KZ Zenith VS KZ ZS12 PRO 2

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

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KZ Zenith and KZ ZS12 PRO 2 use 1DD and 1DD+5BA driver setups respectively. KZ Zenith costs $60 while KZ ZS12 PRO 2 costs $56. KZ Zenith is $4 more expensive. KZ Zenith holds a decisive 1-point edge in reviewer scores (7 vs 6). KZ Zenith has significantly better mids with a 1.4-point edge, KZ Zenith has better treble with a 0.9-point edge and KZ Zenith has significantly better dynamics with a 1.3-point edge.

Insights

Metric KZ Zenith KZ ZS12 PRO 2
Bass 6.7 6
Mids 6.4 5
Treble 5.9 5
Details 6.9 6
Soundstage 5.9 6
Imaging 6.8 6
Dynamics 6.3 5
Tonality 7 5
Technicalities 6.3 5
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough KZ Zenith and KZ ZS12 PRO 2 reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

KZ Zenith Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

7

Cautiously Favorable


KZ ZS12 PRO 2 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

6

Mixed to Positive


Reviews Comparison

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 Paul Wasabii

Paul Wasabii 6.9 * Score computed by IEMRanking.com
B+ Tuning
B+ Tech
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

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 Zenith User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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KZ ZS12 PRO 2 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 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

5

Gaming Grade

C+

KZ Zenith Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A-
  • Tuning lands in a pleasing sweet spot with mostly coherent frequency integration. Tonality stays consistent from track to track.

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
Dynamic expression is good, delivering solid impact and convincing contrast. Percussion lands with convincing weight.
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 ZS12 PRO 2 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C+
  • Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.

Average Technical Grade

C+
  • Technical ability is serviceable, keeping basic detail intact across simpler tracks. It keeps up with acoustic tracks without much fuss.
Mids C+
Midrange performance is decent, offering balanced presence without major flaws. It works well for casual background listening.
Treble C+
Expect a polite treble presentation that balances presence with restraint. Percussion carries a pleasant sparkle.
Dynamics C+
Dynamics feel competent, bringing energy without the finest detail. It carries energy without sounding aggressive.
Soundstage B
Lateral spread stretches comfortably while front/back cues start to feel convincing. You can trace front-to-back movement.
Gaming C+
Fundamental left/right positioning with limited depth perception. Works for non-competitive gaming but lacks precision.

KZ Zenith User Reviews

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KZ ZS12 PRO 2 User Reviews

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