Knowledge Zenith have finally produced a balanced hybrid in the KZ ED16 that sounds great and does not suffer from bloated bass, harsh mids, or piercing treble. A real listening pleasure for less than $25.

Knowledge Zenith have been around the western markets for a few years now initially making themselves a name with very low-priced but good sounding earphones. In 2015 and 2016, favorable reviews of the KZ ATE and KZ ZS3, respectively, propelled Knowledge Zenith onto the stage of budget audiophiles.

Since 2017, Knowledge Zenith has released a number of very affordable hybrid earphones that have created a large circle of fans. The ED16 belongs to the company’s latest batch of releases by the time purchased mine.

This “hybrid” earphone sports three drivers, one “dynamic” and two “balanced armature”. Most earphones only have a single dynamic driver, which is capable of covering the whole frequency spectrum and generating a full bass. More expensive, professional monitor earphones contain one of more balance armature drivers, which have a better resolution and detail, but none of them covers the whole frequency spectrum. Combining a dynamic driver with two balance armature drivers gives the listener the best of both worlds: a satisfying bass and detailed midrange and treble.

The ED16 comes in a small box, which also contains a cable with a one-button remote and microphone and three pairs of eartips in sizes S, M, and L. The cable is connected to the earpieces via two pins and can be replaced.

The earpieces are made of robust, translucent plastic and are as good a quality as it gets. The rubbery cable is the traditional Knowledge Zenith standard and works just fine. I selected the one with the one-button remote and microphone. The button works with both Apple and Android devices and can be used to stop/forward/rewind music and do start/receive a phone call.

These earphones are very comfortable for my ears over longer periods of time. The cable is worn over and around the ear for maximum hold. The portion of the cable that wraps around the ear is reinforced by memory wire. Sound isolation is good and there is no bleed to bystanders.

I used my iPhone 5S as source and the included eartips in size L did the job for me.

The ED16 can be characterized by a warm, open, and relaxed sound signature that is very pleasant to my ears.

Bass is prominent, warm, with lots of punch, and well extended to the deeper frequencies, yet it is not overwhelming and does not smudge into the midrange. The midrange is equally warm and is never harsh or sibilant. Vocals are firm and a bit recessed. There is a peak in the upper midrange at 2 kHz which adds some sheen to the higher vocals and is probably responsible for the openness. Treble starts rolling off at 4.5 kHz and has a small 10 kHz peak, which does not produce any piercing but adds some brightness to the image. Bass, mids, and treble are linked by a glaze that results in an nice sonic fluidity.

The overall image is big, the soundstage is rather wide and deep. Spatial representation is excellent. Instrument separation and layering are good.

KZ ZS10: This five-driver per side has a good resolution and instrument separation, however rather recessed, sometimes harsh mids that can be smothered by the bass that is much stronger than in the ED16.

KZ ZS6: It has an attractive metal body and a rather analytical however accurate sound with a treble pierce unforgiven by sensible ears.

KZ ZSR: Similar timbre as the ED16, with similar treble but more bass. The ED16 appears to be an evolution of the ZSR.

KZ ES4: The ES4 is more bass-oriented, with a neutral, analytical midrange and less forward treble. The sound of the ED16 is more coherent.

I own about 70 pairs of earphones and headphones, including many by Knowledge Zenith (EDR1, EDR2, HDS1, HDS3, ie80 ATE, ATR, GR, EDR1, EDR2, ED3, ED4, ED7, ES3, ES4, ZS3, ZS5, ZS6, ZS10, ZSR, ZST, and ZSA). The ED16, although by far not their most expensive model, is their best in my opinion (together with the ZS6 at twice the price). I am rather lukewarm about their latest ZS10 flagship. Knowledge Zenith has continuously improved their hybrids and they finally got it right with the ED16, which features a sound signature of a quality only found in much more expensive “brand name” earphones. The ED16 is simply a really good, enjoyable earphone for longer listening sessions and a steal at its ~$25 purchase price.