KZ x HBB PR2 - You've Been Heyday'd

Summary

The video discusses the PR2, a collaboration between KZ and Hawaii Bad Boy, offering a full planar magnetic experience at an affordable $40. It compares the PR2's sound signature to the PR1 Pro and Heyday, highlighting its more natural upper treble and enhanced mids. The PR2 is positioned as an accessible entry into the world of planar magnetic IEMs with a balanced, appealing tuning that sacrifices some of the intense upper treble for a smoother, more neutral sound profile, making it suitable for a wider audience.

Takeaways

• 🎧 The PR2 is the latest collaboration between KZ and Hawaii Bad Boy, following previous models like the PLA 13, PR1, and PR1 Pro.
• 🛠️ The PR2 features a unique shell design with a decorative mesh on the back and sides, but it is not an open-back design.
• 🔊 A key characteristic of the PR2 is its tuning, particularly the emphasis in the pinna area, which differs from the PR1 Pro and Heyday models.
• 💵 The PR2 offers a full planar experience at a low price point of $40, making it an attractive option for many users.
• 🎼 The PR2 has less upper treble energy compared to the PR1 Pro, making it more suitable for listeners who prefer a mid-centric detail.
• 📈 The PR2 requires a significant amount of power and volume headroom to perform well, more than previous models.
• 🎧 The PR2 is tuned to sound more similar to traditional IEMs, making it an easier transition into planar IEMs for new users.
• 🔊 The PR2’s upper treble is tuned to be more natural, similar to the Heyday model, providing a less intense and more balanced sound.
• 🎛️ Volume control is crucial for the PR2, as it can sound recessed or overdriven depending on the level.
• 🎤 The PR2 offers a balanced and neutral mid-bass, with energetic mids and a natural upper treble, making it a versatile choice for various music genres.

Q & A

What is the PR2 and how does it relate to previous models?

The PR2 is the latest collaboration between KZ and Hawaii Bad Boy. It follows previous models like the PLA 13, PR1, and PR1 Pro.

Is the PR2 an open-back IEM?

No, the PR2 is not actually open-back. It has a resin cover underneath the decorative mesh on the back and sides.

What sets the PR2 apart from the PR1 Pro and Heyday models?

The PR2 stands out due to its tuning, particularly in the pinna area. It has a more elevated pinna area compared to PR1 Pro and Heyday, making it sound different from those models.

How does the price of the PR2 compare to previous models?

The PR2 is priced at $40, which is a promotional price aimed at making it an affordable entry into the planar IEM market.

Who would prefer the PR2 over the PR1 Pro?

Users who are more mid-centric detail seekers and those who prefer a less intense upper treble will likely prefer the PR2 over the PR1 Pro.

What are some challenges users might face with the PR2?

The PR2 requires a lot of power to drive and a high volume to sound good, making it less suitable for users who only have a phone as their music source.

How important is fit and seal for the PR2's performance?

The PR2 needs a very good seal inside the ear to sound right, and finding the right tips is crucial for optimal performance.

How does the PR2's tuning compare to the Heyday model?

The PR2 has a bump in the pinna area that doesn't exist on Heyday, making it sound a bit different. Heyday is more balanced and smooth, while PR2 has a slight emphasis in the pinna area.

What is the general tuning approach of Hawaii Bad Boy for the PR2?

Hawaii Bad Boy tuned the PR2 to have a safe, general appealing tuning, with a more natural upper treble and a balanced mid-bass.

What genres and tracks does the PR2 perform well with?

The PR2 works well across various genres due to its neutral mid-bass and balanced tuning. It performs particularly well with tracks that benefit from planar detail and resolution, like acoustic and energetic tracks.