Daym! my title is same as his
Incredibly detailed review
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi all, it’s my first post here, though I’d share my thoughts on the Defiant. There’s already many great reviews, so I’ll just share my condensed thoughts. Mr. SushiiFi’s review just above is already so good.
Build & Fit
Although I generally don’t pay all that much attention to looks, these are something special. The shells are a nice soft black, the rainbow faceplates are gorgeous, and the cable just fits the aesthetic very nicely. Looks-wise, it’s one of my favourite cables, and it’s modular, comfortable, and has no microphonics to boot. These IEMs just look great for the asking price, although they might be a bit extra to wear in the library or in the supermarket. The other available colour, jade, does not seem appealing to me personally, but I haven’t seen it in the flesh.
Comfort-wise, they’re pretty good. The resin of the shell feels very good to the touch, better than Aful Explorers, and the shell in general is medium-sized. My only complaint with the comfort is the nozzle diameter — 6.3mm. I wish chi-fi would focus a bit more on comfort, I’m not sure why they keep sticking with these big nozzles when Western companies usually go for 5.5mm or smaller. 6.3mm should be doable for most people, though. The build in general just feels very solid and premium, I like it a lot.
Sound
In the sound department as well, I’m impressed. Compared to Harman, there’s a present but not exaggerated sub-bass, some mid-bass warmth, a bit of 1.5k energy, slightly recessed upper mids, a nice 8k presence boost, and a hefty amount of upper air. In a word, very well balanced. It doesn’t attempt to follow either Harman or JM1; it does its own thing, and it pays off. However, for my own personal taste, the air region is just a bit too much. I prefer a rolled-off upper treble, which leads to a more relaxed listening experience, at the cost of lesser perceived technicalities. I EQ the upper treble down, as my prefered signature is what people call ‘dark,’ but I think most people will very much enjoy this present 12-14k region. It reminds me somewhat of how 64Audio tunes their upper treble — it really adds a great sense of clarity.
Comparison
The Defiant fares very well against my two other favourites at this price point, the Aful Explorer and the Sennheiser IE200.
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vs. Aful Explorer: The Explorer is a favourite of mine since it came out. The build is decent, the fit is good thanks to the small nozzle, and the sound is quite uniquely warm and very easy to listen to. I don’t think anyone would find the Explorers harsh in any way. However, the Explorer can sometimes disappoint with their lack of clarity and technicality. The Defiant is more balanced, clear, and technical while still keeping much of what makes the Explorer great — an easy-to-listen-to and engaging sound. They’re actually not far apart in tuning philosophy, with the most notable differences being the Explorer’s warmer 300- 600 Hz region and its strong treble roll-off. If I had to choose between these two, it would have to be the Juzear Defiant. The clarity and detail are just better, and the build quality and looks are likewise more to my liking. That’s not to say the Explorers are not worth it anymore. For anyone prioritising an ultra-chill sound you can listen to for hours on end, the Explorer is still one of the best you can get. I just think the Defiant is more balanced and a better value.
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vs. Sennheiser IE200: The IE200 is still very much worth it for mainly one thing: its exceedingly comfortable fit. They’re more comfortable in all scenarios — you can even side-sleep with these. Not to say the Defiants are particularly uncomfortable, but in a direct comparison, the Sennheisers just feel like they’re barely there. Sound-wise, they are (again) not too dissimilar, with the main difference being the IE200’s slightly spicier treble and lesser sub-bass (which you can boost with the tape mod if more is needed). Yet the Defiant does sound just a bit cleaner, more technical, and more engaging, plus, the looks and build are miles ahead of the IE200’s uninspiring (but supremely comfortable) shell. Both are worth the asking price, it just depends on whether you prioritise fit or sound.
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vs planars: Planars are very popular and a great choice at this price point as well. However, I won’t be the one to do a comparison on this as I just generally haven’t quite liked planars. Great detail and transients, yes, but they seem to generally lack body, weight, annd musicality, even when EQ’ed. I can never get them to sound quite to my liking. I’d pick Defiant over planars any day.
In short
Needless to say, I think the Juzear Defiant is great value. Beautiful shells, beautiful cable, beautiful sound, for a very competitive price. It’s definitely worth getting, granted you have no problem with either the medium-large nozzle or the slightly accentuated upper treble.
Cheers, Kuki
5 Stars
Defiantly strong
Pros:
- Bass
- Fit
- Build quality
- Accessories
- High quality cable
Cons:
- Not for treble heads
- Not for bass phobic people
- Can’t really find much to gripe about
- Cable only matches the Rainbow version clashes with the Emerald Green
Being a reviewer I try to give my subjective opinions on iems, in the hobby at the moment 95% of iems released at the moment are good so the differences between great iems and good iems is all about the nuances. All reviews are based on a single point in time for the reviewer next week an iem can come along and make a mockery of your previous judgement.
I’d just like to say upfront I believe we are all biased when giving our subjective thoughts about IEMs be it a particular type of signature that works with our music library or how an IEM looks and feels in our ears. On the subject of ears everyone’s ear anatomy is different and this effects fit and seal which in turn effects the perception of bass response so I recommend finding the right ear tips that suit your ears to get the best of any IEM.The Juzear 41T, which I bought for full asking price, introduced me to the brand with a bang! So I thought it was time to see what else they had to offer and see if lightning could strike in the same place twice. So I bought the 61T and was slightly disappointed there was something not quite right with the treble tone. Now the 61T is loved by many so it’s a subjective. When Hifigo.com Contacted me and asked if I’d like to review the Zeos/Juzear Defiant Collaboration iem I accepted with interest. Boy am I pleased I did.DisclaimerHifi Go was kind enough to send me a sample of the Juzear Defiant to review. I am not affiliated with Hifi Go and of course was not asked for any copy checking before publishing, they are seeing this the same time as you. All pictures taken be me or taken from the Hifigo.com website. ALL opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.Make sure to research any iem before you buy!
The Defiant retails at $99 and are available for purchase from the Hifigo.com website see the non affiliated link below
Specifications The Story Behind “Defiant”Z Reviews is a well-known channel in the HiFi audio industry, having collaborated with numerous brands.
The “Defiant,” co-developed with Juzear, has undergone six rounds of sample adjustments over six months. The result? A sound that has been widely praised not only by Z Reviews’ dedicated fanbase but also by audio enthusiasts in the Western community!
Thanks to the Defiant’s dynamic driver, bass is finely tuned. Delivering impactful and tight low-end with exceptional clarity and control, resulting in minimal distortion compared to other IEMs. The midrange is set as an immersive profile, maintaining a perfect tonal balance between purity and speed while enhancing the presence and staging of both vocals and instruments. The treble profile hinges on a smooth delivery, offering up a naturally crisp clarity without fatigue for an exceptionally enjoyable listening experience.
Features:->3BA+1DD Hybrid IEMs.
Tuned In Collaboration with Z Reviews.
High-Precision DLP 3D Printed Ear Shells.
New Mid-range BA With Micro-Perforation Pressure Relief Design.
3-Way Crossover with 4-Acoustic Tubes.
Next-Generation Dynamic Driver.>Designer Precision CNC Milled Shell Faceplate With Nickel Metal Accents.
Juzear x Flare Stock Cable(6N SPOCC+SCCW Cable) with Interchangeable Connectors.
Two Exquisite Color Options.Technical Information:->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
Back to me.The Defiant are very well constructed of resin with beautiful faceplates (see photos) a medium sized shell that fit my ears very comfortably for hours on end.The included ear tips didn’t really work with my ears seal wise so I ended up using Divinis Velvet wide bore large they are a large bore tip which worked well, Standard Dinius Velvets also worked well but they slightly softened the dynamics. The included cable is very nice a multicoloured cable that matches the Rainbow varient of the Defiant with interchangeable terminations 3.5mm and 4.4mm I used this cable for evaluation purposes.
What do they sound like?
Around the hifi forums I’ve heard the description “Fun” in relation to this IEM, to me, fun means the iem I reach for, when I want to really enjoy my music. Something that releases the full scope of what the artist created in the studio. For a $99 iem the Defiant certainly does that Placing you in the music,the Defiant is w Signature. the bass is textured, dynamic and layered, digging out details on songs. Hybrids can have coherence issues the Defiant sounds like a single driver no trace of Ba timbre just everything working together as one.
Vocals don’t take a step back they are there front and centre with instruments placed exactly where they should be showing impressive depth to the stage with natural unforced width for the price . What do I mean by unforced width? Some IEMs give an impression of super wide stage which sounds unnatural throwing instrument placement off The mids are natural and organic slightly warm with just enough edge to add excitement to vocals and guitars causing me to be drawn into the music, A very engaging musical experience. The Transition from upper mids to lower treble is smooth completely sibilance free, even with Whitesnake’s Still of the night, a song that is the ultimate sibilance test for any IEM.
While the overall signature is slightly dark there’s still lots of detail. The upper treble has a pleasing amount of air and sparkle, without straying into fatigue levels.The timbre of drums, strings, guitars and brass instruments is natural. Vocals both male and female are reproduced with enough detail and nuance, if a voice has gravel its there . Pure female vocals like Montserrat Caballé are imbued with emotion and sweet rounded clarity making an overall very satisfying vocals experience. The sound signature as a whole is of big bass with clear clean mids with a little edge and smooth treble, an overall holographic feeling of immersion in the music.
When I’m evaluating IEMs I have a play list of roughly 100 songs of mixed genres. With the Juzear Defiant found myself listening to songs then hitting pause to go find the album to listen to it in its entirety just loosing myself in the music. I found they worked across most genres both smooth and aggressive.
Lorde - Royals
Royals with its throbbing and droning subass was vibrating my head like being close to floor standing speaker her crystalline voice dancing sibilance free above just magnificent!
Muse - 2nd Law album sounded Immensely grandiose with thunderous bass the guitars and vocals cutting through with excellent timbre and overall natural presentation.
JONI Mitchell - Blue was a lovely intimate rendition the acoustic guitar particularly sounding detailed with the strings resonances from pluck to the decaying of the notes perfect. Joni’s vocals can sound a bit shrill on lesser iems not here the roundness to her upper register was very pleasing.
Steely Dan’s - Aja, one of the best produced albums in my opinion was just perfect, hi-hats and cymbals were natural with excellent decay staging was good with height, depth and width enabling me to pick out each instrument with precision.
Peter Gabriel - live album with the New Blood Orchestra. The full orchestra reproduced with amazing clarity and separation really placing me front and centre of the stage with strings floating around outside my head Gabriel’s voice intimate detailed always perfectly placed.
Lady Black Bird - Blackbird the subtleties of the interplay between vocals and instruments are played to such a high standard that it became intoxicating the space around each component of the song really placed me in the room. Another example of listening to one song leading me to put the whole album on. Black acid Soul is superb Acid jazz/soul mix produced and mastered to perfection and the Defiant really makes the most of it.
Iron Maiden -Rhyme of the ancient Mariner - boy the dynamics of this track are amazing and are reproduced with pin point accuracy , I did not perceive any congestion in the guitars, bass and drums Bruce’s vocals were on point and unveiled just good headbanging fun
The Defiant is very easy to drive and I had no issues using them with Daps, Dongles even with my Sony Xperia 1 mk4 phone using the 3.5mm headphone jack.They pretty much sounded good with all my sources, but they really came alive with a good source especially with the Sony Nw-WM1A where the synergy was strong. When using brighter sources they still sound good just slightly less engaging.
This is not an iem that needs an expensive source but it does scale impressively. When used with the Onix Aplha and my phone I was in heaven it was such a lovely analogue hifi rendering of my music I listened till the battery drained out of my phone.
I’m not a fan of analytical sounding IEMs that force details into your ears like a photograph with HDR and sharpening set at max a decidedly digital representation. I’m more Vinyl on a turntable, Leica manual focus, sumptuous colours on kodak colour gold film, kinda guy, where if you look really close all the details are there but it’s the whole image you appreciate rather than just how sharp it is. The Defiant gives me this feeling no matter which source I use.Sources used:Fiio M21 Sony Nw-WM1AHiBy R6 111HiBy R4 Evangelion HiBy RS2CAYIN N3UltraOnix Alpha FIIO BTR17
Comparisons to other IEMsfor Comparison I’m using the Juzear 41T and 61T.
The 61T has a different tuning, the bass is as quick the bass quantity is similar, with less texture and detail the Defiant sounds more “full”. The mids on the Dfiant are sweeter with just that extra level of detail, the sense of engagement that is lacking in the 61T the treble is more coherent and the timbre is more correct to my ears, less “apart” from the mids with more air, a more holographic experience. The decay of cymbals and hi-hats are better represented with Defiant.
My next comparison is the 41T. the 41T has one more ba and is recognised as a superior Hybrid at its price. While having less bass the overall experience is very similar with the Defiant. The Difiant is a touch more fun/engaging than the 41T when played at loud volume the Difiant pulls ahead holding together with more authority now Considering the price point of the Defiant its a resounding win for the Defiant
Conclusion
I might seem over effusive about the Defiant spouting hyperbole but these iems took me on an emotional Rollercoaster in a similar way the 41T did. While having a slightly different sound signature I would argue that Zeos and Juzear have pulled a rabbit out of a hat giving this kind of performance at the $99 is commendable and quite the market disruption. Another hearty recommendation from me!
Edit.
Plug a 25 Ohms adaptor in and wow another level is unleashed BASS!
Amazing review as always
Thank sir really appreciate the support
So glad everyone is enjoying Defiant and its tuning. Thank you everyone who’s posting reviews here and everywhere else.
I can’t wait for the new cable color release, I’m calling it gunmetal bronze. It should come default with the green face units and I’m trying to see if they’ll sell it separately as a variant of the flare cable.
Also keep an eye out, I’m trying to get the flare sold with dual 3.5mm connectors so you could use it for headphones.
The set I modified.
If they sell the bronze cable separately please for the love of God get them to do the 3.5 version as well!!!
Where can I buy such a beautiful iem stand?
A friend in spain made it for me with his 3d printer
I should have thought of that. Hybrids usually do that well.
The People’s Slammer…
Pros: Potent sub-bass slam with clean layering
Smooth, fatigue-free tuning across the board
Great vocal clarity despite elevated lows
Engaging planar-like treble texture from the BA drivers
Exceptional cohesion for a 1DD + 3BA hybrid at this price
Comfortable fit, durable resin shell
Punches far above $99 in tuning maturity and technical control
Cons: Not tuned for neutral/reference lovers
Treble extension could leave EST fans wanting more air
Stage is immersive but not ultra-wide or deep
Recessed Midrange / Upper mid tuning may be a bit aggressive for vocal purists at very high volume
Not an ideal set for treble sensitive people
Detail heads might crave more micro-texture in the upper registers
Gear used for the purpose of this review : iBASSO DX 180 / DX 170 / Shanling M3X / HIBY R5 Gen II and some balanced terminated amps such as Oriolus BA300s & KAEI TAP 1 .
Just for the record JUZEAR Defiant has allready completed a full & continuous burn in circle of 100 hrs in order for this review to be conducted and for me getting to the core of this sound signature…
Sound Profile / Overall Signature
The Defiant carries a refined V-shaped tuning, with a strong sub-bass foundation, slightly pulled-back lower mids, an expressive upper midrange, and treble that sparkles without sibilance.
This is a tuning made for :
- Groove-driven music
- Vocals that need energy but not harshness
- Punch, contrast, and weight across the spectrum
It’s unapologetically musical over clinical , with just enough technical ability to satisfy the trained ear while never alienating casual listeners. It’s fun done with finesse.
Sooooo…breaking down the overall FR signature segment by segment… and according to the measurements but most important real-time listening impressions coming from my side here it comes :
BASS
Subterranean Force & Physicality Done Right…
This is clearly the core element of the Defiant’s identity. The moment you press play on any sub-bass-heavy track, you’re immediately engulfed in a controlled wave of pressure, and the sensation goes beyond what you typically expect at this price point. It doesn’t just extend deep — it rumbles and slams with intention, without sounding cartoonish or overdone.
The tuning favors a sub-bass-first approach, providing that cinematic weight and rumbling foundation that you feel in your chest and jaw rather than just hear. There’s a quick responsiveness to it too — a punch and recoil characteristic of well-tuned DDs — but what’s truly impressive here is how the decay is carefully managed. It never overstays its welcome. The transients are snappy, the mid-bass avoids smearing, and there’s zero bleed into the lower midrange. This bass is authoritative, clean, and sculpted — it slams, but with muscle memory and finesse, not just brute force.
Defiant’s bass isn’t just present — it’s addictive. It pulls you into the rhythm, anchors the soundstage with mass, and gives low-frequency instruments proper flesh and form.
Best described as:
A visceral low-end experience that grips you tight, yet knows when to let go — clean, confident, and genre-agnostic.
- Sub-bass is elevated (~8–10dB over midrange), reaching deep with serious rumble.
- Mid-bass is tight, giving kick drums authority without overwhelming clarity.
- No bleed into the mids due to smartly tuned crossover and driver layering.
MIDRANGE
Clear,Emotional,Well-Positioned…
There’s a certain lucid neutrality to the Defiant’s midrange — not cold, not bloated — just accurately placed, gently lifted where it counts, and free from coloration that might blur its intention. It’s a surprisingly mature tuning choice for a bass-forward set.
The lower mids are slightly tucked back to make room for the dominant bass shelf, but they’re not lost or hollow. Male vocals sound solid and rooted, particularly in baritone ranges, and guitars come across clean and natural, with a nice note body — no artificial hollowness. The upper midrange, around 2.5kHz to 4kHz, is where Defiant adds energy and focus — bringing female vocals, snares, and strings to the foreground with sparkle and clarity, but never veering into harshness.
What I love here is how vocals remain anchored and articulated, even in rhythm-heavy tracks. They cut through the mix, aided by the slight elevation, but never shout or become metallic — a clear sign of tuning experience and BA control.
Best described as:
A midrange tuned for presence and emotional engagement, where vocals sing naturally and instruments breathe with dimension — honest, spacious, and non-fatiguing.
- Lower mids are slightly recessed, contributing to staging space.
- Upper mids around 2–4kHz are tastefully elevated, helping vocals cut through even bass-heavy mixes.
- Maintains realistic vocal tone, with a touch of clarity-focused brightness.
TREBLE
Clean,Silken,And Restrained With Purpose…
The treble response on the Defiant is where its musical sensibility takes center stage. Rather than chasing air at all costs, it instead chooses a delicate balance between detail presence and long-term listening comfort — a sweet spot where the sound remains articulate and textured, but never sharp or peaky.
There’s a gentle rise around 6–7kHz, giving cymbals and percussive overtones a touch of liveliness, but the tuning doesn’t push into sibilant or analytical territory. The presence region is lively, not aggressive, and the brilliance range (8–10kHz) feels present but lightly rolled-off, offering enough sparkle to keep things dimensional, without triggering treble-sensitive ears…nevertheless treble sensitive guys should be awared that by time to time they may encounter some hot/piercing sound over the brilliance especially at very high volumes but that happens occasionally and listening very… very… loud to your music as i am accustomed to…
What’s impressive is that this treble feels connected — not detached or splashy. The BA drivers are clearly tuned for cohesion, not spotlighting. You won’t get exaggerated air or fake shimmer here. Instead, the Defiant offers silky resolution, microdynamic nuances, and a refined decay that’s especially noticeable in acoustic recordings and ambient material.
Best described as:
A smooth, tasteful treble with just enough shimmer to illuminate the stage — non-fatiguing, finely woven, and musically correct.
- Non-fatiguing, with a gentle rise in the lower treble around 6–7kHz.
- No major peaks — BA treble is smooth, clean, and agile, though not ultra-sparkly.
- Provides just enough air to separate instruments without becoming splashy.
Final Sound Signature: A balanced, punchy V-shape with high musicality and daily-driver comfort…
Synergy/Scalability with sources
It also scales well with better sources. From a mid-tier DAP it performs admirably, but on a high-end DAC/amp setup, the stage and refinement open up even further my favorite combo using this set was definitely DX180 & Oriolus BA300s tube amp which provided an utterly expansive and spacious stage and easily the fuller sound overall ,making Defiant a unique solid all rounder the absolute best i ve personally heard under 100$…I insist using any kind of amping over this one cause actually this phenomenon doesn’t happen every day…But this one has the unique ability to transform from decent solid bass set to a MONSTER OF SOUND REPRODUCTION maybe equall to 500 $ other sets outhere…the change particullar ovet the dimentions of the stage is more than noticeable …i’ts remarkable !!!
Comparison Section
Head-to-Head vs. Peers…
- APEVOIX GRIT
- GRIT is more neutral-U, less bassy, more detail-focused
- Defiant brings more slam, thicker tone, and more warmth
Verdict: GRIT = refinement | Defiant = musical slam
2. FATFREQ x HBB Deuce
- Deuce is bigger in bass, warmer mids, smoother top
- Defiant is cleaner, tighter, and more balanced across the board
Verdict: Deuce = club-level fun | Defiant = more versatile and technically balance
3. TSMR FEAT
- FEAT leans analytical, great detail, more forward mids
- Defiant offers deeper bass and more relaxed top-end
Verdict: FEAT = critical listener | Defiant = emotional daily driver
4. ISN NEO 3
- NEO 3 has a thicker, warmer tuning with big bass
- Defiant is more refined, with better treble energy and layering
Verdict: NEO 3 = smooth richness | Defiant = punch + clarity
Who’s It For? / Who Isnt’t It For?
For You If :
- You want hybrid energy without hybrid weirdness
- You love deep bass but don’t want muddy mids
- You listen to a wide range of genres
- You’re seeking value, fun, and fatigue-free tuning
Not For You If:
- You’re chasing ultra-technical detail or reference neutrality
- You prefer particullary forward mids / vocals over soundstage
- You want an ultra-safe subdued treble response
Conclusion
Slam Without Shame…Fun Without Compromise…
The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant is a standout hybrid in the under-$100 category — not because it’s trying to compete with $500 flagships, but because it knows exactly what it is .
It’s bold , fast , and cohesive — with a tuning that’s clearly been crafted for maximum musical engagement . It’s one of the few sets in this bracket that truly captures the “listen to this all day” magic without being boring, bloated, or brittle.
Zeos’ fingerprints are all over it , and they land with authority.As far as this year goes this is undoubtebly the most VFM monitor i have encountered thus far sound/performance wise…
At this price? It’s not just Defiant — it’s definitely worth it .
Gets my absolute recommendation at this price range being an unapologetically FUN V shaped set…
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Juzear’s making an impedance-adjustable adapter —what four values would be your ideal picks?
25ohms, 50ohms, 75ohms and 100ohms
Thats the selection i have bought as independent adapters. And use regularly
Go big or go home plus those campfire audio iems are tooooooooooooo sensitive lol
100 ohm…