KZ Taurus

Affordable Clarity in a Dual-Driver Package

The KZ Taurus is a dual dynamic driver IEM that brings midrange detail and some clarity at the price point of just $25. With its bright tuning, the Taurus represents KZ’s continued push to deliver high-performance audio products at budget-friendly prices. While its tuning won’t please everyone, those who appreciate detailed, spacious sound might find a lot to love in this affordable package.

What I like most about the KZ Taurus is it delivers something that you do not normally find in a budget IEM, lots of midrange clarity and detail. But I should also say that typical of KZ IEM’s at this price point, the accessories are basic, and you might want to swap with some more premium cables and eartips.

But before I get into the details, let’s take a look at unboxing experience.

Unboxing Experience

The unboxing experience for the KZ Taurus is straightforward and functional, which is expected at this price point:

The back of the box:

Opening this box reveals the Taurus IEM shells:

The IEM shells look nice in the box:

Underneath the shells are the accessories:

The eartips are very basic and I would suggest swapping for some third party eartips:

Inside the box, you’ll find:

• The Taurus IEM shells
• A detachable silver-plated cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
• Three pairs of silicone eartips (S/M/L)
• A simple user manual

While the packaging is extremely minimal, but it contains everything you need to get started. At this price point, I don’t expect premium accessories, though a simple carrying case would have been a nice addition.

Design, Build Quality, and Comfort

Despite its budget positioning, the KZ Taurus impresses with its build quality:

Shell Design

The Taurus features a translucent shell design that allows you to see the dual dynamic drivers inside. Available in clear, black, and white variations, I received the clear version which showcases the internal components nicely:

The shell has a nice metallic faceplate that adds a more premium touch to an otherwise budget IEM.

The overall construction feels solid and durable, with good attention to detail for a product in this price range.

Cable

The included cable is the standard KZ dual parallel silver-plated cable.

While functional, it’s a relatively basic cable:

The cable is slightly prone to tangling and has some microphonics. At this price point, it’s acceptable, but it’s one of the areas where the budget nature of the Taurus becomes apparent. Fortunately, the standard 0.78mm 2-pin connector means you can easily upgrade to a better aftermarket cable if desired.

Comfort

The Taurus is quite comfortable for extended listening sessions. The shells are reasonably small and ergonomically shaped, fitting well in my ears without causing discomfort even after hours of use.

The stock silicone tips provide a decent seal, but as mentioned above, I did swap to some higher quality aftermarket tips which improved both comfort and sound quality. The nozzle size is standard, making tip rolling relatively easy.

Sound Impressions

The KZ Taurus has a bright, airy sound signature with a forward midrange and well-controlled bass. This tuning approach creates a sense of detail and clarity that can be impressive at its price point, though it may not suit everyone’s preferences.

Bass

The bass on the Taurus is well-controlled and has good definition. It doesn’t have the overwhelming quantity that some might prefer in a budget IEM, but the quality is impressive for the price:

• The sub-bass extends reasonably well but doesn’t have significant rumble or physicality
• Mid-bass is present without bloat, providing a clean foundation for the midrange
• Overall, the bass is tight and articulate rather than warm or powerful

Test Tracks:

• “Massive Attack - Angel”: The bassline is rendered with good texture and control, though it lacks some of the weight and impact found in bassier IEMs.
• “Billie Eilish - Bad Guy”: The bass hits come through clearly with good definition, but without the visceral punch some might expect.

Midrange

The midrange is a highlight of the Taurus, with a forward presentation that brings vocals and lead instruments to the forefront:

• Lower mids have good body without being recessed
• Upper mids are emphasized, giving vocals presence and clarity
• Instrument separation is good for the price, with nice tonality on acoustic instruments

Test Tracks:

• “Fleetwood Mac - Landslide”: Stevie Nicks’ vocals come through with excellent clarity and presence, while the acoustic guitar maintains natural timbre.
• “John Mayer - Slow Dancing in a Burning Room”: The guitar work is rendered with good detail and articulation, showing off the Taurus’s midrange capabilities.

Treble

The treble is where the Taurus will divide opinions the most. It has significant upper treble emphasis that creates a sense of air and detail, but may be too much for treble-sensitive listeners:

• Good extension into the upper registers
• Provides a sense of spaciousness and detail
• Can be somewhat bright and potentially sibilant on certain tracks
• May cause fatigue during longer listening sessions

Test Tracks:

• “Diana Krall - The Look of Love”: The cymbals and hi-hats have excellent presence and detail, though occasionally verging on brightness.
• “Eagles - Hotel California”: The guitar work is rendered with impressive detail, but the upper harmonics can sound slightly exaggerated.

Soundstage and Imaging

For a budget IEM, the Taurus presents a reasonably spacious soundstage with decent imaging capabilities:

• Width is above average for the price point
• Depth is moderate but not exceptional
• Instrument placement is fairly accurate
• The airy tuning helps create a sense of space

Specifications and Measurements

Frequency Response

The frequency response measurements confirm the brighter signature I hear with the Taurus:

The graph shows some excellent level matching and a nicely controlled bass. There is a forward midrange, an elevated lower treble, and an extended upper treble.

Distortion

Distortion measurements show that the Taurus performs well for its price point:


Distortion remains relatively low throughout the frequency range, indicating good driver quality despite the budget price.

The distortion as a percentage confirms the excellent technical performance:


Comparisons

KZ Taurus vs. KZ EDC Pro

The KZ EDC Pro has a warmer, more relaxed tuning compared to the Taurus:

• The EDC Pro has more bass emphasis and less treble energy
• The Taurus offers better detail retrieval and clarity
• The EDC Pro is more forgiving with poor recordings
• Both are comfortable, but the EDC Pro has a slightly smaller shell

KZ Taurus vs. Moondrop Chu II

The Moondrop Chu II follows a more Harman-like tuning compared to the brighter Taurus:

• The Chu has a more balanced overall presentation
• The Taurus offers more upper treble extension and air
• The Chu has better midrange coherence
• The Taurus has better accessories with a detachable cable

Rating Explanation

I’ve given the KZ Taurus a pragmatic rating of 3 stars. Here’s why:

• Strengths: Nice detail retrieval for the price, good IEM build quality, well-controlled bass, forward and engaging midrange, spacious presentation
• Weaknesses: Potentially fatiguing treble for some users, basic cable and accessories, lack of case

The Taurus represents decent value at just $25, delivering a level of detail and clarity that punches above its price class. While its bright signature won’t be for everyone, it’s an excellent option for those who prioritize detail and clarity on an extremely tight budget.

Who is this for?

• Budget-conscious listeners seeking detail and clarity
• Those who enjoy a brighter, more analytical presentation
• Collectors looking to experience different sound signatures without breaking the bank
• Users willing to swap cables and tips for improved performance

Who should look elsewhere?

• Listeners sensitive to treble or prone to listening fatigue
• Those seeking a warm, bass signature
• People who prioritize premium accessories and packaging

Conclusion

The KZ Taurus is a compelling budget IEM that offers impressive detail and clarity for its $25 price point. Its bright, airy tuning creates a sense of space and detail that can rival more expensive models, though this comes at the cost of potential listening fatigue for some users.

While the included cable and accessories are basic, the solid build quality and comfortable fit make the Taurus an excellent value proposition. By swapping to better eartips and potentially a better cable, you can extract even more performance from this budget gem.

For those looking to explore a detailed, airy sound signature without spending much, the KZ Taurus is definitely worth considering. Just be aware of its treble-forward character, which may not suit everyone’s preferences or listening habits.