KZ X HBB DQ6S - A Better Comeback

Pros :

• Powerful bass
• Good tuning for its price
• Warm, thick, lower mids
• Forgiving treble

Cons:

• Average soundstage and imaging
• Upper-mids can get harsh

We have the the new product from KZ, the KZ X HBB DQ6S which is the next iteration of the KZ DQ6 released in 2021 bearing the same appearance but with different configuration tuned by Hawaiian Bad Boy or also known as Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews.

DISCLAIMER: This unit is provided by Jeff Yang of KZ Official Store, this unit is sent to provide an honest review of the product. This is in no way
a paid review.

Before we start, let's do a quick overview of the product. The product is similar to its older brother the DQ6 with a different configuration with
two 6mm dynamic drivers and single 10mm dynamic driver set-up. So, these are 6 dynamic drivers in one unit with different diameters.

/ package /

We have the usual white packaging of KZ, if you are a KZ fan you are already familiar with the unboxing experience. Anyways, as usual, once you slide out the cover you can see the IEMs, the package includes a total of 3 pair of eartips (S,M,L) I would also like to commend the starline ear tips that came with the IEM. This is defintely comfortable and better than the preceding starline ear tips, manual, and a cable. As always, KZ has been straightforward with their packages despite how much their products would escalate to the price.

/ sound /

Tested Tracks:
Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Back To Black - Amy Winehouse
Saturn Barz - Gorillaz
Give Life Back To Music - Daft Punk
Sweet Child of Mine - Guns and Roses
Let's Get It On - Marvin Gaye
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Emotions - Mariah Carey
Seven Nation Army - The White Stripes
Hibana - DECO*27
Sins of Ignorance - Xenon P
ECHO - voiced by GUMI
Light Switch - Charlie Puth
High Hopes - Panic! at the Disco
Level of Concern - Twenty One Pilots
Rift - Matt Lange
Watermark - Enya
Cursum Perfecio - Enya
On Your Shore - Enya

LOWS:
The lows are bloated with deep reaching sub-bass. The attack is on point while decay is a bit slow. The lower end of this IEM has strong dynamics to satisfy bass-heads.
Rating : 4/5

MIDS:
The lower mids are thick, warm, and laid-back making male vocals dominant and female contralto vocals sound matured. Upper mids may have occasional peaks with a fair share of clarity. Harshness may occur on lower quality files and may sound unnatural.
Rating : 3/5

HIGHS:
Highs are forgiving, sterile, and elevated. The elevation is controlled and doesn't sound shrill. Less to no sibilance present with average clarity.
Rating : 3.5/5

Soundstage and Imaging :
Soundstage has average width, does not sound convoluted, okay and fair from its price point. Imaging is average with good enough timbre to differentiate other instruments playing.
Rating : 3.5/5

FINAL SCORE

The KZ X HBB DQ6S is another affordable IEM made by KZ in collaboration with Bad Guy Good Audio. So if you still haven't upgraded from your year old IEM, maybe this IEM would be worth a try. If you are a basshead or a V-shaped IEM enjoyer then I can recommend this to you. Its robust build will be enough to satisfy your casual music experience. However, if you are a critical listener who likes detailed and clear timbre and wide soundstage. I suggest you to look for another IEM. Overall, this is a good IEM for the majority. I personally like this and would recommend ear-tip rolling for experimentation on how the sound would differ from the stock configuration.