KZ PR1 Pro Planar IEM High Resolution Earphone Earbuds,Wired in-Ear Monitor Headphones/Headsets,HiFi in Ear Buds 4 Audiphile (Black, with Microphone)

I buy and sell audio equipment, so have a lot to compare it to at any given time. These won't replace all planar magnetic headphones out there, but it will replace some of them. Here's the ones you could upgrade or sidegrade to if you want the convenience of IEMs with a similar sound and quality with these. The Hifiman He4xx, HE-400i, HE-560, and maybe the HE-400se which is pretty well tuned, just not the most resolving thing I've heard. Anything from the Ananda on up will be a downgrade with these. The bass is there, but lacks the slam on the He4xx. The soundstage is good from the shell design, but its plastic and has a hollow sound like they usually do compared to metal shells. Mids a tiny bit recessed, but not a dealbreaker (bump up 300-600hz on an equalizer 3db and you'll like them so much more). Highs are good, pretty consistent and not at all harsh like on an HE4xx. My daily driver is a Simgot EA500 and these are a fun departure. The planar sound is fast and details about as resolving as a Hifiman HE400i if you've heard one, maybe a little more. That's really the model these sound the most like. The most important thing is powah! That one photo is a Topping L30 II in medium gain and I need over 2 oclock on the volume wheel with these to get fun but not dangerous loud. A phone, USB 2.0, or battery powered anything is out of the question with these. They need as much current as an HE4xx and more than an HE5xx. If you have a 4.4mm balanced amp, plan on a cable upgrade for it because they sound great when fully powered. They are a great value compared to full size headphones, but it won't get you out of the power requirements. The bass hits, but it sounds a little blunted, not wooly but maybe a little muddy or slow. Treble is safe and not harsh, but the mids need a boost as they don't have the presence I'm used to. I've got an audio blog, but only do reviews on Amazon for fun. In short, they offer a MUCH lighter form factor if you want to get an entry level planar magnetic and have a real amplifier for them. If you already have an HE-560 or better, I'd pass and jump to something higher up. They are so light weight though, it's like being on vacation compared to most planar headphones I've got. Absolutely worth the money compared to other similar priced planar magnetic headphones.