Knowledge Zenith (KZ) PR1 Standard/Balanced

It's not surprising KZ is also one of the brands that want a piece of the planar pie, hence they decided to actually do something that's significantly different enough from everything else they've made. But does the brand most well known for its V shaped consistency be able to deliver something that's actually redeeming enough for it to be popular within the realm of planars?


UNBOXING & ACCESSORIES
As always with KZ products, they will be coming in the same form factor kind of box. Unsleeving the box will be presented with the headshells and underneath the cardboard sleeve will show its accessories, this time a copper stock cable with a smoked grey finish and starline Tips.





BUILD & FIT
Aestheticaly, I think KZ has done it. It has a metal-ish alloy faceplate that looks and feels stunning that extends to the sides, taking the visual theme of what looks to be like some modern industrial metal CnC look, with cut out grills on the face as well as prismed grills on the side, accented with the silver grill underneath it. Complementing the metal half is a tinted transparent shell that exposes the inners of the IEM. I think I should probably stop explaining and let the photos speak for itself.





In terms of fit, it's overall still made of plastic and have a universally safe design which for sure, will fit almost everyone's ear. The tips given - for me personally, ain't it so I just changed it to some other third party no brand tips.

SOUND
Source : Foobar2000 -> JCally JM10 Dongle DAC (CS43131) -> S.M.S.L. SH-6 Amplifier -> KZ PR1 stock


Tracks/Albums listened to but not limited to :
Polyphia - Playing God (FLAC)
Kana Hanazawa - Happy Endings EP
Mac Miller - Swimming Hochimachi Suisei - Still Still Stellar
YOASOBI - THE BOOK
FKJ - VINCENT, French Kiwi Juice Kanye West - The Life of Pablo (Ultralight Beam)



In general, the KZ PR1 sounds like any signature V shaped KZ, except now it has planar characteristics to it such as the crispiness of the highs and the crunchiness of the lows

BASS

• Subbass of the KZ PR1 performs amazingly with good rumble
• Bass notes can be heard complemented with a very specific crunch to it
• Tight, thumpy for drum kicks
• Little instance of bass bleed covering mids, vocals will mainly be affected
• Note definition is decent, but can be slightly muddy when met with fast bass licks

MIDS
*note*
whether midrange sounds recessed or not, so far on my end is very dependent on the Dongle DAC used. Using the JM20C elevates the highs but pushes back the midrange a lot, whilst using the (more neutral) JM10 makes the midrange sound more forward BUT ;

• THE MIDS OVERALL IS STILL RECESSED compared to the lows and highs
• Vocals will be the main star of this range, being more forward than other elements in most cases. Esses sound bright but has no sibilance what-so-ever
• Male vocals (Mac Miller, Stromae) sounds raspy and organic in a good way
• Female vocals sound bright but lacking a little body (somewhat hollow) , otherwise is still very resolving to listen
• Layered vocals and choir-esque type vocals will sound floaty and dreamy and not busy due to good separation from main vocal track
• Very fast mids, hence notes from synths and guitars with arpeggios sound plucky, bubbly and very resolving
• Upper mids with instruments such as keys and strings sounds vibrant and colorful
• Guitars with distortion will sound lean and have a very nice rough, crunchy texture to it

TREBLE
Keyword : Airy, sparkly, smooth

• Typical planar timbre characteristics can be heard here, with high ends sounding crispy and bright but not sibilant
• Good amount of treble extension, making hats sound amazing with its decay and being more presented in the tracks
• Instances of rimshots sound plucky and very rounded off
• Ride cymbals sound airy with good decay
• Chimes sound dreamy but complements the song than being too in your face
• No hints of sibilance
• No metallic characteristics
• Any instances of bright elements will be met with a smooth shelf, which prevents anything from sounding sibilant

TECHNICALITY
In terms of KZ's planar contender in the scene, it overall does deliver an enjoyable listening experience with its ability to handle quite busy tracks, albeit if there are any instances of vocals in the track, it'll most likely steal the show. This is not to say that the KZ PR1 is bad though. YOASOBI's THE BOOK album still is enjoyable - even with the amount of layers within the songs it still manages to separate everything well.
This is best tested with the track Stellar Stellar from Hochimachi Suisei

If we're listening to strictly instrumentals from FKJ, whenever there aren't any vocals, it's when the technicality comes in. The resolving electronic keyboard complemented by plucky guitars and synthy bells makes everything have a chance to shine yet do not steal each other's thunder.

Soundstage is also suprisingly wider than a typical IEM at this price point with decent depth to it.
Detail retrieval on this pair emphasizes more on every track's micro-detail rather than the overall song. I think I might be stretching this claim a little bit because most of the micro details are probably owed to the long treble extension which makes everything sound more detailed than it needs to be. Otherwise, in a general sense, detail retrieval is decent for its price but nothing exceptional

*additonal notes ; SOURCE SENSITIVE *
Considering that the sound signature is significantly affected from using the JM20 (recessed mids, elevated lows and treble) and the JM10 (neutral), we can kind of expect this IEM to also be interesting for audiophiles who have a lot of DACs on their hands.

COMPARISONS
*notes*
I personally prefer IEMs with a balanced tuning, hence the comparisons might be more biased than it should be.

1.LETSHUOER S12
The LETSHUOER S12s have more of the neutral bright tuning, but overall emphasizes everything. Think of it like the KZ PR1 but saturation on everything is cranked up. Personally I would prefer the S12 if I was listening to something that's less busy but in a more general approach, if I was going to drive an IEM for a few hours a day, I would prefer the KZs over this for the sake of not getting fatigued, because the S12s will sound too overwhelming due to its brightness and amount of detail retrieval.

2.MOONDROP Stellaris
Objectively speaking, the Stellaris is just a detail retrieval god. But its personally just too bright for me till the point where I need to selectively listen to songs in order to be entertained and intrigued, without the constant instance of sibilance and sharpness to the mix

FINAL THOUGHTS
All in all, the KZ PR1 is a well performing V-shaped Planar IEM. with honestly the most resemblance with DD IEMs. For certain people who wants to have something that sounds like a planar but do not want something to be exceptionally bright, the KZ PR1 will get you covered with the planar characteristics at every facet. Think of it like sprinkling MSG on some food I guess.

Greetings!

This is a review of the KZ PR1 Standard and Hifi Ver., which both KZ themselves and Linsoul Audio have provided me to review.



DISCLAIMER: I WAS PROVIDED THE UNIT IN EXCHANGE FOR A NO-FRILLS, UNBIASED REVIEW. I AM NEITHER PAID NOR COMMISSIONED TO PROVIDE A SKEWED REVIEW.

The KZ PR1 is KZ’s first planar IEM (technically the CCA did it first, but they are sister companies, and this is KZ’s first planar on their own brand), dipping their toes in the wave of planar tech IEMs coming in the audio world like a huge tsunami of auditory nirvana. KZ, as the leading Chi-Fi brand in our market space, truly shows their prowess and experience in the industry while injecting their well-known tuning style into the mix. With a promise to be one of the cheapest options in the so-called “planar wars”, the PR1 is indeed an excellent choice if one wants to dive into the world of planar drivers and the unique experience they offer for your journey as an audiophile.



𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚
$70 (USD)
~₱3500-4000 (PhP)

𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨
𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱: Dual-Cavity Planar Magnetic Driver (1)
𝗣𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: 0.75mm 2-Pin (C-type)
𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: 3.5mm unbalanced
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: 16 Ω
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲: 20Hz – 40KHz
𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆: 96dB/Vrms

𝙋𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙖𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 (out of 5)

Presentation
I almost don’t have anything to say in the presentation side of things when it comes to KZ releases. They are like clones of each other: introducing themselves to you in a bleak and lifeless fashion. Almost every other KZ release has looked the same regardless of price range. In the world where Kinera, KBEar, BQEYZ, and other brands out there that can bring out a good packaging experience, KZ needs to step up their game in terms of how they present their product to their customers. It adds to the money-to-value perception of the product; an underrated yet essential part of buying a product.




Product
Upon opening the rather boring package, we are greeted by a *slightly* different product layout inside the box. The IEMs are displayed at the top-most part of the window, instead of it being in the middle. They are cradled by a plastic mold that prevents them from rocking during shipping. But everything aside from that, it’s all in the same fashion. The only unique experience is the IEM themselves, which features a nice and clean aesthetic to them. I appreciate KZ’s honesty in stating that the mesh inside the grills featured in the faceplate are just for decorative purposes only, and do not serve any real significance in the sound output. I both have the Standard and Hi-Fi Ver., and the only difference they bring aesthetic-wise is their colors (black for standard, silver for Hi-Fi). Both have the words “KZAcoustics” and “Planar IEM” emblazoned along the designed edges of the faceplate. Both look slick and non-distracting from the total silhouette of the PR1.




Particulars
Cable, tips, and manual. That’s all that there is. No further comments.

𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 & 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩 (out of 5)

✳ Build Quality
Despite my woes in the way the KZ PR1 was packaged, KZ still pulls out all the stops in its build quality. Although not that heavy, one can still feel the quality of the alloy metal used in the PR1. It is rigid in all the right places, especially in the nozzle and the main body that will be touching your ears. The paint used throughout the entirety of the IEM seems to be of good quality too, as it has not exhibited any kind of wear, scratches, or chipping in the few days that I’ve used it extensively. Overall, the PR1 feels incredibly sturdy and reliable to use in the harshest wearing conditions. It slightly lacks my criteria of a slightly heavier and more substantial feel, but I feel it’s more of a personal subjective issue rather than an objective one. The cable and ear tips are where it comes off a downward slope. It’s still the very same cable and tips included in all their budget offerings, and yes, that includes the ultra-budget ones. My statements regarding KZ cheapening out in the packaging and presentation of their items apply here.





✳ Comfort
I feel that all has been said about how KZ IEMs fit in the ear of their listener. I have always appreciated how KZ shows their experience in shaping and molding their IEMs to a universal fit; this aspect truly shows in the PR1. KZ has spent years experimenting on different mold shapes for the bodies of their IEM lineup, and I think they truly reached an endgame peak here. Once you get the right size ear tips on, the IEMs fit as snuggly as possible on the ears. I have almost no woes on how they fit and feel in my ear, as they achieve that balance between a good, snug fit and a comfortable, light feel.




𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 (out of 5)

𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗖 𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗗: (𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘍𝘓𝘈𝘊 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵, 𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 24𝘣𝘪𝘵/48𝘬𝘏𝘻 𝘰𝘳 24𝘣𝘪𝘵/96𝘬𝘏𝘻)

𝘋𝘢𝘧𝘵 𝘗𝘶𝘯𝘬 - 𝘙𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘥 𝘉𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘦 - 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘶𝘢 𝘓𝘪𝘱𝘢 -𝘍𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘕𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘨𝘪𝘢 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘦 - 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 & 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘦 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘛𝘸𝘪𝘤𝘦 - 𝘌𝘺𝘦𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘖𝘱𝘦𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘔𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘦𝘭 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘴𝘰𝘯 - 𝘋𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 – 𝘛𝘖𝘛𝘈𝘓 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳 - 𝘗𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳, 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘪𝘦𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦 - 𝘐𝘯 𝘈𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘗𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘦 - 𝘍𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘢 𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘵 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 - 𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘚𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘱 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘖𝘮 - 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘤 𝘚𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘊𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘴 - 𝘌𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘋𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩 - 𝘔𝘪𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘳 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘗𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘳 - 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘧𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 - 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘧𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 - 𝘖𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘵 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘯 - 𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘒𝘰𝘳𝘯 - 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘐𝘴 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘺 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘛𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘦 - 𝘕𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘳 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 - 𝘏𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 - 𝘚𝘺𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘤 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 - 𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘦 [𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥] (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘕𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 - 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘗𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘖𝘱𝘷𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘢 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘷𝘳𝘢𝘮 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘐 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘴𝘵 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 – 𝘌𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘰𝘯 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 – 𝘋𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘰𝘥 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘡𝘰𝘴 𝘒𝘪𝘢 𝘊𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘴 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩 - 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 - ...𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘑𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘈𝘭𝘭 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 - 𝘔𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢 (𝘢𝘭𝘣𝘶𝘮)
𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 – 𝘛𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘯
𝘚𝘦𝘱𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩 - 𝘊𝘰𝘥𝘦𝘹 𝘖𝘮𝘦𝘨𝘢

𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗗: 𝘚𝘢𝘮𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘎𝘢𝘭𝘢𝘹𝘺 𝘚8+; 𝘍𝘪𝘪𝘰 𝘟3 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘐𝘐𝘐

𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘: 𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦-𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘤𝘬 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯. 𝘐 𝘈𝘓𝘞𝘈𝘠𝘚 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 & 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘬𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘐 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘐𝘌𝘔 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵.




Signature
Both of the KZ PR1 versions offer the same innate planar goodness that the technology offers for its listeners. The nice planar sheen, endless amounts of treble extension, and godlike imaging capabilities are there to stay. However, these two releases from KZ operate like fraternal twins: they came from the same roots and share multiple similarities, but there is a noticeable difference between the two that oddly rhymes with each other and warrants attention from the audiophile who has the capability to have them both. The standard version offers a more natural timbre that results in a more engaging experience without sacrificing the technicalities that we all expect from planar drivers. The Hi-Fi version offers the planar experience, but in steroids: it sacrifices some of the engagement for a flatter, more critical auditory feel that is catered for the more purist listeners. Combined, they form a mighty union in an audiophile’s collection that can be interchanged between each other depending on their moods and wants for the moment being.
✳ The bass essentially operates the same way between the two IEMs. Accurate, fast, and stings like a bee. Both also have a nice extension to the extreme lower frequency ranges that provides some rumble when a song calls for it. However, the Standard Ver. amps up the mid-bass response of the PR1, resulting in a meatier and a punchier experience than its Hi-Fi counterpart. I subjectively prefer this version as every bass hit feels like a Mike Tyson punch: fast, deadly, and full of authoritative power to justify its existence. This is honestly one of the best KZ bass responses that I have ever heard in their lineup, and it is truly appreciated they went for this one as their Standard. The Hi-Fi Ver. is nothing to skip out upon too, as it also provides a good bass experience that is more akin to a Pacquiao punch: stealthy, lightning fast, and hits on all the right places. It may not be as authoritative as the Standard Ver., but it still holds out on its own. The bass frequencies are where most of the differences are noticeable, so decide upon what you prefer between the two in terms of their bass performance.
✳ The midrange between the two versions, despite some slight differences in timbre and thickness, are intrinsically the same. In my own humble opinion, this is the closest that KZ has approached the “Moondrop VDSF” sound. I can hear so much similarities on how it is executed, most especially on the lean and crystal clean nature of how the everything is rendered in the midrange. This is particularly evident in the Hi-Fi Ver., as it forgoes the engaging nature of the Standard Ver. to prefer a more critical and “balanced” nature. The Standard Ver., as mentioned previously, slightly skews away from the lean nature of its counterpart through a slight elevation in the lower midrange region, which is a direct effect of the mid-bass rise that it has. Due to that, it has a slightly (in every meaning of the word) thicker and “warmer” timbre than the Hi-Fi ver. This is evident in lower male vocals, as the Standard Ver. has a more forward and meatier presentation of it than the Hi-Fi Ver. Despite the differences I have said, do not take them as VERY apparent night and day differences. These are just minute yet perceptible distinctions that warrant the change-up between the IEMs ever so often.
✳ The treble response for both of the versions are excellent, probably even the best KZ has sounded over their lineup. It perfectly follows what is expected for a planar driver to sound like, notably its sheen. If you are not oriented what a “planar sheen” is, here is the best I can describe it to you: it is like a hybrid/marriage between shimmer and airiness, if we’re alluding to terms usually thrown around in the audiophile hobby. I think the PR1 is a better introduction on what to expect when it comes to planar drivers, as I think it is the cheapest way to hear that. Yes, I’m excluding the Celest Gumiho for that case. I shall delve deeper as to why that is the case in my upcoming full review of the Celest Gumiho, but generally, I think it is a different beast of its own compared to the PR1. This IEM brings out the best out of the “planar sheen”: it shines very well in the upper treble frequencies with proper body to back it up. It also extends almost infinitely into the upper echelons of the audible frequency spectrum to ensure a nice amount of air is being produced. The only notable difference between the two versions is that the Hi-Fi Ver. seems to have more elevation in the upper treble frequency, which results in a tad bit more shine and shimmer than its Standard counterpart.

Soundstage/Imaging
The planar tech again shows its prowess here by giving us excellent performance in terms of soundstage and imaging department. Again, this is maybe the widest that I have heard in KZ’s lineup in terms of soundstage. The wideness is greatly complimented by an above average height in its presentation; there are IEMs that have far more height than this one, but the compliment between the wideness and height that the PR1 offers greatly lifts it up against its wider staged peers. Because of this nice cohesion in the soundstage department, the imaging is nicely affected by offering us a nice, clear picture of the auditory painting that each song is presenting to us. One can easily pick up the different instruments used in any song. Good stuff.

𝙊𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩:
Packaging:
Build Quality & Comfort:
Sound:

You can get your own KZ PR1 through these links below: (unaffiliated links)

https://shopee.ph/KZ-PR1-Planar-Mag...usic-Bass-Best-Sports-i.345922933.19547278563

In the current sector in the audio world, there is a current war that keeps raging on that almost all audio companies wanted to earn their spot and try to become the undisputed warlord of this new battlefield, The Battle of the Planar IEMs.


It is unexpected that the Lord of the Entry-level IEMs, Knowledge Zenith also known as KZ decided to enter the fray in the battlefield. This big question is what will be KZ's arsenal that makes him even a serious threat to all.



To be honest, my experiences on some Planar IEMs are a bit complicated as to how I would stand on it. At first, I was very critical on the first generation and second generation of Planars IEMs on how ridiculously power demanding these sets are with just a mediocre and unrefined tonality. But as years go by, the development of Planar on IEMs seems to be noticeable on how they became less power demanding and delivers a commendable sound quality.


Entering the KZ PR1, It is KZ's first IEM with a planar driver and KZ as the dominant player in the Chi-fi audiosphere decided to release not one but two variants for specific type of tuning in the opening salvo, a Standard PR1 and the Hi-fi PR1. The one that I'll be assessing is the Standard variant which is more bassy.



For those who don't know about the planar magnetic driver technology, Planar driver is type of transducer that has a pair of magnets of exact dimensions sandwiched a very thin, electrically-charged diaphragm as for layman's term, magnets that constantly reacting on a very leveled, smooth surface or a flat plane hence the term "planar" came from. To think that functionality on how planar works is akin to the electromechanical principles of both electrostatics and dynamic drivers. KZ PR1 implemented a fast responsive 13.2 mm planar on its interior.




KZ PR1 Standard shell is made of acrylic resin on the cavity base part and a light aluminium alloy in the faceplate. Faceplate design has modern, industrial appeal with grill holes that also lay over on a decorative mesh. There is a single vent on which a planar unit is situated in a cavity base and as for choice of its connector, it still uses QDC-type 2-pin connector which stable to all KZ units since the KZ ZSN.



Fitting seems to be decent on how it sits well into my lug holes as its contours are very ergonomically design that will snugly fit to most ear sizes. I don't encounter any issues like driver flex and ear sores due to long usage.


As for its packaging, KZ PR1 is the same with entry-level KZ with too austere on their inclusions. I wish they included a better stock cable.




Here are the included accessories:

• A pair of KZ PR1 Standard IEMs.
• A parallel, flat 4-core stock cable with a L-shape 3.5mm termination plug (with mic version).
• Extra ear tips of different standard sizes (small and large).
• Instruction manual.

On the subject of driveability of these sets, everyone should be aware that planars IEMs are quite feisty and the PR1 Standard is no different. Despite that it is one of the few planar IEMs that it is easier to drive compare to most current planar sets out there but remember, it is still a planar and planar demands more power output that a typical media source like smartphones are having a hard time to powering up these sets (I tried this little monster to available latest smartphones in current market that even a full volume level doesn't deliver that distinct dynamic sound of a planar driver). LG phones can drive these sets decently but at the 85-100% volume level but it will sound more fuller and crisper if I trick my LG phones into medium gain or aux mode to achieve it. USB DACs are also highly endorsed to be used on this unit and it is enough for them to deliver a substantial amount of power.


It is also highly recommended that KZ PR1 standard should be powered to a balanced source either its a 2.5mm or 4.4mm to achieve better amplification. My DAP happens to have these type of jacks.




As for tonal character, KZ PR1 Standard is a distinctively typical KZ in-house sound which is V-shaped tuning with added planar sheen on it.


V-shaped sound signature has a particular tuning which is elevated bass and treble with a recessed midrange in the overall presentation.


Here are some of my observations on its tonal characteristics in the overall frequency range spectrum of KZ PR1.



LOWS/BASS:

Bass is certainly elevated on this set. It is punchy, tactile and has an exact slam. This type of bass suits well with its v-shaped sound signature. It seems that it has a noticeable bass bleed but it still manages to control it to avoid smudges on the other frequencies in the audio spectrum.

It has a substantial depth that I clearly felt those rumbling and reverberating sound on its sub bass that I've used to listen on high quality subwoofer transducers either from full range speakers or head/earphones (usually DDs) and surprisingly, PR1 Standard deliver it. Synthesizers, electric drums and some string instrument like the harp is usually situated here.

Midbass has an ample texture that it adds a volume on the note weight on several instruments. Bass guitars, bass kick drums and Bass-baritone vocals, you name it. It gives a more resonant and rasping sound on the bass guitar, bass kicks has this dark and thudding sound and a sufficient guttural and power on bass baritones.

Bassheads will have a good time to experience a quality bassy planar IEM.



MIDRANGE:

As expected on a V-shaped tuning, Midrange is attenuated and recessed on this one. It is surely has a sufficient warmth, clear and crisp that adds up some note weight on both vocals and instruments.

Vocals of both gender definitely benefited on the warmness as it gave a strong emphasis on deep and gruff on male voices in any type of vocal range. Female vocals sounds very bright and hypnotic on how it reaches its fullest range, quite an energetic and spacious sounding that even a soprano projects it clearly.

As for instruments, I already expect a bright and vibrant sound due to the nature of planar tone and my assumptions are somehow accurate. Strings and Brass instruments sounds more natural with added vigorous and intensity. Guitars have a more brighter and crisper tone, Violins have a lustrous and lively sound, and more brassy, rounded and blaring trumpets and tubas. Woodwinds seems to have an intense and shrill sound like picollos and fifes. Piano appears to have a bright, vibrant and more lively tone and lastly on the percussives like snare drums, it has sharper, more metallic and penetrating on every strike.

Despite the inherent recession, it does exhibit a decent midrange presentation.



HIGHS/TREBLE:

This is the one of the main highlights of this IEM and it is treble quality. Planars really excels on projecting the treble quality; clearer, more detailed and better airy extension. KZ PR1 really hit those characteristics on the treble planar standard.

Upper mids seem to have some noticeable peaks to be augmented mainly on the treble section, Even so it still remains to have a smoother delivery. Sibilance is very minimal to be noticed and harshness seems to be non-existent on this one as I tried it on some tracks with soprano vocals and other treble focus ones.

Cymbals strikes on this one are decent. It does have that shimmer and sizzling sound with a very good amount of air but sometimes it has that lack of snap or body that I want a more solid cymbal cymbal. Hi-hats sound very natural and life-like that they correctly capture their unusual "chicky" sound.



SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

Planars supposedly have superior technical performance such as wider and spacious soundstage, good height, decent depth, accurate imaging, well-defined separation and layering and superb resolving prowess and once again PR1 Standard managed to pass those criteria with exception the resolving and resolution capability.

Soundstage is commendable on this one as it has an above average width with an ample spacious in my headroom (to achieve this, a proper amplification on PR1 is a must with required power output), excellent height reach and good depth as I defined it has a stellar proportionate sound field. Imaging is quite accurate as I can pinpoint the placement of instruments and singers, separation and layering is noteworthy that it has a good gap of each instrument with each specific dynamic characteristic and frequency in the sonic canvass that even a busy tracks like multi-instrumental and complex is presented on a very systematic and cogently to listen.

Coherency of KZ PR1 planar tranduscer is convincingly superb with faster transient response and accurate sound reproduction with less harmonic distortion. Timbre-wise, like all planars, it exhibits a "Planar Sheen '' on which we are familiar with. That distinct shimmery crisp tonal colour as I try to describe in a layman's term.

Resolution capability-wise, it is satisfactory that it shows an acceptable amount of micro-details and a solid macro-dynamics contrast but compared to other current generation of planar IEMs, it's a bit underwhelming.



PEER COMPARISONS:

Audeze iSine10 (around £351/US$400, 2016)

• Their aesthetics and design are contrasting with one another. While the PR1 standard follows a similar pattern with other KZ style cues, iSine10 has a very unusual design that it really looks like some spacecraft from Sci-fi series. It has a semi-open back design and the fitting is very awkward as I'm very annoyed on how to have a proper insertion in my lug holes.
• To be honest, my first impression on this item a few years ago leaves me baffled and frustrated. Tonality is absolutely a mess, it's a V-shape sounding with lack of bass quality and quantity, skewed-up midrange (almost all female vocals sounds nasally) peaky and strident treble and too splashy cymbals. Like what kind of tonality is, this is abysmal…. And if I do a comparison it with PR1 Standard which has the same sound signature. PR1 Standard is the superior set when it comes to tonality in every category.
• This set is harder to drive and you need a desktop DAC/Amp or a USB DAC with high power output just to give it a proper amplification to sound fuller. Due to its open-back design it has a wider stage but the expense of isolation, not recommended for noisy outdoor usage.

TINHIFI P1 (around £149/US$170, 2019)

• The shell is made of aluminum alloy and it has a more solid and robust build. It has a MMCX connector which has mixed opinions of its quality.
• Tonality-wise, it has a more of a balanced-neutral sounding leaning. Tight bass, more forward and luscious midrange and smooth treble, too smooth that it really affects some technical aspects especially resolution capability.
• Another hard to drive set compared to PR1 Standard when it comes to required power scaling. It has a lesser technical aspects like soundstage which is a bit narrower than PR1 Standard then a vague and unrefined performance on imaging and separation.

As I lay down my conclusion about this product, It is actually the longest assessment in a KZ product as It really give me a genuine surprise moment that KZ really jumped into the planar bandwagon and yet they manage to offer a compelling product that is very affordable at very cheap price for a planar IEM set.


Moreover, this set still needs some refinement and just a little polished to further improve its tuning and inclusions to match the current competitors which are more expensive with better included accessories and finer tuning. But with its affordability and surprisingly well-tuned set, I highly recommend this one to other audio enthusiasts who want to experience a planar sound without breaking your bank account.



KZ PR1 Standard is now available to all e-commerce stores and you can check it out on their official site.

"Titillate the sounds of your guilty pleasure".


Official Site

Shopee (For SE Asia Market)


Also, check out my previous reviews on other KZ products:

• KZ EDX
• KZ EDC
• KZ EDA
• KZ ZEX
• KZ ZEX PRO
• KZ DQ6S
• KZ ZES
• KZ ESX
• KZ AS16 PRO

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: KZ PR1 STANDARD

IMPEDANCE: 16Ω

SENSITIVITY: 96dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.25M

PIN TYPE: QDC TYPE 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm

DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) PLANAR MAGNETIC DRIVER




Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)


Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *



P.S.

I am not affiliated to KNOWLEDGE ZENITH nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.


Once again, I would like to thank TYVAN LAM for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity towards me and other reviewers.