KZ - Castor Pro (Harman Target with Improved Bass Version)

OP...have you looked at Kiwi Ears Cadenza or KZ Castor Pro Bass Edition? Both respond well to EQ. Cadenza's bass is punchy and can satisfy your sub-bass rumble. The Castor Pro Bass Edition allows the user to tune the IEM with onboard switches. It's bassier than the Cadenzas in my opinion. I own both...and I get a deeper and more satisfying brain rattle from the Castor Pro Bass Edition from Angel by Massive Attack and Interlude by Yosi Horikawa. They both provide satisfying thumps to Billie Eilish's bad guy. Cadenzas lose a bit of mid treble detail (for me) on Starboy by The Weeknd. Both sets are currently under 35 USD (your pricing may vary)

I have read...KZ have had QC issues (guess that's the only caveat) My set works as expected. I am getting good bass response from BOTH my desktop dac/amp (Fiio K11 R2R) and off my iphone via a US edition apple dongle. Since you don't mind EQ... some of the planar IEMs out there do play well with EQ. Even the 1st gen stuff... they're not quite sub-35USD range...but they're not prohibitively expensive

I looked at the Artti T10 and the T10 Pro. I decided on the NiceHCK F1 Pro (it was on sale😂😂) Not disappointed at all. I have a set of planar cans...and I was curious about planars in an IEM. Am pleasantly surprised. Hope you get a good set of Castor Pro...I really like mine. The set comes with a tool and diagram for you to tinker with the tuning. Did some time rolling...and settled on DUNU SS tips. Lovely set indeed.

I WHOLE HEARTEDLY AGREE WITH YOUR POINTS: https://preview.redd.it/vwxf7i53neye1.jpeg?width=2377&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9aafdf70e38f01e9e6e88692e4c7f79caca103d8 This is MY collection...and I'm very early in the journey. I don't have the budget, knowledge or experience to blind buy a 500USD+ set of in ears that may or may not fit my ears or my preferences. While my journey doesn't completely fit OP's blueprint...I have/had the same thought process regarding purchasing IEMs. Not pictured are the Moondrop Chu 2 and 7Hz Sonus. I started with the Chu 2, 7Hz Zero 2 and Kiwi Ears Cadenza. From listening, watching and reading reviews...I was able to learn about all the terms, labels, and vocabulary to describe what I like or don't like. I threw money at the Wyvern Abyss...I mean...LOOK AT THEM😂. The Kz Castor Bass was a curiosity buy...want to hear if a set touting bass response was really that bassy. My next steps were the NiceHCK F1 Pros, Kiwi Ears Canta and the 7Hz Sonus. The F1 Pros and the Sonu were on sale at the time of purchase...good value and able to narrow things down more for myself. I knew I liked the planar sound...I have a set of open ear planar cans. The F1s felt disappointing (until I tip rolled) The Sonus was about much for my taste (in the mids) The Cantas were quite nice for me. By this point...I had a good grasp of what I was looking for and the direction (s) I want to go in. AFUL Performer 5+2 is currently my go-to...for all around listening. Sourced from R2R DAC lined out into a desktop tube amp. It's like a warm blanket on crisp bright and snowy winter day. I picked up the Hexa because I wanted to hear the hype...and yes...they definitely fulfill the hype and then some. I've EQed my IEMs... especially the planar. They can mimic the sound...but it's only a part of the equation. I now rotate through 3-4 sets at my desktop listening station. The cheapo ones all have 3.5mm out for around the house or for bed. If they break...ill decide if I want to replace. Tip rolling is a journey of itself. Some tips can dramatically change an IEM and rescue it from the bottom of the pile. My Planars now sport foam tips...easing off the treble was huge. Anyway...long post...if you got this far thanks for sticking with my diarrhea of words. TLDR: I agree with the OP

I vote Castor Pro Bass Edition out of that list. I own both the Castor Pro and the Zero 2. To me...the Castor Pro in UpUpDownDown setting...is a budget bass monster. The mids and treble aren't bad. I find the Zero 2 muddier in the mids...and treble is a bit dark. I needed to use some Divinius Wide Bores on the zero 2 to brighten things up. The Castor Pros (on narrow bores) still have some detail...while providing good sub-bass rumble mid bass hits

This post sounds like a cry for help...being sucked down the wonderful rabbit hole of IEMs 😂 Agree with the Castor Pro Bass Edition recommendation. Give those a go. Agree about wires being a pain...think strategically hiding wires under clothes help; also deciding which earphone when can be helpful as well. IF you can stomach spending upwards to 170usd (as of this post) there are really good IEM Bluetooth adapters that can work wirelessly. But at that price point Id just stick with the Airpod Pro 2s.

I have the Legato....they are definitely bassy. I use wide bore ear tips which allows the treble to come through. They're not muddy...but these aren't for details and shimmer. Great for hip hop, edm, brain rumbly sub-bass. The Castor Pro Bass Edition is definitely more muddy than the Legato. The mid bass is tighter on the Legato as well. Legato is not bad at it's price point...and probably even better if you can find them on sale (I did😉)

Out of the sets you've listed. I own(ed) The Cadenza and the 7Hz Zero 2. For a first IEM...I can say either one is a good choice. IEM shape and size between those two...the Cadenza is slightly more compact and contoured. The Zero 2 "looks" uncomfortable...but it was actually isn't. If you have concerned with it's angular look and you can't reliably return the product...perhaps stick with the Cadenza. I have had a Castor Pro Bass Edition (the one with switches) I was not a fan...as my unit had driver flex (hearing the driver flex when the IEM is being adjusted in ear due to lack of proper venting) Have since read about various QC issues mentioned...but most seem to be in the past. I choose not to purchase their IEMs...because there are many others to choose from😉 Last thing to mention...ear tips. Aside from the sound and IEM fitment...ear tips is a consideration as well. Most IEMs will come with an assortment of tips. Take your time going through ALL the tips the set comes with. Even to the point of mismatching sizes between left and right. Human anatomy is funny like that as we are NOT symmetrical😂😂 You will want to get a good (eartip) fit and seal into the ear canal. You will know if you're not properly fitted if the IEM sounds "tinny" or "there's no bass" Super*review has many helpful videos if you get deeper into IEMs. This one will be useful when your first set arrives: [https://youtu.be/ZcEzrA2SzbU](https://youtu.be/ZcEzrA2SzbU) He also has another regarding ear tips. I'll let you find that one...it's on the same channel.

>maybe Something More bassy could be a good pick. What would you have suggested if he had asked for something bassy? I have already used the Kz Castor Pro Bass Edition, but I'm looking to move on from it. Can you suggest iem below $70 to use for longer session music listening?

tell me you didn't buy them. don't listen to the other guy. i don't know what games you play but i play VALORANT and the castor pro (bass edition) for VALORANT is BULLSHIT. i originally bought them for music and they do pretty fine but

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.

Let's simplify this... What you have is the KZ Castor Pro (Bass Enhanced Version). These in a nutshell are really a good IEM for a balanced and bass heavy experience, and are arguably better than TWS Bluetooth earbuds, you just need to set them up for success. What you need to bring them to life and wake 'em up inside... ✓ DAC/Amp combo (eg. KZ AM02). This will drive your Castor Pro across any device and there are EQ presets for bass, clarity, and gaming. ✓ Adjust all switches to UUUU or UUDD. These are essentially your manual stick shift for a novel iem with switches. Learn the gears avoid finding it and grinding it. ✓ Get new eartips. You aren't going to get a good seal to unleash all of its glory for sound profile with the stock eartips of KZ. It is crucial to upgrade this area and should be a priority. I suggest something with a narrow bore like the Penon Liqueur Orange or Black. After you have completed the 3 imperative objectives above... Report back here and tell us all if there is any difference. Bonus: You can try an EQ app to further tailor your sound should you choose.

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.

Cheap budget bass enhanced IEM would be KZ Castor Pro (Black color which is the bass enhanced version), it is quite popular. It has switches you can play around to fine tune.

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.

I’m actually a pretty big fan of kz so far. I have castor pro bass edition and kz zs10 pro, and so far I’m loving both of them. My mind was blown at the quality of both, especially for the price. I’ve only had both for a little over a month, but as of right now. I’m a fan 👍🏻

I have castor pro bass edition and love it, I’m somewhat new to the iem community as well. I’ve been switching between my castor pro and kz zs10 pro for the last coulple of weeks, love them both. Welcome aboard the iem train. 👍🏻

So I just ordered the Duonic a few days ago, should arrive in a week or two. I’ve been listening to the castor pro Bass enhanced version for a couple months now. It’s one of my favorite iem’s right now. You say duonic is pretty much superior, man I can’t wait to hear these. 👍🏻

Just started listening to the Duonic. IMO I’d say Duonic is definitely superior to the castor pro. Now castor pro is good, but I think Duonic has a wider soundstage and much more detail than the castor pro.

I guess for music it depends on your taste Wan er have vocal focus Chu 2 is more fun well balanced and analytical Kz castor pro bass edition is for those who like a lot of bass For gaming I recommend you get the chu 2, it has better sound stage and imaging (I have all those iem btw) it’s my favorite music wise gaming wise and comfort wise (wan er is too big and kz castor doesn’t fit right on me) BUT you should see reviews for all of them and decide based on your taste I don’t recommend the wan er if you think about gaming with it, it’s uncomfortable and fatiguing after some time If you think about gaming over music pick the chu 2 If you like a lot of bass pick the castor If you think about music pick the chu 2 If you think about music but like vocal forward with a little bit extra bass, pick the wan er

Still my personal best sub $25 is castor pro bass.

Well, I can recommend most of these.. The quality of sound for the price is the biggest reason. Please refer to my other reviews and the new ones I'll be posting soon. Within $25, the best recommendations are vader high res and castor pro bass.

Vader high res or castor pro harman. Cause you already have basshead

KZ Castor Pro Bass - has bass but the other end of the spectrum was a hot mess. KBear KB02 - Having the BCD trigger at any frequency makes it only usable for music. Moondrop Chu - Not having earhooks made them constantly fall out. Moondrop Aria - Straight nozzle with no lip made it so the tips always came off in my ear.