KZ xHBB PR2 In-Ear Monitor

Introduction

Knowledge Zenith (KZ) is back with a planar driver IEM tuned by HBB, the popular Youtuber who runs Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews. Priced at USD 45, this is aimed squarely at the budget planar market.

Description

Based on a single 13.2mm planar magnetic driver, the KZ PR2 is made from an alloy die-cast shell. The supplied 1.2m long cable is silver-plated and you can also order a mic version for USD 2 extra. The cable is nothing special - no chin slider, and the 3.5mm plug is not interchangeable. At least it's flexible and doesn't tangle up easily. The PR2 uses 0.75mm pins, so feel free to express yourself with a third-party cable of your choice. I ordered the version with the mic and the voice quality is quite decent and works well enough for conference calls in a quiet environment. 

Included in the box are four tips - one set of foam tips and three pairs of silicon tips in different sizes. There is no carrying case, or anything else fancy. 

The cut-away diagram on KZ's website shows a silver-plated diaphragm with seven N52 rubidium magnets on either side of the diaphragm.

Here is a picture of the measured response from KZ's website :-

Specified impedance is 15 ohms (+/- 3 ohms), and sensitivity at 94db (+/- 3 db). Well, planar drivers are hard to drive, and this one is especially difficult. Driven directly out of a computer or mobile phone headphone jack, the resultant performance is poor to mediocre at best. Apart from limited volume, music sounds strained and confused.  

Sound Quality

Bring proper amplification to the party, and the PR2 sounds great. Both an Aurender Flow DAC/headamp and a Questyle M15 dongle DAC had enough power to allow the PR2 to shine. 

Bass is especially impressive, with a tight and impactful quality. The tuning is neutral, with good and clean vocals and highs. Decay is good, although on the drier side. Staging and imaging are also above average, with good separation and layering. There is a touch of forwardness to the midrange though, which gives vocals a subtle presence boost. You also get speed and details galore, which is especially impressive given the low price tag. 

Tonally, this is one of the brighter-sounding IEMs on the market, with very little midbass and midrange warmth. You could use EQ to tune this IEM more to your liking, but the intrinsic character won't change that much.  If you prefer a warm and bassy IEM, you are better off with something else. 

In comparison to the Letshuoer S12 Pro (the other planar IEM in my collection), the PR2 is not quite as musical or fun to listen to. The S12 Pro has a much better cable, interchangeable connectors (including a 2.5 and 4.4mm balanced plug), and is easier to drive. The S12 Pro has a warmer and fuller balance, and better dimensionality. The S12 Pro also costs four times more than the PR2, and in my opinion, the performance gap between both is not that big. This gives a clear nod to the PR2 in the value stakes. According to HBB, the PR2 uses the same driver as the KZ PR1 Pro which is almost twice the price of the PR2. In short, you get a lot for your money. 

Conclusion

An outstanding bargain if you are a fan of its neutral tuning. The low sensitivity makes a good dongle DAC or headamp mandatory though - Best Buy.

Price - USD 45

http://kz-audio.com