KZ PRX: the $30 planar that reminded me why this hobby is so much fun :)
I’ve been in this hobby for about six months now, spending my money trying different IEMs, headphones, DACs and sources, learning along the way what I actually like.
And I genuinely felt the need to share this one with you guys… specially because this is NOT A CHEAP HOBBY once you get in the rabbit hole!
The KZ PRX costs around $30, which makes what I’m hearing from it kind of ridiculous.
I already own more expensive gear, including the AFUL Performer 7, Truthear Zero:RED, Simgot EA500LM and HIFIMAN Ananda Stealth, so this isn’t my first IEM or my first experience with planar sound. And obviously, I’m not going to claim that the PRX is technically better than something like the Performer 7. It isn’t.
The most expensive IEM you own doesn’t necessarily become your favorite for every type of music.
What I enjoy most about it is the combination of speed, energy and bass presence. It sounds lively without feeling slow or congested, and there’s something about the planar presentation that makes attacks and busy passages particularly satisfying.
One of the tracks I used was Muse, Hysteria. That bass line is a great test because there’s so much happening around it, and the PRX does a very nice job keeping the bass energetic while still allowing me to follow the rest of the arrangement.
And then there’s Audioslave, I Am the Highway, one of my favorite songs. This is probably the kind of track that best explains why I like the PRX. The guitars have energy, Cornell’s voice has presence, and when the song opens up, the PRX gives me that sense of drive that makes me stop evaluating the IEM and just enjoy the music.
That last part matters to me.
Compared with my Zero:RED, the PRX feels more energetic and immediate. The RED still gives me a more relaxed and balanced presentation.
Compared with the EA500LM, the Simgot has its own brighter, sharper and very clear character. The PRX feels different rather than simply better or worse.
For a $30 IEM, that’s a huge compliment.
Ps: one small change I made was replacing the original cable with a TRN modular cable, with both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm plugs. I’m not claiming the cable itself magically improves the sound. I did it mostly for convenience.
I usually run the PRX from my FiiO M21, and the modular cable lets me use the 4.4 mm balanced output easily. The PRX appreciates some power, and I like the additional volume/headroom I get from that setup.
So who would I recommend it to?
If you already own several IEMs, I think the PRX is interesting because it offers something genuinely different for very little money: a cheap entry into a full planar IEM.
And if you’re relatively new to the hobby, like me, I think it’s an even more interesting purchase because it lets you experience how a planar driver can present speed, transients and complex passages without spending $100, $200 or more.
Is it perfect? Of course not. There are more refined IEMs. There are better tonal references. There are sets that resolve more detail and present music in a more sophisticated way.
But that almost misses the point.
For around $30, the KZ PRX makes me want to listen to music.
As I’m trying to get into the reviewers world, here’s my affiliate link so you can check it out!
Ps: look for Choice Day coupons available now so you can get more discounts :)