BLON Z300 - Another Redundancy?

BLON has recently introduced a new IEM, the Z300, as the latest addition to their Zxxx line. Having already reviewed its predecessor, the Z200, and unfortunately gave it a below-average score for various reasons, one being its redundant sound in the market. This time, BLON, in collaboration with the "Hawaiian Bad Boy", will the Z300 suffer the same fate?

PACKAGING 

What's with the Pt.2, lol

It greatly frustrates me when BLON chose to stick with their absurd slogan "Oppoty & Driams" and made it even more perplexing by adding "Pt. 2" to the packaging. I mean, seriously, what on earth does "Pt. 2" even mean? While I understand that I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, I still feel compelled to criticize the packaging and slogan of this IEM, despite acknowledging that the crucial aspect of this review should be focused on the sound quality. Anyways, here's what's inside the box:

• Z300 in-ear-monitors
• Cable
• 6 pair of eartips
• Carrying pouch 
• Warranty Card

BUILD QUALITY

The Z300 features a matte shell design with an intricate dragon pattern on the faceplate, which adds a touch of aesthetic appeal. The cables, while decent, don't particularly stand out. I still hate the use of protruding QDC terminations in most budget IEMs. 

SOUND 

The BLON Z300 has a dark sound profile. It is a much different route than its predecessor, the Z200. The treble is much safer. The bass is much meatier, sometimes too meaty. Nevertheless, this is a much better iteration than the Z200.

BASS: The Z300 truly excels in its bass performance, delivering a remarkable experience with its powerful sub-bass rumble and punchy midbass. When it comes to the sub-bass frequencies, the Z300 manages to produce an earthy rumble that truly satisfies the cravings of dedicated bassheads. Additionally, the punchy midbass of the Z300 enhances the overall impact of the bass performance. While the Z300's bass performance is impressive and satisfying for most bassheads, it may not be suitable for those seeking absolute precision and control. At times, the bass may lack a bit of definition and tightness, resulting in a slightly looser and less precise sound.

MIDS: The Z300's midrange has a laid-back characteristic, likely due to the emphasis on lower frequencies, which adds warmth and depth to this region. As a result, female vocals have a rich and mature quality, while male vocals sound smooth and deep. The Z300 also excels at reproducing acoustic guitars, delivering a pleasing tonality. 

TREBLE:  The Z300 offers a pleasant listening experience with its reserved lower treble region, ensuring that the sound never becomes fatiguing as much as possible. While the treble performance is enjoyable and well-controlled, some listeners may find it lacking a slight touch of sparkle. Additionally, The Z300 is not entirely free of sibilance. When testing with the track "The Wolves" by Selena Gomez, I noticed that the "S" sounds were somewhat pronounced and harsh.

TECHNICALITIES: The Z300's technical performance is somewhat lackluster, with a tendency to sound messy and cluttered at times. Additionally, the soundstage is not particularly wide, and the focus seems to be limited to a central area where sounds are presented in a manner that may not be ideal for some listeners. However, the imaging capability of the Z300 is decent, even though it may not reproduce certain micro-details with great accuracy. Despite these shortcomings, the Z300 still manages to retrieve a good level of detail.

Pros:

• Powerful sub-bass
• Vocals are thicker
• Treble is safe at some point
• Good fit to the ears

    

Cons:

• Subpar technicalities
• Mids are underwhelming
• Some sibilance can still be felt on some tracks
• Underwhelming package

When I first tried the Z300, I was not immediately impressed. However, after experimenting with different genres, I discovered that it truly shines in certain areas. While it may not be the best all-around option, I still found it to be an enjoyable listening experience. It's also worth noting that the Z300 is a significant upgrade from the BLON Z200, which I didn't particularly enjoy due to its design and sound quality. Within its price range, there are better options available than the Z200 that time. However, for only 35 USD, the Z300 offers a great value, especially if you're a fan of bass-heavy music. Ultimately, personal preference is key, and finding the right fit for your individual needs and tastes is crucial.