Wired Earphones Are Making a Comeback: Why the KZ ZSN Pro X is a Budget Audiophile’s Dream
In a world dominated by wireless convenience, wired headphones find themselves relegated to the realm of budget options or audiophile enthusiasts. While true wireless earphones have become increasingly affordable, there’s still a loyal fanbase seeking the uncompromised sound quality that wired connections can deliver. This is especially true with the advent of high-resolution audio streaming services like Apple Music Lossless, which promise an unparalleled listening experience. If you’re looking to assemble a budget audiophile kit, the KZ ZSN Pro X wired earphones, priced at Rs. 1,899 in India, offer a compelling proposition. This pair of earphones boasts a detachable cable and a dual-driver setup, promising audiophile-grade sound without breaking the bank.
A Unique Look and Customizable Sound
KZ Audio, known for its commitment to delivering high-quality audio at accessible prices, has crafted the ZSN Pro X with a distinctive design. Unlike typical wired earphones, the ZSN Pro X features large casings made of clear plastic and metal, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the drivers. The braided cable, a hallmark of audiophile earphones, is detachable and replaceable, allowing for customization and upgrade options. This means you can swap out the included cable for a higher-quality one or even transform the ZSN Pro X into a wireless headset by using a compatible Bluetooth cable.
The included cable is itself quite impressive, equipped with a single-button remote and microphone, making the ZSN Pro X practical for hands-free calls as well. Available in black or gold, the earphones weigh around 27g with the cable attached and come with four pairs of silicone ear tips in various sizes to ensure a comfortable fit.
A Dual-Driver Setup for Enhanced Sound
The ZSN Pro X utilizes a dual hybrid driver setup in each earpiece: a 10mm dynamic driver responsible for the lower frequencies and a balanced armature driver handling the higher frequencies. This combination promises a richer, more detailed sound experience. With a frequency response ranging from 7-40,000Hz, an impedance rating of 25 Ohms, and a sensitivity rating of 112dB, the ZSN Pro X can be driven easily by even basic smartphones and portable DAC-amplifiers.
Unleashing the Potential: Balanced Sound with a DAC
While the ZSN Pro X holds its own against many budget true wireless earphones, it truly shines when paired with a good DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) and high-resolution audio sources. The earphones’ audiophile-friendly sonic signature emphasizes frequencies across the range, revealing intricate details that are often lost in compressed audio.
My testing involved using the ZSN Pro X with a collection of high-resolution audio tracks, a OnePlus 7T Pro McLaren Edition smartphone, and the Shanling UA1 portable DAC-amplifier. The results were impressive.
Unlike typical mainstream earphones with a V-shaped sonic signature, the ZSN Pro X delivers a more balanced sound. While the upper end of the frequency range receives a boost, it’s closely matched by the lows in terms of response and pace. The mid range sits comfortably between the highs and lows, allowing for clear and defined vocals while retaining detail in the bass and treble.
Put to the Test: Handling Complexity and Nuances
When playing high-resolution versions of tracks like "9,000 Miles" by Pendulum, the ZSN Pro X, in conjunction with the DAC, delivered clean, detailed, and immersive sound even at low volume levels. The earphones flawlessly handled the fast pace and complexity of this drum-and-bass track, producing tight, deep bass, crisp snare drums, and beautifully defined cymbals.
This trend continued across various high-resolution audio tracks. The ZSN Pro X effortlessly kept up with the pace and complexity of fast-paced music while delivering a clean, balanced sound, revealing layers of intricate details. Even when streaming compressed audio, the earphones impressed with their high volume capability and powerful bass.
When listening to "We Don’t Talk Anymore" by Charlie Puth and Selena Gomez on Apple Music without the DAC, the ZSN Pro X still delivered an enjoyable listening experience. While the DAC provided a louder, more cohesive sound, the earphones showcased their capabilities even without its help. The punchy, attacking lows complemented the gentle pace of the track, while the clear vocals stood out amidst the deep bass and sharp highs.
Verdict: A Budget Audiophile’s Dream
In an era where true wireless earphones have become increasingly affordable, the ZSN Pro X might seem like a relic of the past. However, with the rise of high-resolution audio streaming services, the ZSN Pro X serves a crucial niche – offering superior sound quality at an accessible price point.
The KZ ZSN Pro X surpasses the capabilities of even the best true wireless earphones in this price range, especially when paired with a good DAC. The earphones deliver a coherent, insightful, sharp, and immersive sound experience, highlighting the distinct advantages of wired audio over wireless.
Of course, the ZSN Pro X isn’t for everyone. Its reliance on the 3.5mm connection means compatibility with modern smartphones might require a DAC or adapter. However, if you’re looking for a pair of budget-friendly wired earphones capable of delivering audiophile-grade sound, the ZSN Pro X is a compelling contender. The excellent detachable cable, impressive aesthetics, and superior audio quality make the ZSN Pro X an ideal choice for anyone looking to create a budget audiophile system.
