnotes Zero (neutral bright)| |Kiwi Ears Cadenza (neutral warm, with a touch of bright)||Simgot EW200 (mild v-bright)| All of them are good at their price point, but basing on your other IEMs, you prefer a mild-v tuning, either abit bright or abit warm. * KZ Castor Harman (Silver) which is a neutral bright to mild v-warm from switches * 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 which is a mild v-balanced with a warm-ish feel * KZ EDC Pro is a u-balanced with a touch of warmness Kiwi Ears Cadenza has better brightness and air vs Tanzgu Wan'er SG, and personally experienced some minimal lower midrange mud with the original Tangzu Wan'er SG. Tangzu Wan'er SG 2 kinda fixed most of the issues with the original Wan'er SG, but its still a neutral warm IEM. Simgot EW200 has more energetic and brighter sound signature than KZ Castor Silver (Harman), but KZ Castor Silver has better soundstage and image separation vs Simgot EW200. Moondrop Chu 2 is the smallest on all of these, but might lack overall sound experience abit vs both the KZ Castor Silver and 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2. 7Hz Salnotes Zero is more neutral bright, lacks bass impact vs 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2. (fairly similar to KZ Castor Silver at DDUU/DDDU switches) * So if you want a little bit more warmness but retaining some balanced feel, Kiwi Ears Cadenza * If you want more treble energy and abit more analytical, Simgot EW200 * If you want a small IEM, Moondrop Chu 2

then go for a single DD IEM or 2DD with neutral or harman/harman-ish tuning, avoid going hybrids or planars. With the price range there are decently ones but I am unsure if they include a cable with included microphone, excluding every IEM we already listed before: * Kefine Klean \* * Tripowin Vivace \* * Moondrop Lan * Inawaken Dawn Ms \* * Kinera Celest Wyvern Pro * Tanchjim Bunny * Tangzu Wan'er SG 2 \* * Simgot EW100/EW100P * ZiiGaat Nuo \* * Truthear Gate \* * ISN Neo 1 \* * BLON BL-03 * BLON BL-03 II * BLON BL-05 * EPZ Q5 Pro \* * TKZK TK-02 * KBEar KB01 * KBEar KB02 \* * KZ Castor Harman (Silver) \* * KZ Castor Pro Harman (Silver) * KZ EDC Pro (\* recommend)

https://preview.redd.it/oc5qk49gnqze1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=9aa9538b56e361c6da5d2c43aba4962eff6c12fd SGOR Adonis should be also good for you, though its more v-shaped than the Salnotes Zero 2, with abit more upper midrange energy (which means female vocals and lead sounds will be more pronounced) But male vocals might get thinner abit, but advantage for the Adonis maybe slightly better on soundstage and image separation vs the Salnotes Zero 2, because of its semi-open back design (Like the KZ Castor Silver, at the UDUU switch setting)

difference is more into maturity, general sound experience, and refinement. but it definitely depends on your preference tuning(s). I previously came from the original KZ Castors (both Bass and Silver Harman), then jumped to KZ AM16 Balanced, but I have already experienced few higher end IEMs around 50-200 USD. AM16 Balanced, especially if bought on a discount or at low price (just like mine at $33 locally here in the Philippines, but in the US it might be around $50-60). Better terms of detail retrieval, instrument separation, and "soundstage" vs the Castors (even if I EQ them to a similar preference EQ I like) But with a little bit more pricy set than the AM16 Balanced, because of its deep V-shape tuning and a little bit more refinement on those more expensive sets, those sets sound better overall. (specifically Ziigaat Odyssey 1) Though personally the AM16 Balanced with PEQ is getting there, sounds wonderful, though definitely those two sets are better, But definitely I know now what to upgrade to and most likely I know what are my end game sets. Until I don't need to EQ. My Mild-V/U shape EQ is around the Xenns Mangird Tea Pro and Ziigaat Odyssey 1. https://preview.redd.it/enkhr59aqhyf1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=35e8f417e92d2acc4f2be3885944fbb1a67f9a52

Castor Pro (Silver) might be touch bit brighter (abit more leaning towards neutral bright) than the OG Castor Silver, OG Silver seems to have a little bit more smoother sound experience than the Pro Silver. OG Silver, even in FR graphs is more versatile from neutral bright to a Mild-V warm-ish tuning. On the Tangzu Wan'er SG 1, yes its really warm and chill sound experience, though same with your guess it sounded abit too relaxed. Wan'er SG 2 changed that, so you can definitely go for that one as well. If you like bass, then Castor Bass definitely. Imaging wise its better than Tangzu Wan'er SG 1, though male vocals gets drowned, female vocals does not get affected as much. This based on my own personal experience on all 3 https://preview.redd.it/pq76zelzj8xf1.jpeg?width=9720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1e9a811c03703d0c885fd03d7a806392ba2ec491 Though in the end, these are just subjective and personal opinions, everything will end up on your own preferences, likes, and dislikes.

The original EDX Pro is really more on the V-shaped bright tuning, and many don't like its bright tuning. If you really like bass, Castor Harman is not your IEM. I would either suggest going to like Saga Bass or Castor Bass, or Dawn. Castor Harman (1100 switches), Gale, EDC Pro, EDX Pro 2, and Saga Balanced is more leaning towards balanced-ish tuning. Castor Harman (0000 switches) is more leaning to mild-V shaped bright, (0011 switches) neutral bright tuning Terms of improvement or any differences, if you want versatility and easy to adjust to almost any tuning, go for the Castor Harman (tuning switches and EQ) If you want to not fiddle with switches and/or EQ, go for the EDC Pro, EDX Pro 2, and Saga series.

EDX Pro 2 and Saga Bass would definitely be a slightly more warmer set than EDC Pro. EDC Pro would be similar-ish in bass and mids with the EDX Pro 2, but a brighter treble, abit closer to balanced than warm or bright. But the EDC Pro was original reference tuning for many newer KZ IEMs, like the EDX Pro 2 and Saga Bass. They just refined the sound overtime, Zenith was the pinnacle of that tuning, especially alot of people really preferred the warmer sound. Even other KZs have been tuned to a tamer treble than classic KZ sets. Though recent new new releases have been using the Castor and Castor Pro Bass tuning with refinements on treble, and bass for the bass versions of the new KZ IEMs. https://preview.redd.it/rwodxqaqc3yf1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=cef5c06819544d7d3340234c1640b7dc24e72474

The original EDX Pro is really more on the V-shaped bright tuning, and many don't like its bright tuning. If you really like bass, Castor Harman is not your IEM. I would either suggest going to like Saga Bass or Castor Bass, or Dawn. Castor Harman (1100 switches), Gale, EDC Pro, EDX Pro 2, and Saga Balanced is more leaning towards balanced-ish tuning. Castor Harman (0000 switches) is more leaning to mild-V shaped bright, (0011 switches) neutral bright tuning Terms of improvement or any differences, if you want versatility and easy to adjust to almost any tuning, go for the Castor Harman (tuning switches and EQ) If you want to not fiddle with switches and/or EQ, go for the EDC Pro, EDX Pro 2, and Saga series.

The original EDX Pro is really more on the V-shaped bright tuning, and many don't like its bright tuning. If you really like bass, Castor Harman is not your IEM. I would either suggest going to like Saga Bass or Castor Bass, or Dawn. Castor Harman (1100 switches), Gale, EDC Pro, EDX Pro 2, and Saga Balanced is more leaning towards balanced-ish tuning. Castor Harman (0000 switches) is more leaning to mild-V shaped bright, (0011 switches) neutral bright tuning Terms of improvement or any differences, if you want versatility and easy to adjust to almost any tuning, go for the Castor Harman (tuning switches and EQ) If you want to not fiddle with switches and/or EQ, go for the EDC Pro, EDX Pro 2, and Saga series.

The original EDX Pro is really more on the V-shaped bright tuning, and many don't like its bright tuning. If you really like bass, Castor Harman is not your IEM. I would either suggest going to like Saga Bass or Castor Bass, or Dawn. Castor Harman (1100 switches), Gale, EDC Pro, EDX Pro 2, and Saga Balanced is more leaning towards balanced-ish tuning. Castor Harman (0000 switches) is more leaning to mild-V shaped bright, (0011 switches) neutral bright tuning Terms of improvement or any differences, if you want versatility and easy to adjust to almost any tuning, go for the Castor Harman (tuning switches and EQ) If you want to not fiddle with switches and/or EQ, go for the EDC Pro, EDX Pro 2, and Saga series.

Neutral Warm \\\_ * Tangzu Wan'er SG/Wan'er 2 Neutral Bright \_/ * 7Hz Salnotes Zero * KZ Castor Silver (Harman, DDUU) V-shaped \\/ * 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 * Kinera Celest Wyvern Pro (Mild V) * ZiiGaat Nuo (V-bright) * Kiwi Ears Dolce * Moondrop Chu 2 * Tanchjim Bunny 3.5mm * Tanchjim One 3.5mm * KBEar KS2 * QKZ x HBB * KZ Castor Silver (Harman, UUDD) * KZ Castor Black (Improved Bass) U-shaped \\\_/ * Tanchjim Bunny DSP * Tanchjim One DSP * KZ EDC Pro

7Hz Zero 2 is good on gaming. With the KZ Castor (it depends on what Castor you wanted) as there are 2 version of the Castor. Silver Harman Tuned and Black Bass Boosted Tuned: Black Bass Boosted Tuned is usually recommended by majority of the YouTuber reviewers, but its only great for EDM, Hip-Hop, and Rap music and not so good for competitive gaming personally, but great for single player games. Silver Harman Tuned is more versatile, can be tuned either for gaming and/or music. And can handle more than the Bass Improved version and also decent for general gaming as well.

I have seen a comment (maybe from Audio Amigo) where the Soundbrenner might just be a rebadged TRN ST2 shells with an additional BA driver. Seen frequency response graphs of it somewhere from ASR Forums, wacky and maybe shouty and shrilly graph. https://preview.redd.it/05hgzaaiqxqf1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=bc1d239095b5772b4ab21beb2e973abb64f6a65d I would personally stay away from the Soundbrenner if this is the actual graph, I would rather personally use my KZ Castor, AM16 Balanced, or my EDC Pro over this. In your case, go ahead and buy the Kefine Klean!

Newer KZ sets like the ZS10 Pro 2 are semi-open backs, but they are not really open-backs they still has significant noise cancellation passively. All because of eartip rolling, invest on other eartips. I myself has the KZ Castor, it has a big hole on its bottom with filters. You could kinda hear stuffs outside a bit, but with the right eartips and volume you can't even hear the outside even people yelling.

**Welcome to the IEM community!** Congratulations on getting the **KZ Castor Pro Harman (Silver)** and **KZ M2 DSP Cable**! ***Good luck on your IEM journey as well!*** **Some things to remember:** * Make sure you have a case for your IEM, and place your IEM(s) there when not in use. * If you live in a tropical/humid country or is planning to use the IEM(s) in a gym or exercise routine, make sure to firmly secure the IEM on your ears and put silica gel on the case. (So any moisture on and in the IEM(s) are being absorbed) * DAC/AMP is not super necessary, but recommend to avoid any issues arising from using the IEM(s) directly to your devices. * Like any other sensitive and electronics, make sure you are careful not to damage or drop your IEM(s). **COMPETITIVE GAMING** * Avoid too much bassy sets, where the bass overpowers the midrange a lot. Most footsteps are focused around the mid bass and lower midrange (especially Valorant). Or you can EQ the IEM you have to control the mid and high bass. (150-350 Hz) * Some games have bad sound engines where no IEMs will help you on directional sound like Warzone and Rainbow Six Siege. In the contrary, games like Counter-Strike 2 or Valorant has decent sound engines to deliver directional sound. * Make sure to also check reviews for good to wide soundstage and instrument separation (hearing sounds around you, ie. directional), better hearing on competitive games footsteps. * Make sure you get the best eartips and sound feel for you to avoid fatigue especially in long gaming sessions. **SINGLE-PLAYER GAMES** * Any IEM you like will work, as long as you love its general sound. * Here bass is definitely necessary, makes the game more enjoyable especially with explosions, effects, and music. As long as its the best sounding for you. * Directional sound here is dependent on your preference. * Same with competitive gaming, best eartips and sound feel to avoid fatigue. There are a few more tips and tricks at my [*Beginner's guide through the world of IEMs*](https://www.reddit.com/u/NinjaSiren/s/hcJFvBX0hM)*.*

>How well do these work for gaming and for listening to house/pop music? And if there are any tips, alternative suggestions, or tuning recommendations, I’d love to hear them! Gaming wise, Castor Pro Harman should be fine for the most part, decent-ish enough soundstage and instrument separation for at least getting sound cues while playing Valorant or CS2. But with house/pop music (I am a house/bass/EDM music producer), this is fine if you like a neutral-ish bright experience, but if you wanted more bass punch and power: * Castor Pro Improved Bass * Saga Bass * Vader Balanced * Vader Pro Bass * QKZ x HBB Though a more bassy set will compromise on gaming, especially on sound cues and footsteps, so a warmer-ish all-rounder something like: * 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 * Kiwi Ears Cadenza * Truthear Gate * Inawaken Dawn Ms * Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss * GK Kunten

eh the non bass version of kz castor is okay

I had just the OG with Bass , very good The pro with bass is a different beast. If you want relaxed smooth thick bass , the OG is better , the pro has somewhat coloured enhanced mids and all cymbals sound the same . Imagine the old one note bass of cheap speakers , now flip this into treble . I prefer the OG bass than the pro bass

There appears to be a massive dip in the upper mids low treble on the castor pro bass . Also when there’s a lot of badly constructed treble in the track, the OG sounds better Another thing, at low volumes the OG carries the bass better I have both and like them both , but the OG version plays better on most tracks except where there is too much bass