HiFi Mai Tai

The KZ Duonic (Bass Enhanced Version) is the most recent cocktail that has captured my attention. Talk about this IEM is everywhere. Its the talk of the beach. So lets get into it. Its time for the Bartender’s KZ Duonic review.

KZ Duonic Review – The Cocktail:

Describing what this IEM actually is is a challenge (Ugh should never use ‘is is’). Its a challenge because there is so much marketing fluff surrounding this IEM. KZ is always guilty of using verbose language to hide the truth behind complexity and perhaps false positivity. But with the KZ Duonic they seem to have been playing buzzword bingo. To summarize the marketing material; ‘the KZ Duonic is all things to all people’. The KZ Duonic review if written by KZ would probably simply read as ‘All Hail the Golden Child’ and nothing else. They probably wouldn’t bother to write more. They probably wouldn’t think anymore need be said. After all is it not ‘all things to all people’?

The KZ Duonic is certainly not all things but what it is is (I did it again!) a very impressive IEM. Possibly, a very important IEM. The future of IEMs will likely include a number of planar-DD hybrids in the budget IEM space and maybe this is the first that people will truly remember. Is it a true planar? Maybe. I think so. I think it counts. Perhaps its more a micro-plannar. But I think I support describing it as ‘planar’.

Other than the interesting drivers the rest of the specifications are fairly typical.

Drivers: 8 mm Super-Linear Dynamic Driver & 8 mm Ultra-Long Excursion Three-Magnetix Planar Magnetic Driver
Frequency: 10 to 20,000 Hz
Impedence: 25 Ω
Sensitivity: 103 dB

KZ Duonic Review – The Taste Test Setup:

The test setup used is the identical to that of my recent reviews. I think for this IEM its a reasonable setup that reflects the equipment available to someone interested in the KZ Duonic.

With spinfit ear-tips there was a slight improvement in sound over the stock silicon tips. I might not have tried these had it not been suggested by the content of other reviewers. The stock tips are not ruining the sound nor are spinfit eartips the perfect tips for this IEM. The KZ Duonic might be a good IEM to experiment with few different tips and some people will find that fun. Others really won’t enjoy it but its okay. You can stick with the originals.

After playing around with the switches I eventually settled on 0000. I was tempted to go with 1010 or 1000. I think both of these settings sound good but its the 0000 I thought sounded best. Generally, the difference between the settings is small. Really I would be quite happy not to have the switches (Switch less versions are an option). In the end I have chosen to have the switches and not use them. Guess its good to keep your options open in life.

DAC/AMP: Moodrop Dawn Pro 2
Cable: 4.4 mm Tripowin Zonie
Eartips: W1 Spinfit (Silicon)

KZ Duonic Review – The Non-Audio:

KZ are not known for their IEM package and the KZ Duonic is no exception. I won’t dwell on this as its old news but given the price of the KZ Duonic I actually think in this instance the barren wasteland of the box is acceptable.

The style is an interesting one. I can’t decide if they are boring or smart. In the end it came down to the fact that the HiFi Mai Tai Beach Bar is a beach bar. Grey suits have no place here no mater how good they look. And that touch of red over the vent? Well that just a funky tie. The boss is in his grey suit with a Christmas tie on. Not Cool.

The build feels solid. There is no difference between these and the more expensive KZ ZA12 that I reviewed recently. That comparison could mean the Duonic are well built for the price or the ZA12 bad. I think it means the Duonic are well made but this is KZ they aren’t known to last forever.

Comfort is again very similar to the ZA12 but the Duonic are slightly smaller and a little lighter and therefore slightly more comfortable. I have no problems wearing these all day and every day.

Accessories: Drink Only (Nothing Else Worth Talking About)
Style: Well Liquor (Minimal & Elegant. Possibly Boring)
Build: Dishwasher Proof (Should Survive the Dance Floor)
Comfort: Lounging on the Sofas (Sit Back & Relax)

KZ Duonic Review – The Audio:

Recently I have listened to the KZ ZA12 and TRN VXpro+. Both of these IEMs have not featured the strongest bass. The KZ ZA12 is a fast slam. Clean but lacking body. The TRN VX Pro+ is a little slower with more rumble and depth but still not a lot. Both of these IEMs definitely don’t satisfy my want for bass. The KZ Duonic on the other hand have a good bass. It slams had and is clean but it decays and lingers a little longer. There is a bit more to it.

A decent sound stage and good clarity across the board allows for strong mids but they are not the focus of the tuning here. Its the same story with the vocals. They are good. Not thin. Not sibilant. Not recessed or far forward.

There is a lot to like about the sound of the KZ Duonic. The tuning is likely to appeal more generally than the KZ ZA12 and is a similar approach with better execution to the TRN VX Pro+.

The Base Spirit (Bass): 82.93% (A Generous Double Shot)
The Modifier (Mids): 74.83% (On the Edge of the Dance floor)
The Sweetener (Treble): 84.02% (Dancing on the Tables)
The Vocals: 74.77% (Time to Join In)
The Garnish (Details): 85.49% (2 for £10 Cocktails)
The Presentation (Technicals): 76.09% (A Bargain Bottle)

KZ Duonic Review – Overall:

I think its probably time I mentioned the price which was meant to be included at the beginning (Sorry). I paid £13 for these and at times it will be possible to get them even cheaper. At £13 I would not hesitate to compare them to IEMs 3x the price. These are unbelievable value. Yes there are better IEMs. And Yes the hype that surrounds these is so extensive I almost feel guilty to admit I like these. I don’t like to jump on the band wagon but in this case the wagon is on its to a party I do not want to miss.