I have Xenns Tea Pro, it is top 1 for me, I had Shanling Tino - good sound but lacks some details and resolution. KZ Zenith, budget version of iem which sounds good but lacks a lot to Tea Pro. is it worth buying Juzear X?
Dang, I’m going to be receiving my awful explorer from Amazon today, I wonder if I should just return them now…
According to Gizaudio the Tea Pro is a better Defiant, take a look at his comparison
2 Likes
Agreed Or step up into the EPZ P50 or Ziigaat Odyssey
1 Like
My Discussion. Announcement.
7 Likes
They sound pretty different. I’d hold on until you hear both
Juzear x Z Reviews Defiant Review
For the past couple of years, the SeeAudio Rinko and Moondrop Kato have been my staple daily driver depending on mood. If I wanted weird fun bass, it would be the Rinko, if I wanted scalable clarity, I would pick the Kato. That said, I think I have found a much cheaper replacement with the Kato, but it’s not without some personal caveats.
First thing first. After burning it in for about 30 minutes, soundwise it feels like W-shape signature. That is, it’s got the bass, it’s got the treble, and there is room in there for the mids to shine. None of frequencies feel emphasized. If anything, if it exists in the music, it will play it out reasonably well. If you want sub-bass, this can play sub-bass. If you play both female and male vocals, it’s not lost in the music. If you like your J-pop, you’re not going to have your ears burned by shrill highs.
Soundstage is decent for the IEM. It doesn’t feel like the music is in your head, but you’re not going to feel like you’re in a grant hall either. The stage separation is what’s surprising about it. If anything, I’d say it feels like you’re in a classroom, with the instruments spaced comfortably from one another. I was able to pick out instruments easily without thinking too hard.
I think what I like about it is that it’s got clarity. I wouldn’t call it super refined, nor does it scale with gear like the Kato, but there is an energy and punch when it needs to, while being about to be relaxing when the music calls for it. It’s not aggressive nor clinical, so definitely Zeos’ preference of “fun sound” that punches way above its price class.
This is what I used to test the music out:
Desktop: Denefrips Ares II/Topping A90 - Foobar2000/Apple Music
Portable: Hiby R4 - Musicolet/Apple Music
Test tracks:
Doom (2016) OST (FLAC)
Violet Evergarden OST (FLAC)
Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury OST (FLAC)
Kimetsu no Yaiba: Demon Slayer OST (FLAC)
Assorted playlist of recent anime OP and ED (ALAC/256kbps AAC)
To be fair, I’ve had better unboxings for IEM’s in the $100. I was giving it the benefit of the doubt in hoping that a lot more of the budget went into making the IEM itself, and for that I’m glad they did.
The IEM is a 3BA 1DD in what feels like an acrylic shell unit. I bought the rainbow version, but there is an emerald green version that’s even more pretty. The Z Reviews logo is printed clearly to tell you that unlike how they did it for the Eris, Zeos is always right.
The wire that the Defiant comes with isn’t the best, but it is a light 2 wire that does look pretty. I’ve held jankier wires from more expensive products. Objectively, it’s passable, with the ability to swap from 3.5mm to 4.4mm. Subjectively I prefer my heavier Effect Audio cable. Unfair comparison though since that’s 4x the price of the Defiant.
It should be noted that the Defiant’s shell sports a flat 2 pin port, which means it’s compatible with both flat and protruding 2-pin cables. It has the flexibility of choice should you change cables.
Accessories are light. A couple types of Small/Medium/Large tips and one foam. Since this is a Z Reviews collab, it did come with an acrylic stand of its logo. Not that I would use it, but since this is a branding thing. It’s nice to prop up somewhere if you’re a fan. A sticker would definitely be better. I always like to add those somewhere.
The pleather case is a little big to fit into your pocket, but it’s definitely good enough to throw into your bag. I do like the look of it though.
Finally my personal caveat. It should be noted that the nozzle size is big. Measuring it with my calipers, it’s 6mm in diameter compared to the Kato’s 5mm diameter. This is the same nozzle diameter as the Truthear Zero Red, a pair of IEM’s that I found uncomfortable after long periods of use.
Fortunately I was able to squeeze my go-to tips, the Azla Sednaearfit Orgins onto it. However, I am running into the same issues I had with the Zero Red, in that it starts to get a little uncomfortable in your ear canal if I use it for more than a couple of hours (for reference, I can wear the Kato the entire day without fatigue). Now, my problem exists because I have smaller earholes. If you have much larger ones, you probably won’t experience the same discomfort.
Caveat aside, for $100 USD, I think the Juzear x Z Reviews Defiant is a no brainer of a purchase if you want something that leans to the fun-side of balanced sound, and doesn’t break the bank. What can be the deal breaker is if it’s comfortable in your ears for long periods of time. So if you can’t use huge multi-driver IEM’s, then more expensive smaller IEM’s like the Kato will still be preferable. If not, then this is an easy recommend to add to your collection.
8 Likes
for a $100 its a solid value pick for sure!
Juzear x Z Reviews Defiant Review
Like @Kamigoroshi, I’ve mained the Rinkos when I was in the mood for IEMs. I would refer to his much more articulated review of the Defiants as I agree with what he said. The first thing I thought to myself was “wow this is aligned to all the Zeos recommended stuff I’ve bought over the years”. I’ve let them burn in for around half a week of actual play time.
I’ve never had IEMs outside the $100-200 range (OH10, Tin T2, Rinkos, now Defiants), so I can’t really compare them to high end and high $$$ units. To echo @Kamigoroshi again, the Defiants don’t scale with source necessarily. I noticed that the DAC filter on my M11 and BTR7 made a big difference in portable use case, and it mainly affected how punchy the bass was. I wouldn’t say there’s a whole lot different from my Gustard X16 + SA-1 stack and Gungnir MB + GSX-Mini (with or without tube-preamp).
The Defiants sound good. More than the $100 price tag, but manage expectations too much beyond that. They shit all over the Rinkos for me in sound, comfort, and fit/finish for what it’s worth.
I already got a few inquires IRL from people into IEMs. These are beautiful and eye catching, and they are an easy recommendation from me.
Desktop Stacks:
- Schitt Gungnir Multibit + Headamp GSX-Mini + Feliks Audio Elise (tube preamp, Mullard 6080 and Tungsol 6sn7 pre)
- Gustard x16 + Singxer SA-1
- IFI Zen DAC v2
Mobile:
- Fiio M11 DAP
- Fiio BTR7
Music Genres Tested:
- Synthwave/Phonk/Hardwave
- Classic Rock
Notable Test Tracks:
Would I recommend? Yes! Emphatic Yes!
4 Likes
Is it live yet?？
1 Like
Defiant is now live Yes!
4 Likes
Super perfect review！
Thanks for the review Kamigoroshi, and the comment on the nozzle width. In HifiGo’s website they show an image of the nozzle being 6.17mm wide, which searching through Google seams similar to 7Hz Zero2 (comformtable to me) and Truthear Zero being arount 6.7mm (uncomfortable to me). I don’t know if you have Zero2 and you can measure them. Still if you (as me) feel Truthear Zero uncomfortable, I guess I should not order these Defiant.
There are 2 parts to the nozzle that I measure. One is the flange which is that lip around the nozzle that helps it grip to the IEM tip. The other is the nozzle itself. The flange is usually wider than the nozzle, but in my experience, its the nozzle diameter not merely the flange that causes the discomfort if you insert it into your ear canal.
So for reference.
The flange for the Defiant is about 6.2mm while the nozzle diameter is just under 6mm (probably 5.8mm).
The flange for the Truthear Zero Red is almost whopping 7mm, with the nozzle diameter around 6mm
With my ears, both the Zero Red and the Defiant causes my ears to fatigue very quickly especially if I don’t have tips with comfortable material. I can go for2-3 hours on both if I use Azla Sednaearfits Light and Origin since they have an extended stem and use medical silicone.
To compare it against an IEM that I can actually wear all day, The Moondrop Kato’s flange diameter is almost 6mm but the nozzle diameter is merely 5mm. These go into my ear and stay there without physical fatigue.
So yeah, I feel your pain. I have physical issues with large nozzle multi-driver IEMs. I love the sound, but they aren’t all day usecase for me.
2 Likes
Really appreciated! I also use Azla Sednaearfits Origin with almost every iem. Thank you so much!
2 Likes
My friend mentioned winning a pair of green Defiant in a giveaway - does this promotion actually exist?？？？
https://www.reddit.com/r/ZReviews/comments/1kb9kb4/doing_a_giveaway_to_celebrate_the_launch_of_my/ it sure does.
2 Likes
Review from Kaye Dee another review from Canucks Audioholics Review Group
JUZEAR x ZEOS
DEFIANT
$99.00 usd.
1 - 10mm Carbon-PU diaphragm Dynamic driver - Bass
1 - Dual BA driver - Mids.
1 - Custom BA - High Frequency.
- Impedance: 32Ω.
- Sensitivity: 109dB±1dB.
- Frequency Response Range: 20Hz~20kHz.
- THD+N: ≤0.8%.
- Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin Connectors.
- Termination Plug: 3.5mm+4.4mm.
Preamble:
Thanks go out to Juzear and HiFiGo for providing the Defiant x Zeos reviews review sample to the Canuck Audioholics.
I received only the ear pieces, stock cable, and carry case so can’t speak to the unboxing experience.
Pros and Cons:
Quality resin shells with metal nozzle inserts have no blemishes in design or build. Vented near the 2 pin connector.
They are medium large in size, and on the thick side.
Nozzle angle is good, and length accommodates a mid point anchor depth in my ears.
Individual fitment will, of course, vary, but I’m confident these will fit comfortably for the vast majority.
Stock, 4 strand, Pure Copper/SPC hybrid cable is very nice and a well above average offering for a sub $100 IEM offering.
It is reasonably supple, doesn’t tangle easily, and is adorned with quality metal hardware, including a modular termination.
3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations are included.
The metal ring chin toggle is loose fitting and doesn’t stay cinched in place.
I experienced some connection issues with the 3.5/4.4mm terminations. After a few disconnect/connect cycles the problem appears to be resolved.
Zippered carry case has a classy look, is large enough to accommodate some extra gear, but small enough to be easily pocketed.
Sub bass has a really nice rumble, it carries throughout the head stage, but, I don’t perceive it as pulling very low. It presents primarily higher in the head space.
It is very present, but doesn’t completely overwhelm.
Mid bass is a bit loose, it has a nice thump to it, but a bit shy on impact.
Sub and mid bass are more “blended” than well defined.
Mids and vocals are relaxed and don’t present overly forward or elevated.
(Source device selection can help)
Mids have good macro detail retrieval, but Defiant are not tuned as detail masters.
Vocals, both male and female, sound mostly natural and accurate with a touch of added warmth.
Treble is also on the relaxed side.
Listening to Orchestral tracks there is good extension on instruments like violin that reach high in the head space, but overall there is not an over abundance of sparkle and air. Nor is there a lot of micro detail.
There is zero hint of harshness or sibilance on Defiant.
Staging is average. Width is good, outside the ears. Height is good reaching high in the head space, but doesn’t pull low much past the ears. Depth front to rear is average.
Overall Defiant offers up a head filling stage.
Imaging and layering is below average. There is good left to right stereo imaging, but truly accurate placement of individual instruments is lacking.
Equipment:
Juzear x Zeos Defiant, aged ?? hours.
Hiby R4 DAP, low gain, 4.4mm out.
Stock SPC/Copper hybrid cable with 4.4mm termination attached.
Wide bore ear tips.
Summary:
I only rolled a few source devices, once I knew the mids and highs were relaxed I knew I wanted a source with some mids energy. The Hiby R4 proved a good fit.
Despite the above critiquing regarding the technical capabilities of the Defiant, I find this an enjoyable IEM to listen to.
I’m not always in the mood for a highly technical listening experience.
Defiant delivers a tonally warm, and smooth listening experience.
It is easy to slip into the music, relax, and enjoy the ride.
Given the overall build quality of the IEMs and included accessories, and, the easy listening experience I feel the Juzear X Zeos Defiant is a worthy contender in $100 segment.
Provided this tuning suits personal preference.
My music sources:
Qobuz, and, FLAC and DSD files stored on the SD cards of my daps.
My music genre are primarily Rock, Blues, Jazz, Symphonic, Country, Rap, R&B, Pop, Electronic.
Enjoy your music. 
Review from Kaye Dee
7 Likes