How do the DT5 compare to the EDR2, HDS3, and ED9...all of which I have and all of which are still available. I speculate, the three models cover the DT5 somewhat.
I can tell you from memory that the soundstage alone sets the HDS3 apart from the DT5. The HDS3 was one of my early favorites from KZ. It also contributed to my interest in micro-drivers (6mm or smaller).
To my ears:
The HDS3 requires adequate power to sound it's best.
The DT5 sounds box...ish compared to the HDS3 and ED9.
The EDR2 is the most neutral and cleanest sound signature (great but not my preference).
The ED9 is one of the best takes on a "V" sound signature for a sub-$50 IEM (great build, too).
I prefer the HDS3 to the ED9 due to better definition in the bass and soundstage width.
I'll have to hunt down pics of my HDS3. I've not listened to them in months, but I am listening to them right now and can hear exactly why I enjoyed them so much. Though they are not perfect, they remain one of my all-time-favorite KZ's. I've been waiting for KZ to release a more refined version of the HDS3 and thus far the ZS6(i) came the closest, but the placement of the treble spike (10k), which is not a problem for me, meant it would not be a direct replacement. You can see from Headflux graph that the HDS3 spike was at approximately 7.5k and not 10k. Hakuzen's graph shows the ZS6(i) 10k treble with the more vivid and forward mids in the 2k -4k region as well.
HDS3
ZS6(i)
I'm hoping the ZSR, which I just received, will oblige or perhaps the ZS6(ii). If the ZSR 2K - 4K region mimics the HDS3 and the treble emphasis is at 7.5k then I think we may have a direct replacement for the HDS3. If it turns out that either the ZSR or the ZS6(ii) sounds like a more refined HDS3 then I will purchase multiple sets. MULTIPLE!
Anyone who has the HDS3 and the ZS6(ii) or ZSR feel free to chime in with your thoughts.