KZ ZST vs TRN MT1

Short answer: the KZ ZST. It ranks #33 of 68 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.7/5, at $21.99. The TRN MT1 ranks #36, rated 3.6/5, at $13.95, $8.04 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.

Why pick the KZ ZST: In oratory1990’s measurement the preference score is 70, with bass about 2.3 dB above target from 60 to 200 Hz for extra warmth and punch, and sub-bass tracking the target within 0.1 dB. The tradeoff: A 9.4 dB dip near 4.4 kHz and 3.7 dB lower presence from 3 to 6 kHz pull back vocal clarity and the attack of snares and guitars.

The case for the TRN MT1: Crinacle’s measurement gives a Harman preference score of 69, a solid result for such an inexpensive wired in-ear. The tradeoff: A deviation of 2.46 dB from the target means some coloration remains in the midrange and treble.

Buy the KZ ZST. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $8.04 you would save on the TRN MT1 does not close the gap.

Looking for alternatives? See the complete Headphones rankings.

Specifications Side By Side

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How KZ ZST compares with other leading options:

• TANGZU Wan’er S.G vs KZ ZST
• CCA C12 vs MEE Audio M6 Pro
• KZ ZAX vs MEE Audio M6 Pro
• 7Hz x Crinacle Zero 2 vs CCA CRA
• CCA CRA vs KZ ZSN Pro

Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

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The Two Headphones In Full

KZ ZST: $21.99 Amazon eBay

Pros: In oratory1990’s measurement the preference score is 70, with bass about 2.3 dB above target from 60 to 200 Hz for extra warmth and punch, and sub-bass tracking the target within 0.1 dB. The low mids and upper mids stay within about 1 dB, so vocals and instruments sit naturally. The warm and bassy profiles fit it best, and the hybrid pairing of one dynamic and one balanced armature driver costs very little.

Cons: A 9.4 dB dip near 4.4 kHz and 3.7 dB lower presence from 3 to 6 kHz pull back vocal clarity and the attack of snares and guitars. Above 10 kHz the response runs about 6.5 dB hot, with a 10 dB peak near 11 kHz that adds sharpness to cymbals. The TANGZU Wan’er S.G rates higher.

Full KZ ZST review and specifications →

Released	2016 (10 years ago)
Back	Closed
Connection	Wired
Deviation From Target	2.31 dB standard deviation
Driver Type	Hybrid (1 dynamic + 1 balanced armature)
Drivers	1 x 10mm dynamic + 1 x balanced armature
Form Factor	In-ear
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Harman Preference Score	70 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ)
Tonal Tilt	-0.47 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)

EQ preset to match the Harman target

Set a preamp of -4.5 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.

Filter	Frequency	Gain	Q
Low shelf	105 Hz	-0.2 dB	0.70
Peak	182 Hz	-3.0 dB	0.62
Peak	620 Hz	+2.4 dB	0.63
Peak	9,298 Hz	-3.1 dB	3.37
Peak	1,878 Hz	-4.1 dB	3.05
High shelf	10,000 Hz	-0.3 dB	0.70
Peak	4,253 Hz	+4.7 dB	4.05
Peak	1,321 Hz	-0.6 dB	2.60
Peak	3,462 Hz	-1.0 dB	6.00
Peak	358 Hz	-0.0 dB	5.65

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • AutoEQ results for the KZ ZST (oratory1990 measurement)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
  • KZ ZST vs TANGZU Wan’er S.G

TRN MT1: $13.95 Amazon eBay

Pros: Crinacle’s measurement gives a Harman preference score of 69, a solid result for such an inexpensive wired in-ear. A 22 ohm impedance and 106 dB sensitivity let it run loudly from any phone or laptop without an amp. It includes an inline microphone for calls, and the single 10 mm dynamic driver keeps the sound coherent.

Cons: A deviation of 2.46 dB from the target means some coloration remains in the midrange and treble. The wired connection means no wireless freedom, and the CCA CRA is rated higher at a similar cost.

Full TRN MT1 review and specifications →

Back	Closed
Built-in Microphone	Yes
Connection	Wired
Deviation From Target	2.46 dB standard deviation
Driver Type	Dynamic
Drivers	1 x 10mm dynamic
Form Factor	In-ear
Frequency Response	20Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Harman Preference Score	69 (measured by crinacle, via AutoEQ)
Impedance	22 ohms
Sensitivity	106 dB
Tonal Tilt	-0.34 (negative is warmer, positive brighter)

EQ preset to match the Harman target

Set a preamp of -4.6 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.

Filter	Frequency	Gain	Q
Low shelf	105 Hz	+0.1 dB	0.70
Peak	838 Hz	+4.1 dB	0.67
Peak	9,762 Hz	+6.7 dB	0.47
Peak	156 Hz	-2.7 dB	0.78
Peak	3,174 Hz	-6.2 dB	0.55
High shelf	10,000 Hz	-7.6 dB	0.70
Peak	3,444 Hz	+3.5 dB	3.06
Peak	4,523 Hz	-6.4 dB	2.49
Peak	6,251 Hz	+3.6 dB	0.84
Peak	2,461 Hz	-2.8 dB	4.84

• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • AutoEQ results for the TRN MT1 (crinacle measurement)