KZ is the KZ we know until KZ PR1 Hifi. But what we didn’t know is their train catching ability. While there are planar iems out in the field, budget planar term is a new concept in the field and now let’s see KZ PR1 Hifi editions first impressions / pre review. Dx300, gaming, comparing and balanced cable sections are reserved for its review.
Limehouse Blues are nice for a KZ. Nice and KZ seldom go together, but this time, it looks like they did. 3d imaging is somehow hollow and distant. Artificial is a good term to describe what I am hearing. Even though extensions are fast, it appears like everything has shrunk on itself. This-is-MBA-2022 and power shouldn’t be an issue when it comes down to feeding. But apart from these issues, non-experienced fellas can find joy in the smooth jazz performance of KZ PR1 because the bass isn’t so bleeding in, clarity is so so, tonality is meh, and instrument separation is adequate. Don’t expect more from live smooth jazz.
Feel Good INC is far better than live smooth jazz. Basses pack a punch, speed is high, layering is slightly better than OK, BUT soundstage isn’t wide, male vocals are prone to sibilance, bass loses the grip, and the performance isn’t that vivid.
The Last Garrison is only so so. Leaving sibilant male vocals, the treble is splashy and the vocals (both main and back) drown in the frantic tempo of Enter Shikari. By the way, had I mentioned the synthesizer that made Enter S. unique? Sorry man, this is a huge loss.
But Slipshod is the only completely good track so far. Bouncy basses have a faint physical manifestation (meaning pressure in your ear) and stage width is unexpectedly large.
The Electro Suite has weak whispers of the Dr. Octopus, but the drums and crash are striking at the same time! God, what an inconsistency to hear it since all the negative points I underlined above are true and I am not a drummer. There is a layering of some sort here, and splashy treble and deep bass at the end of the performance. But no, they can’t result in tactile feedback.
Bards Song – Hobbit is a mush of thin and splashy cymbals, sibilant Hansi Kürsch, and linear playback.. This was a song of heroic deeds and the drums should have exploded, the tonality changed dynamically, and the guitars distorted like lightning. But there is no sign of any of these or any guitar licks or tonality changes.
The last track of this mini review is Skrillex’s Scary Monsters. Even after the bass drop, you only hear a lackluster bass, but the treble of the electronic effects can tire you out if the volume in Apple Music is set higher than 50/100.
KZ PR1 Pre Review Conclusions
I can’t play dramatic and fall down in disappointment, but the above were somehow expected. Playing organic, treble control, and dynamism were KZ’s weak spots. However, this planar idea is neither FUBAR nor excels in its price range. Fine starter planar iem for beginners. However, I expect more next time.
