KZ ZS10 PRO 2 Review

The new KZ ZS10 Pro 2 is a 10-driver hybrid IEM with dynamic and balanced armature drivers. The ZS10 Pro 2 boasts a second-generation 10-driver hybrid configuration featuring a 10mm internal magnetic dynamic driver and dual 31736 balanced armature drivers, with precise 3-way crossover technology and a custom tuning switch for personalized audio experiences.

Dual 31736 balanced armature drivers deliver accuracy in handling high and ultra-high frequencies. With their compact structure and rapid response, these drivers excel in reproducing high-frequency details, resulting in a clear, transparent sound texture.

KZ’s electronic crossover technology ensures precise control over the interaction between balanced armature and dynamic drivers. This design allows each driver to excel in its designated frequency range.

The ZS10 Pro 2 manages the interplay between its balanced armature and dynamic drivers. This advanced approach ensures each driver performs optimally within its assigned frequency range, revealing music details with unprecedented clarity. Featuring hybrid driver technology, the ZS10 Pro 2 offers a robust soundstage and extensive dynamic range.

Continuing the classic design legacy, the ZS10 Pro 2 appears with its fresh visual impact and familiar essence. Crafted with precision and attention to detail, its sleek design reflects good quality and unique personality.

To accommodate a variety of sound preferences, the ZS10 Pro 2 features a 4-level custom tuning switch, expertly designed for detailed personalization.

Specs

Sound

This is how I measured the KZ ZS10 PRO 2 with all switches off (basic graph).

This is, as you might guess, KZ’s own official FR Graph with all the switches in action.

I prefer balanced and neutral sound signatures on IEMs. Low in quantity but high in quality on the bass, clean and forward mids, and a good level extension on the treble leaning to brighter sound. I don’t like bassy IEMS, even Harman-tuned ones.

I tested the ZS10 Pro 2 with the lowest bass, in the all-switches-down configuration as it suits better to my taste. Although my unit is the Tuning version, the sound analysis highlights more the Standard version. Because I think it has the cleanest sound in this mode.

The KZ ZS10 Pro 2 scales with amplification. Dynamics, soundstage, micro-details, and bass tightens with a good amount of power.

The ZS10 Pro 2 has a warm neutral tonality. This is rather unique compared to other budget sets that mostly feature a V-shaped tuning. Timbral accuracy is very natural for vocals and acoustic instruments.

Bass

The ZS10 Pro 2 is a sub-bass-focused set. The sub-bass extends moderately well (when properly amplified), and overall, the bass is just a slight tinge north of neutral.

The bass is speedy, with excellent texturing and no mid-bass bleed. The ZS10 Pro 2’s bass is very clean and of high quality, even though it is lacking in terms of quantity. Think of the ZS10 Pro 2 as a neutral set with a slight bass boost.

The low-end maintains a fairly balanced presentation with an organic timbre. Decay, meanwhile, is relatively pacey allowing uptempo music to shine without losing any detail. One thing I find noteworthy is how good the bass texture is. You could hear the separation of the bass guitar and the kick drums even on intricate tracks.

Mids

ZS10 Pro 2’s mids are fairly neutral also, even leaning a little towards thin due to the lessened upper bass. While the clarity is good the midrange comes across as cool and somewhat analytical. Female voices are upfront but male vocals lack power and richness without being overly shouty, which is acceptable for this price range.

The midrange of ZS10 Pro 2 remains transparent and open-sounding while providing a good level of attack. The lower midrange is tuned with a recession, increasing clarity and definition though not as strong with male vocals as it is with female vocals. Strengths include percussion, woodwinds, and plucked strings, not as strong with male vocals, bowed strings, and brass but still enough to at least be considered a general all-rounder.

Treble

The tonal balance is about right and the level of detail retrieval is good. The ZS10 Pro 2’s lower treble continues from the boosted upper mids and can get glaring with louder volumes. The upper treble rolls off early, and there isn’t much brilliance or air in that region. Sibilance is minimal or non-existent depending mainly on your source, but there is some loss of micro-details.

ZS10 Pro 2 has a pleasing sparkle that manages to keep harshness at bay while there’s also some ample air which contributes to an open sound as well as a huge headroom. The mild boost in the brilliance region provides an added resolution and clarity to the overall presentation and despite the slight lift, there is no tinge of metallic timbre to the sound.

Technical Performance

ZS10 Pro 2 boasts a very expansive soundstage even out of the box. The extended treble improves instrument separation. The staging provides a fairly out-of-your-head experience with an enjoyable 3D feel to it. Overall, I’d say this is one of the best instrument separation and layering that I’ve heard in this price range.

Sum-Up

The KZ ZS10 Pro 2 is a budget pair that does more things good than bad. It has a good price-to-performance ratio. Its balanced & neutral tuning is unique in the budget segment. The ZS10 Pro 2 replaced the big bass with fast and clean bass, which I like most. And gives you up to 5dB bass boost with the tuning switches if you find it lacking and want more. But I think more bass would kinda throw off the balance that this IEM has. In the end, it’s a great all-rounder for every taste. Well done KZ!