Disclaimer
The KZ X Angelears Libra IEMs were provided to me by Orange Audio Store for review purposes. They have not reviewed or dictated the content of this review, and they did not influence or dictate when to publish it. All opinions and evaluations expressed in this review are solely my own, based on my personal experience with the product. I would like to extend my thanks to Orange Audio Store for providing the sample and to you, the reader, for taking the time to read my review.
Introduction
Today, I’m reviewing the KZ X Angelears Libra IEMs, which come in two versions: the “Balanced” and the “High Resolution.” In my case both models came equipped with microphones and were designed to appeal to different sound preferences. they are priced from 13$ to 16$ (depending on the version and with or without a mic), these IEMs offer an affordable option with great sound and tuning-wise characteristics.
Unboxing
The KZ X Angelears Libra IEMs come in a compact, basic box featuring an illustration of the IEMs. Sliding the box open reveals the IEMs themselves behind a transparent plastic cover. Under the IEMs, you’ll find the cable and two additional eartips (sizes S and L), along with the pre-installed M-size tips.
The included cable is quite basic and is featuring a 3.5mm jack and a microphone with a play/pause button. The button allows you to skip tracks with a double click, answer calls with one press, end calls with another press, and decline calls with a long press. While the cable is simple, it gets the job done effectively.
Technical Specifications
Specs
- Impedance: 25Ω
- Sensitivity: 108dB
- Frequency: 20Hz-40kHz
- Plug type: 3.5mm
- Pin type: 0.75mm
- Cable type: silver-plated cable
- Cable length: 120±5cm
- Wearing type: in-ear
Design
The KZ X Angelears Libra IEMs have a transparent shell that allows you to see the driver and the pretty empty space inside. Despite the simplicity of the design I find it appealing. The IEMs are lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods, making them a great choice for daily use. The medium-sized shells fit snugly in the ears, providing a secure and comfortable experience.
Drivers
KZ claims that the driver design of the Libra IEMs is an Ultra-Wide Frequency Dynamic driver. From my experience, this claim holds up well, as these IEMs deliver impressive extension at both ends of the frequency spectrum. Both versions provide good extension, but the balanced version has more bass compared to the high resolution one.
Sound Performance
Balanced Version
Bass
The bass on the balanced version is pretty boosted and it gives a punchy and engaging sound signature. This makes it enjoyable for genres like electronic and EDM. The sub-bass has a decent presence but doesn’t go as deep as some higher end models. The mid bass however, is solid and brings a good sense of warmth. This pronounced bass can sometimes overshadow the mids and make the overall sound a bit boomy and muddy.
Mids
In the midrange, male vocals come across as warm and full-bodied, though they can occasionally sound slightly muddy due to the dominant bass. Female vocals are more natural but can still lack the forwardness and clarity that I personally prefer. Despite this the mids do generally maintain a pleasant warmth that adds to the overall musicality.
Highs
The highs in the balanced version are clear but not overly emphasized. This helps prevent fatigue over long listening sessions. Treble extension is good for the price, offering a fair amount of detail and sparkle without becoming harsh. However, due to the boosted bass, some finer details in the highs might be masked.
High-Resolution Version
Bass
The high resolution version has a more restrained bass compared to the balanced version. The sub bass doesn’t dig as deep and the mid bass is less pronounced. This results in a cleaner and more controlled bass, which allows the mids and highs to shine more clearly. The bass is still present but is more balanced with the rest of the frequency.
Mids
The mids on the high resolution version are more detailed and less veiled. Male vocals can sound slightly thinner because the reduced bass, but female vocals and instruments, especially in classical and acoustic tracks, come through with impressive clarity and naturalness. The overall midrange presentation is more accurate compared to the balanced version.
Highs
The highs on the high resolution version are a standout feature. They extend well and provide a sense of air and openness that is quite impressive for a $15 IEM. The detail retrieval in the treble is also excellent and gives a crisp sound without ever becoming harsh. This makes the high resolution version particularly good for genres that benefit from detailed treble and instrumental separation.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The soundstage of the KZ X Angelears Libra is fairly average overall. However, the high-resolution version offers a slightly wider and more open presentation compared to the balanced version. The high-resolution version creates a better sense of space, allowing instruments and vocals to breathe and be more distinct.
Imaging
The imaging varies between the two versions. The balanced version brings decent positional accuracy but the boosted bass sometimes masks finer things which may become a bit veiled, leading to a more congested sound on complex tracks. In contrast, the high-resolution version excels in imaging, offering better positional accuracy and more precise placement of instruments and vocals within the soundstage. This makes it easier to follow complex tracks and appreciate the placement of elements on the stage.
Layering
Layering on the balanced version is decent but can struggle with complex tracks because of the pronounced bass. Instruments can blend together, making it harder to distinguish individual layers in busy passages. On the other hand, the high resolution version handles layering a bit better. The more controlled bass and detailed mids and highs allow for better separation of instruments and vocals that overall gives a clearer sound.
Details
When it comes to detail retrieval, both versions perform well for their price, but the high-resolution version stands out. The balanced version has good overall clarity, but the boosted bass and warm mids can sometimes push to the back some micro details. The highs add some sparkle but the focus remains on a more engaging sound… On the other hand, the high resolution version delivers better details with great treble extension and clarity, which allows for micro details to come through more clearly. This makes the high resolution version a better choice for those who love picking out small things in their music and enjoy a more analytical sound.
Both versions of the KZ X Angelears Libra have unique sound signatures. They both offering different sound preferences yet at the same time maintaining good overall performance, especially for their price range!
Conclusions
So… To sum things up, I really feel that the KZ X Angelears Libra brings excellent value for money, with each version catering to different preferences. The balanced version is ideal for those who enjoy a bass heavy, engaging sound, while the high resolution version is perfect for those seeking a more detailed sound. Both versions demonstrate great technical performance and build quality (of course for the asking price), making the KZ X Angelears Libra a great choice for ultra budget audiophiles.
Pros:
- Very affordable.
- Two tuning variants.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Great tuning for the price.
- Good technicalities.
- Good extension from both ends of the spectrum.
Cons:
- The balanced version is actually pretty warm, and the high-res version is actually more balanced.
- The balanced version loses clarity over the high-res one.
- Male vocals may sound thin in the high-res version and muddy in the balanced version.