Budget IEM (Chit Chat)

SkyScraper

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Switch around with full size headphone lor... listening to IEM then switch back to full size headphones help you realize what is missing from just IEM also.. the soundstage is definitely one thing.. and maybe a bit more details.. as the sound feels more relax and spread out.. not all coming at the same time.
Yea. Actually my ear still hurts even from normal airpod. Maybe need see ent hahhahah.
been using my xm6.
Keen on buying an open ear from fiio
 

BlackWing1977

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Yea. Actually my ear still hurts even from normal airpod. Maybe need see ent hahhahah.
been using my xm6.
Keen on buying an open ear from fiio
Yeah need to stop for a while for the ear to recover. As my ear is big in length, that is why I mainly stick to Sennheiser series of headphones...
 

BlackWing1977

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I read something on reddit saying bluetooth earhook adapter tend to not have enough power to juice up IEM with multiple drivers... thinking maybe that is why I feel ZS10 Pro sounds bad compared to full wired, then I try putting my single dynamic driver Gale on it.. it does sound better... more closer to the wired version.
 

BlackWing1977

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I read something on reddit saying bluetooth earhook adapter tend to not have enough power to juice up IEM with multiple drivers... thinking maybe that is why I feel ZS10 Pro sounds bad compared to full wired, then I try putting my single dynamic driver Gale on it.. it does sound better... more closer to the wired version.
The bass seems very subdued on the ZS10 Pro... despite having ample volume... but seems okay on KZ Gale and KZ ESX which are single dynamic driver.
 

BlackWing1977

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AI Overview


Yes, the KZ AN01 Bluetooth adapter can feel underpowered for the KZ ZS10 Pro, particularly if you are seeking high volume levels or trying to drive them to their full potential. While they will produce sound and are considered a "good" budget, feature-rich option ($35-$40) for casual listening, they lack the raw output power of more robust alternatives like the FiiO UTWS5 or even the KZ AZ09 Pro.
Reddit +5
Here is a breakdown based on user experiences and reviews:
  • Power Limitations: The AN01, while supporting high-res codecs like LDAC for better sound quality, doesn't have a dedicated high-performance amp/DAC, relying instead on the SOC's built-in amplification. This results in a "thin" sound or a lack of bass impact when paired with IEMs that require more power.
  • Performance with ZS10 Pro: Users have reported that the AN01 may struggle to "fully run" certain KZ IEMs without boosting the gain on software, such as using Wavelet.
  • Volume Issues: For some users, the maximum volume with the AN01 is slightly too low.
  • Best Use Case: The AN01 is best suited for high-sensitivity IEMs. If you enjoy listening at moderate volumes, the AN01 will likely be adequate and offers the benefit of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which is unique for this type of adapter.
Conclusion:
If you prioritize raw volume and full, punchy bass, the AN01 might feel underpowered for the ZS10 Pro. However, for a $40, lightweight, ANC-enabled, and convenient wireless solution, it is considered a solid, albeit not powerful, choice.
 
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