KZ AS24 Pro Review
Intro
Hello, today I have with me the KZ AS24 Pro ($115) from KZ Audio and I am very excited to check this set out. The AS24 Pro actually comes in two variants, the “Standard” model and the “Tuning” model. The difference is that the “Tuning” model simply has four dip-switches whereas the “Standard” model does not. Obviously, the set I’m reviewing is the tuning model. Now, I reviewed the original KZ AS24 (AS24 Review) and it was hard not to be impressed with it as it was truly able to compete within its price point. I was hoping at least a little bit of that DNA would show up on this latest AS24 Pro. Now, the AS24 Pro is actually a 12-driver earphone which uses a total of twelve balanced armature drivers. Yes, you read that right… twelve! How KZ fits them inside these shells is beyond me. On top of the twelve drivers KZ also added in four dip-switches to dial in the sound to suit your taste and preference. I am very curious to see how this set fares against some of the competition within the price point. No doubt there are a number of high quality and very well crafted iems.
KZ
Knowledge Zenith has been at this audio game for quite some time. They were my 1st choice back in the day to walk away from Beats, and the Bose’s of the world and finally break into iems. Truth is, I have been using primarily iems ever since. So many hobbyists have a similar story as mine. How many people began their audio journey with a set of KZ or CCA iems? It’s a constant story. KZ was the building block for the Audioverse. They got us in the door while the “rabbit-hole” extended far and wide after that. Of course, over time KZ began to branch out in their tuning, their styles and designs, their driver configurations with constant incremental improvements with each iteration or earphone variant. It used to be that folks believed KZ simply threw spaghetti at a wall to see what sticked, so to speak. In spite of that common saying, KZ has actually prevailed whilst keeping another common theme of KZ’s intact, and that theme is always centered around “price to performance”. They keep prices low, offering very good iems at a very low cost. Always with good build quality and always challenging what other brands are doing. I am not a KZ apologist. I simply call a spade a spade. KZ is doing some pretty cool things.
Impressive
I really had zero idea where KZ would go from the OG AS24 as that set really set a standard for all-BA iems at an affordable price. Granted the cost of the OG AS24 was roughly around $125 which was anything but cheap. Still, for a 12 driver iem it is beyond impressive. Even more impressive is the fact that KZ marked the AS24 Pro’s MSRP at $10 less than the original. On top of that they speak of actual improvements over its predecessor (which is usually the case with KZ iems). Anyways, I am very curious to finally hear this set. Again, it does have an uphill climb if KZ is thinking the AS24 Pro will usurp some of the heavy hitters within the price point. Yet somehow, I don’t think KZ is all too worried. I suppose we shall see. The KZ AS24 Pro everyone…
Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links:
Disclaimer:
I received the KZ AS24 Pro from KZ Audio as a review sample and in exchange I will conduct a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a review sample iem. KZ has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to KZ Audio and thanks for reading.
AS24 Pro Pros
-Build Quality is once again very nice
-Design is either a huge plus, or it isn’t (also a con)
-Tuning Switches work well
-Huge and energetic sound
-Organic bass, deep and it can slam whilst keeping things tight
-Midrange is smooth yet finely detailed
-Treble is sparkly, extended, snappy
AS24 Pro Cons
-The design will turn some off
-Very large shells for smaller ears
-Can be a bit bright with certain switch settings
-Warm/Rich/Dark Lovers may want to keep looking
Gear used for testing
–Ifi Go Blu
–EPZ TP50
–Simgot Dew4x
–Aful SnowyNight
–Fiio Q15
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
The KZ AS24 Pro arrived at my home in the regular KZ box. This one is a black box, nothing to it, just a glossy black KZ logo on the front and some specs on the back. Open the box (slide of the sleeve) and you’ll see the AS24 Pro chillin’ in foam cut-outs. Next to the earphones is a small accessory box. Inside the accessories box you’ll find the eartips, cable, and a dip-switch tool for switching the settings. This is really a standard KZ unboxing. You really don’t get a ton as the money is all wrapped up in the earphones themselves. Nothing grand but that’s okay.
Eartips
The eartips provided are the same eartips provided for every set of KZ or CCA earphones. You receive one pair of large foam tips which are the slow rise foamies. Actually, these are very solid foams, if you jive with them. I personally don’t enjoy foam tips, but they aren’t bad at all. The other type of tips is one of my favorites called the KZ Starline eartips. You get three pairs (S, M, L) of Starlines. They are black silicone narrow bore tips with a rigid flange, fairly rigid stem and they are longer than most eartips. I’m telling you, there will be situations that only the Starlines can help you with. It’ll happen. They really are solid tips and great for any collection. However, for me, I went with the Dunu S&S tips because I found that the AS24 Pro does very well with more of a wide bore. I also used the Letshuoer shallow fit wide bore tips but found the deeper fit of the S&S tips worked perfectly for my ear anatomy. Also, the S&S tips seem to open up the stage a bit more than shallow fit. Your mileage may vary of course as we are all so different, but the S&S worked wonders for this set.
Cable
Okay, this is somewhat of a point of contention for me. Folks, this set costs over $100 and KZ is giving us the same cable they use for their $10 EDC Pro. I jsut can’t wrap my head around this thinking. The AS24 Pro is their “flagship” iem! KZ, give these earphones a proper cable! Okay, not much of a rant but it’s over. To be honest I knew they wouldn’t give a nice and fat cable that accented the AS24 Pro really nice. Anyways, the cable provided is the same KZ/CCA cable that we’ve gotten with every set that’s come out for the last six years. It’s the white/opaque colored, flat wire, QDC style 2-pin made of silver plated copper and ending in a 3.5 single ended right angle jack. I of course swapped cables and went through many of them before I finally landed on the Artti Wave A11 which is a modular 7N silver plated copper cable with 2.5, 3.5, and 4.4 modular Jacks. It looks absolutely perfect with this set. The coloration is awesome aesthetically but also the sound is so very good together. Artti makes some very good cables. That all said, of course if you cannot purchase another cable and all you have is a 3.5 single ended source, then you should be perfectly fine with the included cable. Honestly, it isn’t a bad cable but I’d simply love to see a proper cable fitting of a flagship.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
So, the actual build is identical in aesthetic to the OG AS24 in that the shape is just about the same but with a slight difference in the nozzle. The original has a slightly narrower nozzle compared to the new AS24 Pro. Once again, the Shells are made from DLP 3D printed resin which is very intricate and could probably only be made by this method. I say that because each driver and driver array has its own tubing also printed into the shell cavity. It’s pretty cool actually. The Shells feel tough and well made with nothing cheap anywhere on them. The faceplates are made of resin as well with an aluminum border which goes around the outside. Also, just like the OG AS24, the newer AS24 Pro is a huge iem! It’s big. Smaller ears may have a hard time getting a solid fit. Of course, the nozzles are longer than most sets which does help even small ears get a seal. By the way, the nozzles measure right at 6mm at the opening and so most eartips should fit fine. You’ll also notice the four dip-switch panel if you have the tuning version. So, the build is very nice, just as the last AS24 and so expect a solid made unit. It feels robust and durable in hand and isn’t nearly as heavy as one would think.
Dip-switches
Once again KZ added dip-switches to their tuning variant of the AS24 Pro just like the OG AS24. However, (thankfully) instead of giving us eight switches like the last model, the newer version only has four switches to deal with and explain. Also, KZ makes it very easy to explain and very easy to use. They have really dialed in these switches after implementing them on so many iems. Damn near every set over $25 has them and so they are about as intuitive as dip-switches get by now. At any rate, it’s simple. Just for review purposes, I will call “on” as “1” and “off” as “0”. So, if all switches are on it will look like this: “1111”. If the 1st two switches are in and the last two are off it will look like this: “1100”. It just makes it easier to explain for me.
How do they work?
So, the first switched turned on will add 1 level to the low-end. Turn the 2nd switch in and it will add 2 levels to the low end. By the way, I believe that each level represents 1-2 db’s. Anyways, the third switch turned on will actually decrease the highs by 1 level and the fourth switch turned on will decrease the highs by 2 levels. So, there you have it, easy-peasy. The first two will add bass and the 3rd and 4th switches decrease the highs. For my personal preference I went mainly with “1100” and “1110”. To add a bit more low-end amplitude I went with “1111” at times but for reviewing I wanted to keep some more of the highs in my music. A tad more energy in the upper frequency and a bit more balanced using “1100”.
Design
Just like the build, the design is basically the exact same as the original AS24. You have the same silver diamond looking, blingy, very posh and snazzy faceplate design with the aluminum border around it. It’s a dope look but it will absolutely not be for everyone. Take my word on this. On one area of the border, you’ll see an elegant “AS24 Pro” in cursive writing. The border itself is almost a gun metal colorway while the shell body is a semitransparent light brown resin which does let you see all of the internals. The design is flat-out cool looking, but many will feel it’s too over the top blingy looking as the AS24 Pro resembles something closer to jewelry than a set of earphones. Still, I say it’s dope and it’s a risky move. Hey, it worked well for the OG AS24, and so KZ probably figured why not give them a second helping of that design. I suppose I would’ve liked to see a new and fresh design but… whatever, it’s cool.
Internals
KZ once again opted for twelve balanced armature drivers for their flagship model. That’s a huge number of drivers folks and I cannot imagine that they are easy to tune, let alone cram them into the housing. So, KZ went with their staple #22955 for the low-end. For the midrange they used two #29869 balanced Armatures. The upper-mids through the lower treble is taken care of with four #31736 BA’s which are actually two-BA arrays. For the ultra-highs KZ decided upon one #30019 balanced armature driver. Beyond drivers KZ 3D printed tubes leading from every driver to the nozzle which is nice to see. There’s a lot going on internally folks and I give my hats off to KZ for putting them all together and actually making this set sound as good as it does.
Fit
The fit is going to be the big question mark. Will these large earphones fit your ears? I can tell you that they fit mine. Rather well too. However, I did have to seek out the best tips for that purpose. Naturally. For me, once I tried the Dunu S&S tips, it was over, I found my tips and the AS24 Pro also fit just fine. I suppose the 2-pin is a little higher in the ear though, which may pose a problem for some folks. Maybe the earhook on the cable won’t hug your ear as you’d like. I don’t think this is the most ergonomic set on planet earth but it certainly isn’t the worst either. Isolation is actually better than most in my opinion. Outside noises aren’t completely attenuated but once a seal is had they do seem less obvious than most other iems. Altogether, this is a larger set and may be an issue for some. The AS24 Pro fits very nicely for me though.
Drivability / Pairings
Due to the tuning switches the AS24 Pro has an impedance ranging from 20-50 ohms and a sensitivity ranging from 110-113dbs. Personally, I didn’t find the AS24 Pro to be a difficult set to drive as I used just about every means that I have, and each one drove it to good volume levels. Despite that, we know that volume levels aren’t always what we’re going for. What we want is good fidelity, good dynamics, and what gives us the best possible sound for our money. I find the AS24 Pro scales with actual power quite well. Maybe not to the degree of some sets, like planar magnetic earphones. But it does tighten up simply with the addition of more power.
Source tonality
Beyond that, the actual source tonality and the overall ability of your source can change the sound one way or the other as well. To be 100% honest, I don’t think your source tonality matters a whole lot. It really depends on you and what you prefer. The AS24 Pro comes across neutral with a north of neutral bass which adds just a slight degree of warmth. Whether I used a warm source or cooler source I could easily see folks enjoying the sound. Again, depending on what you prefer. Some sets I’ll say straight-up that a set sounds better with a warm source or a colder source. Not this set. It sounds pretty good with most sources. There aren’t any huge peaks that can be exaggerated by a brighter source and there’s no warm veil that can be exaggerated by a warmer source. It’s right in the middle which sounds good with just about anything.
My sources
I used many different sources from Bluetooth adapters to my heavy hitting dac/amps and I generally enjoyed the sound on everything. I suppose my favorite pairings for mobile situations were the Simgot Dew4x, EPZ TP50, Aful SnowyNight and the IFi Go Blu. They all sound pretty nice though. Of my daps and larger dac/amps I used the iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2 installed as well as the Shanling M6 Ultra and the Fiio Q15. My absolute favorite device I have with the AS24 Pro is the warmer, velvet style sound and great resolve of the M6 Ultra. It just synergizes very well for my preferences. The AS24 Pro simply has that clean and ultra resolving sound which took the warmth of the M6 Ultra so easily and stayed very clean in the process, very dynamic, with richer note weight. Then again, the Fiio Q15 sounds amazing with just about anything. Slightly less warm, less full in note weight but macro-dynamics are more boisterous and expressive. So, it really depends on what you prefer at any given moment. Lord knows I change by the day. Shoot, more like by the hour.
What should you use?
This question is, what is the least that you’ll need to have some good listening sessions with the AS24 Pro. I feel that a good and solid dongle dac is about what you would need to begin to get the most out of the AS24 Pro. There are many sub-$100 dongle dacs that would suffice. It doesn’t have to be some ultra expensive device. Obviously, the AS24 Pro does mimic whatever the talent is of your source and so if you have an ultra-resolving and dynamic source then the AS24 Pro will reciprocate. I realize that is pretty self-explanatory, but I think we just get a bit too carried away with the word “synergy” in this hobby. All synergy really means is that the pairing sounds good to your ears. That’s it. There’s no magic perfect dongle dac or dap that specifically replays perfectly to the exact design specifications and auditory ability of any one set of earphones. It just means that you like the pairing, it sounds good to you. That’s synergy. So yes, the AS24 Pro will definitely show you it’s abilities with a more talented device attached to it.
Sound Impressions
The KZ AS24 Pro leans closer to neutral, much like the AS24. However, there is the slightest bit of warmth from the elevated low-end. Of course, the switches do make subtle differences as well which can lean the tonal coloration left or right a stitch. So, in my opinion the overall tonal color probably ranges from dead neutral to warm/neutral. Either way It’s a very clean sound and that’s across the board. From the sub bass through to the upper treble you’ll hear a very pristine and resolving sound. Very clean background, nicely transparent. I hear a nicely balanced V-shape to possibly a U-shaped sound signature. The bass is most certainly lifted and fun, and the treble is also energetic and sprightly, but I don’t hear some massive recession within the midrange. In fact, I feel that the mids have very nice placement within the sound field. Certainly not overly recessed. The AS24 Pro has a crisp sound with smoother undertones. The stage is wide and full and with great layering. Couple that with the energetic nature of the AS24 Pro and what you get are very expressive and controlled macro-dynamics. This is really a very musical sounding set with good density to notes yet also very technical in the way it can resolve micro-details, separate instruments etc. while at the same time provide an easy listening experience.
Ensemble cast…
Of course, the AS24 Pro also has its downsides which look much more like subjective gripes that some folks may have. It can become a hair strident with some switch settings and come across pretty bright at times. Actually, bright may be a strong word because those moments of brightness are really few and far in between. However, I know plenty of my friends are absolutely allergic to any form of levity in their music. They want warm and they want dark. To each their own, I guess. Like I said, I use the “1100” switch settings which does pump up the bass a little bit while keeping those highs energetic and emphasized. It has a very nice balance actually. No one area of the mix overpowers or masks another area. I feel like the AS24 Pro is almost like an ensemble cast where there is no lead. Something you judge as a whole. Each 3rd of the mix is one leg to a three-legged table. Okay maybe that was a bad example but I’m sure you get what I mean. Still, there are areas where the AS24 Pro has some slight issues.
Condensed Sound Between the 20’s
Here is my quick rundown of each 3rd of the mix (bass, mids, treble) before I deep dive into each one of these areas. So, the bass has surprisingly good dynamics and can even come across as physical, haptic and comes close to a good DD bass. Very nicely done. Also, the bass is very quick, no lagging & slow harmonics or drug-out resonances. It’s very tight, well defined, punchy. Maybe not as deep and extended as some DD’s, but good for what it is. The midrange has very good presence against the rest of the mix. Not “forward” per se, but still well highlighted and melodic. It’s also well detailed and very resolving while at the same time it doesn’t come across with thin or paper-dry notes. There’s some moisture there, some palpable texture to the mids which are less forward but heavier in the low-mids yet more forward and shimmery in the upper-mids. The treble has that nice sparkle, nicely separated, has good bite and is extended into the upper treble nicely while not sounding splashy. The treble can be a bit bright for some which can be helped with switch settings. Again, each area is well represented. Technically the AS24 Pro is very solid! Nicely detailed, good separation of instruments and voices, transients are tight, it has layering of sounds and the stage is 3D to my ears. Really a nicely done $115 all BA iem and my personal favorite KZ iem.
Bass Region
I love good balanced armature bass. Eh, who am I kidding, I like any kind of good bass. The bass serves as the foundation for most tracks. That underlying beat, the exclamation style bass drop. The AS24 Pro has this type of bass in its repertoire and can feel nicely physical for a balanced armature low-end. Of course, it doesn’t really compete with good dynamic driver bass replays but is very nice for what it is. This is a very quick bass, yet the attack is a hint less solid upon the strike of a low-end note. There’s good density in its note body but it isn’t a completely hard-edged concrete style attack with loads of snap. Then again, it certainly isn’t pillowy either. I can simply tell it’s a balanced armature replay. However, the bass on the AS24 Pro is better to my ears than one of my all-time favorite all balanced armature sets, the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite. It’s actually very well done for an all-balanced armature iem. I hear good note definition which isn’t even close to one-noted with solid separation between sub & mid bass. Now, there are certainly sets within the price point which carry a more compact and concise bass range with better texture and a more palpable slam. That all said, I like what I’m hearing and for someone who needs the bass range to be solid… I’m happy with the AS24 Pro’s bass region. Fast, punchy, has some impact, can get guttural when needed, and doesn’t clog the rest of the mix in veil. Truly this is a great BA bass folks.
Sub-bass
The sub-bass is about moderate to slightly above moderate in quantity depending on your switch settings, and far from basshead. This is not the deepest rumble the world has ever heard. However, the AS24 Pro’s sub-bass does have some haptic feel to the music along with a pretty deep low drone for a balanced armature set. There is density to the sub-bass similar to a DD (to an extent anyways) that is very nice to hear. This is an unsullied and very agile sub-bass with quick perceived transients which do seem to decay rather quickly. The AS24 Pro doesn’t hold its rumble in an atmospheric way as much, or even in an organic way, and so this is how it differs from a good dynamic driver. Of course, these are minor differences folks. Really, I like the way the AS24 Pro represents this region with some good meat. It can get guttural when a track calls for it, but it won’t overtake other areas of the mix and won’t bloom out the mid-bass. “P Fiction” from The Game is a track which goes deep once the bass drops, and you can hear that moderately deep on the AS24 Pro as well as the good density I was talking about. It’s a nice sub-bass for an all-BA iem.
Mid-bass
The AS24 Pro mid-bass is a punchy type. Lifted just enough to bring on a good textured slam for bass drops, some kick for kick drums and enough fullness and abrasiveness for a good and dirty bass guitar riff. I don’t have a graph of this set, but I’d be willing to bet the bass shelf is roughly 7-8 db’s. It isn’t some monstrous slam, but it is very tight with a zesty type of vibrance. There’s some gloss to this bass as I do hear some roundness and dimension. Bass guitar, such as in “The Wolves” by Waxahatchee has that meaty style palpable mass to it. It’s dirty (in a good way), but also very clean and emphasized enough to serve as the foundation of this track. I love the dynamic and potent feel from this bass. It isn’t overtly over-emphasized or muddy, it isn’t slow/laggy, and the bass has good timbre minus the atmosphere and organic resonance of a dynamic driver. It’s really a nice and even fun mid-bass. Again, kick drums have girth, as in the track “Move Along” from The All-American Rejects which begins the track with big and booming kick drums. Like I said, maybe a hint soft on attack but the cavernous hollow boom which proceeds that initial semi-tacky attack sounds great to my ears. Especially for a balanced armature. KZ did a nice job here.
Downsides to the Bass Region
The main downside would be that this is a balanced armature providing the bass and not a good dynamic driver. Having said that, the BA does have some traits that DD’s don’t typically have. Like speed and the ability to breeze through quick passages of bass. Or that punchy BA texture. Still, it isn’t a DD and there will always be something not exactly the same between the two. Still, the AS24 Pro does come very close and beyond that is also well defined, not even close to one-noted and it doesn’t infringe in the midrange almost at all. I guess there will be those who want even less of an emphasis but in the same breath, it has switches to dial back the bass a bit too. At the end of the day, the AS24 Pro has a very nice BA bass, and I enjoy it very much.
Midrange
Like I said, the midrange has very little bass bleed and so they come across closer to pristine than anything. Smooth when it has to be smooth and crisp when it has to be crisp. Violin has that abrasively beautiful edge, guitar has some slight bite while still sound fluently melodic as a whole. For the most part anyways. I’d say it’s a neutral sounding midrange with a touch of warmth and a very open/airy playback to it. I also hear good space between instruments, well delineated elements within the sound field with nice placement of instrumentation. Even while more than a few of those elements are playing at the same time everything seems to have its place. All of this occurs while also coming across with very good resolution. Note weight isn’t lean at all, definitely not dry either, but it also isn’t very thick. However, there is a certain richness to the sound in this region. I suppose the roundness, slight density, and well defined and outlined notes gives me this impression. Beyond that, the midrange has good dynamics. There’s good energy that keeps things interesting.
Nice timbre
The timbre is close to natural in this region as it hits my ears mostly uncolored besides some extra energy in the upper mids. Again, I hear a warm/neutral and organic sounding midrange without any of the balanced armature metallic timbre which so many budget sets have. It’s clean, tidy, zippy, and handles speedy and even complicated tracks very nicely. Vocals of both males and females come through with good presence, almost forward sounding and with nice placement within the sound field. There’s also a certain energy which sounds very vivid, almost zestful on the AS24 Pro. Now, there haven’t been any super glaring or piercing moments… with my favored switch settings of “1100” that is. On the other hand, cut the bass out with the setting “0000” and some slight brightness and glare may catch you on the right tracks. Also, sibilance doesn’t seem to be an issue. Perhaps the slightest outer edges of some more energetic female vocals give a touch of sibilance, but nothing that annoyed me. The timbre is very nice folks.
Lower-midrange
The lower midrange borrows almost nothing from the bass region, maybe the faintest hints of warmth at best, but for the most part the low-mids sound untouched, untainted and and very transparent. I suppose I’d like a bit more weight in this region, in a perfect world that is. Despite that wish, I easily get wrapped up in male vocals on this set. You’d think they would seem even more recessed but the actual “presence”, or the “vibrance”, or rather the distinct and explicit note definition helps this area to stand out… even in the midst of a so-called “recession”. I wouldn’t call it forward though. Notes have that lean-muscle-mass type of body which helps a voice like Chris Stapleton in “Tennessee Whiskey” to stand out just enough. To add to that, I thankfully don’t hear the edginess of his voice expounded upon or exaggerated. Most notes remain fairly well controlled, grain free, against a mostly black background. This creates an overall sound that is pretty well transparent. I’m not trying to hype this set, but I am impressed with what KZ has done. I could easily see folks desiring a slightly heavier note weight or a warmer and thicker sound. Maybe males could have a bit more authority to them. So, it isn’t perfect for everyone, that much I’m sure. Still, males sound good for the tuning and instruments walk that same line.
Upper-Midrange
The upper-mids do lean a hair more forward than the lower midrange and they come through with a bit more vivaciousness, a little more shimmer and even some sparkle sprinkled in. Piano has that resounding and euphonic quality to it, strings have enough treble-borrowed vibrance to add some snap along with violin which carries that silvery abrasive quality. Just a bit more emphasized. I wish I had a graph to look at, but the pinna sounds to me as though it raises up in balance with the bass. It’s not too shouty and doesn’t gleam too bright. Most instruments in this region come with a hair more pep coupled with that tight transient behavior. However, female vocalists really come through nicely. Again, forward but not out of place. Luminous yet not overcooked or piercing. Females like Lady Gaga in the track “Shallow” sounds effortless on the AS24 Pro. Every subtle modulation to her voice is picked up, every breath, every up and down inflection sounds natural while remaining melodic. It’s just a nice female vocal set. I hear depth to female vocalists (depending on the recording) or some textured dimension coupled with solid note body. Nothing flat or dull, they sound euphonic and harmonious. The AS24 Pro has a very wrongful and pleasant musicality that is nice to hear.
Downsides to the Midrange
Of course, there are always some issues and the midrange on the AS24 Pro isn’t without some gripes. Like, of course there will be those who really yearn for a more laid-back and less energetic midrange, maybe even smoother, even less clinical. I could see a person wanting a bit more warmth to give a more syrupy and even more dense sound in this region as to some the AS24 Pro midrange may be a hair too thin for their liking. I can assure you that the AS24 Pro is not what “I” would call “thin”, but I’m not necessarily the warm/dark lover in that sense. The AS24 Pro may be too bright in the upper-mids for some hobbyists too. There’s a number of things that the AS24 Pro could do better. However, for a $115 twelve driver all-BA iem… I find this set to be very well tuned. Such a dynamic midrange presentation with very vibrant macro-dynamics. The midrange is vivid, pointed in its accuracy for the price and also revealing. Again, not perfect but well controlled, snappy, nicely detailed.
Treble Region
The treble comes across pretty vibrant, luminous, with a sheen of brilliance depending on your switch settings. Using the “1100” settings I enjoy the levity and open-air feel to my music that the AS24 Pro is tuned with. Now, at times the treble can be a bit aggressive. It’s rarely a problem for me, but it can happen. Not to the point that I’d call it “forced-resolution” but simply more energetic than some may enjoy. Switching to the “1111” does help in this regard, but I did notice some tracks with a bit more of an edge to them. Nothing damning in my opinion because more than anything the treble is very well handled and very clean. I’d say overall that the treble is a nice mix of crisp & smooth with very well-defined notes. Detail retrieval is once again very well done as the treble holds tight to that quick transient response as well as the transparency of a very clean replay. Add to that, the treble doesn’t come with any BA timbre. Nothing metallic or tizzy at the note ends. All in all, I’d say the treble timbre is actually quite nice. Again, maybe a hair bright for some people who really don’t jive with any sort of brightness, but nice timbre even so.
Examples
Beyond the tonality, another good quality of this treble region is that it is a speedier treble and able to resolve even quicker or more complicated tracks very well. Take a song like “Magnetic Fields, Pt. 1” by Jean Michel Jarre which really does have some treble notes which come through at breakneck speeds as complicated electronic treble beats. The AS24 Pro has nicely defined note outlines, clearly refined and articulate in the process. The cymbal crashes in the track “My Kind” by Rosalie come across with good body to cymbal notes, not splashy either and very nice secondary harmonics in the upper treble. Timbre is nice in this area. Like I said, at times the treble may come across a bit brighter, but I always hear good control. “Keel Over and Die” by Old Crow Medicine Show is another track with multiple banjos and treble activity and the notes come through very quickly. The AS24 Pro resolves it all very well.
Nice for the price
I do like the slight bite I get from this region which gives treble notes some sort of edge to them, some textured body, some dimension. Another thing I feel is a good quality of the treble is the extension into the upper treble without it coming across splashy or glistening in treble tizz. It’s a very well controlled region. Well, at least coming from the previous AS24. Just a little more control, treble punch and snap, a little more crunch and treble notes seem cleaner altogether than the previous set. Details are easy to pick out, extension is nice, there’s some snap and vibrance at attack, transients are peppy and decay quickly, notes are defined very well too. Really, it’s a nice table for the price folks.
Downsides to the Treble Region
The biggest drawback of this treble is definitely the fact that it is a brighter treble and there are definitely people who do not enjoy a brighter treble. Like I said, you can increase the bass and decrease the highs to help. Also, I don’t find the AS24 Pro too bright. Not for me anyways. However, I’m sure that will be a point of contention for some hobbyists.
Technicalities
Soundstage
When listening to the KZ AS24 Pro it is fairly obvious that we are dealing with a good-sized stage that sounds very open and airy. Something about an open sounding set of earphones promotes the feeling of vastness. I’d say the width is probably about average or just above average, height is full and encompasses all of my mind space and there is good depth as well. Folks, the funny thing is that the size isn’t the determining factor as to why I feel we have a very nice stage. It’s more about openness, layering, and the sensation of a holographic style presentation. This is a very skilled set of earphones that renders the entire sound field with very nice precision. Everything laid well.
Separation / Imaging
Separation of instruments is one of the AS24 Pro’s strengths. Once again, the sound is very well defined with glass lined notes, clean, well etched and the sound has that airy feel to it. I hear very nice separation of elements within the stage. Even with more complicated tracks I can hear good distinctions between instruments. Whether they are playing at the same time or not. Whether it’s a slightly more complicated song as well. I mean, obviously there are some recordings which are flat-out awful and no set on the planet can satisfactorily separate anything, but for the most part the AS24 Pro does a fine job. Imaging is also very nicely laid out with the AS24 Pro as it’s fairly easy to distinguish where an instrument is. Each has its own placement in the sound field. The AS24 Pro also does a fine job of layering within the sound field as it has good depth. Couple that depth with good imaging and what you get is a nicely layered experience too. Of course, some recordings will make me a liar, but the great majority of the time this 12 BA iem does a very nice job of creating a nice stage in front of me.
Detail Retrieval
I think you already know what I’m about to say. If the separation is great, layering, open and airy stage, fast transients, clean note outlines, great resolution and a nicely balanced sound altogether, then more than likely detail retrieval is going to be good as well. Honestly, I feel I miss almost nothing with this set. Micro-dynamics are easy to discern, like small and subtle shifts in volume when a track is recorded in an uncompressed way. You can hear the subtle harmonics fairly well. Details like breath on a mic, distant noises on a live track, finger scrapes as well. Whatever it is that you enjoy hearing the AS24 Pro will do an above average job of illuminating and bringing those sounds to the forefront. Now, heavy bass jams or very congested songs will be next to impossible to resolve everything, but on most tracks the AS24 Pro does a fine job. Having said that, there are sets tuned to pick up the small stuff even better. More analytical in tuning, less dynamic than the AS24 Pro, less low-end emphasis, brighter too. Some sets are made for that. What the AS24 Pro does well is maintain a strong presence of musicality and mellifluousness. Just a very tuneful sounding iem while still being very good technically.
Comparisons
KZ AS24 ($102)
The KZ AS24 came out sometime last year and I loved the sound right away. I reviewed it shortly after it came out with great marks (AS24 Review). The AS24 is one of those sets which sort-of sets a standard out of all-BA iems within the price point as it covers each area of the mix very well. Now, the AS24 has a lot in common with its successor, the AS24 Pro. However, there are some key distinctions that I feel should be addressed. The AS24 is also a twelve driver all balanced armature iem and both have been considered flagship models.
Differences
The first thing I’d say is that the AS24 and AS24 Pro are literally identical in build from faceplates to the size of the Shells. The one difference would be the nozzle. The AS24 OG is a bit skinnier for a deeper fit whereas the Pro model is a bit fatter leading up to the nozzle. Again, they both look identical in almost all ways. Same design on the faceplates, same blingy appearance. The only difference aesthetically is the Pro model has a cursive “AS24 Pro” elegantly written in small writing on the silver border on the faceplates. Beyond that everything is identical.
Sound Differences
Now, the sound is also very similar between these two sets. Every difference I’m about to speak on is a minimal difference, a small change, so keep that in mind. I do feel the newer Pro model is a hint warmer with a more exact precision to its notes, whereas the AS24 OG wasn’t as pinpoint, crisp, articulate. The low-end is cleaned up on the AS24 Pro with tighter transients, more punchy, slightly better extended and with better definition to my ears. I think the Pro model has a hair more in the tank down low too. The midrange is more vocal friendly on the new set as there was a hint more of a recession on the OG model. I do hear a bit more upper mid shout on the OG AS24 and better note control on the newer model. Really, I think the Pro just has a bit more of a natural timbre as well. The treble has more bite on the Pro model by a small degree as well as ever so slightly better extension into the upper treble. It does this without sounding as bright. The OG model was a hair more prone to sibilance and in some tracks can sound a hint splashy. Details are good on both sets, but the newer model seems cleaner, better defined, which does help it to do a little better in detail retrieval. Now, the OG model does have a slightly smoother nature to its timbre, possibly with more bright energy. Still, the newer model has more rounded notes, better controlled sound to my ears with a more 3D soundstage.
Final thoughts on this comparison
Honestly, I expected exactly this. I should say that I loved the OG model. It was and still is a very good set. The newer model is simply a refinement in most all ways. I struggled between calling this a side grade or an upgrade. However, after going back and forth for about an hour (having a blast) I can comfortably call the new AS24 Pro a slight upgrade. Both are very well done for “under $125” all balanced armature sets. Now, do I feel that the AS24 Pro is worth it for the person who already has the OG AS24? That’s a tough question but it may not make sense for that person. You already own the OG, and I don’t feel the upgrade is so much that one should go out of their way to get the Pro version. It is a better set though; I really believe that and spent a lot of time trying my best to figure it out.
Is it worth the asking price?
This is pretty simple for me because I love the sound, and I really enjoy this set as a whole. For me it’s an easy “yes”. Yes, the KZ AS24 Pro is worth the asking price. Did I mention that they stuffed twelve drivers inside this set? That’s twelve. Yes, I said the same thing with the OG, basically. It’s just impressive friends. In all reality, I feel the AS24 Pro does so many things very well. In fact, when compared to other iems around the $100 price point I simply don’t see many which flat-out destroy this set sonically. Maybe if you only enjoy warmer or darker sets. Or maybe those who love a basshead type sound. Maybe even pure treble-heads or even for those who detest KZ. I could see someone who already has the AS24 OG not needing this set. For those folks this set will not be worth the asking price. However, KZ really did a nice job on this tuning which isn’t completely like many other iems within the price point at the moment. Just a fine set that is very unique and a perfect set for those who want to try an all-Balanced armature iem for the first time. Think about it, you have to pay a whole lot more if you want to upgrade an all-BA set from here. The next best is the $250 Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite. I feel the AS24 Pro is much better than the Hiby Yvain in many ways even. That set is over $200. The AS24 Pro is a very nice sounding set and can compete very well against most any set in its price point in a few key metrics.
The Why
Because the build is great, it’s durable feeling in hand and comfortable in the ear despite the AS24’s large size. You get a set with 12 balanced armature drivers which is out of co troll at this price. Also, the design may not be for everyone but for whom it fits, it’s a nice-looking set. Totally and completely unique in every angle from most any set in the market. What other set looks like this besides the previous AS24? Um… none.
It’s the sound…
However, the sound is what does it for me. What a nicely balanced sound that is clean and crisp all the way through. A very natural take on what an all-BA iem can sound like at these prices. The AS24 Pro has great macro-dynamic energy with a boisterous but also well controlled sound. It has a just above moderate bass that’s got some kick, some punch, but also is very agile in my opinion. A slice of fun and also technical too. The mids come through with a nice and dense timbre, fast and peppy transients and a very well detailed, focused, precise and clean sound. I hear very nice energy in the upper midrange with some sparkle and shimmer. Listening to the treble I hear good extension past 8k and plenty of crispness to go along with some snap and punch to treble notes. There’s nice body in this region and good separation of elements. Just a well-tuned iem. Yes, it’s a bit on the bright side with some switch settings but a nice sounding set. I feel that the AS24 Pro is a very good set and $115 is a very nice price to own this set. You may have to buy a cable, so do keep that in mind, but overall, it’s a good package and yes, the AS24 Pro is 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 with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the KZ AS24 Pro ratings below, that would be $75-$125 iems of any driver 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 “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $75-$125 US iems of any kind is a huge scope of sets, and it’s also extremely competitive. It should mean something to see a rating above a “9.0”, in my opinion. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.
Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 8.8 Built extremely well.
–Look: 8.9 Best design at the price?
–Fit/Comfort: 8.8 Good for me, not for everyone though.
–Accessories: 5.5 KZ is not known for their accessory game.
–Overall: 8.0
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.0 Organic for a 12 BA iem.
–Bass: 9.2 Well defined, punchy
–Midrange: 8.9 Controlled, engaging, clean, detailed.
–Treble: 9.3 Clean, brilliant, detailed, extended.
–Technicalities: 9.7 Technically great, across the board.
–Musicality: 8.9 Very musical, melodic for the tuning.
–Overall: 9.2🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
Okay, here we are at another one of my ratings and another ratings where I am asking you to take for a grain of salt. I went with the $75 to $125 price range and every driver configuration. So, the AS24 Pro has quite a few iems it’s playing ball against. Now, I gave this set a high score of “9.2” in overall sound ratings which should speak volumes in how I feel about this set. I can tell you right now that not everyone will share my enthusiasm. Not everybody is going to want this type of sound signature, it’s just the truth. Also, there are a ton of very good sets that the AS24 Pro goes up against and I have many of those sets right here before me to test them out. Just a very hard price point to bust into and make waves. Think about some of the sets between $75 and $125. It’s an ocean of them, just trust me. Also, these are broad, blanket style ratings which require nuance to truly explain. I hope I was able to do so in the review but I’m not very confident in that. Anyways, the AS24 Pro is really battling for your dollar, but I just don’t feel that ratings are the place to decide that. Oh well, here’s my idea of where the AS24 Pro stands in each of those broad categories.
Explain Yourself!!
So, I feel that every single one of the ratings besides “Technicalities” could and probably should be debated. This is one of those sets. However, I can promise you that I wouldn’t budge on any of them. I truly feel the “Timbre” is a “9.0”, the “Bass” is a “9.2”, the midrange is probably too low at a “8.9” (now that I think of it) and the “Treble” and “Musicality” ratings could both go either way depending on the person. The bass gets a 9.2 because it’s so clean, punchy, yet has enough quantity to satisfy most people, with that tight impact. I know, Bass-bois would give this set more like a “6.0”. I get it. Also, how could I give this set a “9.0” in “Timbre”? Well, because it has that crisp and clean naturally skewed tonality with just a hint of warmth and a black background. I’m telling you; the timbre is better than it should be. Musicality is a subjective understanding that’s defined specifically by the person listening. Every sound signature can be “musical”. Sure, some of us have an idea of what the consensus is across the Audioverse, but anyone saying something is “musical” (I’m the worst offender) really shouldn’t hold much water. It’s in the ear of the beholder folks. I could keep going but I really feel these ratings depict exactly how I feel about this set within the range that I felt good about. However, don’t let these ratings or any others decide your purchases. It’s a very nice sounding set folks.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review of the KZ AS24 Pro I want to 1st thank the people of KZ who sent this set to me in exchange for a full feature and review at Mobileaudiophile.com. KZ gets a lot of heat friends. I understand why but I think we have to pause for a second and remember what KZ has done for this hobby of ours. They almost single handedly brought actual standards to the budget market. Competition grew the budget scene to what it is today and that is partially to the credit of KZ/CCA. It is good to see them making above $100 iems but I’d like to see what a $200 KZ set looks like. I digress, thank you KZ, I greatly appreciate that you’ve never asked me to skew my words, pre-read reviews, or anything like that. Shoot, most of the time I find out I’m reviewing a set when I receive them, at my mailbox.
Thank you!
Also, I thank you, the reader, for taking time out of your days to click on any link associated with mobileaudiophile.com. It really does mean everything to the people who write for the website. We want to see it excel and do well and every click helps with that. So, thank you. Also, please check out other reviews as we are all so vastly different in how we perceive music. I’ve noticed this more than ever lately. What is absolute gold to one will be trash to another. It’s just the truth. So please take in other opinions and do yourself a favor. It’ll help you to decide on a purchasing decision. With that, I think I’m done. I hope each and every one of you is doing well and keeping safe. Take good care and always… God Bless!
