Foreword: KZ ZS6 Hybrid In-Ear
Knowledge Zenith is - who would have thought it - a manufacturer from China that specializes in inexpensive in-ear headphone solutions. The manufacturer became known a few years ago, especially through the KZ ATE and ATE-S models and the KZ ED series, which are still considered an insider tip in many hi-fi forums.
Design, workmanship and delivery
The KZ ZS6 is one of the newer models from the manufacturer and was released in September 2017. The design impresses with a high-quality, anodized aluminum sound body, which is held together by 3 striking screws. However, this design is not unique. Especially those who deal with in-ear headphones over the 100 € mark will have noticed the similarity of the KZ ZS6 to the "Orion" from Campfire Audio. A rogue who thinks evil!
The cable is interchangeable. The connection with the earphones is made via a typical 2-pin connector. Clearly visible L and R markings are present on both the plugs and the sound bodies. The cable is equipped with a so-called "memory wire", which allows ear hooks to be shaped freely. The cable itself is rubber coated with a slightly sticky structure. This should prevent annoying cable noises. An inline remote control with microphone is located on the right branch of the cable.
The processing quality of the KZ ZS6 is convincing and corresponds to the price. The supplied cable is a matter of taste. The slightly sticky rubber coating and the malleable memory wire in particular will not suit everyone's taste. For little money, however, you can get alternative cables with the typical 2-pin connector almost everywhere, so that the supplied cable can be easily replaced. The manufacturer itself also offers a cable with a Bluetooth module, so that the in-ear can also be converted into practical sports headphones. In addition to the two earphones and the cable, the scope of delivery also includes 3 pairs of silicone ear cushions in sizes S (Small), M (Medium) and L (Large) as well as an instruction manual.
sound quality
The KZ ZS6 works with a total of 8 drivers, 4 per earphone. These are in turn divided into two dynamic drivers (6 mm) and two balanced armature drivers (10 mm). The manufacturer specifies the frequency range as 7 Hz to 40 kHz. The impedance is 15 ohms. The sensitivity is 105 dB. In essence, the KZ ZS6 is an all-round in-ear with a sonic V-sound curve.
The low frequency range is emphasized, even if it is still moderate. On the other hand, the in-ear loses some of its power in the depth. The middle area is warm overall, with a punchy lower middle, which makes voices and instruments particularly colorful. The main focus of this in-ear is on the high frequency range. The in-ear impresses with its particularly airy and detailed treble reproduction. However, it becomes uncomfortable in the upper heights. Sharp sibilants can literally make your ears ring! A clear damper for this in-ear, which otherwise sounds good.
Another damper for conventional music enjoyment is the high efficiency of the in-ear. It is true that the KZ ZS6 is extremely easy to drive, but at the same time the background noise of the player is promoted. An external volume control can help. Using the example of a conventional smartphone, a low volume setting is sufficient to achieve a comfortable playback volume.
Wired remote control and microphone
The cable supplied is equipped with a one-button cable remote control and microphone on the right branch of the cable. With the cable remote control it is possible to control the music playback and to take calls. The control of the music playback refers only to a play and pause function and the skipping of tracks. The volume cannot be controlled with the remote control. The microphone impresses with its particularly clear recording quality and good noise filtering. Discussions can easily be conducted about it.
To the concentration camp SIlver-Plated cable
comfort
How comfortable the KZ ZS6 is to wear depends very much on the person wearing it. Starting with the supplied cable, it is not for everyone to put the malleable memory wire around your ear. However, as already mentioned, the cable can be exchanged or the spiral spring can be carefully removed from the cable. On the other hand, the extremely angular and large sound bodies are more problematic. Wearers with a small auricle, in particular, find it difficult to insert the earphones, which means that they sit too loosely. But even with a large auricle, the in-ear can squeeze uncomfortably due to its many edges. The noise isolation of this half-open in-ear is average.
Concentration camp ZS6
Good workmanship
Removable cable
Wide frequency range
Detailed and dynamic sound
Powerful bass
Cable with memory wire
Pushy upper treble
comfort
Knowledge Zenith is well-known for its low-cost in-ears and has also brought to the market a surprisingly good-sounding in-ear ZS6 that can play both in terms of sound quality, but also in terms of build quality in quite higher price ranges. Despite the good overall appearance, there are also some criticisms. First and foremost, the wearing comfort, which despite the brazen copy of the Campfire Audio Orion design can not convince. Add to that the pronounced high-pitched range, which does not suit everyone's taste. On the whole, however, the ZS6 concentration camp is definitely worth a look.
