WHY S12 & Z12 ARE THE BEST PLANARS + Z12 Gold Edition Unboxing

[@patrick600]

I still can not comprehend how can Zeos collab have no waifu on its box.

[@Gizaudio]

lol! for real!

[@carminedesanto6746]

HERESY!!

[@donindiana8504]

There is already a 3d waifu poster in the box.

[@Assimilator702]

Let’s all be thankful for that. If I never see another waifu on a piece of audio gear packaging it would be STILL be too soon!😊

[@elyad67]

We need a video why Gizaudio is one of the best IEM reviewers out there. Keep on making great IEM content! never disappointed with the audio picks you suggest.

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you so much! This made my day lol

[@malfunkt]

Glad to hear you are fan as well! Means a lot considering how much you have heard. S12 is one of my favourite IEM/headphones in the past couple decades. Have owned many kilobuck sets in the past and the S12 competes at the highest level. There is little to fault in its technical performance, and apart from being a touch hot up top it has an addictive sound signature. It might be a bit too vivid for a newcomer to audio but even still, I'd probably recommend it, just as I think with a bit of time even someone new to this hobby would grow to appreciate these. It's really hard to justify spending more at this point when something this good exists. If a giant slayer was created and sold for a great price, I think it would be difficult for the headphone community to accept, largely as we are still massively influenced by Price / Value biases. In a blind test (where the subject doesn't even handle the IEM but has them placed in their ears), I suspect the S12 would show itself to be a bit of giant slayer. So impressed by the overall package, including the build, cable (!!!), fit, decent isolation, etc. Works well with TRN BT20 or Fiio UTWS3 bluetooth adapters or a simple iPhone headphone dongle.

[@zeissiez]

Same here, the S12 is not the most expensive or complete IEM in my collection, but it’s the one I use most often, because the sound is wowing and not fatiguing. It also responds well to EQ, without audible distortion. I lower 2.5kHz by 2dB, and male vocal becomes awesome, and the set becomes very versatile and very enjoyable.

[@Gizaudio]

Glad someone agrees lol

[@ayayatn4731]

2:37 I thought buying the leather strap would magically turn the Z12 into a Monarch Mark II. I had my hope up for a second.

[@AutisticOddball]

Great review.I too, am mystified how the S12 isnt more popular. Insane value for money. Their customer service is stellar as well.

[@Gizaudio]

I think people are deterred by how the treble look on the graph....I wish they can all actually hear it instead

[@ascoltatoreabituale8849]

I have the S12 and love it, but the peak at 8k is too much for me, except for genres like orchestral and ambient.

[@remedyofficialvlogs47]

Tim, i embrace you as a brother on these. The s12 is my favorite planar. It has this sweet spot for me that the zetian wu didn't have. Probably because of personal preference but s12 did a mark on me. And I'm happy that i get to keep one for myself. Nice review as always.

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks man! Glad you like them as well!

[@wheniztheend]

It's actually insane how well these respond to eq. I had put a low shelf on 124 hz with a q of 5, cranked it up like 7 db, and turned these into literal bass canons. Perhaps I'm still more of a basshead than I realized.

[@sethagastya]

I got the S12 even though I had the timeless and B2. I ended up selling both and kept the S12. I think that says it all… you should try the tape mod with these - really tames some of the lower treble spikes

[@damtran993]

S12 Gang !!! i have used this IEM for 5 months now and it still never fails to amaze me with what it is capable of at $120. Later down the line I would soon buy new IEMs, but my S12 will stay, I won't sell it away, truly the most beautiful implemented v-shaped tuning I have heard so far.

[@maninironmask7925]

Where did you purchase it from for $120?

[@damtran993]

@@maninironmask7925 I bought it from Hifigo during the mid-year sale in the summer. In fact, the S12 are very often on sales, like the autumn sale previously. I'm sure that S12 will be discounted even more in the year-end sale.

[@KseRBanshee]

@@maninironmask7925 it’s on sale now on Amazon for $120 if you wanna cop it

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Almost in my fourties one thing that i like aboute the s12 is not being rooled off in any end and having a slight bright signature. It means that is future proof and that I will enjoy it for years to come. 😀

[@rsolsjo]

You've convinced me to give these a chance, they'll be my first planar IEMs.

[@wiesolos]

Haha now I completely understand what you meant with the unique sound. I was curious, ordered these and received S12 pro today via Amazon. These have ridiculously a lot of air and echo within the entire FR spectrum in the intimate studio-like environment :) These have more air than z1r, u12t, Odin, monarch Mk2, MEST mk1 to name a few venerable IEMs for reference purpose. I don't know if westerners are aware of the term "karaoke" To my ears, these have this karaoke sound 🎤 with a lot of emotion and engagement.

[@Gizaudio]

Now we just need an endgame detail level S12 lol

[@STAYCBias]

@@Gizaudio , yes! I will wait for s13! I can wait! Skip those OG monarch MK2, variations and Anole VX

[@Tsukasa941]

My S12 are a staple of what I grab

[@Gizaudio]

Nice man!!

[@Nok-wj7fl]

I like myS12 so much, but be excited about Dunu’s Talos too. I am waiting for your review of it. S12 looks gorgeous and very comfortable to wear.

[@lazyegg2732]

Timmy, I hesitated to ask since long ago and I can’t bear it anymore…what’s the name of the song at the end of your video? 😅

[@kenjikodai]

I understand everything you're saying but I like how the Zetian Wu looks lol

[@lucaseduardo6602]

This video made my day in a way I can't explain THANKS GIZAUDIO!!!

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks man!!

[@pythagoras6938]

A comparision or a review of the CFA Supermoon would be really great. Endgame S12?

[@NotAyFox]

Daymn. Do I have to order S/Z12s now? I didn't expect anything will out-surpass Timeless so soon. Great video.

[@Gizaudio]

It's not "better" on paper than the Timeless. But it's a lot more special

[@rcingfever3882]

Few months before you told that the timeless is better than this and now you are saying that this is better than timeless. Bro please tell me I terms of details and soundstage how do they compare and also will timeless benefit if I upgrade to balanced connection

[@alexfizz7402]

I love my S12s a lot! I blocked the hole next to the pin connector port with some tape and I'm getting better lows and better sound overall. I'll receive the TANGZU Wu Zetian in a couple of days, hope they are a good pair too.

[@Gizaudio]

Nice man!!

[@crouchingcape6930]

Timmy, If I had the money to buy timeless, should I still consider going for z12 ditching timeless?

[@Gizaudio]

For me, yes.

[@zDennii]

did the same and im proud of it, because they are so much better than i though. Music & Gaming works fine as well for them.

[@Nigjutsu]

@@Gizaudio when is the review for Timeless V2 dropping? I think I'll wait for it before deciding on any of the 3. Thanks and love your vids.

[@Nigjutsu]

@@dougmorato check his video from 2 days ago.

[@davidcoons89]

I’m so thrilled you didn’t jump on the ‘Let’s Shower’ pronunciation that’s catching like wildfire. I can’t even tell you how happy it made me you didn’t go there

[@Gizaudio]

lmao, I read it as Le-Shure

[@davidcoons89]

@@Gizaudio me too! I’m okay with any pronunciation tho really aside from ‘let’s shower’ 😏🙄🤷🏼‍♂️😂

[@HobbyTalk]

Agreed. I like timeless more cause it matches my HRTF better, but man can Z12 sing…

[@Gizaudio]

After a while into the hobby, I found I gravitate towards IEMs that do something special rather than just purely solid tuning wise. I think eventually solid tuning is going to be easy to get (already kinda is) at every price point. The all stars of the future would be ones that can sound special at the same time as correct.

[@HobbyTalk]

@@Gizaudio that totally makes sense, you like specialized sets. I get that, I like some too haha I want to grow my specialized collection eventually

[@mariusz_kozlowski]

I have both Fiio Fh3 AND FH5. Does it make sense to purchase s12 or z12 for better experiences? 🙂

[@xrypro4080]

Hi Timmy, I found a place that sell Timeless for $139 but unfortunately the store dont have s12 demo/sell unit. Would you still recommend s12 over Timeless if they are price almost the same? I was mind-blown by the sound of Timeless and really love it but it was a tad bit big for my ear. It might cause discomfort in longer use, I think.

[@User-s2f3s]

s12 are pretty small and comfort for 14.8 planar driver, even KZ with its 10mm dynamic driver are bigger

[@Gizaudio]

Honestly it's all preference base. I would pick the S12, but if you know you love the Timeless, than buy the Timeless would be my suggestion. Both are great.

[@nivektek2681]

Nice Review..Neck Strap is included in the box?

[@FieryHellzGaming]

I wonder if the S12 Pro is going to change anything! It has a few new things I heard :D

[@STAYCBias]

Excited to hear his review for s12 pro

[@tsrenis]

I've heard that the tuning is slightly different but as far as I can see the main difference is that the cable it comes with is modular

[@FrankVila]

Hi Timmy. Could you share what ear tips do you use with your S12?

[@Russell85]

Spinfit maybe.

[@Gizaudio]

The stock greys actually fit me best with these.

[@jabhishekpaul]

Hi, Excellent explanation. I am planning on buying s12. Can u tell me whether I should go for s12 or s12 Pro.

[@Gizaudio]

S12 and S12 Pro have the same tuning (as far as I was told) but just different accessories. S12 Pro will come with the new cable. Though, if you only use 3.5mm than just get the original S12. Cheaper.

[@potion95]

I’ve actually commented the opposite before now but I actually prefer my s12 over my b2 dusk and timeless. Considering getting the z12 because i love the s12 already and the colors and slight bass boost sound good!

[@Gizaudio]

Yeah, after a while, the S12 really shines and proves itself superior. At least for me.

[@maninironmask7925]

If comfort and fit is not an issue, would you recommend Etymotic er2se or Shure S12? I own the Dusk.

[@SchwappSchwopp]

is there a budget version of the S12? I know it won't be that good but I just need a cheap taste tuning wise before I can fully commit

[@alexeiboukirev8357]

I compared characteristics of different planars. Timeless and HOOK-X should be the easiest to drive on paper. But S12 are the easiest to drive in my personal experience. They are the least demanding to source power of all planars.

[@Gizaudio]

Agree!

[@colt45lmer]

Think im gonna grab these but so far i like the timeless over the fiio H3 and moondrop kxxs. I like all 3 just prefer timelss

[@kontrolenthusiast1099]

Are the s12 and z12 still your favorite planars?

[@parthaggarwal7763]

Have you tried the S12 micropore tape mod?!!!!

[@KartikoKurnianto]

Red right side and gold left side give a certain character vibe

[@Gizaudio]

Z12: Spartan Edition

[@klc2578]

Good review, I have the 1st version Z12, I can tell it needs an amp to drive it nice. I mean Z12 is not power hungry iem like TINHIFI P1, but dongle or DAP just can't satisfy me on Z12. and I'm driving Z12 with iFi Diablo with normal gain Setting + upgrade 5N OCC cable (4.4balanced) that only I hear good sounding from Z12. hope it helps the S/Z12 owner.

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks man! I never personally had any problems driving the S/Z12 or any IEMs really. But I do agree the P1 was probably the hardest to drive for me.

[@klc2578]

@@Gizaudio from my thought. is not Z12 need more power to drive. just need good amp like desktop class will easily shine the Z12.

[@letsmobiles3396]

What new iem in your tierlist that rank s+ ??? The treble replace the elysian diva position as the best treble before as you said, can i guest? Is that the symphonium helios? But idk

[@Gizaudio]

Will be revealed soon haha. But no. Not Helios

[@In-Marty-We-Trust]

Timmy, Gizaudio colab for a planar based hybrid. Lessgo!

[@Gizaudio]

Would be dope lol

[@In-Marty-We-Trust]

@@Gizaudio what would be your choice? For me it would be a S12 like planar + EST drivers for the treble that said planar drivers are quite big.

[@jayrobinson4378]

Ha! Just commented on the other Z12 video but this is the version I bought. Love the gold/black look.

[@user-pj5ju9sm5r]

better than kato?

[@Haziq.h3]

S12 is $121 from china, still expensive with Malaysia currency 😅. I really need it since I love bright signature, may be the best upgrade for my Tin T2

[@Gizaudio]

I think if you like energetic highs, S12 might be the best option under $300

[@Goodbutevilgenius]

​@@Gizaudio what about now? Would you say anything even cooler came out in the last six months?

[@maninironmask7925]

When do Iem's go on sale?

[@cadmiumpureland]

The pro ver is coming out soon which is purple color. I wonder if there is any tuning difference.

[@Gizaudio]

I was told no changes, just cable upgrade as well but not sure how true that is.

[@Strizz484]

Huge fat co-sign. It's the best planar out overall

[@Gizaudio]

Glad someone agrees! lol

[@lordbiscuitthetossable5352]

Nice review! As always you nicely summarised the pros and cons of a iem!😊 Out of curiosity; are there any termination connections in lightning cable flavour? I recently got into IEM’s but I unfortunately own an IPhone and I’m fed up of dongles

[@Gizaudio]

I think it would be easier to get a $10 dongle on amazon. I have one of those and it works perfectly fine. lighting to 3.5mm

[@Sharkblood440]

Hi Timmy, watch your videos. Took advantage of 11-11 and bought raptgo OG hookx. Was contacted by seller in China and said OG is on back order for at least a month, and offered me the HBB hookx for the same price. I got the OG for $187 with tax and shipping, got a great deal. Should I go for the new one?? Thanks!

[@Gizaudio]

Go for it

[@Sharkblood440]

@@Gizaudio Thanks Timmy, wish you were in FL, still can't get a fit to my og SA-6 don't want to sell that one like the blessing 2 dusk. If you don't mind, how can I get that 'tube' and software to frequency graph my iems? Thanks again!!

[@mistaBorg]

kinera made a cable with a mic that goes closer to the mouth, I would like to know the quality of the mic sound if you've tried it before...

[@Gizaudio]

Sure! Info on that one soon

[@DominikPhilipp1]

What tips are you using on your S12?

[@Gizaudio]

The stock greys

[@DominikPhilipp1]

Thank you. What would be an IEM with a similar sound signature to the dioko but with better details?

[@realaudioreviews]

Gizzz back at it

[@Gizaudio]

thanks bruh!

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

Thanks for the enthusiasm Timmy ❗️👍I still don't understand what is the difference between S12 and Z12 I mean I get the 2db rise in the sub. but why do you like the S12 more... is the Z12 more balanced but the S12 actually more special...❓☺️🙋‍♂️

[@In-Marty-We-Trust]

I think there’s more that just the 2db. It certainly sounds different playing orchestral pieces.

[@Gizaudio]

S12 is more special. Though Z12 is not that big of a change. S12 is also cheaper.

[@jaroslavfricek7772]

How different as for the orchestral music...🙂

[@In-Marty-We-Trust]

@@jaroslavfricek7772 The S12 just sounded wider and more immersive. I can’t even pick out why. Perhaps it’s the upper treble response.

[@beepover]

For me the s12 is hugely sillibant. Returned it!

[@samlee2562]

Wait 10 years and they might sound fine 😅

[@_misterkenta1608]

I am hitting myself over the head for not buying it sooner... The exchange rate in Japan is so bad right now (probably good for you Timmy lol) it costs 5000 yen more than it did a few months back :(

[@Gizaudio]

Sorry to hear that man. It's been helpful for the move for me for sure. All the furniture I had to buy for the house were very expensive even with the better exchange from USD to Yen. I can't imagine how much if would have been if Yen was normal rate. But I'm starting to see many things going up in price now that yen continues to drop. I hope everything gets back to normal soon.

[@rishabhs2010]

Neck strap is cool for work and outdoor usage 👍

[@nagartopoker9690]

What is your favorite dap to listen to metal music, using the mest mkii?

[@Gizaudio]

My favorite dap at the moment is FiiO M11 Plus but wait for M11S review coming hopefully this month

[@nagartopoker9690]

@@Gizaudio You really like this dap to listen to metal?

[@Assimilator702]

I cover roughly 60% of the nozzle with micropore tape and it cuts down the treble just right. I wanted the Z12 but the S12 was $118 and I had it 2 days later. I couldn’t pass that deal up.

[@tarabumface]

This cable with all those connections can't be balanced right?

[@aesonone]

that's the point, to be able to switch between 3.5 and balanced. i guess the signal is redirected differently through the pins for each one but don't quote me on that

[@djbliss178]

Hey Timmy thanks for the review. Really want to listen to z12 even though I'm not a fan of earphone. By the way, what is the song you put on the endings on videos?

[@Gizaudio]

Thanks man! It's my own song, it's not published anywhere yet.

[@nsivaraj777]

S12 pro is the next😁

[@Gizaudio]

S12 Pro I think have the same tuning as the OG S12 but with accessory upgrades.

[@nsivaraj777]

@@Gizaudio actually in the official page they have mentioned as minor tuning change.

[@MrBlackJava]

What is min. Watt that needs to drive plants?

[@Gizaudio]

plants don't need watts, it needs sun

[@MrBlackJava]

@@Gizaudio planar ^^ anyway Hifigo has insane endyearsales , did order Z12+fiio btr7 , hope it works together. Even timeless ae is heavily reduced price.

[@yoshiko998]

With taxes included in argentina the s12 are around 400 usd :(

[@Gizaudio]

wow.....that's insane!

[@User-s2f3s]

daaamn, this is sad

[@taboe4858]

Curious what people run these headphones off of. I just have a usb dongle I got online that had good reviews, not sure if it's worth getting something better. I am a bit of a noob with IEM's.

[@maegnificant]

Even better than the supermoon?

[@Gizaudio]

haven't tried. and impossible to find a place to try lol

[@FIintztone]

3:07 depending on my lie berry?

[@Re-InCarNation]

waiting for 11-11 for a big discount to buy the s12.

[@Gizaudio]

The best time!!

[@prasadsparsha]

Love from Karnataka ❤️

[@Gizaudio]

thanks!

[@zhanurdos]

Too much. We need moondrop planar multidriver

[@Gizaudio]

Moondrop is taking so long with this release lol

[@Bluesourboy]

If you had one song to describe to someone why the S12 is special, which would it be?

[@Gizaudio]

I'm a bit confuse by this question haha

[@Bluesourboy]

@@GizaudioBest song to show off it's capabilities, something you fire up when it's S12/Z12 time? For me, anything Queen or Def Leppard shows off why I love the Timeless. It makes those tracks special.

[@8020Alive]

What the? Weird

[@carminedesanto6746]

Notable absence..Dioko 🙄

[@Gizaudio]

Dioko is not my favorite of the planars since it's more relaxed upper mid wise and treble is not the most even. I prefer the ones mentioned in this video.

[@carminedesanto6746]

@@Gizaudio absolutely agree ..the midd bass suck out is something that once you notice it …you can’t get around it. Btw, I’m LOVING THE MOONDROP VARIATIONS!!

[@argelmangune6529]

Let me be the first one

[@Gizaudio]

Nice!

[@prasadsparsha]

Plzzz give me bro🙏🙏🙏

[@Gizaudio]

no lol

[@prasadsparsha]

@@Gizaudio not this. I want old one used by you

[@StevenLynn]

It makes sense. To review a Zeos collaboration the reviewer must shill as hard as Zeos would. Or maybe it just seems like it when listening to the review on Sendyaudio Aiva. /humor /joking In all seriousness, I was eyeing the Tangzu Zetian Wu. Now, I might get the Z12 instead. Was not a fan of the matte silver of the original S12.

[@Gizaudio]

lmao. honestly was shilling the OG S12 more than the Z12 in this video.

[@aesonone]

s12 og comes in gunmetal too

[@StevenLynn]

​@@aesonone​Sure but it was never in stock while I was searching for them.😀

[@aesonone]

@@StevenLynn yeah most ppl seem to prefer that colorway me included so it goes out of stock mega quickly