Now I was planning to upload my impressions on the ZVX Pro in a few more days after I’ve sifted through the rest of my backlogs, but the M2 sparked my interest as the first DSP cable I’ve tried with a physical button to change the sound. I’ve seen DSP cables that changes the sound based on the app, but this physical button one is a first for me.
But first, the ZVX Pro:
In short, it’s a great budget IEM with solid tonality and decent technicalities to be a good, safe choice but not stand out in any way. KZ has been making good value IEMs recently and the ZVX Pro is a great example of when KZ decides to shut up and make something good. The ZVX Pro is that and more because of that all metal build that, unlike the ZVX, is glossy and not painted. So good bye paint chip, hello hairline scratches! Jokes aside, the ZVX is a phenomenal set if you enjoy the modern KZ tuning and want a good budget IEM.
Now, the M2:
I choose the ZVX Pro to be my “guinea pig” since it’s their latest IEM and it makes sense pairing these two together (brand combo and all). It’s your typical KZ cable with a type C jack and a thick dual mic set-up. If you want a fancy cable, this ain’t it. However, I found that the two quirky features ended up being pretty damn good.
First, that dual mic is actually good. No noise cancelling whatsoever. Whatever the mic hears, that’s what it’ll record. But, the sound of my voice is pretty darn good. A little warm but it’s clear and does not sound digital whatsoever. I’m not recording any of my reviews on these, but I’m definitely using these for calls and such.
And finally, that type C jack. You can barely see the chip on the inside, but plugging it in will illuminate the KZ logo that is presumably on the DAC chip. On top of that window is a gray button that, when pressed while plug in will change between red (kinda red and blue because of the bleed), blue and green. Here’s what they mean.
Red = Stock
Blue = Bass Mode
Green = High Resolution mode
And upon listening (and measuring), it checks out! Red looks very close to the stock 3.5mm version of the ZVX Pro, the bass mode increases the bass starting at the 200hz mark and the high resolution mode lowers the bass at around the 200hz mark. The difference is no more than 5db between each mode, so it’s something you have to hear for yourself whether you do hear a difference. But I think it’s cool that something like this exists. No pesky apps, no firmware updates. Just press a button and bam, you got insta EQ. Only if KZ began to invest in better cable material for these kinds of cables.
FULL REVIEW COMING SOON!
