KZ Castor - KZ has just turned the budget market upside down!
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- Опубликовано: 6 сен 2024
- KZ Castor is another take from KZ at the Dual DD market , this time opting for a 10mm and 8mm mounted on a "coaxial" style setup, as opposed to the more common side by side.
They have also added the switches for additional tuning versatility and if that wasn't enough still gave us 2 types of Harman tune, a Bass boosted one and a traditional one.
So what does all this mean? Simple
They learned from the CCA Duo and also from the other market references, TruthEars Zero OG and Red Edition, Tripowin Kailua and proceeded to tune as well if not better the Castor Bothers, build everything to an unbelievably high level, and offer it all for 15usd.
They've just made everyone else go back to the drawing boards and try to come up with something better!!
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Man you're the best reviewer on RUclips. No one else puts the same amount of effort you put on your reviews. Comparing so many products before having a say on a item. Also the variety of products you bring, different budgets, different tastes, iems, earbuds, we can see you're truly passionate about the hobby. Like buying multiple items just to compare quality control, man that is a real commitment to your audience! You're my first reference for audio gear in a long time! Thank you very much for your work!
@generalframework👍 /s
Thank you.... Really thank you.....I'm very happy to see my work finally recognised!
@@akros9333any plans to do a website or an Excel with descriptions/ratings/recommendations? I would pay for that;)
@@akros9333 kz castor bass version is not available in my region should i go with Harman one the white one.. i like bass is their is a huge difference b/w them??
Just got the KZ Castor harman version and slapt on some foam tips to calm down the treble. Omg KZ you outdone your self this are just as good as my Moondrop Veriation almost similarly graphs.
Using KZ castor for 6 months after watching your review. Ultimate sound money can buy at the price. Thanks for the recommendation. I would have wasted money otherwise. God bless you.
Yes it's an absolute beast....if it was branded as say a Moondrop or DUNU the price would have been 80 or 90 usd
Absolutely the best reviewer without question. Tony, you must have calluses in your lug holes as many iems as you have tried lol. Please keep up the good work. You have saved me a hell of a lot of money. Thank you.
Holy shit ! Akros you are really into this. This is my second night of watching review after review all night long til dawn. I need to know all this info that you deliver . You never leave me hanging with a bunch of questions I need answered. You deliver the goods ! And KZ delivers the goods. KZ !!!
I have to say that I've been blown away by the KZ Castor harman with the two first switches on and I actually prefer them to my performer 5! They graph extremely close but I found the Castor more airy (which shows up on the graph too anyway), at this point it's just tuning preference though. But what I feel is surprising is the bass has more impact weirdly enough compared to P5, I feel this dual DD configuration does something very special, it also feels like a very fast bass, it was surprising.
I'm honestly not sure anymore what's an upgrade path for me anymore, I though I would go from P5 to EJ07 and call it a day in my iem journey, but this dual DD setup is making me reconsider. Is there even a hybrid or tribrid with dual DD that is tuned in this harman way? The only iem in this config I'm aware of is the Penon 10th anniversary but it's not in this style of tuning so I fear it won't fit my preferences... Maybe the Hype 2, or V12 then but they don't seem to be really an "upgrade".
Buy now before KZ does their sneaky silent revision no jutsu.
half the reason i want to buy it now instead of just adding it to my try it at some point list
Hehehe 'silent revision no jutsu' cracked me up!🤣🤣🤣
Why do you think that they do things like that? The same was with the cca cra
@matomarquez.2596 buy a good batch then switch to cheaper ones to save money
But yes this set has been revisioned... I hate the new castor
For budget collectors - how can you not get both to add to your collection... Love your open and honest approach Tony. Thanks
Your review helped me with my choice of Castor. It was on sale for $8
Glad i was of help.
Whoa! These are criminally underrated. These are easily 80 dollars worth of sound.
Great review. You said everything it need to be said. I've been using the bass version for the past 2 weeks and it really is a great IEM. Probably, the one I like the most of all what I have. By the way, my CCA CRA do not sound how people usually describe it or as it is graphed: it does not have bass and the treble is very harsh.
You probably got the CRA 'revised' version. The original version had a picture on the box while the 'revised' version had a drawing. The revised version sounds different and uses plastic filters instead of metal filters. I was sad to lose one of my CRAs since the 'revised' version is all that's left.
@@TheStemo1 yes, I got that version. I really don't like it...
I also bought the revised version of cca cra.. I don't like it and gave it to my dad.. he loves it 😂
@@overprice7802 LOL. Did you hear the original as well, or just the revised?
Exciting to see your review Akros! Can you articulate more about how to tame the treble on Castor Bass like you've mentioned in videos. Thank you!
If you don't use switches. Best way with medium density filters made with sponge inside the nozzle. Easy. You welcome Tony. Just saved your time
Encyclopedic. A lot of information here. Definitely love listening to your reviews. Thank you. I have to listen to your videos, many times over, to grasp a lot of the information.
Aprecio mucho sus revisiones, Tony. Se nota la pasión, entusiasmo y honestidad para compartirnos sus opiniones, alejado de otros interese$. He acogido varias de sus orientaciones y recomendaciones y me ha ido MUY bien!! , por ejemplo, con Juzear Clear y Penon Fan, espectaculares!! Soy fiel.seguidor del canal. Gracias! Slds
I have the black bass version... it's damn good!!!!!!
I purchase it and can't disagree with you. Its really that good, especially for the price.
Been looking forward to this. The cray Castor is so much fun! Bass is superior in Rosefinch but Castor takes mids. Both very fun with different bass heavy tuning. I have my RF tape modded and it really does open up the mids for some nice detail that it was missing before, while still keeping its darker signature. I'd like to see someone beat a modded RF for $15.
Ps you deserve all the credits in the comment section! ! Unbiased, honest and no BS!
Until now I have two KZ's the ZSN ProX, it sounds enough well for me but a little lack of bass, and I'm expecting for the Castor Bass.Thanks for your great review!
To anyone who is looking for an IEM in this price range just get the Harmann version, it's an excellent IEM and the technicalities are actually very good. This version has the upper mids and treble which is quite elevated but does not get you fatigue and sibilance, it's just under that fatiguing point. If this was not KZ it would be the best selling IEM out there right next to the Tangzu Wan'er in this price range (since a lot of reviewers skip KZ now due to the dramas). For a bass oriented IEM the Bass Castor is good, probably QKZ HBB might be a bit better (Castor has more treble though)
Excellent work as always Akros. KZ is currently holding a dominant position in the budget market. I was just wondering if someone should buy Castor if they already own Krila 🤔
Loved this video, and loved your rant and comments more than the review :) I really enjoy your narrations.
His comment about HBB was spot on
Got my set yesterday. Thank you for the recommendation
Man your reviews are very detailed. Thanks for it ❤
Sold my jh Audio Lola after receiving these Harman tuned Castors, they are simply.. better and I can't talk myself out of that conclusion regardless of the back and forth I do
Always enjoy your reviews. Thank you!
KZ is not joking..I hope they make a tribit that is equal to Hype or performer 8 but cheaper
my pr2 hasn't even arrived yet, and now I have to talk myself out of the castor..... :)
16:00 nice statement keep it up! they hate or boycott KZ but look at the market who is the most selling IEM in the market 👌
First of all, your collection looks amazing, my friend, I have a question, which of the models you used had the most bass?
Hello thank you very good review ! 😀👍
Lovely review as always, could you please compare the Castor Bass Version vs the Krila in terms of bass quality and quantity, details in treble and air.
Great honest review, very enjoyable!
The zero red doesnt neccearily have the same driver. The voice coil and the way the driver is structured is actually a little different. Thats why you might assume and rightfully so that the driver was superior
thanks akros
i have them but i hear a small static sound when i use them anyone else
got the kz castor harman and found out that when you plug it in the wrong orientation the bass is boosted but will sound a little muddy
I already have fiio Jd7 and ikko OH10. What makes castor bass edition different from the aforementioned sets if I'm to consider adding it to my collection? Awesome review as always 👍
Well JD7 is amazing....OH10 the same. Castor is sonically not gonna bring anything better, but for the price its worth having as it's a well done dual DD, with all the bells and whistles.
@@akros9333 thanks for the response sir. I might buy it since it's that's cheap.
Which do you recommend. KZ Krila or KZ castor bass version or KBear KB01
Can you compare the castpr harman with cable plugged in the otherway with the bass castor. I found out that with the harman ver the bass is boosted when plugged incorrectly just curious to see the frequency response
Akros is the IEM Boss!
for sound separation and detail (i listen to rcok, powermetal, classic, vocal, eletronic and play some games) would spending a little bit more for the simgot EW200 better?
What 2DD would be the first one going up the price ladder that you can say "now this one sounds significantly better"?
TRI Star River
Legato Killa? Ordered a week ago, no idea when it will arrive, it will be a happy surprise.
Just bought a castor bass set on aliexpress for 7 dollars
Excellent deal
if you have to choose one from two, the Duo or the Pianist?
if you have to choose one from three, the D-Fi (switch) or the Krila (switch) or the Castor (switch)?
pls 🙏 answer, thank you.
Pianist for sure...Duo is very good but needs more Bass to be perfect.
Between Castor and Krila.....hmmmmm I'd do Castor Bass
Kz castor bass Vs sgor adonis, which one should i buy (they said the cable it self in sgor is so much value for money)? My previous iem a bit attacky in my ear in high frequency
Mr Akros can you tell me if the Castor bass version can play loud with the smartphone ,,or the silver castor have more volume
During the comparisons I was like "What the hell is my cat doing over there?!", she's called "Kahlùa", like the mexican coffee flavoured liquor :D
Anyway Tony, thanks for the in-depth review, I'm thinking about taking the (cheapo) plunge with the Harman silver Castor. Would you recommend it for jazz? Mainly small formations, piano trios, quartets, quintets? And a bit of chamber music and orchestral stuff. In jazz (and music in general, unless it's beat-based like hip hop or electronic), you don't want the bass to be too much or bloated, but it's paramount that you clearly hear the double bass with good presence, since it's the harmonic backbone of music. And you need a clear polished midrange as well!
Yes the Harman Castor is real nice .....for the price it's a no brainer
@akros I have a kiwi ears cadenza. Can you briefly tell me what would be the major differences in terms of soundstage/resolution/imaging and technicality and would it be an upgrade or sidegrade or worse downgrade if I’m considering Castor (non bass version)?
Thanks in advance. Appreciate your work and insights a lot.
Well my opinion is that the Castor edges out the Cadenza in basically every field.
Better perceived soundstage....wider
Better imaging....cleaner in its differenciation between instruments and vocals
Better resolution.....just has a little more twinkle and sparkle
Only timbre and tonality I would say the c.Cadenza is perhaps slightly better.
But trust me differences are for the most very subtle and genre/ music dependant.
The undeniable fact is one is 15 USD....the other 35 and the difference does not mean better performance from the Cadenza.
@@akros9333 Lovely. Thank you so much for your time🤍
@@akros9333 I got the castor after reading your comment and I largely agree with your opinion - better perceived soundstage and technicality in general when compared with Cadenza. I felt that it needed higher volumes to open up detail while cadenza drives better even at lower volumes, also, the latter has a pleasantly warmer bass in both attack and decay and rounds off the timbre and tone in a more lush and comfortable fashion - directly leading to more comfortable and relaxed musical experience. Castor sounded more penetrative in its excavation of detail, bigger and broader but not necessarily warmer, and on some kinds of music it leads to a swifter fatigue. My ears became warm more quickly. However, as comparisons may change the perspective of looking at things, I noticed that I valued both of them differently now. The overall comfort both in physical heft, and the realm of lows largely and mids very slightly wins in cadenza, but castor feels like a premium experience nonetheless. That one is half the price of the other baffles me as to the logic of pricing.
I cannot help but ask you this question, although I know you don’t do leaderboards or what’s best kind of videos, but indulge me once on this - which IEM is a ‘near’ perfect (as perfect becomes an almost religious utterance) blend of musicality, convenience of listening and technical prowess in the 50-70 dollar range? It could be U shaped or neutral or a more forgiving warm-ish V with no plans to deafen the ears with sibilance. Any driver type or configuration really, who cares as long as they sound good.
It’s a question that I’m struggling with for many weeks. At this point it’s a thirst for experience that hits that spot. Please let me know if the question aligns with your review philosophy.
I respect your work a lot and have watched a hell lot of videos. You’re one under appreciated dog 🫡
Looking forward to your comment.
@@akros9333you mentioned modding the Castor. What filter or mods were you talking about? Thank you very much in advance.
Great review, Tony! Thank you! Black or Silver if you are treble sensitive?
Seeing the silver is more of a Harmon style tuning which can emphasise the treble for some I would go for the more fun, bass focused black one.
Plz advise me on kz castor (bass) vs tanchjim one.
I game so depth and imaging is in focus. Clearity is appreciated.
kz dfi or kz castor bass edition, which to go for, (I like bass but not compromising in any other frequency with a little smooth high end so not pinchy)? It would be my first Iem.
Do help me out!!
D fi and castor bass would be completely different. If you want something in the middle then just get the Castor Harmans
what is the name of cable used on the castor harman? and how does it affect the performance?
Very curious about this kz because hi fri mention that some of their dd. Has one dd doing low frequency from 20hz to 100hz and the other dd doing all frequency. Looks like kz did not learn how to use crossover yet. The blue zero for me was too thin in the lower frequency. The tone was not deep and thick as real drums should sound
Amazing video!!! I also bought both of my own pocket and agree 1000% with everything you said!!!
Can you compare it briefly here on comments vs Joyodio VZ10???
@akros9333
I’m on the fence between the Castor Bass and the ZS10 Pro X
Which would you say is better between the two?
Thanks
The simple fact you have tuning switches and the fact the Castor is different to the usual propositions I think makes it the clear choice.
@@akros9333 makes sense, thank you
i almost buy zero red, after watch this video i decide to cancel the order and purchase these 2 iem. thank you
How was the result of your purchase? I have the Zero Red and am thinking about getting these two.
@@ericd1084 if you already have zero red just buy castor bass for more bass music. i enjoy bass version than harman
Guys kz castor bass or juzear clear
Which have better bass and overal sound?
Please can.someone answer
They are both very good, not much difference and they end up trading blows sound wise. However considering the huge difference in price ..15 Vs 45 I'd say get the Castor!
@@akros9333thank you so much for answer
What is the best switch settings for kz castor silver harman?
1100
huge iem collection you got in there, have you thought giving some away? 😅
I will be selling some of the stuff I have .....some is still brand new
Is Kz Castor Harman better than simgot ew100p or moondrop Chu 2?
oh god please akros ! Can i trust kz again after the pr2 ? And i also finding the replacement for the cra too ! Man what with all of this ?
My friend I am simply reviewing a product of which I bought more than one unit , as I often do, and then conveing my opinion.
If you don't want to buy KZ because of issues thats fine.
I am not silent with regards to issues from KZ....have you forgotten I was one of three people that called out KZ over the DQ6 and DQ6s.
As long as what I get works that's what I am concerned with.
Issues that may arise it's up to the individual that has them to address the company and solve them.
Thus I don't understand why you are questioning me on the reason why I am being positive on the Castor
@@akros9333 By no mean calling you out, sr for my aggressive tone. I knew from the moment you praise this that i have to buy it. All the negative for Kz and thank for the review as always. God bless you
Probably not, but they still make great iems. What I do is to buy 2 of each iem from them that I might like soon as they release. I did this for the cra and regret not doing this for the pr2.
i have trn mt3
is upgrade or side grade if i get the castor harman sir??
Can regular 2 pin cables be used on qdc connectors?
technically yes, but it's not very aesthetic ;-)
What's the filter mods/filter grading that Akros was refering to for the Castors?
I recently bought one and using 450 mesh in place of original on Bass version. 500 was too muffled for me. Will try 400 - 200 and other types of filters soon too.
Get yourself a Koss volume wheel or a high impedance adapter and turn this thing into a bass demon.
Is the cable on the castor noisy? Can you hear when it touches stuff?
I know this is late but no, the cable is smooth, feels kind of like matte ish
Kz castor or tangzu waner which will you recommend for someone who listens to mostly hip hop and rnb music
Its recommended if you want a dts experience
what brand of your upgraded cable
Can you make a ranking list of the iems you've heard? Or atleast a top 10 or something? Too many iems to keep with individually
Tony, can you quickly give me your Castor black mod please 🙏can't remember which video you discussed it.
If I am not mistaken it's a 500 grade plus a 300 stacked together.
@@akros9333 thanks! I have 350's and Tanya's, will tinker with those 👍
How does Tanchjim One compare to this? Equal or worse or better?
F
@@fuad000100 G
probably worse
super cheap Chifi IEMs are now as much fun as high-end headphones...but 1/20 of the price. I have had 5 consecutive winners all under $50
which cable is that gold one?
Спасибо)🎉
ZAX or Castor bass?
@@user-ed6ul7pb8k castor bass
Please can you compare them to cca cxs.
I just bought cca cxs but I just want to know how good the new ones are. Please do it.
@@ii_careless_bat_ii9290Castor Harman will sound much better
Should i pick chu 2 or Kz Castor guys
Put tanchjim one there.
tanchjim one is the best iem under $30, and castor.
Bass edition looks like a good cheap one to throw on a bt earhook..
I have OH10, P1 max, PR2, EA500 among others to cover almost all of my library..
That's a outstanding selection.
Castor would fit in nicely 😉
@@akros9333
Thanks man..
Like your take on KZ..
Be a fanboy or critic of the product, not the company..
How does the P1 max compare to PR2 and EA500?
@@lPhipie I'm a Huge P1 Max fan.... better than PR2..... slightly less detail than EA500....but I mean very very slight difference. You can't go wrong with P1Max
@@lPhipie
P1 Max is sit back and relax kinda iem..
If you find regular planars intense and shouty then p1 max is perfect, no shout or sibilance at all..
Is the As24 still worth it?
I ordered both what bass mod did you do to the bass version
Which one did you like more
@@TusharJain-xy8re bass version i like the most
@@marcswinnen9100 cool ! I'll get that then
Would you say that KZ ZVX is now obsolete?
Definitely not.....I love the ZVX with the wide bore tips from BGVP or the Letshuoer tips....sounds really good.
Kz castor vs 7h zero which has better in term of sound quality?
I did not like thin vokal and shoutyness.
You tell me what difference in both iems?
Got mine for £8 incl. delivery, bargain
Yup, I like KZs, their QCs are good
LMFAO
KZ has produced some truly awful earphones. Maybe they have finally changed but...
Good at gluing stuff together, and it coming apart after 6 months? They need better superglue... they using rice and water as their glue xd
now they are good, but their old iems use to be glued so bad they fall off..
is KZ CASTOR better than qkzxhbb?
The bass version is
Space Travel vs Castor ?
Wired always better
Tkzk ouranus or castor harman? Which is better
🤔
@@fuad000100 i need to know because akros also love the tkzk ouranus😁
@@premiumgadgetsbypauloHaha me too I'm just following 😂
Man these these IEM names are getting creative 😂 ouranus
Ive tried the KZ ZS10 non pro & it was terrible for the price on amazon anyone agree? But maybe they werent meant to produce good headphones. The cheaper KZ ProX sounded even better but still was terrible with their driver & one BA
Which one is better: Castor or D-FI?
Castor
Underwhelming range with instruments getting lost, really very compressed sounding after having both silver and black castors on hand. Need to keep reminding myself not to look for surprises or magic in super budget iems and super high end iems again and again and get my expectations right…
Wait, I own the black one and have other 100/200 usd heavy weights with powerful subbass or mid bass like the Aful 5 and VE Sie and honestly I’m blown away by the castor. Does your source have under 1 ohm output impedance?
@@TomatePasFraichetry the Sony n3ap. For iems and headphones, really new isn’t always better. In the market for ages to know this. Find one that REALLY fits and u get what I mean. I m trying to help people save money.
Wow not my experience at all with the Harman version with my Kahn Alpha.
I gotta disagree about the political side of things here. For me, it doesn't matter how good they sound, the brand has lost my trust. I am not going to risk giving my money to a brand that cuts costs at the risk of build quality and sound, changes the tuning of existing models behind our backs, bribes reviewers for positive reviews, attacks and belittles other companies in the hobby and does a whole heap of legally questionable shit to try and push their products out to as many people as possible. It's mindblowing how scummy a company can be, and I cannot support them for that.
Thank you for the comment.
You are totally entitled to have your opinion and if that means not supporting them , that's fine.
I just feel that too much attention is paid to their actions when if we dive really deep and start seeing other companies and their actions , we also find some dodgy behaviours.
But that's another story..... Regarding KZ and all the other brands I review i will strive to be as impartial as I've been thus far....review what I get , give my opinion and then let everyone decide for themselves what to do.
Ohhh and one more detail....98% of my reviews where possible because of my money being put towards that.....I have received a couple of free units but that has not changed my opinion.
@@akros9333 Yes, no criticism to you as someone making an objective review. I mostly put this comment here to bring light to the other side of the matter.
And sure, there are other companies doing dodgy stuff, but none as bad or as blatant as KZ is. It just bothers me to see them get so much praise and popularity despite it.
@@thefinkie6459 yes I totally understood it was not a comment for me but as a general call of attention. Like I said I really like this sort of interaction .
We do iem monitoring for studio, film studio and live stage performances from clubs to festivals to concerts. Our roadcase for budget iems has about 150 sets, we use these for opening acts etc. Our experience with KZ was terrible. They can't hold up to heavy use by musicians; faceplate falling off, trouble with connectors, and many more problems. But the biggest problem was that we would purchase one batch and it be totally different from the previous batch. So there's no KZ units in our case. We cannot take a chance in our situation, there's so many other companies with great budget units.
It's worth a few extra dollars to know the gear you supplied won't fall apart and will sound how you told your client it would. If that happens you may not get the same gig again.
To level things out, I don't like the overpriced Sennheiser and Shure units either. My favorite iems are Ch-Fi iems. There are great units in the budget line($20-$150) that sound great and are robust enough for rowdy musicians. Right now there's a huge amount of great units in the $50, $80, and $100-$150 prices.
I think that Ch-Fi has shown the legacy companies like Shure and Sennheiser some great innovations and realistic pricing. As a result, none of those are in this case either!
@@thesonnytackettshow7949 What are some brands that you do use instead?
If you are making a 45 mins review ,at least put time stamps? Its2023 ffs
Well it's easy ......don't watch it!