Introduction
KZ (Knowledge Zenith) has made quite the name for itself by bringing planar magnetic technology to ultra-affordable in-ear monitors. Their collaborations with YouTube reviewers like HBB have created hype in audiophile circles. I got my hands on two of their most popular budget planars: the KZ x HBB PR2 and the newer KZ PR3.
Both IEMs cost under $50, which is incredible for planars given their usual high price tag. In this detailed comparison review, I will break down how the PR2 and PR3 compare in terms of design, comfort, sound signature, technical performance, and overall value. Read on to see which one emerges as the winner in this KZ planar battle!
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
Incredible planar performance at an unbelievable budget price.
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!
KZ PR3
Specifications
- Driver: Planar
- Impedance: 15Ω
- Sensitivity: 98土3dB
- Frequency: 20-40000 Hz
- Plug type: 3.5mm
- Pin Type: 0.75mm
- Cable Type: silver-plated cable
Individual ratings
Lean bass lacking mid-bass impact and body
Slightly recessed and bright but sufficiently clear
Prominent and energetic, with good extension
Above-average width and depth with precise imaging
Very good micro-detail rendering thanks to bright tuning
Fast and agile but lacks macro-dynamic impact
Highly revealing thanks to clean transients and crisp treble
Impressively premium metal built at the price
Secure and comfortable fit for most ears, despite large size
It works very well with competitive and immersive gaming
Outperforms expectations given the low $50 price point
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
The KZ PR3 offers an impressively immersive and detailed sound for a sub-$50 planar IEM. Its technical strengths compensate for tonal inaccuracies, making it very competitive in this price range. Treble-heads will enjoy the energetic highs, while those preferring warmth should look elsewhere. Overall, this is an intriguing option for detail-loving budget buyers.
Pros: KZ x HBB PR2
- 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
Pros: KZ PR3
- Spacious, detailed sound
- airy treble with good extension
- Impressive separation and imaging
- premium metal build with a stylish design
- comfortable fit for most ears
- Good detail and micro-texture rendering
Cons: KZ x HBB PR2
- Generic cable
- needs amplification to reach its full potential.
- may not suit those wanting a neutral sound.
Cons: KZ PR3
- Bass lacks mid-bass impact.
- Tonality on the brighter side
- Slight upper midrange emphasis prone to sibilance
- can sound metallic at times.
- not suitable for treble-sensitive listeners
1. Packaging
Packaging: KZ x HBB PR2
- 1x KZ x HBB PR2 WIRED IEM
- 1x Silver Plated Detachable Cable
- 1x User Manual
- 3x Pair Silicone Eartips
- 1x Foam Memory Eartips
Packaging: KZ PR3
- KZ PR3
- Cable
- Eartips
- paperworks
2. Design And Build Quality
The PR2 sports a sleek and stylish design with transparent resin shells, allowing 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 solid metal faceplates. The only nitpick is the generic KZ cable, which is decent but rather basic.
In comparison, the PR3 has an even more premium build, with full metal shells coated in a classy chrome finish. The rounded edges are comfortable, and the metal construction feels very durable. The stock cable is similar to the PR2, but seems a bit more premium in hand. KZ has used screws to affix the faceplates, which enhances the high-end aesthetics.
Verdict: The PR3 takes the lead here with its sleek full-metal build that looks and feels more expensive. The PR2 is no slouch either, but it doesn’t quite match up to the PR3’s fit and finish.
3. Comfort
Despite the large size, I found both IEMs comfortable for extended listening. The PR2’s ergonomic shape nestles easily into the ear canal. Noise isolation is also good with the right tips. The rounded edges of the PR3 prevent pressure points in the ear. However, its larger size may cause fitting issues for those with smaller ears.
Verdict: The PR2 takes a slight edge in long-term comfort owing to its more universal design. The PR3 fits securely, but users with small ears may experience fatigue over time.
4. Sound Quality
I. Tonality
Here is where the sound signatures diverge significantly. The PR2 has a mid-centric V-shaped sound focusing on sub-bass and lower treble. The PR3 goes for a brighter neutral signature with a lean bass, clear midrange, and emphasised treble.
The PR2’s tonality aims for musicality with its elevated bass and sparkly treble. In comparison, the PR3 chooses to prioritise detail and airiness over tonal naturalness. So if you like a lush, rich sound, the PR2 is the better choice. But if you prefer neutrality with crisp treble, the PR3 fits that bill.
Verdict: The PR2 wins for tonality thanks to its more musical and engaging V-shaped sound. Audiophiles who value natural timbre should prefer it over the PR3’s brighter signature.
II. Frequency Response Graphs
III. Bass Response
The PR2 delivers hard-hitting sub-bass rumble along with a satisfying mid-bass impact. Basslines have texture and definition. The planar driver exhibits great speed and control.
In comparison, the PR3's bass is quite anaemic. It has sub-bass extension but lacks mid-bass body. As a result, the low-end sounds thin and unsatisfying—clean but lifeless. EDM listeners will definitely prefer the PR2’s bass character.
Verdict: The PR2 is the clear winner for bass performance with its addictive blend of sub-bass depth and mid-bass punch.
IV. Midrange Performance
The PR2 has a mildly recessed but tonally accurate midrange. Vocals sound natural and uncolored. The PR3’s midrange is more forward in the upper-mids, making vocals sound crisp but also more prone to sibilance.
Verdict: The PR2 takes this again for its natural, transparent midrange. Vocal lovers may find the PR3 too bright and fatiguing.
V. Treble Response
Here, the PR3 claws back with its airy, extended treble against the PR2's smooth treble. Those who enjoy treble sparkle will certainly prefer the PR3’s zingy top-end. However, the PR2’s fatigue-free treble will suit treble-sensitive listeners better.
Verdict: The PR3 wins for treble due to the added energy, extension, and detail. Treble heads will love the PR3’s upper-treble emphasis.
5. Technicalities
I. Soundstage And Imaging
Both IEMs deliver above-average soundstage size, sounding more spacious than typical budget sets. The PR3 edges out the PR2 slightly in terms of width and depth. Imaging is accurate on both models with good instrument placement.
Verdict: The PR3 takes this round for the extra spaciousness and immersive presentation.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
This metric is dictated by the driver technology rather than tuning. Both PR2 and PR3 utilise the same 10 mm planar driver and deliver similarly impressive levels of separation and resolution. Complex passages are handled easily without congestion.
Verdict: Too close to call. Both are evenly matched in technical ability.
III. Dynamics And Speed
Again, by virtue of using the same planar driver, both IEMs exhibit excellent transient response and sonic agility. Notes have realistic texture and decay. The PR2 sounds a bit more dynamic thanks to its elevated mid-bass. But both handle rapid changes easily.
Verdict: The PR2 wins this round for its slightly better dynamics stemming from the bass boost. But both are very quick and nimble.
IV. Resolution
The planar driver extracts amazing amounts of detail from both models. The PR3 reveals micro-textures more clearly thanks to its brighter tuning. But the PR2 is no slouch either, competing well against more expensive rivals. Expect great clarity and nuance on both.
Verdict: The PR3 wins this narrowly for extracting finer background details. The brighter tuning gives it an edge. But the PR2 still delivers class-leading resolution, given its low cost.
6. Gaming Performance
For gaming usage, the PR3’s enlarged soundstage and sparkly treble provide an advantage in spatial imaging and picking up subtle audio cues. The PR2 works well for action-oriented gaming too, but gives a less spacious presentation.
Verdict: The PR3 wins this round with its more immersive soundstage and detailed treble, suited for competitive gaming.
7. Full Reviews
8. Conclusion
The KZ PR2 and PR3 may share planar drivers but differ vastly in tuning. While both punch well above their $50 price tags, they will suit different listeners. The PR2 offers beautiful tonality and musicality with its lush bass and smooth treble. It wins for natural timbre and all-round versatility.
The PR3 goes for technical brilliance at the cost of tonal accuracy. Its wide soundstage, energetic treble, and high resolution outshine the PR2 in detailing. But the lean bass and bright mids make it less universally likeable.
So PR2 emerges as the more well-rounded winner in this KZ planar battle. It finds the sweet spot between engagement and accessibility. But the PR3 can also delight detail-obsessed listeners, despite its flaws. Unless you prize accuracy over analytical sparkle, in which case the PR2 is the wiser planar choice even today.
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Read More Reviews On KZ x HBB PR2: PrimeAudioReviews