ZS12 Pro 2

try kz prx, or zs12 pro 2, duonic is better than castor pro, they are good and cheap and could work as references to check if you want even more bass or some other specific frequencies try s12 pro, prx is similar but really cheap, zs12 pro 2 is a bit brigher, both would have better subbas rumble compared to zs12 pro/ultra (btwn those 8k peaks are not that big irl, it's resonance frequency in coupler used to measure frequency response) https://preview.redd.it/rt8nk37r2vpg1.png?width=1883&format=png&auto=webp&s=64082d2e028ad26399df7528fde11c99cac2e769

try kz prx, or zs12 pro 2, duonic is better than castor pro, they are good and cheap and could work as references to check if you want even more bass or some other specific frequencies try s12 pro, prx is similar but really cheap, zs12 pro 2 is a bit brigher, both would have better subbas rumble compared to zs12 pro/ultra (btwn those 8k peaks are not that big irl, it's resonance frequency in coupler used to measure frequency response) https://preview.redd.it/rt8nk37r2vpg1.png?width=1883&format=png&auto=webp&s=64082d2e028ad26399df7528fde11c99cac2e769

TRN Shell (3DD 1 micro planar), KZ ZS12 Pro 2 (1DD 5BA), KZ AM16 Balanced (8BA) would all be good upgrades from the ZSN Pro.

The KZ models you list are outperformed by their newer releases. GK Kunten and KZ Duonic (silver switchless) are far better than the ZVX or the Castor Pro at the same ultra budget prices. If you want to spend a little more the KZ ZS12 Pro 2 and CCZ CZ10 Tiangong are hybrids which are frankly far better than the ZS10 Pro X/2 for music but especially for gaming, much better details, separation and imaging than the ZS10 series. If you want probably the best sound under $100 the underhyped TRN Shell comes with tuning nozzles to adjust the sound to your preference and excellent cable, case and ear tips.

GK Kunten 1 dynamic driver, KZ Duonic silver no-switch version 1 planar 1 dynamic driver, CCZ CZ10 Tiangong 1 dynamic driver, 4 balanced armatures, KZ ZS12 Pro 2 1 dynamic driver 5 balanced armatures, Tinhifi C2 2025 1 dynamic driver, Kefine Delci AE 1 dynamic driver. All of the above are below $100 and offer great gaming if they look good to you. An IEM which is good at gaming rather than great but has stunning looks and fantastic cable / accessories is the Juzear X Z Reviews Defiant.

I recently got the kz zs12 pro 2 and feel like they're pretty good. Got a small DAC that plugs into a USB slot to use the inline mic. Mic isn't as good as my stand alone unit but I got sick of having it sitting in front of me. I suppose it might be hard on PS5, but on PC you can get an equalizer and tune sound further.

The main thing I didn’t like was that they were not comfortable for me. Everybody has different ear shapes and sizes but for my ears they were kinda painful. Sound wise they were great and had great soundstage, but i felt like they werent an upgrade enough from the previous set i had kz zs 12 pro 2. The EA500 LM felt like an upgrade and were more comfortable, but i will concede that the s12 had a better soundstage.

Kz12 pro from Amazon are $60 and doing great; and an XVive system receiver and transmitter. It’s the easiest and most cost effective way to get into IEM. And it works great and sounds great.

I use the Kz12 pro and an Xvive system. $60 for the headphones and $180 for the wireless iem system. It’s great and I use it multiple times a week.

I run the kz pro 12 pair and it’s great. That and an xvive and your good to go.

KZ Sonata, AS24/Pro, ZS12 ProX (down switches) and some of the Harman/Hi-res versions of their more budget stuff like Vader. Tanchjim Ola or 4U/Fission with the bass dial turned down. Or for a KZ 1DD The Zenith is very good and very neutral with down switches. Hexa can sound "wooly" without EQ sometimes so I don't think it would be clear enough for you. A good alternative with similarly linear bass and overall brighter would be the Twistura Sigma or ZS12, depending on if you want vocal or lower treble prominence. https://preview.redd.it/3nirp16onyef1.png?width=2095&format=png&auto=webp&s=0c768cd3893981b6b26271ab63362290d9d50dca

Two unfortunate truths for you on this sub: 1. There aren't many musicians about. 2. The audiophiles and gamers that are here hate KZ. But I'm in a similar position to you. I haven't had customs or anything but I've got "better" IEMs according to these forums in the Chi-Fi market but rarely do I find any better for performing than KZ. I use the AS10 and ZS12 for different instruments. Both are cheap but give me clarity where I need it and the ZS12 are metal, so they travel around the most. Even the "crappy" cables they come with are far more comfortable to play in than any of the "better" cables from other brands. They seem more concerned with IEMs that work for the original purpose than pandering to the casual listening market. And they'd be far less worrisome to lose or break!