October 19th,2017

KZ ZS6 + SILVER UPGRADE CABLE MINI REVIEW: REFINED AND REBORN

Introduction

After the ZS5, KZ relased the ZS6, a more refined version of the former. With a new aluminum body, the IEM not only has good performance but also the looks to back it up.

I also picked up the silver upgrade cable, which promises better sound and durability, a welcomed addition to the ZS6's arsenal and something different from the stock cable which I've already stated is pathetic.

Unboxing

The ZS6 comes in a small, white box with the IEM's image printed on the front and some basic info in the back. While not as flashy and premium as the big box version of the ZS5, this packaging is more than acceptable and holds all of the needed components neatly. Know that this white cardboard will turn yellow and become dirty after awhile so if you want to preserve it for either reselling or collectibility please put it somewhere clean and shielded from dust.

Sliding the cover off, you will see the ZS6 placed elegantly, like an artifact in its transparent plastic display case. You also get the awful cable, an instruction manual with questionable English as well as the special KZ tips in S,M,L sizes. You don't get the stockier looking silicone tips in the big-boxed ZS5 however.

Here's a closer look of all the accesories, enjoy.

Accesories

And here is the silver upgrade cable, it's braided and looks like one of those fancy cables from more high end CIEM offerings. Though the lack of a dedicated mic decreases its usefulness, its added rigidity makes it much more valuable. As for sound quality, it's a hoax. I've yet to see any difference in sound quality except for a slightly lower impedence, which makes the IEM output louder sound without having to mess with the volume rocker. I also doubt that any silver is in this cable, give its poultry 10 dollar price tag.

Appearance

And here are the ZS6, this time they look exactly like Campfire Audio IEMs, just with three sound vents on the front. They now feature an aluminum body that is slighty heavier yet also being more sturdy and sharp. I much prefer this over the plastic ZS5 and wouldn't worry too much even if they go through some mild abuse in use. This time adorning "Four drives" on the bottom, looks like the questionable english crept from the manual to the body...

Sound

As for the sound quality, not much has changed from the ZS5, if at all. And I'm completely fine with that. The ZS6 is meant to be a more premium sidegrade, not a brand new flagship. So if you want to know what it sounds like, check out my ZS5 review.

Conclusion

Overall, the ZS6 is a much better ZS5 in terms of build quality. If you haven't bought a ZS5 yet, I highly recommend you check out this model. If you have already posessed a ZS5, than I would recommend you skip this one and wait for next year's model. The silver cable is also a must for me with its better durability, so take it what you will.

Do you have a ZS5 or ZS6? Comment down below your thoughts and stay tune for even more reviews from me, thank you, this is Lumerion, signing off.