KZ - Saga Balanced

KZ Saga Balanced are one of the best musical IEM's with solid bass performance in the price range. The BL-03 II is very similar to the BL-03, its a little crisper, and more detailed than the OG. But its OK to sacrifice some of the OG's note weight for more detail and texture. I also think the new BL-03 II is built a little better, has a nice cable, and fits better in the ear. I would suggest Spinfit Omni's or Dunu Candy tips for it though. The stock tips are...meh. Though it is a more gaming oriented IEM, the 7Hrz G1 is also very nice and V shaped in its tuning.

1. Kz saga balanced (mid bass? Hmm..) 2. Watchbox from ali

Saga is really literally worth every coin. It's musicality is truly amazing. Prx, castor pro are also one of the most competitive iem for price.

If someone prioritize musicality, i recommend saga.

I dont own any expensive iems but I really love my kz saga balanced

My current favourite IEMs are Artti T10, Tanchjim Origin, KZ Saga Balanced, and Delci AE. Overall it seems like I may have preference for a slightly stronger bass presence, although the Origin doesn't have quite as much sub bass as the rest. I have tried the Tanchjim Zero and Ola, and I was not really a fan.

Try the KZ Saga balanced-version for 15USD retail. Same tuning philosophy as the 7Hz G1 but with a tamer upper treble and a slightly more forward upper mids.

The Zero:Red is a good-enough earphone with a generous package. Not much needs to be said. As for the KZs, I really don't know where the others are getting their sets from, since my older sets have lasted for 2+ years while my newer budget sets have no signs of failure albeit some wear and tear from constant use. If you want a technical Harman, then get the standard Castor. The KZ Saga balanced-version (15usd) is warm Harman-ish and the better 7Hz G1 (36usd). Same tuning philosophy but smoother treble and slightly more forward vocals.

Saga balanced is like an EDC Pro 2, same tuning but new kz driver which improves technicalities, as a newer model with a new and better performing driver the improvement is expected. I believe KZ will release some budget gems this year thanks to their improvements on drivers, tunings and overall quality.

No those look really bad. Are you open to buying from AliExpress? If so try the KZ ZVX PRO. If only amazon then KZ Saga Balanced or Moondrop Chu 2.

What about Saga? Sound is similar to EDC Pro?

I bought the saga, but I'm worried about the QDC connector when using it outside (negative temperatures), so I want to buy the EDC pro too, which uses the traditional 2 pin

Go with kz saga balanced, you'll never regret 

The Zenith is the best one by a large margin for me, the Gale would be my second choice (EDX Pro 2 has the same tuning and about 2-3dB more bass, I prefer the balance of the Gale though, both are an incredible value for the price (+/-$8-9)). I have or had at some point the Hydro, PRX, Saga (both), Castor (both), Libra (hi-res and balanced), ZVX, ZVX Pro, Vader Balanced/Trio, ZS12 Pro X, EDC Pro, D-Fi and Polaris, of this sets I like the Saga Balanced the most.

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

Here's what I own in IEM's. - CCA(CRA and Polaris), KZ (ZVX, EDC Pro, Libra X, SAGA Balanced), 7Hz Zero 2, ARTTI T10. I finally bought the SAGA Balanced not too long ago. It is definitely the best KZ/CCA, in my stable, no contest. But with a caveat, which also applies to other IEMs, but more so to KZ/CCA IEMs For me, the stock tips that come with KZ/CCA IEMs do not result in a good sound or a good fit, they end up having less bass than desired due to a poor fit, and I think their stock tips have narrow bores which produce a tinny unpleasant sound. It could be that my ear canal is not a good fit for their stock tips. To improve matters, I have had better success with the TRI Clarion tips. And even more success with the Moondrop SPRING tips. I tend to use the largest of these tips, the SPRING has an XL option larger than the usual Large, with a very tight but not to uncomfortable fit, for me. With the right 3rd party tips, the KZ SAGA Balanced delivers a commendable result, if a bit bright, in the top end. Its almost futile trying to describe a sound. I'll try. Decent bottom and top, with mids recessed. V-Shape. The bass is really good, and for me I am sure I do not need any more bass. If you are savvy with an EQ, this provides an opportunity to get even more value for this budget priced IEM, that delivers a truly commendable result., that takes the sound from Decent to Pretty Good. A low Q boost in the mid, of about +1.5dB to 2dB centered about 1K, and if you want, you may add or subtract from the high frequencies with a high shelf filter. Just one or two bands of EQ, are needed, to deliver a more than decent result cos the fundamental sound of the SAGA Balanced is all there, just a pity that the default tuning recessed the mids. Fortunately easily improved via simple EQ. SAGA Balanced + Moondrop SPRING Silicon tips + One or two bands of EQ = really balanced sound, with dynamics, fun, enjoyment, really great sound. Best I have ever heard on a KZ/CCA IEM. The EQ is simply to take an already commendable product to almost perfect, for an IEM at that price. A highly respectable listen. Actually a very good listen. I find that the Zero 2 also improves wih the TRI Clarion tips, and even further with the Moondrop SPRING tips. Where the ARTTI T10 takes the cake, is a level of just that extra refinement, microdynamics, balance, clarity, resolution, realism, just a more accurate more precise, driver, and an obviously more effortless delivery. Some people may be overwhelmed with the level of low level detail in the T10., and a delivery that I would find difficult to attempt to improve with EQ, cos its really good. Less sibilance, and man that bass drum sounds like a cannon went off. DEEP. I think the SAGA Balanced is the best budget($30 and below) IEM, I have heard. which is significantly improved with better eartips like the Moondrop Spring, and just that bit more, with a bit of EQ. A phenomenal result that is far above its suggested price. A really really good IEM, made better by the suggested enhancements. On the EQ, please do your own research, my suggestion here is a quick and dirty EQ suggestion, not one based on an analysing the frequency response. For casual listening, I have no problem replacing the ARTTI T10, with the SAGA Balanced, cos the SAGA sounds really really good, and punches far above its weight. Sometimes, you do not want all the detail of something like the ARTTI T10, which draws your attention to everything, and that is where the SAGA comes in, with a less detailed but more relaxed presentation, that really really should be heard, to be appreciated. Very Very Solid bass, needing absolutely no EQ, if anything an EQ cut, but definitely not a boost., in the low end. At this level of performance, the SAGA, once EQ'd and with a better tip, just sounds like a variant, of some of what I hear on the T10, another perspective on pretty good. Very hard to fault the SAGA balanced, it is very very good. and EQ/tip changes make it even better. Highly commendable. , especially for an inexpensive dynamic IEM. For bass heads, the bass of the SAGA Balanced, with all the caveats expressed here., is more than sufficient for almost anyone. Any more bass, would be a bit overblown in my opinion.

At the end of the day, it's my money. To be spent on products and manufacturers I can trust. What's the point in KZ releasing products that are "defective". Buying a product should not need "special" powers of discernment. You response indicates that I am the one at fault. How can that be the case? Am I now responsible for KZ's poor quality products? Is there anything wrong with me criticizing KZ for the terrible products, I bought and which I can no longer use? Please accept that their reputation is poor as a product organisation, taking several revisions of trial and error to get things right. And all that journey would be my money wasted. That should never be the case. I was gifted an AKG K702 10 years ago, and it's still working perfectly. Is it too hard to expect that a manufacturer releases products that do a good job., not this "lottery" that we customers have had to face with KZ products. Only reason I'll be buying any more KZ/CCA products is out of curiosity, not out of any assurance that the product will be satisfying. I think there is value in sharing my unfortunate experience with some of their products like the KZ ZVX and the KZ Polaris, so that others can learn from my misfortune. I am not the one at fault, that clearly belongs to KZ. On that note, do you work for KZ? cos you seem to justify their poor quality product releases, by trying to blame me for buying their poorly performing products !!

EDIT, Please ignore some of this, after much recent listening, I am fairly certain that there is likely to be a hearing imbalance between my left and right ears, and they do not hear frequencies in exactly the same manner. One leans towards more sensitivity in high frequencies, and the other towards bass frequencies, so this is not just a volume imbalance, but more. So I have to revise my opinions. Definitely the ZVX and the two copies of SAGA Balanced, which I own, in spite of my own hearing situation, their imbalance was beyond what I can attribute to my own hearing. I'll revisit the PRX, cos it could be my own ears !! Initial Post below : I own PRX, Polaris, 2 of the SAGA Balanced, ZVX, EDC Pro, Castor Pro Harman, Libra X, CCA CRA, EDX Pro X. The bad. ZVX paint started peeling within 48 hours of use, and within 4 months, one earpiece of the pair, had a drastically reduced volume. Both SAGA balanced pairs are no longer usable cos of imbalances between left and right in the pair - maybe I'll see if I can salvage a working pair from the earpieces in both pairs ! By and large one main issue with KZ/CCA is the possibility of level imbalances between left and right earpieces, it seems to be a bit more pronounced, compared to IEM's from other manufacturers. My other IEMs are the 7Hz Zero 2 and the ARTTI T10. The EDX Pro X, I bought 3, sorry this product is abominable, and has no redeeming qualities. Not sure who this is for. Poor quality at a low price, not worth the false economy of a cheap product. The acceptable. CCA CRA was my 1st IEM, and I loved the improvement over my AKG K702's. ZVZ was OK, improved high frequencies and clarity, but the channel imbalance and eventual unreliability, as well as the inadequate bass, makes this a buyer beware product ! Libra X was too bright. Way too bright, all the EQ in the world could not address this flaw. Only for treble heads EDC Pro is excellent - best of the sub $10 KZ's. Polaris is OK, but I would not call it one with clarity, a bit harsh. SAGA Balanced - great balanced sound, but unfortunately the product has manufacturing flaws, which I experienced on 2 examples. I loved it so much I ordered a 2nd one, but sadly there is an issue with the product reliability, and consistency. And that includes different frequency response between left and right, on my 1st pair. The excellent With a few caveats, the PRX is a superb product, but the stock ear tips, in my opinion, do not pair well with the IEMs. So with 3rd party ear tips, and some EQ to reduce the excessive high frequencies, it's a decent product, with lots of clarity, and a very respectable audio reproduction. At this time I am interested in one or more of these, to complement the PRX, which I am relatively happy with (once EQ's and using better ear tips) : KZ AM16 KZ ZA12 KZ Decet Not easy deciding between them. In the same way that PRX introduced me to a commendable budget planar, which would need me to spend a lot more, to get any better, these other three seem to be the best bang for the buck, as an introduction to All Balanced Armature, Hybrid, and Multiple Dynamic Driver configurations. My preference is for neutral, maybe with a little bass emphasis. Analytical is high on my priority list, Clarity is ultra important, and above all if I spend money on a product, it MUST be reliable.

Indeed, I will keep a lookout, and on that note, I think, for the harsh top end on some of these KZ's seems I have found a solution. I received what I think is the solution, about an hour ago. A proper fitting set of foam ear tips from [Sonicfoam.com](http://Sonicfoam.com), ordered via Amazon.co.uk. The supposed harshness in the upper frequencies of the PRX, which I had with ill fitting smaller foam ear tips, and somewhat with many silicone ear tips, of what I realise now were a poorer quality, is gone. Now I can tilt the EQ curve the completely opposite way, cut the bass a bit and boost the highs, if I want to. But really no more need for EQ. The voices and instruments and effects are so life like. I forgot to mention what made me move away from the SAGA Balanced. I had one pair which had a frequency balance difference, and a volume balance, between the left and right ear pieces. I loved the product so much I ordered a 2nd set. After another few months, the 2nd set has also lost the balance between the earpieces, and in both cases, the difference is rather significant, so I must now find a use for these as decorative items !!. This happened to me with the KZ ZVX also, fault level balance after a few months. In fairness, with the Castor Pro Harman, I detect no such level or frequency imbalance. And with the ARTTI T10, any perception of an imbalance between the ear pieces, is negligible, I just checked. None. Why do I mention this. For a while, I thought my hearing was bad, cos of this imbalance noted on some IEM's. Not saying that my hearing balance is perfect, but for some reason, either due to failure of drivers, or manufacturing inconsistency, or possibly combined with a difference in my hearing, I developed a listening chain, where I store presets of stereo balance correction, as well as frequency (EQ), for each IEM. Actually a couple of presets, and typically check that mono signals are properly centered, each time I put on any IEM, cos I became quite sensitive to these things. With the PRX, I still have a bit of a difference in level between left and right, but this is a consistent difference, that has not changed over time, so I can address this via a stereo balance correction, something which thankfully is also possible on a smartphone. So pretty happy actually really really happy. PRX, now without EQ, via the new set of foam ear tips, sounds great on a good DAC, with sufficient power. No longer fatiguing in any way whatsoever. Crisp, smooth, lovely, precise, and very clear. All that is needed now, is my controlling the volume, adjust volume to fit my mood, and the level of the music/audio. The entire audio is now seamlessly well blended from left to right, back to front., even got a bit of height. Now I'm beginning to sound like an traditional audiophile, the kind who pen articles for Stereophile or similar journals !!! :) Hate taking off the foam ear tips, cos of minor variations in positioning, when I put them back in, which alters the stereo balance, and I have to recheck, and adjust or remove any deliberate stereo panning, that I had introduced. Well, nice problem to have, guess it comes with the territory, our ears are not exactly made of stone, neither are the foam ear tips, so its reasonable to expect that each insertion, could vary a bit. It does make me ask the question now, when I read a review, or listen to one on Youtube - what tips were they listening through, cos it certainly makes quite a difference. Your comments as usual have been a huge help. Thank you.

I got a little bit frustrated with the frequency and level imbalance on the PRX, moreso that now with the better foam ear tips, the anomaly between left and right is made more prominent. Using the same ear, and attempting to insert one earpiece after another, at about the same depth. It was now quite obvious, there is a mismatch definitely one earpiece is brighter than the other. I am aware that achieving consistency is easier with dynamic drivers, cos we have so much more experience manufacturing these. Guess where the cookie crumbles - QC, and the manufacturing process. Somewhat sad, that this is my 3rd KZ IEM product, with definite difference between left and right. Previously I had the same issue with a ZVX, 2 SAGA balanced, and now the PRX. All is NOT lost, all part of the learning curve. So unfortunately it is back to the drawing board. 1. I know I prefer the sound of Planars, for the clarity and transient response, and very life like natural portrayal of the audio, with lots of detail. 2. Definitely love them even more with foam ear tips. So for now, I have gone back to the ARTTI T0's, but now with my "best" foam ear tips, from Sonicfoam, which I took delivery of today. Excellent product I think, the larger and I think also shorter nozzle of the T10 seems to make it easier to fit the ear tips, in the ear canal, and not have to achieve this with much effort, and achieve a good seal. The massive relief, no perceived channel imbalance with the T10's. That is definitely a relief, so the issue with the channel variation on the PRX is thank God, NOT my hearing. Definitely relieved about that. The search continues, but it will take a lot to convince me to invest in any more KZ's. I'll most likely give the search a break, until the new year and use this interval to, with diligence, see what is available from other manufacturers. Channel imbalance in a listening device, with all due respect, that's a critical error that should NOT happen. The T10 will be sufficient, for now., until I find an alternative, that's definitely better.

ZVX Pro and Saga Balanced. ZES is my favorite KZ for the gym.

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.

Tangzu Wan'er 2 — these are the powerhouse for the money. Very engaging sound. Tuning is almost perfect. Easy on ears for long sessions. Not very detailed though. Microcontrast is lacking. Macrocontrast is very good. Easy to drive off a potato thanks to 19 Ohm impedance. These DON'T scale up with more powerful source. Overall good fit, shells are light, but nozzles are stupid short. You likely would want a deeper insertion. Tip rolling is a requirement. I didn't like Tang Sancai tips supplied in the kit with this IEM. Truthear Gate — these have lower macrocobtrast, but microcontrast is better. Extremely low distortion, clean sound, punchy bass, overall the most flat, neutral tuning among those I suggest to you. Harder to drive due to 30 Ohm impedance. These DO scale up with more powerful source. Very good technicalities. Good fit. Tip rolling is the easiest among all. Tanchjim Zero Ultima — straight fit, non-detachable cable. Very clean, crystal clear tuning, good instrument layering, fast and punchy, tactile bass, ideal for classical music. Harder to drive due to 30 Ohm impedance. These DO scale up with more powerful source. Very good technicalities. Super lightweight (only 2.3 grams per shell), very thick and long nozzles for deep insertion — with narrow ear canals might not fit properly. Tip rolling is a must, though supplied silicone tips are among the best in the biz. KZ Saga Neutral — lower microcontrast, lower macrocontrast, more of a safe tuned mild V-shaped sound. Good, but not very engaging compared to those above. Easy to drive. These DON'T scale up with more powerful source, can be run off a potato. Shells are made of metal — premium quality feeling, but the heaviest of all. With some tip combinations might not fit properly and fall from ears due to improper fit and the sheer weight. Nozzle size is normal. Weight is the problem.

im havng hard time to heard footstep on tame treble edc pro and Saga

Yep, if you have edc pro, it isn't worth getting the saga unless you like a better shell.

Under $10 the best is the KZ EDC PRO (edx pro is another iem), use it with Kbear 08 eartips. In Aliexpress (sometimes using coins) you can get for $8-15 the ND planet, KZ Castor Pro/OG, KZ Libra Balanced/Hi res/X, KZ Saga balanced/bass, KZ ZVX pro, all of them have good reviews and comments. The Kbear 07 and 08 eartips are good for them.

I would personally pick the KZ Saga and KZ Castor pro. Also tangzu Waner, I wouldn’t bother about the others. I have reviewed the KZ Saga if you are interested in reading: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/kz-saga.27626/review/36462/ In the credit that left I would buy eartips, cases and cables

Under 50$: Tanchjim Zero Ultima DSP, KZ Saga Under 100$: Sliivo SLA3, Letshuoer S12/Artti T10, Kiwi Ears Airoso, Under 200$: Kiwi Ears Aether It is really hard not to love these!!

If your budget is tight, and you only want Bass QKZ x HBB is what you need. If you want Bass and open up other genres aside from Hip Hop, KZ Saga is good at that. Saga has more bass and tonality than Castor Pro, but Castor Pro has slightly better technicals.

It seems the Chu 2 is a highly regarded iem here, well if you go outside your comfort zone, I mean see outside the box there are many better budget options to consider, here 7hz Salnotes Zero 2 is a slightly more bassy version of the Chu 2, a good allrounder Blon Z300 is basically a very balanced set with good sub bass and a clean unspicy treble, comes with a decent 4.4mm balanced cable  QKZ xHBB is my fav budget basshead, it can produce immersive reverberating sub bass rumble with the right matching eartips (Spinfit CP100 for me), it also has good soundstage and imaging, with clean vocal and treble clarity too The KZ Saga is a rare KZ with a very well balanced neutral tuning, not lacking or boosting any part of the frequencies, with the right matching eartips it can qualify as an budget audiophile quality basshead, especially the bass version CCA Trio can be considered as a small upgrade from the Castor Bass with less overwhelming bass intensity and a more balanced set with a clean un-muddy sub bass focus Truthear Zero (blue) are mostly balanced sounding, with good imaging and soundstage, has good bass punch and texture

Ya just get the cable and if you want more bass get kz Saga, still clear mids and treble.. If you want better clarity extension and soundstage get new KZ ZVX Pro, many people here hate KZ, but these are the best value for money propositions on the market right now in the budget sector. Truly perform way above the price point. Kz has a new driver and new tuning guy, and they fired the old marketing manager, so improvements are coming quickly.

No one mentioning the EDC Pro or newer Saga? I have all three you have listed. Of the three, I like the Wan'er the best, but only if you cover the front vent to give it a bass boost. Stock, it's great for movies and K/J-pop. Cover the front vent, it's now good for EDM (think PulsRadio Dance's poppish EDM) The Castor Pro Bass is a bit too V shaped for me. The bass and trebles are the best of the three. And has the most technical build {2 DDs) and requires more power, so buy a good DAC with 30mW per channel. And you can EQ the mids to give you an even better sound. The Chu 2 is decent Just... decent. Nothing special. I'll get hate for it, but to me, the sound boring. So I'd rank them in this order 1 Wan'er (with front vent covered. If not covered, then go with Castor Pro Bass) 2 Castor Pro Bass (probably best of three for gaming) 3 Chu 2 ...or buy the new KZ Saga and be done with it.

Yeah HBB hype cannot be taken literally, there's a reason why the ND Planet is so cheap, the tuning might be good idk but its technicalities simply cannot match more expensive IEMs considering they must have used a cheaper driver. I actually bought the KZ EDC Pro because HBB hyped it, the EDC Pro has a fantastic tuning on par with IEMs many times its price, but technicality wise even $15 IEMs like the KZ Saga wipe the floor with it.

I use my KZ Saga with my laptop at a volume level around 7-10%. Is this safe ? Hearing loss is scary, I feel for you. Hope you get better!

If you've heard the hype on the edc pro - saga, this is a less V more neutral style of that tuning using the same kz driver. I. Would think soundstage benefits from that. Really my fav below say 12usd tuning.

My pov from being a, bit active since late 2022 - if usd25 - 40usd is the budget, settle for the Libra X. If you need better shell theN the Saga (even if its slightly different preference). You get better experience - either sound, packaging, material wise - if you decide at least 50-60usd.

I agree with you on good sealing and a good fit. I am also an audio enthusiast with a collection of KZ iems (more thn 20 iems) and other brands too, including the KZ ZSN Pro X that I purchased 6 years ago and is still working well. I have not had any quality control issues with KZ iems so far. However, I have found that the cables and eartips from KZ are below average, so I often replace them with different options. I have discovered that using high-quality eartips can significantly improve the sound quality of KZ iems. Despite being more interested in iems priced above $150-$200, I continue to purchase KZ iems based on positive reviews and their affordability. I recently ordered the KZ Saga from Aliexpress for around $10.