KZ X Crinacle CRN (ZEX Pro) Not Very Quick Look

[@Mar10Man94]

Pre-ordered my ZEX Pro. I'm surprised that reviewers haven't mentioned the QKZ VK4 similarity in the graph. Can't wait to hear it!

[@PaulWasabii]

Finding a VK4 with that tuning is difficult now. They changed the tuning on the new ones and hard to get a good old one. But you are right, very similar.

[@前田日明-w8u]

Fantastic response curve.

[@souropashibondhon7044]

I was eagerly waiting for this review 🤘

[@EdgyEmoLoliconBoy]

will it impress crinaccle tho?

[@PaulWasabii]

It's kinda close to his target so I hope so

[@linolingelbach2214]

That dude literally tuned this set.

[@xwithoutxanyxwarningx5191]

@@linolingelbach2214 comment was made before the crin reveal

[@Dronetothetop]

Excellent review! Can't wait to try mine. It's on it's way to me now.

[@PaulWasabii]

Thank you

[@ManishSharma-uz7yp]

I want to buy zex pro in India. From where I will get the best deals?

[@agnimukhabaruah6869]

Kz zex pro is not available in India right now, but it is listed on conceptkart, so think they are ready to sell this one, I am also waiting for it

[@alvarocyc7656]

Ya disponible en Aliexpress

[@borbetomagus]

Thanks for your frequency graph. I can only wonder about KZ's frequency graphs (with 2.5K and 8K peaks, instead of the 4K and 8K peaks you've recorded). Given the similarities (visually and frequency wise) to the DQ6, perhaps KZ should have named this IEM the 'DQ6 Pro' instead.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah it should resemble neutral so 4, 8, then 16k. I have no idea where the kz graph came from or why they don't update it. I do hope they do a DQ6 Pro tbough

[@kyron42]

What's causing the peaks in the treble?

[@PaulWasabii]

The 8k is part a peak, part an artifact of the coupler. 10k is probably an artifact too.

[@jackjack3874]

so upset i rushed with the ZEX and did not wait for these... great vid man!!!

[@sorcerermax5111]

There would always be some advantages and disadvantages between both. When the next ZEX model comes out, ZEX pro owners may feel the same like you so don't worry

[@jackjack3874]

@@sorcerermax5111 that is true but the graph of the pro is very close to my taste... and the three peaks that may need tweaking are exactly at points where most equalisers have a value, 8k 10k 16k... which means you can easily eq them even without parametric equalisers...

[@dnabajja]

I also feel like you, when seeing the graph, but as ZEX is my first pair of IEMs I realized that there was a lot of badly tuned KZ that I have missed, when taste the worst you start embracing the good ones, so as he said keep enjoying your ZEX for now, I believe this is a start of a new KZ tuning will surely wait for this to mature in coming years before making an upgrade

[@PaulWasabii]

The two are different. I assumed the Pro would have been like EDX and EDX Pro. Who knew the tuning would be so different? Not me

[@gmonte00]

It would be great if you made a video talking about the differences between balanced armour and magnetostats drivers

[@PaulWasabii]

So that is super difficult with these KZ drivers as not much information is published. As the ZEX Pro arrives, I think more people will look at the configuration and offer more information on what each driver is providing to the sound. Generally magnetostats and electrostatic cover high treble.

[@medtxastratospore5729]

I see your vent tape mod, is it the vent on faceplate? it makes the treble looks better, is it the mod or you change tips/deep insertions?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, I took one try at it. The ZEX responds more to tape than Pro but worth a try if you have one. I think the various PEQ settings are more reliable and targeted to the tuning

[@RustyRat]

Not surprised too much about the tuning now, cuz it was made by Crinacle for this model

[@PaulWasabii]

Right, it's close to a bass boosted version of his target

[@anderubionty]

Hello! amazing review, i would like to ask, i am planning to upgrade to Moondrop Aria, however, i was wondering if the ZEX Pro is a better value for the price? thank you in advance

[@leonardomatheus1888]

I have the same question

[@defaltgamer1524]

Same question

[@PaulWasabii]

Generally it is very hard to compare different driver configurations as your ear may prefer one over the other. That is why you won't find many people comparing the two. A single DD has an advantage in coherency and Aria may have more mid bass. Details and resolution usually fall to the hybrids. One isn't better than the other, it is about choosing the one for you

[@jaygee3032]

@@PaulWasabii which is best for tarkov

[@walizenlegrand9040]

Beautiful review

[@PaulWasabii]

Thank you

[@harinarayananpc4699]

The old and new ones sound the same or are they different?

[@NewDarkKnight]

So dq6 got better stage?

[@PaulWasabii]

They are close, both good and both open up a bit with better source

[@noctisluciscaelum273]

Is this best for instrumental pop men/women jazz acoustic orcrestra or slow music? becuse i don't like rock heavy metal edm hiphop.

[@PaulWasabii]

Actually yes. The vocals are very good

[@dogmanxxx4218]

How about zex pro vs cca ca16 ?

[@PaulWasabii]

Tough, one problem is the stage on ZEX Pro is quite good. The bass level on CA16 has that traditional mid bass bump for a much thicker sound. One isn't better, just different styles for different people

[@PaulWasabii]

Tough, one problem is the stage on ZEX Pro is quite good. The bass level on CA16 has that traditional mid bass bump for a much thicker sound. One isn't better, just different styles for different people

[@theycallmesloth]

@@PaulWasabii by stage do you mean soundstage? And how responsive are zex pro to Equalizer? (Poweramp parametric eq specifically, probably to add a bit of midbass)

[@lemon777r]

The magnetostat never covered the highs to begin with in the zex. I think someone on headfi tested it separately and found that it didn't even really go past 15khz. So not a surprise that the added ba does the highs

[@PaulWasabii]

Right, there is confusion as to the crossover points. I know that post and at least with ZEXP, they added an upper treble peak so maybe it is doing a bit more.

[@rockenen655]

How's the sound stage when compare to DQ6 ?

[@PaulWasabii]

I would say similar but I think it takes a bit more power to open it up compared to easy to drive DQ6.

[@7wikk]

broo i have blon 03 with booomy bass and great tonality.. i also have kz as12 with 6 BA drivers but they lack bass so much but their sound when watching movies and playing light and instrumental music just blows my mind cause im not a basshead.. soundstage and all is very open... so my question is can kz zex pro do the work of both the iem..how does it compare to kz as12??

[@PaulWasabii]

Maybe it is closer to the AS12. ZEXP is not boomy like BL03 so I don't think you can ditch BL03 for that bass. Finding one perfect set is quite hard. I actually like pairs or complementary sets as you have it now.

[@7wikk]

@@PaulWasabii thanks...very much appreciated. You got a sub from INDIA. 💪 Keep going ♥️

[@sorcerermax5111]

@@7wikk You need a cheap warm sounding dongle DAC for the bass BA drivers on AS12 to wake up and also use narrow bore tips. It has plenty of tight bass

[@7wikk]

@@sorcerermax5111 thanks! Bro

[@7wikk]

@@sorcerermax5111 I'm thinking about buying fiio btr5 2021? Is that good?

[@DrXX-qr1he]

thank you for the review and graph. ill order this on 12.12 for like less than $17 (converted). 😊😊😊😊

[@PaulWasabii]

That is quite cheap. Will be doing another video also. Thank you

[@aakashsandhu2165]

ZSN Pro X vs ZS10 Pro vs CRN ZEX Pro. Please? I am really torn between them I liked the details and bass of ZSN Pro X, but I have noticed a slight screeching in the Highs, still they're definitely great but I need to buy the best one. I am looking for Great details, good amount of bass and great sound stage and imaging.

[@PaulWasabii]

ZS10 Pro is closer to a better version of what you have. CRN is really a different tuning, you can't just say one is better than the other. On CRN, the treble is not screechy, but you also have much less bass.

[@GuavaJuiceBane]

Despite the price difference, Would it graph comparable to the Teas?

[@PaulWasabii]

I don't have a Tea but shouldn't be long before some who has both graphs ZEXP.

[@verccety1]

Would this be an upgrade over KZ ZSX?

[@PaulWasabii]

So consider why you like the ZSX. That is a very classic KZ energetic sound. ZEX Pro is much more neutral which is hard to understand if you haven't heard it. It doesn't have those large bass and treble boosts so you hear more mids.

[@DibIrken]

Interesting. I like this tuning. 😳

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah it's a popular tuning lately, new to KZ though

[@dharmaboy34]

Good review Paul although I do wish you would use a music track or two. As we know graphs measure quantities but not qualities. Anyway still enough in the review to make me look forwards to getting them. Thanks.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah this was just a quick impression, not meant to be a full review. Will hit those points in a few days. This was a bit more than an unbox, less than a review

[@champion1859]

Awesome! Can't for the nuraloops iem review.

[@emanuelserpa]

Very uncommon for KZ indeed. This is TOTL-level tuning!

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah it is

[@jpsc2312]

Sorry to bother but what does TOTL means? Tried searching it and didn't find it, I'm not an English native speaker

[@SkinnyYob]

@@jpsc2312 top of the line

[@russelltobarretamal8133]

Crinacle tuned these

[@deviprasadpatro6807]

Hey bro that's an great content you had provided probably the best. I am bit confused with three models as I am completely new to iem, could you please suggest which one would be the best among Zsn pro X Vs dq6 Vs zex Pro. Thank you in advance 😊

[@PaulWasabii]

Thanks. For your first iem, ZSN Pro has been the choice for first iem for almost 3 years. Start there. Edx Pro also if it is cheaper to purchase.

[@yudha_saputra]

This really Harman Target ???

[@PaulWasabii]

No, half of it close, post 1k is not

[@dogmanxxx4218]

was waiting for these haha

[@somegeezer4058]

Bear in mind that high frequency measurements are unreliable . That's the reason that even the best IEMs look like the Andes in the area. Personally I ignore anything on the graph after around 4k.

[@PaulWasabii]

Yep, probably later in the year, I will start measuring differently and see if the treble measurements are more accurate. KZ has been looking at the issue as well, closing the gap between their professional lab measurements and the hobbyist 711 couplers.

[@thalescatao]

Good work. Graph is better when vertically exaggerated

[@PaulWasabii]

Ok I am curious why it is better exaggerated. KZ usually does a bit on their supplied graphs. Thank you

[@adiomari2802]

I have the ZEX and didn't like them at all. I have high expectations from these (ZEX PRO) , I ordered them , I hope these fix the disappointment I had from the ZEX.

[@PaulWasabii]

I wasn't a big ZEX fan and definitely prefer Pro but the tunings are very different.

[@SB-ht6kf]

They weren't hiding the capability to tune this way. Due to the lower quality drivers in the ZEX and ZEX Pro, they needed a BA in the BOM to be able to tune this way. If they tried to tune the ZEX like the ZEX Pro there would have been a terrible amount of smearing. It's the reason why they rolled off some of the top end of the ZEX. The BA is the catalyst for this tune. KZ does a phenom job with these lower quality drivers, but there are limitations.

[@PaulWasabii]

Definitely possible. Occasionally KZ has added a BA and came up with a set that sounds like a good DD and a cheap BA. This one is different. I actually have not looked closely at the BA, I am sure someone will tear one open shortly.

[@tomfrank2707]

Thanks for your thoughts. After watching this video, I decided to pull the trigger on this set. I also bought another balanced cable to connect this set to. Oh, crap! Forgot to get a case to store it in. Back to Aliexpress for a storage case. Thanks Paul! All this will be my Christmas gift to me for this year.

[@PaulWasabii]

Ok cable guy. I don't like this one with bassy cables, it sounds dull, lack of dynamics, compressed. Some cables bring it to life and some bring the bass. So try a few. A bit like Blon BL05S, you need to find the synergy to awaken the sound.

[@tomfrank2707]

@@PaulWasabii Lol! Yeah, I definitely will try a few out. Maybe a pure silver cable like the Nicehck or KBEAR Limpid/PRO would work well?

[@PaulWasabii]

@Tom Frank exactly, will switch to Limpid tonight. I think that will do it, just happened to receive a NiceHCK GreyFlag at the same time so was using it.

[@EdgyEmoLoliconBoy]

finally someone knows whats up its not electrostatic

[@PaulWasabii]

Only in their marketing pages

[@Yusufisk44]

Dostum kz marka bir kulaklık almam gerek bass severim sence hangi modelini almam gerek. Kz zs10,zs10 pro, zex pro var aklımda

[@thuong9392]

ZEX vs ZEX Pro?

[@PaulWasabii]

So different, start with your bass preference, more or less?

[@september9937]

@@PaulWasabii I have the Kbear KS1, which is already a bassy head, so I'm looking for a more neutral sound when listening to the mids. I have EDX, Blon 03, VK4, TRN MT1, Moondrop Quarks. So far, I've heard the sound test of 7HZ Timeless and I think I should try out some neutral balanced sound (I know the Timeless is a $200 IEM but again, just to show out my idea of wanting to try new neutral sound)

[@RynaxAlien]

So just waste of money over KZ ZEX?

[@PaulWasabii]

Waste of money if you are enjoying the ZEX. I would stick with it rather than chasing the new thing if you like ZEX.

[@ArielGonzalez1]

Some news: they were tuned by crinacle.... That says a lot hahahahaha

[@carminedesanto6746]

Well, anything would be an improvement over the ZAS 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@sorcerermax5111]

Is ZAS bad? never used it but just wondering how it is

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@sorcerermax5111 BASS BLOATED AND LEAKING INTO THE MIDDS. The only thing that saved it from being a total disaster are the BA . It’s a hard pass and is exiled from my IEM’s stable.

[@noworrrnever]

@@carminedesanto6746 Bass is bloated and leaked into the mids: Wow, it is very good thing and expected. It is for bassheads. it may not be for you.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@noworrrnever true. I’ve got Aria , OH10’s and KATO coming for my wife for Christmas 🎄 Take care and get some nice IEM’s and some great music!🍻

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah that bass level on ZAS did not work for me. This is much better

[@wahid-lg1kk]

Where did this curve come from? From Crinarman.. Sorry... Harmacle.. Wah.. Give me a second.. Ok, this is the right name, Crinacle. That guy. Sorry for the confusion.

[@nobodyanybody3374]

Received my ZEX Pro two weeks ago. When I first listen to it out of the box, it sounds harsh. I am quite wary of low-quality BA that gets in the way and sounds unnatural. The good news is after 48 hours of burn-in the sound did improve. The soundstage is stable, the vocal has character and the bass is good like the DQ6. I go ahead and burn in some more hitting the 72 hours mark. That's when the IEM start to shine, the sound is 3 dimensional, the treble details extended airiness, the vocal has character and textual. It sounds similar to my BQEYZ Spring 1 on the cheap. Good buy for people that like that sort of sound signature.

[@PaulWasabii]

My opinion is the 8K is a bit harsh at first. I said the same out of the box. Either your ears will adjust to it or change tips or burn in as you did. I am glad you are enjoying it.

[@nobodyanybody3374]

@@PaulWasabii So many IEMs so little time.

[@ersyadiaz]

may i know your method to burn-in? i just received my pair and i really want to smoothen the harshness of this IEM without EQ

[@nobodyanybody3374]

@@ersyadiaz Loop music for 72 hours at 120% of your usual listening volume. ZEX Pro is different from the usual KZ. Its music presentation is less in your face! Smoother. Let's do the burn-in and maybe that would do the trick.

[@somegeezer4058]

@@ersyadiaz Sorry but Burn-in isn't what people think it is. Burn-in doesn't change the hardware it merely gives the listener time to adapt to the sound.

[@TomMacalisang]

Lesson learned. When KZ releases something new, don't buy it yet and wait for the "Pro" version. LOL

[@PaulWasabii]

To be fair, sometimes the Pro/X/etc version takes more than 3 weeks 😉

[@kizennogami2500]

Yes and after a couple of weeks there comes the "Pro X".😂😂😂😂

[@InvisibleIink]

Buckle-up, Bones!

[@PaulWasabii]

Indeed

[@Exert145]

Kz zex pro vs kz zsn pro x

[@PaulWasabii]

Hard to explain the difference but zex Pro is more neutral, ZSN is more v shaped with boosted bass and treble.

[@LISTEDGames]

to me the pros looks better.

[@CC-tk9xw]

Man stop. You changed your title to x crinacle. It's not even it. I asked kz they're not the same man. The graph is different why change the title? Just kz zex pro.

[@PaulWasabii]

Interesting, guess who asked me to change the title and links? You guessed it, KZ corporate. The only difference is the Crinacle logo on the shell.

[@beepover]

KZ is not musical...Basically KZ is junk. Get a mele or blon03 or spend a bit more for a FH3. otherwise go high end for a monarch mkii

[@emanuelserpa]

Are you okay, bro?

[@pukstukas]

Don't feed the troll 😀

[@yudha_saputra]

what ??? 😅

[@2m0ng032]

Please define "musical".