KZ ZEX Pro Crinacle special edition IEM

The ZEX Pro Crinacle special edition (RM127) is a collaborative effort by a blogger and KZ, a Chifi manufacturer of IEMS. I bought it from the Lazada official website. Packaging is no frills - just a cardboard box with silicone tips. No case was provided to keep costs down.

The ZEX Pro has 3 drivers including an “electrostatic”, balanced armature and a dynamic driver. The sound is fairly pleasant and balanced unlike KZ's signature V shaped sound. Sound quality mproves when the IEM is connected via a USB C DAC headamp. The supplied cable in white developed some problems after a few months and was replaced by a RM80 Hidiz upgraded cable.

The ZEX Pro with a RM80 replacement cable by Hidiz.

The Hidizs S3Pro USB C DAC headamp cost about RM210.

Comparison with my Earfun Free Pro Olav special edition Bluetooth IEM

The Earfun Bluetooth IEMS cost more than double the price of the ZEX Pro at US$70. They come in a small plastic case which doubles as a charging station. The Earfun buds sound more airy than the amped ZEX Pro with the uograde cable. Bass seems clearer than the ZEX Pro and the overall sound signature is more balanced. Vocals and high frequency instruments like cymbals also sound better on the Earfun buds.

Update by Crinacle

It looks like the other two drivers do not contribute significantly to the sound of the IEM. The main contributor is the dynamic diver. Although the electrostatic and BA drivers are connected to the crossover, their output is at “insignificantly volumes relative to the dynamic driver. “ Source: https://crinacle.com/2022/03/07/the-crn-kz-situation/