Honest Audiophile Impressions of the KZ ZEX and CCA NRA with comparison to GeekWold GK10

[@SouEuIAm]

I bought both the KZ ZEX and CCA NRA. I agree with every point you made. The KZ ZEX just sounded better. It had better bass and was more full and natural sounding. The CCA NRA was more sibilant and metallic sounding. The KZ ZEX will be my cheap pair of IEMs that I take hiking with me. The CCA NRAs will be given away to one of my kids. (I'm not saying the NRAs are bad, it's just that the ZEX sounded better to me and are more pleasant to listen to).

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. Thanks for the impressions.

[@habibrahaman8422]

Kz zex vs kz zsn pro x vs blon 03 Better sound and base ?????

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't heard the ZSN Pro X. The Blon has better tone and timbre, slightly more detail retrieval and resolution.

[@DmitryJT50]

Got both of them. For me CCA sound much better. I have noticed that some of the reviews I have seen contradict each other and contain different descriptions of the sound. There may be something wrong with the batch of the product, but for me "more sibilant and metallic sounding" is about ZEX, not NRA. Zex has more aggressive sound, less thickness, slower fading and, as a result, less separation of fast parts. I can believe that there will be lovers of both options (assuming that this is not a defective product and that was its idea).

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Everyone hears differently. Thanks for your impressions. I'm glad you enjoy the CCA.

[@LiloVLOG]

Thanks for the review friend, maybe I'll try the KZ ZEX!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome ❤️ Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@timotiusjokosantoso429]

Now i use KZ ZEX...that is good sound...

[@LiloVLOG]

Hi Dave, got KZ ZEX, gonna tell you my impressions, KZ ZEX are really different, some say they don't really are electrostatic but they really sound different but not in a really good way. Cuz for me they are the most SHOUTY IEM that I have, they scream and makes some kind of discomfort for me, they really got some detail and soundstage but the mids and treble pierce through and the others IEM I put 50% of volume, this one need only 20% to start been uncomfortable. Not really bad, some people will enjoy, but they got nothing special, just some old KZ shouty tunning. I'll still gonna use my old CCA C12, they are more refined and controlled mids and treble, still gonna use BLON03 for more relaxed music listening and now I find a tip that FITS on CCA CA16, becuz it got some strange nozzles and my foams don't sound good, really strange. CCA CA16 have now detail and relaxed sound. Thanks for your work, Dave, reviewing audio is really difficult.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the impressions. Everyone hears differently and that makes the hobby fun and entertaining.

[@bobc2960]

I've got the NRA's. Paid $21 on Linsoul for them. And the stock tips are indeed not the best. Love your videos as always Sir

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoy the reviews.

[@lucasramos2005]

If the man prefers ZEX then i'll get ZEX, keep up the great job, love your videos!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions of the ZEX. Thank you for your kind words, greatly appreciated. I'm glad you enjoy the reviews.

[@samyg123]

Impressive seeing electrostats in this price range. Maybe they’ll get the tuning right after a few tries…any plans to review the 7Hz timeless?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yes a review of the 7hz Timeless is coming soon.

[@GlitzPixie]

they aren't actual electrostats

[@raineheartily3875]

@@GlitzPixie Its a Magnetostats

[@herb601]

Another good one, Dave. Saved money again. Thanks. :-)

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@fjo505]

Exactly what i said to my friend about the zex..exact word to my friend bass is good, mids and treble is there, detail but not overly detailed... Ill share your video, coz you explained it better..

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks 👍

[@DibIrken]

I am not saying this because of the hype but the ZEX is the only time KZ actually impressed me. This electrostat driver is a game changer. The ZST Pros are the only one I ever use prior to this.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. Glad you enjoy the ZEX.

[@avatr7109]

Are the high Notes, Cymbals, Risers ear piercing?

[@rockenen655]

Great Review. BTW , I heard about ZEX Pro (1dd+1est+1ba) will release soon. May be 11.11

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting. Thanks for the information.

[@celestine.love88]

@@rockenen655 which one is better sound, zex pro or zex ?

[@josemoyan5792]

Nice comparison the Kz zex sounds very good to me 😃👌🏼🎧

[@MariaAudioChick]

Shame that we're in 2024 with no other budget EST sets. Still loving my ZEX thankfully!

[@charongrayi4863]

Great companion review 👍 KZ zex are they better than Blon bl03 ? I'm confused which one to buy, please suggest.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

ZEX fits better for me. The Blon has better tone and timbre, slightly more detail retrieval and resolution.

[@charongrayi4863]

Appreciate your response. Then I'll consider KZ ZEX.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@charongrayi4863 my pleasure, you're welcome. Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@theblackhole1]

u r a real honest audiophile thanks alot , just like ur name says

[@bhanutejadasari8557]

Would you recommend the KZ ZEX over the BLON BL03?

[@nafishshikdar202]

Zex

[@LennonRobledo]

no sir, I have both and the Blon is so much better, the KZ ZEX is not bad, but Blon has better treble, better bass is better in everything.

[@LiloVLOG]

Still waiting the ZEX to arrive but BLON BL03 the only problem for some is fitting, but BL03 is one of the best IEM's that I have... is impressive.

[@francescoa.manoel7707]

Which is the best of both in terms of image, instrument separation, stage, grave, mid and treble? How do they behave?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

What is "Grave"? I say that Grave is the deadest of deepest sub bass. So dead you can't hear or feel it 😉 To answer your question, KZ ZEX is the better all-around performer between the two.

[@dungysphincter7974]

TY! for the review.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@robertquiroz4378]

The Kz Zex compared to the CCA CST (the ones I still have thanks to your review) how do they look?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

ZEX is more refined then CST.

[@adityairawan1843]

I got ZEX about a week ago and now it replaces my two years old CCA C12 as my daily driver. I use it with JVC Spiral Dot and it sounds quite nice. I still use C12 sometimes, but yeah, I like ZEX's sound more.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness ♥️

[@LiloVLOG]

CCA C12 is my daily driver too, gonna test the ZEX's

[@alirezahoseinzadeh4927]

@@LiloVLOG 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 which one do you prefer to use for electric guitar things like metal, rock and... .?

[@LiloVLOG]

@@alirezahoseinzadeh4927for this type of music I use the warmth IEM, like BLON03, CCA CA16, some people say the MELE. The others sound much fatiguing. But you can listen to with CCA C12... which for me is better than ZEX.

[@alirezahoseinzadeh4927]

@@LiloVLOG ok👌🏼 thank you so much for your great advices 🙏🏼

[@sadatsaneen7351]

great review, among zex,dq6,kbear lark which one would you recomend?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the DQ6. The KB Ear Lark haven't heard in a very long time and I don't recall enough to do a fair comparison. Sorry.

[@sadatsaneen7351]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you anyway.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@nafishshikdar202]

Go for zex

[@SouEuIAm]

I have both the ZEX and DQ6 and like the ZEX better. The DQ6 are more sibilant and fatiguing to me. I thought the ZEX sounded better overall. ZEX also have more clarity.

[@NathanielBTM]

they just made a pro model of the kz zex... would you plan on doing a review/comparison on them next to the standard zex model?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

If one is provided for review, I'll give it a listen and review.

[@Elazarko]

Great review! 👍 I'm curious how the sound compares to the Moondrop Quarks and SSR

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't heard the Quarks. The SSR is more natural and accurate with tone and timbre, has better detail retrieval and resolution, more forward mids and lower treble. Overall, the SSR is more technical and the ZEX and NRA are more fun.

[@McanoLasala]

Yup, I'd also like a comparison with Quarks!

[@bekirtekir7708]

I love listening music and focus to details I want to enjoy it I have kz zsn pro x with silver cable i love my kz but that looks great how much difference between kz zex and kz zsn pro x should i continue to use my own one or buy this one

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard ZSN Pro X.

[@piotrkolasa182]

I’m curious how would you rate these over Jade Audio EA3. I haven’t bought any new IEM’s for a year being quite happy with EA3s but with these new electrostatic technology I’m…curious 😊

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Haven't heard the EA3 since I reviewed them and honestly I don't recall enough to do a fair comparison.

[@tripeldubbel8942]

Nice video as usual! New Deva Pro in the back?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

You have excellent eyes ❤️

[@tripeldubbel8942]

@@TheHonestAudiophile awesome! Fingers crossed for s future review!!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@tripeldubbel8942 100% will be in a few weeks

[@Danidrien]

What a good analysis, as always! 😍 I have a question that goes around in my head. What would be the best IM headset of 64ohm or more for my dac bass head, but that does not exceed 50 dollars? Thank you and I look forward to your next videos with great enthusiasm

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

64ohm IEM are hard to come by, why 64ohm? Thanks for the kind words, greatly appreciated.

[@Danidrien]

@@TheHonestAudiophile ok, I have a nicehck eb2s 16ohm and trn ba8 20ohm, bud my littles ve monk plus 64 ohm have more bass head and spectaculas expansion od sound (weak sound stage) I think the difference is in 64ohms. Can you recommend my a nice im of 64ohms, under 50 dollars?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I don't know of any 64ohm IEM, sorry.

[@Danidrien]

@@TheHonestAudiophile or a 32 ohm iem? Thanks

[@pavanakumar270187]

How is bass between ZEX and Blon bl03, especially the sub-bass? I bought blon's based on your review. I totally agree with your viewpoint on blon's. Do I have to buy ZEX after blons. I love a bit of a detail retrieval in higher end than that of blons. Thanks!!!

[@nafishshikdar202]

Go for zex

[@pavanakumar270187]

@@nafishshikdar202 Thanks!!!

[@avatr7109]

So how's the bass in ZEX? I don't like ear piercing Highs tho

[@jonascrf851]

Hi, I have 50$ to spend on an IEM and I am looking for one that is more focused on the mid frequencies, because I usually listen to a lot of rock and jazz music. Which earphone would you recommend?? I'm looking for a warmer sound, with slightly lifted bass and non-sibilant treble.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I would look at the Jade Audio EA1. I think the Tin Hifi T2 and Moondrop SSR would be too much in the top end for you. If you can get them on sale, the Etymotic ER2XR are amazing for what you are looking for.

[@jonascrf851]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@jonascrf851 My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@MatteoCeccarini]

I apologize for the off topic: when is the review of the Deva Pro planned to be released?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I just received them and have a lot on the schedule, it will be a few weeks more then likely.

[@shameermohamed4345]

I guessed wrong.and am happy for that cuz I already ordered this :) The guess game is cuz of HBB appreciated this ..so I thought you may sound opposite to him..but this time you both synchronised :) So the Zex is here to stay for sometime..let's see

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@shameermohamed4345]

@@TheHonestAudiophile yes ..sure by end of the day tomorrow :)

[@komekko373]

@@shameermohamed4345 hello my friend How is zex

[@shameermohamed4345]

@@TheHonestAudiophile completely agreed with your opinion about Zex 👍..but some what the highs are sounding little un natural, may be because of electrostatic drivers?! Also changed KZ 784 cores cable and it sounds much better..but definitely Zex price to performance ratio is huge...and in India it's out of stock now for longtime ....is Dq6 and zex sound similar...can I try that ?

[@shameermohamed4345]

@@komekko373 check my reply to Dave .. friend

[@chamathchetiya9012]

What do you think of KZ DQ6? I'd really appreciate if you can review them.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Haven't heard the DQ6. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@chamathchetiya9012]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I think it's pretty new, it's got three dynamic drivers on each side. Pretty cheap too but I'd love to hear your review of it.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@chamathchetiya9012 thanks for the information and suggestion.

[@chamathchetiya9012]

I've mentioned this because people compare this along side Blon bl03

[@apeman157]

Dave, do you have any plan to review the reecho star gate series?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I haven't even heard of the Reecho Star Gate; I will look and see if one is available for review. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@apeman157]

@@TheHonestAudiophile no worries

[@charongrayi4863]

Please try to review KZ EDX Pro

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the suggestion, I will see if one can be sent in for review.

[@modestpc001]

ZEX = Pleasure NRA = 'Eh' Got it.

[@madborne3372]

How does the Kz compare to the Tin T2?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

T2 is more accurate in tone and timbre, has better detail retrieval and resolution and more balanced and cohesive sound.

[@theguy5597]

Thanks a lot for this review! been looking for it as soon as i heard of these. Btw should i get the kz zs10 pro or these. And what kinda response does the zs10 pro have

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the ZS10 Pro. You are welcome for the review. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing💓

[@vallembreuse]

KZ ZS 10 PRO is cleaner. ZEX has better bass and mid range. But If I have to choose I would get KZ ZS 10 pro. but honestly for the price take both lol

[@charongrayi4863]

Hi Dave, are they better than CCA CSN ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard CCA CSN.

[@AmritSaroe]

Should I buy kz zex or CCA CRA. It's my first iem and i will be using it for long term only one iem or recommend something better then these two if you can

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I do not recommend any KZ/CCA products no matter the grade on the tier list due to the KZ driver/quality control debacle. Here is a link to my tier list: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing Please make note of the grading system as it is not the normal used by others.

[@kanz7329]

I see the deva pro in the background, how does that one compare to the Sundara?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Comparison will be made during the review 😀

[@rockenen655]

How's ZEX compare to Moondrop ARIA in term of tuning , tone , timbre .

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Moondrop Aria is superior all around.

[@zipel]

Hey did you by any chance find something similar to KBear KS2 that is a bit better vaule then them you can recommend? :D

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

You could go with the KB Ear KS1 with an upgraded cable and ePro Horn tips. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2jXiKCml8uor8U

[@Fallen_Chama]

I still haven't got my zex I ordered mines October 4th

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Bummer. Hope it shows up soon.

[@Fallen_Chama]

@@TheHonestAudiophile hopefully it gets here in a couple days at least it says it arrived in the destination port

[@Fallen_Chama]

@@TheHonestAudiophile by the way which iem would recommend for listening to piano music?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@Fallen_Chamadepends on budget but for about $100usd or less: Tin Hifi T2, Etymotic ER2SE, Akoustyx R110, Moondrop SSR.

[@BuffaloNguyen1703]

Hello sir, how is the ZEX comparing to the EDX Pro, any major differences as I have the Edx pro and want to try this new electrostatic driver thing?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry, haven't heard the EDX Pro.

[@BuffaloNguyen1703]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Thank you for the reply sir. If you have a chance, could you also do a review and the comparision between them please? Have a good day!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

If one becomes available, I'll give it a listen and review.

[@vishaltandale6382]

can you please provide some eq settings based on your observation? i find zex a bit dark sounding.. can you provide some eq settings from ur measurements?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I am unable to provide that information as I do not EQ or measure gear.

[@shameermohamed4345]

Honestly...before watching the conclusion...I guess you will appreciate CCA NRA more than Zex :) based on your old reviews ..let's see ..if am right :)

[@shameermohamed4345]

Omg...in halfway ..I feel like ...I lost :)

[@Thor7]

I'm looking for an IEM to pair with a Bluetooth-compatible cable. Suggestions anyone?

[@rtia4686]

Please can u tell me which is better KZ zex vs CCA c10 pro??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Please see community post tab

[@overprice7802]

so I have 100$ and I was wondering if I should get a headphone or iem? which one will give me the best audio quality?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I think you would get the best audio quality with an IEM for a $100 budget. I recommend the Tin Hifi T3 Plus (review coming soon), Tin Hifi T2, Tin Hifi T3, Moondrop SSR, Jade Audio EA1.

[@josek74]

man can you tell me which is better blon 03 or kz zex??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The Blon has better tone and timbre, slightly more detail retrieval and resolution.

[@josek74]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thank you and by the way what about in the case of blon 03 and kz zsn pro...?? which is better?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'd choose Blon over ZSN Pro

[@josek74]

@@TheHonestAudiophile can it be used for long hours?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Blon fit and comfort is very subjective, some like and others not so much.

[@uddiptabhaumik7508]

KZ ZST vs KZ ZEX which is better?

[@nafishshikdar202]

Can u tell me is zex good for gaming and instrument separation 🙏

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

For the small pricetag it is okay at those tasks.

[@komekko373]

CCA NRA has better sound stage

[@arunbalakrishnan8978]

Is it Better than KZ ZSN PRO X?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the ZSN Pro X.

[@arunbalakrishnan8978]

@@TheHonestAudiophile ok

[@Rorensuwl8]

@@arunbalakrishnan8978 different tuning, try zex pro

[@stevewalker4626]

I'm a treble sensetive person, should i get the zex?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Between these two, the ZEX is more friendly for the treble sensitive.

[@tanvirislamriyad8370]

finally

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for your patience, greatly appreciated ❤

[@tanvirislamriyad8370]

@@TheHonestAudiophile mannn your reviews are so pure♥️

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thank you for the kind words ❤️

[@eduardomoura6396]

CCA NRA or KZ ZS10 Pro, Which one is the best?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard ZS10 Pro

[@stevelewis8394]

Interesting, your observations of the ZEX in comparison to the NRA are diametrically opposed to those of the guy from "Prime Audio Reviews" channel. He basically says the NRA's wipe the floor with the ZEX's. For two 'experts' to be so far apart is worrying.

[@jhannericttinaza2788]

Should I buy the zex or blon 03?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Blon BL03 has better tone and timbre and fuller mids.

[@ngaong9099]

i never understand those two sister company's marketing model. its like they like to kill each other in terms of product release.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

It is an interesting marketing strategy for sure.

[@LoneSwordsmanTheory]

Yeah, it seems like they alternate between the beta & 'real' product (ZAX vs C10 Pro, etc).

[@AM-bg9eg]

Are these better than the Blon BL01?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Honestly, I don't recall the Blon BL-01 and I haven't listened to it since I reviewed it. Here is a link to my Blon BL-01 review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIvCeJ-vf66la80

[@arvindaroraamazingfacts7774]

Where is available CCA NRA Reply

[@albyshinyfield8841]

Good but I had to skip to 3 minutes. Also how do they compare the DQ6? Soundstage, bass and Pink Floyde factor?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard DQ6.

[@minapenguin7107]

These or the Arias?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Moondrop Aria is superior all around.

[@pascaljean2333]

Im subbed but never say your video show up on my feed.🤔

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I'm glad you found it. Do you have the bell notification selected?

[@jonnynice8366]

So... Would you prefer ZEX on the beach or a night with 03 hot Blons?

[@acroyear23]

The KZ have none of the magic of the NRA. To me. I had both, got rid of the KZ

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoy the NRA, a solid option. I enjoyed the ZEX better but I totally understand if you enjoy the NRA more. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing 💓

[@acroyear23]

@@TheHonestAudiophile No, ZEX is the solid option. NRA is the guilty pleasure. That is why I love it. A "pleasing" metallic sound. So much energy there, I love it. ZEX is the safe tuning. It bored me a little

[@ronakpaliwal9964]

7h zero better than zex in sound?

[@andrescarrera6955]

I prefer the NRA's to the ZEX. After listening to these, I will never spend over a hundred dollars on iems.