KZ ZAX Review - The Terminator's cleaner and more refined brother

As a KZ ZSX fan, I was excited to try this one. I wouldn't call it a ZSX upgrade, but a new take on a similar sound. Rein in the bass, cleaner mids, and let the two extra drivers bring the detail and resolution. The CA16 is a bit different, it kept a similar warm bass and mid sound from the ZSX, I think that is more familiar to ZSX fans. The ZAX may be more familiar to CCA fans, a cleaner refined ZSX sound.
Thank you to the Yinyoo Audio Store on Amazon for sending this one out:
www.amazon.com...

[@StrangerInParadise58]

I ended up purchasing both the KZ ZSX and ZAX models for the price. All I can say is that the ZAX blows away the ZSX. All frequencies are just much cleaner on the ZAX, but not lacking in any of the things that make the ZSX so fun. I have listened to them from both my iPhone 12 and through the XDuuo XA-10 and the ZAX outperforms the ZSX on all fronts from both sources. Clearly a much better upgrade - for not that much more money. With the right fitting tips (critical), these sound very impressive. I did upgrade to a Linsoul cable for both models. But the ZAX is just clearly the better model. Home run for KZ with the ZAX!

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah I agree. For previous KZ owners, especially the ZS10 Pro owners, they may prefer the ZS10 Pro, but generally the ZAX brought people back to KZ. Same with DQ6. Removing that very metallic tone on the treble helped. Problem is people don't forget so many people tried KZ in the past and won't go back after not liking an older model. The ZAX was really the first time I saw older users and new users come back to try a KZ and give it some praise.

[@StrangerInParadise58]

@@PaulWasabii Makes total sense. Nailed it. 😊

[@ethemaydar5075]

Hey bro can you listen to music outside since the zax is open-back?

[@kurt9510]

Awesome review I like how you printed out the outline much easier to follow your thoughts on it

[@PaulWasabii]

Thank you. KZ is a huge global audience so I think it helps following along when English is not your primary language

[@joremnuevo3252]

Is this still worth getting today or are there better sets at this price range now? I've tested zs10 pro before and loved it so I think I'll like this too. Thanks!

[@PaulWasabii]

In my opinion, they are but I would still wait to see what KZ and other manufactures release in the same price range. We have had many low cost sets recently, but nothing in this price range yet.

[@lifeisgood7462]

Hi. Question? Currently having ZS10 pro. had the ZSN pro and it was way too sibilant for my ears that it's actually hurts. I think ZS10 pro is pretty fine if you're not willing to cross $90+. I would like to ask if the ZAX/ZSX are worthy upgrades from ZS10 pro? I am obsessed with detail! And i believe that the very little soundstage improvement between ZSN pro and ZS10 pro made a world of difference although it's very little. Asking because I can only afford to have one good earphone at a time.

[@PaulWasabii]

The ZS10 Pro is the one I recommend keeping for a bit. The owners are very loyal to it and I would hate for you to spend ZAX money and be disappointed if you really like the ZS10 Pro. The ZAX is more for KZ outsiders, the signature is a little bit more welcoming to people who have not owned KZ iems before. It is a great set, but if the ZS10 Pro is what you like, the ZAX isn't really more of the same. I would wait until the end of this year and see if any hybrids arrive that would be a better fit. ZS10 Pro is a really popular set and people hang on to them so I would say stick with it for a bit longer.

[@lifeisgood7462]

@@PaulWasabii okay,! Thank you so much. I shall do that

[@mksagal]

@@PaulWasabii I totally agree. I own kz zsn pro, zs10 pro, and zax. If you're going to compare zsn vs zs10 or zsn vs zax, you'll notice zsn is lacking a little bit detail but zs10 vs zax I honestly can't find any difference.

[@rockenen655]

thanks for great detailed review , i think i will pass ZAX cause i like ZSX bass and overall both seems not much diff , i already have ZSX , BL03 . May be all BA driver iem like ASX / ASF is good addition ? can't wait for review

[@PaulWasabii]

Great, that was my concern as I love the ZSX also. The ZAX is different enough, but perhaps not in the direction you prefer. I certainly didn't want ZSX owners to rush out and upgrade without some idea that it is different. Ironically I think it will attract a large base who passed on the ZSX and the CCA CA16.

[@tylerrayhughes]

What cable do you recommend for these. I use them for on stage. I’m also a bass player/vocalist.

[@PaulWasabii]

I might be the wrong one to ask as I like a thicker cable. On the ZAX, I like the pure silver Limpid by KBEAR or Nicehck litzPs. Second choice the Nicehck litzocc.

[@ItsTimeForFajr]

Excellent and detailed review...👍🏼👌 Im confuse with this kz zax and the upcoming kz asf and kz asx... Hoping for their comparsion soon...

[@PaulWasabii]

Thank you, everyone is confused right now. My ASF & ASX are still processing due to the holiday.

[@josephnevin]

@@PaulWasabii I booked mine on launch day and nine shipped just 3 days back.

[@LISTEDGames]

@@PaulWasabii am really curious how those will compare against AS16

[@ParaParagon]

Since it is "cleaner" you recommend this for audiobooks or would you pick a different one for something like that...?

[@PaulWasabii]

If I was just listening to audio books, Id go with something cheaper, like the KZ DQ6 or Tanchjim Tanya. Cleaner is related to how much the low frequencies interfere in the mids and vocals. If you just have vocals, doesn't matter as much

[@wanaboed]

Hey Paul, do you have KZ ZAS? It is the sucessors of KZ ZAX, with the same amount of drivers and cooler looks. Many said that it is really good. It's expected to be an improvement of ZAX

[@PaulWasabii]

The first ZAS I ordered was lost in the mail. I have another in transit. I have read the same good opinions on it, just waiting again for mine to arrive

[@wanaboed]

@@PaulWasabii I hope I get your review soon.

[@DoronzoGiuseppe]

​@@PaulWasabii novità? Sono un chitarrista. Vorrei sapere la differenza tra ZAX vs ZAS. Nel frattempo che differenza c'è tra ZS10PRO vs ZAX?? Grazie per le risposte

[@ethanavi]

my first KZ maybe!!!

[@Justacapybara9000]

Dooooooooooooooo it i got the KZ ZSX as my first fun aduiophile budget headphone my last year of high school and it ruined the sound of all my friends set up to my ears these cheap KZ'S have no right to sound this good at the price point

[@ethanavi]

i went from using dt 990 pros to the senfer dt6 when doing video editing / mixing because they just sound equally as good but feel more comfortable to me !! i love the way things are in the chifi market, definitely one of my better audio decisions LOL

[@PaulWasabii]

So the DT6 Pro to ZAX is a lot of finesse in the sound. DT6 regular was a bit dark, bigger change to ZAX. But in both cases, remember what I said about reeling in the bass a bit, how it is very complimentary to the vocals, not basshead overpowering levels.. The stage is bigger, vocals have a lot of room. It is hard to describe all these small bits that are done well on the ZAX but they add up to something special. The ZSX would be closer to the DT6 Pro in the bass levels.

[@danangsuparmo4541]

@@PaulWasabii it's been awhile since i listen to my DT6 Pro, but i remember bass felt "reigned back". Not, low in amount, but felt that its being held back. Maybe its the first time for me to listen to tighter bass after all those KZs

[@PaulWasabii]

@@danangsuparmo4541 Yes, compared to KZ. The DT6 Pro was nice a year ago especially for the price a year ago. Now there is more competition but still a nice set at 11-11 prices.

[@MustangDesudiroz]

I want treble, highs focused iem .. Im a zsn pro user.. does it mean zsx is better choice to save more money and skip the zax since its not large difference :0

[@PaulWasabii]

There is a difference but perhaps not where you are focused, the bass and mids. Yes, the ZSX or the TRN V90 if you want less boosted/more natural treble around the same price. The ZSX is a bit more fun sounding, V90 less fun, more natural. I usually take fun but consider what you prefer.

[@Dark3Nesz]

Hope you will read this :) my 1st pair of IEM's are the ZSN PRO X atm and want to upgrade now i'm not sure to go for a ZAX or ZSX, i listen mostly to metal but i listen from heavy stuff all the way to metal mixed with classical elements so a jack of all trades kinda. now i know the Pro's have a (heavy?) V shape and the ZSX is the upgrade of that but ZAX seem also intresting because of little more details it ?could? give. i just use the default cable on the pro's and use a dolby atmos phone(yes i know a phone but atmos freaking rocks gives much better sound) cheers

[@PaulWasabii]

My first thought is ZAX. If you had said pop or other bass heavy genre, probably ZSX. ZAX is just cleaner for everything else. If you want an upgrade without too much of an investment, the DQ6. Triple driver will get you more detail.

[@tecno4u31]

So, having and loving zsx do you think is a good update?

[@PaulWasabii]

So I do, but it's a refined version. If you consider the ZSX bass and treble boost great and want more of that, the ZAX went the other way. On one hand, the ZAX attracted more fans by reeling it in, but for those who loved the ZSX, it wasn't more of the same. Same reason people held on to their ZS10 Pros. Better on paper, but not as fun in the ears.

[@minhualing6196]

If in the vocal(especially female vocals) performance, ZS10 Pro or ZAX will be better? Thanks in advance!

[@PaulWasabii]

Somewhat depends on your preference. In my opinion, the ZAX is a bit of a flatter curve, so not as much rise in the female vocals. That can go both ways, perhaps you like a stronger rise which some people will say is not as smooth or borders on shouty. Some people prefer that stronger V shape, others like it flatter, closer to neutral. In my opinion, some folks who have passed on KZ in the past have liked the ZAX for that reason, not as V shaped or sharp especially in that area. Outside of that, I still prefer the newer DD of the ZAX also. If you prefer more boosted low end and upper end, then ZS10. To be transparent, I shy away from referring the older KZ as the upper tuning doesn't pair well with some ears. Some people really complain about it being too shouty, too metallic, too much in the 5K, etc. I wouldn't want someone to experience that simply because they were not aware of a sensitivity.

[@ElAudioReal]

Hello, I have the ZSX and what I don't like about them is that their sound is distant, and I don't like that. I prefer the sound more above my face or closer, do these ZAX solve that problem? Thank you!!

[@PaulWasabii]

The zsx shouldn't sound distant. I wonder if you have a fit issue. One iem that is not distant is the Urbanfun ybf. I am curious, do you have a specific example of a song that really bothers you on the ZSX? Or maybe your music is being processed by an EQ or other audio enhancer.

[@ElAudioReal]

@@PaulWasabii The truth is that I don't know how to explain it, I think Roys from Vivir Digital explains it better on his channel, and it's exactly what I think of the sound of the ZSX. I leave the link of the channel for you to see. Thanks for answering!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmXTdpWtbNuIntk

[@PaulWasabii]

He has a video on the Urbanfun YBF-ISS014, did he mention the same issue? At the similar price as the ZSX, the TRN V90, Urbanfun, Blon BL03, Tinhifi T2 plus. I am sure he has reviewed all of those and might offer you some guidance

[@yutangbai2375]

I haved ZS10 PRO. I consider upgrade to ZAX . Is it worth? and what the main different between?

[@PaulWasabii]

That is a difficult question as the ZS10 Pro is a great set and more affordable than the ZAX. In my opinion, the main difference is very subtle, the bass level is about the same, just sounds more controlled. The treble is increased a bit, a bit more extension, but the quality is a also better. But if you really like it, I would keep using it. The ZAX is more of a refined ZS10 Pro rather than a upgrade especially if you love the ZS10 Pro.

[@yutangbai2375]

@@PaulWasabii Ive just ordered the ZAS instead. Maybe its the worthy upgrade more than ZAX.

[@nobodyanybody3374]

Could you provide a link to the cable that you are using with your ZAX? Thanks.

[@PaulWasabii]

That is the KBEAR Limpid 4 core pure silver, really nice sound. Here is a link but please look around for the cheapest price or wait for the next sale period: KBEAR-limpid a.aliexpress.com/_mt64b1F

[@nobodyanybody3374]

@@PaulWasabii Thanks for sharing. So it's a pure silver vs the bundled silver plated cable. How do you feel about the number of cores, 4 vs 8 vs 16 cores in the cable? Some people say the 8 cores make their cable sound louder compare to 4.

[@PaulWasabii]

@@nobodyanybody3374 Yes, pure silver, not silver plated. The stock cable is SPC and not bad actually. If the iem has plenty if bass, I like the silver. Iems that need some lower end help, then I try copper and tips. I think cores were popular last year, this year it is more about materials, silver, upocc, ofc, etc. Bringing higher quality materials at more affordable prices. So I like these recent KBEAR and Nicehck releases over 16 cores from last year. Though I dig the weight and feel of 16 cores.

[@nobodyanybody3374]

@@PaulWasabii So you burn in your IEM and cable before you do the review? I ordered the ZAX, currently, I using a pair of Creative Aurvana Air, it's very comfortable and has an open musical sound stage. The bass is also more pronounced after 100 hrs of burn-in. I normally stick with familiar brands. This is my first experience with China IEM.

[@PaulWasabii]

@@nobodyanybody3374 On the ZAX, I did burn in for a few hours but I don't think it helped. I also changed cables the first two days and didn't seem to make a difference. On the third day, it sounded different and switched cables again. I don't know if that is burn in, but it usually takes me a few days before I get used to it. The burn in is similar to cables for me, you can easily say it does nothing until you hear a set change and then you become a believer. Now I really try to avoid talking about any set until I have been using it for a few days.

[@ch99onpsp]

hi , pleas i have question . i have hd800s and i would like to try iem , what best soundstage iem i need it for gaming . i hate the trable on hd800s it's crash my ears with some guns in games .

[@PaulWasabii]

I am not a gamer and I would defer to a great reviewer zpolt who has a video on the subject here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnvPd3pqZrNlaZI

[@RigoSanzo]

What’s the KZ’s most reference sounding IEM?

[@PaulWasabii]

Ever hear of this project? github.com/jaakkopasanen/AutoEq/blob/master/results/RANKING.md May not answer your question directly but a good place to see measurements across a lot of their sets.

[@dagohoyting2417]

Kz zs10 pro still the king for me. This more driver thing really hasn't prove anything and not a slight different in terms of clarity

[@PaulWasabii]

You are not alone, lots of people like the ZS10 Pro and won't upgrade. ZSX as well. If it works for you, no need to spend 2X more money and not be happy.

[@davidgross13]

my ZAX hisses like a snake. straight from iPhone 13, through a dragonfly black, or straight from 2021 MBP. Is there anything I can do ?

[@PaulWasabii]

That I never heard of except on very sensitive iems. Do you get the same hiss from a laptop or other phone?

[@davidgross13]

@@PaulWasabii I don't have access to another phone but it hisses when I use the direct output of my MacBookPro. I also tried the dragonfly from the laptop, same hiss.

[@rohanyadav9378]

@Justafewwordswithpaulwasabii hey which one is better for gaming , larger soundstage, better circular imaging, detaiks and seperation , confused between c12,zsx ,zax , any other iem recommendations under 60$ for gaming is welcome ty.

[@PaulWasabii]

If you look at my Blon BL01 video comments, there are a couple gaming comments, one on Xbox and one on PS4. I am not a gamer so you might want to ask them if the BL01 is good or better than others in the price range.

[@rohanyadav9378]

@@PaulWasabii thanks for the reply. Its not about casual gaming is about competitive fps gaming to hear footsteps better. Even if you are not gamer you can tell , which iem has bigger stage , better separation , better circular imaging , 3d audio accuracy . ? Basically The iem with big soundstage , details and accurate 3d imaging will do my job .

[@PaulWasabii]

@@rohanyadav9378 My personal opinion which is not much in this case, I would start with the ZSTX. There is a aggressive edge to the sound for details and imaging is very good with the fast driver. Biggest sound stage, KBEAR KS2. I just haven't heard of anyone trying it with gaming. I think it is a very difficult question without a clear answer. I don't think I would spend $60 assuming the soundstage is significantly better than a $20 recent iem. Budget IEMs that came out in 2018 or early 2019 tended to have smaller stages.

[@rohanyadav9378]

@@PaulWasabii thanks , ok if not for gaming but just for music , which one would you recommend under 60$. I like detailed controlled base (not base head) , natural timbre , natural mids , good details in treble but no sibilance or hatshness , basically accurate sounding slightly warm and natural timbre.

[@PaulWasabii]

@@rohanyadav9378 I don't have the C12 but ZSX prob exceeds your bass control as it can be boomy. I would think about the ZAX or TinHifi T2 plus. Most of what you said leans towards DD and natural is a TinHifi keyword. The ZAX is warmer and I do think any people who are sensitive the sibilance tend to avoid KZ products. I prefer musicality/some fun over natural or accuracy so I would still take the ZAX. Your description is closer to a TinHifi fan. T2 plus or T4 if that is in your budget are good places to start looking.

[@FrostbornX]

Just bought a pair of AS16 for ~$65, is AS16 better than ZAX?

[@PaulWasabii]

That is up to you mostly. It is BA only so you won't have the low end of the ZAX, but you might prefer that and the BA mid range. It is very difficult to say a BA only is better than a hybrid with a DD as some people will never accept BA bass unless you are in the mid-fi or top tier sets.

[@JOHN-uj4zg]

Is ZAX the best KZ overall?

[@PaulWasabii]

I think that is true but there are still some people who will prefer the ZS10 Pro or ZSX. These are all variations on a similar sound but I think the ZAX bridges the gap between those who wanted the KZ house fun sound and a cleaner, more technical presentation.

[@manbuin]

KZ ZAX or the blon bl05s?

[@PaulWasabii]

It goes back to what I was talking about, would you prefer a cohesive DD and its natural sound or hybrid trying to bring out details and resolution. Its not as much about which is better, but how you listen. The really are two great iems and I would choose the one I did not have. If you have a BL03, get the ZAX. If you have the ZSX, get the BL05S.

[@rohanyadav9378]

@@PaulWasabii if someone doesn't have anyone if them and want to get an iem for gaming (large soundstage, good ❤️seperation, details, imaging , 3d audio accuracy) , then which one would you recommend under 60$ .

[@LBCool]

Zax 4 the win!!😊

[@kittikorn6674]

Is zax much different from zsn pro x in term of details and response frequently?

[@PaulWasabii]

So actually it is especially in detail and clarity. The ZSN Pro is hugely popular because it sounds great on most music and it is affordable. The ZSX and then ZAX are really a step beyond for people who are looking for something more than sounds good. Generally, the ZSN Pro is V shaped so boosted bass and treble which is just a fun sound, the ZAX flattened it a bit to allow a cleaner mid section which is where you are going to get those details and clarity. Where the ZSN Pro has that KZ metallic upper end, the ZAX is much better. The ZAX tries to be clean and refined, but still have some KZ fun. The ZAX sounds better on better sources so I am not sure I would pay for the ZAX if I was just using the headphone jack on my phone.

[@kittikorn6674]

Thank you for information zsn pro x is too bright for me so now I'm considering between zax and asf

[@PaulWasabii]

While you have the ZSN Pro X, I would try a dampening method. On the Pro X, I used 3M micropore tape which is very porous medical tape. Just a tiny piece to cover part of the grill to dampen some if the high frequency. Or try a small piece of tissue inside of the ear tips. I haven't read much on the asf yet, mine is en route.

[@coconutoil1614]

@@PaulWasabii thinking of buying a kz iem this year. Is the ZAX version better than the kz zs10 pro?

[@PaulWasabii]

@@coconutoil1614 yes unless you have a ZS10 and love it. Most ZS10 owners seem to love it and won't upgrade. If you don't have any, then ZAX. ZS10 is a bargain if you can find it substantially less than the ZAX.

[@Mortiz-Mortiz]

im confused my cable is straight not crossed as in the video, got scammed ?

[@PaulWasabii]

Nah, I think KZ switched cables to their current one which is flat and straight.

[@Mortiz-Mortiz]

ahh i see so they changed, the zax is my first in hear and the sound is amazing, i already thinking in an upgrade lmao.@@PaulWasabii

[@yelhsa4865]

This or cca c12 and maybe the zs10pro?

[@PaulWasabii]

My opinion, the ZAX. Unless you want a bigger V shape then ZS10 pro.

[@yelhsa4865]

@@PaulWasabii i have the zsn pro x do you think the zs10 pro would be an upgrade or a downgrade

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, the ZS10 Pro is a nice set. Similar V shaped sound but more drivers is a good thing in this case.

[@braiizen4112]

ZAX vs ZSX what would you take?

[@PaulWasabii]

ZSX is the fun one, boosted bass and treble. The ZAX is a bit less fun, something better to slow down and enjoy some instruments. If you like a bigger bass sound, ZSX.

[@braiizen4112]

@@PaulWasabii how does the 2 compare to CA16?

[@PaulWasabii]

@@braiizen4112 The CA16 is interesting. When it came out, not many people talked about it. Now I see more talk on it. My biggest gripe was the treble, just rolled off a bit early, leans dark for me. People who aren't into treble but like a big bass will like it. Really nice resolution though and nice staging. The ZSX and ZAX get more attention as they are more balanced V shapes but the CA16 will appeal to people looking for a more bassy sound. If you don't want to over think it, try the EDX.

[@braiizen4112]

@@PaulWasabii in the end what would you choose, between ZAX and CA16? And the EDX does it come close to these two higher priced iem?

[@PaulWasabii]

@@braiizen4112 I would choose the ZAX and I think it was generally more popular than the CA16. Choosing between the two without a point of reference is difficult so that is the EDX. Many people already had the ZSX so they can choose if they wanted something with a bit more bass control and clarity or stay with the very fun ZSX. No need to pay more if you just want a fun V shaped sound. Some people don't need to hear a bit more detail for 2X price.

[@luancampos34]

Zax or As12?

[@PaulWasabii]

Sorry don't have the AS12

[@haile6471]

Should i get the zax or cca ca16?

[@julienb.3918]

I have CCA CA16 and I'm desapointed, too warm to me, lake of crisp sound when needed, and present bass but sort of "flat" for me (don't like when too much Bass but CA16 bass is not punchy I think). I'm thinking to get ZAX.

[@PaulWasabii]

Exactly, it seems reversed to me. The CCA is warm and the KZ is cleaner, sharper. In retrospect, the ZSX is great with a warm sound, they didn't need to do another. The ZAX has just enough warmth but really focused on a tighter and cleaner sound to attract those who weren't ZSX fans. Still has plenty of bass when needed.

[@youdon]

Just a Few Words with Paulwasabii wat about c12

[@PaulWasabii]

@@youdon I don't have the C12. A year ago, it was a big question, ZSX vs C12 but there never seemed to be enough people who had both to get a general consensus on the differences.

[@saputra_yudha]

KZ xnxx :D

[@NathanielBTM]

giggity ;)

[@luancampos34]

Zs10 pro or ZAX?

[@PaulWasabii]

For me personally, I like the ZSX more than the ZS10 Pro. If you love the ZS10 Pro, you stick with it as the ZSX is not the same. ZAX is further from the ZS10 Pro. The ZS10 Pro is one where people really loved it or moved on to the ZSX.

[@luancampos34]

Just a Few Words with Paulwasabii what are the main differences between the ZAX and the ZS10 Pro?

[@tecno4u31]

BEST upgrade of kz zsx?

[@PaulWasabii]

It is but be thoughtful on what you love about the ZSX. If you love that big, fun, bassy V shape KZ sound, this is down a notch and more technical. If you want more of the same, it is not that. It is amazing to hear especially with a nice source, but it really targeted cleaner, more technical IEMs like the T2+ rather than a direct upgrade to the ZSX.

[@paulosilva8200]

I never liked kz because because sound was not natural. Thin and to Krispy.but New kz Ast is more natural sound . Close to reality and as a musician I know sound. They Very good. Good work kz

[@PaulWasabii]

Thank you for the comment.

[@sierradarrell8560]

So Nice 💘💘💘💘💘💘

[@joebusdriver]

Which one of the upgraded cables for the ZAX was you're favorite?

[@PaulWasabii]

I did stick with the KBEAR Limpid. That was what worked for me. I think the stock silver is a great cable and as I mentioned, gives you a bit of that ZSTX aggressive edge, a bit sharp. The hibiscus copper really moved it to a softer edge, perhaps a tiny bit more body to the mids which is why I used it for a few days. The Limpid was closer to the stock silver, just took a tiny bit of the aggressive edge off of the sound. The ZAX is a bit special in that it can bang hard on EDM and that stock cable works for that, but that is not where the ZAX shines so the Limpid generally worked for me. I would certainly use your ZAX for a couple of weeks on your music and then decide rather than the BLON BL05S where I would say order it at the same time. The KZ silver cable is quite good.