Introduction

LZ is a Chinese company that specializes in in-ear monitors (IEMs). They have a variety of iems from their entry level A2S to the flagship Big Dipper. I would like to thank LZ and Penon Audio for this review unit. At the moment, you can purchase the LZ A5 from https://penonaudio.com/lz-a5.html .

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Specifications

  • Driver: 1 Dynamic + 4 Balanced Armature
  • Sensitivity: 105±dB
  • Impedance: 16Ω
  • Frequency range: 8-36000Hz THD
  • Total harmonic distortion: <0.2%
  • Rated power: 5mW

Unboxing & Accessories

The LZ A5 comes in a black package with the brand logo and name printed on it. After opening the package, there are the iem, hard case and filters. The case has a circular shape with the brand logo printed on it. It contains a pack of tips. There are 4 pairs of filters with 1 pair installed on the iem already. The installed filters are black in colour and the other filters are blue, grey and red. At the bottom of the package, there are the cable, warranty card and quality control card.

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IEM Build & Design

The A5 is made of metal and there is a smooth surface to it. On the faceplate of each side, there is a winglike logo. The logo is purple in color. The shell has a matte black color. Near the MMCX socket of each side, there are L & R markings on the left and right side respectively.  The nozzle can be unscrewed and changed with other filters. It is slightly angled. There is metal mesh for earwax prevention. There is a vent at the back of the iem. The A5 has a nice ergonomic design. I find the fit to be good as the A5 sits in my ears comfortably. It is constructed well.

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Cable Build & Design

The cable is sleeved and it utilizes MMCX straight connectors. Each connector has a opaque black housing. On the connectors, there are L & R markings on the left and right side respectively. There is a memory wire section and it is enclosed in a black heat shrink tube with a metal inside to form the shape. The chin-slider is black in color with a silver stripe. The y-splitter is black in color too and the model name is printed on it. There is strain relief. The jack is 3.5mm gold plated right angled with strain relief.

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Sound Analysis

Lows

The A5 has good sub-bass quantity and it has a great extension to it. The sub-bass reproduction showcases a nice depth and it is able to bring impact. The impact has a moderate level without sounding too aggressive. The bass decay is fairly quick and bass texture is moderately smooth. The bass presentation has good energy which is able to bring a nice punch to the overall sound. There is great bass definition and each bass note is being presented with musicality. The mid-bass has a good quantity and each slam is delivered with slightly more authority. There is a nice visceral impact.

Mids

The midrange has a good level of cleanliness and there is nice transparency. It is being expressed in a bright manner. The lower mids has a moderate quantity and male vocals are done well. It is not expressed with a thick approach. The body might be lacking for some. The upper mids is forward and female vocals are presented rather well. The control is moderate. However, at times, it may sound slightly shouty. Midrange definition is fairly good.

Treble

The treble is extended moderately and there is no sibilance and harshness. The A5 is able to extend to a certain level of stretch. Treble articulation is rather accurate. The treble is not the most revealing and it operates in a bright approach. The amount of air rendered is fair and it is able to give space at the top end. There is a nice airy feel without feeling congested. There is sparkle and bite. At times, there are signs of aggression but it gives a nice kick to the overall sound. The details retrieval is good.

Soundstage

The A5 has a natural expansion and the width magnitude is great. It is sufficient with a good amount of depth which is able to render space. Positioning of vocals and instruments is fairly accurate. When tackling busier tracks, there is minimal congestion.

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Filters

On the blue filter, upper mids are more forward and it is being expressed with more engagement, contributing to a lively performance. On the grey filter, it takes on a full-bodied approach with a tinge of warmth. On the red filter, there is a fairly balanced presentation.

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Comparisons

LZ A5 vs Oriveti New Primacy

The A5 has more sub-bass quantity than the New Primacy and the extension has a larger stretch. The sub-bass reproduction on the A5 is more engaging and there is a good punch, contributing to the impact. The mid-bass on the A5 has slightly more quantity than the New Primacy and the slam has a greater authority to it. The A5 has the edge in bass definition. Bass texture on the New Primacy is smoother and bass decay on the A5 is quicker with more control. The lower mids on the A5 has slightly more quantity than the New Primacy and it is able to tackle male vocals better. The upper mids on the New Primacy is slightly less forward than the A5. Female vocals sound more controlled with the New Primacy and it is able to showcase intimacy well. Emotions are conveyed more effectively. The A5 has the extra bite to inject some excitement. In terms of treble, the New Primacy has a slightly better extension with a tight control. Treble articulation on the New Primacy is more precise. It is presented smoothly on the New Primacy. I feel there is more engagement from the A5. The amount of air rendered on both is around the same. In terms of soundstage, the A5 has similar representation with a more natural expansion. The width magnitude on the A5 is slightly larger and the New Primacy has more space rendered to prevent the depth from being too close in.

LZ A5 vs iBasso IT03

The A5 has less sub-bass quantity than the IT03 and IT03 has the edge in terms of extension. There is more control in the IT03 sub-bass reproduction and it is expressed with authority. Bass decay on the IT03 is quicker and each bass note is being delivered with a more impactful hit. The A5 has the upper hand for the bass texture as it is more smooth. The mid-bass on the A5 has more quantity than the IT03 but the IT03 expresses its slam with extra agility. A5 takes on the slam with a weighted feel which contributes to the musicality. The lower mids on the A5 has slightly more body than the IT03 and it can express male vocals in a more full-bodied approach. The upper mids on the IT03 has extra forwardness which contributes to the female vocals. There is a good crisp and female vocals are being conveyed in a clean manner. The A5 has more body and capable of producing an organic performance. Moving on to the treble section, the IT03 is able to extend greater and the amount of air rendered is more. The airy feel from the IT03 helps to lighten the overall presentation which prevents the sound from being too dense. There is a nice sparkle from the IT03 which accentuates the treble presentation. The A5 demonstrates a good control in the treble. The IT03 excels in its width magnitude and A5 slightly wins in the depth department.

LZ A5 vs Oriolus Forsteni

The A5 has more sub-bass quantity than the Forsteni but the extension of the Forsteni is slightly better. The mid-bass on the A5 has more weight to it which contributes to the body and it presents itself with a soothing slam. Bass decay on the Forsteni is quicker with pace and bass texture on the A5 is smoother. The Forsteni has a higher level of bass definition but the A5 is not very far behind. The sub-bass reproduction on the A5 is engaging. The lower mids on the A5 has more body than Forsteni and male vocals do not sound dry. The upper mids on both has similar forwardness with the A5 having a more matured presentation. It is able to showcase a good control and female vocals are presented intimately with body. Forsteni has slightly more excitement. In terms of treble, the extension is pretty similar and A5 is able to express its treble with more finesse. It is able to keep the treble under control. Forsteni has slightly more crisp. The amount of air rendered on the Forsteni is more. Lastly, the stage width on the Forsteni is greater than the A5 and the depth on both has similar magnitude.

Conclusion

The A5 proves itself to be a competent performer and it is able to showcase its adaptability to different genres with its filter tuning options. There is a good extension on both ends. With great sub-bass reproduction, natural midrange and clean treble, it is able to deliver. The LZ A5 is a versatile hybrid iem and it is a great iem by LZ.

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