Reviews by OceanOfLight
Introduction
Where to begin? It's been a while since KZ has produced such a divisive pair of IEMs. Lately, they have been crafting really good IEMs, and it doesn't help that the Symphony is overall on the pricier side compared to other models made by KZ. The idea behind the Symphony is quite straightforward: "Our previous planar models were found to be lacking in the bass department. What if, by combining a Dynamic Driver with our Planar one, we could have the best of both worlds in one pair?" With this simple yet effective idea, the Symphony has come into existence.
Disclaimer: I bought the KZ Symphony with my own money.
Technical Specifications
・Drivers: 1 x 13.2mm Planar driver + 1 x 6mm Dynamic Driver
・Impedance: 18 Ω
・Sensitivity: 95 dB
Packaging
The KZ Symphony comes in a different than usual black box, but it shares the same contents as the KZ standard one, which includes:
・The IEM (KZ Symphony)
・3 pairs of KZ Starline silicone ear tips (S, M, L) and one set of medium-sized foam tips
・A QDC 3.5 silver-plated cable
Gears I used for the review:
Drivability
I would highly suggest pairing the Symphony with a good DAC/AMP, as it is almost as power-hungry as the PR2. Needless to say, a good DAC will also improve dynamics and detail retrieval compared to integrated ones. If you have a DAC/AMP that supports a balanced connection, compared to the 3.5mm unbalanced connection, the soundstage of the Symphony improves considerably when used on the balanced port, but its bass can become overbearing. So, in this particular case, I would highly suggest using the Symphony with its stock cable to experience the best version of it.
My review will focalize on the Symphony with its stock cable and tips.
Sound Signature
The KZ Symphony delivers a more “classic” KZ sound, characterized by a distinct V-shaped tuning. The bass presence is considerable but never too much. The midrange takes a step back, residing more recessed and subtly in the background. This also contributes to creating a sense of spaciousness and separation. As for the treble, it is crystal clear and with really nice extension. In summary, the KZ Symphony embodies a classic “fun” signature.
Bass
The KZ Symphony showcases a full-bodied bass, kind of warm and on the "wet" side. It performs good across both the sub-bass and mid-bass ranges. Notably, the bass delivers a solid punch, which adds an engaging dynamic to the overall landscape. Additionally, it synergizes effectively with the planar driver, by introducing the above-mentioned touch of warmth to the IEM. This warmth is particularly valuable, as planar drivers can sometimes lack it on their own.
Midrange
As per other reviewers, the midrange in the Symphony is recessed. However, I’d like to emphasize that it’s slightly more recessed than what you may typically encounter in other v-shaped IEMs. In my opinion, the Symphony could have benefited from a subtler V-shaped tuning to cater to a broader audience. Male vocals, lower-stringed instruments, and even female vocals may appear a tad more distant and subdued than usual. This can be a con if you are seeking for a "safer" tuning, and a pro if you are in for trying out something new.
Treble
Some people have criticized its treble, but I respectfully disagree, since for me it's not a drawback but, in fact, it stands out as the highlight of this IEM. It shares the same quality that can also be found in the PR3 (same planar driver): the treble is crystal clear with exceptionally good extension. However, it’s essential to recognize that individuals who are treble-sensitive might perceive it as piercing on some instances. As a side note, I would say that when compared to the PR3 and especially the PR2, the treble can be perceived as a bit ‘tamer’. This effect is due to the fact that it is better counterbalanced by the really solid bass offered by the Symphony.
Soundstage
The soundstage is remarkably expansive and incredibly immersive, boasting a generous width and really good depth. Additionally, the imaging is excellent, aligning well with other models in the same price range.
Conclusion
The KZ Symphony is a very competent IEM for the price (I purchased it on sale for $55). It provides a well-rounded, fun and enjoyable listening experience. While I do believe a less V-shaped tuning might have made it less controversial and divisive pair, and its timbre could sound a little "off" sometimes - but not the worst I've ever experienced by far - and also female vocal sound sibilant on some instances, I would say the Symphony is nevertheless a decent IEM for its asking price.
So, in the end has the idea behind this hybrid worked? Yes, kinda. The Symphony is a KZ planar IEM that doesn’t fall behind in the bass department - more the other way around - while still offering a discrete performance in the mids and a good one in the treble region, thanks to its very capable planar driver. Does the Symphony still have room for improvement? Undoubtedly, and I’m sure KZ will capitalize on that with a next iteration. But for the time being, the Symphony has been an interesting first iteration, somehow flawed, but also worth to be experienced - if nothing else - for its peculiarity.
Where to begin? It's been a while since KZ has produced such a divisive pair of IEMs. Lately, they have been crafting really good IEMs, and it doesn't help that the Symphony is overall on the pricier side compared to other models made by KZ. The idea behind the Symphony is quite straightforward: "Our previous planar models were found to be lacking in the bass department. What if, by combining a Dynamic Driver with our Planar one, we could have the best of both worlds in one pair?" With this simple yet effective idea, the Symphony has come into existence.
Disclaimer: I bought the KZ Symphony with my own money.
Technical Specifications
・Drivers: 1 x 13.2mm Planar driver + 1 x 6mm Dynamic Driver
・Impedance: 18 Ω
・Sensitivity: 95 dB
Packaging
The KZ Symphony comes in a different than usual black box, but it shares the same contents as the KZ standard one, which includes:
・The IEM (KZ Symphony)
・3 pairs of KZ Starline silicone ear tips (S, M, L) and one set of medium-sized foam tips
・A QDC 3.5 silver-plated cable
Gears I used for the review:
| DAC: FiiO BTR15 | It offers a very neutral and clean presentation, very airy and open sounding. It is an excellent pairing for the Symphony if you want it to sound cleaner and further improve its perceived soundstage. |
| DAC: FiiO KA17 | It offers a balanced and dynamic presentation, while adding bit of warmth in the lower frequencies compared to the BTR15. So, when paired with the KA17, the Symphony sounds warmer: losing a bit of clarity in the treble region but offering in exchange a more atmospheric and organic experience. |
| Cable: TRN T2 PRO 4.4mm | It's quite a "neutral" cable, it doesn't seem to alter the sound of the IEM much compared to the default KZ cable, but the build quality and material are better compared to it, and foremost, it gives me access to the 4.4 port. |
| Cable: NiceHCK BlackCat 4.4mm | Definitely not a "neutral" cable, it tightens up the bass and bumps up the mids. This is a really nice "fix" if the Symphony is way too V-shaped for your taste. |
| Cable: KZ Default cable | Probably the best pick for this IEM overall, I suggest keep using this one since when the Symphony is connected in balanced the bass can become overbearing, in PO connection with its default cable this problem doesn't seem to arise. |
Drivability
I would highly suggest pairing the Symphony with a good DAC/AMP, as it is almost as power-hungry as the PR2. Needless to say, a good DAC will also improve dynamics and detail retrieval compared to integrated ones. If you have a DAC/AMP that supports a balanced connection, compared to the 3.5mm unbalanced connection, the soundstage of the Symphony improves considerably when used on the balanced port, but its bass can become overbearing. So, in this particular case, I would highly suggest using the Symphony with its stock cable to experience the best version of it.
My review will focalize on the Symphony with its stock cable and tips.
Sound Signature
The KZ Symphony delivers a more “classic” KZ sound, characterized by a distinct V-shaped tuning. The bass presence is considerable but never too much. The midrange takes a step back, residing more recessed and subtly in the background. This also contributes to creating a sense of spaciousness and separation. As for the treble, it is crystal clear and with really nice extension. In summary, the KZ Symphony embodies a classic “fun” signature.
Bass
The KZ Symphony showcases a full-bodied bass, kind of warm and on the "wet" side. It performs good across both the sub-bass and mid-bass ranges. Notably, the bass delivers a solid punch, which adds an engaging dynamic to the overall landscape. Additionally, it synergizes effectively with the planar driver, by introducing the above-mentioned touch of warmth to the IEM. This warmth is particularly valuable, as planar drivers can sometimes lack it on their own.
Midrange
As per other reviewers, the midrange in the Symphony is recessed. However, I’d like to emphasize that it’s slightly more recessed than what you may typically encounter in other v-shaped IEMs. In my opinion, the Symphony could have benefited from a subtler V-shaped tuning to cater to a broader audience. Male vocals, lower-stringed instruments, and even female vocals may appear a tad more distant and subdued than usual. This can be a con if you are seeking for a "safer" tuning, and a pro if you are in for trying out something new.
Treble
Some people have criticized its treble, but I respectfully disagree, since for me it's not a drawback but, in fact, it stands out as the highlight of this IEM. It shares the same quality that can also be found in the PR3 (same planar driver): the treble is crystal clear with exceptionally good extension. However, it’s essential to recognize that individuals who are treble-sensitive might perceive it as piercing on some instances. As a side note, I would say that when compared to the PR3 and especially the PR2, the treble can be perceived as a bit ‘tamer’. This effect is due to the fact that it is better counterbalanced by the really solid bass offered by the Symphony.
Soundstage
The soundstage is remarkably expansive and incredibly immersive, boasting a generous width and really good depth. Additionally, the imaging is excellent, aligning well with other models in the same price range.
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Conclusion
The KZ Symphony is a very competent IEM for the price (I purchased it on sale for $55). It provides a well-rounded, fun and enjoyable listening experience. While I do believe a less V-shaped tuning might have made it less controversial and divisive pair, and its timbre could sound a little "off" sometimes - but not the worst I've ever experienced by far - and also female vocal sound sibilant on some instances, I would say the Symphony is nevertheless a decent IEM for its asking price.
So, in the end has the idea behind this hybrid worked? Yes, kinda. The Symphony is a KZ planar IEM that doesn’t fall behind in the bass department - more the other way around - while still offering a discrete performance in the mids and a good one in the treble region, thanks to its very capable planar driver. Does the Symphony still have room for improvement? Undoubtedly, and I’m sure KZ will capitalize on that with a next iteration. But for the time being, the Symphony has been an interesting first iteration, somehow flawed, but also worth to be experienced - if nothing else - for its peculiarity.
Nimweth
My NICE HCK Black Cat cable came today. I first tried it with the PR3 which was great. You are right, the Symphony sounds really good with the Black Cat. Thank you for the recommendation.
OceanOfLight
Really happy you liked it! 
Nimweth
Yes, the Black Cat adds a little warmth to the mid bass, lifts the mids and smooths out the top end. It addresses the slight tonal inaccuracies and it works really well.
