KZ D-Fi: The Odd One Out

KZ has been manufacturing cheap in-ear monitors and each release follow the same signature with a few twists here and there, a few controversies here and there. Among KZ's releases, D-Fi stood out as the odd one, and I mean really odd (and in a good way).

DISCLAIMER:

• I have no affiliation with KZ and have not received any monetary compensation during or after writing this review.  KZ provided this unit to me in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
• As a non-professional reviewer, I aim to use simple terms that can be understood by both beginners and experts in the hobby.
• Please keep in mind that the opinions expressed in this review are subjective and based on my personal experience with the unit. I encourage you to try the product yourself to form your own opinion.

PACKAGING

At first glance, you might say that "the packaging is the most "KZ" of them all, what are you on about KZ being odd, Sen?" Well true, and false. The packaging and unboxing experience stay true to the classic "KZ" style, complete with their  cables, foam tips, and silicone eartips. However, this time they have added a new addition that sets it apart from other releases I've owned so far. They have introduced what I call the "whirlwind" eartips. I haven't tried it since I prefer to use my DUNU S&S eartips, but still, this is the most generous that KZ have gone so far. 

BUILD QUALITY

Another intriguing aspect of D-Fi is its build quality. As we're accustomed to KZ releasing in-ear monitors with either a full resin design or a combination of metal and resin, featuring their logo, this time they took a different approach. D-Fi boasts an exceptionally robust all-metal build, complete with tuning switches, and surprisingly, there's no KZ logo in sight. Personally, this makes it my favorite KZ model in terms of build quality, as the absence of the logo adds a touch of simplicity and minimalism along with its bold metal body. This would have been truly perfect if they had chosen a different termination other than the QDC or those protruding female pins. As for the cables, I have nothing else to say.

SOUND

Now, we come to the most fascinating aspect of all – the sound signature. While one might expect another V-shaped sound signature that KZ often offers in different shells, the D-Fi took me by surprise. It boasts a neutral sound signature that left me questioning, "Is this really KZ?"

However, I won't set any outstanding expectations. The D-Fi is nowhere near perfect, but this is definitely a unique and bold move by KZ to experiment a different sound signature.  I'll be reviewing this with the default configuration (DDDD) 

BASS

It leans towards a midbass emphasis rather than a strong sub-bass presence. On the default tuning, the bass displays decent control and dynamics, providing satisfying mid-bass thumps. The amount of bass doesn't smother the midrange, and there is good separation with other frequencies. However, this is not a pair suitable for bass heads and they made find the bass too modest for their liking.

MIDS

The midrange is remarkably close to neutral, boasting a natural and lean presentation. Vocals find a perfect balance, avoiding any thinness or excessive thickness. Moreover, the upper midrange doesn't have that shouty peak or harshness, which is a relief. However, personally, I find the mids to be somewhat lacking.

HIGHS

As expected from a sub-$20 in-ear monitor, it offers decent resolution and details, but it doesn't exceed those expectations. Some may find that it lacks a bit of air and openness, especially for treble heads. It may need a bit of that "bite" or energy, if treble heads want to enjoy more details on the higher frequencies. However, the treble is finely tuned to sound natural and tolerable, free from any harshness or sibilance.

TECHNICALITIES

The technicalities of the D-Fi are decent but not extraordinary. The soundstage is neither wide nor cramped. While the separation is decent, it can struggle with complex tracks. The imaging is average, providing a reasonable sense of instrument placement. Beyond these, there isn't much that stands out as exemplary.

TUNING CONFIGURATIONS

To save you from experimenting with all 16 switches, let me provide you with the most relevant ones that you might want to try out first:

DDDD - default neutral leaning to warm.

DDDU - most of my peers love this due to its almost neutral sound.

DUDU - more forward vocals. 

DDUU - U-shaped, with more emphasis on the higher frequencies.

UDUU - has an overall thicker body.

DUUU - if you want to punish your ears with harsher trebles. Well, be my guess?

The rest of the tuning? I haven't tried, no way pal 😜🤣. If you are interested though, I can refer you to my buddy Aura-Fi and his KZ D-Fi review. He has the list of all the configurations. He's a cool guy and a fellow peer on this hobby.

PEER COMPARISONS

Since a lot of tuning gimmicks are being released in the budget segment. A comparison between the D-Fi and the others would be a good reference for others.

• CVJ TXS - TXS is a budget in-ear monitor featuring two tuning switches, offering limited tuning options. Its sound leans towards a V-shaped to U-shaped tuning, depending on the switch configuration. In comparison to KZ, KZ provides more flexible tuning options, even though some may not sound significantly different from one another. Additionally, KZ boasts a more robust build compared to TXS's all-resin build.

• CVJ Nami - The CVJ Nami is CVJ's latest in-ear monitor equipped with a tuning switch that offers two options. Compared to the D-Fi, the Nami delivers a more airy and energetic sound. Additionally, the Nami's inclusion of a modular cable is a definite advantage. On the other hand, the D-Fi boasts a sturdier build and a nearly neutral sound, making it a go-to option for those seeking neutrality. If you prefer an energetic and airy sound, the Nami might be the right fit for you.

• TRN MT1 Max -I had the chance to try one of these, and they are noticeably more colored than the D-Fi. The tuning is darker compared to the D-Fi, making it a potential favorite for bassheads. The switches offer subtle differences from one another, and the design appears rather cheap and generic compared to the D-Fi's sturdy all-metal build.

Now that the KZ Krila is released, there are other options for you to consider. You may want to explore trying the KZ Krila as well. However, I cannot provide a comparison with the KZ Krila at this moment as I haven't had the opportunity to purchase or obtain one yet.

TEST TRACKS

CONCLUSION

Pros:

• one of the most decently tuned, and designed KZ
• a surprisingly neutral KZ, a huge but successful undertaking by KZ
• surprisingly affordable
• generous amount of eartips

Cons:

• 16 kind of tunings might be overwhelming especially they did not include a manual on how these tunings work
• a few decent tuning with radical changes might work fine, 16 tunings with almost identical sounds feel irrelevant
• could use some of that treble energy and openness
• still uses that dreadful QDC pin
• average technicalities

The unique and different sound KZ took with the  D-Fi has genuinely piqued my interest, deviating from their typical V-shaped sound signature that has remained constant over the years. It offers an affordable price and boasts excellent build quality. However, while it may not be the perfect sub-$20 in-ear monitor for everyone, as not everyone prefers a neutral sound, it does represent a commendable step towards a less aggressive tuning by KZ.