KZ Sonata VS KZ AM16
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
KZ Sonata and KZ AM16 use 14BA and 8BA (per side) driver setups respectively. KZ Sonata costs $170 while KZ AM16 costs $57. KZ Sonata is $113 more expensive. KZ AM16 holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (6.4 vs 6.8). KZ AM16 carries a user score of 7. KZ AM16 has slightly better bass with a 0.4-point edge, KZ AM16 has better mids with a 0.8-point edge, KZ AM16 has better dynamics with a 0.6-point edge, KZ Sonata has slightly better soundstage with a 0.3-point edge and KZ Sonata has slightly better details with a 0.3-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | KZ Sonata | KZ AM16 |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 6.3 | 6.7 |
| Mids | 5.9 | 6.7 |
| Treble | 6.3 | 6.5 |
| Details | 6.8 | 6.5 |
| Soundstage | 6.7 | 6.4 |
| Imaging | 6.5 | 6.6 |
| Dynamics | 5.7 | 6.3 |
| Tonality | 6.2 | 6.8 |
| Technicalities | 7.3 | 6.5 |
KZ Sonata Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.4Mixed to Positive
KZ AM16 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.8Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
KZ Sonata reviewed by Paul Wasabii
6.5
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
KZ's new Sonata is an all balanced armature set that comes with full-colour packaging, the familiar blue case, a high-strand SPC QDC cable and a generous tip card with both foam and Starline tips. The shell uses KZ's large-format chassis to house the 14 BA drivers, which can create pressure build-up for smaller ears and makes tip choice and insertion depth very important. For the price point around $100, Sonata pushes KZ's BA line a little higher, but also brings a more refined and ambitious tuning than the earlier AS24 series.
Sonata shifts away from KZ's typical V-shaped approach into a distinctly mid-centric, flat-leaning signature. The bass uses a full BA bass driver with a low, neutral shelf that sits just under the mids, giving linear extension, decent impact and very little warmth or bleed. The mids are brought forward for clear, resolving vocals over complex backgrounds, while the treble follows a Butterfly 61T-style gentle roll-off that aims to reduce BA timbre and fatigue, yet still offers enough extension and air to keep things open. The result is a presentation with strong technical performance, natural separation and a coherent balance where bass and treble support the mids instead of overwhelming them.
This tuning makes Sonata one of KZ's more specialized and coherent sets to date, but also one that will not fit every preference. Fans of bigger, v-shaped sets like AS24 or Hydro may find the neutral bass and restrained treble a little too polite, and the large shells plus fit sensitivity can be tricky, especially around the 2.5 kHz peak if tips and depth are not dialled in. For listeners specifically seeking a mid-centric, all-BA monitor with clean mids, clear vocals and reduced BA artifacts at this price, however, Sonata offers a distinctive and rewarding take on KZ's all-BA formula.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
KZ AM16 reviewed by Paul Wasabii
6.7
* Score computed by IEMRanking.com
Youtube Video Summary
AM16 is an all-BA KZ tuned closer to a thicker, lower-centric balance than the graph suggests. While aligned with Moondrop Variations on paper, it shifts emphasis downward with relaxed treble, a thumpier mid-bass, and a generally fuller, more musical presentation.
A 5 kHz dip tames glare while a modest 7 kHz lift restores edge definition, and the top end follows a Harman-like roll-off without an air boost. That restraint, plus fast BA low end, keeps BA timbre in check and yields natural vocals around a later 3 kHz rise; however, it benefits from more volume to open up detail and scale.
Positioned at $57, it reads as a return to the KZ fun, engaging house sound rather than a technical showcase. For listeners wanting a musical all-BA KZ with decent clarity and speed, it delivers; those seeking maximum air, brightness, or big-stage resolution should look elsewhere.
Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel
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KZ Sonata (more reviews)
KZ Sonata reviewed by Jaytiss
6.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
KZ Sonata reviewed by Kois Archive
5.8
Reviewer Score
Kois Archive Youtube Channel
KZ AM16 (more reviews)
KZ AM16 reviewed by Web Search
6.8
Reviewer Score
The KZ AM16 is an all-BA in-ear monitor using 8 BA drivers per side (16 total) and offered in two editions—Balanced and Bass-Enhanced. Independent listings and user reviews confirm the per-side driver count, while KZ’s product page quotes a 5–45 kHz response and a standard 0.75 mm 2-pin cable; street pricing typically sits around $57.
Sonically, multiple reviews characterize the AM16 (Balanced) as a V-shaped tuning with a clear sub-bass lift and lively upper-treble, while keeping vocals reasonably intact. This yields engaging punch and sparkle, alongside detail retrieval and imaging that are competitive for the price.
Trade-offs are typical of all-BA bass: texture and slam are clean but less visceral than dynamic-driver peers, and dynamics can feel restrained on dense tracks. Sensitivity/impedance figures (≈104 dB, 22 Ω) make it easy to drive from portable sources; listeners wanting more low-end can opt for the Bass-Enhanced edition. Given its sub-$60 price and technical poise, it’s a strong budget pick, though its score should reflect its class rather than challenge higher-tier models.
KZ Sonata Details
Driver Configuration: 14BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: KZ Top KZ IEMs
Price (Msrp): $170
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KZ AM16 Details
Driver Configuration: 8BA (per side)
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: KZ Top KZ IEMs
Price (Msrp): $57
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KZ Sonata User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
KZ AM16 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score:
Based on 1 user reviews
7Generally Favorable
KZ Sonata Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7Gaming Grade
A-KZ AM16 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.6Gaming Grade
B+KZ Sonata Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.
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 AM16 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.
Average Technical Grade
B+- It offers a competent showing, maintaining cohesion on straightforward arrangements. Complex passages start to challenge it, but never derail the show.
KZ Sonata User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewKZ AM16 User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewGreat under $50 set, it might not fully compete with the same price range, but definitely good. It won't be an all-rounder set, but give some EQ into it and bam (might as well compete on slightly higher priced sets), fun and engaging while not fatiguing.
Pros
Fun V-shaped, upper mids centric (great for vocals), bass is deep and punchy and fades quickly, reduced 4-6 kHz to reduce sibilance, treble is now much better than previous KZs, all these while still retaining good enough overall technicalities.Cons
Large shell size (some may not be able to fit them), Accessories usual KZ (usually barebones), Bass definitely not as good of a tonality as DD, if they are sensitive at the 8 kHz regionFind your next IEM:
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