KZ - ZS10 (Original)

I disagree that everyone needs to be on IEM to be worthwhile. That would be ideal, but I’m the only one using them in a loud rock band. Even with cheap IEM (KZ ZS10) and Comply foam tips, I get some attenuation of the stage volume and don’t need a loud vocal wedge.

Admittedly from Chifi - got into them during E1001, Whizzer, KZ ZS days and started going down the rabbit hole of "oh this sounds rich, that sounds smooth this neutral that soundstage". 15-20 pairs in, I just got tired of 'chasing' the best sound for the best price because there is always something new and new =/= better. I also worked through dozens of DAC dongles and finally just went TWS for practicality. In hindsight, nothing got me feeling as pleased as my bl03 with foam tips. They sure aren't the the universal best, but to me the sound was so smooth and relaxing. Occassionally I take them out and listen to them at home. But when I'm out and about, I just use my Nothing Ears. But secretly waiting for them to die on me so I can justify a pair of Technics. By the way it's like this with a lot of different hobbies. It's a tiresome cycle but the joys must be worth it for people to do it over n over.

Another recommendation for the ZS-10s. Excellent performance for the price, I wouldn't consider spending more after having these in hand to be honest.

Get the Behringer HP1 and KZ ZS10s. Both are super cheap. When you’re at rehearsal or a gig plug the HP1 into the sound board where you usually get your wedge mix. Now just adjust your mix like you would a wedge. If you really like it then you can spend the money on a wireless transmitter (keep the wired one as a backup). As people have mentioned lots of bands own their own tablet controlled mixed with a split snake, so they can adjust their own mixes. But a half decent setup runs 5-10k and you really need to know how to do your own soldering, metalworking etc. and I don’t recommend spending $8000 and 2 weekends soldering and teaching yourself a new software just to see if you like it or not.

Im using the KZ ZS10 IEMs with some aftermarket foam tips. The bass was so good in them my band mates had to remind me to turn on my amp. I didn’t realize it was off. Because of this it doesn’t take a very large amp to create some feeling on stage. She can already hear just fine so even something like a 210 with a 200-500 watt head will do the job.

I got Westone UM Pro 20 for $500 CAD. I also got KZ ZS10s for $65 CAD. The ZS10s out perform the Westones and are now my go to. That should tell you everything you need to know. Also especially for 5 string players the bass response is great. I can’t tell whether my amp is on or not when I’m playing with my KZs

As others have suggested, KZ has several models (I recommend ZS10 or ZS12 Pro X) that cost peanuts and they outdo most big brand IEMs up to like.. 500usd price range. You might need to get better foams for them, as depending on model they may not come with any.

Just to add some perspective. I have used 215s for years, I got some kz zs10s about 4months ago and found they were far too bassey and had some high freq sibilence... plus the cable is pretty cheap, has a poor fit over the ear. I got some drumeo eardrum black editions a week ago, (black friday deal) and they sound better (much flater curve) for drumming. The fit is better and the cable is 100x better than the KZ. Overall the sound quality for drumming and general music i found slightly better than the shures (kz was good for edm, but bad for drumming and metalcore). Time will tell regarding durability... shures have lasted ages, but quality of eardrums seems good.

The Xvive wireless system is currently £180 on Amazon in the UK. £50 for some KZ ZS 10 iem’s and you’re good to go with a reliable system.

IEM’s on a budget Linsoul KZ ZS10’s. 5 drivers with good bass response. They punch well above the price of under $50 on Amazon and are widely used by gigging bassists. Wireless system go for the Xvive U4, again way better than the price would suggest and very popular with gigging musos. For pedals your on your own, it’s a saturated market and your favourite probably doesn’t match the guy in the other band on the bill.

Another vote for the same. Try out the different tips that come with it, and if you want more isolation than the stock tips do, try some foam (Comply or generic) tips. They definitely make a difference, but to me, are less comfortable. Still worth it for what I do (on acoustic drums; I use other IEMs that I've got for my ekit at home - not as good, but good enough for practicing).

DT 770 pro’s imo are the best over ear headphones. If you want something with better noise cancelling, you can also try the Vic Firth SIH3’s. I’ve yet to find a good pair of IEM’s under $200. I tried several. I guess if I had to choose one it would be the KZ ZS10’s but the sound quality is nowhere near the DT 770 pro’s. But the KZ’s will also offer better sound isolation if that is important to you. I would put the Vic Firths in the middle. Isolation not as good as the KZ’s, but better sound quality for sure just not as good as the DT’s.

I think this is highly personal and depends on what kind of sound you prefer, as an anecdote, I had the KZ ZSX (Terminator) and loved them, then I lost them during a business trip and I saw many reviews claiming that the ZS10 pro where even better, so I replaced my ZSX with the ZS10 and felt disappointed as those had a less analytical sound and I felt I was missing a lot of detail on the high frequencies, but many people feel that the ZSX are harsh and sibilant on the higher frequencies, so again, depends on your taste.