KZ ATR

| Dynamic Driver |

? We will review the KZ ATR and compare them to the KZ ATE to see how different they sound. The KZ ATR are the latest generation of the KZ ATE‘s line (sort of), technically they are a whole new line and not an upgraded version of the KZ ATE line but the extreme resemblance with the ATE line and the name may suggest that they are brothers.

KZ (Knowledge Zenith) made so many versions of the ATE line that you might get confused as through out the review we might name the KZ ATE, KZ ATE-S or KZ ATR several times and sounding so similar things can get messy. The first noticeable change of the KZ ATR can be seen on the housings which are not translucent as the KZ ATE but solid black with no way to see the guts of them; bifurcation, stereo plug and cables are identical to the ones used in the KZ ATE, “cable weights” (see 3rd photo below) are not made of metal as the ones on the ATE but made of plastic (exactly the same that was used on the older version, KZ ATE-S).

The size, form factor and weight of the housings are almost identical between the KZ ATR and KZ ATE…

The size, form factor and weight of the housings are almost identical between the KZ ATR and KZ ATE with the exception of the ATR having longer nozzles. Fit is thought to be used on a sport way with the cable above and around the ears (that’s why they have those “cable weights”) but they can also be used on the classic straight-on way without problem. KZ usually does not provide much technical specs about their earphones and on the newer versions they even provide less information, previous generations used to have some basic specifications written on their packaging but this is something that they do not offer anymore.

So, trying to find out the technical specifications of the KZ ATR requires some research, to our reader’s benefit we have done it for you so you can just read the specs in this same review scrolling to the “Specifications” section at the bottom of this page. A further disclaimer before beginning to read this review: take into consideration that there are also many versions of KZ ATE earphones (without even considering the KZ ATE-S as one) so to better understand which exact ATE version we are comparing them to check out our KZ ATE review.

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KZ ATR - Review

Tests & Scores

Weight

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Accessories & Packaging

As we have just mentioned, the KZ ATR come packed in the latest classic version of KZ packaging which is a simple box with a transparent front (like the KZ ZS3, KZ ZST, KZ ED12), accessories provided are just 2 extra pair of eartips.

^6_/10

Bass & Sub Bass

The KZ ATR have some mid-bass and sub-bass depth to provide enough punch, warmth and fun to any genre but very clearly the KZ ATE are way more punchier and deeper sounding than the KZ ATR. So far the difference between them is very noticeable; regarding bass, it could be said that the KZ ATR is the less bassy version of the KZ ATE.

… it could be said that the KZ ATR is the less bassy version of the KZ ATE.

Using an EQ, the ATR gets substantially enhanced while still remaining sort of controlled without sounding muddy or too boomy.

Putting the KZ ATR through our extreme bass test they were able to take up to 45% of a Fiio E12‘s maximum power while being set to high gain and with bass boost on (a custom basshead EQ was also applied). The results offered an exponential increase in mid-bass punch and sub-bass depth but still way below to what the KZ ATE was able to achieve (despite the fact that both were able to handle the exact same amount of amplification). Do not expect any basshead impact or rumble from the KZ ATR but something likely more similar to a microdriver. Impact and rumble levels were nowhere near other KZ earphones such as the KZ ED12, KZ ZST, KZ ZS2, KZ ZS3 and even below the Rock Zircon and the VJJB K1S.

^7.5_/10

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Mids & Vocals

Mids on the KZ ATR are warm and laid back, recession is more strongly felt on lower mids and lower vocals with mid-bass bleeding into them. Higher mids are smooth and never harsh. The KZ ATE showed a similar tendency of recession and mid-bass bleed but the degree of recession is much less on the KZ ATR. Also the KZ ATR are not harsh, something that the ATE suffered at times. Overall mid frequencies are substantially better achieved on the KZ ATR than the KZ ATE. An EQ makes lower vocals clearer but introduces a slight level of boxiness and higher mids start to become a bit harsh.

^6.75_/10

Highs & Treble

The highs of the KZ ATR are also very different to the KZ ATE, they sound much brighter. Although the big difference when comparing both of them, this still does not mean that the ATR are the brightest earphone you can get, actually their highs are somewhat recessed and are able to resolve some detail but not to an extraordinary degree. Piercing highs are not a problem with the KZ ATR nor sibilance. With an EQ, detail level is increased as well as brightness; sibilance starts to appear a bit but piercing highs are still not an issue for them.

^6.75_/10

Sound Leak

The sound that leaks out of the KZ ATR is low and will not even be heard by anyone nearby if controlled levels of volume are used or if used on mediumly noisy places. Their performance here is very good but if planning to wear them in libraries you might be restricted to use only low to medium low volumes to be sure that you are not disturbing. If you want the best performer regarding sound leak levels, the KZ ATE still keeps the crown.

^8.25_/10

Sound Isolation

The ATR are very effective isolation from surrounding noises without needing to recur to high volume levels; here they offer the same level of the ATE.

^8_/10

Comfort

With an almost identical shape factor, weight, cable and fit the KZ ATR offer the same great comfort that the KZ ATE do. The nozzles of the KZ ATR are longer but do not add discomfort. The “sport fit” makes them secure and at the same time comfortable to wear, fit is tight enough to ensure not falling from the ears with normal to medium-intense activities. Of course there are much better designed earphones if you want a super tight fit for very intense sports/activities, like the Puma Bulldogs, KZ ZS3 or a bluetooth earphone like the QCY QY8.

^8.5_/10

Response to Equalization

The ATR were able to effectively enhance some of their audio frequencies but other frequencies did not respond that great. Bass was very noticeably enhanced with much punchier mid-bass and sub-bass gaining a substantial quantity of depth and at the same time not becoming too boomy or making everything sound muddy. Mids and highs, on the other hand, improved slightly removing some recession and gaining some brightness but they also introduced boxiness, harshness and a bit of sibilant highs.

^6.75_/10

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KZ ATR Frequency Response

KZ ATR

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KZ ATR

7.8

SCORE

7.8/10

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