KZ X Crinacle CRN (ZEX Pro) Review - $30 Tribrid and best KZ so far!

[@AwaisMahmood57]

Hopefully they try to create a budget Planer set next :)

[@VortexReviews1]

I would love to see that :)

[@albyshinyfield8841]

They’ll probably manage it for $50

[@VortexReviews1]

@@albyshinyfield8841 Hopefully they make one and with decent tuning.

[@ArielGonzalez1]

if they partner with crin, that can be highly possible for 50 or 60 bucks

[@lordzed83]

@@VortexReviews1 Well before KZ's Only magnetostatic on market afaik was Tape Pto on lower price range. I3 got planar at lower price i think if KZ wanted they could get a way with sub 100 dollars planar or planar + dd hybrid that i would preffer hehe. Keeping dd for low end and rest planar.

[@ANOLE_VX]

I'm proud of what KZ achieved with this one, i can finally recommend a decent or good enough kz iem for a small price. I own ibasso Am05, Thieaudio Legacy 5 and kxxs, and i think this zex pro is worth checking out 😏

[@VortexReviews1]

They have done a nice job with this one and you have some nice gear there :)

[@linolingelbach2214]

Crinacle tuned this IEM (no joke)

[@kiyowokiyowo8862]

@@linolingelbach2214 what really? It's not like he done with blessing 2 dusk? You mean he tune zex pro from begin with?

[@cook1e0]

@@kiyowokiyowo8862 yeah he confirmed that he did tune this from the beginning, the CRN version is the same thing but with his logo on it

[@ArielGonzalez1]

@@kiyowokiyowo8862 yeah, the mad lad actually did it!! and the response between the dusk and the zex are really similar ahahahah

[@raikenninja4843]

Surprisingly the graph is similar to Blessing 2 Dusk. Hopefully they keep the tuning even when they scaled up the driver count on their next tribrid.

[@VortexReviews1]

Lets find out.

[@linolingelbach2214]

Yeah it's because they are both tuned by the same people

[@raikenninja4843]

@@linolingelbach2214 Welp, hopefully they double down on this tuning if the ZEX Pro is successful. A retuned ZAS/CCA CA16 Pro with this tuning could be godly.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@raikenninja4843 Sounds like a good idea.

[@KrazyShark]

Awesome review. Not sure about the ZEX Pro having so many KZs now and not using them as much. Having the Aria i wanted something with a bit more bass for those fun moments. I saw your review of the Mele and this one as well and hesitate, looking for real rumbly sub-bass, boominess and stuff. Anything around / below 60$ for more bass focused IEMs beside the Mele? Thanks for the videos :)

[@L-in-oleum]

I own the Aria and I would recommend the iBasso IT00 at that price range. The BLON BL-01 has a similar sound signature, but I don't own that pair, so I can't really speak too much about whether it'll satisfy your "bass cravings" or not. Fitment on the BL-01 might be an issue too. Another recommendation is the Moondrop SSP with the vent tape mod for increased bass, but IMO the bass gets distorted too much to my liking when modded this way. The clarity of the rest of the FR is still good, though. Also try narrow-bore, deep insert tips on your Aria, it can improve the bass slam and quantity by a decent amount.

[@VortexReviews1]

Thanks very much and for 60 ish you have the KZ ZAS and CCA CA16 Pro.

[@KrazyShark]

@@VortexReviews1 Awesome thanks :D

[@VortexReviews1]

@@KrazyShark Happy to help :D

[@jb678901]

CCA CRA///US$12. Good sub base, base extension.

[@lordzed83]

I got it with AZ09 Pro they are fantastic with foams and soem EQ ( Crinacle recommended settings + extra subbass) as my wireless set. MAybe ill make video of them today hehe. For the money i really like them. How good the fit is ?? I tested the adapters + this over night sleeping no problem with them !!!

[@VortexReviews1]

I looked at the AZ09 Pro and good to see they are good as the non pro model is crap. Good to see you usage is decent and go for it.

[@lordzed83]

@@VortexReviews1 Thing is my non pro as good as pro. Problem with my unit is left earhook 2 pin is loose compared to right side disconnected multiple times cause of that and reason its going back to amazon and hope to get better unit or ill just get AZ10 instead but... no 2 pin again... Thinking about DIY cutting the 0.75 connector in to 2 pin at this stage :D

[@VortexReviews1]

@@lordzed83 KZ build quality lol. Good thing it was from Amazon and DIY :D

[@lordzed83]

@@VortexReviews1 pros connectors going nowhere tho kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ_cdodvi8aKadU

[@VortexReviews1]

@@lordzed83 They are very secure :)

[@GPruu]

Tuned by one and only... Crinacle ;)

[@VortexReviews1]

Indeed and I already knew :)

[@andyjackson2910]

Hi vortex great channel do you know if all these zex pros have the criacle tuning? As some do not have his name on

[@VortexReviews1]

Thanks very much and they are exactly the same.

[@burns0100]

For me the fit is horrible compared to the normal ZEX and they sound overly bright for my liking. I also had trouble powering them compared to the normal ZEX. The shape of the bud caused pain in my ears from the large bump near the top putting too much pressure on my ear. Can’t justify the upgrade yet.

[@kathrodriguez4519]

So u like zex better than zex pro ? Coz i have zex and not sure if i should buy the pro version

[@VortexReviews1]

I can see that and the change in sound and shape is not for everyone.

[@burns0100]

​@@VortexReviews1 I eventually got use to the sound, the sub bass really brings certain songs to life while other songs with more mid bass feel a little off. My main problem is the fin they added to the earbud body. It just presses into my ear at the worst spot possible and It gets painful after a while. It 100% comes down to the shape of your ear and preference for sound for these. For me the basic shape of the ZEX is better suited to my ear and the mid bass fits more songs in my genre of listening. Also the Zex are easier to drive compared to the ZEX Pro. The extra driver must use more power.

[@pjmt29]

@@burns0100 I have both & agree with you, especially with the fins. I can wear the ZEX all day but the PRO's I'm struggling after an hour or so as the fin rubs my ear.

[@burns0100]

@@pjmt29 It was a weird design choice. I get if they needed more space for the BA but the entire fin is just empty space and they don't weigh that much more to justify needing an extra contact point for support.

[@Shraavaan]

Currently I have BLON BL-03 which is PERSONALLY TWEAKED to be less V-shaped, less boom bassy, less recessed mids. Cleaner sound. My BLON BL-03 is currently use with custom eq settings and Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC they still sound warm but not too warm like they use to out of the box. Bass is now consistent and less boomy. Mid range has become clearer now with these settings. I am planning to upgrade. Which IEM do you consider? I have shortlisted for Moondrop Aria and Etymotic ER2XR, FiiO FH3. I need same kind of sound which tried achieving with tweaking BLON BL-03, but still lacked neutrality. I do like warm and neutral sound but couldn't achieve it with eq settings with BLONs. Which one would you recommend? *1. Moondrop Aria* *2. Etymotic ER2XR* *3. FiiO FH3*

[@VortexReviews1]

The Aria could be the upgrade and I have not tried the other two.

[@Shraavaan]

@@VortexReviews1 okay thanks a lot I have been following you channel for quite some time now, and I have complete faith in you that whatever IEM you suggest I'll probably lke them. I'm moving forward and purchasing Moondrop Aria. Thanks again.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@Shraavaan Cheers bro and thanks for the trust.

[@ArielGonzalez1]

i just couldn't resist and bought them ahahahahah i just have to wait untill dec 30 for them to reach my country. and a lot of people now can recommend a decent kz (not that the zs 10 pros are bad, but the tunning on the zex pro are another level)

[@VortexReviews1]

Hope you like them :)

[@outofvideos]

@@VortexReviews1 If not... you lose a fan. ;)

[@VortexReviews1]

@@outofvideos lol

[@ruslanmulyk8601]

Thanks for review. How them comparing with GD3A?

[@VortexReviews1]

Thanks and I have not tried that one unfortunately.

[@Yusufisk44]

My friend, I need to buy a KZ brand earphone. I like bass, but I also like details. Which model do you think I should buy? I have kz zs10, zs10 pro, zex pro on my mind

[@Yusufisk44]

I used the kz z1 pro model and liked it very much. Being a better model than him is enough for me.

[@VortexReviews1]

Mid bass or sub bass?

[@ArielGonzalez1]

zs10 pro (i have them) or, based on the graph, this review's iem

[@Yusufisk44]

@@VortexReviews1 I do not know. I want it to hit my ear hard and make it vibrate. But I want to feel the song.

[@wibs0n68]

Thanks for review. I'm planning on getting this or Moondrop SSR/SSP. Any idea which is better?

[@VortexReviews1]

Thanks and I have not tried either of those.

[@9_11_08]

Are this better than the zs10 pro ?

[@VortexReviews1]

Different tuning but I would prefer them over the ZS10 Pro if I still had them.

[@asmopop_op]

i like to listen to ballads and r&b. Also i play games so which iems would you suggest blon bl 3 or kz zex pro.

[@VortexReviews1]

I would go for the KZ.

[@asmopop_op]

@@VortexReviews1 tq for reply

[@asmopop_op]

@@VortexReviews1 what about tin t3 plus would u recommend it ober aria?

[@VortexReviews1]

@@asmopop_op T3 Plus and Aria are very close to be honest. They are both good.

[@asmopop_op]

@@VortexReviews1 thank you reply

[@kennadul2001]

do these dethrone the 03 as best uner 30$?

[@VortexReviews1]

In some ways yes and no. 03 still sounds more natural but they both have pros and cons.

[@thepixelwizard01]

How does it compare to 4BA+1dD sets like C12, ZSX or V90 in resolution, stage or imaging? I mean the prices are about the same as those used to be. Would this be a side-grade?

[@VortexReviews1]

I don't own any of those any more to check.

[@thepixelwizard01]

@@VortexReviews1 Ah well! But just from memory, is the ZEX or the Pro an equal or better than a multi BA KZ/CCA of two years ago? Purely on resolution (that's a vague term I know)

[@VortexReviews1]

@@thepixelwizard01 I find the newer drivers to be a bit smoother sounding than they used to be. I can't be sure about resolution or stage as it's been so long but I doubt the older ones were better.

[@thepixelwizard01]

@@VortexReviews1 That helps a lot thanks! This is one aspect reviewers often skip. This puts the Zex Pro in my to buy list beside the likes of the Heartmirror! 🙏

[@VortexReviews1]

@@thepixelwizard01 Happy to help :D

[@mahfoojkhan5707]

Any differnce between these and kz zs zex pro regular version and is it worth to upgrade to these from kz zs10 pro?

[@VortexReviews1]

The Crinacle CRN and ZEX Pro are the same. They are worth it over the ZS10 Pro if you like the tuning.

[@AwaisMahmood57]

Do you have a Patreon page? :)

[@VortexReviews1]

Not yet.

[@moisampioquinto7473]

In your own words, how do these compare with Blon-03?

[@VortexReviews1]

Bl 03 has more bass and has a more natural sound but loses on technical performance. They both have a very different fit and the Blon cable is garbage. ZEX Pro sounds a little more balanced.

[@astermos-6616]

@@VortexReviews1 what about the treble? Head that the Zex Pro has too much of it.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@astermos-6616 It has more than enough but the issue is the 8k which needs reducing.

[@astermos-6616]

@@VortexReviews1 would you recommend it as a starter IEM? I bought a VK4 hoping it was the OG, but immediately returned it after I found out it was the revised version. I'm contemplating between Zsn Pro X vs DQ6S vs Blon-03 vs Zex Pro and maybe Senfer Dt6 but I need the Spinfit 100 for this.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@astermos-6616 DQ6s is what I would pick or the CRA if you want more treble.

[@nsivaraj777]

Sir edx pro vs zex pro vs CCA cra how would u rate these?☺️

[@VortexReviews1]

CRA then ZEX Pro then the EDX Pro.

[@nsivaraj777]

@@VortexReviews1 thanks for the reply sir 👍

[@VortexReviews1]

@@nsivaraj777 No problem.

[@Gmnjean]

What about the ast 12

[@VortexReviews1]

I have tried the CCA CA24 which is the same.

[@mjl8083]

could you recommend eartips that will tame that 8k peak? thanks.

[@VortexReviews1]

I am not a tip pro but I have tried them with the tips I mentioned in the video and seems fine.

[@exigency2231]

The 8K peak in Crinacle’s graphs at least are a flaw in his rig, but he keeps it consistent. Basically graphs get a little wonky up the top end, so I think that 8K spike is exaggerated in the graph.

[@JoelHernandez-tz3vk]

@@exigency2231 If I understand correctly the peak comes from wavelength matching the distance between driver and whatever actuator the microphone uses. So it's literally actuator from actuator distance.

[@clown_hamster]

I heard these are quite a sensitive set. How do I identify the sensitivity in an iem?

[@VortexReviews1]

The actual specs and peoples impressions on different gear.

[@thepixelwizard01]

@Jonah The Db (decibel) value of a set is its sensitivity. How much power it requires actually depends on sensitivity more than the resistance which is represented in ohms. Anything over 100db is quite sensitive and with a BA driver if you connect a sensitive set to a powerful amp you get hissing. Too much power and you would kill the driver. The specs on this one suggests that it won't need an amp/dongle dac and sound good off of a smartphone

[@clown_hamster]

I see, thank you for the explanation. At what value do I need to use a dac or dongle dac? Below 90db?

[@thepixelwizard01]

@@clown_hamster say an iem that's 95 db & 32 ohms would see some modest gain with an dongle DAC like Shanking UA2 or the Abigail (which outputs 2 volts RMS I think). But this depends on each earphone. The Tanchjim Tanya and Rock Obsidian are two cheaper ones that gain significantly from a dongle or a DAP. The biggest gains come generally in dynamic driver iems and especially earbuds (like the VE Monk Lite 120ohms). The DAC chip itself might improve the sound even in sensitive iems by doing one of the following : Adding warmth, tightening the bass, increasing the size of the sound stage, improving instrument separation etc. I've generally found earbuds to gain more from a dongle dac than iems. For an iem I would look at a clean source that can output atleast 24 bit 96khz files (let's say the 3.5mm audio jack of a decent gaming laptop). But a cheap dongle can give one benefit even to a high end laptop that outputs signal from a 3.5mm jack - lack of signal noise. If you are hearing crackles when someone switches off a light nearby when listening on iems from a device that's because 3.5mm out isn't particularly clean. The USB-C is free of such interference and can transmit digital information without being colored by the internals of that device. This was a pretty specific example but I hope this helps 👍

[@thepixelwizard01]

@@clown_hamster Usually reviewers mention it if they found some advantage in using a more powerful source than a smartphone for a particular iem

[@archtk3176]

Are these better than the KZ BA10?

[@VortexReviews1]

I have never tried the BA10 but many folks like it.

[@julianfrancofarinas4280]

How are these compared to fiio Fh3?

[@VortexReviews1]

I have not tried the FH3 yet.

[@ANOLE_VX]

Soooooo, Crinacle is behind all of this huhhhh 😶

[@linolingelbach2214]

Yeah lol I was actually quite surprised

[@VortexReviews1]

Indeed.

[@NewDarkKnight]

What iem do you recommend under 50$?

[@VortexReviews1]

This one, Blon BL-03, Tripowin Mele off the top of my head.

[@NewDarkKnight]

@@VortexReviews1 thanks

[@TheStemo1]

How is the sibilance on these?

[@VortexReviews1]

I had no issue with them.

[@dhanursehgal2343]

Better than ZAS?

[@VortexReviews1]

Different tuning as the ZAS have much more mid bass than this.

[@RayanAbedin]

How are these for FPS gaming?

[@VortexReviews1]

I found them okay for gaming but I don't really play FPS.

[@komekko373]

How is it compare to DQ6

[@VortexReviews1]

I find the ZEX Pro a bit more balanced but a nice foam mod exists that smooths out the DQ6 but I have not tried it.

[@komekko373]

@@VortexReviews1 Have you ever tried QKZ VK4? the old model.

[@VortexReviews1]

@@komekko373 I have and I graphed it. They are good if you find a good one.

[@komekko373]

@@VortexReviews1 how is ZEX pro Compare to QKZ VK4 in term of tonality?

[@VortexReviews1]

@@komekko373 VK4 has better tonality as it's a single DD but the Pro has better technical performance.

[@rockenen655]

I skiped this ZEX Pro and wait for next version of this Tri-brid . Give the time for KZ to polish this.

[@VortexReviews1]

Let's see what happens in the future.

[@outofvideos]

Zex Super Pro?

[@VortexReviews1]

@@outofvideos Possibly, who knows :)

[@johnreysarion2931]

what's its difference with the non pro ones?

[@sterlingmaloryarcher6352]

The non pro is just called the KZ ZEX. The difference between the KZ ZEX and KZ ZEX Pro is that the Pro has an additional driver for the high frequency (balanced armature). Many people consider the two to be 2 very different models in terms of sound and structure.

[@johnreysarion2931]

@@sterlingmaloryarcher6352 ye i know bout them added ba with the pro ones. what i'm asking is the difference between the sound of zex pro n the regular zex. any thoughts?

[@VortexReviews1]

@@sterlingmaloryarcher6352 Like Sterling said and very different tuning as I have graphed all three.

[@emjay9733]

The phrase I keep hearing in reviews for these is “for the price" and it seems like a red flag.

[@VortexReviews1]

It means it good for the price and to also be realistic.

[@eubyflask]

what red flag nigga? you get what you paid for

[@daaaaph6623]

its ironic that the best kz is not even tuned by kz

[@VortexReviews1]

Correct :)

[@raikenninja4843]

Tbf though, a lot of people prefer the Dusk over the OG Blessing 2.