KZ X HBB PR2 Review!
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Pros:
- Better than previous KZ Planar IEMs while being relatively cheap.
- All-rounder, well-done bassy sound signature.
- Clean, elevated bass.
- “Natural”, detailed mids.
- Non-fatiguing upper frequencies.
- Greatly reduced planar timbre.
- Clean, quick, detailed transients.
- Excellent overall technical performance under 50USD (as it should, it’s a planar)
- Very good build quality.
- Very good fit, comfort, and isolation.
- Finally, a softer starline eartips!
- Aesthetically pleasing design language (subjective)
Cons:
- While the soundstage is somewhat “pseudo-immersive”, it isn’t the widest-sounding planar under 100USD in my book.
- Critically minimal accessories. A braided cable or even a case would’ve been a very good treat to anybody.
- 2pin QDC port (subjective)
- Needs a fair amount of power to sound the best (This isn’t really a con tbh because of course, this is a Planar magnetic IEM. I just like to put it here).
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Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the KZ X HBB PR2. Speed devil, revamped!
Disclaimer:
- I don’t read and read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
- KZ sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
- The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
- No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
- Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber
- Fosi Audio DS1
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
- Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock medium starline eartips, stock cable, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume, low gain and high gain.
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Sound signature:
- The KZ PR2 is a warm-neutral sounding IEM. It can be perceived as a mild-v/u-shaped sounding IEM by most, depending on the setup used. Just like any other planar-magnetic IEMs existing in today’s market, it exhibits excellent technical performance. What sets it apart is it is cheaper and has less planar timbre when compared.
Lows:
- The lows are definitely elevated but never sounded overwhelming. The bass focuses more on the subbass than the midbass, making things rumble rather than punchy. Subbass really goes deep and thick whenever the track needs it. Despite being tuned that way, it is clean, and quick in attack and decay. Being tuned by HBB, bassheads on a budget may expect its bass to suffice on most bass heavy or EDM tracks.
Mids:
- “Clean and natural” is what I would describe the PR2’s mids. It never sounded recessed, or even drowned even on busiest tracks due to its midbass bleed-free mids, while keeping a tinge of warmth to the mids for a smooth listening experience. Lower mids are textured and exhibit a good amount of thickness and texture. Upper mids are slightly elevated, particularly on the female vocals. It is sparkly, airy, and clear. Sibilance, peaks, and harshness are absent on this IEM, which means this IEM can be recommended for those people who are sensitive to upper frequencies.
Highs:
- Moving on to the highs, it is well extended and detailed, with a good amount of air. I did not find it to be “lacking” or “rolled off”, but it may depend on the pairing used with the PR2. There is a bit of “planar timbre” present but definitely minimal when compared to most planar-magnetic IEMs I have encountered under 100 USD. This has better handling on planar timbre when compared to the KZ PR1 Pro, Letshuoer S12, 7Hz Dioko, and Moondrop Stellaris when compared.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:
- Of course, KZ PR2 is a planar magnetic IEM doing “planar things” - it is excellent in technical performance under 100 USD. Soundstage leans to the “pseudo-holographic” side wherein “you” are “immersed” in the music rather than just watching things in front of you. It is a bit taller than being wide, with a good amount of depth. Separation and layering are excellent as instruments and other elements in music never sounded overlapping even on heavy passages.
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Comparisons!
VS Tangzu Zetian Wu:
- The Zetian Wu is a bassier, thicker, lusher, warmer sounding IEM. The KZ PR2 is less warmer and thicker, but sounds more open when compared. Treble on the Zetian Wu is less extended when compared to the PR2. Technical performance is also better on the PR2, but not by a mile. When compared, the PR2 tried to balance both technicality and tonal quality, while the Zetian Wu aimed for a musical, listening experience. It is also slightly harder to drive and has more planar timbre when compared.
VS 7Hz Dioko:
- Planar timbre are more obvious and apparent on the Dioko. It is also brighter and exhibits sibilance, pierce, and peaks most of the the times. Detail retrieval is slightly better on the Dioko, while the bass is better on the PR2. The rest is more or less the same.
VS Letshuoer S12:
- The S12 exhibits more recession of the mids when compared to the PR2. The bass is not as controlled when compared to the PR2 but hits harder. Treble is brighter and introduces more planar timbre and harshness compared to the PR2. The soundstage lacks a little bit of depth on the S12 when compared. The rest is more or less the same.
VS Moondrop Stellaris
- The Stellaris simply burned too hot and too soon. PR2 is better overall.
VS KZ PR1, PR1 Hi-Fi, and PR1 Pro
- The aforementioned 3 IEMs do share the same characteristics: all of them are more or less midbass-focused IEMs. The PR2 is subbass-focused. Mids on the three KZ Planar IEMs are a tad bit recessed when compared. The planar timbre are also more apparent on the three KZ Planar IEMs when compared to the PR2. The rest are nearly the same.
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Verdict:
- The KZ X HBB PR2 is definitely one my recommended IEM for those people who seek a good-sounding planar-magnetic IEM under 100USD. As long as you pair this with a fairly powerful source (since it is a planar, of course) it sings well and is easily an all-rounder sounding unit. I will put this on my top recommendations under 100USD along with the Simgot EA500, Etymotic ER2SE, Celest Pandamon, and NF Audio NM2 if you are looking for a technically-capable IEM in this Chi-Fi market full of tonality-focused IEMs. KZ sure is an advocate of IEM cannibalism!
Pairing recommendation/s:
- Source: As all planars do, the KZ PR2 needs a fairly powerful source to shine. Fosi Audio DS1, IBasso DC05, Xduoo Link2bal, and FiiO KA3 are some of the examples. Or maybe, your Hiby R3 Pro Saber in high gain mode will do.
- Eartips: Eartips included are soft and good in quality, but you may always use your preferred eartips
- Cable: Cable is as good and basic as it gets. You may use your preferred cable as always.
Thank you for reading!
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