Introduction
The KZ x HBB PR2 IEMs have been creating quite a buzz in audiophile circles. As a collaboration between the budget audio brand KZ and YouTube reviewer HBB, these planar magnetic IEMs aim to bring high-fidelity sound to the masses at an unbelievable price point of just $40. I got my hands on a demo unit and put it through its paces over several weeks to bring you this review. Read on to find out if the hype is justified or if the KZ x HBB PR2 falls short of expectations.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
KZ x HBB PR2
Specifications
- Cable Type: Silver-Plated Cable
- Wearing Type: In-Ear
- Frequency: 20-40000Hz
- Impedance: 15±3Ω
- Plug Type: 3.5mm
- Cable Length: 120±5cm
- Sensitivity: 94±3dB
- Pin Type: 0.75mm
Individual ratings
Textured, punchy bass with good depth and impact.
The clear midrange, though slightly recessed, retains good tonality.
Airy and detailed treble without harshness
Good sense of space, accurate imaging
Excellent detail and separation for the price
Fast, dynamic planar driver handles transients well
Impressive micro-detail extraction considering the price
Excellent except for generic cable
The ergonomic shape offers good fit though may not suit smaller ears
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
The KZ x HBB PR2 delivers a flavor of planar goodness at a seemingly impossible price. The combination of deep bass, clear midrange, and sparkling treble is immensely engaging. Add to that excellent build, comfort, and technicalities that compete with IEMs costing multiples more. The PR2 heralds a new age of affordable yet remarkable sound. KZ and HBB have a runaway hit on their hands!
Pros
- engaging V-shaped sound
- Textured and punchy bass
- clear and slightly recessed midrange
- Detailed and airy treble
- Excellent technical performance for the price
- premium build and stylish looks
- Unbelievable value
Cons
- Generic cable
- needs amplification to reach its full potential.
- may not suit those wanting a neutral sound.
Music Genres
Suitable
- The PR2's fun yet balanced sound signature pairs well with a wide variety of music genres, making it highly versatile.
- For upbeat, bass-driven genres like EDM, pop, rock, metal, and hip-hop, the PR2 delivers a lively and engaging listening experience. The elevated sub-bass provides thumping kick drums and deep rumbles, while the emphasized lower treble adds shimmer and bite to cymbals and guitars. This makes the PR2 a great choice for those who enjoy the excitement of V-shaped sound.
- Despite the sculpted tuning, the PR2 retains good midrange clarity. This prevents mids-focused genres like jazz, classical, acoustic, and vocals from sounding veiled or muddled. Double basses retain texture, pianos sound natural, and vocal timbres remain accurate. The overall tone stays coherent across genres without excessive coloration.
- The PR2 also handles complex tracks with multiple instruments and layers with aplomb. Busy arrangements in rock, metal, and large ensemble classical stay intelligible thanks to the excellent technicalities like separation, imaging, and resolution. Whether you prefer chilled vocals or thrashing guitars, the PR2 satisfies.
Equalization Tips
- While the PR2 sounds great out of the box, EQ can help refine the sound further for personal preferences.
- If the lower treble is sounding slightly harsh or sibilant, reducing the 8-10kHz region by 2-3dB can help alleviate fatigue during long listening sessions. You can also try attenuating 16kHz by 1-2dB to smooth out any peaks.
- To add more body and slam to the bass, boosting around 100-200Hz by 2-3dB can help. Take care not to overdo it to avoid muddiness. A 2dB boost centered around 1-2kHz can increase vocal presence and intimacy for genres like pop, rock and jazz.
- Avoid heavy boosts to prevent driver distortion. Start with small increments of 1-2dB. The planar drivers are quite capable, but excessive EQ can still be demanding. Overall, just a few gentle tweaks can customize the PR2 to your personal taste.
1. Packaging
- 1x KZ x HBB PR2 WIRED IEM
- 1x Silver Plated Detachable Cable
- 1x User Manual
- 3x Pair Silicone Eartips
- 1x Foam Memory Eartips
2. Design And Build Quality
The PR2 sports a sleek and stylish design with transparent resin shells that allow a peek at the inner workings. The faceplates have a premium metal alloy construction with aesthetic grilles. The overall build quality is excellent, with sturdy resin shells and metal faceplates. The only nitpick is the generic KZ cable, which is decent but unexceptional.
3. Comfort
Despite the relatively large size, I found the PR2 comfortable for extended listening sessions. The ergonomic shape nestles nicely in the ear. Isolation is above average with the right eartips. Those with smaller ears may face fitting issues.
4. Sound Quality Of The KZ x HBB PR2
I. Tonality
The PR2 has a mild V-shaped signature, focusing on sub-bass and lower treble. The bass has slam and depth without muddiness. The midrange takes a slight step back but retains clarity. Treble has energy without harsh peaks. Overall, the tonality is musical while avoiding extreme coloration.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of The KZ x HBB PR2
III. Bass Response
The bass impresses with its speed and control, hallmarks of planar drivers. While deep sub-bass extension is present, the mid-bass focus avoids a bloated sound. Textures are apparent, and bass lines have definition. The bass punches above its price bracket.
IV. Midrange Performance
Both male and female vocals sound clear and natural. There is a mild dip in the upper midrange, reducing vocal presence slightly. But the overall midrange timbre and tonality impress. Instruments have an accurate timbre without unnatural coloration.
V. Treble Response
A highlight of PR2's tuning is the treble presentation. There is ample air and sparkle without harsh peaks or sibilance. Cymbals have realistic decay, and strings have texture. The lower treble adds clarity without fatigue. The treble walks a fine line between detail and listenability.
5. Technicalities Of The KZ x HBB PR2
I. Soundstage And Imaging
The PR2 delivers convincing space and imaging, especially considering the price. The stage feels wider than average, with instruments occupying distinct positions. Imaging helps pinpoint sonic cues. While not the largest stage, it avoids sounding congested.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
Planar drivers excel in separation and micro-detail retrieval. The PR2 shows its pedigree by unraveling complex tracks with aplomb. Subtle textures emerge, and instruments remain defined even during busy sections. The levels of separation and resolution outperform typical budget IEMs.
III. Dynamics And Speed
Notes have realistic attack and decay thanks to the lightning-fast planar driver. The dynamic range impresses; from subtle details to explosive transients, the PR2 handles it all. The overall pace and speed aid musicality and engagement.
IV. Resolution
Considering the incredibly low price, the PR2 extracts an amazing amount of detail. Microtextures become apparent upon focused listening. The planar driver extracts nuances that typical budget dynamic drivers cannot. The resolution provides clues into the PR2's audiophile aspirations.
6. Comparisons
KZ x HBB PR2 Vs 7Hz Timeless
Compared to the 7Hz Timeless, the PR2 has a warmer, more V-shaped sound with elevated bass and treble. The timeless is more balanced and neutral. The PR2 has greater bass impact, while the Timeless edges ahead in midrange clarity. In terms of technicalities, the Timeless narrowly wins, but the PR2 gets remarkably close for the price.
KZ x HBB PR2 Vs Ikko OH10
The Ikko OH10 provides a more engaging V-shaped signature compared to the PR2. It has greater sub-bass rumble and more upper midrange presence, boosting vocals. The PR2 sounds more natural and balanced in the midrange. The OH10's treble is slightly more prone to sibilance, while the PR2 is fatigue-free. Considering the OH10 costs four times more, the PR2 holds its own.
Dive deeper with more comparisons.
7. FAQs
Q. Who Should Buy The KZ x HBB PR2?
The KZ x HBB PR2 makes planar technology accessible to budget-conscious audiophiles. Its musical tonality and technical capabilities make it a great introduction to hi-fi sound. Its easy-going signature suits most genres. The exceptional price-to-performance ratio makes this an easy recommendation for all audiophiles, even with limited budgets.
Q. Is KZ x HBB PR2 suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
While the treble is not peaky, those who are highly sensitive may find the elevated lower treble slightly fatiguing over time. Using foam tips can help attenuate the treble. Overall, the PR2 is less susceptible to sibilance than typical budget IEMs.
Q. Does the KZ x HBB PR2 require amplification?
Yes, to achieve maximum loudness and dynamics, using the PR2 with an amplifier is recommended. Smartphones and DAPs may struggle to drive them sufficiently.
Q. How is the cable quality?
The stock cable is functional but unexceptional. Upgrading to a better-quality cable can help improve the sound.
Q. Is the KZ x HBB PR2 suitable for outdoor use?
Yes, with the right eartips that provide a good seal, the PR2 provides adequate isolation for outdoor use. The stylish looks are a plus too.
Q. Do planar IEMs require burn-in?
While opinions vary on burn-in, allowing the PR2 to play for 30–50 hours may help smooth out the treble further. But they still sound great out of the box.
8. Conclusion
The KZ x HBB PR2 exemplifies how far budget audio has come. It packs planar magnetic drivers that compete with IEMs costing multiple times more. The engaging V-shaped sound delivers deep thumping bass, clear midrange, and sparkling treble. Excellent technical performance in terms of imaging, separation, and resolution provides a remarkably immersive listening experience at this price point.
Smart design choices like premium metal faceplates and removable cables make the PR2 feel like a high-end IEM despite the low price. KZ and HBB have succeeded in making planar technology accessible for budget-conscious audiophiles. If you are looking for hi-fi sound on a shoestring budget, the PR2 is easy to recommend.
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User Ratings
Read More Reviews On KZ x HBB PR2: PrimeAudioReviews