Intro
ZEX Pro is KZ’s latest entry level IEM which is released shortly after ZEX. So, you might wonder, what’s the difference between the ZEX Pro and ZEX? Well, the driver setup, ZEX Pro features a single DD,BA and also an electrostatic driver, while ZEX has got the same setup but minus the BA. One thing to note though, is that the well known reviewer Crinacle is involved in the tuning of ZEX Pro.
So, an additional BA driver and tuned by Crinacle? Let’s see.
Packaging
Nothing much to say here as it is the standard and usual KZ packaging, the IEM and the renowned KZ starlines eartips in S,M,L sizes. (M is fitted on the IEM itself)
Build/Comfort
In terms of build quality, the material used is the same I believe. However, there’s a slight change in the design, ZEX Pro’s faceplate has got a vent while ZEX doesn’t have one and also the design on the faceplate is different.
Comfort wise, both of them are more or less the same for me. Comfortable to wear for long listening sessions No weird protruding edges.
Source
Tidal -> Audirect Beam 3 Pro -> ZEX Pro.
Tidal -> RHA L1 -> ZEX Pro
Sound
Upon putting them on my ears, i can already tell the difference between the ZEX Pro and ZEX. In fact the difference is so distinct that it is not just throwing in additional drivers and calling it a day. To me, the difference is day and night because it is very obvious.
Tonality wise, they’re still on the warmer side which is similar to the OG ZEX. The timbre is also dry sounding to me.
Bass
Good sub bass performance, adequate rumble and does not overpower the mid bass
Bass is fairly fast and exhibit good control
No bass bleed
Mids
Lacking in texture and clarity
Note weights sounded a little thin to my ears
Male vocal sounded alright with enough body
However female vocals sounded a little dry, especially on Adele’s Easy On Me. I find it very dry sounding and lacking body
Vocal is not recessed
Treble
Detail retrieval is good enough at this price point, nothing to nit pick
Not sibilant and not harsh, this has always been the weak and pain point for KZ, but not anymore
Sparky treble but not harsh
A bit more air compared to the original ZEX
Soundstage/Imaging
The soundstage on the ZEX Pro is actually very wide. Compared to the ZEX, this is a lot wider and you get sense of space easily
Imaging is very good for the price, instruments can be pin-pointed accurately and they don’t get mixed up with the background
Driveability
Easy to drive and you can get good sound out of a smartphone
Does benefit from a better source
Does not benefit from amping to my ears
Should you get the ZEX Pro if you already have ZEX?
I have tried the ZEX and honestly they are okay for the price
For ZEX Pro, they are different, the tuning is much better and also the soundstage on ZEX Pro is a lot wider compared to ZEX’s
You should get the ZEX Pro if you are looking for a more refined tuning or if you favor Crin’s tuning
Final Thoughts
KZ has been very aggressive lately from what I have seen. Churning out IEMs at a very rapid rate, i hate to say that previous releases was mostly a miss to me, however i have decided to give ZEX a try and i’m surprised at the performance and direction that KZ is heading towards, with the ZEX Pro’s release, it’s safe to say they are heading to the right direction in terms of tuning. I would personally hope that the top end region can be better tuned in terms of slightly reducing the sparkle as it would be too much when you crank the volume up and also on some busy track
I’m sure a lot of people will like this because of its tuning, also not to mention it’s tuned by Crin. It’s an easy selling point from my perspective. This is not to say that ZEX Pro is bad in any way and it will only sell well because it bears a “Tuned by Crin’s badge”, no, nothing like it. It will sell well because they sound good for the price it’s asking for, and also they really work on improving their tuning which is a plus point.
If you are interested in getting a pair, head to KZ’s store to grab them. There’s also a discount code provided by KZ, i am not affiliated nor do i earn any commission from any purchase that you guys made. KZ’s Store
Discount Code: TIMZEXPRO
*Big thanks to Doris from KZ for sending over a pair in exchange for my review. My thoughts will not be affected nor will KZ have any influence over it.
