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KZ ZAXImage © KZ

KZ ZAX

62/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Pricey for what it is

$59
typical price, USD
Still sold newupdated
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
KZ
Type
Wired IEMs
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2021

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound6.5
Value5.0

The KZ ZAX is a hybrid in-ear monitor featuring 16 sound units (8 per side) combining a 10mm dynamic driver with seven balanced armature drivers for detailed sound across frequency bands. It has a zinc alloy shell with pearl chrome plating and a detachable 0.75mm 2-pin silver-plated cable.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The KZ ZAX is a budget-friendly hybrid earphone packing an eight-driver setup that delivers impressive technical ability and a wide soundstage for the price. It is easy to drive and offers good imaging, though its tuning leans toward a powerful bass that can occasionally overshadow the lower mids. Overall, it's a solid, incremental upgrade for those seeking a familiar KZ sound with extra driver firepower.

What works

  • Strong value with eight drivers at a low price
  • Wide and engaging soundstage with good imaging
  • Easy to drive from most sources
  • Comfortable fit and detachable cable
  • Clear separation between instruments

What doesn't

  • Bass can be slow and overpowering
  • Lower mids feel slightly recessed
  • Not a revolutionary tuning, just an incremental update

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - KZ ZAX
Driver1DD + 7BA hybrid
Driver typehybrid
Driver configuration1DD + 7BA
Drivers per side8
Frequency response10 Hz - 40 kHz
Impedance24 Ω
Sensitivity113 dB/mW

Where to buy

Retailers we matched to this exact model. Prices are periodic snapshots - the link always opens the retailer's current listing.

What the reviews said

4 source(s) feeding this product's score.

perrivanaudio.com

80

The reviewer thought the KZ ZAX delivers pleasing timbre, good imaging, and a soundstage that helps it stand out, especially for the price. The main complaint was that the bass can feel too strong and a bit slow, which affects balance.

Read the full review

thephonograph.net

85

The reviewer found the KZ ZAX to be a strong, good-value hybrid IEM with appealing soundstage, comfortable fit, and enjoyable separation. They also noted that its bass can be slow and overpowering, with some recession in the lower mids.

Read the full review

audiophileon.com

The reviewer identified the KZ ZAX as a 7-BA plus 1-DD hybrid and considered it a decent earphone overall. They suggested it is less about a dramatic breakthrough and more another incremental KZ release aimed at buyers who want a familiar upgraded tuning.

Read the full review

headphonesty.com

The reviewer described the KZ ZAX as a competitively priced 10mm dynamic plus seven balanced-armature hybrid that is easy to drive and comes with a very high driver count for the price. The overall impression was that it offers solid technical performance and value in a crowded budget IEM segment.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

The consensus

Mixedacross 6 videos

Reviewers agree the KZ ZAX offers impressive value, solid build quality, and a fun, bass-forward sound with good detail and soundstage for its price.

Reviewers liked

  • Good build quality and comfort
  • Fun, bass-forward sound with good detail
  • Wide soundstage and good imaging
  • Great value for the price

Reviewers flagged

  • Mids can be recessed or uneven and shouty
  • Bass may feel detached or bloated on some tracks
  • Treble can be sharp or harsh at times
  • Not neutral or highly technical
9:56

KZ ZAX Review - Linsoul IEM with 16 Drivers of Goodness!

Make Life Click26.8K viewsApr 2021

The reviewer finds the KZ ZAX to be a well-made and comfortable IEM that sounds impressive for its price, with a natural midrange and non-fatiguing treble. While the bass is abundant, it can feel slightly detached on certain genres and lacks tightness, but overall it's a fantastic value and a no-brainer for live use or casual listening.

7:57

Budget 8 Driver IEMs | KZ ZAX Review 2023

Ken Creates24.6K viewsAug 2023

The reviewer finds the KZ ZAX to be a fun, bass-forward IEM with impressive detail and instrument separation for the price, but notes it lacks sophistication and neutrality. They recommend it for bass lovers and casual listening, while suggesting alternatives like the Truthear Hexa for more technical performance. Despite enjoying the sound, they mention lingering concerns about KZ's past driver controversy.

8:36

Review of the KZ ZAX IEM

Audio-In Reviews18K viewsSep 2020

The reviewer finds the KZ ZAX to be a solid budget hybrid IEM with a fun V-shaped sound, featuring elevated treble and bass that provide a wide soundstage and punchy lows, though the recessed mids can make vocals and certain instruments sound less full. The design, build, comfort, and isolation are praised for the price, making it a great value overall.

7:50

KZ ZAX Review - 7BA 1DD Hybrid

Vortex Reviews11.3K viewsSep 2020

The reviewer finds the KZ ZAX to be a solid, affordable hybrid earphone with impressive driver count and good build quality, but notes a V-shaped sound signature with a sharp upper midrange and a peak around 10kHz that can make it sound bright and sometimes harsh. They praise the bass control, soundstage, imaging, and easy drivability, but caution that the boosted upper mids may not suit everyone.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

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