KZ Saga Balanced VS KZ ZS12 PRO 2
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
KZ Saga Balanced and KZ ZS12 PRO 2 use 1x Dynamic (KZ "ultra wideband") and 1DD driver setups respectively. KZ Saga Balanced costs $23 while KZ ZS12 PRO 2 costs $25. KZ ZS12 PRO 2 is $2 more expensive. Both score 6 from reviewers.
Insights
| Metric | KZ Saga Balanced | KZ ZS12 PRO 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6 | 6.6 |
| Mids | 6 | 5.9 |
| Treble | 6 | 5.7 |
| Details | 6 | 6.8 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 6.1 |
| Imaging | 6 | 6.3 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 6.1 |
| Tonality | 8 | 6 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 6.1 |
KZ Saga Balanced Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
6Mixed to Positive
Reviewer Average Score
6.9Cautiously Favorable
KZ ZS12 PRO 2 Aggregated Review Score
IEMR Normalized Score
IEMR Normalized Score
6Mixed to Positive
Reviewer Average Score
6.3Mixed to Positive
Reviews Comparison
KZ Saga Balanced (more reviews)
KZ Saga Balanced reviewed by Kois Archive
7.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
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KZ Saga Balanced reviewed by Audio Amigo
6
* score rescaled + normalized
Youtube Video Summary
The KZ Saga Balanced comes in at around $23 with a very familiar KZ experience: minimal packaging, the same old Starline tips and, unfortunately, the same infamously bad stock cable. The unboxing feels a step behind rivals like Moondrop and 7Hz, which usually throw in a pouch or extra tips. The shells themselves are the opposite story: full die-cast zinc alloy, nicely finished, sturdy, and surprisingly comfortable despite being on the heavier side. Comfort is strong even over long sessions and passes the “tiny ear test”, but visually the design is more bland and unassuming than cool, with the Council of Ladies more or less unanimously calling it “boring”.
Sonically, the Saga Balanced is a textbook example of KZ’s new-school V-shaped tuning: a big, boosted bass shelf with genuinely fun sub-bass rumble and punchy mid-bass that makes EDM, hip-hop and modern pop really pop for the price. That fun, however, comes with warmed-up lower mids that smear some detail and give guitars and male vocals a thick, retro-leaning coloration. Female vocals pick up extra husk and can feel slightly pulled back behind the mix, tonally a bit off even if still enjoyable. Upper mids and treble are energetic without being outright harsh, giving cymbals, hi-hats and vocal effects plenty of sparkle and bite. Detail at the extremes is good for the money, though finer micro-details in busy tracks can get lost under the bass. Staging and imaging sit comfortably in the “competent budget single-DD” camp: decent width and separation, nothing spectacular but nothing broken either.
Against its peers, the story becomes clearer. The Saga Balanced is essentially an all-metal, slightly better-driven EDC Pro: same general sound, more durable build, a bit more technical performance. Neutral-brighter sets like Truth Ear Gate, Tanchjim Wan’er or Simgot’s budget line are cleaner, more detailed and more vocal-forward, while rivals such as Moondrop Chu 2, 7Hz Zero:2 and Tripowin Vivace offer warmer or smoother takes with nicer accessories and cables. The closest “bigger brother” is the 7Hz G1, which pulls off a similarly energetic V-shape with clearly stronger resolution and air, but also a higher price and more aggressive treble. The Saga Balanced ends up as a fun but compromised choice: technical performance and midrange tonality are sacrificed for impact and contrast. For listeners who hate KZ’s cable, the real cost jumps once an upgrade cable is added and value collapses; for those who just want a durable metal beater with an aggressive V-shaped sound and big bass—especially if picked up on sale—the Saga Balanced can still be a very enjoyable, rough-and-ready budget option.
Audio Amigo Youtube Channel
KZ ZS12 PRO 2 (more reviews)
KZ ZS12 PRO 2 reviewed by Paul Wasabii
6.1
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
KZ ZS12 Pro X takes the ZS10 Pro 2 shell and turns it into a flat black all metal build that feels very solid and a bit weighty, adding a fifth balanced armature in the nozzle on top of the super linear dynamic driver and four corner armatures. The fit and nozzle dimensions are essentially the same, but the extra driver and brighter tuning push this version into a more analytical, detail focused direction while only costing roughly ten dollars more. The adjustable switch system still allows a generous bass shelf, so the overall signature leans v shaped with fun low end and elevated treble energy.
The bass keeps that fast, punchy KZ character, with the switches letting listeners move from more explosive, fun low end to a leaner presentation that clears space for footsteps and cues, making the set very attractive for gaming. Where it diverges most from ZS10 Pro 2 is in the mids and treble: the ZS12 Pro X sounds sharper, more resolving and more dynamic, with stronger macro and microdynamics and clearer separation, but it sacrifices some of the cohesion and natural timbre that made the older hybrid feel more relaxed and coherent. Vocals and instruments sit between a heavy bass floor and a more assertive upper range, and the balanced armature in the nozzle carries more treble energy out into the upper registers for extra detail and extension at lower listening levels.
That extra treble and nozzle driver also bring clear trade offs. At moderate volume the upper range slope keeps things exciting and spacious, with plenty of resolution and a stage that feels larger and more open than the softer tuned ZS10 Pro 2. Push the volume up and the upper range can become too intense and saturated, the stage begins to flatten, and imaging and balance suffer, making this a more volume limited, treble forward hybrid that will not suit treble sensitive or high volume listeners. For those who prefer a bright, analytical hybrid with strong detail retrieval, adjustable bass and a rugged metal shell, the ZS12 Pro X comes across as a fun, resolving option, while fans of smoother timbre and effortless volume scaling will likely remain happier with the more relaxed ZS10 Pro 2.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
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KZ ZS12 PRO 2 reviewed by Jaytiss
6
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The KZ ZS12 Pro 2 comes across as a well-put-together hybrid set with solid build quality and comfort. The shell feels durable, has a flat back that isolates well, and the metal nozzle paired with the KZ QDC-style connector gives it a more distinctive look, even if it limits easy cable rolling. Stock cable and tips are serviceable but unremarkable, and the option of a ~$30 upgrade cable makes sense here for those wanting a more complete package.
Sonically, this is a strongly V-shaped IEM with a lot of bass and a significant amount of upper-mid and treble energy, pushing it firmly into the more energetic and bright category. There is good clarity and detail, and the set can sound open, exciting, and engaging, with vocals coming through clean and forward on the right tracks. At the same time, the rising 3–6 kHz region and elevated upper treble can make some material come across as sharp or fatiguing, with drums and high-frequency hits occasionally turning fizzly or sizzly, especially on already bright or bass-heavy mixes.
In terms of positioning, the ZS12 Pro 2 offers a unique tonality that will appeal most to treble heads and listeners bored of safer, flatter tunings. Compared with alternatives like KZ’s own Zenith or Dwanic, or sets like Softears Volume and various NF Audio models, this KZ feels more “on the edge” – fun and dynamic, but not as rounded or relaxed. At around $45–$60, it’s a compelling option for those who actively want extra upper energy and a sharp V-profile, while more sensitive listeners or those preferring a smoother balance may be better served by flatter, less aggressive competitors or by applying EQ to tame the top end.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
KZ ZS12 PRO 2 reviewed by Web Search
6.7
Reviewer Score
The SIMGOT EW100P is an entry-level single dynamic driver IEM using a 10 mm dual-LCP diaphragm and transparent resin shells with aluminium faceplates, positioned in the roughly $20–25 price bracket. Build quality and ergonomics are generally described as solid for the price, with a lightweight shell, decent passive isolation and a simple silver-plated cable that is functional if not luxurious. Overall, the physical package is basic but coherent, matching expectations for a budget IEM while avoiding obvious flaws in comfort or construction.
Sonically, the EW100P follows a Harman IE2016-inspired, broadly U-shaped / neutral-bright tuning with a modest bass shelf and elevated upper mids, aiming for a clean and safe tonality rather than a bass-heavy signature. Bass is controlled and reasonably deep but not particularly authoritative, which suits listeners who prefer clean low end over impact, while the midrange is slightly forward with natural timbre that works well for vocals and acoustic instruments. Treble is tuned on the safer side with limited extension and sparkle, reducing fatigue but also limiting perceived air and micro-detail.
Technical performance is respectable for this price class: resolution and original sound fidelity are highlighted positively, but the soundstage is only average in size and layering can blur with complex material. Imaging and instrument separation are decent at normal listening levels but fall short of more expensive sets, and several reviewers note that while the EW100P competes well among sub-$30 IEMs, it does not significantly outperform the crowded budget field. Considering its low price, the EW100P offers a competent, neutral-leaning tuning and solid technicalities, but within a realistic value-for-money framework it remains a strong budget option rather than a giant-killer.
KZ Saga Balanced Details
Driver Configuration: 1x Dynamic (KZ "ultra wideband")
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: KZ Top KZ IEMs
Price (Msrp): $23
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KZ ZS12 PRO 2 Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Harman with slight warmth
Brand: KZ Top KZ IEMs
Price (Msrp): $25
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KZ Saga Balanced User Review Score
Average User Scores
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KZ ZS12 PRO 2 User Review Score
Average User Scores
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KZ Saga Balanced Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.3Gaming Grade
A-KZ ZS12 PRO 2 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.1Gaming Grade
BKZ Saga Balanced Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- The tonal balance is polished and expressive, highlighting emotion without sacrificing accuracy. It keeps emotional weight without sacrificing accuracy.
Average Technical Grade
A-- It manages detail and layering well enough, even if the stage feels only moderately sized. You get a clear sense of left and right, if not depth.
KZ ZS12 PRO 2 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.
Average Technical Grade
B- Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
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