KZ x HBB DQ6S Best Sounding KZ IEM!? Honest Audiophile Impressions

A BIG thank you to KZ for providing the KZ x HBB DQ6s for review, greatly appreciated. Is the DQ6s the best sounding IEM has produced?
Purchase/More info: www.kztws.com/products/hbbxkz...
Drop 2 Pin:drop.com/buy/drop-2-pin-iem-c...
Final Type E:audio46.com/products/final-au...
Periodic Audio Rhodium: periodicaudio.com/collections...
HBB Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews: / badguygoodaudioreviews
KZ x CRN ZEX Pro: • KZ ZEX Pro aka Crinacl...
Discord: / discord
Instagram: pB4LG7Kqp_...
Twitter: / talkdbs @TalkDbs
Website: www.thehonestaudiophile.com
Patreon : / thehonestaudiophile
KZbin membership: / @thehonestaudiophile
The Honest Audiophile research/review process: • Let's Talk - My resear...
Tierlist:docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Audio Terms/Definitions: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Recommended Gear:
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: mezeaudio.com/products/meze-e...
Hifiman Ananda: hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD600: en-us.sennheiser.com/best-aud...
Sennheiser HD660s: en-us.sennheiser.com/hd-660-s
MrSpeakers Ether C (non flow version) danclarkaudio.com/
(similar to:) drop.com/buy/drop-mrspeakers-...
Aueze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
ADV. M5-12D: www.adv-sound.com/collections...
Empire Ears ESR: empireears.com/products/esr-b...
Tin Hifi T3 Plus:TINHIFI T3 PLUS 10mm LCP Diaphragm Hi-Fi Earphone - Linsoul Audio
Tin Hifi T2: www.linsoul.com/products/tinh...
Moondrop SSR: www.moondroplab.com/ssr
Sony NW-A105: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Sony NW-WM-1a: electronics.sony.com/audio/wa...
Mytek Liberty: mytekdigital.com/hifi/product...
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: www.headamp.com/products/gs-x...
Soekris DAC1421: soekris.modhouseaudio.com/soe...
Tor Audio Roger: toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Auido BiFrost 2: schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-789...
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one...
Massdrop Grace Design SDAC-B: drop.com/buy/drop-grace-desig...
Test Tracks: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/p...
Tingvall Trio “Beat” - piano tonality
Sinne Eeg “We’ve Just Begun” - multiple layer soundstage
Molly Johnson “What a Little Moonlight Can Do” - female vocal tone
Leslie Odom Jr. “Under Pressure” - male vocal tone
Eric Clapton “Change the World” - soundstage, layering and placement
Yo Yo Ma “Ecstasy of Gold” - acoustic instrument timbre
Adam Baldych “Spem in Alium” - acoustic instrument timbre
Pain of Salvation “Stress” - bass and percussion balance
Michael Buble “When I Fall in Love” - orchestral dynamics
Patricia Barber “Code Cool” - sibilance check
Christian Scott “New New Orleans” - shouty upper mids
Tool “Chocolate Chip Trip” - imaging
Hans Zimmer “Why So Serious” - sub bass extension
Marcus Miller “No Limit” - bass control
Dave Holland Quartet “Conference Of The Birds”- bass check
Ilhan Eshkeri “47 Ronin”- orchestra and bass dynamics
Hans Zimmer: “2049” - sub bass extension
Cher: “Believe” - sibilance
Stanley Clarke - “Passenger 57 main title” - percussion, bass, separation and placement
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra - “The Pine of the Appian Way” - soundstage, imaging, separation, dynamic range
Houston Person - “You are my Sunshine” - tone and timbre
If you like the content of this channel and want to see more like this in the future, please
consider donating. All funds donated to the channel will be used to purchase headphones and audio gear for the channel.
Paypal: www.paypal.me/dbsylvia
Venmo: @David-Sylvia-6
Patreon : / thehonestaudiophile
If you would like to contact the channel please send an email to: [e-mail]
Affiliate links:
Drop: massdrop.7eer.net/VXvyJ
Apos Audio: apos.audio?sca_ref=45218.8XN5h6dArS

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I am putting the KZ ZES, CCA CA10 and any future KZ/CCA product reviews on hold until there is an official response from KZ regarding the driver mystery on the various IEM's in question. I look forward to seeing the official announcement from KZ.

[@herseyberry4655]

I just read your comment. I wonder how many of those BA they stuff inside really work?

[@mylifematter]

They blame it on manufacturing defect due to covid-19. If Democrats could use this reason on anything, why not? Don't agree? Racist!

[@enigmacode_1]

KZ said the famous-for-all-the-wrong-reasons DQ6s 'came' from their Batch 22/02-08/03/2022. So mine is OK.

[@herseyberry4655]

Hey Dave you have to see Bad Boy Good Reviews rant on the KZ HBB DQ6. It has the tuning he worked on but when he took one apart he found the smaller drivers were not putting out any sound. It's basicly a single dynamic driver.

[@mic44lee44]

Thanks 😊 Great Review and Straight To The Point

[@taidee]

Thanks Dave for another great and honest review, keep them coming, we appreciate it.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@mr.l8750]

great review I had been wondering about how they would feel and fit so your information about how the cable and ear tips was very helpful so i will be buying these with a different cable and different ear tips> thank you for the great review

[@anthonykyledaquila6825]

Chris really did a good job for this sets. Currently my most fun IEM :>. Love the vids Dave

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Couldn't agree more!

[@justanotherpxrson]

another great video :D

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@Raju-hu9su]

Always honest review my brother 👌

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I appreciate that 💖Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Raju-hu9su]

@the Honest Audiophile ❤

[@shameermohamed4345]

T3 plus or DQ6s (not considering the budget) , Jus asking Is DQ6s bass is better than T3 plus ??!!! Also CCA CRA vs DQ6s please

[@ncf1]

hmm they sound similar in description to the CCZ Coffee Bean, and if this is the case I think I would like them. Nice review!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting. I haven't heard the Coffee Bean. Glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for the comment.

[@Allaces305]

Hi Dan. Great review. I'm waiting on mines and looking at your video has me anticipating it's arrival... I'm hoping it can become my new on the go/exercise set over the Tripowin Lea.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions. Just for clarification, my name is Dave not Dan.

[@Allaces305]

@@TheHonestAudiophile sorry Dave it was an honest mistake.. I've watch your vids for a long time and I'm a big Buffalo Bills fan also!!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

No worries, I blame it on the keyboard. GO Bills!

[@blitz6167]

Great review as always , How do you compare the DQ6S with the TFZ No.3 ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry haven't heard the TFZ No. 3 since I reviewed and I honestly don't recall enough to give a fair comparison. Here is a link to my No.3 review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJKrdJuvm8atmbs

[@barbal777]

I have original DQ6, modded it with Tanchjim Tanya filter and im very happy - especially I payed for it less than 20 bucks. Maybe I would try DQ6S, but sadly the silver version is missing.

[@charongrayi4863]

Thanks for the detailed review 👍 How do they compare with blon and mele?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

DQ6s is more controlled in the bass, has better tone and timbre and better detail retrieval and resolution then the BL03. The Mele is more laid-back in the treble, has less bass impact and is more forward in the mids.

[@pavanakumar270187]

Hi Dave..solid review as always..how do you rate the speed and texture of the dq6s bass in comparison to snappy and detailed bass of the dauntless??

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Dauntless is more detailed, accurate and speedier but the DQ6s holds its own as it is no slouch but it doesn't best the Dauntless.

[@honeyblunt5150]

Excellent review! How would you compare these to the BLONxHBB z300?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry, haven't heard the Blon X HBB Z300.

[@herb601]

Another good one, Dave. Might want to check on the purchase URL. Doesn't go anywhere. :-)

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the comment. I checked the URL, seems to be working ok. Let me know if you still have an issue.

[@rauldeandrade]

I just bought the KZ ZAS and yeah their wings are a bit too aggressive. I can wear them for a couple of hours and they help holding position, but they leave my ears a bit sore under the wing

[@PeterMMMMM]

Hello, how would the ER2XR, Tripowin Mele and the DQ6s compare?

[@donindiana8504]

Have you gotten the Tripowin x HBB Olina? Waiting for your review.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry, haven't received the Olina as of yet, hope to get one in for review.

[@rttle_snke8802]

How do these stack up against the Tin T3 plus?

[@sebastians.8009]

12:21 I love your reaction here when you're talking about the triple drivers. I bet that's how KZ laughs at their consumers.

[@compromisedssh]

I was listening with IEMs and had to take them off a few times because I thought there was a nearby outdoor cat. It took me a while to realize the cat noises were on your end.

[@Ko6pa]

Thank for a review 👍 It has no 3 drivers anymore, two little ones are marketing fake ..(( But they are still a great sounding 1 driver dynamic iems anyway🔥

[@enigmacode_1]

Listening (right now) to your list of twenty-one songs (bookmarked) thru my two-week old DQ6s, diving deep into your Notes and What to Listen to. Kudos to You! Subscribed.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness 😎

[@iLKA_2404]

Do you still recommend this? Or are there alternatives at the same price? Looking for a replacement since I lost my KZ ZSN Pro, and unsure what to get

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I don't recommend any KZ or CCA products 7hz Salnotes Zero is a solid option.

[@dujankees]

Would you prefer this over the Titan S? I am ready to buy the Titan S but I just wanted to get your final thoughts, thank you Sir

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

For everyday listening yes but not for monitoring or critical listening purposes.

[@arnobhossain6075]

who is best for bass kz dq6s or qkz hbb reply plz 🙏

[@ianmichaeldevano956]

Can you tell a brief comparison between these and bl03?

[@rollingchopsticks]

I want to pair my Az09 pro with IEM. anything you can recommend to me??

[@handlemonium]

Hm......thoughts compared the KZ CRN besides the extra bass emphasis? It's one of the few in-ears I don't find myself itching to EQ and combines the combines the comfort of the Fiio FA1 with the balance-detail-soundstage of the BQEYZ KC2......for 30 bucks!👌

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Um,CRN ZEX Pro comparison is in the video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGXdiaGabaiYias

[@sabazillo]

Have you listen to the moon drop quarks? I loved the er2xr but they broke and I'm looking for an affordable replacement, should I get them?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Quarks are nothing like the ER2XR. Very thin and mid/treble focus.

[@sabazillo]

@@TheHonestAudiophile thanks for replying, that means you don't recommend the quarks in general? Would you recommend moon drop aria or the tripowin melee instead? Or is there any more affordable alternative?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Personally I would purchase another ER2XR or the ER2SE. The DUNU Titan S is a solid alternative. The Kotori Dauntless is another option to consider. Another option is the Akoustyx R110.

[@lordofhell]

Hi! New Subscriber here! Which do you like better, DQ6S or Tripowin Mele/BLON BL03? Thanks!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I recommend the Tripowin Mele. I no longer recommend KZ and CCA products due to their unethical business practices and misleading marketing antics. I will not respond to comments that include requests to compare KZ or CCA products or requests to review KZ or CCA products. I will not review any more KZ or CCA products. Thank you for subscribing and for commenting.

[@lordofhell]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I understand. Thank you for replying!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome

[@jb678901]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Yes, they really screwed the pooch with the community by both their actions & corrective actions on the matter of the DQ6s and CRN. I have quite a few KZ's...got started in buying/trying IEM's after my initial purchase of the ZS10 Pro. Sad really, as they do have one product I have found to be a daily driver...the AZ09 Pro BT5.2 earhook set. I liked it so much, I bought an extra set and converted it with a simple DIY mod (from C-Pin to B-Pin); so that I may use them with my std. two-pin IEM's (e.g.: S12, Olina, T3+, HZ Heart Mirror, Lea). Frankly, these BT earhooks are an absolute bargain (usually on sale for US$26~$28 on AliExpress) given they use the Qualcomm QCC3040 and have excellent connectivity, decent range, are easy to pair, deliver good power, are comfortable, and hold impressive battery life (8hrs on hooks, 42 on case). Even the S12 planar works very well with them, though I sacrifice about 15% battery-life capacity by shifting (3 clicks to left earhook button) to Power Mode [the S12's crave power...like Hillary]. That being said, their marketing approach is on the shady side, IMO. Example: KZ advertises these AZ09 PRO earhooks as having "AptX/AAC/SBC HD Sound Quality". I suppose if they paid a license and actually delivered AptX-HD, they would use the trademark properly and market it that way. Instead, they associate AptX et al...with HD. I know for a fact it is not AptX-HD and only AptX because when I pair them to my FiiO BTA30 Pro (in TX mode), the indicator light glows Purple (for AptX) and not Yellow (for AptX-HD). Now, do I like the devices themselves? ABSOLUTELY! They are fantastic and after one year...going strong. However, I think their marketing leadership needs and ethics class. IMHO.

[@matusjurcik6974]

Hi 🙂, I am not sure, but wasnt the HBB DQ6S a scam? Like good old KZ nonfunctioning drivers (2 out of 3)? Just from the design itself I am not quite sure how those 2 6mm drivers could transfer the sound towards the nozzle 😅. There are also some reviews on linsoul and its hard to tell if they are fake or not.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Read all the various community posts I have done on the subject. Also has been well documented in various live streams on my channel. I no longer review or support KZ and CCA products.

[@ricardocoloma-md]

have you read that the dual micro dd don't work at all those are purely decorative....I have the original dq6 same deal

[@Boemtie]

Hi thanx for the review! Do you think Is it better for gaming than the KZ zs10 pro?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry, haven't heard the ZS10 Pro.

[@Boemtie]

@@TheHonestAudiophile O i have and i was curious because of your review. Well im really happy with them but i need a second pair for my other PC and i wanted something even better :)

[@kobatest547]

For gaming you can use any earphones lol

[@Boemtie]

@@kobatest547 Thats not true, i noticed huge differences in 3d games. some are better then others and even the type of game matters. people just have to find out i guess. up untill now i find the kz zex pro the best, then the zs10 pro. I play Fortnite and Warzone.

[@kobatest547]

@@Boemtie then need something more monitoring

[@samyg123]

How would you compare this with the Mele?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Mele is more laid-back in the treble, has less bass impact and is more forward in the mids.

[@hichristiangoodbye]

Hi so I have been using my KZ ZS6 for about 2 years now and I would like to use IEMs now for gaming. I'm looking to upgrade soon and my main choice right now is the T2 Plus or any could you guys give me some more recommendations? Budget is 50 to 80$. I mainly play tactical shooters; CS, Valorant and some Apex too. Thank you!

[@neopineda2618]

so what did u pick?

[@hichristiangoodbye]

@@neopineda2618 ended up buying Tanchjim OLA. Nice IEM but shape is not for everyone

[@neopineda2618]

@@hichristiangoodbye how is it for gaming?

[@hichristiangoodbye]

@@neopineda2618 Mainly used it for Valorant and I'm quite satisfied with it. Accurate spatial awareness and imaging. Having good headphone/earphone is a big advantage for tactical shooters.

[@denisbasshead7787]

Hi Boss what is your opinion about that iems they have quallity bass ? Bloated bass? Not so good bass fr ,, have really thichness at mids or not , and finally can those catch high volume levels with qualitty sound or no?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Do I think bass can be accurately reproduced? Yes, it comes down to the implementation of the tuning, components and driver quality. An accurately reproduced bass IEM can also have accurate mids and treble. It depends on the tuning and driver quality that the manufacturer chooses. There are several quality bassy IEM that have a neutral and natural presentation with quality, accurate mids and treble.

[@Luca-xr7bs]

og Dq6 is great.

[@NutzerLive]

Now they just need to stock them in Germany :D

[@sorcerermax5111]

Which IEM under $100 has the deepest deep reaches of the bass? like it should go much below Mariana trench, near the core of the Earth

[@Rorensuwl8]

Qkz ak6

[@shameermohamed4345]

@@Rorensuwl8 are you serious??? Actually I own Ak6 pro... seriously I luv the bass of this

[@LandsPlanes]

Please make a rank with you preference list Which is your BEST iem under 350€?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My tier list is listed in the description of every video: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing Please make sure to read the ranking tab for clarification on rankings.

[@LandsPlanes]

@@TheHonestAudiophile No problem, I understand it perfectly. It's very good, I agree with you so it's partly fair to say we hear the same thing. I hope to see the edition xs on your list soon but in the meantime I'll stick with the Sundara, it offers excellent value for money.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Awesomeness. I hope to get an XS in for review at some point in the near future.

[@LandsPlanes]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I have a doubt, does the valuation have the same value in in ears as in over ears? Or do you prefer an over ear?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@LandsPlanes value and quality can be found in any budget. I do think that headphones are harder to find value and quality at lower prices then IEM.I don't prefer one over the other, it just depends on the situation, my mood and what's being reviewed at the moment.

[@svilenp]

👍

[@herseyberry4655]

Bad Guy has the 100 Olina out. It's the Tansjim Oxygen driver but retuned in the Mele shell. It seems like my choice but the Tin T3 is 30 bucks cheaper. I really want the Timeless but Shoer has a planar set with the same driver for 50 less. Decisions decisions.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I hope to get an Olina in at some point for review. Shuoer S12 review coming soon.

[@herseyberry4655]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Fantastic.

[@coaldust01]

Well incase you decide to go for the timeless I can tell you they are fantastic, word of warning tho, a cheap usb dongle dac will power them ok but sound quality won't be as good as a proper amp/dac, they need a decent source.

[@herseyberry4655]

@@coaldust01 Thank you. My sound profile is warm ,detail is not my highest priority, I really like open sounding headphones and earphones but the bass is often sacrificed..

[@herseyberry4655]

@@coaldust01 I have a Liquid Spark. I usually just use the phone jack. When I dust off a headphone I amp up. Thanks for the tip. I really want a bass banger but clean. You heard about the EDM?

[@Gilbertwjya]

when will you review tripowin lea?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

It's on the schedule, a few items ahead of it. Sorry for the delay.

[@MrRobot-dr1ln]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I already have it. It's really nice but probably is best when you use different tips and some EQ. Then it really sounds great. Kinda dry sounding at first.

[@TheCujo1956]

The problem is in my opinion cost $30 iem $30 cable and $13 for tips. There are better alternatives for $60!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

That's one way too look at it.

[@alexfernandesportrai]

Check out the HBB video on the DQ-6s. KZ has been conning its customers.

[@Mr_whet]

Would you prefer it for keys 🎹??

[@HanaOuka_]

DQ6S vs BL 03 ?

[@Ko6pa]

It's only upon your particular ears mate, should try it yourself ✌️

[@HanaOuka_]

@@Ko6pa if i can afford both why not....

[@MrRobot-dr1ln]

DQ6 all the way. It's way better than the Blon BL03 for music in my opinion. Especially metal, Rock, hip hop.

[@kennymccormick8295]

@@MrRobot-dr1ln Why?

[@MrRobot-dr1ln]

@@kennymccormick8295 technical abilities go to Blon for sure. The tuning is more fun on the DQ6s. The bass is better, textured better, faster, and better defined. The mids are more forward for vocals. Treble is a little better extended. The instruments such as guitars have are a little more forward and dynamic in the mix. Blon overall tonality wise is still better and maybe for some it is better because of technicalities and timbre.

[@AkbarHazmie]

This or tin t2?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

T2 is neutral, balanced and analytical monitor. The DQ6s is bassy, fun. I would pick the T2 for multiple reasons but the main one is it fits my preference the best.

[@WildWildWeasel]

T2, has actual working drivers.

[@MrRobot-dr1ln]

This. Tin T2 is nowhere near as musical. It's really great all around. Especially for movies and games at times on the T2 for technical abilities. DQ6s is for music lovers of most genres. Probably not as much for female vocals in some music but other than that DQ6s is way better than T2 on music.

[@MannyScoot]

I need to pick these up ! .......I keep looking on ebay for a pair available in the United States....... I just picked up a second pair of the KBear Be-Lieve on Ebay........They are amazing .......I only use CP100 Spinfits and make changes of tips and wires to all my IEM's ! .......I am starting to see that it's all a sickness ....... Audiophiles are sick people ........

[@michaelcorcoran8768]

Do all of the drivers work?

[@Rorensuwl8]

HAHAHAHAHA

[@andrewr9097]

#exposekz

[@jdsaint6944]

No

[@abominablearex6487]

Hi there. I am putting these, salnotes 7hz, blon 03 and chu ii for my next purchase. Which would you say I should choose? Or should i just buy them all. Looking for $20 ish iems.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I recommend the Tangzu Wan'er instead at $20

[@abominablearex6487]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Wao. Even against 7hz zero? It's that good?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@abominablearex6487 Wan'er is more natural sounding

[@abominablearex6487]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Alright. I will take a look. By the way have you tried the kz castor. I was getting it for $12 so I thought it a steal. Bought castor instead. Got the bass version though.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@abominablearex6487 I've not heard KZ Castor.

[@electrohouse807]

blon bl03 or these?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

DQ6s

[@WildWildWeasel]

blon

[@smellyoldsock1553]

"KZ you rock!" Clown show.

[@jdsaint6944]

It’s only one 10mm DD working full range the two 6mm drivers are not on. Nice fraud by KZ

[@extendo7137]

How you know that?

[@antoniojackson5710]

@@extendo7137 I took them apart and cut the wire myself and listened again. There fake, if I can't hear a difference when you wouldn't in actual use

[@TopFinancialAdvisor]

Hi Bro ✅KZ X HBB DQ6S ✅KZ X HBB ✅KZ D-FI Switch ✅KZ ESX 10 Anniversary Edition ✅KZ X HBB Khan ✅KZ PR2 Please rank 1,2,3,4,5,6 Thanks Bro 🙏👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I've not heard the D-F1 Switch, ESX 10 Anniv Ed or PR2. The other 3 I haven't heard since I reviewed them.

[@MrRobot-dr1ln]

Best sounding KZ ever. Not just that? They didn't have to trick anyone with a driver controversy. This IEM is worth more than anything up to 50-60 dollar range on its tuning alone. I enjoy this more than the Mele, Blon BL03, TIn T2, CC C10 pro, the ZAX, TC01, the Kbear KS2, KS1, SSP, and Tanchjim Tanya. Unbelievable for music listening.

[@antoniojackson5710]

Yea, it's tuning is perfect for me, like literally end game tuning. Now everything else, build, technicalities, and everything else is ok but not end game.