KZ PR2 Review

KZ PR2 Review – The Cheapest ‘Real’ Planar IEM

The new KZ PR2 is equipped with a newly developed 13.2mm real planar unit. It completely cancels the voice coil structure and is replaced by ultra-low resistance nano-silver electroplating lines. The low-load diaphragm brings faster response speed and better high-frequency performance.

KZ PR2 is equipped with a double-sided array magnetic circuit system composed of 14 N52 rubidium magnets, which brings the magnetic circuit performance to an ideal level, has a stronger transient response, and brings exquisite and vivid on-site sound quality.

KZ also has adopted a silver-plated nanoscale diaphragm at a higher cost. The circuit is plated on the diaphragm using a silver-plated process. The accuracy of the circuit needs to be controlled within 2 microns, resulting in higher technical requirements and higher costs. Compared to other diaphragms, this diaphragm has the characteristics of a faster vibration response, a natural balance of three frequencies, and stronger transient resolution.

The front shell, made of high-density alloy material, has a nice appearance and smooth feel. A semi-open exhaust design can effectively relieve pressure on the chamber. KZ PR2 has an ergonomic design.

What’s in the box

Sound

Let’s talk about the sound differences between the PR1 Pro and the PR2 (tuned by HBB).

Lows

The KZ PR2 offers a moderate quantity of bass overall like its brother. The only real difference is that one of them offers more physical tactility, (PR1 Pro), and the other offers a flatter and less physically thumping experience that is a bit smoother in its approach, (PR2).

But the overall purity and quality between them remain the same, regardless. For $45 of PR2, I am impressed with the quality and pristine purity of the low-end. Not that many other models out there have a similar quality in this price range. The bottom side tone and texture are pure feeling, and not woolly or thickened in physicality.

Overall, the bass on the KZ PR2 is just good in quantity, responsive enough, and robust enough to allow for a slightly balanced side of bass quantity if you want it, and on the pure side of texture that comes across as a more neutral bass type.

Mids

I don’t hear much of, if any difference at all, between the two for midrange appeal. At least not until we get to the very upper areas of the upper mids. At that point, yeah, you can hear a bit of a difference in presentation and brightness factor. The PR2 adds a more prominent appeal to the tone and forwardness factor.

Once more, the mids are on the pure side for tonality needs, so if you like the more analytical and clinical appeal for coloration, then this is a great set for you. The mids are very forward, engaging, large feeling, and dynamically interesting.

That excellent forwardness in physical placement makes vocals feel extremely interesting and fun, despite it also offering a clinical tonality.

Highs

Both models offer a different tone and presentation that can be audibly heard. The PR2 sounds more prominent. The Pr1 Pro subdues that a bit, but still both have the bright tier of tonality. The PR2 has a steep bite factor that can physically slam noticeably more than the PR1 Pro.

KZ PR2 has a pleasing sparkle that manages to keep harshness at bay while there’s also some ample air which contributes to an open sound as well as a huge headroom. The mild boost in the Presence region provides an added resolution and clarity to the overall presentation and despite the slight lift, there is no tinge of metallic timbre to the sound. Treble is one of the best that I’ve heard in this price range. Well-extended and smooth, whilst conveying enough energy for sparkle. Transients are extremely snappy, resulting in zero splashiness or overlap. The treble boasts excellent extension adding clarity and air to the overall presentation. The overall timbre of PR2 keeps everything fairly natural.

Detail retrieval, meanwhile, is excellent as it is able to produce even the tiniest detail with no effort. Decay is relatively fast which contributes to an organic timbre even with the minor dips and spikes across the treble region. Guitar effects and synths were performed with excellent detail and attack. Guitar solos where you’d get an energetic and lively treble presentation.

Technicality

The prominent upper mids and treble make this IEM sound very open, very spacious, and significantly aired out. The coherency factor is also good. The KZ PR2 boasts a very expansive soundstage even out of the box. The extended treble improves instrument separation. The staging provides a fairly out-of-your-head experience with an enjoyable 3D feel to it. Overall, I’d say this is one of the best instrument separation and layering that I’ve heard in this price range.

So yes, the imaging factor is very good, this is a sound staging king for being so cheap, and the added flare of the depth of field and airiness factors is that good.

Did KZ change the tuning after the first batch?

I can’t give the answer to that because I don’t have the version where the black dampener has been removed, I have a sample from the first batch. But I can show you the differences in sound using different ear tips while measuring. As you can see from the graph it makes a difference both in the lows and in the treble section.

If you want more bass from your PR2 you should use silicon tips but this also gives you more elevation on the treble. If you want to tame the highs you better use KZ’s foam tips that come within the package.

Sum-Up

The KZ PR1 Pro was already very good in the tuning and sounded on par with high-tier Planar IEMS on the market. The new PR2 on the other hand suits more to my taste with slightly reduced mid-bass, lower midrange, and slightly elevated lower treble. These changes made the IEM one of the most clean-sounding and detail-oriented earphones in its price range on the market that you can buy for under $50. The cheapest ‘real’ planer IEM > PR1 Pro, got better and cheaper > PR2.