KZ Zenith VS KZ AM16

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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KZ Zenith and KZ AM16 use 1DD and 8BA (per side) driver setups respectively. KZ Zenith costs $60 while KZ AM16 costs $57. KZ Zenith is $3 more expensive. KZ Zenith holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (6.8 vs 6.8). KZ AM16 has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, KZ AM16 has better treble with a 0.6-point edge, KZ AM16 has better dynamics with a 0.5-point edge, KZ AM16 has better soundstage with a 0.6-point edge and KZ Zenith has slightly better details with a 0.4-point edge.

Insights

Metric KZ Zenith KZ AM16
Bass 6.7 6.7
Mids 6.4 6.7
Treble 5.9 6.5
Details 6.9 6.5
Soundstage 5.9 6.4
Imaging 6.8 6.6
Dynamics 5.8 6.3
Tonality 6.8 6.8
Technicalities 6.3 6.5
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough KZ Zenith and KZ AM16 reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

KZ Zenith Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Paul Wasabii Jaytiss
Kois Archive Head-Fi.org

Average Reviewer Score:

6.8

Cautiously Favorable

KZ AM16 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Paul Wasabii Web Search

Average Reviewer Score:

6.8

Cautiously Favorable

Reviews Comparison

KZ Zenith reviewed by Paul Wasabii

Paul Wasabii 6.9 * Score computed by IEMRanking.com
B+ Tuning
B+ Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
KZ Zenith delivers a smooth, balanced single-DD tuning with a clearly more capable driver than prior KZ sets. Imaging, detail and treble refinement hint at $100–$200 performance while keeping a $50 tag. Smooth, balanced tuning with unexpectedly strong technicalities for the price, cleaner imaging and microdetail, tasteful treble, and three sub-bass switches for fine adjustment. Fuller mid-bass can thicken on warm sources; slight initial 7–8 kHz glare for some ears and an odd 12 kHz measurement dip; basic stock cable unless the promo upgrade was included.
Youtube Video Summary

KZ Zenith arrives as the flagship single dynamic with a full-alloy shell and a semi-open mesh that vents into the chamber. Four switches provide fine control: 1–3 add roughly +1 dB each to sub-bass, while switch 4 raises overall SPL for low-power sources. The show, however, is the pairing of KZ’s refined 2024 “swoopy” curve with a more capable driver—cleaner note definition, stronger separation, and sharper imaging that blur the line with hybrids. Turned up a bit, staging opens and the presentation stays smooth, without the metallic edge older KZ tunings were known for.

Bass is the full type—real sub-bass and mid-bass carried cleanly into the mids—now with better texture and nuance; the three switches let genre-hoppers nudge it from tidy to fun. Mids benefit from improved attack-to-decay “note completion,” giving vocals and instruments extra focus and microdetail. Treble is about as neutral and transparent as KZ has done—seamless, extended, and non-fatiguing; some may notice a brief 7–8 kHz glare that settles with playtime, and there is a curious 12 kHz dip in measurements that is not a deal-breaker in listening. For the price, Zenith offers a clear window into the technical finesse usually associated with pricier single-DD sets.

Bass: B+ Mids: B+ Treble: B+ Dynamics: B+ Soundstage: B+ Details: B+ Imaging: B+

Paul Wasabii original ranking

Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel

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KZ AM16 reviewed by Paul Wasabii

Paul Wasabii 6.7 * Score computed by IEMRanking.com
A- Tuning
B Tech
YouTube video thumbnail
A fun, bass-leaning all-BA tuning with relaxed treble and natural tonality. Technicalities are decent for $57 but need some volume to shine. Engaging, thicker tuning with thumpy mid-bass, natural vocals, and minimal BA timbre for the price. Relaxed upper treble and a 5 kHz dip reduce air and perceived clarity at low volumes; large shell may challenge smaller ears.
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.

Bass: B+ Mids: B+ Treble: B Dynamics: B Details: B

Paul Wasabii original ranking

Paul Wasabii Youtube Channel

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KZ Zenith (more reviews)

KZ Zenith reviewed by Kois Archive

Kois Archive 7.4 Reviewer Score
S- Tuning
A- Tech
Rating: A- | Value: ⭐⭐⭐ | Comfort: 9 the best from KZ driver quality not the best

Kois Archive original ranking

Kois Archive Youtube Channel

KZ Zenith reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 6 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
C+ Tech
It's a middie, but a good option.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: C+

KZ Zenith reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7 * score rescaled + normalized
5 community members have rated the KZ Zenith at an average of 4.4/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Excellent.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

KZ AM16 (more reviews)

KZ AM16 reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 6.8 Reviewer Score
B+ Tuning
B+ Tech

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.

Bass: B+ Mids: B+ Treble: B+ Dynamics: B Soundstage: B Details: B+ Imaging: B+

KZ Zenith User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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KZ AM16 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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KZ Zenith Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.5

Gaming Grade

B+

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

6.6

Gaming Grade

B+

KZ Zenith 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.
Bass B+
Expect a solid thump that keeps the rhythm engaging yet controlled. Sub-bass presence is supportive, not overwhelming.
Mids B
It offers engaging mid frequencies with pleasing clarity and layering. Details emerge without becoming harsh.
Treble B-
Treble is decent, offering acceptable extension without harshness. It balances presence with a touch of restraint.
Dynamics B-
Expect solid impact overall, even if finer gradations feel a touch smoothed. Micro-details could still be sharper.
Soundstage B-
You start to perceive distinct rows of players even if the ceiling still feels low. Layering is present but still modest.
Details B+
Finer gestures snap into focus without sounding clinical or forced. Layering holds strong across genres.
Imaging B+
Instrument boundaries feel well carved, avoiding smear or drift. Instrument outlines feel well-defined.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance.

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.
Bass B+
Low end hits with respectable impact while staying reasonably tidy. You get a healthy sense of rhythm.
Mids B+
The mids are articulate and well-balanced, lending body to instruments. Instrument layering remains stable.
Treble B+
Treble is articulate and clean, adding excitement without harshness. It adds sparkle without harshness.
Dynamics B
It handles shifts in volume well, keeping transients lively and controlled. Quiet-to-loud transitions feel natural.
Soundstage B
You can map the ensemble with confidence thanks to solid spacing and coherent depth layering. Ambient effects feel believable.
Details B+
Good resolution with clear articulation of nuances that keeps complex passages intelligible. Micro-details pop without sounding forced.
Imaging B+
Positions lock in with confidence, sketching a believable stage map. There's a tangible sense of stage geometry.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance.

KZ Zenith User Reviews

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KZ AM16 User Reviews

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