KZ PR1 PRO - How KZ Got Its Groove Back 

Yeah, it has been a rocky road to get to this point and no one wants to buy 2 sets to get to the 3rd so I am sure they are watching closely. Also why it was so heavily discounted in the first week. We'll see how it goes, but thanks for the comment.

@@PaulWasabii is there really that many drivers producing sound ?

Thank you. I have spent a lot more money for a less satisfying experience than Pro. If nothing else, you learn whether planars are for you or not without spending too much money.

As I said, if you have other planars, not much new here. If it is your first, then yeah, put it on the radar.

3 months later, we are starting to see more planars appear with TRN first. As I said, that set is going to take you well into 2023 before you have to think about upgrades. So kick back for at least another 3 months

I heard the initial batch of orders was slow to ship. Holiday sales and lockdowns didn't help. But you got it right, buy in at an affordable level now and decide if you want to pursue more planars next year.

@@PaulWasabii i finally got it today, initial listening shows that PR1 PRO is the best KZ iem to date. It is amazing how KZ can bring this level of sound performance at such a cheap price. Although i must say, i prefer my modified KZ ZS06 (this one really punches well above 15x the price with the right -and cheap- modification). Maybe i'm not used to this planar thing 😂

@@andreashalim6694 what modifications? What do you mean?

@@Smecerul08 ok, so the problem with KZ ZS06 is sibilance. Other than that, it's great. So all we have to do is tame the sibilance. This is how i do it; i use Comply T100 which has a smaller hole than the tip of the earphone. I then remove the rubber lining of the comply so it can fit. I then fit the foam to the eartip and glue it. The smaller eartip will then act as a suppressor to the high frequency thus eliminating the sibilance. After a few days listening to KZ PR1 PRO, i feel that the sound is somehow thin (i love vocals and instruments to have more body) and listening to adele also reveals some slight sibilance. I'm now trying eartip mod to make the sound more full and less sibilance using Comply T200, i peeled off the foam (on the round side) and cut 1mm of the rubber lining inside the foam. Initial testing was positive, will continue to test more and possibly cut a little bit more rubber lining.

@@andreashalim6694 Were you able to manipulate the "thinness" of PR1 Pro?

Yeah, I wouldn't go back to PLA13. PR1 Pro really fixed most of the feedback on that set.

@@PaulWasabii As of now the CCA PLA13 is about 48% of the price of a KZ PR1 Pro. For that price would the PLA13 qualify to be a good beginner's experience in the Planar Magnetic realm?

As I said, adding a Pro to your S12 is more of a different flavor of the same sound. S12 is crazy popular for a reason. Also another great example of how planars can handle bigger levels and why I don't pay that much attention to planar graphs after Timeless and S12. Thank you

Sometimes KZ gets the design right and sometimes they go back to their past for inspiration. PR1 Pro was the right one compared to what they used on PLA13.

I love these iems. They sound great, nice Mid thumps, super clean sounding. Not enough bass or volume for my liking but since I can't get them too loud they are non fatiguing. Super crisp.

I am trying to get the upcoming version, the Tangzu x HBB one. Not officially out yet.

Tough one as my first thought is these are not that shallow and the foam tips helps. P1max is probably warmer as well. These are closer to Timeless, barely warm. My second thought, the new Tangzu 1DD set, it looked close to Salnotes Zero/Chu, but perhaps a bit warmer. Not enough impressions out there yet. I have my eye on Truthear Hexa, but same issue, not sure that has much warmth. Kiwi Ears Cadenza may be closer but no impressions yet.

@@PaulWasabii true. I have been looking at the p1 max too. Maybe you should make a video about suggesting iems for different sound signatures at different price range. So that it can help people buying ieme during the sale.

They do need more power. Actually between KZ PR1 and PR1 Pro, they increased the sensitivity around 6db for this reason. It is slightly easier to drive. Generally, they are a bit hard to drive and will sound better with an amp.

PR1 Pro as I said is really that taste of planar hype that you have been reading about for a year and a tuning that is going to be more generally appealing than AST. AST has crazy BA bass so if basshead is your thing, then maybe, but PR1 Pro is generally going to cover more preferences.

Most planars are prone to more hiss simply due to the fact they are going to generally be brighter. Really two different sets though. If a more natural sound is your priority, then Olina SE, Pro still sounds like a planar a slightly less natural

Dioko is a less bass level planar and I'd only suggest it if that is your preference. Olina SE is more natural, but if you are more into treble, then PR1 Pro. As I said, if you just want to know why people have been talking about planars, get one like PR1 Pro if it is significantly cheaper than the others.

The short answer is no and I would have give the same answer on PLA13, just use EQ. The driver is basically the same, but the treble and bass are adjusted. Just do the same in EQ. Foam tips on PR1 Hifi doesn't quite get you Pro's treble but it would help a bit too. On KZ's Discord, we have some examples of Wavelet configs. The other short answer is that if you had an opportunity to get it at the promo price of $40usd, then yeah, it is worth it in time savings of dealing with EQ. But at regular price, just enjoy PR1 for a few months, we should start seeing new planars after the Chinese New Year.

Thanks for the detailed answer, yes, that's the right advice - take your time. Moreover, planars from another company are already coming to me, I’ll compare ...

Yes, contact your store and see about returning it. You have two different things happening but the volume is the actual problem. If you can notice a difference, there is something wrong. The plastic wrapping noise is driver flex and I hear it when inserting IEMs. Doesn't really bother me, it is mainly the pressure build up pushing the tip in your canal. Some people return sets due to that and that is why you see LetShuoer S15 with a pressure relief unit. Too many people returned S12 because of the noise.

@@PaulWasabii Thank you very much Paul ❤️👌🏻✌🏻. Feeling relieved now about that driver flex noise. I requested for the replacement by email few days ago and I am still waiting for a reply from the store. I was buying Rhapsody at first but saw the offer and bought these now I am thinking about Rhapsody. Please do your top 5 budget iems under 50 and 100 usd.❤️👌🏻✌🏻

Yep, everyone keeps saying the same. It look 3 tries to get them to drop down to Timeless bass levels so we'll see how that goes with their hybrids

Yes, and the price is much better than that of any other company on the market. The voice doesn't sound tired. It's very peaceful and balanced.

Yeah, that is a lot of power actually.

Easier to drive, but will still sound better on a better source. They increased the sensitivity 3-4db so that should help.

@@PaulWasabii I run Olina on my qcc 5125 adapter on aptx hd on LGg8x...surprisingly bluetooth rounds things on mid upper freq...zero harshness (due to dsp correction?) perfect synergy with Olina more bass less harshness....will see if pr1 pro synergize with bluetooth otherwise will continue Olina and run pr1 pro wired. thanks.

Comes down to treble and price. If you are ok with and enjoy a lot of treble, PR1 Pro. PR2 is for tighter budgets and less treble tolerant.

Yeah you picked up on the hard part about planars, the treble is not as smooth as different driver types. KZ EDA Balanced or even the new small set KZ Ling Long will move you closer to that smooth sound.

​@@PaulWasabii Thank you for answering, love your videos keep it up! And I might settle with the zs10 pro x or maybe even the kz zar. This is a hard hobby to have 😂

The planars are generally not warm enough for most people who like warm. Their value is in the sharp details, a bit more colder than warm sound.

@@PaulWasabii tysm for answering, I'm like warm sound since I'm treble sensitive, btw I'm already oder kz zs10 pro x? Does it make big differences between kz zst x cause now I'm using it. I'm little bit curious about 5 drivers/10

ZAX. The planars are interesting but can be bright and harder to drive with a phone.

It is compatible but hard to recommend. Most reviewers, myself included, talk about planars needing more power and sounding better with a dac/amp. This is true, but we say that because we have the equipment and it will sound slightly better. AZ09 Pro is a nice bit of gear and it works fine. If you continue your audio journey and pick up a powered dongle or dac/amp, you will notice a difference with PR1 Pro down the road. For now, if you can get PR1 Pro at a reasonable price, enjoy it for a while as I said. There should be plenty of planar sets next year.

@@PaulWasabii thanks for your detailed reply! I will pair it with z kz zax and I will enjoy pr1 pro wired!

It is a tough upgrade as planars need a bit more power than a set like ZSN Pro X. If you are just using your phone, I would look into dongles first.

Thanks for the quik response! I'm using them for my phone. Is there a not to expensive dongle you reccomend?

I don't know if I would start with PRI Pro unless you are very very tolerant of brighter treble. It may work well for movies and games though which are less likely to hammer the treble.

@@PaulWasabii was a endyearsales at Shouer Z12 and Btr7 so i went for that, hope works great together.

That is the planar thing. The treble level dances around people's preferences, most a bit too much. Heyday does and probably others that will follow may address that specific area.

The planars including PR1 Pro tend to be a bit brighter than a set like Olina SE. Planars are great at details but not as natural as Olina SE. Olina SE is a great every day carry set, the planars tend to be more of a specialist as each brand tries to narrow down a sound that appeals to a wide range of music. I am sure PR1 Pro is fine, just expect it to have a brighter, more fun sound and Olina is a bit more relaxed and natural.

If you don't use foam tips what would.u recommend using instead? Cause foam tips don't work for me since they break.

No, wait for their next planar. PR1 Pro is a tweak on PR1, but it was a great deal when it was first launched.

@@PaulWasabii thanks Sir

in my opinion, this and the ZS10 PRO X are the best ones yet from KZ

There are a few advantages of single driver sets. People love 1DD sets because they tend to sound more natural but harder to find affordable DD that to very extended treble well. Enter the planar, not as natural as a 1DD, but it can handle extension on both bass and treble without sweating. That is really why you see KZ boost the bass and extend the treble, that differentiates planars from their other hybrid flagships

Most planars are going to have more detail and treble extension than hybrids at the same price point. Planar bass is also quite good on some sets. And I don't have Hexa, but it is hard to beat any planar on detail at the same price points.

The Aria upgrade is either Tripowin Olina SE or Simgot EA500. After that, then Tangzu Wu or Heyday for planar depending on your preferred bass level. Aria is a nice set, you will pay some money and get an incremental upgrade. Sometimes it is better to upgrade your source device and try the sets you have first.

Same question. But it will be my first iem. So which to buy, hexa or pr1. I prefer crystal clear vocals and impacful bass.

@@princeajaz9167 nevertheless, I bought KZ PR2 HBB, It far more better than Hexa

Yeah, but planars need some power from a dongle or amp. If you are just plugging it into your phone, go with the cheaper option. At one point PR1 Pro was the cheaper option but not sure it is wherever you are located. I'd probably also look at KZ EDA Balanced as an alternative to ZS10 Pro X

The KZ ZS10 PRO X is as clinically tame as much as the PR1 Pro is sparkly. In plain words the ZS10 PRO X is boring & technically competent. If I was a mixing sound engineer, the ZS10 PRO X would be the go to IEMs for mastering mixes. Almost any half decent PMP or a phone with an okayish DAC can drive this pair of IEMs. The PR1 Pro is thoroughly engaging. & Requires a decent DAC/OP Amp to drive it. For example the ESS Sabre in the LG V30, 40, 50 can drive these Planars to their optimum sonic potential.

@@aaronmathias6739 I have the ifi one associated with my s23 ultra, ¿can I move them without any problem?

If you can get the PR1 Pro at a discount, then yes, you need to hear planar bass. It is subtly different but on the full bass planars like PR1, they can hit quite hard. And ad I said, if you get PR1 and like the bass, don't chase the other current planars, they are all a bit close in how the bass sounds. At least close enough that you won't want to spend 3X.

@@PaulWasabii Nice, I certainly buying them when they're available at KZ official Indonesia.

I said that in a different way. PR1 Pro is closer to centered on your head rather than having a deep stage in front of you. I call it more immersive as you tend to keep noticing instruments behind your ears. I'd also say he wasn't using a phone as a source as with a phone, it tends to be flatter. PR1 Pro scales better with better sources and I tend to notice depth more with better sources. I had the same issue with PR1, most EQ settings and even the ones I did would crush the stage on PR1 Hifi. I may have said it somewhere in the video that I was a bit surprised KZ didn't ruin the stage by changing the tuning.

The two are quite different, Khan being bass centric and PR1 Pro along with most planars is treble/detail centric. Khan is more of a fun set, PR1 Pro if you want to get more in the weeds with critical listening and have a decent dac/amp.

If you can purchase through Aliexpress or just can wait, March 28 is the next big sale period. There should be some sales.

See, that is why I didn't want to talk too much about the graph on Hook-X. At least the Hook-X HBB set looks brighter than Timeless. I can't really explain it other than measurements need higher volume and maybe the measurement is different than real life listening levels.

Mostly they same, but they did make a change which they didn't talk about as much as I thought they would. The change in height and sensitivity are related to a change to the driver so 90-95% the same.

@@PaulWasabii ok cool. I wonder if they build the planar drivers. Or all planar drivers comes from the same manufacturer with the patent in china.

They were for a short period. The problem is the discount was in place before anyone had received them so it was a risky purchase. To be fair, you saved $120 from buying Timeless and have a set that is close enough until later in the year when we start to see new planars.

I hate foam tips though lol. Did the graph change much using regular silicone tips ?

It happens. No harm in waiting for the next round of planars too.

Hmm, in what way? Hifi had an inner resin shell, but the exterior is not all metal? I was thinking more about PR1 standard in that it has the same metal faceplate, but not the metal shell on the lower like Hifi. If that is the only part I got wrong, that is doing ok.

The PR1 is electroplated plastic/resin I believe. I think the PLA13 was plastic and metal plate combo.

The only issue is that there are reasons to buy a planar over single DD. There is no 1DD that can touch planar detail at the same price points, and probably treble extension as well. So is planar always the best? No, because most are too treble heavy until you get to Heyday. But realistically, 2022 had so many planar sets for a reason, if they weren't as good as Aria or Olina SE, they would never have caught on. Planars jump those sets and hit into mid-fi hybrid territory which is why they are super popular. Also why I spent time on PR1 Pro, it was a very affordable entry into planar world for people who want to spend more planar money.

@@PaulWasabii See , what i was saying is ... I have 80$ .. I want an iem that gives me all the technicalities i want at this price. I don't want a relaxing iem or a lush tonality.. I have others for that.. I want a good tuning with great technicalities.. I don't care if it's a DD or a planar as long as it's drivable from a dongle. The likes of Olina SE have been considered to be the most technical at this price point...Good tuning too . So are you saying that a planar like this one comfortably beats that? And i should skip olina SE and go directly for this?

@@rajeebdas1724 What is "good tuning with great technicalities" according to you?

That's fair.

I mean they kinda did when they were the only real option in their price segment 7-9 years ago.