QKZ VK4 iem

Intro​

Disclaimer: I purchased the QKZ VK4 with my own money at full price and this review is written of my own accord. For more reviews like these, do check out our website.

The QKZ VK4 has been around for quite some time, even before the BLON BL-03’s rise to fame (or notoriety). In a similar fashion, the VK4 had its minute of fame on the hype train, where some have compared its frequency response curve to the likes of Campfire’s Andromedas. There are some who love it to bits, some who absolutely hate on it, and today we shall weigh in with our two cents for what it’s worth. Better late than never.

Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 5.5/10)​

Accessories are the bare minimum to get you going right out of the box. The usual squiggly 4-wire twisted cable with some usable silicone tips. It has the option of an in-line microphone should you require one. The VK4 sports a flushed 2-pin socket, opening up many options for third-party cables should you want to spice up the aesthetics of your VK4.

It comes in 2 colourways. Of course, I went for the flashiest one – the “Candy” version. It also has a more discrete black design with a printed carbon fibre design on the faceplate.

Fit (Score: 7.5/10)​

The fit of the VK4 is the typical lower-end KZ IEM shape. The buds are not the snuggest or most ergonomic, but with the right tips, comfort is pretty good. The choice of tips does have quite an impact on how the VK4 sounds. I enjoyed SpinFits with it as it kept the bass to a reasonably balanced level. For those who enjoy a more present bass response, the Final Audio Type E Silicone Tips work well too.

Sound (Score: 7.5/10)​

Sources

• Lotoo Paw S1
• Hiby R5

Music listened to

• Chicago Symphony Orchestra – Beethoven Symphony 7
• Boston Symphony Orchestra – The Nutcracker Suite
• The Vamps – Cherry Blossom
• Stevie Wonder – In the Key of Life
• Bastille – All This Bad Blood
• The Lumineers
• Børns – Blue Madonna
• McFly – Memory Lane
• NEEDTOBREATHE
• Avicii – Stories
• Coldplay – X&Y/Parachutes
• Fun.
• Family Company

Bass

This is possibly the most divisive section of the VK4. Many have claimed that the VK4 is excessively bassy. However, I never once felt so. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure if it’s due to unit variance, choice of tips or just differences in tastes. That said, while I appreciate some warmth, I’m certainly not a fan of copious bass. In fact, the bass is tamer than the likes of BLON’s BL-03 and KZ EDX. The bass nevertheless has a good presence and thump to satisfy bass lovers and lends some warmth to the overall sound signature.

If there is one thing I would improve on the VK4, it would be the “cleanliness” of the bass. It is a The mids sing really well and I would only wish the Bass was a tad bit more refined to go well. But alas, I am probably asking for the improbable.

Mids

The VK4 has a U-shaped frequency response. The mids are noticeably recessed, but not to the extent where vocals start getting compromised. Instruments and vocals sound very natural and it transitions from where the bass left off smoothly. I especially love how brass instruments sound on the VK4. Too many times do trumpets and female vocals become shrill and uncontrolled on more budget IEMs but the VK4 handles those very maturely. The bass doesn’t ever undermine the mids and the presentation is relatively clean with good staging and breadth. Imaging is limited but not terrible.

Treble

Treble is rolled off significantly in the upper regions. This limits the height of the sound you get. Hence, there isn’t that air of extension, serving as a constant reminder that you are after all listening to a $10 IEM. After all, the VK4 does so much well that it is easy to forget that. Treble is also pushed backwards quite a bit, such that it sounds rather relaxed and muted in a sense. Instruments like cymbals and jingles lack the sparkle and additional layer to their tone that is typically present in more refined treble responses found in higher-end IEMs.

Overall

Don’t expect too many layers and separation from the VK4. It offers a rather one-dimensional sound. That said, there is still a very reasonable amount of detail present, very much more I would have expected. Nevertheless, the VK4 is rather well-tuned and is a coherent package overall.

Comparison​

vs TRN MT1


The TRN MT1 has a slightly more detailed sound, albeit still limited within the range of what a $5 Single DD can do for you. However, the MT1 also has a less natural tuning, with slightly more aggressive and thinner upper mids and treble, Thus, I would say the VK4 edges out the TRN MT1 being the better tuned IEM of the two. Nevertheless, the MT1 (US$5) is about half the price of the VK4 and a very capable IEM in its price bracket, with a slightly different tuning in mind. However, comparing them side by side, the VK4 has the Wow-Factor that takes it beyond the realm of normalcy and has a tuning more aligned with my tastes.

vs KZ EDX


The KZ EDX is also another ultra-budget IEM, coming in at about US$5. It offers a rather Bass-focused tuning, minus the technicalities. It has all the bare-bones of an IEM, but lacking in anything worthy of much praise. I am also not really a fan of the head-shaking bass on the EDX. As much value the EDX has, the VK4 does better and goes beyond in tuning and tonality. The VK4 gives a much more balanced sound and even if your budget caps out at $5, I would prefer the MT1 over the EDX.

Conclusion​

The QKZ VK4 has certainly impressed me with what it can do with $10. It has a very nice tuning and presentation. The timbre of instruments is relatively accurate with the overall tuning being slightly warm and musical. I first purchased it mindlessly just for the lols as a beater IEM for my calls. Over time, I caught myself enjoying them a little too much and I was like “Hey weren’t these dirt-cheap? Music wasn’t supposed to sound good.” The fact that I found these enjoyable speaks volumes about what they can achieve.

Ultimately, do yourself a favour instead and not try to compare the VK4 with IEMs many times its price. Instead, just sit back, appreciate that such a deal exists and enjoy what VK4 brings to the table. For anyone thinking of having just a small taste of what audiophiles ramble about all the time minus the price tag, THIS is the IEM you’re gonna want to get.

Overall Grade: A-​

Click HERE for our grading list for earphones and more info on how we grade

This is the IEM that drove me down into a rabbit hole much deeper than I had anticipated. They were great for me as a beginner, but how do they add up now?

Overview
The QKZ VK4 is an economical single dynamic driver universal IEM sporting a 10$ price tag. Other Chi-Fi competitors at this price point and spec includes the EDX by KZ or the MT1 by TRN. The VK4 may be a bit more pricy than her competitors, but at the price point you definitely don't feel cheated by the type product you are getting.

As with other IEM from the Linsoul Sub-brands, the QKZ VK4 is packaged using the famous rectangular slide away box used also by the KZ's, CCA's, and others. The box contains the standard package of two drivers, a braided "a-type" cable, spare tips, a handbook on IEM usage, and warranty card. Overall there's nothing special here.

The drivers themselves come in two flavors: a purple candy look or a sleek carbon pattern gray both with the QKZ logo plastered to the faceplate. Whichever color you choose, the material is plastic which makes it feel flimsy on your hands. However, when you stick these in your ears you will be thanking the material because you will forget they were even in your ears.

The cable provided with the product is neither good nor bad. They retain their stiffness to their packaging induced shape that doesn't go away even with prolonged usage, you just can't get these cable to straighten out. This isn't all bad, as the cable is less likely to break on you since it feels sturdier than other cables such as the TRN cables. I still would recommend after market cables (even though they cost more than half the actual IEM price) on these just to enhance your experience.

But what matters is the sound, and here's where things get interesting.

Bass
The bass is definitely the highlight of this IEM. You get a luscious boomy base as a basis to whatever you listen too. Even the sub-bass feel very effortless coming out of this single driver. It can get a bit carried away though and at times it doesn't feel very tight or detailed. At this price point though it is to be expected, and you really can't complain about what you're getting here.

Mids
As with most entry level CIEM the QKZ VK4 presents a V-shaped signature for your listening pleasures. While making the music more fun to listen to, it does mean we have to sacrifice the mids. You definitely feel like the mids are overshadowed by the bass bleed. It does provide a warm and relaxed listen for male vocals. For female vocals, guitars, or brass instruments there is a bit more detail and clarity as the frequency response starts to climb the other side of the V.

Due to the recessed mids, at times it can feel like the instruments are too homogenous and condensed together. As such, separation and imaging is definitely not the strong suit of this IEM.

Highs
This is a really polarizing aspect of the IEM you either love it or you hate it regardless of whether you are a treble head or not. For me personally I enjoy the double horned peak that the VK4 provides. It really presents a fun listening experience and balances out some of the lost detail at the bottom end. The sharpness of the peaks might cause some sounds to lack body or have an airiness quality. In my opinion this doesn't always mean it sounds bad, on the contrary the airiness is quite enjoyable considering how congested the lower mids feel. Some might consider that the highs are overly done and feels sibilant. Again there are no wrong or right here, it all comes down to personal preference.

Technicalities
The mushy bass and congested mids really does a detriment to the IEM's soundstage and imaging. The space feels very condensed and closed, however you can still tell where the sound is coming from. It's very adequate for gaming. I would say that it's not the worst, but there are definitely better at the price point such as the ST1.

Tonality and micro detail is a hit or miss as the double peak at the top works for some sound and completely butcher others.

Separation again is not very strong because of the congestion.

Final Thoughts
The QKZ VK4 is a great entry level IEM. If you want a good introduction to the audio hobby this is a perfect choice as it really balances a conventionally familiar sound with some eccentricities at the top end. Beginners will find the bass to be very engaging and something to fit the general public's taste. Gradually you will start to notice the interesting details and features lurking behind the bass.

But what if you are well versed in this hobby, is it still worth your money to buy an IEM with a "fun" signature. My answer is yes. Sometimes there are days where I just want to drown myself in the murky waters of a chocolate lake that is the bass in this IEM. I personally daily drive this IEM with a Spinfit CP100 to mellow out the bass and dig out the detail lurking in the mids (I wouldn't recommend this if you are treble sensitive).

Beginner or just looking to make a fine addition to your collection you will not regret this $10 gateway drug.

Introduction:

At 9 USD, this is the second-cheapest IEM with removable cables (EDX is cheapest at 6 USD). This was the first-ever “earphones” I bought, if I don’t include the atrocious Xiaomi Airdots.

A plasticky, candy-colored shell started it all – and the rest was history. Here’s my take on the much-acclaimed, legendary QKZ VK4…



These were plugged to my phones (Oppo Reno 4, iPhone 5s) and laptop (Asus X409). I still do not have a dedicated DAC/Amp and thus cannot test scalability with more power but I am considering buying an Apple Dongle and/or a cheap amplifier (Topping NX1s).


Build and comfort: Typical universal CIEM shape, reminiscent of some of KZ’s offerings, which is understandable as from what I’ve read, they are sister companies. Definitely “cheap-feeling” – light, toy-like, but with a wonderful advantage. Due to the plastic-build, they disappear in your ears. Cable’s serviceable – typical cheap stock cable (plasticky, tangly, and sticky). I switched to a 4 USD JCally 8-core cable.


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I feel like I’ve used the word "typical" quite a few times, and all of that ends here. Sound is what sets these apart from the rest.
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I’ve had these for quite a few months now, and while I am still skeptical in burn-in, I can tell that these improve over time, in that it became smoother and more controlled.

Sound:

Bass – Goes deep. Bassheads will like this. Lots of quantity, a bit more boom than oomph. These are engaging, without reaching fatigue-territory. However, it isn’t the most tight or detailed. So, there’s that.

Mids – Organic and smooth as butter. Placed right smack in the middle. Not overly recessed where you have to focus/pinpoint just to hear it. It’s also not that elevated where you wince every now and then when things start to get shouty. It’s placed just right. Definitely influenced by the bass, having this warmish sound to it.

Highs – Previously had this peak that was annoying in some songs but disappeared over time. If you’re a treblehead, these aren’t for you. They’re not extended, is splashy, and aren’t detailed. However, for it’s purpose, these do the job. Just enough to provide a bit of sparkle in my life.



Timbre – I still don’t know how to fully describe timbre. I am a hobby musician, playing quite a few instruments, and to my ears, nothing sounds wrong with these.

Soundstage and Imaging – Definitely not like earbuds, which extend to the nether but aren’t congested as well. I’d say decent. Panning sounds aren’t that defined, where you feel like your head is spinning with the song (listened to 40 Layers for this), but they manage and get stuff done.

Separation – Does the job. However, due to the elevated bass if partnered with faster/busier tracks, instruments don’t have that much space to move, which tend to sound congested in tracks.

Detail-retrieval – Due to the smooth mids and slightly early rolled-off treble, these end in the relaxed listen rather than critical listen. They do sometimes show here and there, but usually non-existent.



Conclusion:

These started it all for me and if I didn’t buy these, I wouldn’t have known the audio world. They have a special place in my heart and I won’t ever let go of these. A 9 USD IEM that graphs surprisingly similar to the 64Audio N8 Universal, Moondrop Starfield, and the AKG N5005 – what more can you ask for?


**EDIT** Not recommended due to QC concerns

Rating: 7.1
Sound: 7


Intro
I would be lying if I said QKZ is one of my favorite companies and there are several reasons for that.
First of all they like to use products from KZ, or TRN and release them under their own name, but with worse sound quality and different driver configuration (TRN V20 - 1*DD & 1*BA / V60 - 2*DD & 1*BA VS. QKZ VK2 - 1*DD / VK6 - 2*DD). It cannot be excluded that QKZ is even the OEM manufacturer of KZ, TRN etc., but why damage the image in that form, because the own products cannot keep up. On the other hand, they shamelessly boast of the Red Dot Design Award (logo) and Hi-Res Audio certification. Why DSD (Hifi Dynamic) is on the packaging and on the headphones is another mystery to me. This has nothing to do with analog IEMs, but stands for Direct Stream Digital and is more interesting for DACs.
Well, so the customer is literally fooled through and through. The fact that many manufacturers like to fib in their product descriptions is nothing new, but at some point THAT crosses a line and is always pushed to the peak by QKZ.

The whole thing would perhaps interest me less if the company at least sound-wise would meet their wishes, but so far I haven't had an IEM of the company in my hand that wasn't more or less plastic garbage and I have some of them lying around. Only I lacked the élan to review them.

The VK4 has surprisingly become a kind of hype and I get curious and take some money to see what's in it, although this game never ended well with QKZ-IEMs. So can VK4 make me change my mind? I try not to be too biased in my further remarks!

Handling
The sheep in wolf's clothing. The case is clearly modeled on the KZ ZST, only that a small metallic gold pin/screw was used, which also allows to establish similarities to the TFZ Mylove II. The "screw" only has an optical influence, and is supposed to hold the case together. The VK4 and the ZST are available in carbon look and coloured (cyan/purple).

The fit is ergonomic and you can quickly achieve a secure fit and good isolation. The included cable is budget standard and serves the purpose. In addition there are the usual silicone tips (S, M, L). Finito.

Sound
For about 10 € I have indeed heard better (EZ AUDIO D4), but I must admit that the VK4 does not sound as bad as I assumed from my previous experiences. Nevertheless I can't quite get behind the hype.

If you like a lot of bass, you will get a lot of bass. But we also get a lot of boom and less kick. The bass has a lot of impact, but also acts sluggish. In other words: a lot of quantity, less quality. Can be fun with some tracks, but is way too much and not clean enough.

The mids are of course influenced by the bass, but thankfully not completely overpowered. Due to the influence they are quite powerful, warm and lively, but at the same time discoloured and thick. In addition, they don't exactly burst with details and transparency. Also the separation is not really good. It's a bit like in kindergarten, when you give the children different instruments in their hands and then let them happily run around the room hammering on them. Okay, I'm exaggerating a little, but there is usually no hint of structure and clarity here. Vocals on the other hand are actually quite pleasant and emotional, but the bass makes a lot of noise.

The treble is the most successful part of the QKZ VK4. They are indeed quite natural, especially concerning cymbals and hi-hats and sound pleasantly full, but lack sparkle. They are neither excessively bright nor dark, but very harmonious without attracting completely new insights from the music. I find them good and audible, without peaks and rare sibilants. But I miss a bit of space to breathe through the crushing bass.

The stage is not one of the biggest, but still an acceptable 3D image is created in all directions, in a somewhat compressed space. There is not much space between the instruments and it can quickly become a mess (Such a Night - Michael Bublé).

Outro
Can I do anything with the VK4? In any case more than with any other QKZ product (as long as it was not a one to one copy of another product). I've tried to keep my resentment under control and the bottom line is that with the VK4 you can listen to music quite well if you like it with a bass emphasis. The mids can hold up quite well and the trebles can even offer somewhat, at least as far as their natural sound is concerned. Technically, the VK4 is not an enrichment, but it's okay for in between and comfortable to wear. I've definitely heard worse and for some people the VK4 might even be a good match. However, the VK4 does not play above its price. If you've got an extra 5 Euro in your pocket, but like it more defined, clearer and firmer in the bass, you should go for the KBEAR KS2.


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QKZ VK4 Review

Great bass head iem for cheap

Excellent for mowing the lawn with!

Burn in reduces the 8k peak

Sony 755 on steroids low end

Single dd sound, decent timbre

8k spike that shows itself from time to time ouch

Rolled off treble

8-19.99 price range depending on shipping time.

Half recommend as many much better choices for only 10-15$ more

Great build and comfy good seal

Cable is like a stock blon 03 or kz

If this is better than the Sony 755 it’s because of the fit and cable length and 2 pin connector, not the sound imo

Worthy buy for outdoors and the gym so cheap to replace and fun