KZ Ling Long Review – Happiness Is A Warm Gun

The $15 KZ Ling Long is a well-tuned, agreeable, warm sounding single dynamic driver iem that offers average technicalities but lots of fun.

Introduction

KZ entered the western market back in 2014, with some simple, bullet-shaped iems like the EDR1 and EDR2, that sold at around $5 (including shipping). They sounded surprisingly good with a V-shaped mainstream tonality and a somewhat loose bass.

KZ changed their flavour with the introduction of their hybrids to “shouty” and “harsh”, characterized by enormous pinna gains, a raise of around 13 dB between 1 and 2 kHz, and another peak at around 4 to 5kHz. The resulting sound was fatiguing to the western ear. Many Chinese companies followed suit….and we got into trouble for publishing an analysis of sonic preferences…

The KZ Ling Long follows the tradition of these very early KZs shape wise, which got me interested in KZ again. After all, some budget bulled-shaped iems are quite good, for example the final E500 and E 1000.

Specifications KZ Ling Long

Physical Things and Usability

In the box are…a box..and quite a good one: a waterproof case. Bingo! The rubbery standard cable is fixed to the earpieces, 3 pairs of silicone eartips (S/M/L) and the instructions complete the content.

The earpieces and the pearly-white cable are haptically very good, comfort and fit belong to the top of the field (as bullet-shaped iems don’t touch much of the inner ear).

Tonality and Technicalities

The Ling Long follows the tradition of the earliest KZ models released to the western hemisphere. It features what was called a “fun tuning” at the time…in contrast to an analytical tuning. In modern lingo, it is an agreeable, inoffensive tuning that will please most ears with a warm sound that is far from analytical. There are no unpleasant surprises or flaws throughout the frequency spectrum.

The bass is the classic somewhat “bouncy”, that is it could a bit tighter/faster, it peaks rather far down so that there is a good rumble and not overwhelming punch in the mid bass frequencies. Bass lines can be a bit sloppy and smear into the lower mids. Extension to the very bottom is good. I never feel that there is too much bass.

Vocals are quite well rounded with a surprising richness, although you have to turn your volume up. Resolution is middling and attack could be a bit more forceful.

The Ling Long follows the latest KZ (and TinHifi) trend of a reduced pinna gain (that rise between 1 and 2.5 kHz) below 10 dB — and no peak in the upper midrange and lower treble at all. In fact, the treble rolls off very early and lacks extension. High notes are swept under the carpet to some extent and there is no shoutiness at all.

Imaging is surprisingly good, and staging is average. Nothing is leaving your head sideways, although spatial cues is decent. Resolution is merely ok, separation and layering are also not exceeding the ultra budget realm. Timbre is spot on.

While the Ling Long is enjoyable, the lack of overall heft, body, and resolution (compared to more expensive models) does not elevate it beyond its class.

In comparison, the 2014 EDR2 model sounds very similar but somewhat edgier with more recessed vocals. Notes are more mature and better rounded in the Ling Long.

The current KZ ZVX is technically much superior with infinitely better resolution but lags in timbre and other overall pleasantries.

Concluding Remarks

The KZ Ling Long is what I had expected: a warm, musical middle of the road iem at a good price that fits perfectly in your shirt pocket. Not quite steak, but a good burger fare. Nothing wrong with that.

KZ are finally back to their roots.

Until next time…keep on listening!