KZ PR3 - Could this be the One....🤔

The KZ PR3 from KZ has been released and according to the company is the best Planar driver earphone they have made.
Before elaborating further, let me say that the KZ planar deserves merit for being totally in house designed , and not resorting to the more usual 14.2...14.5...14.8 drivers used by the majority of the other brands.
Now, previous KZ Planars have been a continuous search for the perfect balance of frequency response, technical abilities and fun musicality.
To that extent the one that ticked the most boxes was for me the PR1 Pro , where a balance between the PR1 HiFI and Balanced was obtained.
The PR2 X HBB which followed, was a departure of the usual planar tuning , going for a learner bass playback and a rolled off upper frequency range, giving us a more DD like sound and doing away with the disliked planar timbre.
The PR3 comes to the party bringing a sort of RLC crossover which tries to shape the sound signature, something we saw them do with the single DD models, ZVX, D-fi
In essence the PR3 takes the bass response of the PR2 and combines it with a midrange that initially peaks at just over 2kHz and then gradually rolls off to give us a IEM that technically is very capable, with, soundstage, imaging, resolution, detail retrieval being a treat for the technicality inclined listeners.
The problem with all this effort to find the perfect planar tuning is that , the resulting PR3 sound is seemingly pushed , over done, lacking a sense of natural reproduction that for me the PR1 Pro with all it's flaws was able to offer.
Still this isn't the biggest issue, the biggest
one was the frightening difference In performance that I found in three sets of PR3 that I bought.
QC in the PR3 is definitely a concern, something that up to now I hadn't really encountered with the dozens of KZ IEMs i have reviewed.
To put it simply if you are lucky to get a PR3 that sounds like the first set described above , then you will be impressed, especially if you are a low volume listener and favour technical performance over musicality.
On the other hand if you get a Lemon....well then I guess you will get lemon juice!
In conclusion the PR3 is for me not the best Planar KZ has made, PR1 Pro still stands as King, but rather the first one to use this electronic tuning assistance, and as such more models with surely follow, with all the obstacles of this one ironed out.
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Off to a Bad start
02:20 QC issues
03:20 KZ Planar Family
05:55 PR3 in Depth, Build
08:13 PR3 in Depth, Sound
14:00 PR3 vs PR2 vs PR1 Pro
16:35 PR3 vs Stellaris vs A12 Pro vs MP145 vs Klanar vs T10 vs P1Max
19:55 PR3 Conclusion
21:15 Graphs
***PLAYLIST***
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[@andy.w]

Sometimes I imagine there's this dude, the head of the KZ research department. He is the legendary, the omega, the final boss, and every new model of IEM must pass his trial before beginning their journey into the real world. The problem is that he's 99 years old.

[@EngrRomero]

Wow. Thanks for the info that you bought 3 units and all three came with different tuning. My general experience with KZ in that generally are too bright. Thanks.

[@renatobdc]

Congrats Akros! Great review as always! Very fun to see how much you like to play and modify the iems. KZ should hire you for tunning their iems.

[@filippoduso6112]

Great review , as always. No more KZ for me, i tried them in the past, but it wasn't the sound i was looking for. Out of curiosity , i remember that in a precedent review you mention that you are a professional bodybuilder ... which earphones , headphones do you use , if any , while training? (i'm still searching for sweat proof , good sounding earphone) Thank U

[@jb678901]

One thing I have to say about KZ...their AZ09 Pro and CCA BTX bluetooth earhooks are fantastic accessories that I have become married to. I modded two sets for use with standard (B) 2 pin IEM's like the S12, HEXA, Olina (modded), Tin HiFi T3, Heart Mirror (modded). I kept two other sets in standard C-pin configuration for use with the PR1 HiFi, CCA CRA, TKZK Wave, Tangzu Wan ER. Love these earhooks...essentially the same except the BTX have a snugger fit...for those times when I prefer the extra security away from home.

[@mertdundar7659]

hello Akros and thanks for your review. I have Seeaudio Yume Ultra and they are really good I havent heard planar before. Do you recommend these for a change?

[@marcswinnen9100]

I like the pr1 pro also❤😊

[@ofirgaash]

Hi Akros, I have 2 questions: 1. does KZ already have a model that sounds better than the PR1 PRO? 2. can you recommend a DAC that fits the quality of RCF ART 735-A MK4? thank you so much for your professional and detailed videos.

[@gercollins1520]

I bought it blind. A really technical set. Stage forever. Super detailed. Played let me blow ya mind by eve and gwen stefani. Try it. Treble agony.

[@okay1904]

Thank you. I also have three sets of some Sony IEM's and every one of them sounds different. Not a good sign. Definitely I'll avoid this KZ PR3. Very tempting, typically based on the price.

[@matusjurcik6974]

Its interesting because my pr3 is much louder than my pr2, its just hair quiter than my p1max. So in my case it goes p1max, pr3, pr2 with the pr2 being 50% more quiet than the p1max. Isnt it because of that upgrade cable u are using?

[@marcswinnen9100]

I just recieved it and i like it go figure😊

[@JennyXu]

At least, it is a real planar, that's even much cheaper than the fake planar SPD from some brands.

[@blitttzzz]

this is interesting. I guess I am lucky since PR3 is actually my best investment. It surpasses the AS24 technicalities and tonality (less vocal shoutiness). I have no issue with channel matching at all.

[@Lewisgarcia613]

I think most of the planar iems probably have the same issue, which is the common issue for planar driver. So do I bought S12 three times. Have you tried other brand planar more than 3 pcs for same models?

[@akros9333]

Yes I have ....six S12... all perfect Two for most of the others I have and all measured fine. This PR3 and TRN MT4 where the worst offenders I have ever seen. Channel inbalance of max 3db and minor deviations in the above 8k area are acceptable. I prefer 1db of inbalance.

[@marcswinnen9100]

SIX S12 S DAMN@@akros9333

[@marcswinnen9100]

IHAVE 1 TUNED S12 AND ITS GOOD BUT NOT A 02@@akros9333

[@marcswinnen9100]

I ordered the s15 but thats another price will you revieuw it?

[@Arc_Noir]

Hello. Thank you for the PR3 review. Is the quality control with CCA Rhapsody great? Thanks!

[@akros9333]

Well I have 3 Rhapsody and they are all the same.....so I would say QC is very good

[@Arc_Noir]

@@akros9333 That's cool. Thanks!

[@user-qi8xm7th6w]

The imbalance issue still same happen to my timeless😅💀

[@elainya_]

Did u get the link?😊

[@x-techgaming]

There is a lot of treble sibilance in your video audio for some reason... Quite sharp.

[@user-ku7xi3sl7p]

It is better to believe yourself, not other ears...

[@nmatheis]

This is the first time since I've been watching your reviews where I'm not going to leave a thumbs-up and will leave critical commentary. In my opinion, an IEM where you experienced a ⅔ failure rate due to QA/QC issues should not be recommended even with major caveats. It should be a pass for everyone due to poor QA/QC and that should be clearly stated (again, in my opinion). Besides this one, I always enjoy your reviews and appreciate your guidance.

[@akros9333]

I agree with what you said. I was just trying to avoid what ended up happening anyway , so yes I do agree that perhaps this one is best to pass and wait on the following one. Appreciate the straightforward and sincere opinion you gave.

[@nmatheis]

@@akros9333 Thanks for the thoughtful response, Tony. It's much appreciated. I respect you as a reviewer and (from what I can see from your reviews) as a person. Keep up the great work!

[@user-rj3sl4ro5s]

cca pla13 cable?

[@paulhealy6390]

great videos but the sound volume is not good . tried on different devices with the same problem but look forward to your videos .thanks.

[@akros9333]

Apologies my friend

[@Rsalmond83]

Hmmm…loud and clear on my device

[@user-zz7ks7rv4l]

My opinion is that these are the same driver, with different dempfers and holes. One woman with different cosmetics.

[@user-zz7ks7rv4l]

HI Tony! nicehck f1 pro arrived, the first impression was that it was not a planar, but a 150 ohm dynamic iem!😮 When will you have a review of them?

[@akros9333]

I will do it this weekend... hopefully....have a backlog of 30 items. But tell me what's your opinion....how's details in upper mids and treble? Technical abilities? Bass? Timber and tonality? Thank you

[@user-zz7ks7rv4l]

​@@akros9333They are not as aggressive as the s12pro, I liked the frequency balance, there is a slight distortion in the bass, but it’s not bad. At first the detail seemed worse to me than the s12pro, but when I listened more, all the details were in place.

[@user-zz7ks7rv4l]

​@@akros9333They love power very much, I listened to ivipq v12 at 50 max, f1 pro-70 player divisions. cayin n6ii E02 (600 mwt).

[@user-zz7ks7rv4l]

@@akros9333 In general, it takes time to taste their taste. So take your time :-)

[@user-pr2my9sm3x]

Спасибо ) , все более -менее понятно

[@x-techgaming]

I love my HBB PR2! INCREDIBLE detail/resolution... Addictively good treble. I like the PR2 more than HYPE 2, Cadenza, Salnotes, Zero:RED, Phoenixcall, and MagicOne.

[@markdawson3308]

I ordered the Pr3 imeadiately after watching this review, i hate iems that have to much bass, the less vass the better, yes thats how i like iems to be tuned

[@rahma_dihann]

I wonder how does it compete against other planar sets that has closely similar price points like Dioko and TRN Rosefinch in terms of technicality (detail, imaging, soundstage)

[@HorizontePorDoSol5390]

O Dioko é bem mais caro do que o PR3.

[@rahma_dihann]

@@HorizontePorDoSol5390 Sim, mas Dioko não é tão popular, então o preço da segunda mão fica bem próximo do PR3, pelo menos no meu país.

[@akros9333]

Well Dioko is also tuned to be very detailed , but it controls things up top better . ROSEFINCH has nice bass but that's it. I would say wait for next planar from KZ or then think about P1 Max.....very very nice

[@marcswinnen9100]

I ordered the pr3 already i hope its a good one😊

[@sagars861]

rip your money

[@TrevorHarris-ek9hf]

My pr3 sounds well

[@HorizontePorDoSol5390]

​@@sagars861Foda-se a sua opinião!

[@letsmobiles3396]

Pls review kiwiears melody

[@GarethHailes]

My colleague got the pr3 and I think I prefer them to the pr2, the treble sounds better to me

[@ravirajpawar7734]

Why even bother reviewing when tuning between sets is not consistent..?

[@wana.me003]

To bring awareness to consumers

[@MrGarkin]

PR2 is $20 on a good day, and its a good value then.

[@Error8x8]

You'll get an interesting sound if you insert anything nice and deep

[@user-lm9li4ny3j]

Well I am in the "very limited group" you mentioned because I think Stellaris/S12 are among the best planars. They are used mainly for playing highly technical rock (prog) and I feel people who love those genres would not necessarily love pr3 because the quality control issue. Ultimately the PR3 tries to be a cheap alternative to s12 but reaches the limit of KZ's budget.

[@TrevorHarris-ek9hf]

That is a realistic point we have to realize, PR3 will come out when someone talk about budget and ask for what the best steal is... and the price is lower a lot...I mean nothing is that perfect performance, sounds nice, wid stagee, and nice price finally lol...

[@Darkoholic]

Can I connect these to my phone without an amp or DAC??😶

[@akros9333]

Should be fine....they are relatively easy to drive

[@alancarlos1712]

Só faltou a legenda

[@akros9333]

Já está amigo, as minhas desculpas

[@wahid-lg1kk]

PR2 is 'The One'

[@jasongibson3574]

Glad I didn't waste my $

[@KevinClarkKevinClark]

What the hell, are u trust your device after 10khz?

[@JAYEKAZE]

at this stage, what is the point with this company. what does it take to spend some time and test and get one right

[@LuciferArc1]

For real. This is just pathetic at this point

[@madwolf-us4sc]

before you know you will have PR3 Pro and PR3 Collab and then PR4

[@andy.w]

Ha, you forgot to mention PR * Zero * Edit: oh shoot, that's probably the name they're about to choose for the aborted collabs with the Crin dude.

[@marcswinnen9100]

MAYBE LUCKY

[@lashervacano5509]

Tony, why would you waste your time reviewing an IEM that is a total crap shoot when it comes to getting one that actually works correctly? You are better than that my friend. KZ needs to be punished by reviewers for their horrible quality control not rewarded. I will always respect your reviews and look forward to them. Just Saying……

[@joefilter2923]

People would benefit more from your videos if you made it clear, which IEM you have on your table. I have to go back and listen over and over again to try to get the names. But you could be just aiming for a smaller audience…

[@akros9333]

I will try to work on that matter...my apologies