Coming from the same brand, KZ, one of the seasoned brands in the Chi-fi industry, the KZ ZSN Pro and the KZ EDX Ultra share a fair amount of similarities.
However, they still have different characteristics that set them apart and make them stand out.
Both IEMs have been reviewed individually, but we’ll now look at them side by side.
KZ ZSN Pro vs KZ EDX Ultra: Sound Signature
The KZ ZSN Pro has a V-shaped sound signature with a noticeable lift on the treble and a good amount of bass.
The vocals on the KZ ZSN Pro are relatively present in the mix, giving an articulate and clear vocal presentation. Its treble lift allows micro details to stand out in a mix easily.
IEMs with a V-shaped sound signature generally sound more colored and have a heavier note weight. These characteristics of the KZ ZSN Pro help it produce a fun and lively sound.
The KZ ZSN Pro is for you if:
- You like heavier note weights on your songs.
- You like a lively treble response.
- You like good clarity on vocals.
The KZ EDX Ultra shares the same V-shaped sound signature as the KZ ZSN Pro, though the EDX Ultra tends to have a more boomy bass presentation.
Its heavier bass presentation allows for a more energetic and colored texture to the songs you’re listening to and produces a thicker note weight to the sound.
The KZ EDX Ultra is for you if:
- You like a more bassy signature.
- You like a more energetic sound.
- You like a more colored sound.
KZ ZSN Pro vs KZ EDX Ultra: Sound Quality
The KZ ZSN Pro and the KZ EDX Ultra share many similarities, so pointing out things that set them apart is pretty tricky.
However, I’ve picked a few things that make each of them stand out. If you’re looking for a more in-depth take on either of the set, you can check out the individual reviews which can help you decide which one to buy.
The KZ ZSN Pro is the upgraded version of the revered ZSN Pro and it retained all the great things its predecessor is known for. Its V-shaped sound characteristic is very noticeable.
The bass and the highs are relatively boosted, and the mids are recessed. The bass has an outstanding balance between power and punchiness without being too overpowering and muddy around the mix.
The mids were slightly recessed in presentation, but it still has a good amount of clarity though the lower mids get mixed up with the bass frequencies at certain times, making sounds like male vocals sound a bit more bassy and inorganic.
The treble on the KZ ZSN Pro is more present than most V-shaped sound signature sets I’ve tried. This, in return, results in a bit more boost on the vocals making it a tad bit forward in a mix, and it also reveals micro details quite impressively,
The KZ EDX Ultra is the much-improved brother of the KZ EDX.
The KZ ZSN Pro is for you if:
- You like energetic and controlled bass.
- You like more forward vocals.
- You like clarity and details.
Like the KZ ZSN Pro, the EDX Ultra has a V-shaped sound signature emphasizing its bass frequencies. It has a strong bass presentation, which packs more punch than the KZ ZSN Pro, and the bass is enough for bass heads.
The midrange on the EDX Ultra needed to be improved, but for its price, it still retained some clarity and definition.
On the other hand, the highs are more toned down, which is a hit or miss for me. Although I did not experience any sibilance, the treble’s lack of presence in the mix is a letdown.
The KZ EDX Ultra is for you if:
- You like a more bassy profile.
- You like a more energetic and lively presentation.
- You like a detailed bass profile.
KZ ZSN Pro vs KZ EDX Ultra: Caveats
One of the KZ ZSN Pro’s primary weaknesses for me is its overall lack of body at certain times. There are moments where it sounded relatively bland as opposed to the typical characteristics of a V-shaped sound signature IEM.
If you want to purchase the KZ ZSN Pro because of its V-shaped sound signature, you have to be aware that it doesn’t have the usual bass-heavy profile like V-shaped IEMs. It has more of a clarity-focused and detailed sound and a more present top end.
The KZ EDX Ultra’s weakness is its need for more clarity and detail.
The sounds get mushed up by its bottom end as the bass overpowers the mix at certain times, making it muddier and darker in sound quality.
The KZ EDX Ultra leans towards the more bass-heavy category of V-shaped IEMs.
Final Thoughts
Even coming from a similar brand and sound signature, the KZ ZSN Pro and the KZ EDX Ultra have very different sound characteristics that fit particular palates.
Suppose you want an excellent balanced pair with decent clarity and details, then the KZ ZSN Pro is a great option. On the other hand, if you prefer a more present bottom end and a darker sound, the KZ EDX Ultra is a great budget IEM option.
Either way, both IEMs are decent in quality and performance. They’re both relatively cheap, making them excellent entry-level options.
A man of many interests, Querho is passionate about discovering new things that stimulate the mind. When he is not writing about the things he is passionate about, Querho can be found making music at his home studio.
This post was last updated on 2024-11-06 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.