April 21, 2022
$24.99
0.705 oz
3.66 x 2.87 x 1.34 in
I’m not sure if it’s a coincidence or a happy accident that whenever I browse the internet for a new set of earphones, I always stumble upon the neglected and underrated ones.
This time it’s the KZ EDS which is from the brand KZ Audio and was released about a year ago.
I was window shopping through online shops for new IEMs when the EDS caught my eye. Its unique faceplate and colorway were a sight for sore eyes, or maybe I’m just a bit biased in my admiration of anything cyan.
I didn’t hesitate to order it, hoping that it was more than just a pretty face.
In this review, I’ll be discussing the performance of the KZ EDS and whether or not it can keep up with more recent IEM releases.
KZ EDS
An affordable IEM that deserves more recognition.
TL:DR;
The KZ EDS is a pair of earphones with a dual magnetic driver that provides balanced tuning. Its driver greatly contributes to its competitive sound quality at an affordable price.
What makes this unit stand out from other IEMS with the typical V-shaped sound is its warm-to-balanced sound signature.
Despite not being as well-recognized in the IEM community as other units, I think the KZ EDS is worth the purchase because of its good sound quality and build at an affordable price.
The Specs
- Driver: 10mm Dual Magnetic Dynamic Driver
- Cable: 3.5mm Line Type
- Cable Length: 1.2m
- Frequency: 20 – 40,000Hz
- Impedance: 23Ω
- Sensitivity: 114db
What’s in the Box?
- KZ EDS earphones
- 2-pin detachable cable
- 3 x pairs of silicone ear tips
- User manual
Stuff I like
- Attractive faceplate
- Almost balanced sound
- Non-fatiguing
- Wide soundstage
- Fun sound
Stuff I like less
- Cable static noise
- Recessed mid-bass
- Sibilance
Where to get it
Comparable products to consider
The CCA CRA is an entry-level IEM providing a bass-heavy sound signature around $15 to $10.
The 7Hz Salnotes Zero is one of the most popular budget IEMs of 2022 because of its neutral or balanced sound signature.
The FAAEAL FMS is an ultra-budget IEM with a V-shaped sound signature and aesthetically pleasing design under $15.
Review Metrics
First Impressions
If asked what my favorite thing is when acquiring a new unit, I’d probably say the moment I unbox it like a blind bag (even though I already know what’s inside).
I like how everything is still up to the imagination, and the only thing I can do at that instant has admired the design and architecture of the unit. It feels like window shopping but in the comfort of my room with stuff that’s already mine.
Upon opening the box, I was greeted with the KZ EDS in typical slide-out packaging.
It’s probably my fondness for consistency speaking, but I love how standard KZ is with their minimalist box featuring the IEM on the front and the tech specifications printed on the back.
The KZ EDS comes in three color variants: black, transparent, and cyan. The cyan variant caught my attention while browsing online, and after seeing it in person, I’d say the design was well-thought and impressed me immensely.
Its shape exhibits the typical IEM structure resembling a teardrop.
One of the main reasons I got it is its appealing look – from the alloy faceplate to the cyan shell. Another reason was how cheap they were despite their aesthetics compared to other funky-looking
IEMs I’ve encountered.
As for the unit inclusions, the KZ EDS came in with pre-installed medium ear tips, a 2-pin detachable cable, extra ear tips in large and small sizes, and a user manual.
Build Quality
The build quality of the KZ EDS lives up to its price.
The transparent shell shows the wirings and drivers inside. Its teardrop-shaped shell provides a better seal for noise cancellation and bass presence due to the elongated ear stem incorporated in the design.
The alloy faceplate featuring the KZ logo exudes a neat yet futuristic vibe, providing a light-weighted feeling.
With how the material looks and feels, it appears to be pretty sturdy and can resist minimal scratches and drops.
However, I’m concerned that the faceplate is prone to tarnishing after prolonged use because it’s made of alloy material.
The oxygen-free copper flat cable exhibits the standard detachable cables inclusions you’d get from other KZ earphones. This cable has a transparent splitter and an L-type plug that most users would prefer because it takes up less space than other cables.
Despite that, they look sturdier and more durable than the other cables I have in stock, which does well in the long run.
Although, while using the cable, I did notice a tiny amount of static or hissing noises.
This isn’t really a major problem since it’s not as noticeable when used. But if it becomes a bother, a replacement cable can fix this issue.
Fit and Comfort
The shape and lightweight feel of the KZ EDS provide a great fit during use with little to no strain or discomfort for the ears even during a long listening session.
First, the ear hooks are a perfect fit for people with an average ear size. They provide a perfect balance between fit and comfort, which isn’t too tight for your ears yet not too loose to fall off.
Second, the resin shell’s shape contributes a fair amount to the fit.
As mentioned before, the elongated ear stem provides a better seal fit for the ears. Its minimal weight is a plus for me – it literally feels like nothing and I often forget I even have them on.
Lastly, when I opened the box, the earphones already had medium-sized ear tips installed.
If you’ve read my other reviews, I like the medium ear tips’ fit best. But this time, I changed them to the larger size for a better bass effect (consider this as a not-so-secret tip for you, bass heads).
The quality of the ear tips is nice but it’s a bit generic so I’d recommend swapping them out based on your preference.
Sound Quality
The first thing that stood out to me when I first used the KZ EDS was how almost flat the sections were.
It felt like I had unlocked a new game mode while evaluating this IEM since I don’t encounter units with a neutral sound signature that often.
So don’t mind me if it feels like I’m still grasping the ropes on how to describe its performance.
One of the things I look for in an IEM (which I think everyone should too) is how thick the bass is without overpowering the other sections.
The KZ EDS does just that and although the mids were slightly recessed, it isn’t enough to be left out of the mix. Its treble also has a nice extension and provides listeners with clarity and great details.
Using different genres for the tracks made me appreciate how almost well-rounded the EDS is and I find myself with a new favorite set.
Bass
The KZ EDS provided a completely new perception of the bass – it was like a unique flavor.
When I think of the bass, it’ll need an emphasized or forward bass to sound punchy. However, for this unit, its bass balanced itself within the mix without making itself too prominent or risking a dull sound.
For the sub-bass, I noticed how present it was throughout the mix. This isn’t necessarily a main thing for this unit but I do like the nice decay it gives without struggling with the busiest tracks.
The bass response is great and doesn’t roll off with bass-heavy tracks.
One con I did notice about the mid-bass is that it sounded a bit more moderate than what I would’ve preferred. It falls short of mid-bass standards and I’d appreciated having more punch to this section.
Overall, even with the minor setbacks, I still think the bass of the EDS would give most listeners an enjoyable sound.
Midrange
The midrange of KZ EDS performs well enough, but I also noticed some minor setbacks.
The mids are great but feel a bit recessed, which isn’t a big deal for me. The instruments sound detailed in some songs but sometimes they sound laid-back.
At higher volumes, vocals produce piercing “S” and “T” sounds and overpower the rest of the mix. I found an easy fix by lowering the volume and it’s all great again.
Instruments like acoustic guitars have excellent tonality and timbre. Green Day’s” Good Riddance (Time of Your Life),” mainly accompanied by acoustic guitars, sounded great – as if you’re listening to Green Day live and in person.
Treble
Last but not the least is the treble and there’s no other way to describe it but smooth.
I immediately noticed the extension in the treble and how fast the transient response is with the KZ EDS. However, some peaks or dips were slightly noticeable.
The details provided by the highs are on point and sound realistic. It has nice sparkle, which makes the listening experience fun without causing too much exhaustion in the ears with the dynamics.
Conclusion
I’m confident enough to say that the KZ EDS is an excellent pair.
For under $15, the EDS offers a great sound signature that you won’t find in any other IEMs within this price range. Though I’d recommend keeping your volume levels between 50 to 70 percent to avoid harsh or congested sound with this unit.
This unit is great if you’re treble-sensitive or you’re just on a search for fun-sounding earphones. It also works well with genres such as pure acoustic songs, jazz, and rock.
Overall, the KZ EDS is a steal, and I recommend grabbing one and seeing for yourself.
Shaik, a college student, part-time musician, and proud fur parent. Currently pursuing his degree in architecture.
As a part-time musician, Shaik enjoys expressing his self creatively through music. Whether it's writing original songs or performing covers, music is a significant part of Shaik's life
This post was last updated on 2024-11-13 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.
Well articulated review. Thanks for helping me to buy one! 🙌🏿