KZ EDXS Review

KZ EDXS  ($12)

Back for another KZ ultra-ultra budget iem, affectionately named the… KZ EDXS? Okay, so naming iems isn’t KZ’s specialty, but at the end of the day I don’t care what you name this set. Name it Buttercup if you want to… Doesn’t bother me. Heck, after we’ve seen “Pecker” and “Fat Girl” we can only go up…right? I suppose a bunch of seemingly random letters and numbers every now and again followed by “Pro” or “Plus” isn’t such a bad thing. I’ll clue you all into something which is pretty great however… well a few things actually. First, KZ has dialed in their tuning and is creating very good iems with a very good price to performance. Namely the KZ ZVX (ZVX Review), KZ D-Fi (D-Fi Review) and the KZ PR2 (PR2 Review). Second, the build quality is also very good for budget prices. Third, the obvious one, you guessed it… The price. 

Say what you will

What a benefit it is to the hobby that most anyone can purchase a well-tuned iem for relatively low prices. Not everyone can afford $100 and up gear, let alone mid-fi type gear upwards of $300 plus. Most hobbyists stay around the under $50 market (I assume) and a vast amount of those people hover in the under $25 (I have no idea if I’m correct, these are not facts) and so being able to get your hands on a well-tuned, well-built iem in the ultra-budget space is very cool. Say what you will about KZ, but you can’t say they don’t serve a huge amount of people. 

I’ve been on repeat friends. I posted recently to Facebook stating that I’m going to have to create a new language as I’m running out of descriptive words for these KZ iems. I’m obviously kidding, but the sentiment is how I feel. Also, a good and competitive KZ is great for the hobby. It may seem like I’m going a bit too hard with my praise for these iems, but I want to pause you and your disdain for my choice of words and “non-hype” praise. Fellas and Ladies, please understand that KZ is making very good iems that most anyone can afford. This is huge! Not everyone will ever get the chance to try any of the expensive, well-tuned, well built and well-established brands. KZ has taken it upon themselves to say “Hey iem world! We can do it too, and oh by the way… we can do it cheaper… Much cheaper “. Of course there is a massive profit to be gained in this effort but still, at least as I type this… Nobody is doing it better at these prices and this consistently.

Gratitude

I would like to extend my gratitude towards KZ as they have provided me with many iems for review and the EDXS is simply the latest. Never has KZ asked me to skew my words or review their iems in a good light. I can respect that. Never have I had any monetary gain whatsoever either. NEVER! I have no skin in this game, other than some content for the website and hopefully I can offer some help to some of the people out there. I have given more than a few “so-so” reviews of KZ/CCA iems in the past and KZ takes it on the chin and lives with the results. Very cool. So say what you will, but KZ keeps going. They keep trucking along and before you have a second to blink… They damn near OWN the budget sector. From ultra-budget, to under $35, under $50, to budget planar, under $75. KZ is quite literally setting themselves up in every price point, and as they do, they just so happen to be giving the people out there a chance to hear very good audio. Again, I can respect that. 

I’m a little long winded at this point my friends. Leave it up to me to write a 6,000-word review of a $12 iem. With that, the KZ EDXS… 

Purchase Link at KZ-Audio:  KZ EDXS 

EDXS Pros

-Price to performance is ridiculous 

-Attractive look

-Built well for the price and against similarly priced iems

-Dynamic and energetic sound

-Well done V-shaped tuning 

-Good bass quality, well-done yet not overcooked 

-Vocals are vivid for the price, clean

-Technicalities are nice for the tuning and price

-Imaging

-Soundstage 

EDXS Cons

-Possibly a hair too much glare for some (Not for me) 

-Those who detest bass may not enjoy

-Treble extension could be better

-Some sibilance occurs

-The above are here simply because I have to have “some” cons, but in truth… There aren’t any Cons at $12.

Gear used

–Fiio UTWS5 

–Qudelix 5K

–Ifi Go Blu

–Shanling UA2 

–Moondrop Dawn 4.4 

–Shanling M6 Ultra 

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2 

Packaging

Okay friends, we know the drill by now. This is a budget KZ iem and so you are getting the bare bones, bare minimum and barely accessorized small little box with a picture of the iem on the front. That about sums it up. The EDXS comes equipped with the same KZ cable, some eartips and some reading material. Nothing more to say and I’m okay with that. 

Eartips

KZ has been adding different tips with different sets of late and so this is not a complete gimme. It used to be that you knew you were getting KZ Starlines but that simply isn’t the case anymore. Of course, if you did only get Starlines I’d be more than thrilled with that. Love those tips. Anyways, KZ chose to include three pairs of white silicone tips (S, M, L). I will tell you straight up that I don’t like them with the EDXS. Not that they aren’t nice tips, but they don’t seal perfectly for me. I instead went with my go-to KBear 07 Large sized tips and I enjoy how the EDXS reacts sonically to them. Of course, if you have no other alternatives and if $12 is the Max you can spend then the included tips are perfectly fine. Plus, they may fit you like a glove. 

Cable

Again, KZ added the same cable that we are used to seeing. They call it a “high precision” Silver Plated cable. It is a right angle 3.5 single ended QDC style 2-Pin cable which is mostly flat, opaque whitefish cable that is perfectly fine if you cannot upgrade. I’ve never really liked the KZ cable and so I did swap it out. The wire I decided to go with a balanced Tripowin Zonie “silver” cable. I simply swapped to an upgrade cable that happens to be balanced due to my balanced sources. Again, the included cable works just as it should and there is nothing wrong with it at all. 

Build / Design / Internals / Fit / Drivability 

Build Quality 

Every new KZ release has one thing in common with the previous release and that is the build quality will likely be one of the best at the price point it is released at. The EDXS has a resin shell body and acoustic cavity which really isn’t anything special, but it also is very well molded. No burrs, glue, sharp points or anything unsightly. The Faceplate is made of some sort of an alloy, presumably it is made of aluminum. The Faceplate also has a few opened up areas shaped like triangles with a mesh screening underneath which is supposed to mimic that of a semi-open design. I really don’t think this is the case but it’s a nice look. On top you’ll see the QDC style 2-Pin connector as well as a couple small vent holes. The shape is the same as most KZ ultra-budget sets. All in all, the EDXS is built nicely. 

Design 

KZ has been creating these minimalist styled modern looking iems for many of the recent releases and I gotta say… I dig it. The EDXS looks pretty cool. My set is the silver-colored Faceplate and has a white KZ logo adorned on the Faceplate. You’ll also notice some geometric shapes canvasing the Faceplate which are mostly back-to-back triangles. I do like how the light hits them at different angles. This is a pretty dope looking iem that won’t turn-off many people. At $12 it’ll be difficult to find a better-looking set to vibe around your neighborhood with. Wired earphones are coming back kids! 

Internals 

Inside of the EDXS, KZ chose to use a single 10mm Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver with Pure Copper Voice Coils. I like a 10mm set-up and it seems the perfect size for KZ’s intended tuning. In all truth it sounds like a good driver. KZ also adopted the use of the Zobel Network once again to help in the tuning. I won’t go into detail about this but just know that you can hear it and it’s a good thing. 

Fit

The fit is like any other ultra-budget KZ iem. I could end with that. For me, personally, the EDXS fits me well when I have some well sealing tips. This really is an ergonomic design, and you know it’s good when the same mold seems to be used over and over again. Rarely do you hear anyone complain about the fitment. I don’t get any really annoying sound-leakages and the EDXS isolates the outside environment about average. 

Drivability 

The EDXS is rated at 19 ohms and a sensitivity of 106 db’s and so driving them to good fidelity and volume is a piece of cake. These will play well from most any source. Using the Fiio UTWS5 was a true joy as I did my yard work and the two pair really well together. Listening on the IFi Go Blu or the Qudelix 5K was again… Great. Both seemed to synergize pretty well, so if any of you own either Bluetooth dac/amp, then you’ll be happy with the result. I used the Shanling UA2 in my office for a full day listening to my library and I didn’t notice any real issues. Perhaps the UA2 can be a hint sharp. Moving onto the Moondrop Dawn 4.4 on balanced (obviously) I did hear some nice scaling with more power. Nothing life changing but the bass does tighten a hair and it seems like separation of elements of the stage becomes a bit better. 

Stepping up to both of my daps, the iBasso DX240 or the Shanling M6 Ultra I found the EDXS to react to both signatures nicely. The DX240 is a slight bit more clinical and dynamic whereas the M6 Ultra has a bit more in the low-end with a warmer and lusher sound. Using both daps was a nice listening session. I realize you haven’t learned much here but I can at least say that the EDXS replays well with most sources. Certainly, they do well pair with any of my sources and they don’t take much to properly drive them. 

Pint Sized Sound Impressions 

The overall sound of the KZ EDXS is a very fun and engaging V-shaped sound signature with a warmer lower half and a brighter top end which comes across pretty clear and clean. I would say the tonal color is warm-neutral if I was going to call it anything. It is a very fun and energetic sound signature. I do want to preface that I did burn-in the EDXS for around 50 hours. I did not hear any crazy changes, nor was I needing any changes. Really the EDXS is good out of the box. Again, I also swapped eartips as well as the cable for any balanced listening. 

Between the 20’s 

The bass region has a healthy emphasis which will please those who enjoy a boosted bass yet stays just shy of basshead levels. To me anyways. The Mids are only slightly recessed, but I don’t think to any huge detriment. Vocals are nicely lush and relatively clean and resolute considering where the EDXS is located in the price point. The midrange has a crisp note expression and a tighter transient response per the tuning. Keep in mind that this doesn’t mean it’s overly “fast”. The EDXS is moody and is able to induce the feels, so to speak. I would call the sound fun and atmospheric, clean, open sounding and not processed or digital either. A true testament to KZ’s tuning prowess. The treble is presented pretty well too. It has good note definition and is emphasized quite a lot to add some air and levity to the overall sound. The extension up top is pretty nicely drawn outwards as well. 

The EDXS isn’t exactly balanced persa, but it is dynamically balanced. The greatest emphasis in each 3rd of the mix balances each other out to create a very fun and vivacious sound which has plenty of clarity and doesn’t completely lack in the detail department either… Per the tuning that is. Soundstage is pretty nice but isn’t going to necessarily wow anyone. Again, details are decent, simply because of the overall perceived resolution. Please remember I am judging the EDXS against its price point. No, this set will not compete with the best $75 iems, but it will make budget buyers very happy with the price to performance. 

Bass Region 

The EDXS can bang! When it has to. There is a nice rise down low which will be good for genres which generally have more low-end activity. I hear some actual texture to a bass region which is not simply one noted. That said, this is a $12 iem and we must keep our expectations in check. At any rate, the punch is nice and the surface-edge in the note delivery is firm and satisfying, not hollow and soft. Much of the time in this price point you’ll hear what I liken to a felt covered boom or a cotton covered punch. Not with the EDXS. 

Sub-bass

The sub-bass has enough rumble to give a nicely controlled & tactile haptic drone to a song like “Heavy is the Ocean” by Bush. Really a nicely present and big lead up for that song and the EDXS manages it very well. In “All of it All” by Lukas Graham you are met instantly with a deep and cleanly produced bassline. The EDXS keeps it moderately tight, playing exactly what was recorded yet with some added meat. 

Mid-bass

Bass drops carry that punchy slam when called upon. Not a basshead type booming sound, but energetic, textured enough, yet with a slightly softened leading edge, though I wouldn’t call it fuzzy. The EDXS offers about what you’d expect from a fun V-shaped iem at this price. It’s clean, not hollow and certainly not even close to flat or boring. There is moderate density, and I wouldn’t call it a one-noted affair. There is some separation down low and decently good macro-details.

In “Humble Beginnings” by Bazzi the bass drops at about 10 seconds and it’s very rewarding with this set. You hear that reverse scratch followed by a thick drop that shows off the extension as well as the clean bass of the EDXS. Against its peers in the price point I really think the EDXS competes at a high level. Again, let’s not get carried away. I am judging this iem as if it’s a $12 iem. 

The bass is fun enough but it also has some macro-details which show up. Bass guitar has enough growl too. You can hear that in “Feelin’ the Miles” by The Wilder Blue. KZ tuned the EDXS with enough substance in that mid-bass and enough density in the sub-bass to offer a pretty gnarly bass-guitar performance on most tracks. I wouldn’t say it’s my favorite ultra-budget KZ in this respect, but the EDXS is still… respectable. I think it’s a bass that is emphasized enough to represent most genres and instrumentation.

Midrange

The midrange is solid at this price. No doubt about it. I think it’s a mostly neutral sounding midrange with a hint of warmth in the lower mids and a slightly brighter and more forward upper mids. I hear decent transient behavior even though notes are rendered pretty smooth as they attack and release nicely. It won’t change your life, but for those who lack funds to step up to the KZ ZVX or the D-Fi or even something like the Fiio FD11 then you shouldn’t be left wanting. The mids are pretty clean too with distinct separation. Timbre is semi-organic and not colored to an unrecognizable degree. I really don’t have anything bad to say at $12, other than for a little bit more you could save up for the ZVX which in my opinion is slightly superior in many regards. 

Lower-mids

The lower-mids have subtle warmth brought in by the “spill-over” from the bass region adding nice note weight. Yet not so much to impair or add any muddiness and nothing feels veiled or cramped in the EDXS’s replay. Males like Larry Fleet in “Where I Find God” have a smoother sound and good body to his southern country voice. At times and on “lesser controlled” iems, his voice can sound coarse as it has a sharpness to it, not on the EDXS. Perhaps he sounds a bit recessed but not to any detriment. Males don’t exactly stand out, but they do have an expressive sound and an organic quality to them with good cleanliness. 

Upper-mids

The upper midrange has a forward sound to it and is generally pretty energetic.  Females sound just far enough back to “not” call them in my face. Listening on the EDXS and using my Shanling M6 Ultra I hear a nicely poignant and savory female vocal which is able to cut through the surrounding melody, even on more congested tracks. I would say that females on the EDXS almost sound natural. I think the upper mids are just a bit too upraised. Couple-in the peak at 5k and what you’re left with is some vibrant females.

Some tracks can come across a bit too hot. Like “Sensitive” by Megan Trainor. Just a titch too much for some people I’m assuming. Still, for the most part females sound very nice. They can have a more emotional glaze and nicely bodied note weight to them also depending on what song you are listening to. Take a track like “More Hearts Than Mine” by Ingrid Andress. Her voice is melodic and buoyant with a sharper intonation which truthfully serves most iems very well. In the case of the EDXS her voice seems to have found a home. My opinion. 

Uplifted

Or “Kids in Love” by Pink. Again, her voice keeps the narrative I’ve cast, as she sounds lifted and more upraised and elevated. Everyone knows her voice has a rasp to it, or a grittiness, but her tone has a longing to it, or a vulnerability, as it is “soloed out” without as much instrumentation forcing her voice into the background. The EDXS does well with a track like this. However, the EDXS doesn’t completely agree with more complicated songs which have a lot of commotion or congestion. This should surprise nobody. That said, against the current crop of under $15 iems I’d say the EDXS fares very well and has a good claim at one of the best in the price point. 

Instruments 

I do like the strings listening with the EDXS. They sound deft, nimble, crisp and with nice harmonics. I don’t want to oversell this $12 iem but I have to give credit where credit is due. Snares pang nicely as evidenced on “Billie Jean” by Weezer. Piano is mostly a mixed bag in my opinion. The body of cymbal strikes sound a bit blunted (depending on the track) but for the most part we have a nicely tuned iem for most midrange instrumentation. Spacing, separation and imaging are well rendered for the price as well. I will cover those attributes later in the review. 

Treble Region 

Note: This is an area in which I am very confused. Let me explain. I have been in talks with many folks around the hobby concerning the treble drop-off, or non-drop-off that the EDXS possess. A couple reviewers with whom I respect quite a lot state that there is a certain drop-off in the treble region leaving the EDXS lacking air. Friends, using the EDXS that I have, I couldn’t disagree more. In fact, the treble is emphasized all the way out and the EDXS can almost get hot up top on the right tracks. I would actually call the treble a bright and emphasized treble. Perhaps we have some variances. Just something that should be noted.

Details are illuminated quite easily and the treble as a whole brings up the entire mix to add levity and even some luster. There is certainly some added Shine to the treble which is on the cusp of sounding airy and is definitely vivid. There is nice resolution up top. Some would call it forced resolution, but I honestly think the treble is presented nicely for what a budget V-shaped tuning.

Uplifted

The treble region comes across as uplifted and counters the bass region well, and vice-versa. I find the treble to be decently crisp and contoured with some punch and definition. For $12, it’s “relatively” precise. Take the song “Do it Again” by Steely Dan. From the jump the cymbals sound full enough and separated. The electric sitar has a nice voluminous tone and all of it has good presence within the surrounding melody. Basically, the treble activity isn’t being lost amongst the rest of the instrumentation. Technically I think the treble is just fine. Like I stated, details find their way to the surface fairly nicely. I think the EDXS can sound crisp but mostly strays from sounding smeared over in treble sheen. That said, the EDXS can come across as very bright at times. 

For instance, take the track “Don’t Give It Up Now” by the Lyres. For the most part the treble remains in control but there is moments of some piercing brightness. I don’t think treble Heads will be in perfect love but there is enough treble sparkle and shine to hear good representation up top. For the more warm and lush, or dark and syrupy types, you may want to try out a different set. All in all I do like the fact that the EDXS is tuned with a bit more emphasis to level the dynamic balance of the entire mix by adding just enough presence up top, which in part helps the perception of better resolution. I think for the price the EDXS is a well tuned and very fun sounding V-shaped iem. 

Technicalities 

Soundstage

The soundstage is about average to me, just as it should be. Possibly a bit larger than average. I wouldn’t call it overly wide or tall but there is some decent depth. To me the soundstage is simply full as the EDXS has nice macro-dynamics which simply adds more life to the whole of the presentation. I don’t hear anything on a simple flat plane or wall of sound. I wouldn’t call the soundstage a “pro”, but it certainly isn’t a “con”.

The EDXS are in-ear monitors and expecting some massive sized stage simply isn’t feasible. It will always be one of the downsides to this listening method. With that said, I don’t really need anything larger or more stretched out… At all. How much wider does a person need to hear their music? Let’s put it this way, the EDXS presents the psycho-acoustic stage in a perfectly appropriate way per the music I am listening to. The EDXS also have plenty of representative sound in each direction which comes across lifelike to my ears. 

Separation / Imaging 

Listening to the KZ EDXS on my Shanling M6 Ultra or the iBasso DX240 gives them very nice separation for a single DD costing so little. Of course, the EDXS can get a bit smeared when listening to tracks with more commotion. Big bombastic electric guitars blaring away while the rest of the band fights for volume relevancy is something that a V-shaped single DD can get tripped up on. Really any track that is more congested. Anything else and the EDXS may surprise you. They really do separate nicely and easily compete with any iem in their price point, that my ears have heard anyways. I’m sure there are plenty I have not.

Imaging walks the same line allowing instrumentation and voices to sound partitioned off, for the most part. Right to left instrumentation keeps it’s place and is distinct. I do hear some front to back placement and layering as well. Obviously, technicalities are not what the EDXS were tuned for but in the same breath they do well for what they are. They may surprise some folks. 

Details 

You can probably gather what I am going to say. No, the EDXS doesn’t specialize in creating the most detailed experience, they simply weren’t tuned in a way that illuminates all of the subtleties in a track perfectly. This is a fun and dynamic sound that specializes in making one move their feet and bob their head. However, like most of my sentiments, the EDXS may surprise you. I do hear some nice macro-details as resolution is actually pretty decent. Perhaps the bass region will overshadow some of the minutiae on bass heavy songs but for the most part the EDXS are above average for the price. For instance, on simpler tracks I can hear the pluck of individual strings from an acoustic guitar or the breath on the mic of a nice vocal recording. Basically, you aren’t missing much and for $12 you can hardly complain.

Comparisons 

**Note: Each comparison here is not a duel to the death. I don’t find that very helpful in subjective comparisons. I compare attributes between sets, simply to better acquaint the reader with how the iem I am reviewing sounds. However, during the process I do think you will gather which set is better for the price or style for you, at least that is what I’m trying to do. Each comparison is mostly done with iems that have similar driver types or are priced similarly. There has to be some relatable quality to qualify a reasonable comparison. I try to keep these comparisons pretty short and somewhat concise and so I use very general terms, nothing in-depth either and always my subjective thoughts over fairly long a/b sessions. **

KZ Linglong ($12 – $18)

The KZ Linglong is certainly a set which took me by surprise. I promise you that I wasn’t expecting much from this bullet style beauty. It is a single DD in a tiny cylinder shell and is truly a gorgeous design. I reviewed the Linglong (Linglong review) and gave them some very good marks for what they are. Great for students or for those with small ears and especially for those on a budget who want a fun listen. The only drawback which is instantly noticeable is the non-detachable cable, in my opinion. 

Tonality

Right out the gate it is clear that the Linglong has a much warmer overall sound while the EDXS has a much brighter hue from the rise in the treble region. Both are very fun, and both have a sense of dynamism. The EDXS come across snappier, more detailed and have a grander stage size. Depending on what you refer to as “natural” or “organic” I would think the Linglong edges out the EDXS if that means anything to you. The Linglong are slightly harder to drive but both sets shouldn’t give you many issues as far as driving them properly with most any device. 

Low-end differences

From what I can hear the Linglong has a bit more in the haptic sub-bass area where the rumble can be felt. However, the EDXS has more punch and slam with a tighter attack and decay and better texture. I think the bass quality is a better on the EDXS but both sets will replay hip-hop, EDM, etc. just fine. 

Midrange

The EDXS has a much more forward presentation throughout the mids. Males have a harder edge to vocal notes while the Linglong sounds smoother and slightly weightier. Both sets sound rich in their own way. The Linglong is warmer, smoother and the EDXS sounds crisper and cleaner overall yet still sounds pretty well bodied. Females in the EDXS have much more shimmer and sound livelier while the Linglong takes a laid-back approach comparatively. The EDXS has the more detail rich midrange and replay closer to neutral in this region as well. 

Treble

The Linglong comes across as less emphasized while the EDXS has a much more energetic and lively approach up top. Detail retrieval comes across easier in the EDXS as well. To be honest I thought the Linglong had decent detail retrieval as it was, but the EDXS certainly highlights the small stuff to a greater degree. The EDXS have the snappier sound and crisper sound while the Linglong is less offensive and much easier over long periods of listening. 

Both sets are very well tuned for their price, and both take a different approach. I like that KZ doesn’t simply stay confined to one tuning style and can branch out a bit as both the Linglong and the EDXS do very well for under $15 iems. I am partial to the EDXS as It has detachable cables, I like the design a bit better, and the sound is closer to neutral which I tend to enjoy more. Still, I’m not you, so I do hope this helps if these two sets are vying for your dollars. 

KZ ZVX ($18)

The KZ ZVX was a complete eye opener for me. It’s a very well-tuned neutral leaning iem with a fun and musical sound and is really a great value and price to performance. The ZVX is another single DD set that punches above its price in many regards. To be honest, it’s a very nice set at its price point. Built very well and designed with a very cool look, the ZVX was a set that I was very happy to share my thoughts about (ZVX Review). 

Tonality

The ZVX comes across more balanced throughout than the EDXS. However, the EDXS has a brighter top end with a more energetic sound to me. The ZVX comes across smoother and slightly more controlled. However, we are splitting hairs here. The difference in price is very minimal and both sets offer a very good price to performance. I would say one of the biggest differences between these two is timbre. The ZVX sounds more organic and natural to me while the EDXS offers a more colored approach, slightly more fun maybe. 

Bass Region 

In my listening the ZVX seems to have a bit more in the tank down low in the sub-bass. It is very close. I would probably say that the EDXS has the tighter and more textured bass. As far as low-end rumble the ZVX just has a hint more density to me but both sets offer good low-end haptic feedback. The EDXS is a hint punchier and slams a bit more prominently in the mid-bass area, but the ZVX has the smoother mid-bass. There are certainly some differences between these two sets in the low-end. Both offer a different take on this area. I honestly enjoy the EDXS more in this region as I think it has a punchier, livelier sound with a less fuzzy note definition. 

Midrange 

Male vocals have more weight on the ZVX with a slightly beefier sound but the set with better clarity I think goes to the EDXS. It sounds better separated and I’d even say that the transient response may be a hair quicker. Female vocals on the EDXS have more Shine to them, they are more up front, and they just have more energy. Truthfully this is mostly a preference battle. Neither one is necessarily better than the other. The ZVX is more laid back though I wouldn’t call it laid back in general. It has good energy, but the EDXS simply sounds as though it has more. The ZVX is smoother with less of a chance at glare, has better control throughout the midrange and is much better for longer listening sessions, if that’s something you do. 

Treble Region 

The EDXS most certainly has more of a treble emphasis up top with a punchier treble. The ZVX is slightly more laid back, easier to listen to for long sessions and certainly smoother. I would say the EDXS has better extension and does pluck out the tiny details a bit better than the ZVX. In spite of that, the EDXS has a greater shot at sounding bright and knifelike. Whereas the ZVX is more balanced tonally, with less of an uprise in the treble region which in turn makes it a smoother set up top. Of the two I personally enjoy the ZVX a little bit more. Yes, the EDXS has more energy but that doesn’t equate to “better” for me. The ZVX still offers a nicely detailed treble region but never comes close to that glaring brightness. More mature sounding up top, more natural as well. Both sets sound very good for their respective price points, and I could certainly see someone totally disagreeing with me and preferring the EDXS here. 

Technicalities 

As far as the technicalities, the EDXS seems to have the ZVX’s number to a degree. It has a perceivably wider and taller soundstage, possibly better separation and a heightened sense of details. All of this is a product of the tuning and the psycho-acoustic trickery the EDXS employs. I do have to give the ZVX the edge when it comes to imaging. Also, please understand that all of this is debatable. It all depends on what your music library is, your source can make an impact and a few other variables. The truth is that both of these sets are better in the technicality department than most in the price range and both offer a nice listening experience. 

So, on one hand you have this very well controlled, balanced sounding, musical, and easy listening set of mature earphones. On the other hand, you have a dynamically enhanced and very fun sounding iem with a handle on the details which is full sounding with big macro-dynamics and also a musical sound. You have two different takes and to be honest both if these sets complement each other nicely. At times you may want a more fun listen and at other times you may want that smoother easy going sound. I like them both and I think KZ did a fine job creating two distinctly tuned iems that anyone can afford. 

Is it worth the asking price? 

Umm…. Yeah. Most certainly the EDXS is worth every penny. I’ve said it a bunch in this review, but the EDXS costs a mere $12 friends. It’s built well, looks dope, very easy to drive, sounds really fun and will make you want to move your feet and bob your head like it does to me. Nice and tight bass that’s thumpy & punchy. Semi-forward and melodic midrange which is pretty nice for vocals. It has a treble region which is snappy, shimmery and detailed. Also, technicalities are pretty nice. You have a pretty good-sized stage caused by a nice extension at both sides of the 20’s, and a pretty well separated and airy sound. 

Perhaps, those who detest a beefed-up bass will have an issue as well as those who are very treble sensitive. Also, it may be a better move to simply save up for the KZ ZVX or better yet the KZ D-Fi. By the way there is many more iems which qualify as solid price to performance sets at or around the price of something like the ZVX. So, these are things to consider. However, in answering if the KZ EDXS is worth the asking price… 100% yes, it is worth every penny! 

Ratings  (0-10)

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles. In the case of the KZ EDXS ratings below, that would be $5-$15 iems in any configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5” is exactly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $5-$15 US is a small pool in the grand scheme of things and so seeing ratings above a “9” is understandable. 

Aesthetic 

-Build Quality:        9.3                

-Design:                 9.5

-Accessories:         8.0 (at this price I won’t calculate this score for this particular category) 

Overall:               9.4                                 

Sound Rating     

-Timbre:                 8.7              

-Bass:                    9.7           

-Midrange:             9.2               

-Treble:                  9.0            

-Technicalities:       9.6

-Fun Factor:           9.9                                                                  

Overall:                9.4

Conclusion

To conclude my written review of the KZ EDXS I want to thank the good people of KZ as well as Tyvan Lam for providing the EDXS for a fair and honest review and a feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. Thank you! With that I want to request to each of you that you don’t take my word for it. Yes, I’m always honest and I give you my exact thoughts, but this hobby is so very subjective friends. Please check out other reviews and other people’s opinions. There are a multitude of very good reviewers who also give their most honest impressions and I think it can only help to make an educated purchasing decision. Also, no two people are exactly alike. We all have different tastes, likes and dislikes. Many of us own different gear for testing, different libraries of music and we all have different hearing abilities etc. 

Also, thank you for reading this review. The EDXS is a fun iem for a ridiculously low price which KZ managed to tune very well. Great for those who have a tight budget or for those who simply want to jump into the rabbit hole of this hobby. Please take care and stay safe.