Best Budget In-Ear Monitors! (KZ ZST, ZS10, AS16, SE215, and More!)
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- čas přidán 16. 07. 2024
- There are lots of choices for great in-ear monitors, and it can be confusing which ones to pick! I must confess I've tried a LOT of the budget in-ear options out there.
In this video I'll share the ones I liked, loved, and hated.
BEST Universal In-Ear - KZ AS16
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CHEAPEST Universal In-Ear - KZ ZST
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Balanced, 5 Drivers - KZ AS10
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Good Bass, 4 Driver - KZ ZS5
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Better Bass and Clarity, 5 Driver - KZ ZS10 Pro
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*New, Upgraded Version of the ZS10 featured in this video - smaller, cheaper, better cable, metal faceplate
Shure SE215 - Better Warranty and Build Quality, Single Driver (If sound quality is more important, go for the KZ models)
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Replacement Foam Buds/Tips
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*Make sure you research the correct size for which model in-ears you own, most KZ models seem to work with Comply Tx-500
Upgraded Cables
amzn.to/32p65M8 *Make sure you research the correct cable for the model in-ears you own
We recommend choosing models “without mic” as cables with a built-in mic can sometimes cause interference issues with different stage monitor boxes/wireless packs.
CUSTOM FIT IN-EARS
64 Audio
www.64audio.com/
Ultimate Ears
custom.ultimateears.com/produ...
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No gear was supplied to us for this video. The content of this video and opinions expressed were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons. This video is not sponsored or paid for by any outside persons or manufacturers.
#sundaysounds #sundaykeys #worshipkeys - Hudba
KZ changed the game and made it much less acceptable for companies to charge high money. I love them for that.
Wait that profile picture is from some really weird video
One of kz technology's founder was an engineer for audio technica.. hehe fun fact..
Oh and i love kz's zs line... ❤️
Thanks to him we get budget IEM
That's a fun fact I didn't know. Anyways thanks to him, we budget folks can finally enjoy hi-fi audio without breaking our banks.
he made a gamechanger for the industry ajajajajajajajajaja a legend!!
That's why I love KZs. I've never seen another company flip the entire market like how KZ did. Absolute legends
Keep the gear reviews coming! I love the honesty and authenticity of these. It’s very informative and helpful.
Thank you for making this video, i was totally confused by all of the models
I recently purchased the ZSR a few days ago and I actually enjoy them very much but after watching this video I'm going to upgrade very soon.
I realize that this video is two years old but as a novice who is just getting into the realm of IEMs, this video was exceedingly helpful and super informative. Thank you.
thank you so much. it clears my doubt as to which budget IEM to buy
Just ordered the new KZ-EDA's and looking forward to trying them out!
Your video helped me understand a lot, thanks
Thanks for helping brother! Hugs from Brazil!
Haven’t tried the KZ, but got myself a pair of monoprice quintet. It’s quite affordable when it’s on sale... sounded really good to me too
Reaaaaly great video, thanks a lot for the information, great job!
Thanks, David. I didn't even know what an IEM was until after I saw this video.
Gracias por hablar de los in-ears KZ, justo en esta semana pediré 3 para compañeros de la iglesis.
Just bought the newly updated KZ ZS10 Pro 2 and they are another step up from the previous ZS10 versions. I had been using the ZS10 ProX over the past year which were a big step up from my Shure SE215’s with custom moulds. The clarity, separation, soundstage and depth of bass on a different level to what I was experiencing with the Shures. The latest mk2 version of the ZS10 Pro’s further refines the performance of these great budget IEM’s with improved mid-range, smoother highs and clearer bass whilst maintaining the same depth of bass. This translates into additional separation, improved soundstage, more natural vocal sound and smoother cymbals.
The KZ ZS10 Pro-X was already a marked improvement over the earlier ZS10’s in this review and the new ZS10 Pro-2 is another step up from that.
I highly recommend these for monitoring on stage!
I've been using the Kz Zsn Pro for a year now and its still going strong. I recently upgraded the stock cable to a JCally cable for $6 and a cheap eartip memory foam-thingies for $2, paired with Viper4Android and the sound quality is waaay better!
Where do you download V4A?
@@GOTTHEDAWGINME from the internet
@@LabiaLicker Yeah I tought it was a rootless application, didn't know it needed root.
What's the difference between KZ ZSN pro vs KZ ZSN pro X
i remember viper4android
man you sure did all the hard work and gave it away for free to us you RULE MASSIVE!!
Great video and great tips. Thanks
This is the first video I watch from your channel. And u know what? I click subscribe button when you throw away those IEMs u don't like. I like that. No bullshit, just throw away the bad apples! Lol I really appreciate your honest review. Thanks for making this video.
Good video, a good start to the day from watching your video
@ 4:08 , I've had that KZ ZS10 since Dec. 11, 2018. Its the most worth it earphone I've ever had. Until now I am using it. I just replaced the wired cable and wireless module once in my 3 yrs of using it. It even got washed in the washing machine 2 yrs ago and I just dried it out and it still worked. really, the most durable earp[hone ever. This is the only earphone that lasted so long in me and in the course of 3 yrs of using it, its been very well worth it. Love how I can just replace the cables and make it wireless too. VERY VERY RECOMMENDED
I’ve been using the CCA C10 in ear monitors for a few months and love them, they completely out perform my 10yr old 64 dual driver in ears
I have the cca C12 and I will admitt they are awesome.
I've been using the CCA C10s for 8 months or so now, and they are stellar IEMs imho. Very comfortable, and sound quality is exceptionally good for me at least.
Hey David. I love your honest and factual assessments.
Would you have an update of this excellent review in 2023? Please! It's time bro. Much love.
I have the ZSN PROs and they sound amazing, even though I have a Sony headphones I still choose to wear these for my everyday cruisers
I've had my ZS10s for about a year and I swear by them. Kz also offers an upgrade cable for like $13 dollars as well!
Cool video thanks! Hey your thoughts on taking KZ wireless options sound quality wise?
Hey, Dude! As a fellow audio enthusiast I just wish to share that when a decent Dynamic Driver is properly tuned, it can out perform 4-5 Balanced Armatures with little effort. It's great to shop around and find such gems that punch above their price tag, but keep in mind that sometimes it's quality over quantity you're looking for. A single BA and DD hybrid known as the Verse Audio Azaleas are a diamond in the rough in that for £25 they easily outperformed KZ in clarity. (and like yourself I've had many 😅)
this is so true..driver count don't matter, tuning is everything! this is why blon bl03 got hyped because though it's only 1 DD, it sounded so TOTL and it's only 25-30$ worth.
I love Blon Bl-03 but they will suck when used on stage. It's too much fiddling with fit and eartips.
@@czdot your right..i have to use spinfit large size for tips and now this blon is the most comfortable iem i got.
@@bluedose15k27I use them Spinfits CP 100 with with silicon inserts from other kind of Spinfits. Maybe I'll get CP800 with a thinner diameter. That could help them stay on those nozzles better.
The thing about Dynamic Driver is that it has to displace with air to push the sound where Balanced Armature doesn't need it
Thank you! I just started worship team and have small ears. The ZS5 model seems great
Wearing the kz as10's right now, god damn they sound good! running them through a scarlett solo amp
KZ SRT23, ZZ CRT32, AZ CBT33, cool names and very easy to follow
I’ve had the ZS10s for a couple years now and love them, but am looking into getting the AS16s because why not. I’m a bassist, would you say that the AS16s offer better bass?
I've been using my ZS10's for a few years now. Upgraded the cable and tips but still sounds amazing. Had ZST's before then, the upgrade was substantial.
Hello! Hope you are well, do you mind saying what options you chose to upgrade the tips and wire?
@@bakuganmaster56 KZ Gold Silver Mixed Braiding Upgrade Cable 2 pin 0.75mm Replacement Earbuds Audio Cable - B Pin, and Comply TrueGrip Pro tips. Both from Amazon
Bgvp dm6 are Very good, quite neutral so kz zs6 are what I use for fun but they are very tip sensitive otherwise they'll lack thump and come across sibilant.
I have some Trn v90's coming that are meant to be very good, among with a balanced nicenck cable and a fiio btr5
Good times if you're a music lover for sure
I'm like you I have owned plenty of KZ headphones but my favorite so far is the KZ ZSX. I use them for playing bass and I highly recommend them
That’s the terminator model? I’ll use them with my bass amp (ebs reidmar). Do you recommend? Thanks!
Good reviews I thought because you were doing for warship it was gonna suck but your actually very thuro on your review
Hi, just to make sure is the AS16 type B as well on PINS which is the same as the ZST? I plan into upgrading to this IEM but I can't afford to lose my aptX cables.
I actually upgraded from KZ AS10 to AS16 about half a year ago. And in general I've been really happy with the choice. But the only thing bothering me was a bit too sharp High Friquency sound. But recently I've upgraded cable to 16 core Yinyoo cable for about 20$. And these IEMs become totally amazing. It sounds like default cable is just not enaugh for AS16. The overall bass and mid-range improved. Sound stage became a bit better. But most of all it got rid of there too sharp sound. So I totally recomend to check out for cable upgrade if you feel the sound is a bit sharp.
Do you really think it’s a matter of cable quality?
@@micromicro Fun fact is that before it I was quite sceptic about all this cable thing and didn't actually understood how it can affect sound. But after changing default cable on 16 core Yinyoo (just found on AliExpress) I totally changed my mind. Cables do affect sound - if actual listening device is good enough, of course. So yes I actually now a cable believer )
Hi :). If i can ask would you recommend the Kz zsn pro x for worship song recording and listening?
Good insight David. Will check out the more expensive earphones. I will say my MEE Audio M6 Pro’s have lasted a long time. Very good value for money!
i dont think mee is a good value compared to these options..i've tried the m6 before..they're plastic housing seem very flimzy and man the cables are stiff..kz zst, zsn pro are build better and they are only 20$.
I’ve had my MEE Audio M6 Pros for several years and they work well. But I’m curious about the sound quality compared to the KZ ZS10. 🤔
@@struong57 kz zs10pro are worth checking out. it's a steal for its asking price..you can even include a good cable for back up and it will cost you $50 or less in all.
Bluedose 15k do you know if KZ offers custom ear molds like MEE Audio does?
@@struong57 kz does not offer custom iems yet..i do hope they will consider doing custom iems in the near future.
Which would you recommend for a bass player? My sound guy is always making me turn down the amp and I can't groove if I don't feel the bass. I also sing so I can't have the bass overpower the other frequencies either. Drums are mic'd.
Greeting,
I almost bought my first ones IEM, KZ ZSN PRO X and I had no experience with similar headphones before them, I was thrilled to hear them for the first time but also irritated my ears with too loud sound and aggressive high frequencies, but I soon got used to it. I am a musician and I create and playing music, so I have experience with many monitors speakers and headphones of larger format such as AKG K712 PRO, so I generally liked the sound ZSN PRO X. Now it came to me by Friday that I can buy very cheap CCA C12, CCA C10 PRO and KZ ZS10 PRO, and since I don't plan to change those headphones later, I'm interested in which ones are of the highest quality and is there a clear difference between them and mine ZSN PRO X which I already own? I listened to a lot of videos about them and read a lot of reviews
and I can say that I am more confused than at the very beginning. Please help me. thanks in advance
Hi David, Have you reviewed any iems that allow ambient sound ? Need to be able to communicate with the worship team as there is a lot of spontaneous changes to keys, staying on chord progressions etc
Any recommendations for iems with Ambient Earphones? Thanks!
Bought KZ AS12 in a pinch when my $400 Westones broke. I've since purchased AS16 and love them!
The days of spending hundreds of dollars on IEMs are over!
Just ordered my 1st set, still a few more days til they arrive. I do have some Ultimate Ears custom molded, but one broke just on the tip where the cable plugs in. I had it fixed at a place where they make and fix hearing aids, thought that was the best route for someone who could actually fix them since they are sort of the same format.
Of course this fix wasn't great but they worked for a while until the cable also tore and now it's a combination of the not so great fix + the cable... anyways...
Sending them back to UE to have them re fitted into another case and getting new 3D scan ear impressions is expensive, way more than buying a new ser of the KZs is. So I'm looking forward to getting these as a replacement, I trust they will be pretty good. At least, until I can have my UE's fixed.
Just one curious question, I noticed the cable the KZs use is pretty much the same as the one my UE use (it's an oldee version, got them in 2013, I know UE's cable changed after 2015), but does anyone know if this KZ cable would also fit my UE's? At least I can clear if the problem was my UE cable, I could have them up and running.
im 11 and im in a worship band and i got mine in amzaon really good sound heavy and i have a cable for them new tips and yeah perfect
I’ve been a musician for over 20 years and have played big and small stages all over the world. I’ve used Apple headphones as IEMs in a pinch, and I’ve spent thousands on IEMs. For the last 2 or so years I’ve used the KZ10 Pros and I haven’t looked back.
If you are on the fence…I’m pushing you off to the KZ side. 😁
What is the best headset for drummers with better bass?
I have a pair of KZ ZST and three pairs of Shure 215, one wired and two Bluetooth wireless.
For me, the KZ sound good but not as good as the Shure. Sound quality is very dependant on fit.
My problems with the KZ are the size, a bit bulky, and the cable connection. I find the cable disconnects from the earbud too easily.
Hi! I am a singer, which KZ model would you recommend between the KZ AS10, the KZ ZS10 Pro and the KZ AS16 ?
Either one is a great choice!
Bought the ZS 10 Pro a while ago..and i literally freaked out, cuz the sound is so fucking amazing for this price segment! I still ask myself how do they do it..??
I remember seeing KZ and other unknown chinese brands popping up with their $20-50 IEMs and it felt like I was buying pokemon cards again trying to try out as much of them as my paycheck can handle
What would you recommend is best in the KZ range for vocalists?
Great video! What do you recommend for microphone plus in ear monitors combined in one unit for speakers or singers?
We wouldn't recommend using any mic built into the in-ear cable for singing if that was what you were asking? Can't go wrong with Shure mics. SM48 is a great budget option.
What about zsn pro ? Compare to zst and zs5
Do you know if there are any flange tips that fit the ZS10 Pros? Or do the Shure ear tips (flange, silicone, foam) fit the ZS10 Pros?
I just bought the Kz ZSN pros. Do you have experience with those and if so what are your thoughts on them?
We may do a follow up video with more thoughts!
How is your experience bro?
Using KZ As16, they are incrediblly good
Hey David I like bass which is not too heavy and I would like clear highs and mids why option should I go to?
David - is there a particular model of KZ IEM's that you would recommend for a keyboard player? Thank you for making these videos.
This is our newest video on budget friendly in ears, czcams.com/video/5WRRBloIQQg/video.html
anybody else rockin mee audio? I love KZ too but don't always fit in my ears. Gotten some comfort and great sound from the mee profession line.
What core size/style of Comply foam tips fit onto KZ AS10 ans AS16?
What wireless systems did you use as a reference on these in-ears?
What's better for live shows monitoring - as12 or 16?
Hi, Is this also good for practice at home? instead of using headphones?
do you think the zs 10 pros are good enough to justify an upgrade from the zst
How does the kz zsx compare to the zs10 pro and the others here?
How about monitors that are not In-ears? I'm asking because it takes some time to put these in ears, and sometimes there are breaks and we want to put them off. What about Over-Ear headphones for stage? Are there such things for stage use?
A little bit late but would you recommend the KZ ZS10 pro over sennhiser ie 100 pro? Amazing videos by the way, thank you!
For budget, the ZS10 Pro as they are ~$100 less, for better fit, comfort, and reliability/support, Sennheiser (though this may not be the case everyone's ears are different). ZS10 Pro sounds more clear hi-fi/brighter. Sennheiser a bit more warm and natural.
Try the ZS10 Pros. Really really good
please recommend a pair of wired earpuds with a good mic for phone calls and detachable cable
Hey David, have you ever shared a video rundown of your home studio set up? I'd love to get a link if you have. Thanks!
2020 Studio Tour vid is in the works!
I'm in the same boat you are. I think I have 20 pairs and also bought their competitors that use the SHURE or FIIO connector, you know the weird plug, non-"fork" style. Even their most expensive isn't expensive-expensive, $140.
So I'm torn between 1more quad drive and the as16 what would you says best anyone who's used both ?
I have a Kz pro which im using 3 years. Its awesome.
How do i figure out which foam tips I need for my ear buds?
I just asked fir these fir my guitar, decent option? Hope so, I have monitors but wanted to move away from full over the ear monitors.
ZS10pro or AS10 for keys player who plays mostly aux keys on SK/song-specific patches? I fill a lot of roles in our small/mid sized band, from synth bass to high bells and everything between
the zs10 pros have a really good fit with that configuration (i use them)
@@ArielGonzalez1 that's what I went with... I've been happily using them since then!
Is there such thing as IEMs that are good for music of any kind? Maybe the best out of this bunch?
Hello everyne! Do you think it could be a good idea to use the KZ AS10 for recording vocals in studio as well as music production? Or is it better to buy some budget studio headphones like the Sony MDR 7506? I was using the very cheap one odio premium headphones but a piece of plastic in them broke so I need to change them. However, the sound was leaking pretty bad, it was almost impossible to record with the metronome on and if I was keeping them on for too long while working, my ears were hurting. I thought that some in ear headphones would be perfect to solve the ausio liking and pain problem, I just a bit worried about the sound quality for studio purposes.
You might be better off to buy some budget studio headphones, but you may need to try it to know for sure.
How was the Kz asx? It's the newest version.
Where do you plus the in-ears. I’m new to In ears …. Are they for your instrument, eg. Keys? Or do they plug into the stage monitors?
There are many different systems for in-ears, wireless, something like the Behringer P16, or even a simpler headphone amp.
So for keys, do you think the AS16 is better than the AS10? I love the AS10 but don’t mind spending a little more if they sound better. I tried the Shure 215 years ago and my piano sounds were “tinny” sounding.
We think so!
I have a pair of AS 16s now but hands down the ZS 5s are still the best to me
Kz Zs10 Pro it's amazing
So can I use a USB adapter not a usb type C. I want to talk with a mic but most headphones dont have 4 pins even though they say it has a mic. I mean I could just by a regular standing mic. But I have no room. What do u all use? I have the hyper X orbits... but they squeeze my head and I'm starting to get a gamer dent on my head and I dont want that
I have zs10 pro, they sound amazing. Now I don't like anything else. I feel the clarity is unmatched. Zs10 pro is the best
Did anybody find the compatible comply tips for AS16?
Have you found anything to cinch the cable for the braided KZ cables? Drives me nuts that those are missing!
I just wrap the cable tie wire loosely 3 or 4 times to make a diy sinch. Got that tip from a different review channel on CZcams.
If u have a LG G8S ThinQ phone, these iems become magic when u blend with the phone's DAC
I am sorry to bother, but i am just to new to all this, i am planning to buy kz zsn pro x version, i am bass loving guy, i used those samsung akg headphones that come with s8 or s9, so i am just wondering are zsn prox better than those, also am I getting a good bass like with akg headphones?
Hi, I'm really hoping u can help, I need a set of iems or earphones that have a control unit to turn on/off noise cancelation or ambient to hear people without taking them out, like when wearing a helmet.
Please, I beg u, can u give some ideas? Thanks
What is your favorite power pack for them? I have one but it does have a bit of a buzzzz, for the price though I think it was around 50 bucks, can't argue.
50$??!! That's very unacceptable. Even 5$ earphones don't make buzzes. Maybe your's is defective or very low impedance and high sensitivity
I have been using the Zs10 Pro for several months... and I bought some memory foam replacements off amazon for about 6 bucks. I think they are great.
ZS10 Pros are fantastic!
Too bad they are so massive. They could've fit them in a smaller shell.
@@czdot for smaller ears trn v90s or trn ba5 are worth considering, also blon 03, or moondrop starfield.
@@bluedose15k27 I have Blon, ZS6, ZS10, AS10, Nicehck M6, I've tried V90... 😁
I tried ZS10 and AS10 after a long time with Blons and M6 and realized these two KZs are actually really nice. I must have screwed my ears with the ZS6 treble cannons before.
@@czdotohh!..😄
zs10 and as10 are indeed massive..zs10pro tho has better fit..your right, that zs6, cant takes its sibilant highs i gave it away..zs5 are better and was my favorite for 2years.
I got the AS16s but the left side is significantly louder than the right side, giving me the impression that everything is panned to the left a little bit.
I must have gotten a defective one.
I'm looking for a iem to live sing using seciences, viwing Reviews i don't know how decide,do You recomend me the KZ ES4?
How good are MEE audio MX4 pro ?
Now you have Tin HiFi, BLON, Senfer, TRN, and Revonext reigning in this price range
Thanks! Yeah, there are many we didn't cover in this video.
@@SundaySounds DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@SundaySounds go
Blon 01 and blon 03 damn so budget friendly but the sound quality is 👁️👄👁️
Are the blon bl03 durable? Earbuds just doesn’t seem to last with me.
What do you guys recommend between ZST Pro and ZSN Pro?
I'm a bit hesitant and I don't know which one is better between those two
Go for zsn pro...hv tried both, zsn pro sounds better
@@aatishr9908 thank you so much! 🙏🏼
i'm looking for some in ears from KZ, comparing them at the phonograhp site, i'm thinking about picking a ZSN on the review it have a EQ rate of 9.5/10, and the bass 9/10 mid 8.75 treb 8.75, looks prety good and flat, someone can say if it is true ? ( i play at church camp, with 4 to 8 people. 5 singers, 3 guitars, 1 Bass and a drum, but the drum cover the sound of the monitors so i need a good in ear for voice and guitar, with a good isolation ZSN is all that ?
i still have my zsn..and i love them still..they are good at all ranges..but if you can up you budget, go for kz z10pro or kz zsx..they sound a lot better..also consider blon bl03 for a cheaper option..they have just a single driver but they sound really good.
@@bluedose15k27 i will take a look on them, but im from brazil, so a little dolars extra can be a lot more expensive, they are almost twice the price of the zsn
@@mrcafe3x_ zsn is a good choice if thats the case..kz zsn is a better choice than the kz zst in my opinion..zsn pro is also one to consider because they are at the same price bracket..lots of my friends prefered the zsn pro.
@@bluedose15k27 thank you, i'll probably go for the zsn pro
Would this improve my experience at the gym or a competition?
sure!