JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant Review
JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant Review
Introduction:
The JUZEAR x Z Views Defiant is a hybrid In-Ear Monitor (IEM) featuring a single 10mm dynamic driver (1DD) paired with three balanced armature (3BA) drivers to deliver a vibrant and refined audio experience. This IEM, a collaboration between JUZEAR and Zeos of Z Reviews, underwent six months of precise tuning. Equipped with a three-way crossover, damped acoustic tubes, and a premium 6N SPOCC+SCCW hybrid cable, the Defiant prioritizes depth, clarity, and versatility. Its DLP 3D-printed resin shells and CNC-milled faceplates in Rainbow or Jade Green combine elegance with durability for a comfortable and visually striking design.
In this review, I will analyze the JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant across key aspects such as audio fidelity, design aesthetics, ergonomic considerations, and price-to-performance ratio, striving for an objective perspective.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank HiFiGo and JUZEAR for providing the Defiant In-Ear Monitor for review purposes. I have no affiliation with HiFiGo or JUZEAR beyond this review, and my opinions reflect my honest and unaltered thoughts about the product.
Price & Availability:
The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant IEM retails for approximately $99.99 USD, offering excellent value for its hybrid driver configuration and premium accessories. The IEM is paired with the JUZEAR x Flare cable. For the latest pricing and availability, please check the official product pages:
Package & Accessories:
The Defiant arrives in a compact, sleek box with a minimalist design showcasing the Juzear logo and a vibrant image of the IEMs against a dark background. The packaging feels premium yet practical, focusing on the product without excessive embellishment.
Inside the box are the following contents/accessories;
- 1 x pair of JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x Flare 6N SPOCC+SCCW detachable hybrid wire cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
- 1 x 3.5mm Single-Ended Headphone Adapter
- 1 x 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Adapter
- 9 x pairs of silicone ear tips in various sizes, with 1 pair pre-installed
- 1 x pair of Foam ear tip
- 1 x zipper carrying case
- 1 x Print Material (Unser Manual & Warranty Card)
The unboxing experience is satisfying, with the earphones and accessories thoughtfully arranged. The included carrying case, embossed with the JUZEAR logo, is sturdy and compact, ideal for daily use.
The variety of ear tips ensures a personalized fit, and the modular “Flare” cable with interchangeable plugs adds versatility for different audio setups.
Design & Build Quality:
The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant shows a prettty sophisticated and durable design. The ear shells, crafted from high-quality, skin-friendly resin via DLP 3D-printing technology, provide a lightweight yet robust build that conforms comfortably to the ear.
The CNC-milled faceplates, available in Rainbow or Jade Green with nickel metal accents, offer a polished and eye-catching aesthetic. T
he Jade Green variant, in particular, displays a vibrant, gem-like quality that shifts subtly under different lighting, adding a touch of individuality.
The Defiant’s 10mm third-generation dynamic driver, featuring a PU composite diaphragm and neodymium magnet, delivers deep and controlled bass. A dual composite BA handles the midrange, while a customized BA manages the highs, ensuring cohesive sound delivery.
The shells incorporate a micro-perforation pressure balance system to reduce in-ear pressure for enhanced comfort during extended use. The 0.78mm 2-pin connectors ensure a secure cable connection.
Small vent holes near the faceplate aid acoustic tuning, contributing to a spacious sound profile.
The nozzles include a mesh filter to prevent debris buildup and feature a standard diameter compatible with most aftermarket ear tips.
The included Flare hybrid wire cable, blending 6N single-crystal copper and silver-plated copper, feels soft, resists tangling, and exudes a decent built quality.
The cable’s interchangeable 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, housed in metal casings with plastic strain relief, enhance durability and compatibility with various devices.
The Defiant’s construction balances style, functionality, and ergonomic design, making it a standout in its price range.
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The Defiant prioritizes ergonomics with compact, contoured shells that fit snugly in medium-sized ears. The smooth resin body and pressure balance system minimize discomfort, enabling hours of fatigue-free listening.
The variety of included ear tips ensures a secure seal, enhancing both comfort and passive noise isolation. The Defiant performs well in moderately noisy environments, such as public transport, effectively blocking ambient sounds without requiring active noise cancellation. Its lightweight design and secure fit make it ideal for daily use or extended sessions.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : Defiant
- Driver Technology : 1DD (10mm PU composite diaphragm) + 3BA (dual composite BA for mids, customized BA for highs)
- Frequency Response : 20Hz–20kHz (±1dB)
- Sensitivity : 109dB SPL/mW ±1dB
- Impedance : 32Ω ±1Ω
- THD+N : ≤0.8%
- Connector Type : 0.78mm Diameter 2-Pin Connector
- Plug : 3.5mm Single-Ended + 4.4mm Balanced Termination
Drivability & Pairing:
Thanks to its 32Ω impedance and 109dB SPL/mW sensitivity, the Defiant IEM is highly efficient and compatible with a broad spectrum of devices. From smartphones and USB DACs to DAPs like the HiBy R6 III 2025, xDuoo X5, and iBasso Nunchaku, it delivers consistent performance without requiring significant amplification. While premium sources can elevate its clarity and dynamic range, the Defiant offers excellent sound quality even with basic setups.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant, Kinera Celest Phoenixcall
- DAP&DAC’s : HiBy R6 III 2025, xDuoo X5, iBasso Nunchaku
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant delivers a vibrant and engaging sound profile with a fun, U-shaped signature and a touch of warmth. Its bass is punchy and deep, providing a visceral impact that energizes tracks without overpowering other frequencies. The midrange is clear and natural, with a slight recess enhancing the contrast between lows and highs, allowing vocals and instruments to stand out in a lively yet balanced manner. The treble is crisp and airy, adding sparkle and openness while remaining smooth to prevent fatigue. With a wide soundstage and precise imaging, the Defiant creates an immersive experience suitable for genres from rock to electronic, maintaining a cohesive and musical character. Let’s examine its sound performance in detail.
This review reflects a 75-80 hours burn-in period using the stock “Flare” hybrid wire cable and medium silicone ear tips. Sound impressions are based on testing with sources like the HiBy R6 III 2025, xDuoo X5, and iBasso Nunchaku.
Bass:
The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant’s bass stands out with a tight and impactful low-end that balances depth and control. In the subbass region, it produces a rich and rumbling texture, adding weight to tracks like Lorde’s “Royals” or Massive Attack’s “Angel” for a satisfying physical sensation without bleeding into the midrange. The midbass is punchy and warm, giving kick drums and bass guitars a lively presence in songs like Metallica’s “Sad but True” or Gogo Penguin’s “Raven.” This warmth enhances the energy of rock and electronic genres while preserving clarity for intricate basslines in progressive tracks like Opeth’s “Windowpane.”
The Defiant excels at layering low-frequency elements, allowing distinct bass textures, such as the pluck of a string or the thump of a drum, to coexist without muddiness. Its controlled bass response ensures clarity in complex passages, like those in Charly Antolini’s “Duwadjuwandadu.” While it may not match the sheer power of bass-heavy IEMs, the Defiant’s bass is versatile, offering sufficient punch for casual listeners and enough refinement for audiophiles seeking clarity across genres.
Midrange:
The Defiant’s midrange delivers a natural and slightly recessed tone that complements its U-shaped tuning. The lower midrange carries subtle warmth, lending fullness to instruments like pianos and cellos, as well as male vocals in tracks like Barry White’s “Just The Way You Are” or Sting’s “Englishman in New York.” This warmth provides a smooth foundation, ensuring instruments and vocals feel rich without dominating the mix. The upper midrange features a gentle lift, adding clarity to female vocals, such as Adele’s “My Little Love,” and enhancing the bite of electric guitars in Muse’s “Hysteria.”
Vocals across genres are rendered with solid detail, capturing nuances like breathy inflections in Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me” or the emotive delivery in Sertap Erener’s “Aşk.” The slight midrange recess creates a sense of spaciousness, allowing bass and treble to shine while keeping instruments like violins and acoustic guitars natural and engaging. The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant’s midrange handles jazz, pop, and rock with ease, though listeners preferring forward vocals might find it slightly understated. Overall, it offers a balanced and fatigue-free experience for extended listening.
Treble:
The Defiant’s treble is lively and well-extended, providing a crisp and airy quality that enhances openness. High-frequency elements, such as cymbals in Ferit Odman’s “Look, Stop & Listen” or chimes in Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight,” are articulated with precision, revealing subtle details like the decay of percussion. The treble remains forgiving with brighter recordings, such as Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” while adding sparkle to tracks like Daft Punk’s “Instant Crush.”
The upper treble contributes airiness, particularly noticeable in orchestral pieces like Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5,” where flutes and strings breathe freely. While energetic, the treble avoids sibilance, ensuring vocals in songs like Sertap Erener’s “Aşk” remain smooth. Listeners favoring a subdued top end might find the Defiant’s treble a bit lively, but its smooth integration with the midrange and bass creates a cohesive sound suitable for extended listening without fatigue.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant offers a decent soundstage performance for its price, with notable width and depth that create a spacious and immersive feel. In tracks known for their spatial intricacies, like Yosi Horikawa’s “Bubbles,” the IEM truly shines. The various sonic elements, from subtle clicks and pops to more pronounced percussive sounds, are positioned with clear separation, producing a three-dimensional effect. You can easily discern the placement and movement of these sounds within the stereo image, contributing to the track’s unique and atmospheric presentation.
Comparison:
JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant versus Kinera Celest Phoenixcall:
The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant delivers a punchy, U-shaped bass response with deep, controlled subbass and warm, impactful midbass, emphasizing texture and energy for dynamic genres. The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall, with its tribrid 1DD+2BA+2 micro planar driver setup, offers a V-shaped bass response with a strong midbass emphasis and good subbass extension. Its bass is weighty and punchy, providing a warm and vibrant low-end, though it can feel slightly less controlled than the Defiant’s tighter bass.
The Defiant’s midrange is slightly recessed, with a natural tone featuring warmth in the lower mids for male vocals and a gentle lift in the upper mids for female vocals and guitars, creating a spacious and balanced presentation. The Phoenixcall’s midrange is clearer but more uneven, with a recessed lower midrange and a more prominent upper midrange, giving female vocals and instruments like sopranos greater presence. However, this can lead to slight unevenness, making some instruments or voices sound more pronounced, whereas the Defiant maintains a smoother, more cohesive midrange.
The Defiant’s treble is crisp, airy, and well-extended, adding sparkle and openness without harshness, though it may feel lively for some listeners. The Phoenixcall’s treble, driven by its micro planar drivers, is sharp, vibrant, and highly detailed, offering excellent clarity and articulation. However, its boosted treble can become emphatic or aggressive with certain recordings, potentially causing fatigue, while the Defiant’s smoother treble prioritizes comfort over extreme detail.
The Defiant’s soundstage is wide and deep, providing immersive separation and a three-dimensional feel, with precise imaging that excels at pinpointing spatial cues. The Phoenixcall’s soundstage is average in width but offers good height and a naturally rounded shape, creating a sense of music unfolding around the listener. Its imaging is precise, though slightly less accurate than the Defiant’s, and its detail retrieval is superior due to its analytical treble. The Defiant feels more immersive and engaging, while the Phoenixcall leans toward a brighter, more technical presentation.
Conclusion:
The JUZEAR x Z Reviews Defiant IEMs offer impressive performance for their $99.99 price, featuring a hybrid 1DD+3BA driver setup within a lightweight, ergonomic design. The 3D-printed resin shells and CNC-milled faceplates ensure durability and comfort for long listening sessions.
Sonically, they deliver a versatile U-shaped tuning with punchy, controlled bass, natural and spacious midrange, and airy treble free from harshness. Their expansive soundstage and precise imaging enhance immersion, competing with more expensive models.
While some may prefer a more forward midrange or restrained treble, the Defiant stands out as a well-rounded IEM that balances technical performance, comfort, and everyday usability, making it a strong contender under $100
Pros & Cons:
- + Vibrant, U-shaped sound with punchy bass, clear mids, and airy treble
- + Lightweight and durable resin build with premium faceplate design
- + Ergonomic fit for extended comfort
- + High-quality, tangle-resistant hybrid cable with interchangeable plugs
- + Expansive soundstage and precise imaging
- + The Flare detachable cable with interchangable headphone adaptors is a nice addition
- – Slightly recessed midrange may not suit vocal-focused listeners
- – Treble can feel a tad spicy for those preferring a smoother presentation
Thank you for the Read!
