Review of the Knowledge Zenith AS16 and Tripowin TP10
The latest IEMs from Knowledge Zenith and KZ-Spinoff
Tripowin are the AS16 and the TP10 models. These two models have a lot of
similarities so I’ll be comparing them together in this comparision review. Both
of these models were provided for review by Linsoul (http://www.Linsoul.com) and both items can be
found on their website directly, or through Amazon.
The AS16 features 8 balanced armatures per shell with 2
designated for bass, 2 for mids, and 4 for treble. The TP10 reduces the count
to 5 BAs with 1 bass, 2 mids and 2 treble. Both share the same shell design,
which is very large, has a translucent inner shell, and a metallic faceplate. Within
the shells are the BA drivers as well as
a white cover, which I assume is a dampener of some sort right below the
nozzle. The layout is identical for both shells internally, sans the 2
additional drivers in the AS16.
The shell design is quite big, and is even larger than my
Campfire Solaris. This makes the fit quite uncomfortable to wear for me for
long periods of time. I never really found a tip combination I felt comfortable
in with this design, and therefore had a frustrating time using these two.
Both share the same KZ-style cable, though the TP10 comes
with a straight 3.5mm connector, while the AS16 comes with a right angle
connector. Accessories are identical, as well as box packaging, and even the
manual wording.
Neutral-like Sound
Both of these IEMs seem to be targeting a diffuse-field
target, similar to how Etymotics approaches sound signature. The glaring
differences in both of these is the lack of bass quantity, and overly extended treble,
making them rather lean, bright, and pretty dull and boring sounding.
The TP10 actually has a more extended subbass and bass quantity
in general, but also more elevated treble peaks. The KZ AS16, on the other
hand, does have pretty glaringly missing bass response but a much smoother
upper-mids and treble experience. The TP10’s bass is more weight and impactful
than the AS16, but both fall well short of anything else I’ve tried, ever. They’re
bass response is more reminiscent of classic ear bud designs.
The mids are recessed on both models, but I’d say a little less
so than more KZ models. Both the mids and treble region are surprisingly detailed
and clean. Imaging isn’t super great but soundstage is wide and open. They both
present a very bright, airy sound signature, which is noticeably brighter and
airy than the Etymotics Studio series. Even when compared to Tin Audio T2, or
KZ ZSN’s or some other popular budget IEMs, these still seem quite bright. That
said, I never found either of these to be sibilant, which is a bit of a
surprise.
I found that these two do well for very specific genres, and
I’d recommend staying clear from anything that needs a proper bassline, punch,
impact, or anything with any semblance of bass required. That really kicks off
the island anything EDM, most rock, pop, hip hop, rap, and a slew of other
genres. It does do well for piano music, and some lighter jazz fares. It also
isn’t bad for acoustic songs where bass and impactful drums are needed. You
will still get a slightly brighter than normal presentation, but the lack of
the low end is less effective here.
In the end, I find that neither of these are good all-around IEMS.
The AS16 is massively overpriced at $149, and you really are
paying for marketing fluff and driver count. They do bring out a lot of detail
and actually sound very clean, but at the asking price, I’d highly recommend at
Etymotics ER2 or ER3 series, the Moondrop Kanas Pro, or a variety of other IEMs
that do it better.
The Tripowin TP10 is priced more reasonable. It actually has
better bass performance than the AS16 and in general, sounds similarly spacious
and detailed, however it may have some occasional spikes of harshness. But at
the $69 asking price, it can become a little more acceptable if you’re looking
for a genre specific IEM or really like a bright diffuse tuning. But again,
there are much better all-arounder options at this price point, starting with
the Tin Audio T3 and the lower priced T2 and KZ ZS10 Pro.
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