KZ AS10 Pro - Another Good KZ in 2024?

3.5⭐️

+ Fun and dynamic V-shaped tuning

+ Decently big bass despite all BA

+ Sibilance? Nope!

+ Sparkly treble

+ Good technicalities for the price

+ Bass can be further boosted with an impedance adapter if desired

- Might have too much mid-bass emphasis for some

- Lacks extension on both ends

- Priced slightly higher than other KZs

- Pressure buildup in ear

- Same lackluster accessories despite the price increase

thaslaya's star rating system:

☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!

☆☆☆☆ - Recommended

☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me

☆☆ - Can't see the appeal

☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer: 

This product was provided to me by Linsoul in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Carina at Linsoul for coordinating this unit for review.

Non affiliate link for those interested: https://www.linsoul.com/products/kz-as10-pro

Gear used: 

●LG v30+

●Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra

●Samsung dongle

●Hiby FC4

●Kiwi Ears Allegro 

●Letshuoer DT03 

Source:

●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:

KZ is a well-known brand and needs little introduction. If you're reading this, it's likely that you have heard of them or even tried one of their iems in the past. The AS10 Pro utilizes a significantly revamped design compared to the original model, though the Pro version still sports five balanced armature drivers per side. The AS10 Pro's price tag is a bit higher than some of the standard KZ offerings and is currently available through Linsoul for $68.99, as well as many retailers worldwide. Let's break down the AS10 Pro and see if its sound and performance justify the higher cost.

Build, fit, ergonomics:

The unboxing is identical to most of KZ's other models, with very minimal packaging and inclusions, though the box art is a bit more understated here. The AS10 Pro features a completely new aesthetic from the original AS10 model, and I must say it's a welcome improvement. I have never owned or tried the original, but based on pictures alone, the Pro version is more my style. This newest model includes many design elements that have become mainstays of KZ's recent iems. These include a metal faceplate displaying the model name, a clear resin body, a metal nozzle, and a QDC-style 2-pin connector. The build quality of the shell is very sturdy, has a decent weight, and feels good in hand. The faceplate has a fairly large vent, but I don't think it's actually functional since I get a very prominent vacuum effect while using them. The shell is quite large, and the nozzle measures 5.7 mm at its widest point. The nozzle also features a small lip to help keep tips in place. The insertion depth is perhaps slightly deeper than average, but I had no issues with fit or comfort, other than the aforementioned vacuum effect. The included accessories are the standard KZ tips and cable, which are mediocre. I promptly put the cable aside in favor of an ivipQ cable, which is my favorite brand of cables at the moment. I did try the stock tips but ended up using the Penon Liqueurs for better fit and comfort. The overall inclusions are a little disappointing considering the increased price tag, but I don't really expect any KZ set to have fantastic accessories at this point. 

Sound impressions:

The AS10 Pro has a V-shaped tuning profile with more focus on the mid-bass and rolled-off extension at both ends. The soundstage won't blow you away, but it has ample width and depth and is quite good considering the price. The dynamics are adequate, and it has an overall exciting presentation. It's not a super detailed iem, but it does compete well in its price bracket. The separation and imaging are both above average, and I found no issues with either. The note weight is slightly on the thinner side, but overall, it is acceptable. The timbre is just a touch off. It has a sort of artificial shimmer or sheen to vocals and instruments that some might call "BA timbre." It is somewhat subtle, though, and does not impact the overall sound much. Some Head-Fiers who frequently visit the Discovery thread may have noticed a discussion about the AS10 Pro and the use of an impedance adapter. I can confirm that the bass does benefit from adding more impedance, which can help bring out the sub-bass. This set can be driven easily with a simple dongle and smartphone, but adding more impedance may warrant using an amplifier to reach higher volume levels. Depending on the number of Ohms added, impedance can turn up the bass a few notches. I made my listening impressions without using an impedance adapter unless otherwise noted. I found that the AS10 Pro paired best with the Hiby FC4 and the ivipQ 539 cable, to my ears. This combination helped tame the upper mids and treble while adding a bit of warmth.

●Lows - There is a fair amount of bass here, but it focuses more on the mid-bass than the sub-bass. There's enough quantity for bass enthusiasts, but the quality is somewhat lacking, especially in the low-end extension, which can sometimes be typical of BA drivers. It has good speed and a fairly quick decay, and it does well with double bass kicks, where individual notes can be clearly discerned. Unfortunately, it lacks a bit of impact and slam and sounds a bit pillowy or muffled on some tracks. The bass may not be as pronounced or robust as you might expect from a V-shaped profile, perhaps due to the driver's implementation. Without that distinct sub-bass rumble, what’s here is somewhat underwhelming. This is where an impedance adapter can provide some assistance. Utilizing an 80-ohm adapter does bring out a little more sub-bass rumble, but it can’t really help that same bass extend lower, so it still comes off sounding somewhat incomplete.

●Mids - The lower midrange is quite scooped due to the V-shape, and some instruments get a little lost in the mix. In contrast, the upper mids are quite boosted, and the elevated pinna gain helps vocals stay at the forefront and mostly well separated. The lower mids do not suffer from any encroaching bass bleed, but they can also sound a bit hollow. Certain baritone instruments that fall within this frequency range lack presence compared to those in the lower and higher ranges. Because of this, the mids lack a bit of warmth and soul. Vocals are well represented, with both male and female artists being clear while not too forward or boosted. There is a sort of fine balance that the mids achieve with the rest of the frequencies, but a little more attention to the lower midrange might help to add that special something that is missing. I tried using EQ to fill some of that void, with some success. So I would say the AS10 Pro does respond well to EQ.

●Highs - As expected, there is some added energy in the treble. It's most noticeable in snares, hi-hats, and claps, where they sometimes sound harsh and thin. Also, cymbals can come across as overly splashy, and even "s" and "sh" sounds have a bit too much energy. To the AS10 Pro's credit, I think it falls just short of being truly sibilant, but it can be fatiguing even over short listening sessions. It's definitely not the brightest or most troublesome treble I've heard, even among KZ iems this year, but it does bother me on some tracks, and it could be further extended to add more air. For those who prefer lower listening volumes, the issue only arises when the volume reaches higher levels. Unfortunately, for me personally, I do not really enjoy listening at lower volumes, so the problem was more apparent to me.

In conclusion:

KZ has been its usual self lately, churning out frequent releases throughout 2024. Some of those that I've reviewed have been surprisingly good, like the CCA Trio. Others, like the KZ ZS10 Pro 2, were just too bright, sibilant, and not my style. The AS10 Pro features great, solid build quality, a fun dynamic tuning, and its technicalities compete well among its peers in the price range. One drawback, though, is that the shell and nozzle are on the larger side and did cause a vacuum effect when sealed. I do like the AS10 Pro's tuning and I think its overall performance warrants the increased asking price over some other KZ models, although better accessories would go a long way toward making the whole package feel more premium. I found that the genres that it worked best with in my library were pop, soft pop/rock, and classical. It does have some stiff competition though as there are many sets at $70 and below that trade blows. The CCA Trio is one that I highly recommend for its very low price, analog-style sound, and versatility, featuring four tuning switches. Another set I would personally go for is the Truthear Zero: Red, but to be fair, its laid-back tuning also more closely matches my preferences. If you are looking for an all-BA set that has punchy bass, well-extended, sparkly treble, and decent soundstage, separation, and imaging, then the AS10 Pro is definitely one to consider. It can get even better with the use of an impedance adapter, and I highly recommend experimenting with one. I think it's another strong release so far this year for KZ, and it does indeed seem like their products are only getting better over time. Never change, KZ.