I am conducting the 3rd MO for KZ (Knowledge Zenith) in-ear monitors (IEMs). These Chinese IEMs offer fantastic sound performance at very reasonable prices. Their sound quality will easily outperform any IEM you can find in Singapore within the same price range or higher.
Price is SGD$35 , SGD$30 for KZ-A1 Original Edition. Prices include shipping.
I accept payment prior to ordering in cash or POSB/DBS ATM or Internet Banking transfer. Interested buyer please SMS/WhatsApp to me at 98805223. (Please do not call or SMS after 11pm and before 7am)
This MO closes on Sunday, 13th January 2014 at 10pm . All payments must be received by then.
Delivery of goods is approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
----------
A Brief History of Knowledge Zenith
Knowledge Zenith, or KZ for short, was founded in 2008 by two music-lovers and IEM enthusiasts – Keith Yue and Zen Li. Keith was a former engineer at Audio-Technica (Greater China) and Zen is a western-trained classical musician. Both friends got together and created the first KZ in-ear monitor – KZ-M1. The M1 was a hit among headphones aficionados in China. It retailed for only RMB¥49 but sounded as good as those branded IEMs which cost many times more. Subsequently KZ introduced A1 in 2011 and R1 in 2013, both targeting at audiophiles. Not surprising, their sales exceed many mainstream brands, including Sennheiser, Shure, AKG, Skullcandy, Beats by Dr Dre and Audio-Technica in China today.
KZ stands for superior sound quality and truly great value.
Read more about KZ products here: Knowledge Zenith (KZ) appreciation thread.
Materials
KZ IEMs use the same bio-cellulose dynamic drivers supplied to many mainstream brands. For example, the dynamic drivers in A1 are the same ones used in Sennheiser IE80 but are tuned differently. The cords are not overlooked either. R1 uses the same 32-strand Low Capacitance-Oxygen-Free Copper (LC-OFC) cord in Ultimate Ears Pro Series. KZ sources their components from the same manufacturers supplying to many well-known brands. *
----------
KZ-A1 Original Edition (Black)
Sound characteristics* (after 100+ hours burn-in): Clear and clean highs. Bodied, three-dimensional mids. Smooth SUBWOOFER-LIKE bass without being too weighty or muddy. A bit slow for some preference. Wide stereo soundstage. Overall musical and forward-sounding.
Suitable for: vocal, rap, heavy metal, rock and pop.
Bottomline: KZ's answer to Beats by Dre Tour. If you like clear yet bold, bass-oriented sound, KZ-A1 OE is your choice.
Specifications:
Design: Closed-back /intra-aural
Transducer: Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 9.2 mm *
Impedance: 16 ohms @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 102dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
Maximum input power: 110 mW
Frequency response: 20-22,000 Hz
Cable: LC-OFC
Cable length: 1.2 m, symmetrical (earphone to separator: 0.4 m; separator to plug: 0.7 m)
Connector: 3.5 mm, straight
Weight (without cord): 3.3 grams
Accessories: 3 sets of silicone tips (Small, Medium, Large)
----------
KZ-R1
Sound characteristics* (after 100+ hours burn-in): Smooth, clean highs. Bodied, three-dimensional mids. Extended lows. Wide stereo soundstage with precise focus. Female vocal is warm and bold without being too weighty or muddy. Very musical and forward-sounding. Overall better finesse than A2.
Suitable for: vocal, classic jazz, blues, folk, rock and pop.
Bottomline: If you like balanced, fuller and forward sound, KZ-R1 is your choice.
Specifications:
Design: Closed-back /intra-aural
Transducer: Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 9 mm *
Impedance: 16 ohms @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 108dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
Maximum input power: 50 mW
Frequency response: 10-27,000 Hz
Cable: LC-OFC
Cable length: 1.1 m, symmetrical (earphone to separator: 0.4 m; separator to plug: 0.7 m)
Connector: 3.5 mm, straight
Weight (without cord): 3.9 grams
Accessories: 3 sets of silicone tips (S, M, L) and 1 collar clip
----------
KZ-CM9
Sound characteristics* (after 100+ hours burn-in): full, tight, dynamic and extended bass. Smooth, mellow, three-dimensional midrange. Clear and detailed highs. Wide stereo soundstage and forward sounding. The lows are better than R1.
Suitable for: vocal, rap, rock, pop and orchestra.
Bottomline: If you like rich and dynamic bass, mellow mids and rounded highs, KZ-CM9 is your choice.
Specifications:
Design: Closed-back /intra-aural
Transducer: Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 14 mm
Impedance: 18 ohms @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 98dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1mW
Maximum input power: 200 mW
Frequency response: 7-31,000 Hz
Cable: LC-OFC
Cable length: 1.2 m, symmetrical (earphone to separator: 0.4 m; separator to plug: 0.7 m)
Connector: 3.5 mm, L-shape
Weight (without cord): 4.1 grams
Accessories: 3 sets of silicone tips (Small, Medium, Large)
----------
Every IEM ordered will include:
One impact resistant zip case
3 pairs of silicone tips (Small, Medium and Large sizes)
One pair of original Comply T-500 or T-400 Foam Tips
TESTIMONIES:
“Bro, these earphones sound fantastic... No regrets!" - Matthew Heng
----------
"I love the KZ-R1 in-ears. After more than 100 hours of non-stop burn in, they sound very close to my Sennheiser IE80 at neutral bass setting." - Daniel Chua
-----
"I just bought the R1 to try out of curiosity. Wow! They are good." - Philip Loh
-----
"I bought the R1 for my son and he loves it." - Charles Wong
-----
"I heard my friend's KZ-CM9 and I love it. The bass response is better than my Soul SL99 IEMs." - Jeffery Ong
----------
* Equipment used for sound evaluation:
- LG Optimus 4x HD (P880) - not the best-sounding smartphone but I am using it until contract ends...
- iPod Class 5th Generation 80GB
- iRiver H340
- Fiio E06 and E11
- Asus Xonar Essence STX
- dBPowerAmp
- All music files in WAV format
- Using stock "M" size silicone tips
----------
FOLLOW-UP 1
KZ never claim they have the best-sounding IEMs. Their IEMs are definitely not the kinds you will find at pasar malam, bargain corners or lelong sale. So don't expect them to be cheap (By the way, Chinese goods are not always cheap. Just look at Xiaomi smartphones).
Q: $35!!! That's ridiculously pricey for an unknown Chinese earphones brand?
A: The money you are paying for good quality components and materials, not to some celebrity endorsement or marketing guys/gals.
Q: My Chinese friend says KZ earphones are rubbish. Why do you still want to MO them?
A: Have your Chinese friend heard a KZ IEMs? Like all hifi equipment, one man's meat is another's poison. Everybody's taste is different. We simply cannot judge something based on one person's point-of-view.
Q: Who would want to buy a no-brand earphones?
A: If nobody buys no-brand goods, why is Muji still around and expanding? Muji goods aren't cheap but I can tell you my Muji towel is very lasting. And it is made in China. If you are looking for famous earphones brands to show-off to your friends, look elsewhere please.
Q: These IEMs have virtually no bass. What a crap!
A: Personally I encountered the same problem before and I managed to find out the reasons. It is either you insert the silicone tips wrongly or you use the wrong tip size.
Watch this YouTube video : Etymotic Research - Earphone Insertion Video Guide - YouTube
Comply foam tips help bring back the bass without having to pull our ears until like rabbit. That's why I am throwing in a pair for this MO.
Q: Are you a dealer for KZ earphones?
A: No, I am not. I am just a music-lover like most of you. I have a full-time day job. Conduct MO is just a hobby of mine.
Q: Why doesn't KZ make IEMs with remote for smartphones just like Klipsch?
A: KZ is not interested in producing IEMs for the mass market. Their priority is always to achieve the best sound quality without the bells and whistles. Simple is best.
If you are looking for an IEMs with remote, do consider the excellent Sony MH1 which bro Whalesun is mass ordering: MO:Sony MH1 :) 08/11/13 Update!! Its HERE!!
Q: How do I "burn-in" my KZ IEMs? *
A: There are tons of ways to do it. I am a lazy person so I use CD tracks such as those from XLO/Sheffield Labs Test and Burn-in CD.
The hardworking person's way is of course to follow a procedure of burning cycle. You can Google for it.
Q: Do IEMs / earphones really need to burn-in?
A: I am a true-believer that all audio equipment need to be burned-in. Tyll Hertsens of InnerFidelity did a series of tests. You can read about them: Evidence of Headphone Break-In? | InnerFidelity
----------
FOLLOW-UP 2
Anyway, here are some new questions from those folks who have contacted me.
Q: I am interested to buy but I want to listen to these earphones first. Can I come to your house or meet you somewhere to audition?
A: Sorry, I can't. For hygiene reason, I prefer not to let anybody use my IEMs. Those KZ IEMs featured in the photos are my own and I don't keep stock at all.
Q: I don't want to wait. Can I buy the earphones from you?
A: As mentioned above, I don't keep stock. If I sell you mine, I have none to use.
Q: Why KZ IEMs? There are so many good Chinese IEMs, why not MO them?
A: Good question. I did take a look at the Chinese IEMs market. There are indeed tons to choose from but none is as consistent as KZ. What sort of "consistent" if you ask. KZ keeps improving their products. In fact, they just upgraded the cord on the KZ-R1 in September. They are not a hit-and-run company. I bought 4 IEMs from them and so far none has problem. In fact, their RMA rate is very low. This shows they care about quality. Consistency in quality and reliability in service are most important for anyone who conducts MO.
Q: There are not much information on KZ IEMs online. Very few people talk about it. Are you sure these are good earphones?
A: There are plenty discussions on KZ IEMs online but all of them are in Chinese websites. I am sad to say, their remarks are mostly negative. Why negative? Simple. Will you praise Chery cars or Huawei phones? Most people are pro-famous branded goods. You will be surprised those people who gave negative comments haven't even heard or own a KZ product. However, those who heard or tried the KZ IEMs have nothing but good things to say about them.
Price is SGD$35 , SGD$30 for KZ-A1 Original Edition. Prices include shipping.
I accept payment prior to ordering in cash or POSB/DBS ATM or Internet Banking transfer. Interested buyer please SMS/WhatsApp to me at 98805223. (Please do not call or SMS after 11pm and before 7am)
This MO closes on Sunday, 13th January 2014 at 10pm . All payments must be received by then.
Delivery of goods is approximately 4 to 6 weeks.
----------
A Brief History of Knowledge Zenith
Knowledge Zenith, or KZ for short, was founded in 2008 by two music-lovers and IEM enthusiasts – Keith Yue and Zen Li. Keith was a former engineer at Audio-Technica (Greater China) and Zen is a western-trained classical musician. Both friends got together and created the first KZ in-ear monitor – KZ-M1. The M1 was a hit among headphones aficionados in China. It retailed for only RMB¥49 but sounded as good as those branded IEMs which cost many times more. Subsequently KZ introduced A1 in 2011 and R1 in 2013, both targeting at audiophiles. Not surprising, their sales exceed many mainstream brands, including Sennheiser, Shure, AKG, Skullcandy, Beats by Dr Dre and Audio-Technica in China today.
KZ stands for superior sound quality and truly great value.
Read more about KZ products here: Knowledge Zenith (KZ) appreciation thread.
Materials
KZ IEMs use the same bio-cellulose dynamic drivers supplied to many mainstream brands. For example, the dynamic drivers in A1 are the same ones used in Sennheiser IE80 but are tuned differently. The cords are not overlooked either. R1 uses the same 32-strand Low Capacitance-Oxygen-Free Copper (LC-OFC) cord in Ultimate Ears Pro Series. KZ sources their components from the same manufacturers supplying to many well-known brands. *
----------
KZ-A1 Original Edition (Black)
Sound characteristics* (after 100+ hours burn-in): Clear and clean highs. Bodied, three-dimensional mids. Smooth SUBWOOFER-LIKE bass without being too weighty or muddy. A bit slow for some preference. Wide stereo soundstage. Overall musical and forward-sounding.
Suitable for: vocal, rap, heavy metal, rock and pop.
Bottomline: KZ's answer to Beats by Dre Tour. If you like clear yet bold, bass-oriented sound, KZ-A1 OE is your choice.
Specifications:
Design: Closed-back /intra-aural
Transducer: Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 9.2 mm *
Impedance: 16 ohms @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 102dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
Maximum input power: 110 mW
Frequency response: 20-22,000 Hz
Cable: LC-OFC
Cable length: 1.2 m, symmetrical (earphone to separator: 0.4 m; separator to plug: 0.7 m)
Connector: 3.5 mm, straight
Weight (without cord): 3.3 grams
Accessories: 3 sets of silicone tips (Small, Medium, Large)
----------
KZ-R1
Sound characteristics* (after 100+ hours burn-in): Smooth, clean highs. Bodied, three-dimensional mids. Extended lows. Wide stereo soundstage with precise focus. Female vocal is warm and bold without being too weighty or muddy. Very musical and forward-sounding. Overall better finesse than A2.
Suitable for: vocal, classic jazz, blues, folk, rock and pop.
Bottomline: If you like balanced, fuller and forward sound, KZ-R1 is your choice.
Specifications:
Design: Closed-back /intra-aural
Transducer: Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 9 mm *
Impedance: 16 ohms @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 108dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1 mW
Maximum input power: 50 mW
Frequency response: 10-27,000 Hz
Cable: LC-OFC
Cable length: 1.1 m, symmetrical (earphone to separator: 0.4 m; separator to plug: 0.7 m)
Connector: 3.5 mm, straight
Weight (without cord): 3.9 grams
Accessories: 3 sets of silicone tips (S, M, L) and 1 collar clip
----------
KZ-CM9
Sound characteristics* (after 100+ hours burn-in): full, tight, dynamic and extended bass. Smooth, mellow, three-dimensional midrange. Clear and detailed highs. Wide stereo soundstage and forward sounding. The lows are better than R1.
Suitable for: vocal, rap, rock, pop and orchestra.
Bottomline: If you like rich and dynamic bass, mellow mids and rounded highs, KZ-CM9 is your choice.
Specifications:
Design: Closed-back /intra-aural
Transducer: Dynamic
Driver Diameter: 14 mm
Impedance: 18 ohms @ 1 kHz
Sensitivity: 98dB SPL @ 1 kHz, 1mW
Maximum input power: 200 mW
Frequency response: 7-31,000 Hz
Cable: LC-OFC
Cable length: 1.2 m, symmetrical (earphone to separator: 0.4 m; separator to plug: 0.7 m)
Connector: 3.5 mm, L-shape
Weight (without cord): 4.1 grams
Accessories: 3 sets of silicone tips (Small, Medium, Large)
----------
Every IEM ordered will include:
One impact resistant zip case
3 pairs of silicone tips (Small, Medium and Large sizes)
One pair of original Comply T-500 or T-400 Foam Tips
TESTIMONIES:
“Bro, these earphones sound fantastic... No regrets!" - Matthew Heng
----------
"I love the KZ-R1 in-ears. After more than 100 hours of non-stop burn in, they sound very close to my Sennheiser IE80 at neutral bass setting." - Daniel Chua
-----
"I just bought the R1 to try out of curiosity. Wow! They are good." - Philip Loh
-----
"I bought the R1 for my son and he loves it." - Charles Wong
-----
"I heard my friend's KZ-CM9 and I love it. The bass response is better than my Soul SL99 IEMs." - Jeffery Ong
----------
* Equipment used for sound evaluation:
- LG Optimus 4x HD (P880) - not the best-sounding smartphone but I am using it until contract ends...
- iPod Class 5th Generation 80GB
- iRiver H340
- Fiio E06 and E11
- Asus Xonar Essence STX
- dBPowerAmp
- All music files in WAV format
- Using stock "M" size silicone tips
----------
FOLLOW-UP 1
KZ never claim they have the best-sounding IEMs. Their IEMs are definitely not the kinds you will find at pasar malam, bargain corners or lelong sale. So don't expect them to be cheap (By the way, Chinese goods are not always cheap. Just look at Xiaomi smartphones).
Q: $35!!! That's ridiculously pricey for an unknown Chinese earphones brand?
A: The money you are paying for good quality components and materials, not to some celebrity endorsement or marketing guys/gals.
Q: My Chinese friend says KZ earphones are rubbish. Why do you still want to MO them?
A: Have your Chinese friend heard a KZ IEMs? Like all hifi equipment, one man's meat is another's poison. Everybody's taste is different. We simply cannot judge something based on one person's point-of-view.
Q: Who would want to buy a no-brand earphones?
A: If nobody buys no-brand goods, why is Muji still around and expanding? Muji goods aren't cheap but I can tell you my Muji towel is very lasting. And it is made in China. If you are looking for famous earphones brands to show-off to your friends, look elsewhere please.
Q: These IEMs have virtually no bass. What a crap!
A: Personally I encountered the same problem before and I managed to find out the reasons. It is either you insert the silicone tips wrongly or you use the wrong tip size.
Watch this YouTube video : Etymotic Research - Earphone Insertion Video Guide - YouTube
Comply foam tips help bring back the bass without having to pull our ears until like rabbit. That's why I am throwing in a pair for this MO.
Q: Are you a dealer for KZ earphones?
A: No, I am not. I am just a music-lover like most of you. I have a full-time day job. Conduct MO is just a hobby of mine.
Q: Why doesn't KZ make IEMs with remote for smartphones just like Klipsch?
A: KZ is not interested in producing IEMs for the mass market. Their priority is always to achieve the best sound quality without the bells and whistles. Simple is best.
If you are looking for an IEMs with remote, do consider the excellent Sony MH1 which bro Whalesun is mass ordering: MO:Sony MH1 :) 08/11/13 Update!! Its HERE!!
Q: How do I "burn-in" my KZ IEMs? *
A: There are tons of ways to do it. I am a lazy person so I use CD tracks such as those from XLO/Sheffield Labs Test and Burn-in CD.
The hardworking person's way is of course to follow a procedure of burning cycle. You can Google for it.
Q: Do IEMs / earphones really need to burn-in?
A: I am a true-believer that all audio equipment need to be burned-in. Tyll Hertsens of InnerFidelity did a series of tests. You can read about them: Evidence of Headphone Break-In? | InnerFidelity
----------
FOLLOW-UP 2
Anyway, here are some new questions from those folks who have contacted me.
Q: I am interested to buy but I want to listen to these earphones first. Can I come to your house or meet you somewhere to audition?
A: Sorry, I can't. For hygiene reason, I prefer not to let anybody use my IEMs. Those KZ IEMs featured in the photos are my own and I don't keep stock at all.
Q: I don't want to wait. Can I buy the earphones from you?
A: As mentioned above, I don't keep stock. If I sell you mine, I have none to use.
Q: Why KZ IEMs? There are so many good Chinese IEMs, why not MO them?
A: Good question. I did take a look at the Chinese IEMs market. There are indeed tons to choose from but none is as consistent as KZ. What sort of "consistent" if you ask. KZ keeps improving their products. In fact, they just upgraded the cord on the KZ-R1 in September. They are not a hit-and-run company. I bought 4 IEMs from them and so far none has problem. In fact, their RMA rate is very low. This shows they care about quality. Consistency in quality and reliability in service are most important for anyone who conducts MO.
Q: There are not much information on KZ IEMs online. Very few people talk about it. Are you sure these are good earphones?
A: There are plenty discussions on KZ IEMs online but all of them are in Chinese websites. I am sad to say, their remarks are mostly negative. Why negative? Simple. Will you praise Chery cars or Huawei phones? Most people are pro-famous branded goods. You will be surprised those people who gave negative comments haven't even heard or own a KZ product. However, those who heard or tried the KZ IEMs have nothing but good things to say about them.
via Singapore Classified http://forums.vr-zone.com/showthread.php?t=3004038&goto=newpost
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