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Ziadax
77
Oct 20, 2017
My friend got a pair of these from Amazon a few days ago and today I had a chance to have a listen to them. I own the ZS5 v1 and liked it a lot for its sound but hated the plasticky build, especially after I've owned several campfire IEMs in the past (orion, nova, lyra ii, jupiter, and currently polaris).
Now, the build quality is absolutely amazing for the $40ish he paid for them. The sound is about what you'd expect to get for the price. If you have better IEMs then don't expect these to replace them. I think these are suitable as a 'beater' set suitable for running straight out of a phone or computer. Remember, with more expensive headphones/IEMS you will also need better sources/files/amps to maximize the potential of your set. Otherwise it's almost like buying a HD800S just to listen to bird noises on youtube straight out of your laptop's headphone jack.
As others have mentioned, these do get peaky at around 8khz and 10khz but if you don't think that EQ'ing is a moral crime on the level of human trafficking a 5-7db decrease around those areas will smoothen out the treble. For those who wanna decrease treble without EQ experiment with different tips (I used spinfit) or try the blu-tack mod on the grille of each ear to absorb some treble (you can find this mod all over head-fi).
Honestly I'd pay $40 alone just for the build quality. The sound isn't horrible, and I actually think for the price the bass and mids are quite good. Treble can get sharp but it isn't the worst I've heard. The IE800 and the momentum in ear had more offensive treble to my ears TBH. You are not going to get campfire level sound but you will get a design aesthetic very similar to it. The ZS6's build may be the same as the V1 versions of campfire's IEMs but soundwise it's still a far cry from even the orion.
The only concern I would have for this set is whether KZ pulls the 'ole switcheroo and quietly makes a v2 without telling anyone.
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MannyAkim
136
Oct 28, 2017
ZiadaxI agree, I'm calling my KZ ZS6 my poor mans Campfire Audio, lol.
I see that you have a Campfire Audio, looks like the Polaris. Who do the ZS6 compare?
Ziadax
77
Oct 28, 2017
MannyAkimIt's been a while since I've demo'd the ZS6 but I remember the ZS6 having a surprisingly wide stage, maybe a bit taller and wider than the Polaris. Polaris has a harder impacting bass, and treble isn't as peaky as the ZS6. ZS6 has more consistent mids as the Polaris tuning has a slight haziness in the lower mids but I've heard this on practically every hybrid I've owned in the past. Overall resolution of ZS6 isn't remotely close to Polaris but then again Polaris costs like 15x the price of the ZS6. If you can tune the treble down around the regions mentioned in my original post you would actually have a pretty good sounding set IMO for what you paid. Just don't expect it to slay any heavy hitters from higher price brackets as HF's hype trains may want you to believe.
MannyAkim
136
Oct 28, 2017
ZiadaxI see. I actually tamed the highs based on what you mentioned as well as someone else who post graphs. I'm loving these IEMS, I've been through quite a few and they lacked either bass or highs. ZS6 has good bass, and highs are no longer fatiguing. Not bad at all for the $40 I paid for it (gearbest coupon was no longer valid and massdrop shipping would take too long). I got these in about 7 days.
Question, which upgraded cable are you using? Have a link?
Ziadax
77
Oct 28, 2017
MannyAkimIt's just the standard silver cable from the ZS5's since they use the same connector. Doesn't really change the sound that much I just preferred to not have the remote control unit on my cable as I don't really use it. You can just search "KZ zs5 silver cable" on aliexpress and you'll find it really fast.
And honestly dude, if you like the ZS6 then that's really all that matters. The world of audio is extremely subjective and just because other people say something is garbage shouldn't stop you from trying/buying/liking a certain set.
MannyAkim
136
Oct 28, 2017
ZiadaxI was just curious, cable looked nice. I don't believe a $500 cables make magic, saw too many blind tests which were all laughable.
I agree 100%, everyone has different ears, what they hate you may love.
Ziadax
77
Oct 28, 2017
MannyAkimI've never tried expensive cables and the only time I change cables from stock is when I'm looking for a better comfort, build quality, or connector for a source (balanced instead of 3.5mm, etc). My perspective is that if you need a $500 cable to 'fix/improve' the sound you might as well just get another headphone with that money
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