KZ - ZS12 Pro X (Standard)

I have the KZ ZS12 PRO X and they are amazing for gaming. Get the version with the tuning switches, should be about $50 with coupons available on Amazon. You might want to get a high quality cable for them too, still well under $100.

Thank you. I was under the impression they might have been a bit bass light for me, but you talk them up a lot here i see. I already have the ZS12 Pro X which I very much enjoy 95% of the time except with a couple of genres such as darkwave / post punk stuff where the BA's timbre can make guitars and and snares sound a little off/hollower than they should. How is the ZVX pro?

KZ ZS12 Pro X is competent. Not a bass monster. Put some Tang Sancai Noble tips for better bass over stock tips. KZ AM16 is really good, fun set. My current favorite that I have.

This but I made my own custom molds for my ZS12 Pro X's

KZ ZA12 Review Intro Hello, friends. Today, I’ll be reviewing KZ’s latest hybrid, the 'KZ ZA12'. Hmm... to start with, I have a lot to say about this IEM. I purchased the standard version (No switch). KZ hybrids have achieved significant sales and have been loved by many. One of their most notable strengths has always been their exceptional technical performance for the price. Affordable yet offering decent detail and resolution—this alone was reason enough to buy them. However, for them to be truly and simply good IEMs, something had to be addressed. That is the sharp treble. I have tried almost every KZ hybrid released on the market so far, and BA fatiguing has always been an issue. (Except for CCA IEMs) This has been a long-standing complaint, especially among those sensitive to high frequencies. In fact, for KZ, the biggest challenge across past models has been finding the sweet spot between technical performance and safe treble tuning. So, how well has the ZA12 been tuned? --- Price Currently selling for $36 on AliExpress. I bought mine for $33 during a sale. It's more expensive than other cheap KZ models but still falls within the budget IEM price range. Accessories Typical KZ package. The ZA12 is in a low price range but still has room for improvement. Driver Configuration The ZA12 features a 2DD + 4BA setup, the same configuration as the CCA Rhapsody. However, the difference is that BA drivers are placed in the nozzle, which actually intensifies treble harshness. Unfortunately, this is a configuration I don’t like. Design The KZ ZA12 has a stunning design. At first glance, it looks similar to other AS series models, but among them, it stands out and is the most well-defined. Definitely praiseworthy. Fit Sits well in the ears without sticking out too much. Good fit. Noise Isolation It blocks ambient noise quite well. Suitable for outdoor use. Bass The quantity is moderate but not excessive. The bass resolution is excellent, finding a good balance between tightness and resonance. Bass speed is appropriate, and the quality is satisfying. Mids Vocals have great resolution but don’t stand out much. They might feel a bit thin, but they sound sweet! Treble Bright. However, since the bass is not too lacking, it maintains some balance. (More info below.) Resolution The ZA12 delivers outstanding resolution for its price. It handles complex tracks effortlessly, making it ideal for rock, metal, and other music with multiple instruments. This is a clear strength. Detail Retrieval Likewise, the ZA12 exceeds expectations, picking up subtle instrumental nuances. It’s among the best at this price point, with no complaints here. Timbre The two dynamic drivers definitely provide better timbre compared to cheaper full-BA KZ IEMs. The sound is clean and clear, without muddiness. It leans towards natural reproduction rather than artificial coloration or distortion, which is overall very good. Soundstage This IEM has a decent soundstage. It didn’t surprise me, but it also didn’t feel lacking. Instrument positioning is well-defined. --- Main Drawbacks Thin Note Weight The note weight isn’t thick, meaning it lacks a grand or powerful sound. This enhances delicate details but can make it feel slightly thin. Treble Fatigue Yes, that’s right. KZ hasn’t fully solved this issue. Although the advantages of this IEM are significant, the bright and sharp upper treble can be difficult to adjust to. Most listeners will need to find ways to reduce treble harshness. Here’s how: .... How to Reduce Treble Fatigue These are common solutions. Tip Rolling – Using foam tips or Final E tips reduces sharp treble. Switch Adjustment – I have the standard version, but the UUDD switch setting on the switch version reduces treble. If you're sensitive to treble, get the switch version to avoid regret. EQ – Lowering 4kHz and 8kHz gives more stable treble. You lose a bit of detail, but the sound remains excellent, so there’s no need to worry. I personally used Final E tips, and my switch setting was equivalent to UUUU (no switch version). --- Comparison with KZ ZS12 Pro X The ZS12 Pro X is a $26 IEM featuring a 1DD + 5BA configuration. Treble Harshness The ZS12 Pro X has a more direct and aggressive treble, but some people may find the ZA12’s treble peak more fatiguing. Winner: Tie Resolution The ZS12 Pro X has great resolution for its price, but the ZA12 takes it to another level. I’d even compare its resolution to the Truthear Nova, which is a resolution beast. Winner: ZA12 Detail Retrieval Again, ZA12 is superior, capturing tiny drum hits, cymbals, and subtle background sounds more effectively. Winner: ZA12 Soundstage The ZA12’s soundstage is above average, but it doesn’t sound as wide as the ZS12 Pro X. The ZS12 Pro X has a slightly larger stage. Winner: ZS12 Pro X Timbre The ZS12 Pro X has thicker note weight and a rougher sound, whereas the ZA12 has less BA timbre and sounds more "musical." Instrument Reproduction The ZA12 excels in guitar string texture, piano clarity, drum impact, and electric guitar crunch. Overall, instrument representation is superior. --- Conclusion At around $35, the ZA12 offers a lot. I can confidently say this is one of the most technically impressive IEMs under $50. While it hasn’t fully overcome its inherent flaws, it has improved significantly compared to something like the AS10 Pro I tried a year ago. KZ keeps evolving, and that’s what keeps me hooked. Recommended for: ✅ who prioritize technical performance ✅ who aren’t very sensitive to treble ✅ who want to try a KZ hybrid IEM Not recommended for: ❌ who are sensitive to treble ❌ who prefer a warm sound ❌ who want a lot of bass --- Thanks for reading! I’ll be back with another exciting review next time. Stay tuned! +) i just listened to za12 about 2 weeks, and the sharp treble became OK. Idk it's brain- burnin or not, but this is not that aggressive iem right now..

hi mate i also have zs12 pro x . i like it but i want to upgrade as one side randomly developed channel imbalance and sounds a bit off idk probably a ba driver went out. I ve had it for a decent time and got them for 30 usd so not that mad and wasnt too carefull with them. anyways wanted to buy these again on aliexpress but now i want to upgrade. which iem did u go for between ew300 hydro and prx. which one will you suggest to me as an upgrade i mostly listen to pop and hip hop and game

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.

I'm in the KZ train, but I prefer the ZS12 Pro X with tunable eq curve.

Do you want the BEST, or do you want good IEM with good "bang for buck"? My recommendation for anyone who isnt 100% set on spending 500-3000€ on custom mold high end professional stuff is KZ Audio ZS12 Pro X. ZS10 Pro X are also fantastic and maybe easier to find. They are so good and so cheap that you can buy a couple of pairs as backup and one for your mother. And they outperform most things under 300-400€ in my opinion. And even if they quite dont, they still only cost a few dozen bucks. I've been using KZ pretty much exclusively for like 3-4 years now. I have 3-4 bands and I probably average around 6 hours of band rehearsals a week. I play maybe a dozen gigs a year with them. You do however need good foams with them. ZS12 Pro X comes with some foams i think, but ZS10 dont. Get Comply foams or something else good. Also they lack the thing that couples the wires at the back of your head which is a weird omission and one I really miss, but you can use tape or something else to do that yourself

Oh, i also have a pair of Zs10 pro 2 but i think they are weird and never use them. Zs10 and zs12 pro x sound way better to me. But with zs12 pro x u also get the switches

KZ Audio will have you set for anything that isnt sold out arenas, and would suffice even there lol and wont cost you a whole lot. If you want the real deal, then get custom molds. But with like.. 50usd and potentionally adding better foams on them you can manage perfectly fine. I use KZ ZS10 Pro X and ZS12 Pro X. I also have ZS10 Pro 2 but I dont recommend those. That said, I'm a bass player first, but I have literally no interest consider something like Shure that costs 3-10x as much, has less hardware and at best sounds as good as the 50 buck pair of KZ. Of course when you start to go into the expensive range of Shure they likely pull ahead, but by that you are also paying a minimum 10x as much.

ZS10 Pro X and ZS12 Pro X are both much better than Pro 2, which was a pretty bad misstep from KZ. But yeah definitely try KZ.

Yeah, My go-to is also ZS12 Pro X. Followed by ZS10 Pro X and Pro 2 is only for emergencies😅

Not the worst bang for the buck, but likely not the best. It's most likely rebranded chifi, so you might as well get something like KZ ZS12 Pro X for third of the price and call it a day.

So far my most expensive IEMs are my KZ KS12 PRO X around $70. They have a wider sound stage than the AK6, slightly heavier, 5BA and 1D, super crisp, not Bass heavy, and 4dip switches to select Bass, Treb levels. Hardest part of an IEM is getting the fit right with the right ear tips. If the seal is even remotely bad, the experience is also. Invest in more expensive Ear Tips to experience the benefits of an IEM. Don't know what at $300 to $600 would sound like, I expect marginally better, but not much. It's very subjective. Happy with the KZ's they deliver what I was expecting. The bottom line is an IEM can be worn all day and you don't even notice you are wearing them if the fit is right. Cables behind your ears are so much better for out of the way fit.

So far my most expensive IEMs are my KZ KS12 PRO X around $70. They have a wider sound stage than the AK6, slightly heavier, 5BA and 1D, super crisp, not Bass heavy, and 4dip switches to select Bass, Treb levels. Hardest part of an IEM is getting the fit right with the right ear tips. If the seal is even remotely bad, the experience is also. Invest in more expensive Ear Tips to experience the benefits of an IEM. Don't know what at $300 to $600 would sound like, I expect marginally better, but not much. It's very subjective. Happy with the KZ's they deliver what I was expecting. The bottom line is an IEM can be worn all day and you don't even notice you are wearing them if the fit is right. Cables behind your ears are so much better for out of the way fit.

TinHiFi T3+. The other was a KZ 12 pro x, something like that. It’s impossible to remember their model numbers, and it’s been a while. A Rosefinch wasn’t far behind. The T3+ found an appreciative home, the Rosefinch went to someone else, but outside of an initial thank you, I never heard about it again, and KZ12 whatever went straight back to Amazon for a refund. And it wasn’t a cheap KZ IEM, it was in the upper level of their budget pricing.

If your goal is to spend a lot of time EQing an IEM, you don’t want a neutral IEM. You want an IEM that’s flexible enough to handle EQ manipulation, especially if you’re trying to make large changes. A single planar driver is the easiest to EQ a significant amount. This is especially true if you’re trying your approximate the sound signature of other IEMs (you will approximate the sound, you can never precisely reproduce the sound of a different IEM). You can go from the ~$50 USD with an Artii T10, higher around $100-120 the Letshuoer S12 or S12 pro. You can go a bit more expensive to an Aether for $160. But if you’ll be EQing these IEMs significantly there’s not much of a benefit to spending that much.

It’s funny, I bought a ZS12 Pro X when it first came out just to give KZ a chance, figuring their “higher end” might be worth a listen. I buy from Amazon in the US where you have 30 days to return policy. Even if it’s a bit more expensive than say Aliexpress, I like knowing I can demo an IEM for a week or two to see if it’s really good for me. It’s the only IEM I’ve ever returned the same day I received it.

Almost similar but zs12 pro x sounds bit more balanced on all frequencies, enough bass and enough space for high ends as well, switched to it from bass heavy kz zex and no regrets so far

Fr , i use kz zs12 pro x more than my gaming headphones

My first IEMs were the KZ ZS12 Pro X and the KZ Castor Pro Bass. I still have them, and they have a pleasant signature, powerful bass, and bright treble. I do recommend them, especially the KZ ZS12 Pro X because everything is much clearer. Based on your preferences, if you're looking for something inexpensive, I recommend the Moondrop Chu 2, KZ ZS10 Pro X, Truthear Hexa, Truthear Gate and Truthear Zero red

Get the KZ ZS12 Pro X and the aftermarket 784 core cable as well. The ZS12s are very nice, good bass for a KZ and also great detail and technical performance.

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.

Wow more than me! My favs are ZS12 Pro X, Zenith, PR2 (black mesh), and Vader. How do you like the ZA12 and Hydro? I tried to get a ZA12 but it was a scam listing so I got a ZSN Pro X instead lol, at least it was free. Oh, and original CCA CRA, one of my favorite DDs to this day.

It's still the best entry hybrid overall I think, and even higher priced IEMs rarely sound so tonally correct. Yes the bass doesn't have a lot of oomph but I think it's enough for most music especially after you EQ. It has much more competition these days though. For example you can get a ZS12 Pro X for half the price and it is definitely more detailed, and has better bass, but it's not as accurate tonally and there is more BA timbre. Still, I think Hexa will always be a great neutral benchmark IEM.

From that list Castor or Castor Pro but honestly I prefer Vader Balanced, Zenith, AM16, and ZS12 Pro X as my favorite KZ IEMs.

Friend, I have done the comparison again between the two headphones, one with all switches activated and the other without them and you are actually right, the standard headphones (WITHOUT SWITCHES) sound the same as the one with the switches activated.

Friend, I have both, and those graphics are wrong, the headphones without switches sound the same as those with the switches activated.

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.

The ZS12 it’s better than both most likely. The zero 2 is outclassed for sure in every way, the bunny I have not tried. Keep in mind the zero2 and bunny are just single dynamic driver. It means it’s limited in the detail and soundstage it can give you compared to ones like ZS12 PRO X that has 5 extra BA drivers that improve clarity, resolution details soundstage etc. you just have to make sure you like the tuning, and with the version with switches you can adjust it to the perfect tuning for you. I say it’s much better than those 2 sets. If the price is too much go with castor pro bass, it’s very enjoyable as well.

I own a studio and am used to very controled sounding speakers so I also search for similar sounding buds. I love my BT sennheiser momentum buds and their sound signature. For wired ones I bought AFUL Explorer and I must say that they really deliver for the buck. They fit really nice, are small and deliver a neutral freq. response and can be worn for a longer periods. Kind of what I am looking for when speaking about studio monitors. I think I could also mix on them with mixes being translated onto other sound systems quite ok. I have also tried various KZ models and am currently using ZS 12 Pro for live in ear monitoring just because of their sub bass extension which is really pronounced (i am a bassist too)… they are really shitty for listening of music due to fatigueing hi end and not revealing middle tones. I would strongly recommend Explorer series as first IEM. I read that performer 5 is even better but this is kind of subjective to say…

Had chu 2 (shitty) kz zs 10 & 12 pro x (shitty) sennheiser ie 100/200 (not great) and aful explorer (very nice).

I'm using KZ iem the ZS12 Pro X. I chose the tunable version because I listen to many genres. [For context, here are my thoughts on pairing the Echo Mini with the ZS12 Pro X](https://www.reddit.com/r/DigitalAudioPlayer/s/WaJGEiiIdc)

Try this. Personaly, i'm using this for variety of genre. If you don't want a treble to high, just turn off the switch for that KZ ZS12 Pro X https://preview.redd.it/k4m5wv9ak6we1.png?width=1116&format=png&auto=webp&s=84adc9f56fbe4d09451d2a765a233287bbf2a0ea I tune the switches based on genre to get the best out of it. For pop, I go with \[ON, OFF, ON, OFF\] to bring out warm lows and clear, lively vocals. When I’m listening to breakcore, I switch to \[ON, ON, OFF, ON\] for more aggressive bass and treble to match the chaotic energy. Synthwave feels just right with \[ON, OFF, ON, ON\], giving a nice retro shimmer and deep punch. For the smooth vibes of citypop, I prefer \[OFF, OFF, ON, OFF\], keeping things balanced and mellow with good vocal clarity. And for classical music, I set it to \[OFF, ON, ON, OFF\]—this helps highlight instrument details and gives a more open, natural feel. With just a flick of switches, this set becomes a real genre shapeshifter.

A good IEM means good for gaming too brooo hahaha I'm using it on RedMagic 9 Pro for a mobile gaming. It's sound AWESOME!

Scandals and haters aside, I genuinely believe that most KZ IEMs are at least impressive, if not great. IMO the Castor and Castor Pro are probably the best for the price. That said, the ZS 12 Pro, shoots way above its weight.

If you’re willing to spend $5 more, KZ ZS12 Pro X is on sale on AliExpress for $30 (normally retails for like 50-60). It is a legitimate step up in every way — it’s all metal with a hybrid driver setup (1DD + 5BA), an assortment of decent stock tips including foam, decent cable, and built in switches to EQ the sound. Alternatively, there’s the Moondrop Chu2 for about $20. They’re also all metal, and have a very clean balanced sound (less v shaped than the Castor). They won’t have quite as much bass, but the bass is punchier and doesn’t crowd the mix as much, allowing other instruments to breathe more. This creates more clarity and imaging / separation. They also are able to work with basically any genre, unlike the aggressive V-shape of the castors which can exaggerate the bass to the point where it doesnt sound correct for certain genres.

The standard version is just all switches disabled (standard tuning). https://preview.redd.it/gwzrhtp6ea5e1.png?width=924&format=png&auto=webp&s=92352c99861cf42f80856a09bd048d968c79dfb1

https://preview.redd.it/3wxuqq70ea5e1.png?width=639&format=png&auto=webp&s=be5a9da9231ad2211ee9a750cfd65b49cf17e21f

https://preview.redd.it/yfxotrc5ea5e1.png?width=924&format=png&auto=webp&s=4c45d3b8d77e36d88f5966d296717d39ff03da34

I got the Hydro and the KZ zs12 pro. Both are great and totally different. I prefer more flat sound with good mid range forward. I'm wondering how the Sonata sounds in comparison. Looking forward to your reviews! Many thanks!

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!

My endgame is -Tangzu Yu Xuan Ji + Dunu S&S + IBasso Macaron JR -KZ ZS12 PRO X + Spinfit W1 + Onix Alpha XL1 both 4.4 balanced on high gain

Been using this to play COD since 2 days (4 hours each day) https://preview.redd.it/7wjlmuf60ise1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=78054a2a67181ff5552c8d396b5a1ea61dbc8147 I just got my hands on the 7Hz G1, and after testing it extensively, I have to say—this IEM is an absolute beast for gaming! **Build & Specs:** Driver: 1 Dynamic Driver Tuning: Fairly balanced with a wide soundstage Volume & Bass: Both are solid, no complaints here **Music Performance:** I'll be honest—while the G1 sounds good for music, it doesn’t quite have the same excitement factor as my other IEMs. I find my KZ Castor Pro and ZS12 Pro X to be better for music and movies. The G1 is clear and detailed, but it just doesn’t hit that "wow" factor for pure music enjoyment. **Gaming Performance - A-Tier!** Where the 7Hz G1 truly shines is in gaming. I tested it on Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Nuketown) and Warzone, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. (Warzone only for 4 hrs as it is paused for today) **Here’s what stood out:** Insanely Wide Soundstage – The G1 made Nuketown feel HUGE. Warzone’s larger maps are even more immersive. Pinpoint Positional Accuracy – I could clearly track footsteps, gunshots, and even subtle movements. Whether enemies were on the left, right, front, back, above, or below, I could hear it all. Crystal-Clear Footsteps & Cues – Footsteps were loud enough without getting underpowered by other sounds such as gunshots, grenades etc. DTS:X Ultra + Shooter Mode – I used this combo with no EQ, and it worked perfectly. Best COD Audio Setting? – I tried Treyarch Mix, Headphones, and Sucker Punch, but Home Theater Mode worked best for me. It made everything sound even more massive, immersive, and lifelike—I felt like I was actually inside the game. **Final Thoughts - Is It Worth It?** If you're looking for an IEM specifically for gaming, 7Hz G1 is an absolute steal. I was considering buying an expensive IEM just for gaming, but this saved me so much money while delivering performance a lot better than my expectations. I loved it! For music, it’s decent but doesn’t replace my Castor Pro or ZS12X. But for gaming? Easily the best IEM I’ve ever used. If you want insane spatial awareness, wide soundstage, and accurate positional audio for FPS games—this is the one to get. **(Do not spend anything more than this just for gaming because I think post this every other iem will have a diminishing return).** Let me know if you have any questions!

I haven't tried zs10 pro. I do use zs12 pro x for music. zs12 pro x felt a little sharp for me during gunshots. g1 is more balanced. you can let me know what you are exactly looking for. I'll suggest.

I love my kz zs12 pro x. kz zs10 pro 2 is bit warmer than zs12 pro x. i dont think you made a mistake. you'll love it. if it's with tuning switches then keep all of them on. and might consider foam ear tips over regular ones.

I dont own kz zs10 pro 2 but I have zs12 pro x. and its the banger. it just have one extra BA than zs10 pro 2. I power them with cs43131 dac and its just amazing. the most expensive iem i have right now is cca hydro. I love them the most and use them the most. I use fiio ka13 for powering it.

yes zs10 pro 2 is semi open back. but isolation is quite really good. i own kz zs12 pro x both iems have the same looks just zs12 pro x is all metallic. the noise isolation is good. the semi open back on iems are not like open back Headphones so no need to worry about noise isolation. some iems which truly works like open back Headphones are kz zenith (i have this) noise isolation is still good when playing music but otherwise you'll be clearly able to hear the outside world. others are epz p50 which is kinda new and the latest kiwi ears septet. can't say about these two.

Kz zs12 pro x. Buy a good DAC. This iem goes well with all genres. No sibilance, smooth treble, enough Bass.

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.

I have these, metal shell hurts rest all good

Hi all, So i just got the ZS12 Pro X. I had the ZS10 pro X and loved it. ZS12 is definitely an upgrade over it. But now I want to get 2 more for collection. I’m pretty much all set on getting the Hydro but I’m torn between PRX and EW300. So, those of you who heard them all, if you are told to choose just one which one will you?? Also if I do get the EW300, should I get the DSP version? Edit: Want them for Music not gaming

I have both the ZS10 and ZS12 Pro X, also significantly cheaper than the hydro but trust me it’s a significant upgrade over the ZS10, and the ZS12 also has 1 BA driver inside the nozzle, dedicated solely for the mids which even the hydro lacks

KZ has about 2-3 incidents that people still cling to and just hate in them. In general I have found they have pretty solid products I’m currently happy with the ZS12 Pro X, while it’s a nice upgrade from ZS10 for a significant upgrade, go for the CCA Hydro, depending on your budget ofc. If you want planer sound at a budget, get Artti T10

Dude listen, you’re not crazy. I had the ZSN Pro X, while it sounded great to my ears when I first got them, ZSN Pro 2 sounds significantly better in my ears, like pretty damn amazing. And also, I had ZS10 Pro X as well, and recently got the ZS12 Pro X and it sounded miles and above better than the ZS10…it’s is highly technical with absolutely fantastic soundstage and not at all sibilant with the 4th switch up. Tldr; I think it is simply a case of either upgraded BA drivers in these two newer iterations of KZ or much better tuning. ZS12 Pro X for me is one of the most underrated technical IEMs out there.

ZS10 Pro is an amazing IEM to step into this foray and trust me it is all subjective. I also own the Zero 2 and ZS12 Pro X. While I also really like the Zero 2, it’s a milder V shape than the ZS10 Pro. So they both have uses in my music genre preferences. You’ve made an excellent choice for now, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it. Then later you can also experience the Zero 2 or waner in your collection as well

If you really want more details and technical performance go for the ZS12 Pro X. The ZS10 Pro 2 has harsher treble yet less details and technicality than the ZS12. Also, the ZS12’s BA driver in the nozzle is dedicated for Mids only, while the other 4 BA works for Trebles. Overall this one offers amaIng technicality. Get the Tuning version for more flexibility

ZS12 Pro X for amazing details and technicality PRX has the best planer tuning, almost DD quality bass with the details typical of a planer and wide soundstage. Vader pro bass enhanced has a very good balance of details and bass Hydro is a very fun set with flagship level details

ZS12 Pro X is absolutely amazing, compared with AS24 is more technical and produces natural DD bass with a nice texture and boom, without overwhelming the mids. As24 has slightly better imaging but the lack of boomy bass takes the fun out of it and also makes it sound a bit unnatural

I’m using triclarion tips, they make the long nozzle go deep inside my ear canal, which makes the bass a bit more pronounced. But to be clear, by boomy I only meant in comparison to my AS24 and other BA only IEMs in general. In comparison though, even the ZS10 pro X has more bass than the ZS12; but in my ears ZS12 pro’s bass is more textured rather than muddy. Your and I are not the only one though, those who actually bought and heard the ZS12 Pro X knows how amazing it is. The IEM is simply underrated and also downplayed by the KZ hating clan. No offense to anyone but some of them just mirror other people’s words without ever buying a KZ IEM or simply having the bad luck to own a bad QC unit, which is pretty common for any brand

I just got mine, holy crap it’s way nicer than I anticipated lol. Honeymoon period though, but it sounds very dynamic but still smooth yet analytical. I bet these are nice for gaming. I have the non switch version, because it was like $30.

Hmm I have an ew300 coming, and I just got the 12 pro x. It’s better than the ew200, but I doubt it can touch the ew300 if it’s anything like the supermix 4.

Mine doesn’t have a mic, but usually the cheap iem mic cables sound good. The only issue is it doesn’t cancel background noise so you’ll hear the ambient sound too. As far as I know at least.

I got my non switch zs12 prox for like $35 on Ali. There are deals out there, but I’d probably have to agree that the ew300 with its piezo and planar are better and more impressive if it’s anything like the supermix 4.

I recently got a chi-fi KZ ZS10 Pro X based on a recommendation I heard from a touring bassist on some podcast, and I must say I'm very impressed with the sound quality and comfort, and like them much better than my $200 ATH-M50x headphones and that for about fifth of the price. Later I bought a slightly more expensive variant (KZ ZS12 Pro X) but there was barely any difference in sound quality. Overall I'm very pleased and think that practicing with IEMs so far has been very beneficial to me since I can hear nuances of the sound much better and it already helped me to improve technique. Also playing with IEMs during band practices solved an issue of guitarist cranking his volume to uncomfortable levels and drowning out others. Given the price of those cheap IEMs compared to the benefits and sound quality, I think at least trying IEMs is a no brainier.

I tried a bunch of chifi IEMs and my favorite pair for playing bass is KZ ZS12 Pro X. To my ears it is the least muddy in the lower base range. The only minor downside - due to the metal body (which is good for durability) they are slightly heavier and more sensitive to proper fit.

for $40 ish, ***Kefine Klean*** is the current budget king. if you could get KZ ZS12 pro for under $40 that also pretty decent, if you wanna cheapout, ***KZ Castor Pro bass*** for sub $15, KZ Saga Balance/ CCA Trio / KZ vader bal, for $25 ish.

The kz zs10 pro x are indeed great! But if you have a little more to spend, then the new Zs12 pro x series are just the way to go. Everything is better, and just pore refined.

1) If you can't spend more than 50 euros, then yeah 30 dollars iems are a good value. If you can, then no because 50 dollars iems are going to give you much better value for the money. So it really depends on your budget in my opinion. 2) I don't have a clear opinion on that, and haven't studied the topic enough. But knowing that most dynamic drivers membranes are polymer based, and having studied polymer behavior a little bit during my engineering courses, burn-in seems possible to me from a macro-molecular point of view, now does it affect the sound in an audible way? I don't know.. 3) I hear a significant difference between Mp3 320 and flac. In terms of resolution or detail I'm not sure, but in terms of background noise/hiss. It might have something to do with the specific combination of my dac/amp and my iems (LG v50 and KZ Zs12 pro x, same thing with kz zs10 pro x). Each time I listened again to the same song but in flac, the hiss/noise was gone. 4) Could not agree more. People got scammed since phone manufacturers removed the 3.5mm jack. But nobody said anything. 5) Collecting is stupid indeed. But Trying a lot of cheap iems to know what sound you like isn't.

Kz zs12 pro x is really great for classical music.

Have you ever tried the KZ zs12 pro x? And if yes, how would they compare? I tried the Zenith. And while it's impressive as a single driver for Kz, I'm missing a lot of micro-details and some "richness" that I could get with my Zs12.

I own the KZ ZS12 Pro X and, honestly, it sounds artificially bright with a typical BA “shout” in the upper mids/treble. The timbre feels synthetic, clarity isn’t impressive, and while the stage is decently wide, it lacks true holography and separation. The tuning switches barely change anything. It’s a classic V-shape that leans peaky and fatiguing for me. I recently upgraded to the Simgot EA500LM and it made me realize I wasted money on the ZS12 Pro X. I was swayed by the driver count (and liked the KZ Castor Bass Edition), but the ZS12 Pro X feels like hype over sound quality. For context, my preferences are Harman-neutral or balanced-warm with fast sub-bass attack/transients, and a holographic stage with good separation and clarity. If that aligns with your taste, I’d avoid the ZS12 Pro X.

Totally get that. What fascinates me is just how cheap it actually sounds despite being marketed as a “premium” KZ. It feels like premium branding from a budget-first brand, but the tuning and timbre don’t deliver at that price—more hype than substance.

Very intersting review. I have ZS-12 Pro X now. I'm considering to buy new IEM, so, your review is very helpful. Thank you :)

For me although it has a good v shape, the bass lacks a little. It sounds muffled on some heavy bass songs. The midrange is limited as well on some instrumental jazz tracks when the treble is present, for an example Pharoah Sanders, You got to have freedom track. I use this track mostly when testing IEMs. The moondrop was one of my first IEM along with KZzs 12 Pro X tuning model and Simgot EW300 HBB. The Letshuoer Cadenza4 is my daily driver for now. It has the best sound signature for what I listen to.

Kz zs Pro 12 X with tuning

Try Kz zs pro 12 X @ around $50 and try different tips.

Kz zs Pro 12 x is a good deal . Zero red has a muffled sound quality control sucks. Ew 300 is a good beginner pair

Zero red sucks for me, but kz zs 12 pro x is better , that's why people keep buying them.

If you are able to buy from Amazon, that would be a good way to try and test for yourself. I've many iem . I've ordered Kz zs 12 pro x , zero red, and blue. Kz zs 12 pro tuning model Is a better sounding iem. Amazon has a quick return and refund policy. Keep what you like send the rest back. It's all a subjective listening experience you'll get many different and confusing answers and advice here. Good luck..

This is the one I use: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JN62MZQ?ref_=ppx_hzod_title_dt_b_fed_asin_title_0_0&th=1 Paired with KZ ZS12 Pro X IEMs

I got my hands on white tiger for 48$ and for that price it’s a fantastic deal. The quantity and quality you get with these is amazing. Excellent tips, Tuning Nozzles, 3.5mm & 4.4mm, Very good cable and a hard plastic case. I pulled trigger on these because of TDM he recommended these over EW300 and other reviewer also said that Tiger is more detailed than EW300 which actually surprised me because how good EW300 is considered for its price. My personal experience: This is my second IEM first one was KZ ZS12 Pro X. 12 Pro X can be fatiguing sometimes (Typical KZ) due to sharp trebles but still very good IEM but Tiger is on another level. It’s refined, smooth, wide, detailed while not being harsh and has above average bass (More than ZS12 Pro X) and Tiger is more comfortable with T tips included. It has that punchiness due to Dynamic Driver in which Planar lacks in. I did noticed bass bleed into mids slightly which I adjusted easily with EQ. Overall I’ll give it 9.8 out of 10. Edit: Reviewer also compared Tiger with Delci and Tiger was more detailed with more bass while Delci is more neutral but less details. https://preview.redd.it/p3nrq92z4cae1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=de504ae3375c96b4e59b078e2e608c1a1b1e4245

I realy like my kz zs12 pro x and kz castor bass

The NX8s look amazing, and would be a fantastic upgrade from my KZ ZS12 Pro Xs! I would definitely look to pick them up if they go on sale

Nah, it's all switches down. You can even see it represented on the graphic they share. I have the switch version and I'm definitely glad I do.

The ZS 12 Pro X is definitely a great IEM. Since it's entirely made of metal, it's a bit heavy, but it feels solid and durable. Technically, it's very impressive—the bass is sufficient, and the treble isn't harsh. I think it's one of the best IEMs for someone just starting out in the IEM world.

Hidizs mk12 out of 4 wired IEMs I ever had ($135 during Ali sale). I prefer them over JVC FDX1 I've paid $250 for back in 2020. mk12 is warmer, but still not too much bass. I'm using them with gold nozzle and vocal tips (silver nozzle had slightly higher treble peaks which were fatiguing, I could only use it with some foam tips but they had too much reduction effect on treble). I also have KZ zs12 pro x (1DD+5BA) which I quite like, I don't think you can get better sound for $32 (Tangzu Wan'er 2, CCA Phoenix?). I don't use any bass boost knobs here, I feel like vocals are less clear after boosting the bass. I'm looking for best possible IEMs for classic metal, but I also want very clear vocals. Are planars really the best option for metal (after EST of course)?

Buddy, don't go for the KZ ZS10 Pro 2. It's an outdated IEM. The ZS12 Pro X is a far better option with upgraded BA drivers, and it is available at Conceptkart. Also, you need not spend that much for a basic DAC. Ditch ddHiFi and get Audiocular D07 instead. They're exactly the same. Headphone Zone charges twice the amount for its brand name. Remember, KZ/CCA are known for their aggressive 'V-shaped' sound signatures (boosted bass and sharp treble). If you're someone who prefers a 'Balanced' sound signature then you should look towards Truthear or Kefine or Tanchjim etc. Here are a few recommendations from my side- 🔸 KZ ZSX Pro 🔸 KZ ZS12 Pro X 🔸 Rose Technics QuietSea 🔸 Kinera Celest Pandamon 2.0

From your list, the ZS12 Pro X tuning version, though. Imo, it's a good technical over musical iem. https://youtu.be/l44h-KeOocE?feature=shared Around the 5 minute mark, he discusses gaming performance.

Yeah isolation is a tough one. I’ve had the KZ Pros and think they are garbage on all aspects from the fit, to sound isolation, to the sound reproduction. Probably my most hated IEMs that I’ve tried