Review on KZ ZSN Pro X Earbuds Earphones Yinyoo - Hybrid Dynamic Driver Balanced Armature Headphones, Dual Driver 1DD 1BA, Deep Bass Stereo Sound, Ergonomic & Comfortable (with mic, Black) by Justin Woolley

Let's start by saying I've never been a huge fan of headphones for a number of reasons. I have a Grados set for home listening, but I usually stick with headphones/earbuds in the $20 range as they get lost or damaged quite often. (My only good pair of JBLs got hit by a rogue office chair a few days after buying them.) So I didn't have much interest or experience with pricier headphones. I first heard about them when I was looking for head-fi to replace another set I left on the plane. Most of what the mainstream, mass-market brands offer seem to be either basic headphones, not much better than the SkullCandys, or wireless/noise-cancelling/whatever you've got that needs charging. Then I discovered the wide, strange world of Chi-Fi.KZ and its various siblings produce an amazing number of models in a wide price range, right up to 4-figure models. The ZSN looked like your average sub-$50 set, so I pulled the trigger. No worse than buying a pair of Sony. The packaging was surprisingly beautiful and inspiring, even though the instructions were ridiculously mistranslated. The kit includes a standard set of nozzles, both standard silicone and KZ "Star Line". Couldn't tell any difference. The monitors themselves are very solidly built and look more like professional stage IEMs than consumer headphones. They're heavier but not uncomfortable, and the ear loop on the cords reduces the weight a bit. The side facing the ear is shaped and they are quite snug in the ear. The cord itself, braided like boutique fashion brands, is very flexible and therefore easily tangled. Don't put them in your pocket. Their advantage is that they can be replaced and there is a good aftermarket choice even if the connector is proprietary. So how do they sound? By far the best I've heard in this price range. This particular model is fairly bass-heavy but not boomy like some mainstream brands. It's more of an inner feeling. On the other hand, BA drivers bring more clarity to the high-end. Sharp but not harsh or tinny. On the other hand, there is a dip in the middle, as is often the case with monitors of this type. It's easy to equalize with the equalizer in Spotify/iTunes. The noise isolation is amazing and with a set of foam tips it rivals active noise cancellation kits. yes it is that good There is some noise leakage, but nothing significant that's only noticeable in a quiet room. It's also worth noting that they're fairly low impedance and can easily be cranked up to an intimidating volume, even when powered from a phone. A separate DAC is not required (and why would I take it with me when I travel?). The downsides are really just a fairly colorful response and a narrow soundstage, but everything else outweighs that, especially for my intended use of listening to Spotify on a noisy bus or working out. And even there, that very "punchy" sound is a virtue that cuts through the street noise. Is that audiophile quality? Of course not, but that's why I have Hi-Fi at home. But they're worth the money, and there's enough left over to spend on a few backups or learn the rest of the KZ lineage.