KZ - Saga Bass Enhanced Version

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!!

**KZ Saga Bass Edition:** If you want bass, alongwith no compromises on Mids and Treble. KZ Saga is overall the best due to its superior tonality. You can listen to various genres unlike the others. **QKZ x HBB & Rosefinch:** Strong Sub bass, warm vocals, lacks details in treble. This is great for Hip Hop, but might not enjoy other genres. The same goes for Roseflinch. **KZ Castor/Castor Pro:** Castor has more Mid bass, punchy bass. Decent rubble. Thin mids, shouty treble. Castor Pro is more balanced, it's the best of both worlds, KZ Saga has better tonality, but Castor Pro has slightly better technicalities. It's very EQ friendly. https://preview.redd.it/0vpgb08z7r8e1.png?width=2400&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d12b0acf442af8984f685492e0f7fe1c82a41e8 KZ Saga is overall best imo, due to how it's tuned.

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.

Yes it’s great maybe the best for hip hop if you pick the right one My choices KZ edc pro - super budget option 5$ just sounds good overall. Kz castor pro bass (black) - 10-15$ give you that mid bass punch and slam Kz saga bass - 10-15$ give you that sub bass rumble and thump Kz zs12 pro x (with the tuning switches set to Up up down down) - overall amazing bass sound and texture but it’s 30-50$ CCA hydro - the king but it’s 80-100$ My personal pick is zs12.

Thanks for sharing. In my opinion: Castor pro Harman > Castor pro Bass > Saga Harman > Saga Bass. But all 4 of those iems is a no brainer, budget kings! I think the same as you OP, I'm digging all of those bad boys and have the same impressions as you for its characteristics and capabilities.* There is a guy in youtube, Audiocell is his channel, and mates and ladies, he is so full of shit, saying Saga is no great thing and is like the same KZ/CCA products of the past year, and even says Castor pro is the same stuff as Castor og, what a joke...

Thanks for sharing. In my opinion: Castor pro Harman > Castor pro Bass > Saga Harman > Saga Bass. But all 4 of those iems is a no brainer, budget kings! I think the same as you OP, I'm digging all of those bad boys and have the same impressions as you for its characteristics and capabilities.* There is a guy in youtube, Audiocell is his channel, and mates and ladies, he is so full of shit, saying Saga is no great thing and is like the same KZ/CCA products of the past year, and even says Castor pro is the same stuff as Castor og, what a joke...

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.

Nice comparison, thanks for doing this. I like my Castor Pro just a little bit more than the Saga but damn are they close. I really like both IEMs and they're under 20 bucks which makes them very accessible.

Qkz x hbb … dull bass and cheapest sound ever. Maybe they are little better for gamers. As an music admiring adult I was more than disappointed… they are going on eBay soon. Jumped on the hypetrain with that shitters and won’t do that again. Had to shoot me two new sets to get over that disappointment emotionally: Tripowin Piccolo and KZ Saga. They are both so much better than the Qkz x hbb.

That’s exactly what I noticed while desperately changing through all the ear tips I had at hand. They are very tip sensitive at least in my ears. Further they have a strange fit and a nozzle that is very uncomfortable especially in my left ear channel. I wanted to like them, took the Hype Train and ordered. But (and it saddenes me, really) they are not for me, since even my TWS have a subbass and bass that is awesome and well defined and not bleeding into mids and treble. Now I am enjoying the KZ Saga Bass I got last Saturday – they’re nearly perfect for me and my ears. There is no need to brain burn them and get used to them. And their finish is premium, too with the black metal shell. But of course I will give the Qkz x HBB another chance tonight since I rotate through my IEMs and TWS all day. And if it’s given that the QKZ x HBB simply aren’t for me and my ears cause I am getting older and my hearing changes, then I‘ll put them back in their box, pack a second cable without Mic and two new and fresh and better sets of Ear Tips in and put them online for sale. Hoping someone out there will enjoy them as you and the other nice commenter above you. I thought I would enjoy them, too.

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

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!

TL;DR for those short on time or not inclined to read the entire review (tables are broken so I am using an easy paragraph with Pros and Cons until someone fixes it): PROS: * Fun oriented warm tuning with a very punchy low-end * Good timbre overall * Easy to drive * Comfortable and well built shells CONS: * Slow bass response, average detail retrieval * Average technicalities due to the limited driver capability * Fierce competition \---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Introduction KZ needs no introduction and the same applies for an IEM that has “bass” in the name: in fact, this time I’ll be speaking about a basshead IEM from KZ which will probably appeal to many listeners around. >*Disclaimer: the KZ Saga Bass were sent to me by KZ so that I could write an honest review. This review represents my personal opinion on the set, it isn't promotional or paid content and I don’t get any revenue from the sales of this product. At the time of the review, the KZ Saga Bass were sold for about €15 at Aliexpress.* https://preview.redd.it/0yr28l9qq86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8073bb7dd17ff4a6daa8c55b41ddb03ef348a816 # Technical Specifications * Driver Configuration → 1 x DD * Impedance → 23 Ω * Spec-sheet Frequency Response → 20Hz-40kHz  * Sensitivity → 108 dB * Cable → 1.25m OFC cable with QDC 2-PIN connectors * Plug Type → 3.5mm # Packaging The packaging of the KZ Saga Bass is no different from any other cheap KZ IEM, and the same applies for what’s inside. In fact, the box contains: * The KZ Saga Bass * The detachable cable * One set of silicon tips (S, M, L sizes) * User manual https://preview.redd.it/w1xfvmzsq86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=278adbacf0ec6dfa790a603bb55ea70d981879f3 https://preview.redd.it/vii64mzsq86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=430d0ad9cdeafe5d8905aff083953bae7e482e1b https://preview.redd.it/003u8nzsq86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a5c092f2b2451cf27867f379fde51225ae7f2596 # Design, Build Quality, Comfort and Isolation The KZ Saga Bass look very good and feel super sturdy in the hands: in fac, the build quality is very good and they look like they’re built to last. I don’t really like the “Saga” writing on the faceplate but maybe that’s just me.Are the faceplate grills “open”? I don’t think so and even though they look good I don’t feel confident enough to say that these may be semi-open. I find the earpieces to be very comfortable even though the 6mm nozzle is pretty wide, as the nozzle is long enough to grant a good insertion and the overall shape of the IEM has no sharp edges. https://preview.redd.it/3i2hc0bxq86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bb9ecc32c19fad99a2a299ae08163e87f11b4c2 https://preview.redd.it/grxwrfo3r86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=70327adb4f09e9741aba55c2d4397b599e2fc258 https://preview.redd.it/jy14jzaxq86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=da000b85390586d001c9d4032e743cfde9b031e5 https://preview.redd.it/ra3qbto6r86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ba8dac93ddfad78f93678a529f9e8a2d510d495 # Cable The cable is the same low quality cable all over again. I am not really complaining in this case since we’re talking about a €15 IEM, but KZ should really do sometimes to include a slightly better cable with their products in general. The biggest lack is probably a chin slider, which I usually find very useful. https://preview.redd.it/fg25mi48r86e1.jpg?width=1500&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=089bb27b4f5bfd8a4e7dcff9a0015dba6e6cf16b # Sound **GEAR USED FOR THE TEST** * DAC: Topping E30  * AMP: Topping L30, Fiio A3 * Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Xiaomi Mi A3, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra * Moondrop May’s DSP cable with PEQ=0 * Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Fosi DS2 * Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B * Bluetooth Adapters: KBEAR S1, KZ AZ10  * Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE, Elgato Wave XLR **Amplifier needed?** No, an amplifier is not strictly needed. Amplifying the Saga Bass doesn’t really improve them noticeable but I have noticed a slightly tighter bass response (might be placebo as well, so take this with a grain of salt). **Let’s speak about the sound.** The Saga Bass are V-shaped, very dynamic and engaging. The sub-bass is big, thick, rumbly, and the same applies for the midbass that never lacks punch. It’s a basshead low-end hands down. From a technical standpoint, the Saga Bass don’t shine as the bass is pretty slow and very demanding tracks that need fast basslines to be cleanly reproduced will feel a bit clumsy. In terms of timbre, though, the note weight is very pleasant and this kind of low-end gives a very warm tone to the overall signature. Male vocals are deep and warm, followed by energetic female vocals that never become shouty. Instruments take a step back since the low-end is the star of the show, but the Saga Bass don’t sound awkward in any way (sure, those who want a more forward midrange should look for more neutral sets). The treble has some excitement going on and it’s not for those who are sensitive to treble, but it’s not harsh or super bright, it’s just energetic and has a fair amount of details. Micro nuances aren’t an easy task for this set, but if you’re on the market for a fun IEM and don’t need to extract the smallest sound cues in every track, the Saga Bass will be a decent daily driver. The technical performance is okay, with average soundstage and sufficient imaging. The layering is below average unfortunately (also because of the thick low-end) and the instrument separation is just average as well. As said before, the technical performance isn’t the main reason to buy this set. **Are they something I would use considering my taste and preferences?** Yes, yes and, again, yes. These really gave me BL-03 vibes but in this case the upper midrange is more full-bodied and the treble is a bit better with a touch more air and sparkle. This means that the Saga Bass will sound a tad brighter but I think it’s a good way of sounding “brigther” than the BL-03. As a dubstep (and EDM in general) listener, I find these to be perfect candidates for bass-heavy playlists on a daily basis, even though the bass isn’t always able to keep up with super fast Drum ‘n Bass tracks. I like these anyway: the timbre, the energy, the low-end power… it’s a very good set to have in my backpack. # Some comparisons: **KZ Saga Bass vs Truthear Gate**  >The Truthear Gate have less low-end quantity and a speedier bass response, a cleaner lower midrange and perceived more forward upper midrange and treble. The overall listening experience varies a lot between the two since the Saga Bass actually have a lot more rumble down low, which provides for a warmer response with better note weight. On the other hand, the Gate have better detail retrieval and superior technical performance (keeping in mind that it’s always a €20 IEM), even though the timbre is still better on the Saga Bass since the Gate sound a bit artificial on top. The KZ Saga Bass are better in terms of build quality, the Gate have a slightly better cable, both are similarly comfortable and both come with a limited set of eartips. My preference: I’d pick the Saga Bass, they sound richer to my ears and they are more fun with my bass-heavy playlist. **KZ Saga Bass vs Celest Wyvern Abyss** >The Saga Bass are warmer, with better note weight and punchier bass. The Wyvern Abyss go for a cleaner and thinner lower midrange, a more pronounced upper midrange (with more energetic and forward female vocals that can become shouty at times) and a touch better upper treble extension. If you want better note weight and more bass punch, along with a warmer timbre, the Saga Bass deliver that in a better way, otherwise you’re getting faster basslines, better female vocals and an airier and more detailed response on the Wyvern Abyss. Soundstage, imaging and instrument separation are slightly better on the Wyvern Abyss. Build quality is good on both sets (different materials though), comfort is great with both, isolation is better with the Wyvern Abyss in the ears. Wyvern Abyss’ stock cable is better, whereas the included eartips are very few on both sets. My preference: The Wyvern Abyss are more versatile so they would be my pick since I also listen to a lot of different genres and play games. The Saga Bass are more satisfying with most of my bass-heavy playlists though, so I reach for them more often through my daily routine. **KZ Saga Bass vs Blon BL-03** >The BL-03 II have been announced and hopefully I’ll be able to, but if one wanted OG BL-03’s vibes in a more modern and comfortable shell, then the Saga Bass are a good set to experience so. Differences from the BL-03? The Saga Bass offer a more full bodied upper midrange and an airier and slightly more detailed treble. The bass is pretty slow on the Saga too but it’s not as slow as on the BL-03. Technicalities are a touch better on the Saga Bass too. Build quality, comfort, isolation and stock cable are better on the Saga Bass. The BL-03 came with a few more tips included in the box, but that’s all. My preference: I still like BL-03’s timbre a bit more, but the Saga Bass sound more correct and they are much easier to insert in the ears. I’d pick the Saga Bass nowadays (comfort is the main reason, though). # Final Thoughts The Saga Bass is a fun-oriented timbre focused IEM that kind-of reminds the OG Blon BL-03’s vibes. It’s a V-shaped set that provides a punchy low-end, on point vocals and an overall natural end-to-end extension that is hard to dislike (unless you are searching for a pair of neutral sounding IEMs). The technical performance is average for the price and very crowded and fast tracks won’t be an easy task for the Saga, especially if compared to some peers like the Chu 2, the Truthear Gate, the 7Hz Zero 2 and so, but the overall signature is very engaging and natural sounding and all makes up for a super fun set to always keep in the backpack.

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.

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 just got edx pro 2 and saga bass and I want to test edc pro. How would you describe sound tuning of the edc pro compared to those? I also have the saga bass, quite like those but the mids seem a bit recessed and overshadowed by the bass. The edx pro 2 mids are amazing without losing the overall warmness imo.

KZ Saga bass enhanced version. Awesome set. There's also the ND Planet and CCZ BC04 Pro. All have way above average bass levels. The saga is the smoothest. The BC04 has some amazing bass tactility. https://preview.redd.it/n8npbya38kxf1.png?width=2400&format=png&auto=webp&s=0f1a18a170df8cb43a2dcf8003ddf5784d9dc654 [https://squig.link/lab/tdl/?share=Harman\_IE\_2019\_Target,KZ\_Saga\_Bass\_Enhanced,ND\_Planet,CCZ\_BC04\_Pro](https://squig.link/lab/tdl/?share=Harman_IE_2019_Target,KZ_Saga_Bass_Enhanced,ND_Planet,CCZ_BC04_Pro)

I've heard great things and I have tried it, but not extensively. Oh and the one I tried was the "black"; so the bass enhanced version as well. The Saga has a lot more sub-bass and upper bass even with the bassiest Castor settings. They're both very similar above 6khz but the Castor has more vocal energy. I definitely preferred the Saga, personally. I think it's often overlooked.

What I liked the most so far is KZ saga bass enhanced. The density and feedback from the bass feels amazing, theres alot of rumble and good impact. Kz castor bass is good but its mainly just the punch, it lacks body in the vocals and sometimes feels lacking. I feel like the mid range on saga feels smoother than castor bass. FIIO FD11 was surprisingly good too but it has a very strong dense bass that hits pretty hard. Its warmer than saga but has more color overall.

Get kz saga, castor bass can sound kind of light in the body due to the tuning, youll get the bouncy part of the bass but miss some of the rest. Planar bass is more like a hum, its not like full bodied compared to dynamic driver bass. Saga on the other hand has great rumble and good mid bass hits, vocals are pretty clear.

I love the 7HZ Zero but I feel like I could only recommend them to someone who already has a bit of experience with bright IEMs. I would recommend you to start Tangzu Wan'er or its studio edition. They are more of a completely neutral or neutral warm sound. If you want something fully warm without many treble Tachjim Bunny is a good option.Finally, if you want a good IEM with a V-shaped sound, I recommend KZ Saga Bass, KZ ZVX Pro or KZ Libra Balanced.

My saga bass enhanced version's right ear gets muted and muffled after about an hour of usage. I have to put them out and wait a minute or two, which I believe is because of metal extending and making pressure buildup. Do yours also have this issue ?