KZ D-FI (Tuning Version)
Intro
Another day, another KZ budget set to review and today I that set is the KZ D-Fi (Tunable Version). The KZ D-Fi is KZ’s latest single DD iem that just so happens to come with tuning switches, or you can purchase the D-fi without the switches. One is called the “Standard” model and the other is the “Tuning” version. The KZ D-Fi “standard” version is simply the KZ D-Fi without tuning switches and obviously the KZ D-Fi “tuning” version has the four switches so to better dial in the sound to one’s preference.
**I have to thank Tyvan Lam and the good people at KZ for providing the D-Fi “Tuning” version in exchange for a fair and honest review. I make no monetary gain from KZ and wouldn’t accept it if it was offered. I’ve not been asked to skew my words in any way shape and form. If I ever was asked to do so I would never work with that company again. I just had to get that out there. Thanks.**
They never rest
KZ/CCA is doing what KZ/CCA does my friends. They must never rest because every week it seems they have developed a new set for the market. I’ve been impressed with this company for some time now and have had great experiences with their budget iems. I’ve reviewed quite a few from KZ and CCA. Recently I’ve reviewed the KZ ZVX which I personally consider as one of the best sets in its price point… hands down! I reviewed the Ling Long, the EDCX, the KZ PR1 Hifi, the CCA CRA+ and even some tws iems like the KZ VXS. Another fairly nice iem is the KZ AS16 Pro. They are all very well-conceived and well implemented iems that all compete well in their respective price brackets. The key words are “in their price brackets”.
Budget Kings
Other companies come out with nice competitive sets, then KZ just ups the ante and makes something better. I swear they take that budget crown more seriously than anything else, and I’m glad they do. I do believe that the majority of hobbyists across the world can really only afford budget sector iems and audio gears, and so I can understand KZ/CCA’s line of thinking. What is most surprising is that KZ seems to always one-up themselves with every new release. With that said, let’s see just how well KZ has done with their latest budget sector iem. Is the D-Fi a budget success or a dud, we shall see….
Purchase link: KZ D-Fi Tunable Version
D-Fi Pros
-Build is great at this price
-Design is nice
-Nice choice of tips for a budget KZ
-Working tuning switches
-Reacts well to different sources
-Scales with additional output power
-Mostly neutral in tonality or “Off-Neutral”
-Good imaging
-Nicely laid out staging
-Textured note definition and nice note weight
-Clean and quality bass
-Midrange is great for vocals
-Nice extension up top
-Non-Offensive treble without any crazy peaks
-Technicalities
D-Fi Cons
-Same KZ cable they use in ultra-budget sets
-The D-Fi may be a hair too heavy for some
-Won’t satisfy bass heads
-Not for warm or dark lovers
-Can be a hint peaky for some (not for me)
-Nothing else at this price
Gear Used for this review
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
Packaging
The KZ D-Fi arrived at my door in a simple packaging not much unlike any KZ budget product. Nothing fancy and never over the top. KZ is not trying to wow the buyer with the unboxing experience, and I am more than fine with this. Listen folks, at this price I would much-much rather that KZ or any budget iem maker put the extra cost into the earphones themselves than into the graphics on the cardboard box.
So yes, it isn’t some grand and amazing unboxing but… yes but… When you open the box and you see those beautifully made D-Fi iems staring back at you, please trust me the unboxing cares go right out the window. Underneath the earphones you’ll find the cable and eartips as well as a “micro sd pin” for the tuning switches. That’s it, good enough for me. Moving on…
Eartips
KZ went a bit out of the norm with the D-fi and added seven pairs of eartips. The D-fi themselves came with a pair of medium sized foam tips which are of nice quality. They also added three pairs (L, M, S) of a wide bore white set which are also of great quality. I like the firmer flange which helps in sealing. The other set is remarkably similar to Tennmak Whirlwind eartips which are fantastic tips that are so very well structured, and firm and they too are a wide bore set of eartips. Really a great job by KZ with the tips alone. I will use each of these pairs of tips on… something.
However, I actually went with my tried-and-true KBear 07 Large tips. Honestly, I actually do think that KZ really stepped up their tip game for the packaging with the D-Fi. In fact, it is strange because you don’t see them doing that often. Every now and again KZ will add a accessory that they don’t usually package, kind of like the carrying case provided with the Ling Long. Same thing here. All tips are very usable and a good thing to have in a collection. I use the KBear 07 tips simply for fit reasons and because they do add a certain punch and dynamics to most earphones. Normally the bass region will see a slight boost along with the upper midrange, but that is a case-by-case thing for the most part.
Cable
Okay so the cable is kind of a downer. I of course wasn’t expecting something fabulous and beefy, but I also would’ve liked to see a different cable than the one we always see with KZ/CCA’s earphones. Same QDC style OFC 2-pin cable which ends with a 3.5 single ended jack and the opaque rubber material covering. Not a bad cable at all but also not that great. I listen mainly on balanced and so I did swap cables to a white colored 8 core Fedai SPC Cable, it looks fantastic meshed with the silver of the D-fi and sounds fantastic with it. Balanced listening does add some life to the sound, but I will explain more on that later.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit / Drivability
Build
KZ went with a very durable and hefty all metal alloy build which is very nicely put together at this price point. Ya know, KZ also created a fine built set in the ZVX as well. They are really dialing it in lately with these metal shelled budget iems that far exceed what we are used to at these prices. Now, it is not unheard of to see alloy shells under $30 but the quality is what sets the D-Fi apart in my opinion. The faceplate area has a wavy pattern to it with a good-sized vent hole near the rear.
Due to the all metal build, there is the possibility that this set may be a bit too heavy for some. I could certainly see the comfort being a problem for some folks. Now, it doesn’t bug me even in the slightest, but I know a lot of my friends in the community may have a difficult time keeping the weight distribution in check. Basically, the D-Fi may find its way out of your ears with movements or with different eartips due to the weight. Don’t get me wrong there are much heavier sets out there, but I do think it’s worth noting.
Tuning Switches
The tuning switches are on the very back of the D-fi perfectly seated without any imperfections (which I expected to see). You’ll notice an on & off markings labeled above each switch pad as well as 1-2-3-4 labeled at each localized frequency changing switch. All switches can either be flipped up (with the needle tool) for “on” or left down for “off”. The first three tuning switches each affect the low end by adding one decibel increases to the bass region while the last switch affects the entire frequency band. For the purpose of this review, I will call down “D” and up “U”. My favorite switch orientation is either UDDU or UUDD. For this review I am mostly using UUDD.
Not a huge difference
There is a slightly audible difference in the switch changes which gives credence to even having them in the first place. The switches have to work friends, who’da thunk it? Now, please don’t get me confused here, it isn’t exactly like the switches make huge differences. I don’t feel like I have 16 different earphones in one. It has been advertised as well as promoted from certain audio personalities as well as KZ themselves that you can get 16 different and unique tuning options. This is not the case my friends. Yes, there is an audible boost in the bass area but not really a huge change in the overall sound.
For instance, raising the first switch to “on” will bump up the bass region one db. Raising the 1st & 2nd switches to “on” will now bump up the bass two dbs. The 3rd switch will also add one more db and so the difference is not very large. Turning on the last switch takes the entire frequency up four db’s across the board. So, it is an odd switch arrangement that KZ chose but not bad by any means. The switches really only focus on the bass region which concurrently affects the overall sound in subtle ways.
Anyways, we have seen an onslaught of tuning switches of late in the budget sector. Of course, you used to have to pay quite a bit for switch arrangements like we are seeing now. The switches work exactly as they have in the past where they will need something small enough to push the switches. Again, KZ added a micro-sd card pin within the packaging, but you can also use a paperclip or something similar. I actually have a toothpick at my bedside to switch it up and that works perfectly fine.
Design
This set does not look or feel like it costs. Not even close! If this means anything at all to you, then you are in luck with the D-Fi. The design is truly fantastic with a very highly polished exterior in a mirror type fashion. The D-Fi looks confident, clean and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It’s quite amazing to me that a premium look can be sold and purchased at budget prices, yet we are seeing this more and more lately. They have a wavy pattern on the faceplates which breaks up the monotony of an otherwise utilitarian design and actually creates a look that is fresh and somehow modern looking. I think KZ really knocked this one out of the park in terms of looks.
I should add that this high-polished look also will capture every little fingerprint and may scratch easily as well. It doesn’t bother me in the slightest, but it should be noted. I know there are those sticklers out there that may be put-off by this.
Internals
KZ chose to use a 10mm Dual-Magnet Dynamic Driver which rests in a Dual-Cavity. KZ highlights the dual-magnetic structure in their advertising saying… Ya know what, I’ll let them tell you themselves…. [“KZ D-Fi adopts the exclusive custom dual-magnet & dual-cavity dynamic driver. Dual magnetic means a dual magnetic circuit whose magnetic field is enhanced by superimposing the magnetic force of 2 magnets to achieve energy efficiency and stronger transient performance.”] – KZ Promo.
The other highlight is the implementation of the “Zobel Network” which is a departure from traditional tuning methods that use dampers and different tuning mesh among other tricks to get the desired tuning result. The Zobel Network is actually a network of resistors that can be tuned to cancel out the effects of capacitance and inductance. Basically, the Zobel Network compensates the rising impedance of a driver in the upper frequencies due to inductance in the voice coil. I hope that makes sense because I am not going any further with the explanation which “may” or “may not” be due to my ignorance in the subject. I suppose it’s a good thing that I’m not reviewing Zobel Networks.
Fit / Isolation
I still have zero idea why I add this section into any review? However, I will keep writing about it whether it makes sense or not. I can only speak on how the fit relates to my ears so I don’t know how helpful this will be to anyone else. For me personally, the fit is pretty nice. I do have to fiddle around a bit, but once I get that nice seal the D-Fi does very well for me. Isolation is about average, not unlike any earphone short of something meant for stage use. There isn’t any real sound leakage either, at least not to a degree that you should be concerned about.
Drivability
The D-Fi is not a difficult earphone to drive but it can certainly benefit from extra output power. Rated at 29-48 ohms with a sensitivity of 113+-3 dbs the D-Fi can be driven fairly easily from most any source. I used the D-Fi quite a lot with the Fiio UTWS5 which only has a Max output of around 50mw @ 32ohms. Not exactly a powerhouse but fantastic for more sensitive iems. I found this to be a perfect mobile pairing only if I have the fourth switch turned on (which decreases the impedance). The warmth and organic nature of the UTWS5 created a lovely synergy.
Another great mobile solution is the IFi Go Blu bluetooth amp/dac. The Go Blue really adds some muscle for such a small device. Listening on 4.4 balanced there is this dynamism, which is an obvious improvement and again, great synergy friends. The Go Blu has the popular CS43131 dac onboard and the D-Fi really responds well to it. The warmth of the Go Blu seems to counter the more neutral sound of the D-Fi which makes it a good mobile bluetooth option.
Dongle Dacs
One of my absolute favorite dongle dacs of any that I’ve ever tried is the Moondrop Dawn 4.4. People, if you have $69 laying around and are in need of a solid option for on the go listening, please trust me, get the Dawn 4.4. The D-Fi again reacts well and doesn’t get too bright or sharp but rather the Dawn emphasizes the D-Fi’s strengths. The Dawn 4.4 also uses the CS43131 dac but the tuning is what sets this pairing over the top.
Daps
Moving onto the iBasso DX240, with its ES9038Pro chip or the Shanling M6 Ultra with its AK4493SEQ chip. The slightly more analytical yet dynamically expressive sound of the DX240 using iBasso Amp8 MK2 module with the D-Fi gives off a clean yet punchy sound that sounds nicely airy with great note definition. The downside is that it can become too sharp in the upper mids on rare occasions. Turning to the M6 Ultra, it has a slightly warmer, more lush, more beefy sound yet still remaining airy and resolute. I found the D-Fi is much more to my liking with this pairing. Almost as though there was better control in the upper parts of the frequency whereas with the DX240 I do hear a touch more of a loose note definition.
Very quickly, when the fourth switch is turned off the D-Fi is a bit harder to drive. Lower powered sources will have a harder time properly bringing the D-Fi to a good fidelity. For instance, I decided to use my iPad 6th gen just to see how well it pushed the D-Fi with the fourth switch off and the sound was pretty bland without any real dynamism or vivacity. In the same vein, when all are turned on, the D-Fi is generally much easier to drive to that spirited and full-bodied sound. This of course makes complete sense, but I did want to spell that out for the readers here. What that boils down to is, try to get a nicely powered dongle dac and you’ll have more than enough to properly drive this set to enjoyment.
Pint Sized Sound Impressions
I won’t go too crazy into detail here, but I will quickly outline each of the three main areas of the frequency response (Bass, Mids, Treble). The D-Fi can go from almost neutral (slightly colored) to warmer in its tonal coloring depending on switch orientation. We have seen this movement back to neutrality of late and it’s had a nice reaction from hobbyists. The D-Fi walk that neutral line for the most part with subtle coloration occurring in each switch orientation. Remember, the D-Fi switches don’t make the biggest difference in the world, but they are differences nonetheless and they do slightly affect the airiness, crispness, openness of the stage and obviously low-end emphasis among other attributes.
To me (using UUDD) the D-Fi is more of a U-shaped sound, maybe a very slight V-shape. The D-Fi has a nice symmetry in its frequency response, or a nice equilibrium, which seems to have a coherent uniformity of sound in each 3rd of the mix. What I hear is a warmish-neutral sounding set with a good dynamic balance. The D-Fi is mostly natural and organic, depending on what your idea of natural and organic is. Transient attack & release is perceivably quicker on attack with a slightly less quick release, for the most part.
The frequencies
The bass region is on the lighter side and doesn’t give me that robust sound like I hear on most KZ sets. It isn’t absent from slam but it certainly isn’t super beefy. The sub-bass can growl and represent pretty well and has a moderately effective haptic vibration. The mid bass has just enough impact for genres like hip-hop, EDM etc. The midrange is presented more forward but definitely not “in your face” or shouty. There is a smooth nature to the mids which have only okay resolution for the price with a more natural sound. The treble has nice energy and decent extension into the highest of highs. I hear a transparent, smooth, high fidelity type treble which adds nice details. The soundstage is above average in every direction and the D-Fi has a technically astute sound for a single DD under $30.
Bass Region
The bass of the D-Fi is not at all close to basshead levels. Bass Bois will likely not find the D-Fi too enjoyable. Those who will enjoy this bass region are those people who embrace a more even bass that isn’t pushy or exaggerated, basically more mature in sound. The bass is emphasized to a slight degree while leaving room for the other frequencies.
I would call this a quality bass, or a controlled bass. Perhaps a bit soft in attack yet still has moderate density. I don’t think the bass is the strong suit of the D-Fi while in the same breath it also isn’t it’s achilles heel either. The bass is simply a nicely tuned part of a whole, an instrumental cog in the machine which offers support to the overarching sound. Don’t get it twisted though, It doesn’t lack either, as I still get a good and satisfying rumble and thump when called upon to do so.
Sub-bass
The sub-bass is moderately deep. I would certainly say that the focus of the low-end on the D-Fi is more in the sub-bass. There is evident texture and a haptic feel in the lowest of lows with good extension, especially when you give this set a good amount of juice. So, don’t be afraid to add power, she likes it friends. While it isn’t the world’s deepest sub-bass, it is clean and dense enough. I don’t hear that statically fuzzy note definition or pillow-like leading edge. There is just enough abrasive texture to give a bite. Not perfect… but satisfying. In “Rich Off Pain” by Lil Baby & Lil Durk the bass drops a few seconds into the track, and I notice it isn’t the most concrete in its solidity, but the sub-bass still represents the region well.
In spite of that last sentence, other tracks like “Jealous” by Nick Jonas does have a bit more sub-bass tactility and more of a concrete sound. So a lot depends on the track, source, output and switch setting. I suppose you truly get back what you give this set. It isn’t over emphasized and is more faithful to the recording than some budget iems. There are other sets in this price point which can bring a bit more of a hard edged delivery yet they can have other issues arise as well.
Mid-bass
The mid-bass has some slam to it. Still, like the sub-bass I will almost repeat myself as the mid-bass isn’t over emphasized at all while still giving enough heft in this area to replay those gratifying thump tracks. There is nice surface texture with a very tidy and kempt mid-bass boom, which has just enough of a rise to playback the bass guitar pretty darn nicely.
The song “John Wayne” by Whiskey Myers has an abrasive bass guitar riff that is a bit dirty and really gets my head moving to the groove and the D-Fi is able to replay it satisfactorily. I wouldn’t call it the most robust or gritty sounding, but the D-Fi manages good texture that I can enjoy with enough emphasis in this region for my tastes. I can say for sure that we don’t hear anything akin to a mid-bass tuck which will nuder some of that bass guitar growl.
Kick drums also come across rounded, bouncy, boomy, yet never over accentuated. The natural texture is nice in the song “Billie Jean” by Weezer (Michael Jackson cover). The speed of the attack and decay comes across with each kick of the drum. Very slightly soft in attack yet also speedy and stout, with an organic fullness that is quality for a set at this price. Not the best I’ve heard in the price point but far from the worst. Again, it sounds as though it is a part of a whole and comes across clean, well defined, and adequately sonorous and boomy. This song is great for testing kick-drum texture and I enjoy how the D-Fi handles it.
I dig it!
I have begun to really enjoy the bass of the D-Fi. It has a richness to the bass which isn’t going to devour anything else. It’s clean and with nice clarity and texture which also adds in better-than-okay layering, depending on the track I’m listening to. No, it isn’t that deep vibration with a mega boom type slam, but in all honesty, I can find that for $15 at Walmart if I need that. Those sets are a dime a dozen. KZ tuned the D-Fi to sound airier down low, better separation and not congested or muddy or over accentuated. I could use a touch more clean bass but all in all… I dig it.
Midrange
The mids are presented in a musical manner, with an earthy and mostly undebased organic timbre which sounds close to neutral across the breadth of the midrange, which is saying a lot for an budget priced single dynamic driver. I love a good midrange that has a hint of forwardness without coming across too thin, or shouty, or a handful of other less desirable characteristics. Anyone who has been in this hobby long enough knows there is a balance which has to take place for single DD’s. Basically, this is a musical midrange with hints of color.
The D-Fi’s ability to acquaint my ears with the coarseness of a Chris Stapleton song, or the soft eloquence of Gabrielle Aplin’s singer songwriter originality is nice to hear. Not 100% accurate but nicely rendered. The D-Fi costs very little in the world of iems, yet it has a refined nature to it which begs the question… “How much more does a person actually need?” or “How much more does one really need to spend?” No doubt about it, if I was stuck on a deserted island with only the D-Fi and my dap (with endless battery life of course) I would be perfectly content and happy.
Lower-midrange
Getting on with my actual thoughts about the mids. I hear male vocals which can (based upon your switch settings) either sound slightly hefty, lusher and warmer, or they can be edgier and leaner yet always transparent and melodic to my ears. I am going with “UUDD” in this portion of the review and so male vocals have an ever so slight bit of warmth and aren’t overly thick in note weight but there is still good density. Males sound solid, not fuzzy and they have a nice edge to the sound.
Take a voice like Zach Williams in the track “Lookin’ For You“. The fundamental meat of his voice has nice body to it with an edgier and grizzled note texture but not warm with heft on the D-Fi. Nothing sounds accentuated or forced but rather he comes across organic in body. Or the track “Plain to the Plainsman” by Colter Wall. His voice is extremely deep with a certain resonance to it and is rugged and jagged. Listening with the D-Fi he sounds firm and controlled. Which just so happens to be exactly how he is supposed to sound. Not hefty or super rich in sound but natural and with a clean resolution. It is easy for a set to screw up his voice but the D-Fi sound nice.
Upper-Midrange
Females come across loud and clear with a neutral hue to the area. Definitely this is a more lustrous and shimmery type upper-midrange experience. Females really do sound illuminated and can even subtly cross into a piercing and edgy sound on some tracks. Be that as it may, for the most part this area sounds very clean, detailed, uplifted and with a focused resolution.
Camila Cabello in “Never Be The Same” is a track that just douses you in her sensual and saucy inflections to her emotionally scratchy voice. The D-Fi catches every piece of grain within the rasp of her voice as it cuts through the melody with this aching and ardent yearning. I feel the D-Fi does this track justice. Yes, it’s a bit grating which is partially caused by her voice alone, but it’s also fitting as the song has this urgency and pining, almost a pleading within her voice. I suppose we must suffer those sharper articulations with her. The nice thing is she comes through crystal clear and rich enough.
Another song is “Whispering Waltz” by Sierra Ferrell. This is a singer songwriter type old school style folk country track which is absolutely beautiful in both instrumentation as well as her angelic voice. Her voice shimmers with elegance and a soft sheen listening with the D-Fi. Another emotionally centered song with her voice sounding so cherubic and harmonious as the Ukulele and Acoustic Guitar perfectly comes across with great separation and detail. She has a good and uplifted energy to her voice even in the more somber sonb. In fact, most females sound really nicely energetic, fully present and forward with this budget set.
Instrumentation
Instruments benefit greatly from this mostly neutral and tighter type replay. Strings sound a hair thinned out but not in a frail way. More like thin in a tighter way, because there is good substance and solidity to plucks from a guitar and the harmonics that trail off from there. The tight transient response keeps a more kempt and taut sound from strings which is very nice for this price point. Percussion of all types has a punch with good body within the midrange. Flute and violin both come across organic and pleasing to the ear.
Are they really issues?
I don’t hear any glaring issues but not everyone is a fan of a more neutral midrange. Some yearn for a more warm, syrupy, or even dark sounding midrange with a robust thickness. Certainly, the D-Fi is not that.
Also, there are very small instances of timbre issues in the upper mids. I hear a metallic or nasally sound at times. However, I only really heard this on a couple tracks. One being “Look At You” by Rebecca Black. I know reading the words “metallic” or “nasally” are keywords to avoid but this can be changed using the switches to a small degree. This is the reason as to why I went with the UUDD configuration. Before that I was more than happy listening with the UDDU settings. So that’s really it, some very slight timbre issues that to me aren’t even real issues.
Treble Region
The upper parts of the frequency have a very nice transition from the midrange. Perhaps the timbre could be a bit more natural, but we are talking about a budget iem here. The D-Fi’s treble region does have some crunch and punch to it. Listening to the fast-paced treble deluge from the song “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef, the D-Fi shows off its pretty good detail chops as well as its nice extension. Also depending on the switch arrangements this song can absolutely tinge the senses in trebly delight. The D-Fi shows off good separation and imaging of each instrument. I would have thought that I’d hear some smearing, but the D-Fi are proving to be a pretty mature set.
Mostly non-offensive affair
Like I stated, the D-Fi has nice extension into the upper parts of the frequency. I get nothing piercing or shrill. I also don’t hear anything really metallic or bothersome. It seems that KZ tuned this set to be listenable and non-offensive. Like I said, I hear nothing shrill with instrumentation. Instead, I hear nicely diminishing harmonics from cymbal strikes that don’t sound splashy to me.
For instance, “In Bloom” by Nirvana has a lot of treble activity to begin this track. On a treble lifted set, this song can sound almost pain inducing. The D-Fi is able to cut out the cymbals amongst the chaos jamming out around them. Most sets I will hear some masking going on and there is some of that to a degree on the D-Fi, but the balanced tuning does help. Perhaps they sound a bit tinselly and not perfectly natural, but they don’t come across weirdly splashy. If that makes sense?
Good for instruments up top
Now, instruments with their fundamental frequency and body of the sound within the treble region, I like what I am hearing from a $30 iem. Flute, Sax, Electric Guitar & Violin are a few which take center stage in some tracks within my library of music. Like I said, the treble has a okay punch to it, slightly crunchy, slightly smooth and never offensive.
No, it isn’t perfect, but it is very well accomplished for the asking price and does very well to round out the entire mix adding a nicely controlled luminance, and NOT to a fault. This bodes well for instrumentation in the treble region. Some may argue that the timbre may not be spot on, and I can understand that, but the amount of pickiness that it must take to declare that a “con” is pretty ridiculous. At $23-30!? I hear nothing that is wonky, tizzy or tinny or too dry or too sheened out in glare or shrillness. I hear a nicely airy presentation with a nice lift which makes for a decently good replay for instruments in my library.
Technicalities
Soundstage
I feel like this review already sounds like the hype train is boarding. I am giving you my word that this is not the case. The D-Fi is a very well-tuned set, this is only true, of course, if this tuning agrees with you…by the way, it agrees with me.
I prefaced with that to say… The soundstage has nice width and openness to it with a sense of space to the sound. Still, height is above average against the crop of similarly priced iems and depth is there to add a sense of 3D. Anyways, to check for soundstage, my notes include a hit from the nineties called “Hook” by Blues Traveler. The recording alone sounds wide and will easily show you how vast of a stage your earphones can get you. There are a number of tracks which are good for this but this is simply in my notes. Again, the D-Fi sounds above average and stretches past my ears in width.
Not a concert hall
Just like any set of iems, you shouldn’t be expecting a concert hall type of listening experience. This just won’t happen. In spite of that, some iems can stretch the psychoacoustic stage and a lot has to do with the tuning among other things. Anyways, the D-Fi does a decent job at helping me to perceive an appropriately sized stage for my musical library. You will not be taken aback at the vastness on this set but also, nothing stands out as congested either. There isn’t any closed in feeling at all. We should expect an average stage size at the very least and I’d say that you get better than that from this set. The nice thing I hear is the depth and the relative accuracy of the image created with nice space in between elements of a stage.
Separation / Imaging
Separation is good. As with most single DDs there can be a bit of masking and smearing in chaotic and congested tracks with a lot of commotion happening. Still, the D-Fi actually fares okay in these situations. Not perfect by any means but not bad either. Anything less than a very chaotic song and the D-Fi separates very well with localized and partitioned elements of a stage. Imaging is also nicely rendered. The imaging is great left to right as well as forward and backward. Again, in more congested tracks things do muddy up a bit and you’ll lose some of the perceived imaging but all in all, I think the D-Fi do very well in these two categories. In fact, I’d say it’s one of the D-Fi’s strong suits.
Details
The D-Fi offers a reasonably well-done detail experience. Certainly not detail kings but very good against similarly priced iems. Which, by the way, is the only really good stick to measure these against. How do they fare against others in the price point? I can say that there are sets which bring the subtleties to the surface better and for cheaper. Sets like the 7Hz Zero and a few others are tuned to elevate details. That being said, the D-Fi has other attributes that it offers which are much more important to the overall listening experience. Now, with that also being said, the D-Fi has a cleaner sound with a good transient response and an uplifted, non-veiled, and open sounding approach and so details naturally aren’t bad at all. You aren’t missing much my friends.
Comparisons
Note: I want to preface these comparisons with a few underlying notes. First, I mainly use the “UUDD” setting on my D-Fi which is my favored way of listening. Also, I compared all sets using a balanced cable on my Shanling M6 Ultra. Another thing, this is not a duel to the death, the only reason I even compare iems is to better explain the set I am reviewing, and these will be very generic explanations to quickly describe some differences without going too in depth.
KZ ZVX ($18)
The KZ ZVX is a bona-fide STUD my friends. I adore its tuning, truly. I would have never imagined you could get such a well-tuned iem at this price yet here we are. Is the D-Fi a true upgrade? I suppose we shall see. The ZVX is another amazingly built tank of an iem which is offered at a ridiculously low price and outperforms sets which double it or more. No joke. The ZVX also uses a 10mm Dynamic Driver and also uses the Zobel Network, like the D-Fi. I gave this set great marks and have zero issues rating it in my top three in the ultra-budget space. Possibly number one. Check out my review of the ZVX HERE.
Bass Region
Between the two of these sets, I can plainly see that the ZVX has more of a low-end emphasis and a bit more rumble and slam. In fact, I’d probably say that this is one area where the ZVX sounds a bit more fun to me. Of course, I enjoy a healthy dose of quality bass. That said, the difference is pretty minimal, which by the way is something you will have to get used to hearing in these comparisons.
The D-Fi however has a smidgen better clarity to my ears as well as better texture to this area based on the tracks I used for testing. I’m sure this is debatable. What it comes down to is, they both sound very much alike with roughly a 5db boost in the sub-bass through the mid-bass on the ZVX. This of course depends on which switch setting you decide to use in the D-Fi.
Midrange
The D-Fi sounds more neutral than the warmish neutral ZVX. The ZVX renders male vocals a hair thicker and more pronounced. Not necessarily more forward but slightly lusher I suppose. However, the D-Fi has that sharp inflection in a male’s voice that just gives vocals that last bit of clarity. Neither is really triumphant over the other, honestly it is really just a question of preference. The ZVX is smoother in the whole of the midrange while the D-Fi is the cleaner, more resolute and more detailed of the two. The D-Fi draws female voices ever so slightly more forward with a more neutral and organic timbre. Less color I should say. With that said, the ZVX sound very natural in their own right and also sound nicely detailed yet only a little more smoothed over.
Instrumentation has an airier quality listening on the D-Fi, a bit better detailed with a better transient attack and decay in the midrange. There is a snappiness to the sound while not coming across sharp. I would say the ZVX is very similar yet with a slightly warmer hue. To my ears the D-Fi have a bit more energy with a more vibrant display of instrumentation. However, to my ears I do like strings on the ZVX a bit more, while I like percussion a bit more on the D-Fi.
Treble region
I find both of these sets to have a mostly non-offensive sound, and both have good energy up top. Certainly, both of these iems have enough presence up top to elevate the entire spectrum. Definitely not the most elevated or extended but both are nice. Between the two I think the D-Fi stays a hair more in control, but man is it a slight difference. As far as actual treble quantity, the ZVX does have a little bit more of an emphasis with a more forward treble region. Both sets have a softer attack, and both bring upon details relatively nicely.
Kiwi Ears Cadenza ($35)
Oh, sweet Cadenza, you are an alluring and beautiful iem. I reviewed the Cadenza in January of this year HERE. I was nothing short of impressed with this set. The Cadenza is outfitted with a single 10mm Beryllium coated Dynamic Driver and it is a fantastic all-rounder type of set that quite easily sits in many best under $50 lists. It is a striking iem which offers a slightly different tuning then the D-Fi but does punch above it’s price in my opinion.
Bass Region
As far as differences go… in the UUDD configuration the D-Fi has a bit less in the bass department. This isn’t some colossal difference, yet it is a difference nonetheless. The D-Fi has a bit softer of an impact as well. Now, I can put that third switch up and then this is a different conversation. In that case the D-Fi gets a bit warmer and heartier in the bass region and sounds about the same as far as quantity is concerned. One thing remains is the leading edge of attack is still a bit softer on the D-Fi than the beryllium Cadenza. Both sets offer a very nice bass region that sounds clean and textured. I would say the Cadenza has a bit more of a snappiness to the sound but again, miniscule differences here.
Midrange
Both of these sets hover around neutral in tonal color with the Cadenza leaning slightly more to the left with a touch more warmth to my ears. I think the D-Fi has a cleaner sounding male and female vocal and is slightly more detailed. However, I will have to keep repeating myself, the differences are very minimal. With the Cadenza, males carry a slightly heftier note weight with a smoother and lusher delivery while the D-Fi is more tidy, sharper. Both sound great. Females offer the same differences. The one thing I’ll say is females seem to be a bit more laid back on the Cadenza, but please don’t confuse me, they aren’t laid back in general, only in comparison. The D-Fi replays female voices a hair more forward and shimmery.
Treble Region
The D-Fi also has the more detail focused sound up top. It has a pinch more treble punch where the Cadenza is a bit smoother and less vivacious in the treble region. The D-Fi seems to offer a slight bit more of a rise in the treble despite how closely aligned the graphs are. I would assume the D-Fi’s last little peak around 9-10k does add some luminance and that last little bit of vibrancy but in truth these two sets are very similar. That says a lot about the pedigree of the D-fi if it can hang with a set like the Cadenza which was almost universally praised. Extension on the D-Fi into the highest of highs is about the same to my ears. They are basically hand in hand in that regard.
Two dope sets
So, like I mentioned, the detail retrieval of the D-Fi is certainly better to my ears between the two sets. Now, the Cadenza wasn’t exactly praised for its ability to bring to life the tiny minutia within a track. In the same breath I don’t think that detail retrieval is the D-Fi’s strength either. That said, both sets aren’t bad by any stretch. Soundstage is about the same on both sets, roughly average and not different enough to point out. I’d like to note that just because I have stated that one seems better in one area then the other does not mean it is inherently “better”. This leaves out all of the nuance and intangibles that each set offers. Truth be told, I couldn’t pick which one I like better.
Is it worth the asking price?
Is this a trick question that I’m asking myself? Um…Yeah, this set is most certainly worth the asking price. Listen, the build is really exceptional at this price. Where in the world are you going to find an all-metal shell that is this well put together, this seamless, this slick looking, with tuning switches and is actually a maturely tuned iem…all for $30!? I’ll answer this for you…you don’t see that…anywhere.
The D-Fi is the newest attempt by KZ to capture the budget crown and by most accounts I’d say that they may have done so. Obviously, this all depends on what type of sound signature that you enjoy. I really shouldn’t speak in generalities like that but… c’mon folks! The D-Fi is very well balanced and very musical. No, it isn’t going to out-duel $100 iems, but it most certainly will have a huge advantage against anything in its price bracket, and maybe a price bracket higher.
Not for everyone
The D-Fi will be the exact opposite of those sentiments to anyone who enjoys a very thick and rich and warm experience. Yes, it is true, not everything is meant for everyone. There will be those who don’t appreciate this “close to neutral” style tuning and that is understandable. For those who dig a bigger and deeper bass region I’d say that you should look elsewhere. Even trebleheads may want to look past this set as well. For everyone else I’d say that it is hard to go wrong here for the money. I am thrilled that everyone has a chance to get really good fidelity at almost every price. Scratch that, you CAN find good earphones at every price point and the D-Fi is a shining example of that. So yes, the KZ D-Fi (Tuning Version) is most definitely worth the asking price.
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 D-Fi, that would be any iem in the $15-$35 price point.
Aesthetic
-Build Quality: 10.0
-Design: 9.9
-Accessories: 8.8
Overall: 9.6
Sound Rating
-Timbre: 9.7
-Bass: 9.7
-Midrange: 9.3
-Treble: 8.9
-Technicalities: 9.0
-P2P: 10.0 (Price to Performance)
Overall: 9.4
Conclusion
First things first, I have to again share my gratitude to the good people at KZ as well as Tyvan Lam for providing the KZ D-Fi for a fair and completely impartial review. I can respect any company willing to subject their product to the scrutiny of a review. Know this, KZ has never once even slightly uttered a word to me about what they would like me to say or how they’d like their products presented. Never. They live with the end result. Also, if a company did ask me to skew my words than that would be the last time I ever deal with them. So that is worth mentioning. Thank you, KZ.
Please, seek out other thoughts on any product that you may be interested in. We are all very much different friends. We have different hearing abilities, different sources and gear, different likes and dislikes, different music libraries and we all haven’t been down the same audio journey (probably the most important). Listen to, watch, or read other opinions as it will help you to gauge these devices better. With that, I finally want to thank you, the reader. It means a lot to me that you would click the link to this review, and I do hope it has helped. Thank you and please take care.