KZ PR1 STANDARD: Here Comes The Dark Horse
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 some of the latest current smartphones with headphone jack in the 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 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 to 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 transducer 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.
"Titillate the sounds of your guilty pleasure".
KZ PR1 Standard is now available to all e-commerce stores and you can check it out on their official site.
Also, check out my previous reviews on other KZ products:
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
PROS:
● Probably the cheapest planar IEM in the market.
● Versatile and lively tuning suitable to almost any known music genre.
● Potent bass response for a planar set.
● Well-rendered and energetic female vocals.
● Airy treble with acceptable detail and sheen.
● Above average technical aspects.
● Shells are light and somehow durable.
● A good introductory set for budding audio enthusiast who wants to experience the wonders of planar drivers.
CONS:
▽ Recessed mids
▽ Bare bone inclusions (Come on KZ, give us at least a better stock cable.)
▽ Well, planars…despite that this set is one of the easiest to be amplified on its class, you still need a proper source with required power output to drive this IEM correctly.
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 his generosity towards me and other reviewers.
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