OVERVIEW: Headphones zn1 KZ and KZ ZS1 - double blow eardrums

Knowledge Zenith - a well-known among lovers of Chinese art headphone brand. The main part of the assortment is low cost, but very sturdy model for use in conjunction with a smartphone. Model range, which we will discuss today is somewhat different from the others.

Headphones KZ zn1 and KZ ZS1 They are in fact twin brothers. The older model - ZN1 - is positioned as the flagship of the manufacturer. Still, after all pending own amplifier, two speakers of different diameters, the maximum noise reduction and workmanship.

ZS1 model, or as it is called in some shops, mini zn1, several simpler. No amplifier or squelch. But the price is different for the better: the headphones cheaper by almost three times. Should I pay? Now we shall understand.

Technical data and delivery

The older model comes in a nice plastic box with lots of stickers. Inside - the earphones with an amplifier, data cable, and three pairs of ear pads: small, medium and medium with an additional seal.

Yes, active power, is equipped with its own-the LiPo battery and requires periodic recharging. A single charge will last for approximately 8 hours of listening. On a monochrome display, a microphone and a separate answer key on the call (it is a pause button) of the top panel of the amplifier there. On one of the side faces located switch and change the volume button. On the other - tone-bass-treble: two buttons for each setting.

But headphones attract the attention of not only the amplifier. Perhaps such thick wires I have not seen in a portable solution (only optionally available cables for the monitor headphones). Jack - a corner, not less brutal.

Headphones themselves are very large. Thanks to the transparent plastic they can be considered both drivers. According to his passport, one of them a diameter of 8 mm is responsible for the low frequencies, the second - 6.8 mm - reproduces mid and high.

Model KZ ZS1 performed similarly zn1 (even a set of ear pads exactly the same), however, it is packaged in a small black box. None of the amplifier unit. Instead of it - sleek one-button control. Wire thinner, but still command respect. The design of the headphones themselves remained unchanged, however, as used jack.

sounding

The test was conducted on the Meizu MX4 Pro. I listen to music in MP3 format with a bit rate of 320 kbit / s (coded Lame 3.91). Headphones are positioned as a mobile solutions, and drive them Lossless does not make sense. Who wants to - hear other sense will be enough.

The older model when the amplifier is switched off gives a velvety, mellow sound for basskhedov. High frequencies are present in sufficient numbers, but in a muffled and, compared with other, poorly sound. All the emphasis goes to the middle range of the bass and middle - strong point of this model. Best in ZN1 industrial sound, groove, good shakes an underground hip-hop. Alternative rock also sounds deeply. Guitar while picky, but they lack detail and transparency. Sound soft enough dense, with no sibilance or frequency bursts.

When the amplifier is turned on, everything changes. Never, never expose a large volume on the amplifier beforehand. I almost lost my hearing. The volume is such that the eardrums ringing a very long time. This reserve will be enough to swing any device, genre and ears. Yes, you can even headphones in the ear canal is not inserted! Distortion in this case there are only at the very maximum. The sound becomes juicier brighter. Treble level aligned and main flaw is corrected.

ZN1 but are not able to reveal the full sound when listening to calm music (jazz, blues, classical). I would recommend them for use when the need to increase the volume of the player or smart phone to listen to heavy metal genres, alternatives and tight sounding electronic music.

Low-end model, in spite of the similar drivers, sounds a bit different. Failure is not felt, but the sound, compared to zn1, more balanced. High frequencies are muted at high volume. On average they are quite enough to hear a guitar solo or acoustic instrument. Low frequency - in abundance. Moreover, the bass sound may, plump and depending on what you are listening.

Ergonomics

Ergonomics, perhaps the weakest side of this line. The fact that the headphones are very large. The graceful female ears, they do not climb at all. The man - it is, but is filled with the body all that is possible. At the same time both models are very sensitive to the choice of planting and ear pads. The grille covering the speakers should be directed straight into the ear canal. Sometimes it is necessary for a long time to correct.

Ear pads should ensure a tight fit as much as possible, otherwise their full potential when playing the bass neither one nor the other model can not. Accordingly, there is a problem - to pick them so that it was comfortable.

In older models, there is another drawback - the overall external amplifier. He is very big and all the time prevents. By the way, the squelch is actually not. No, and that's it. But the absolute sound insulation due to the construction and complete gag.

On the other hand, the two pairs of headphones are made with a bang: not every model of more expensive brands boasts such quality materials. The cable is easy to unravel, remains flexible in sub-zero temperatures, it does not break. Jack is designed to provide maximum structural strength and prevent rupture of contacts. In addition, the headphones are used very thick braided conductors, which increases survivability. Boards work with all smartphones made soundly.

The youngest model was used by me throughout the winter and obviously will live until the end of the year, if not more (almost record).

conclusions

junior KZ ZS1 The cost is $ 13 (as of version without remoteAnd beyond one-button headset with microphone), And this makes the headphones one of the best deals for the bass lovers. Since this is how they overtake and Creative EP-630, and all variations Xiaomi (including Hybrid). Two drivers are really good. The closest analogues should be called dvuhdrayvernye model Audio-Technica, in particular ATH-IM50, but they are four times more expensive. So ZS1 clearly better in terms of price and quality and are recommended to buy.

For older model Knowledge Zenith ZN1 things are not so simple. The fact that the desired volume for modern smart phone is not a problem. You can always tweak the equalizer settings of the system and get the desired result (well, almost). The stock volume of this model is that allows you to use them any devices. But with what is required this volume? I have this question I can not answer. Even a clear advantage over KZ ZS1 in the sound does not justify the almost threefold difference in cost: the price reaches KZ zn1 $ 38. Thus, they can be recommended for use with older systems, in case of problems with hearing and lack of source volume. In all other cases basskhed-layfhaker must choose KZ ZS1. And it is unlikely he will be disappointed.