Most new phones no longer have a headphone output, but that does not force you to switch to Bluetooth. Wired IEMs can be connected to the USB-C port in several ways. Here is what each one does and which suits you.
Notice
We're not selling the KZ AM01 or the KZ M2 right now. To use your KZ with a phone without a jack, the option we do have is a KZ Bluetooth adapter.
In short
- The USB-C port outputs digital audio: you need a converter (DAC), which sits inside the adapter or the plug.
- With any earphones with a 3.5 mm jack: a USB-C to jack adapter with a DAC.
- With KZ earphones with a detachable cable: a 2-pin USB-C cable, which replaces the original and removes the need for an adapter.
Why not just any adapter will do
Earphones need an analog signal, and the phone's USB-C port outputs digital audio. The conversion is done by a converter chip, the DAC, together with a small amplifier. On a phone with a headphone output they are inside the phone; on one without, they are in the adapter. That is why the quality of the adapter matters: it is what converts and amplifies the sound.
The four options
| Option | What it is | Who for |
|---|---|---|
| KZ AM01 | USB-C to 3.5 mm jack adapter with DAC and amplifier | Those with several 3.5 mm earphones |
| 2-pin USB-C cable | 2-pin cable with USB-C plug and built-in DAC | Those who always use the same KZ earphones with their phone |
| KZ M2 (USB-C) | 2-pin cable with dual microphone and equalizer | Calls, video calls and gaming |
| Bluetooth adapter | Module that plugs into the 2 pins of the earpiece | Those who prefer to go wireless |
USB-C to jack adapter: KZ AM01
It plugs into the USB-C port and provides a 3.5 mm headphone output, so it works with any earphones with that plug. It has a DAC chip that decodes up to 384 kHz and 32 bits and a separate MAX97220 amplifier. According to KZ's spec sheet, it delivers 30 mW into 32 Ω with a signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB. It is 11 cm long and works on USB-C devices with OTG support, with nothing to set up.
2-pin USB-C cable
If your KZ earphones have a detachable cable, you can swap it for one that ends directly in USB-C. The DAC chip is inside the plug, so no adapter is needed and there is one less piece to lose. It is sold with or without microphone.
It uses a 2-pin 0.75 mm Pin C connector, the one found on almost all current KZ models. Before ordering, check yours: Pin B or Pin C.
Dual-microphone cable: KZ M2
It is a replacement cable with two condenser microphones in the remote, designed for calls, video calls and gaming. On the USB-C version, the remote switches between three EQ modes: standard, bass and high resolution. It is 1.25 m long. There is also a version with a 3.5 mm plug, without the equalizer.
The alternative: a Bluetooth adapter
The fourth option is to remove the cable. A Bluetooth adapter plugs into the 2 pins of each earpiece and makes them wireless. We explain it in how to make your KZ wireless.
What about an iPhone?
iPhones with a USB-C port, from the iPhone 15 onwards, accept USB-C audio accessories. Earlier models use Lightning and need a Lightning to 3.5 mm adapter. If you are unsure about your model, contact us before buying.
Prices
-
-
Bluetooth adapters for KZ earphones, KZ
52,95 €Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Which to choose
KZ Bluetooth adapter
- You want to use your KZ with your phone without a cable.
- It works with any phone, with or without a jack.
Frequently asked questions
Is quality lost over USB-C?
Not from using USB-C itself. The sound depends on the DAC in the adapter or cable, which does the job the phone used to do.
Does the microphone work?
For calls, you need a cable or an adapter with a microphone.
Does it work on a tablet or a laptop?
Yes, on devices with a USB-C port.
Will my earphones sound quieter?
It depends on the adapter and the earphones. Almost all KZ models exceed 100 dB of sensitivity and do not need much power. More detail in impedance and sensitivity.
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
Missing anything to get the most out of them?
A Bluetooth adapter makes your KZ wireless for when you are not playing. And if you don’t have them yet, the quiz tells you which model suits you.
Español
English
