KZ AS16 Pro - 8BA of Redemption

[@gercollins1520]

Thanks for the consistently excellent work. This sounds like a must buy and great companion set for my kz ba10 which in my opinion is the best set kz ever made. Thanks again.

[@PaulWasabii]

Just my two cents, closer to that era of KZ than AST/ASX. Will it beat out the legendary BA10 for BA10 owners, that is more difficult. As I said, parts of the signature work for different folks so you really need to evaluate it on your own priorities. As I said, I think the all BA reboot was a good move even if this one doesn't win everyone over.

[@Historyisnotwas]

Paul- thanks for your reply-Awesome as ever! Indeed this "hobby" can get expensive. I'll look into the KZ EDA.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah, there is a time for expensive, but wrap your ears around some cheaper sets first.

[@yudha_saputra]

KZ is getting better on the tune

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, it is quite strange how they were able to pivot on tuning.

[@fiddlix]

This is a set I might have to get. Your description and the FR graph is something I have been looking for in a multi configuration iem. Thank you for the excellent review. Your reviews I can trust. Kudos.

[@PaulWasabii]

On one hand, people look towards technical multidriver sets and that is not exactly KZ's point of view. They are more consumer driven than audiophile driven so there is this blending of fun and technicals of a BA set. Its a very fine line to walk as you risk alienating both sides but this is at least on the right track even if people wait on the next one. And thank you

[@InvisibleIink]

I have and love the AS10, which sounds a lot like your description of the AS16

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, it was a return closer to those sets than the recent ASX/AST. In the same way that fans hoped KZ would continue refining that set, I hope KZ heads down the path of refinement and learning from missteps of the past.

[@FMCREPAIRARMAGH22]

So for someone who's a basshead which iem should I get AS16 PRO KZ ZSN PRO X OR KZ ZSN PRO 2

[@PaulWasabii]

None of those, KZ ZAR is closest. Or go with KBEAR Rosefinch

[@TheRebelLion13]

i currently own a KZ AS16, the predecessor to the AS16-PRO; can you do a comparison video between the two? And maybe discuss differences, improvements, and whatnot; see if this is indeed an upgrade or just a repackaging of the previous AS16. Thanks!

[@PaulWasabii]

I do not have the original. Most of the people I initially noticed who had both are in Japan on twitter. The original was quite good from what I read and first glance of the graphs are not wildly different but it does look like they re-worked most of the treble to flatten and extend it.

[@TheRebelLion13]

@@PaulWasabii hmmm... Makes me wanna buy the Pro version just to see how it sounds. By the way, here in the Philippines, you can order both the pro version and non-pro IEMs directly from KZ's official China on-line shop for roughly around 42$(2,300+ PhP) a pair, and it's free shipping too; i know that in the U.S., when the first AS-16(non-pro) came out, it was at around 130$. While here in South-East Asia, specially here in the Philippines, it was priced at 42$ - 45$.

[@SpacedOutDoonie]

Im thinking about getting these cuz I wanna know what an all BA set sounds like but I just found out theres a newer version called KZ AS16 PRO X. I cant find any video reviews about it. You think you can be the first to review them and compare the two versions?

[@PaulWasabii]

I have no clue what is happening with AS16 Pro X. No one has it yet? Or I have yet to see a review. I don't have one on the way so not sure I will ever get it. Wait a bit and you should see a review or two pop up along with a graph.

[@SpacedOutDoonie]

@@PaulWasabii I think its cuz its a brand new release. I can wait for some reviews first or I might just buy it if theres a sale.

[@raikenninja4843]

Does it sound different with or without 25 ohm adapter? I think Ian Fann said that theres not much different in sound on discord. That being said, that 1k hump look like QDC tuning on their high end BA IEM like the Anole VX or the 8SH.

[@kittikorn6674]

Someone in headfi say their target is qdc v14

[@raikenninja4843]

@@kittikorn6674 Yeah, but the QDC have a bit of changes in tuning I think. AS16 Pro have hump followed by peak at 3k while Anole VX has constant 1k hump that extend up until 5k

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, the target got lost in some of the impedance/graph talk. The other problem is the first set of reviewers like myself, have not heard QDC V14 so no one can speak to it. Over time that idea is going to come back around, but as of right now, I am not sure in what ways it resembles or was inspired by V14.

[@devaraft]

@@kittikorn6674 KZ representative himself said that it was based on QDC v14

[@Historyisnotwas]

This is an excellent review and analysis. I'm still relatively new to IEM's etc. would these be good for classical music listening - like orchestral, chamber music and classic jazz?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah and for newcomers to the IEMs, KZ tends to use a lot of bass. Sometimes that is desirable with classical, sometimes it is distracting. KZ's primary customer base is on the more affordable side so their $15-30usd sets. If you just want to get a feel for what IEMs sound like with your tracks, the KZ EDA has 3 IEMs in one box and covers the more bassy sound down to more balanced sound. AS16 Pro is a nice set, but a bit of a unicorn at this price point. There are very few all balanced armature sets at this price. Additionally the shell is on the large size. I don't want to discourage you but it is also quite a bit of money and maybe starting with something smaller might make sense.

[@TheBarryMandelaEffect]

Just wondering, considering the massive advance in IEM price/performance scale, how do these rate these days. Are there any other IEM's of this type that would knock these out at a similar price point? Many thanks in advance

[@PaulWasabii]

Not really at the price point. KZ has done an AS24 but AS16 Pro is still talked about and some people prefer it. Not many brands can do higher count all BA sets at this price.

[@TheBarryMandelaEffect]

@@PaulWasabii Many thanks for the reply. Very informative. I will check out the AS24/AS16 Pro a little further. I am a real vocals enthusiast, so love great mids etc. I also like treble sparkle. I wonder if I could ask which set you would choose if you were in my shoes. Many thanks

[@motive]

Awesome review! Do you have any recommendations for an KZ IEM for studio mixing and sound design?

[@PaulWasabii]

KZ and neutral are not typically mentioned in the same sentence. KZ tends to boost bass and treble above what most people would call neutral. As long as you can mentally compensate between what you hear in the IEM and speakers, you are good. AS16 Pro are nice but the shell is big for long sessions. KZ's newest flagship set, the D-Fi, is actually interesting in your case as the bass level is very tunable. Also has less treble boost and would probably work better for mixing.

[@motive]

@@PaulWasabii I appreciate your response!! Do you have any other brands for ear bud style or IEM for studio mixing? Or have heard of? Huge thanks!

[@ndjdj7989]

Hey paul this set got a low impedance, does that mean i can just plug it straight to my phone without a separate dac/amp ?

[@PaulWasabii]

Impedance is a bit different, but KZ makes their sets easy to drive..well maybe not the planars, but the rest are.

[@anatol1204]

Paul i fould the as16pro x in Ali express, did they fix the 2khz pick without the need of the external 30ohm adapter?In their official site this variant doesnt exists and im confused which one to buy..The normal pro and add an adapter or the x version ?The graph with the adapter is very nice..

[@PaulWasabii]

At some point there was a high impedance version that was sold separately. Did they roll that change back into the regular model? I am not sure, but they probably did. No point in having both versions. Having an impedance adapter in your toolbox isn't the worst idea, but also consider if your source already has some impedance. I can measure the extremes,

[@anatol1204]

@@PaulWasabiiThanks for the answer Paul .. I searched it more.There are three versions: The cyan 18ohm empdnce The Black Pro IMP version 30 ohm and the X that is 150 ohms..The thing is that I don t know which one will graph better (without the 2khz pick) with my BTR 15

[@kittikorn6674]

Can you graph it with kz az09 pro/cca btx?

[@PaulWasabii]

Done. pw.squig.link/?share=PaulWasabii_Target,KZ_AS16_Pro_BTX

[@thaophuongvu]

As16 pro has event more base than the rhapsody? Considering it's a bit more expensive than both rhapsody & Simgot 200, which one do u think offer best sound quality?

[@PaulWasabii]

AS16 Pro is still a great set and so is Rhapsody. If you are throwing EW200 in the mix, go with EW200. You can look at AS16 and Rhapsody after you have more experience with IEMs.

[@thaophuongvu]

@@PaulWasabii would be much appreciated if u can advise a bit more. Which one among those 3 offer the best base response? I'm looking for something good with R&B, hiphop.

[@hariramv7764]

Hi Paul...This got a mixed response i guess...I got a great dd Olina nothing beats its Timber and great planar S12...do you think AS16 pro is a nice addition to the collection though i never heared all BA sets yet or should wait for some refined cca version of this.

[@PaulWasabii]

Hang on and wait for KZ's update on this one. I don't think it adds much as you have an S12 and planar bass is quite good. S12 is a great set, not sure I would be buying anything below it in price.

[@hariramv7764]

@@PaulWasabii got it thanks Paul..yes S12 is excellent...mind blowing infact after i changed penon pac480 cable and foam tips...most importantly mt604 amp able to open it up the most holographic 3d presentation i ever heard. Most busy tracks are a cake walk for S12 amazing.

[@mike_nba]

im between them and the KZ ZS10 pro. Whats their differences?

[@36oeltsaf21]

I own(ed)* a pair of ZS10 PRO (*not anymore, because a driver flex damaged the right channel dynamic driver...!). The AS16 PRO is a full balanced armature IEM, while the ZS10 PRO sports four BA and one 10mm DD. Be aware that currently there's a debate: KZ BA drivers are really working? In fact, independent investigations on some models showed that their emissions, if not absent at all, are very low and actually not contributing on overall timbre of the IEM. By the way, I must say that: 1) AS16 PRO are probably less prone to harsh and sibilances than ZS10 PRO, because of their different and more neutral tuning; 2) as described and (very well) explained in this review, low frequencies will have less impact, because here we don't have a dynamic driver so, just saying, the air "moves" in a different way; 3) I'm really tempted to try these IEMs...!

[@nayutica]

I also choose from these variants... have you already bought any of them?

[@mike_nba]

@@nayutica actually none of them. I got some final audio bullets and the salnotes zero

[@infinite_eve6499]

Is 'kz as16 pro' better than 'kz as10 pro' ? thanks Paul.

[@PaulWasabii]

AS10 Pro was a weird one. Typically I like the later models, but from AS16 Pro you would jump to AS24 Pro which I would take over AS10/AS16. AS16 Pro was a step towards where KZ is today so its a nice set if you can find it on discount. The all BA sets are confusing but each model has been a refinement over the previous..almost.

[@emirlion5832]

What do you suggest to upgrade from ZS6 ? AS16 Pro or ZAS ? ZS6 is lack of subbass for me and sometimes trebles disturbing.

[@PaulWasabii]

The issue is that KZ has changed their signature since ZS6 and AS16 Pro/ZAS are differ even more. ZAS is probably closer. The new ZNA is a low cost hybrid that will give you a taste of modern KZ. I just fear that what you like in ZS6 may be different from the current sets especially a set like AS16 Pro.

[@emirlion5832]

@@PaulWasabii AS16 Pros just arrived me. After 4 years of ZS6, AS16 Pro gives more detailed sound and very less sibilance on trebles. I am happy for now, thanks for reply :)

[@coaldust01]

Hey Paul, Do you know if I would require an ohm adapter if using these with the qudelix 5k?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, both Q5k and ES100 don't get there on impedance. Both are

[@coaldust01]

@@PaulWasabii Thank you 👍🏻

[@NewDarkKnight]

Hows the kick drums sound on these? Does it give enough impact in like metallica songs?

[@PaulWasabii]

My opinion, its close to Mele. Some people like that amount of bass and some might think its too much.

[@quanoduytrung5153]

what is the difference between as16 and as16 pro? :V

[@PaulWasabii]

AS16 is the older model and that is as much as I know about it. Most people still using a BA set from that period are using AS10 or AS12 so not sure it was well received at the time.

[@eloy5808]

Would you recommend this over the CCA CA16? That's a 7BA 1DD setup. I dont wanna trouble you with anything but, I dont wanna buy them both, too Haha...

[@PaulWasabii]

Take a look at the CA16 bass. It is definitely a bassier set. My gut says wait a bit and see of KZ releases a refresh on that configuration. AS16 Pro was the first non 1DD set in a while so there is a chance they have a 1+7 in the future.

[@eloy5808]

@@PaulWasabii hi Paul... Thanks alot I guess i can do that, waiting haha Thanks for the response. I have the KZ ESX, and it is a good one I think it was tuned better as what my ears were hearing. Well im just a regular music guy. Im also new in the iem thing, i wouldn't call it as a hobby coz i just owned 3 iems and 2 TWS. Though I got cheap headphones But listening anything from calls, videocalls and music, these small things were making wonders Now my impression of this 8BA setup is better separation of the sound I mean lows, mids and highs would be driven by separate BA. Would that also mean, more clarity of the sounds? You got a new sub here...

[@creatin5168]

@@PaulWasabii или 1+8 или 2+7! 1+7 уних было уже много моделей.

[@DibIrken]

I'm getting Vietnam War flashbacks when I hear of KZ. I'm gonna wait until there is definitive proof the other drivers actually work.

[@PaulWasabii]

Ironically the impedance change is proof one group of them is working apart from the others. Maybe someone will open it up and look. I think that was a small reason behind going back to 8 drivers.

[@omno7620]

Can i use it for gaming ?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, I would say to generally avoid sets with too much bass or treble. I think both are distracting which is why people gravitate to 7hz zero.

[@Somegirls-l6g]

Do you need a Dac to use this headset or is just the smartphone enough?

[@PaulWasabii]

So the official statement from KZ would read that all of their sets are fine with a smartphone. My personal opinion, if you are going to buy a special set like AS16 Pro, think about upgrading to a dac or small amplifier.

[@eloy5808]

@@PaulWasabii that being said.. Would the jcally jm10 a good dac?

[@phuctdt2k]

kz zax or as16 pro? thanks

[@PaulWasabii]

Kinda different sets. ZAX is you don't really know what you want, just a fun set. KZ's AS series is more for people who are really into BAs or want to try an all BA set at a reasonable price.

[@phuctdt2k]

@@PaulWasabii I want to use it to listen to ballads, pop, rap, edm. So I'm wondering. I don't know which one is good for me.

[@anthonywiseman1403]

Would these be better than the kz zax ? Trying to decide what to buy

[@PaulWasabii]

I'd probably go with KZ EDA trio now and then consider AS16 Pro later. There should be a AS16 Pro revision coming out shortly which is why I say wait a bit.

[@anthonywiseman1403]

@@PaulWasabii would that give me good footstep positioning in game? I had considered airas aswell. 3 for 35 seems wild lol

[@dogmanxxx4218]

Do you prefer as 16pro or aria snow in term of sound stage ?

[@PaulWasabii]

I wasn't a huge Aria SE stage fan. Its ok and works for the set, but not as much of an experience that I look for at that price point. As I mentioned, there is something to the stage on AS16 that really works for me. There are moments that I recognize from more expensive sets. So it may not be the best ever or even the best of recent KZ models, but KZ has been on a streak lately of delivering sets with good staging at really affordable prices.

[@elyad67]

@@PaulWasabii Hey Paul, love your reviews, you include everything from bass, mids to soundstage, I'm looking for your suggestions for some nice iems with soundstage as first priority, at around 100-200$. I really like the S12 although I prefer using the OH10 more because of it's significantly bigger soundstage. Would love to know if there is something that can beat the OH10s around this price range. Thank you

[@kalo_nord]

I really can't understand from reviews if people like it or not. FR looks good except this 1k bump but you can lower it with parametric EQ. But again if you agree to use eq - whats the difference between this and lets say ESX with EQ(I like ESX with EQ very much, never heard anything better)? All this technology supposed to give more details, resolution etc but you said there is not much about "technicalities" at the same time FR is quite good...

[@PaulWasabii]

Exactly, you almost put it better than I did about the valuation. The money is moving technicals beyond what a budget 1DD can do. The problem is KZ has some great 1DD so there isn't as dramatic a leap to their all BA for most people. As I said, a few of us mentioned clear and clarity. The BA bass tends to decay faster leaving room for the mids to shine a bit more and I do think that comes through on AS16. BA treble when not pushed into metallic territory can also give you more treble detail than most of the KZ 1DD. For most people, these are really subtle improvements. Reviewers may notice them more in the short term, but you will see people gravitate to this one over the long term as people give it a try. Most people will view AS16 Pro as an stepping stone to more expensive hybrids or a test run of BA bass. There aren't many options in the affordable bracket before you are taking a risk on sets in the $100-200usd range. It is an odd model and no one does a great job explaining which is why I gravitate towards affordable all BA sets, so people can try one without such a huge investment.

[@kalo_nord]

@@PaulWasabii I agree. I dont know IEM's that use so many BA, even expensive. this one really looks interesting, and you make us want to buy it. STill I think they could do better with tuning (just a little bit) - because now that I look at the graph again, I understand why it's "mid-centric" - probably because of 1-3 k elevation (above target) and bass being not on this level as 2.5-3k gain (it's a little lower)

[@gabrielant13]

kz zex pro or as16 pro?

[@PaulWasabii]

AS16 Pro is a different level but the tuning is also different. And I was never a big ZEX Pro fan but I know others are and probably worth sticking with it rather than chasing the next thing.