Introduction
The Knowledge Zenith (KZ) EDX is an ultra-budget in-ear monitor featuring a single 10mm dynamic driver. Released in late 2020, it continues KZ’s legacy of offering surprisingly capable audio gear at extremely affordable prices. I evaluated the EDX based on sound quality, comfort, build, accessories, and overall value.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
KZ EDX
Specifications
- Driver unit: 10mm composite magnetic dynamic driver
- Impedance: 23Ω
- Earphone sensitivity: 112dB/mW
- Frequency range: 10–40000 Hz
- Interface: 3.5mm
- Earphone interface: 2Pin 0.75mm
- Whether can replacement cable: Yes
Individual ratings
Punchy and powerful, but lacks some detail.
Lacks body in lower-mids, strong clarity up top but not fully accurate timbre
Markedly exaggerated and airy but also heightens sibilance and lacks smoothness
Surprisingly good width and imaging for an ultra-budget IEM.
Middling overall detail relative to more technical sets
Punchy, nimble driver with natural decay.
Graininess, noted at times, misses finer nuances.
Solid for the ultra-budget price bracket.
Supremely comfortable ergonomics.
Soundstage helps, but sibilance could be distracting.
Punches far above its ultra-budget pricing.
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
Simply an incredible value in the ultra-budget segment, earning my wholehearted recommendation. Finding this level of enjoyable sound paired with impressive driver behavior seems impossible in this price range. That it currently goes for the cost of a Starbucks latte is frankly astonishing. If you want pleasing musicality on a shoestring without sacrificing capability, the KZ EDX is unrivaled.
Pros
- Supreme comfort
- solid build quality for the ultra-low cost
- Exciting V-shaped tuning works well for popular genres.
- capable bass with a subwoofer-like extension
- Clear upfront midrange
- airy, opened-up treble
- Good soundstage expansion and imaging
- Nimble, dynamic driver
Cons
- generic design
- midrange lacks body and accurate timbre.
- Overdone treble enhances sibilance
- Just average separation and true detail
- Resolution lags dedicated technical sets
Music Genres
Suitable
- The lifted bass and sparkling treble make the EDX best suited for film soundtracks, EDM, pop, hip-hop, and similar genres benefiting from its spirited V-shaped kick.
- Acoustics and classical may be too colored for purist tastes.
Not Suitable
- On the contrary, fans of neutrality who listen primarily to jazz, classical, or artists like Adele would likely want something more tonally accurate and midrange-focused than the sculpted EDX.
Equalization Tips
- I would reduce 1 kHz by 2 dB to tame the lower-treble peak-enhancing sibilance while applying a 2 dB boost centered on 200 Hz to provide some extra midbass warmth.
1. Packaging
- KZ EDX
- Cable
- EArtips
- Paperworks
2. Design And Build Quality
The EDX has a tried-and-tested generic plastic shell similar to past KZ models and other budget Chi-Fi sets. While not the most premium construction, the glossy finish with metallic flecks looks decent, and the build quality is satisfactory considering the price. The hard plastic feels solidly put together, with no rough edges. The cable is detachable using standard 0.75mm 2-pin connectors and appears identical to KZ's usual budget offering: basic copper wiring in twisted quad-core configuration with adequate strain reliefs. Tips utilize KZ's Starline design in three sizes. The complete package, while basic, works reliably out of the box.
3. Comfort
Despite the generic shape, I found the EDX supremely comfortable. Lightweight plastic shells nestled easily into my ears, while a narrow profile avoided contact with the helix or anti-tragus. Angled nozzles aligned naturally. The mold seemed to match my concha well, achieving a proper in-ear seal effortlessly. I experienced no hotspots or pressure, even during long listening sessions. For my anatomy, at least, ergonomics are excellent.
4. Sound Quality Of The KZ EDX
I. Tonality
The EDX follows a V-shaped sound signature common among budget dynamics, with boosted bass and emphasized treble relative to midrange. It avoids extremes, however; the low end isn't muddy or bloated, while the highs aren't overly strident. Overall tonality remains musical if colored. Casual listeners should find this tuning enjoyable for popular genres. Audiophiles may want a more accurate reproduction.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of The KZ EDX
III. Bass Response
Low frequencies see substantial elevation centered on the midbass, lending a thick, powerful quality. Impact has satisfying physicality with each kick or thump, aided by strong sub-bass extension down to 20Hz. Detail retrieval is just average, so complexity suffers somewhat; bass guitars lose definition or distinction between notes. Control is also middling: slight bloatiness creeps in occasionally, boominess on busier tracks. But for the price, bass fans have little to complain about with the meaty low-end here.
IV. Midrange Performance
As is typical of a V, mids take a step back compared to the boosted bookends. The lower midrange lacks body, diminishing chord weight, or male vocal richness. However, the pronounced upper-mid peak maintains strong clarity for female vocals or snare drums. Acoustic guitars and strings lose some sweetness but avoid veiling. Overall detail is quite decent for a budget set thanks to the tuning, though the instrument timbre isn't fully accurate. Still, an enjoyable mid-band.
V. Treble Response
In line with KZ's house signature, Treble is markedly exaggerated, lending it an airy quality. Strong lower-treble emphasis helps cymbal crashes really shimmer. Even the upper treble receives a lift, allowing better perception of micro-detail. On the downside, such a hot signature heightens sibilance significantly; vocals can turn shouty and hi-hats sizzly. Smoothness also takes a hit, hardening note attacks. But avoiding outright harshness, the uplifted highs should entertain more than offend.
5. Technicalities Of The KZ EDX
I. Soundstage And Imaging
The EDX's brisk driver grants it surprisingly good spatial expansion versus typical budget single dynamics. The stage feels wide and airy, with three-dimensionality if lacking depth; the listener is transported into the performance. Imaging benefits from the speedy driver too, accurately conveying directionality and movement between instruments. A bright spot is evidently due to the low cost.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
Analyzing finer nuances like separation or detail reveals the EDX's budget roots. While stage properties help untangle massed instruments, complexity remains only middling; in busy tracks, individual elements still blend together. Apparent detail stems mostly from the emphasized upper bands, where the driver sounds subjectively detailed, adding 'air'. But true micro-detail retrieval falls short of the technical set. Nonetheless, respectable finesse, all things considered.
III. Dynamics And Speed
The 10mm composite driver behaves quite impressively with quick, nimble responsiveness. It starts and stops promptly with cranking drums, avoiding bloating or sluggishness. Attacks come through punchily, contributing to the bass's visceral impact. Decay is natural too, with no blurring. And it handles dynamic swings capably, from roaring symphonic crescendos to quiet acoustic passages without strain, a clear strength.
IV. Resolution
Actual resolving ability doesn't quite reflect the boosted treble, as the budget driver has limits in its inherent technical ability. The sound leans slightly grainy at times, missing finer nuances present on well-recorded tracks, but not egregiously so. Given pricing expectations, this remains a perfectly adequate performance. Just don't anticipate the utmost fidelity or micro-detail.
6. Gaming Performance
Thanks to its emphasized highs, aiding footstep cues, and wide soundstage with accurate imaging allowing good spatial awareness, the EDX makes a viable budget gaming IEM. Explosions demonstrate satisfying heft, and immersion doesn't suffer from its musical tuning. Just be prepared for potentially distracting sibilance. Overall, a very solid performance for the asking price.
7. Comparisons
Compared to similarly ultra-budget models like the QKZ VK4 ($8), the EDX provides noticeably better control and technical ability throughout. The bass is tighter on the KZ, while the speedier driver grants it better detailing and dynamics. VK4 seems almost muddy and blunt in comparison.
Moving up a tier, the CCA CRA ($20 hybrid) unsurprisingly wins on overall fidelity. But the EDX does not get completely blown out; its quicker bass matches, while the soundstage has similar spaciousness. CRA pulls ahead primarily with more accurate tonality, finer instrument separation, and micro-detail rendering. Still, the CRA costs nearly three times more, so the EDX holds its own.
Dive deeper with more comparisons.
8. FAQs
Q. Who should buy the KZ EDX?
Bassheads, casual listeners, audio newcomers, gamers, or anyone craving surprisingly good sound on an extreme budget will find tremendous value in the KZ EDX.
Q. Who should avoid the KZ EDX?
Those wanting neutral reference tuning, premium build and design, or treble-shy listeners will be better served by alternatives. The low price necessarily involves some compromises.
Q. Is KZ EDX suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
Due to substantial upper-mid and treble emphasis, the EDX would not make an ideal choice for listeners highly sensitive to brighter signatures. Peak volume could exacerbate its edginess significantly.
Q. Are foam tips preferable?
Yes, foam tips can tame the EDX's boosted treble to reduce fatigue for sensitive users.
Q. Can different cables help?
Aftermarket copper cables may grant slightly smoother, warmer sound but won't drastically overhaul tonality.
How is the microphone quality?
Typical budget offering: usable for voice calls but exhibits background noise or hiss in challenging environments. But perfectly serviceable in normal conditions for the ultra-low cost.
9. Conclusion
Retailing at a staggeringly low $6-7, expectations have to be calibrated accordingly, but the KZ EDX punches far above what its pricing suggests. A single dynamic driver seems almost unsuitable to produce credible sound quality now, but the EDX proves exceptions exist to that assumption. Is it flawless? Certainly not—inaccurate tonality—only average technical chops still remind us that this is unquestionably entry-level. Yet nothing at this price even comes close to matching its strengths of musicality, bass capability, and surprising technical competency. KZ's legacy of overachieving affordability carries forward proudly.
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Overall User Rating
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