I use my AZ09 Pro's and CCA BTX's paired either to my Android phone OR to a FiiO BTA30Pro (in TX mode) connected to my PC. Been using them for a few years now as my primary desktop audio devices. They get much more use than my cabled IEM's, cabled headphones, BT earbuds or my Sony WH1000XM3's. They easily power my Shuoer S12's, HEXA's, PR1 HiFi's, or Tin HiFi T3+'s...to name a "few". When modding, use a SHARPER knife!!!! Also, put some cardboard in between the pins and the shroud to protect the pins from scoring by the knife. If the unit has a plastic shroud...buy a small set of sharp straight edge clippers to snip the excess silicone and plastic shroud, carefully.
I just got this, but this has a problem, when i turn on LE audio, it will disconnect and connect again but no sound, turn off the LE audio will be normal, i wonder what causes that
I think this product also supports aptX Adaptive, so it sounds pretty good. It would be nice if the chipset used in this product could be made into a USB Type C Bluetooth dongle. (For TWS)
Hi Ian , AZ09 , AZ09 pro , AZ15 , AZ20 , which of these models have the highest gain (output volume) for iems that requires more power? For iPhone , there is no Aptz , so I believe AAC is good enough. 😅😅😅
Thanks for the review, really helps in picking out a TWS adapter for my incoming ZS10 Pro 2. This is kind of late, but I came across the KZ XZ10. It has the same specs (also QCC5171) and has 3 modes. Not sure why, but it is somehow cheaper. Have you also heard about them? So far no reviews online yet.
As far as i know, KZ XZ10 has the same spec as KZ AZ20 but with the older (bulkier) design, identical with the AZ09 & AZ09 Pro. Therefore it also has a bigger battery inside, i believe its 50mah XZ10 vs 35mah for AS20
@@saputrateguh sorry, can't really say the difference because I wasn't able to use the AZ09 for so long, I only borrowed one like for a minute with a different IEM on it. Though I have to say, I really love the 5171 on the XZ10 but it to an average user like me, it might appear that they both function just "the same" (the XZ10 establishes connection really quick though). Also the XZ10 still uses the usual 'chinese lady assistant voice', so it might make you chuckle every time you use it 😆
@@GeNGiM her english is so chinese-ish you can pinpoint its a chinese lady right away lol. Yeah i think the only diff is the bluetooth chip inside, with a tad stronger / stable connection & noticeable improvement on battery life. Since the transfer bitrate is just the same, the sound quality should be the same i guess?
I own CCA BTX which looks exactly the same from every possible angle, sounds very good to me, signal loss depends more on the transmitter rather than this. So if trasnimtter is good I wont have barely any signal loss, its price is around 36 dolars so i am unsure what difference(s) there are between them, possibly better decoders on KZ version or maybe nothing? I go backwards from your technique when puting them in my ear: first find the best place for the hook around ear and then go pulling gently my ear to fit the tip in my ear canal.
CCA BTX is more like the az09 pro, same chipset. The az20 uses the newer Qualcomm chip, sound quality is only slightly better. Battery life on the az09 pro is marginally better. With the az20 you are paying a premium for slightly better sound quality, for some it may not be worth it, plus you need a somewhat descent IEM to begin with for this to have discernable differences.
@@DustinLKimble ...and you need a source that supports AptxHD for the AZ20. I find both the AZ09 Pro and the CCA BTX terrific for my daily use. I mod my AZ09 Pro's (I have three for car, office, home) for standard B-pin (S12, MP 145, Hexa, T3+, Olina, etc.) and they've been my daily drivers for the better part of 3 years. The BTX's I use for the QDC C-Pin IEM's like the CCA Rhapsody, CCA CRA, and KZ Castor. These units support AptX, SBC, AAC. I am using the BTX's at the moment, with the Castor; paired with the FiiO BTA30 Pro (in TX mode) and with the PC as source. The BTA30 Pro is indicating AptX when paired with the BTX. I find the audio quality quite good and at the price point (AliEx~$30, even under that price when on sale), an incredible earhook. My planars generally perform better when the AZ09 Pro is placed in POWER mode (3 clicks to the left earhook button). No issues with signal drops using the AZ09 Pro or the BTX. But then I have also modded my transmitter with an after-market 12dB antenna ($12).
Cutting off the connector is risky even after it has been done successfully. i have seen adapter to connect between 2-pin 0.75/0.78 to MMCX, is there any for 0.75/0.78 to QDC ( / vice versa)..?
@@neogenesusWhat i meant by risky AFTER it has been done successfully was.. ..really AFTER the modifications made because of how 'fragile' the 2-pin is especially if it is connected with heavy IEMs such as KZ ZVX. My cable from TRUTHEAR Hola was broke when using it with ZVX.
@@neogenesusSame here. The mod is easy and also possible with those variants with the plastic guard. One simply needs the right tool for the job and a steady hand. Sharp, small straight edge clippers can be used, else a sharp exacto knife. Always being careful to avoid scoring or disturbing the pins. I have modded a few sets to date (I have spares for the car and office) and have had no issues. Tried the adapters (a couple of sets)...but they are a pain and never gave me the secure fit/connection of the modded KZ AZ09 Pro's or modded CCA BTX's.
There's a problem with your mod... apparently, not all AZ20s (and other models) are made the same. Mine has a white plastic guard inside the rubber sleeve which prevents me from cutting any deeper and still leaves too little of the PINs exposed to securely lock into an IEM with a flush connector. I have the same issue with my AZ15 and one of my two AZ09 Pro models, so it looks like they've changed the design, at least on some of them, to prevent using them with IEMs that don't have the QDC connector.
It's better to get a "converter" from QDC to regular 2-pin connectors. There are some available on online markets. It's basically a custom IEM spare part with the QDC female port. You plug it into your regular 2-pin IEM. This allows you to use QDC cables or their earhooks.
@@flattfun Some of them (the ones I bought a few years ago) don't have that plastic guard; only the rubber, which can be easily cut away (or slid upward) to expose a full-sized set of pins. All of my newer ones have the guard, as if KZ's purposely preventing this mod from being usable. A workaround can be to get an adapter that converts from QDC to something else, like MMCX, which I used to connect my FiiO FH5 to the AZ20... a good-sounding pair.
Hi Ian, I was looking for the "best" bluetooth adapters around $30-40. I have standard 2 pin IEMS. Would you be able to recommend one for me please, and thank you!
Has anyone else had a time out (shut down) issue after 10 or so minutes on the right ear hook, or connection issues with just the right hook? Can only be fixed by placing the right hook into the charging case. Left hook seems to have a strange instability. I bought 2 AZ20s. 1 from KZ Official store having the above issues. 1 from another AliE retailer, which doesn't have the above problems.
AZ09 pro can't drive PR2 properly but KZ APTX HD cable surprisingly have more than enough juice for PR2 how about AZ20? can this paired with hard to drive IEM like PR2?
Did you switch the AZ09 Pro to power mode (i.e., 3 successive clicks to the left earhook button.)? You will need to do this for the PR1 or PR2, in my view.
@@jb678901 yes I did that but power mode on AZ09 still can't drive PR2 like KZ APTX HD cable can. if you need budget wireless upgrade for hard to drive KZ go for KZ APTX HD cable
i'm currently struggling with the same kind of issue, thank you for this comment! I didn't know that the kz bluetooth cable could be the solution. I don't own AZ20, but I suspect that KZ didn't apply any boost
Hello! I would like to use it with my Kz ZAX, and these are slightly boosted in the high frequencies. In your opinion, would this module accentuate the treble even more, or on the contrary add warmth to the sound? Thanks a lot!
I realize this post is 6 months old, but in case you did not get an answer, I use AZ20 these with ZAS, ZAX, and ZAR. When using them with the AZ20, each of these IEMs sound exactly the same to me as using them with the cable.
Got the BT20xs unit on order as I’ve currently got some old Shure SE535s which are getting to the end of their life but planning to swap the cable and put on some KZ ZS10 pro x as a cheap but decent replacement. How is the fit of the TRN over the back of the ear? I’m used to the reinforced Shure cables from drumming but over time the bendable wire inside snaps and then cuts its way out of the sheath so you end off spending stupid money on a new cable.
I only own the utws5 and the KZ AZ09 pro so I don’t know how they compare to the KZ AZ20, but the benefit of the fiio is that you can eq it in the fiio control app and the hooks are sturdier but the whole this is more bulky and I find them needing a 90° adapter to sit comfortably on my ears, your mileage may vary. The utws 5 comes in either 0.78 or mmcx while all the KZ wireless ear hooks come only in recessed 0.78, though because they all use a soft plastic it’s easy to expose the pins. I’m pretty sure the KZ AZ20 also has a high power mode with is just a bass and treble boost. Connection on both my AZ09 pro and UTWS 5 is very solid. In very crowded areas it does get some interference.
@@wipeyourbuttocks I'm currently using the az15 for the pr2 and although it does not sound perfect I can manage to power them at sufficient volumes, I was wondering if the az 20 was better in that regard.
@@matteobregante5656idk if you're a casual iem hobbyist or the kind that's super deep in that hobby, but I highly recommend at least a dual cs43131 DAC for the pr2, and maybe get a krila for the TWS adapter
can't drive PR2 properly with my AZ09 pro but my KZ APTX HD cable can drive PR2 fine 👍 for those looking for budget wireless upgrade for KZ's hard to drive IEMs, do try KZ APTX HD cable
I love and hate my BT20XS. Love the versatility and all-day performance, but there are so many small quirks. I could (and actually will, once I find a suitable replacement) do a whole video about my love/hate relationship with them 😅 Long story short, the BT20XS are great if you can get them on sale and don't mind their many quirks!
Thank you so much for the windy sound test, it was very important for me
I use my AZ09 Pro's and CCA BTX's paired either to my Android phone OR to a FiiO BTA30Pro (in TX mode) connected to my PC. Been using them for a few years now as my primary desktop audio devices. They get much more use than my cabled IEM's, cabled headphones, BT earbuds or my Sony WH1000XM3's.
They easily power my Shuoer S12's, HEXA's, PR1 HiFi's, or Tin HiFi T3+'s...to name a "few".
When modding, use a SHARPER knife!!!! Also, put some cardboard in between the pins and the shroud to protect the pins from scoring by the knife. If the unit has a plastic shroud...buy a small set of sharp straight edge clippers to snip the excess silicone and plastic shroud, carefully.
I just got this, but this has a problem, when i turn on LE audio, it will disconnect and connect again but no sound, turn off the LE audio will be normal, i wonder what causes that
I think this product also supports aptX Adaptive, so it sounds pretty good. It would be nice if the chipset used in this product could be made into a USB Type C Bluetooth dongle. (For TWS)
Hi Ian , AZ09 , AZ09 pro , AZ15 , AZ20 , which of these models have the highest gain (output volume) for iems that requires more power? For iPhone , there is no Aptz , so I believe AAC is good enough. 😅😅😅
Up, any updates for this. I am planning to buy.
Thanks for the review, really helps in picking out a TWS adapter for my incoming ZS10 Pro 2.
This is kind of late, but I came across the KZ XZ10. It has the same specs (also QCC5171) and has 3 modes. Not sure why, but it is somehow cheaper. Have you also heard about them? So far no reviews online yet.
As far as i know, KZ XZ10 has the same spec as KZ AZ20 but with the older (bulkier) design, identical with the AZ09 & AZ09 Pro. Therefore it also has a bigger battery inside, i believe its 50mah XZ10 vs 35mah for AS20
@@saputrateguhthanks, I actually got the XZ10 and I yes it does look like the AZ09 series.
@@GeNGiM do you also have the AZ09 Pro? I have the AZ09 Pro but im curious about the XZ10 performance. Does it worth the upgrade?
@@saputrateguh sorry, can't really say the difference because I wasn't able to use the AZ09 for so long, I only borrowed one like for a minute with a different IEM on it. Though I have to say, I really love the 5171 on the XZ10 but it to an average user like me, it might appear that they both function just "the same" (the XZ10 establishes connection really quick though). Also the XZ10 still uses the usual 'chinese lady assistant voice', so it might make you chuckle every time you use it 😆
@@GeNGiM her english is so chinese-ish you can pinpoint its a chinese lady right away lol. Yeah i think the only diff is the bluetooth chip inside, with a tad stronger / stable connection & noticeable improvement on battery life. Since the transfer bitrate is just the same, the sound quality should be the same i guess?
which kz wireless bt adapter have the better hooks?
is it possible to use this while running? will it fall off from my ears?
Are the magnets in the ear piece or the case? i cannot have magnets near my ear for medical reasons.
I own CCA BTX which looks exactly the same from every possible angle, sounds very good to me, signal loss depends more on the transmitter rather than this. So if trasnimtter is good I wont have barely any signal loss, its price is around 36 dolars so i am unsure what difference(s) there are between them, possibly better decoders on KZ version or maybe nothing? I go backwards from your technique when puting them in my ear: first find the best place for the hook around ear and then go pulling gently my ear to fit the tip in my ear canal.
CCA BTX is more like the az09 pro, same chipset. The az20 uses the newer Qualcomm chip, sound quality is only slightly better. Battery life on the az09 pro is marginally better. With the az20 you are paying a premium for slightly better sound quality, for some it may not be worth it, plus you need a somewhat descent IEM to begin with for this to have discernable differences.
@@DustinLKimble ...and you need a source that supports AptxHD for the AZ20. I find both the AZ09 Pro and the CCA BTX terrific for my daily use. I mod my AZ09 Pro's (I have three for car, office, home) for standard B-pin (S12, MP 145, Hexa, T3+, Olina, etc.) and they've been my daily drivers for the better part of 3 years. The BTX's I use for the QDC C-Pin IEM's like the CCA Rhapsody, CCA CRA, and KZ Castor. These units support AptX, SBC, AAC. I am using the BTX's at the moment, with the Castor; paired with the FiiO BTA30 Pro (in TX mode) and with the PC as source. The BTA30 Pro is indicating AptX when paired with the BTX.
I find the audio quality quite good and at the price point (AliEx~$30, even under that price when on sale), an incredible earhook. My planars generally perform better when the AZ09 Pro is placed in POWER mode (3 clicks to the left earhook button).
No issues with signal drops using the AZ09 Pro or the BTX. But then I have also modded my transmitter with an after-market 12dB antenna ($12).
But I want to know is with this setup, is it better than some high-end Bluetooth wireless earbuds like the BnO Beoplay EX or Technics az80?
Cutting off the connector is risky even after it has been done successfully.
i have seen adapter to connect between 2-pin 0.75/0.78 to MMCX,
is there any for 0.75/0.78 to QDC ( / vice versa)..?
I've modified several AZ09 pros and none have exhibit problem.
@@neogenesusWhat i meant by risky AFTER it has been done successfully was..
..really AFTER the modifications made because of how 'fragile' the 2-pin is especially if it is connected with heavy IEMs such as KZ ZVX.
My cable from TRUTHEAR Hola was broke when using it with ZVX.
@@neogenesusSame here. The mod is easy and also possible with those variants with the plastic guard. One simply needs the right tool for the job and a steady hand. Sharp, small straight edge clippers can be used, else a sharp exacto knife. Always being careful to avoid scoring or disturbing the pins. I have modded a few sets to date (I have spares for the car and office) and have had no issues. Tried the adapters (a couple of sets)...but they are a pain and never gave me the secure fit/connection of the modded KZ AZ09 Pro's or modded CCA BTX's.
Why is the newer and ""better"" ae01 from kz so mutch less expensive?
There's a problem with your mod... apparently, not all AZ20s (and other models) are made the same. Mine has a white plastic guard inside the rubber sleeve which prevents me from cutting any deeper and still leaves too little of the PINs exposed to securely lock into an IEM with a flush connector.
I have the same issue with my AZ15 and one of my two AZ09 Pro models, so it looks like they've changed the design, at least on some of them, to prevent using them with IEMs that don't have the QDC connector.
It's better to get a "converter" from QDC to regular 2-pin connectors. There are some available on online markets. It's basically a custom IEM spare part with the QDC female port. You plug it into your regular 2-pin IEM. This allows you to use QDC cables or their earhooks.
I cut into the black silicon through to the clear plastic guard in two steps, he did it very neatly in one.
@@flattfun Some of them (the ones I bought a few years ago) don't have that plastic guard; only the rubber, which can be easily cut away (or slid upward) to expose a full-sized set of pins. All of my newer ones have the guard, as if KZ's purposely preventing this mod from being usable.
A workaround can be to get an adapter that converts from QDC to something else, like MMCX, which I used to connect my FiiO FH5 to the AZ20... a good-sounding pair.
Hi Ian, I was looking for the "best" bluetooth adapters around $30-40. I have standard 2 pin IEMS. Would you be able to recommend one for me please, and thank you!
What's the battery life?
Is it multipoint?
too expensive compared to az10
My AZ20 fits well on me. Maybe ear size also is a factor if this model may be stable or not.
Please i dont have pairing kz Az 20, give me tutorial pairing simple🙏
Has anyone else had a time out (shut down) issue after 10 or so minutes on the right ear hook, or connection issues with just the right hook? Can only be fixed by placing the right hook into the charging case.
Left hook seems to have a strange instability.
I bought 2 AZ20s. 1 from KZ Official store having the above issues.
1 from another AliE retailer, which doesn't have the above problems.
Вы уверены ,на 20ке ципсет 5144 стоит равный105дб /сантиметр ,а в таких гаушниках дифузор 87дб/с.
AZ09 pro can't drive PR2 properly but KZ APTX HD cable surprisingly have more than enough juice for PR2
how about AZ20? can this paired with hard to drive IEM like PR2?
i got pr2 and trn bt20xs and it works "somehow" ^^
Did you switch the AZ09 Pro to power mode (i.e., 3 successive clicks to the left earhook button.)? You will need to do this for the PR1 or PR2, in my view.
@@jb678901 yes I did that but power mode on AZ09 still can't drive PR2 like KZ APTX HD cable can. if you need budget wireless upgrade for hard to drive KZ go for KZ APTX HD cable
@@jb678901unfortunately the high performance mode isn't supposed to boost volumes, or to provide more power
i'm currently struggling with the same kind of issue, thank you for this comment! I didn't know that the kz bluetooth cable could be the solution. I don't own AZ20, but I suspect that KZ didn't apply any boost
Sound like there is only one mic on the left? Could you do phone call with only one earpiece on?thanks
Both sides.
this earphone have wireless changer?
Any iem, they work with the S12 Pro?
I bought one with internal protection, it was difficult to cut, but it worked, KZ has to stop being stupid and make it fit for everyone.
Hello! I would like to use it with my Kz ZAX, and these are slightly boosted in the high frequencies. In your opinion, would this module accentuate the treble even more, or on the contrary add warmth to the sound? Thanks a lot!
I realize this post is 6 months old, but in case you did not get an answer, I use AZ20 these with ZAS, ZAX, and ZAR. When using them with the AZ20, each of these IEMs sound exactly the same to me as using them with the cable.
Yes 😁 with new chipset and aptx HD 🥰
It's support gaming mode?
Thanks Ian. KZ AZ09 Pro is the one to get at less than $30 in Sale. Can also be modded.😊
How do you mod it?
@@wassup5793 Exactly the same as Ian done with the newer version.
They need to add eq app and anc that would be GREAT
got trn bt20xs for it's interchangeability (eyeing also their bt3xs)... hoping kz will follow suit...
Are you shills from TRN? BT20XS is f*cking damn big and heavy. terrible experience.
Got the BT20xs unit on order as I’ve currently got some old Shure SE535s which are getting to the end of their life but planning to swap the cable and put on some KZ ZS10 pro x as a cheap but decent replacement.
How is the fit of the TRN over the back of the ear? I’m used to the reinforced Shure cables from drumming but over time the bendable wire inside snaps and then cuts its way out of the sheath so you end off spending stupid money on a new cable.
Is it as good as the utws5?
I only own the utws5 and the KZ AZ09 pro so I don’t know how they compare to the KZ AZ20, but the benefit of the fiio is that you can eq it in the fiio control app and the hooks are sturdier but the whole this is more bulky and I find them needing a 90° adapter to sit comfortably on my ears, your mileage may vary. The utws 5 comes in either 0.78 or mmcx while all the KZ wireless ear hooks come only in recessed 0.78, though because they all use a soft plastic it’s easy to expose the pins. I’m pretty sure the KZ AZ20 also has a high power mode with is just a bass and treble boost. Connection on both my AZ09 pro and UTWS 5 is very solid. In very crowded areas it does get some interference.
Hey thanks for the review!! is it woth to upgrade from the az 15 for a kz pr2? does it has more power or it sounds any better? thanks again!!
There's no way it can handle the PR2, not even a CX31993 dongle
@@wipeyourbuttocks I'm currently using the az15 for the pr2 and although it does not sound perfect I can manage to power them at sufficient volumes, I was wondering if the az 20 was better in that regard.
@@matteobregante5656idk if you're a casual iem hobbyist or the kind that's super deep in that hobby, but I highly recommend at least a dual cs43131 DAC for the pr2, and maybe get a krila for the TWS adapter
@@matteobregante5656a utws 5 might be able to
can't drive PR2 properly with my AZ09 pro but my KZ APTX HD cable can drive PR2 fine 👍
for those looking for budget wireless upgrade for KZ's hard to drive IEMs, do try KZ APTX HD cable
I use KZ AZ10 ❤
The mic is utter crap for calls
Don't buy just wasting money. Suddenly it will not charge jus after 3months. Never again to buy a bluetooth headset.same as all brand..hi end!
you circumcise the az20 😂😂😂
Jew earbud.
Can the KZ AZ20 APTX be used for planar earphones???
Friend, I use the AZ 20 WITH THE S12 PRO, the problem with the AZ20 is that it doesn't control the volume.
BT20XS has changable connectors (mmcx or 2 pin), 10+ hr battery life and is cheaper. Wonder how they compare to these
I love and hate my BT20XS. Love the versatility and all-day performance, but there are so many small quirks. I could (and actually will, once I find a suitable replacement) do a whole video about my love/hate relationship with them 😅 Long story short, the BT20XS are great if you can get them on sale and don't mind their many quirks!
@@lateraudiogator what are the downside of BT20XS?
@@lateraudiogatorPlease do! I'd watch your video.