KZ Saga "Bass" Review (IEM)
TL;DR for those short on time or not inclined to read the entire review (tables are broken so I am using an easy paragraph with Pros and Cons until someone fixes it):
PROS:
- Fun oriented warm tuning with a very punchy low-end
- Good timbre overall
- Easy to drive
- Comfortable and well built shells
CONS:
- Slow bass response, average detail retrieval
- Average technicalities due to the limited driver capability
- Fierce competition
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Introduction
KZ needs no introduction and the same applies for an IEM that has “bass” in the name: in fact, this time I’ll be speaking about a basshead IEM from KZ which will probably appeal to many listeners around.
Disclaimer: the KZ Saga Bass were sent to me by KZ so that I could write an honest review. This review represents my personal opinion on the set, it isn't promotional or paid content and I don’t get any revenue from the sales of this product. At the time of the review, the KZ Saga Bass were sold for about €15 at Aliexpress.
Technical Specifications
- Driver Configuration → 1 x DD
- Impedance → 23 Ω
- Spec-sheet Frequency Response → 20Hz-40kHz
- Sensitivity → 108 dB
- Cable → 1.25m OFC cable with QDC 2-PIN connectors
- Plug Type → 3.5mm
Packaging
The packaging of the KZ Saga Bass is no different from any other cheap KZ IEM, and the same applies for what’s inside. In fact, the box contains:
- The KZ Saga Bass
- The detachable cable
- One set of silicon tips (S, M, L sizes)
- User manual
Design, Build Quality, Comfort and Isolation
The KZ Saga Bass look very good and feel super sturdy in the hands: in fac, the build quality is very good and they look like they’re built to last. I don’t really like the “Saga” writing on the faceplate but maybe that’s just me.Are the faceplate grills “open”? I don’t think so and even though they look good I don’t feel confident enough to say that these may be semi-open.
I find the earpieces to be very comfortable even though the 6mm nozzle is pretty wide, as the nozzle is long enough to grant a good insertion and the overall shape of the IEM has no sharp edges.
Cable
The cable is the same low quality cable all over again. I am not really complaining in this case since we’re talking about a €15 IEM, but KZ should really do sometimes to include a slightly better cable with their products in general. The biggest lack is probably a chin slider, which I usually find very useful.
Sound
GEAR USED FOR THE TEST
- DAC: Topping E30
- AMP: Topping L30, Fiio A3
- Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Xiaomi Mi A3, Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
- Moondrop May’s DSP cable with PEQ=0
- Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Fosi DS2
- Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
- Bluetooth Adapters: KBEAR S1, KZ AZ10
- Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE, Elgato Wave XLR
Amplifier needed?
No, an amplifier is not strictly needed. Amplifying the Saga Bass doesn’t really improve them noticeable but I have noticed a slightly tighter bass response (might be placebo as well, so take this with a grain of salt).
Let’s speak about the sound.
The Saga Bass are V-shaped, very dynamic and engaging.
The sub-bass is big, thick, rumbly, and the same applies for the midbass that never lacks punch. It’s a basshead low-end hands down. From a technical standpoint, the Saga Bass don’t shine as the bass is pretty slow and very demanding tracks that need fast basslines to be cleanly reproduced will feel a bit clumsy. In terms of timbre, though, the note weight is very pleasant and this kind of low-end gives a very warm tone to the overall signature.
Male vocals are deep and warm, followed by energetic female vocals that never become shouty. Instruments take a step back since the low-end is the star of the show, but the Saga Bass don’t sound awkward in any way (sure, those who want a more forward midrange should look for more neutral sets).
The treble has some excitement going on and it’s not for those who are sensitive to treble, but it’s not harsh or super bright, it’s just energetic and has a fair amount of details. Micro nuances aren’t an easy task for this set, but if you’re on the market for a fun IEM and don’t need to extract the smallest sound cues in every track, the Saga Bass will be a decent daily driver.
The technical performance is okay, with average soundstage and sufficient imaging. The layering is below average unfortunately (also because of the thick low-end) and the instrument separation is just average as well. As said before, the technical performance isn’t the main reason to buy this set.
Are they something I would use considering my taste and preferences?
Yes, yes and, again, yes.
These really gave me BL-03 vibes but in this case the upper midrange is more full-bodied and the treble is a bit better with a touch more air and sparkle. This means that the Saga Bass will sound a tad brighter but I think it’s a good way of sounding “brigther” than the BL-03. As a dubstep (and EDM in general) listener, I find these to be perfect candidates for bass-heavy playlists on a daily basis, even though the bass isn’t always able to keep up with super fast Drum ‘n Bass tracks.
I like these anyway: the timbre, the energy, the low-end power… it’s a very good set to have in my backpack.
Some comparisons:
KZ Saga Bass vs Truthear Gate
The Truthear Gate have less low-end quantity and a speedier bass response, a cleaner lower midrange and perceived more forward upper midrange and treble. The overall listening experience varies a lot between the two since the Saga Bass actually have a lot more rumble down low, which provides for a warmer response with better note weight. On the other hand, the Gate have better detail retrieval and superior technical performance (keeping in mind that it’s always a €20 IEM), even though the timbre is still better on the Saga Bass since the Gate sound a bit artificial on top.
The KZ Saga Bass are better in terms of build quality, the Gate have a slightly better cable, both are similarly comfortable and both come with a limited set of eartips.
My preference: I’d pick the Saga Bass, they sound richer to my ears and they are more fun with my bass-heavy playlist.
KZ Saga Bass vs Celest Wyvern Abyss
The Saga Bass are warmer, with better note weight and punchier bass. The Wyvern Abyss go for a cleaner and thinner lower midrange, a more pronounced upper midrange (with more energetic and forward female vocals that can become shouty at times) and a touch better upper treble extension. If you want better note weight and more bass punch, along with a warmer timbre, the Saga Bass deliver that in a better way, otherwise you’re getting faster basslines, better female vocals and an airier and more detailed response on the Wyvern Abyss.
Soundstage, imaging and instrument separation are slightly better on the Wyvern Abyss.
Build quality is good on both sets (different materials though), comfort is great with both, isolation is better with the Wyvern Abyss in the ears. Wyvern Abyss’ stock cable is better, whereas the included eartips are very few on both sets.
My preference: The Wyvern Abyss are more versatile so they would be my pick since I also listen to a lot of different genres and play games. The Saga Bass are more satisfying with most of my bass-heavy playlists though, so I reach for them more often through my daily routine.
KZ Saga Bass vs Blon BL-03
The BL-03 II have been announced and hopefully I’ll be able to, but if one wanted OG BL-03’s vibes in a more modern and comfortable shell, then the Saga Bass are a good set to experience so. Differences from the BL-03? The Saga Bass offer a more full bodied upper midrange and an airier and slightly more detailed treble. The bass is pretty slow on the Saga too but it’s not as slow as on the BL-03.
Technicalities are a touch better on the Saga Bass too.
Build quality, comfort, isolation and stock cable are better on the Saga Bass. The BL-03 came with a few more tips included in the box, but that’s all.
My preference: I still like BL-03’s timbre a bit more, but the Saga Bass sound more correct and they are much easier to insert in the ears. I’d pick the Saga Bass nowadays (comfort is the main reason, though).
Final Thoughts
The Saga Bass is a fun-oriented timbre focused IEM that kind-of reminds the OG Blon BL-03’s vibes. It’s a V-shaped set that provides a punchy low-end, on point vocals and an overall natural end-to-end extension that is hard to dislike (unless you are searching for a pair of neutral sounding IEMs).
The technical performance is average for the price and very crowded and fast tracks won’t be an easy task for the Saga, especially if compared to some peers like the Chu 2, the Truthear Gate, the 7Hz Zero 2 and so, but the overall signature is very engaging and natural sounding and all makes up for a super fun set to always keep in the backpack.