In this article, I review the HZSOUND White Snow IEMs. The White Snow features a 10mm LPC + PU diaphragm dynamic driver and resin-drip moulded faceplates with an aluminium back cover. It’s priced at $20-$30.
Disclaimer: KeepHiFi provided this sample for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
HZSOUND White Snow
Specifications
Driver: 10mm dynamic driver
Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
Impedance: 20Ω
Sensitivity: 108dB
In the Box
- HZSOUND White Snow IEMs
- Detachable silver-plated copper cable
- Fabric carrying pouch
- 6x pairs of silicone eartips
- 8 nozzle filter replacements
Design
The White Snow’s transparent shells give a clear view of the internal driver layout and wiring. The faceplates feature a white, pearlescent celluloid pattern, coated in clear resin with an aluminum backplate for durability.
The nozzles include a protective mesh and have a sturdy lip that keeps eartips secure. Overall, the design is clean and functional and the build is on par for an IEM at this price point. The shells are comfortable too, and I could wear them for hours at a time.
The included cable is a solid addition, with silver-plated copper wires that catch the light, adding a premium look. It’s flexible, easy to handle, and doesn’t suffer from any noticeable microphonics.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the iBasso DX180, FiiO KA17 and SMSL RAW-MDA1. The White Snow is an efficient IEM, so you don’t need a powerful source to use it.
The White Snow has a mature sound signature, especially for a budget IEM. This isn’t unexpected, as HZSOUND first gained popularity with the Heart Mirror, known for its lean, high-fidelity tuning. It’s fairly balanced with a lightly boosted bass and a slight emphasis on the upper midrange.
Bass
The bass is slightly enhanced with a focus on the sub-bass. There’s plenty of body and impact in the lows combined with good speed and control. Leading edges are clean, giving kick drums a snappy attack while maintaining control. There’s ample sub-bass rumble and mid-bass slam but bassheads looking for skull-shattering lows will need to look elsewhere.
Midrange
The mids are uncoloured, though the upper region has some added energy. A neutral note size enhances transparency and clarity. I never found the mids lacking denseness or saturation and even male vocals sound sufficiently rich. Despite some emphasis on the upper midrange, I didn’t find them shouty.
Treble
The treble is extended and crisp, adding air and opening up the upper harmonics without any sharpness or sibilance. Hi-hats and cymbals have a nice sheen and surprisingly good timbre for a budget IEM.
Soundstage & Technicalities
The soundstage has good width and depth with fairly precise placement and layering. Instrument separation is good and the micro-detail retrieval is above average. Overall, the White Snow has good technical ability, especially considering its low price.
Comparisons
Simgot EW200 ($35)
The Simgot EW200 (review here) has a similar sound signature but it’s slightly more dynamic. It has greater sub-bass depth which gives its lower mids slightly more body and warmth. Both of these IEMs have a lifted upper midrange, boosting vocal presence. The EW200 has a more pronounced treble, giving it a touch more detail retrieval. The EW200 has a narrower soundstage but a little extra stage depth.
Kefine Klean ($49)
The Kefine Klean has a more musical approach, courtesy of more bass presence and less upper-midrange lift. This gives it a warmer tonality with extra richness and body. Klean has more upper-treble energy but the White Snow sounds airier and more spacious. Klean’s stage isn’t as wide but it has slightly more precise imaging.
Verdict
The HZSOUND White Snow has a mature and refined tuning that will appeal to people who prefer a leaner bass and a light, spacious sound. It’s a good budget IEM for music and gaming and in addition, is very comfortable in the ears. If you’re looking for a solid budget IEM, you should put this one on your shortlist.