KZ, a Chinese headphone maker, is once again exposed to a scandal in which it was caught altering the sound of a headphone released in partnership with HBB.
KZ deceived once again thousands of consumers. The story again involves the release of a model created in collaboration with headphone reviewers/content creators and this time the compromise was ‘HawaiiBadboy’ from ‘Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews’ channel, popularly known as ‘HBB’. Released on April 27, 2023, the KZ x HBB PR2 has exhibited inconsistencies in sound, where an early batch sounded one way and now has a different frequency response (measurement of activity in the bass, mids and treble).
KZ modifies KZ x HBB PR2 without consent of project contributor “HBB”.
KZ is exposed again when changing the volume of the KZ x HBB PR2 headphones. Source: Marcelo Dosec
The KZ x HBB PR2 is a in ear headphones with magnetic planar speaker driver co-developed with “HawaiiBadboy” of “Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews” channel, popularly known as “HBB”. Currently retailing for US$45 (approximately R$225), the IEM (in-ear monitor) featured a different sound after the first batch of 6000. This change was reported by users and by “HBB” himself through measurements, where the frequency response curve showed noticeably higher activity in the treble in the new batch than in the 1st batch.
Release of “HBB” (“HawaiiBadboy”) in
. Source: Reddit
Frequency response graph showing the original and modified version of the KZ x HBB PR2. Source: Reddit
As you can see above, there is a difference in the frequency response graph between the first units of the KZ x HBB PR2 and the current batch. The image was captured by Reddit user “Hit-maker” and posted on the “headphones” subreddit.. comment that KZ removed the dampers (“dampers”), previously implemented in the first batch, to change the sound of the headphones.
Physical differences between the original version and the modified version of the KZ x HBB PR2. Source: Marcelo Dosec
According to reports from KZ x HBB PR2 users, the highs from the new batches were similar to the KZ PR1 tune. By the way, the activity at high frequencies was changed from “HBB” precisely because the reviewer did not like this characteristic.
User comment
in the release of “HBB” (“HawaiiBadboy”)
. Source: Reddit
According to KZ, “there was no change in tuning due to this design change”, contradicting what noted by reviewers and users.
Statement by KZ regarding the sound change KZ x HBB PR2.
A reader of Oficina da Net, José Luis, reported his case saying:
I received the phone at my house. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t really look like what HBB has created in collaboration with KZ. He himself complained on Facebook that the agreement made between him and KZ was not being respected. Frequency curve measurements made by users show the differences. I think headphones are fine for songs that lack treble; therefore, it was not and is not what I intended to buy.
José Luiz also reports that KZ has tried to appease the complaints of those who have bought the KZ x HBB PR2 by shipping foam ear tips, which supposedly would reduce some treble activity. However, it appears to have been an ineffective move by the company.
Marcelo Dosec’s YouTube channel “AvaliaSom” also reported the same audio problem in a “Shorts” on the KZ PR2.
Conclusion
Once again the KZ hurts the trust of its customers, as well as tarnishing the image of the “HBB” (“HawaiiBadboy”) reviewers, as it changed the sound of the KZ x HBB PR2 considerably. At the same time, it is sad to see that the company refuses to admit its mistake, just like it has before, as reported by the Oficina da Net.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
