I recently switched from a bassy pair of IEMs to the KBEar KS1 and I was like where’s my bass? LOL! I was a bit surprised by the insufficient amount of bass on the first listen. I should have given my ears a break before trying out the KS1. Nonetheless, after a few hours of use, my opinion shifted. Aside from the KS1, we have reviewed different KBEar IEMs like the KBEar Lark and the KBEar KS2. But for now, allow me to give my thoughts through this KBEar KS1 review.

Thanks to KBEar for sending the KBEar KS1 review unit in exchange for my take about KS1, I really appreciate it. Check them out through their AliExpress site or directly through this KS1 product link.

KBEar KS1 Product Specifications

The KBEar KS1 has the following specifications:

• Driver: 10mm dual magnet dynamic driver
• Frequency Response: 20-20kHz
• Sensitivity: 109dB
• Cable: Detachable 4-core OFC cable with a 3.5mm L-shaped gold-plated plug
• Connector: 2-pin

Packaging

Inside the box of the KS1, you’ll find the following items:

• KBEar KS1 earphones
• Black cable with an L-shaped 3.5mm plug (with mic)
• Three pairs of ear tips (small, medium, and large)
• User guide

Build Quality

The KS1 impresses with its overall aesthetics. The black 4-core braided cable, featuring a mic (non-mic cable is also available), is visually appealing. The 3.5mm plug is covered with black plastic or metal (I’m not entirely certain about the material, but it appears and feels like metal to me). Moreover, the black KBEar KS1 itself is constructed from plastic, showcasing a captivating-colored nozzle.

While the stainless-steel nozzle is obscured once the ear tips are in place, its visual appeal is undeniable. The KS1’s nozzle is not only durable but also adds to its aesthetic charm.

Assembling the IEM is a breeze, thanks to the cable’s clear left and right indicators—a feature I particularly appreciate, as it eliminates any guesswork, particularly for beginners. Additionally, the housing features two vents on its back.

The black cable I have includes a mic, and the button on it allows for convenient pause and play control on an Android phone’s music player. Personally, I use the Poco X3 NFC with the Onkyo app as my player.

KBEAR KS1 Tonality

The KBEar KS1 has a warm and lively sound. It boosts the bass, especially in the lower and mid-range frequencies. The mid-range tones are slightly less prominent but still noticeable. The high tones are a bit higher than usual, but not excessively. Overall, the KS1 produces a warm and enjoyable sound, with good bass impact and detailed treble. While not the most advanced option out there, it’s a great choice for those who want an enjoyable sound.

Lows

While the bass of the KBEar KS1 review unit is strong and impactful, bass enthusiasts may desire even more bass presence. In “Barbra Streisand” by Duck Sauce (320Kbps MP3), the bass feels full-bodied and carries a satisfying amount of impact. Importantly, it remains well-controlled, avoiding any bleed into the mids. The detailed rendition of the double bass drums in “The Four Horsemen” by Metallica at around 5:14 is impressive. Similarly, the detailed and extended bass sound during the intro of “Falling Away From Me” by Korn builds tension effectively. This holds true for the song “Hope There’s Someone” by Avici in 16-bit/44Hz FLAC format as well.

Highs

The cymbals in “Moonage Daydream” by David Bowie exhibit a smooth and natural decay, free from any harshness or muddiness. They seamlessly blend with the accompanying guitar, allowing both elements to shine independently. The crispness and extended quality of the cymbals are particularly noteworthy, as demonstrated in the satisfying usage of cymbals in “Around The World” by Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Mids

Although the KS1’s mids are slightly recessed, the vocals in “Angels (Acoustic)” by Robbie Williams are enchanting. You can even hear the subtle creaks or crackles as Robbie begins to sing. However, I must mention that this IEM can sometimes exhibit sibilance, particularly with male vocals, which is noticeable in “If Everyone Cared” by Nickelback. A similar observation can be made in “One Margarita” by Luke Bryan.

KBEAR KS1 Soundstage and Separation

The soundstage for the KBEar KS1 review unit impresses with its wide presentation, noticeable right from the intro of “I’ve Told You Now” by Sam Smith in 16-bit/44Hz FLAC format.

An excellent example of separation can be found in the melodic metalcore track “The End of Everything” by Trivium. The acoustic guitar, piano, and choir are distinct and well-separated, allowing each element to shine individually.

Who is this for?

In my opinion, KBEar IEMs cater to individuals who have a diverse music taste, regardless of genre. The KS1 offers a strong and well-defined bass, clear and detailed mids, and smooth and extended treble. While it may not be specifically tailored for heavy bass enthusiasts, they may still enjoy it for most EDM tracks. I would recommend it especially for genres like RnB and male vocals, as well as for listeners who prefer slower-paced music rather than fast-paced genres.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the KS1 offers exceptional value, providing a high-end audio experience at an affordable price. With its expansive soundstage, impressive separation, and precise bass response, it presents a compelling choice for a diverse audience of music enthusiasts. While the KBEar KS1 has garnered my praise throughout this review, I feel it’s important to mention a potential caveat regarding sibilance in male vocals. Despite this minor concern, the KS1 remains a remarkable IEM that exceeds expectations and represents an excellent investment for audio enthusiasts.