Castor Pro (Harman Target Version)

i enjoy castor pro balance, thinking about getting duonic but missed good sale on it, would wait for good deal

They are nice, eartips and cable while not being great are ok to use, but if you feel like updating them, cheap kbear 07 eartips and qkz t1 would be good budget options, also if duonic is in your budget you better get it instead, it's overall improvement compared to castor albeit not as big

Try kz castor pro bass/kz duonic or kz decet And you better never use something like dolby atmos, it usually destroy iem sound https://preview.redd.it/shhwv66i42eg1.jpeg?width=1438&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4498c30b3c890c5a755b34227fecad09a58d86b0

I think so, they are easy to drive and sound good, you better get version with tunning switches and try different presets

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

I have been using my first iem the kz castor pro base version and absolutely love them but sometimes the base can drown other sounds. Is the kefine klean better than castor pro? Like is the staging and sound separation better? I might get one of those.

|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

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.

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.

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)

Bassy IEMs: Under $5 * QKZ AK6 Pro $25 and lower (bass-focused) * KBEar Rosefinch \* * QKZ x HBB (OG version) \* * BLON BL-01 * KZ Castor Bass \* $25 and lower (neutral warm) * Tangzu Wan'er SG/Wan'er 2 \* * 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 \* * Moondrop Chu 2 * KZ Castor Silver (UUDD switches) $25-60 (bass-focused) * BLON BL-03/BL-03 II \* * BLON x HBB Z300 * TinHiFi C3 Mk2 \* * 7Hz x HBB Elua * Kinera Celest Gumiho * KZ Castor Pro Bass \* * CCA Rhapsody \* * CCA Trio \* $25-60 (neutral warm) * Kefine Klean \* * Inawaken Dawn Ms \* * Kiwi Ears Cadenza \* * Tripowin x 0DiBi Vivace \* * Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss \* * Tangzu YuXuanJi * KBear KB02 * KZ Zenith (UUDD switches) \* * KZ Castor Pro Silver (UUDD switches) Special mentioned * Truthear x Crinacle Zero Blue 2 \* * QKZ x HBB Khan (\* recommend)

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.

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.

**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

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)

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.

In my rotation : daily spare when i am at work : KZ EDC PRO (cause it is dirt cheap) then in my really truly in my rotation : Kz Castor harman edition , Chu II, Waner 2 , Celest Wyvern for my critical listening : EW 200 and KZ DUONIC (because it has planar flux driver and dynamic driver and will buy in the future like Kefine Klean SV or the similar price range on december will be a dap like FIIO JM21 OR HIBY M300

Based on ONLY what you(OP) said about your usage, between those 2 IEMs the Castor Harmon is the better option. The 4 switches on the Castors control “Bass/Bass/Mids/Treble”. By default they are all in the Off position. Turning on both Bass switches will give you a nice and easily noticeable increase in bass response. The EDC Pro is an amazing sounding IEMs for how cheap it is, but that’s the thing, it is cheap. The materials used for the EDC Pro are of the lowest quality. This may not matter to you but just doing a simple side by side comparison of the Castors to the EDC Pro, Castors have a far better build quality. I would seriously look into getting the Saga bass version. Even the Saga Balanced version sounds “better” than the Castor Harmon versions and the Saga Bass has a noticeable boost in the low end over the saga balanced while still retaining its clarity.

I use the chu 2 and they are great, my fav out of the 3 pairs of KZ ones and another one I can't remember.. Second would be the KZ harman. Both are around the $30-50 mark on Amazon. Chu 2 is definitely more comfortable, especially paired with the Comply T500 memory foam eartips.