Wired IEMs
KZ Ling Long
72Good
$16
Full review dataKZ Ling Long vs TRN CS4: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the KZ Ling Long comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 72. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: KZ Ling Long - Good overall at around $16.
Wired IEMs
TRN CS4
62Average
$10
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
KZ Ling Long
Sound7.0
Value8.0
TRN CS4
Sound6.0
Value7.0
Specifications
| Spec | KZ Ling Long | TRN CS4 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $16 | $10 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 62 / 100 · Average |
| Released | 2024 | 2022 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | XUN-6 external magnetic dynamic unit | 10mm dual magnet dynamic driver |
| Driver size | 6 mm | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 25 Ω | 23 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 103 dB/mW | 118 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Controls | none | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 83 g | 16.2 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | Yes |
| USB-C | No | Yes |
What reviewers said
KZ Ling Long
The KZ Ling Long is a budget-friendly wired IEM with a compact bullet-style shell and a warm, engaging sound signature. It offers solid build quality and good value, though its technical abilities are modest and it can get congested on complex tracks. Its open-back-inspired design gives a notably spacious soundstage for the price, but clarity and refinement are not its strengths.
- Pro:Very good build quality for the price
- Pro:Warm, enjoyable tuning with solid bass
- Pro:Spacious soundstage for an inexpensive IEM
- Con:Average technical performance and detail retrieval
- Con:Can sound congested on busy, dense music
- Con:No inline controls or microphone
TRN CS4
The TRN CS4 is an ultra-affordable in-ear monitor that offers surprising detail retrieval and a lively treble response for its price, along with decent spatial cues. However, its stock tuning can come across as aggressive or harsh, and it may require some tweaking to unlock its full potential for a smoother listening experience.
- Pro:Very affordable price point
- Pro:Strong treble energy and detail
- Pro:Surprisingly good imaging and soundstage for the cost
- Con:Stock tuning can sound harsh or bright
- Con:Lacks refinement and polish out of the box
- Con:May require modification or EQ to sound balanced
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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