Most KZ models combine a dynamic driver with balanced armatures. Four models drop the dynamic driver and use armatures only: the KZ AS16 Pro, the KZ AS16 Pro X, the KZ AM16 and the KZ AS24 Pro. This is what sets each one apart.
In short
- AS16 Pro and AS16 Pro X: 8 armatures per side and a fixed tuning. The armature layout and the cable are what change.
- AM16: 8 armatures per side in a three-way system, in two tunings to choose from (Balanced or enhanced bass).
- AS24 Pro: 12 armatures per side, in a standard version or with tuning switches.
Comparison table
| AS16 Pro | AS16 Pro X | AM16 | AS24 Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armatures per side | 8 | 8 | 8 | 12 |
| Impedance | 18 Ω | 19 Ω | 22 Ω | 29 Ω (standard) |
| Sensitivity | 114 ± 3 dB | 116 ± 3 dB | 104 dB | 109 ± 3 dB (standard) |
| Frequency response | 20–40000 Hz | 20–40000 Hz | 5–45000 Hz | 20–40000 Hz |
| Versions | Fixed tuning | Fixed tuning | Balanced or enhanced bass | Standard or with switches |
| Shell | Metal and plastic | Metal frame and clear resin | Resin with metal cover | 3D-printed resin with metal faceplate |
| Cable | Braided silver-plated | Flat silver-plated | Silver-plated copper | Silver-plated copper |
| Colors | Cyan and black | Black | — | Black |
Data from the official KZ product pages (kz-audio.com).
What an all-armature IEM offers
A balanced armature is a very small driver designed to reproduce a specific frequency band accurately. In these models, bass, mids and treble are split between several dedicated armatures. They are usually chosen for their definition in the mids and treble, which is why they are common among musicians and sound engineers. You can compare them with the other types in our driver guide.
KZ AS16 Pro and AS16 Pro X
They are the base of the range: eight armatures per side and a fixed tuning. The AS16 Pro uses four for the treble, two for the mids and two for the bass. The AS16 Pro X swaps one of the bass armatures for an upper-mid one and comes with a flat cable. All the differences are in AS16 Pro vs AS16 Pro X.
KZ AM16
It also has eight armatures per side, but arranged in a three-way system: a crossover splits the signal into bass, mids and treble, and each band reaches the nozzle through its own channel. It is sold in two tunings. The Balanced version is even; the enhanced-bass version raises the bass for more punch.
At 104 dB, it is the least sensitive of the four: it works with a phone, but needs a bit more volume than the AS16 models.
KZ AS24 Pro
It is the top model in the range: twelve armatures in each earpiece, 24 in total. The shell is 3D-printed resin, which allows the internal sound channels to be reproduced precisely.
It is sold in a standard version, with a fixed tuning, and in a version with four switches per earpiece: two raise the bass in steps and two reduce the upper treble. How they work: KZ tuning switches.
Prices
Hi-Fi & pro audio IEMs, KZ, Multi-BA, Musicians & stage
87,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page-
Hi-Fi & pro audio IEMs, KZ, Multi-BA, Musicians & stage
95,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Hi-Fi & pro audio IEMs, KZ, Multi-BA, Musicians & stage
87,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Hi-Fi & pro audio IEMs, KZ, Multi-BA, Musicians & stage
218,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Which to choose
KZ AS16 Pro
- You want to get into the all-armature range.
- You like it in cyan, or you want it for playing music.
KZ AS16 Pro X
- You prefer the latest revision of the AS16.
- You want the highest sensitivity.
KZ AM16
- You want to choose the factory tuning: balanced or with more bass.
- You are interested in the three-way system.
KZ AS24 Pro
- You want the model with the most armatures in the store.
- You want to adjust bass and treble with switches.
Frequently asked questions
Does an all-armature IEM have bass?
Yes. In these models, one or two armatures are dedicated to the bass. If you want more weight there, look at the enhanced-bass AM16 or a hybrid such as the KZ ZAR.
Do they need an amplifier?
No. All four work with a phone. The AM16 is the one that needs the most volume.
Are they suitable for playing live?
Yes. Several are in our musicians and stage category. You will find the selection in the best KZ IEMs for musicians and live use.
Keep reading
Every KZ Componentes order comes with a 3-year warranty, 30-day returns and support from our team in Spain. Torn between models? Write to us and we will help you choose.
Your next step
Still torn between them?
Each model page has all its comparisons and who it suits. If you want us to make it easy, take the quiz.
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