I used to minimize the words on paper so more like bullet points because I don't like to read the full block, but I now mostly do both. And yes, I use timecodes synced to the text blocks as I want people to be able to jump in and out quickly or just hit the bit they care about.

I think a problem I'm noticing for this method I can't see it in low quality.

Yep, I don't think anyone has found the perfect 2DD recipe yet in that tuck area, this is KZ's whack at it. I think everyone knows what they want, just haven't been able to get there technically at a reasonable price point.

I wouldn't even say they went under the radar, there are lots of people who are talking about them.

The Senfer DT6 back in 2021 was equally insane value. Like a dynamic, balanced armature, AND piezoelectric driver for $25 bucks in an all-metal, Panasonic Ergofit-style build!?

How is the mic on the earphone may i ask. Im planning to but it for playing games on my pc

@@lam3682 the mic is fire

Yep, music plays a big part on how you hear the switches and why I kept moving them. The shape of the curve too. I think the treble got caught between the price and the bass level. Did they use their best 8mm DD here? Maybe not at the price. I agree, there are times where the treble got to me but I do think they painted themselves into a corner. Its pushed too hard but if they had rolled back the treble level, I am not sure it would have been better. I get what you are saying and why I didn't dig into it, at this price and tuning, not sure there was an alternative. If you just look at the treble level on the graph, its up there and hard to pull that off even on a DD. I'd say EQ or a filter on the nozzle will work too.

You need to zoom in to one of them, there is a URL on the page that goes here: pw.squig.link/ and you will also find links to lots of other reviewers and their measurements.

@@PaulWasabii Oh paul, Thanks, this is really interesting!, Thanks a Lot Greetings from Colombia

It has been a slow burn on it. There aren't that many big bass sets at the price with decent drivers.

Equalizer can get close. I haven't heard the Standard but standard should be close to the Harman target for AutoEQ.

Very nice. Castor seems to continue gaining listeners which is great. KZ typically winds down for the end of the year, we'll see them again in 2024

Yeah you are right there, maybe two extremes, Castor with the bass and Krilla is more upper range-y thin. The Castor standard might be in the middle. But really, you are picking up Castor bass for the bass, Krila is more on tech details with that BA. Two very different sounds.

​@@PaulWasabii what about dynamic range between them I want to buy one but don't know which one I usually play competitive game!

Yeah you are about to fall down a rabbit hole. Most people buying these sets use a dongle or dac/amp of some sort to avoid that problem.

If you read some impressions, the treble level is up there on Castor, that is where you will catch sounds over the bass. Typically more bass is less imaging so you need to be careful with bass and footsteps at the same time. That case would be better with Castor standard. Or setup an EQ for gaming that tilts the bass down for gaming, up for music

Yeah Khan was a bit crazy on power. I don't think most people got it at the time. I also say that its hard to sell affordable sets that need more expensive gear. KZ is typically mindful of that but hits a harder to drive one occasionally especially with the switches.

@Jp_116 and @PaulWasabii Which one would you both recommend for listening to bass + distortion guitar + vocal from the QKZ x HBB , Castor, Wan'er ? I already own a PR2 which I find flat while listening to classic rock, electric guitar or any old recordings, otherwise it is superb. I am not a bass head but I don't like too much treble either like my PR2 has.

@@ProtikC I also have the PR2 and I must say, I'm also disappointed with it due to the sibilance. Also just like the Khan, it needs more power. But with a good DAC/AMP it does shine. I just can't get over how sibilant it is at times though. Now to choose between the QKZ × HBB, Castor and Wan'Er. I need to preface first that I don't use any DAP and only use my phone and Spotify (and sometimes my cheap USB-DAC) to listen to music. But for this test I won't use my USB-DAC. So my experiences may differ with yours if you use HiFi EQUIPMENTS. I would just share my experiences and let you decide which one you'd prefer. Also, another thing to point out, my Wan'Er is the Jade version and not the OG version. I'm not sure if there's a difference between the two since I lost my OG ones for a while before I bought the Jade ones. Some say there is but IDK. Additionally, the Castor have all switches turned on. Now,I don't usually listen to classic rock- wait, scratch that- I don't exactly *_know_* what songs are considered as _classic_ rock. But to be more transparent, here are the songs I listened to while comparing the three. Also my volume was at 70%. 📍 Highway to Hell by AC/DC 📍 I love Rock and Roll by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts 📍 Under Pressure by Queen & David Bowie QKZ × HBB = Volume at 70% was loud but not as loud as the Wan'Er. Better to listen at around 25%-40% instead. Guitar distortions are even more less fatuiging compared to the Wan'Er. Sub bass has more oomph than mid bass but they tend to bleed into the mids sometimes. In Highway to Hell, the vocals were more forward while the guitars could be heard a little bit more placed somewhat in the back. Soundstage is a tad bit bigger than the Wan'Er. Castor = As usual, 70% is loud but less than the Wan'Er I feel like. Better to have it maxed out at only 50%.Treble at the 70% volume is more fatuiging. Some guitar distortions are okay (Highway to Hell) while some are a bit fatuiging (I love Rock and Roll). Bass is handled better than the QKZ × HBB. Soundstage is the most open out of the three. Also most resolving one. But sometimes there's an issue with high-pitched vocals where it sometimes get pushed behind among the instruments. While easier to drive than the PR2, I feel like this one still needs a bit more of a boost compared to the Wan'Er and the QKZ × HBB. Jade Wan'Er = Out of the 3 this is the most comfortable pair for me. Volume at 70% was VERY LOUD. Better to listen at maybe 40%? Had the least bass out of the 3 but it was still there. Most "relaxed" sound out of the 3 and had more clarity than the QKZ × HBB. Treble wasn't offensive nor ear-grating. Even the guitar distortions were okay with this one. A little less resolving than the Castor but more than the QKZ × HBB. Soundstage is much more claustrophobic than the QKZ × HBB. Has the most "in-your-face" vocals I feel like 😂. _Edit: spelling_

@@Jp_116 Thank you so much mate for such a good analysis and your efforts in replying, I really appreciate that! And, you're on point with the tracks ha ha! 😅 Wan'Er kinda sounds safe for everything. I think I would love it very much, after all it's all vocal that I am most interested in when it comes to Pop songs followed by guitar solos/riffs in rocks. However, I already ordered a Castor 😑! So let's try my luck this time! On the part of hifi equipments I don't really own any DAP/DACs yet. My next purchase would probably be some decent dongle dac for my PR2. Thanks again mate and keep enjoying your music🤝

@@ProtikC no problem! Glad to be of some help to you. I would have replied sooner but life had to get in the way, sorry. Also, the Castor is pretty good for pop. You won't be disappointed! The Wan'Er is also good but it can be a bit boring to some. But if vocals is your priority, the Wan'Er is indeed the better of the two. I actually use it for listening to ASMR since the vocals are more forward. Anyway, hope you get to enjoy your music better now!

Thanks. Yes, little money but a lot of time with the switches. As I said sometimes I liked it bassier, sometimes less so I messed with it quite a bit.

Does the soundstage and imaging good?

@@ChristianHau Honestly??? No. KZ been KZ. But still a basshead miracle for 15 bucks. *need soundstage and imaging with good bass at afordable price??? Try the XSL X-One!

@@jaxvideo3 compared to Moondrop chu 2, which one better?

@@ChristianHau I don't have the Moondrop Chu 2... But i'm sure that the tecnicalities of Chu are more impressive in all the frequencies. And the people says that he have good amount off bass. The Castor focus it's a huge bass. Only. *but middle and treeble are ok. More natural than Balanced Armatures.

Get studio reference headphones like audio technica m40s, you need accurate sound, not bass boosted

Castor bass is for people who like a lot of midbass. KZ just released the ZSN Pro 2 which is closer to an upgrade of the ZSN Pro. Or get CCA Polaris, great affordable set with switches to move the bass.

Bass

I would start with Castor black. I say that as each set is different how it handles everything else above the bass. Start with the cheap one before you invest in a Fat Freq

Rosefinch is usually the default choice. If necessary, you can add a tuning filter or micropore tape to the nozzle to make it a smoother basshead. Clear has too much trebles for me. Castor bass is really more of a heavier bass set and not a basshead set because the way the subbass arcs so it will sound more natural. There really isn't a perfect basshead set

@@PaulWasabii the only problem I found with Rosefinch is muffled sound and lack of clarity. Not sure if there is a better alternative to Rosefinch with similar bass performance but good tonality, vocals, and clarity

Yeah that is the case here, its not really a basshead tilted down in the treble set. You are reading it right, this is more of a bass enhanced Harman rather than basshead

Castor, the bass version, is for people who like a lot of bass. ZVX has decent subbass but more of a general purpose set. Castor is more of a specialist that will do ok on general music, but its focus is on the bass. If you are looking for a general set like ZVX, D-Fi was a better set in that style

Yeah the shout is real, you are sensitive or listen loud. Let me save you some money, buy this Micropore tape: www.amazon.com/3M-Micropore-1350-1-rolls-yards/dp/B06XNP8J4R/ And read this: www.audioreviews.org/how-to-remove-treble-peaks/ On Aria, you just need a slight piece of tape between the nozzle and your ear to lessen the shout. You can be lazy and cover the whole nozzle to start, then cover partial to hear the difference. It is better to try that for a few dollars than spending $50 on a new set.

@@PaulWasabii Thanks for your reply! I will definitely give this a shot.

Blon BL03 are just fantastic iems for general use.

Kefine Delci might be out of your budget, but that is the current trending set. Castor Harman is fine too .

Just my opinion, KZ has better drivers. Rosefinch was the right tuning for the right price and a nice set on its own. Until Castor arrived.

@@PaulWasabii in other words, and my summation, Castor oil is better than roses

No, they are small compared to KZ ZAT. I didn't measure it, but KZ has sligtly increased the nozzle width on some sets to accommodate the tubes. But the shells are typical KZ sized in the middle of their range as they have smaller and quite a few larger.

Castor fits my small ears quite well. In comparison I was not able to put Truthear Zero into my ear canals at all and QKZ Khan hurt my ear canals real bad due to their nozzle diameter. As for the sound I'd take Castor over QKZxHBB and over the Khan. And also I'm keeping the Castor in my collection (pleasant surprise) while recently I returned Simgot EW200 (unexpected disappointment due to driver flex and hissing female vocals).

@@maciejpilip8903 got my ew200 yesterday and yeah i agree, they are too much hype, extremely neutral and thin sounding, i like my 8$ Trn Mt1 Max on xtra bass setting better, sounds fuller and has more depth, also better for gaming at high volume.

If you like big bass. Its not hard to drive, but it has a big bass curve

Castor will probably give you a headache if you are treble sensitive. KZ tends to be a bit brighter. Wan'er or if you can find a Truthear Hola would be better. Make sure you get a tight fit otherwise all sets will sound brighter than they should.

Castor bass. Try to stay with recent KZ sets, the older ones were good in their time.

Not sure about Adonis but Castor has a touch more midbass. Adonis looks like a more relaxed treble on the graph but I never heard it.

@@PaulWasabii i see, should i go for iem in 60$ budget like kz zs10 pro x or it's fine with this kz castor? Because i really want to try multi driver iem but kinda afraid doesn't like the sound of BA driver (or do you have any recommendations in 60$ for multy driver iem, bass and doesn't harsh in high frequency) Ty for the response btw Have a great day sir 🙏

Not an upgrade over Oxygen but a nice compliment to it. Oxygen in the current version has some warmth but not bass at the level of Castor. I'd keep both and use Castor when you are in a mood for more bass. Oxygen is a great set too.

@@PaulWasabii appreciate your thoughts

Different as PLA13 has a ton of subbass and Castor is more midbass, much less subbass.

Most sets have a better build than Wan'er, including this one. People don't complain as Wan'er is affordable and nice sound quality.

Never heard Castor standard but I'd still choose Polaris looking at the graph. I am not a bright fan and Polaris is more generally appealing in the treble

You can get picky and point out midbass or subbass in other sets that might come close, or you can just enjoy it as you do.

@@PaulWasabii Seriously nothing comes close not even Qkz X hbb I tried it Lusya Ef04 amplifier with impedance adapter Omggggg, the bass is insanity and it still remains clear with this amount of bass. I don't know how that impossible

@@migracing8232how about compared to qkz x hbb khan? (Not the qkz x hbb regular version) is the bass better? Meaning more punch and speed?

@@andreachen9614 I don't have khan

The KBear Rosefinch and 7Hz Legato actually have more overall bass because of their elevated sub bass and the Castor’s sub bass roll off.

KZ uses both white and black. I would contact KZ though www.kztws.com/pages/contact-us-1

It is no doubt bass boosted, that might bother you and get fatiguing. There are switches to dial it down so you do have some flexibility. I don't think its a bad place to start especially if you use the switches to figure out your preferences.

Most artists prefer more harmen curve sets which are more neutral and balanced to hear details. Also as said above, on set too much bass will be very fatiguing.

I wouldn't personally choose Castor bass, the standard version is better, clearer. A ton of bass doesn't help gaming imaging.

@@PaulWasabii Thanks

Not an easy answer as the ZS10 Pro is a nice one, a balanced V shape set with less boost at both ends. So I wouldn't say Castor is better but different. KZ just released a new set called ZAT, that might be closer to ZS10. Those sets from that period are quite nice and KZ is just getting around to revising the hybrids now with ZAT.

I have both and ZS10 Pro X has better instrument separation

So is the ZS10 pro x better?

@@jorgecazares6016 Hehe. There can never be a straight answer to that. For me, yes. But again it’s unfair to compare them considering the price. For similar price, I’d say Moondrop Chu2 is better with the default settings (all switches turned off). But the moment you start tuning it, that’s where the castor shines. With 1 and 3 turned on, EDM and Hiphop are much better on castor.

@@jorgecazares6016 Yea they are better, they also 3 times the price lol

Generally yes, but ESX is a special set. People are buying Castor bass because it has a big bass bump and holds together fairly well. The bass shelf on ESX is probably closer to what I like. I would put Castor in the more category but it also has more treble. It isn't an instant win, the tuning on ESX was interesting and I don't think KZ has revisited it yet.

@@PaulWasabii i have 2 esx iema because my first the left side stop play sound ...at my second esx i have different sound with the same settings ... they have more uppermids trebles and no to deep bass like my first esx iem ..but the strange is one other thing the DD magnet dont have the holes like my first esx ..different tuning for sure and maybe another qualitty DD ??

Sorry, Linsoul had it for a lower price when I had posted that, it was less than $15. If you aren't in a hurry, wait for the 11-11 sales. Now Linsoul.com and kztws.com are the same price.

Different as Castor Bass has a very different bass shelf. Stick to ZEX as that set is nice.

Wan'er is more middle of the road, Castor bass is really for people who wanted enhanced bass or just like more bass.

Yes, KZ likes to try variations and some people will prefer the standard version with less bass but still 2DD.

ZSNP2 is a safe choice, Castor if you like more bass

Yeah, I think the 2DD is a desirable concept, but the perfect tuning and configuration has been elusive. Mostly why I said that KZ put the right price on it, let people hear it without a $30+ price. I think they will get feedback and re-visit the configuration again.

General rule of thumb. Avoid HBB sets. They're all bass boosted trash except maybe Olina.

nope, HBB X KZ PR2 is quite good@@Anonymous-gh6xf

@@Anonymous-gh6xfyeah his tunings tend to favor just rock, which is fine is that's what people like but they really don't work for most other genres.

It doesn't have much more bass than the bean, take a look at KBEAR Rosefinch for more boom.

Castor bass is a special set for people who want more impactful bass. Zero2 is a nice general purpose set.

@@PaulWasabii so zero 2 is if I want overall softer sound signature as how the first one probably needed more power to drive, I thought ZSN would fit in the category to as their first zen wasn't as bad as the 2nd one with a whole redesign

Not as muddy as 1DD would be but there is no magic here, they picked a crossover that let them have a big bass and not destroy the mids. The clarity version is the standard one.

You are the KZ target for this one, get to try something different at a reasonable price.

Yeah, KZ has only a couple sets that are harder to driver, such as the planar. But this set was designed for phones.

@@PaulWasabii thanks man nice info, i would grab this one as the hbb khan was way difficult to harder even with full volume the bass is not there

Castor is a big midbass bump and D-Fi is closer to a leaner Harman sound. D-Fi is generally more popular, Castor is for the bass fans who like a bit more slam and impact which you don't get on D-Fi

@@PaulWasabii thanks

Lean. Most "Harman" sets are bass boosted at the 200hz tuck so it is more generally like-able on popular music.

Way past time to move on. I think KZ has done the damage control that they are going to. They have put out some good sets since then.

@@fiddlix you're right but also at the same time i feel that the moment people let their guard down they may return to their old ways

So in the new designs, the 3D printed tubing and crossovers, its harder to have that situation again. I would never say never, but I think they have moved past those days on a technical level as to how the current sets are designed. Will something else pop up later? Maybe

If both DDs are not functional, wouldn't that mean it wouldn't make sound at all?

I don't know if it is a Legato killer, but going to be a more popular option for folks without dac/amps and Legato money.

@@PaulWasabii It arrived today! Burning it in overnight maybe longer, can't hurt. I believe

Well, there is a Standard version

Trust me, he loves to ramble.

Its actually not straight forward and as I said, the interaction between the bass level of your tracks and the pinna area is everything here. Two big boosted areas are going to cause all those things you mentioned or none of them depending on the track and how it hits those areas. Is the stage big or small? I realize you want a single answer, but you can easily put together tracks that are fatiguing and not fatiguing just looking at the graph. Tracks can avoid 10 & 12db areas, but they are still there waiting for the next track.

@@PaulWasabii Worth picking up if you don't have any DD sets? Best of the bunch or excellent value only because it's $15? Am I going to hear something special that the Simgot EA500, TRN ST5, KBEar Rosefinch (Bass set), or KZ PR2 v1 don't provide?

@shimotsukiushimaru2847 @migracing8232 I prefer a more detailed and nuanced discussion as Paul tends to go for. If you don't like this style, there are A TON of other reviewers out there. Literally no reason to comment shit like "you talk a lot of nonsense". Nonsense is going to a sushi restaurant and being mad coz they're not serving fried chicken and burgers - which is what you are doing watching a nuanced video looking for a short, straight to the point video. Both have their place, both have their pros and cons. Audio is a subjective hobby to get into. Describing our individual experiences with single words isn't always possible. But if you want that, AGAIN, feel free to browse other videos.

Hey mate, I have the qkz hbb and find it slow warm and muddy. Do you think the casor black is tighter with more speed and clarity? Your thoughts please.

@@abhik6503 If you gonna go for Castor just make sure you're prepared for this level of bass. It reaches your soul, I've Qkz X hbb and it's not even close. Castor bass isn't slow either but it's enormous.

@@abhik6503 It's clearer than qkz X hbb even with the amouth of bass it has. It's like a subwoofer

@@migracing8232 wow, so are your impressions on based on stock sound right, that is without using the impedance adapter?

7Hz Legato has more bass than this.