KBEar KS2 review everyone! KBEar only graced the load of Chi-Fi review pages since 2019 but have already made a mark thanks to the Bear in its name, goes to show that branding, at some point will get you some points. We have reviewed the KBEar KB06 here which means we heard the memo.
What we would be looking into now is one of their recent IEM offerings, the KBEar KS2, which was sent in by KBEar themselves in exchange for an honest take on them. No monetary factors were involved as well. You can check them out on the KBEar official FaceBook page, Instagram as well as on their official KBEar AliExpress storefront. The KBEar KS2 is currently promotion and you can use this discount code (NEWKBEARKS2, $5 off) which you can use on their official AliExpress storefront and KeepHiFi.
The KBEar KS2 is spec’d out with a single dynamic and single BA driver with a Frequency Response of 20-20kHz, 106dB Sensitivity and a 16 Ohm Impedance. Priced at $25, the KBEar KS2 needs to prove itself to at least sound above decent to get a shot of being noticed in this KZ-flooded price bracket.
Packaging and Build Quality
The KBEar KS2 review unit doesn’t distinguish itself from KZ by using an almost identical packaging experience which is the usual white box with a sleeve that highlights the product snapshot and specifications. The accessory set is also similar, with the KBEar KS2 review unit coming in with a 3-sized black silicone ear tips set (S, M and L) plus a product warranty and manual card. No carry case or pouches as well which the BLONs are doing a great job with.
The KBEar KS2 features a Polycarbonate housing with either a translucent green shell or all-out black, both colorways sports a black faceplate with the KBEar logo. It is sturdy and doesn’t show any signs of possibly falling apart any time soon (fingers crossed). A single vent can be found on the shell along with the KS2 model indicator and L-R indicator on the top portion of the shell.
The nozzle is made out of gold-plated aluminum alloy which has a pronounced lip that made ear tip rolling easy. This is the KS2s most premium looking component which is good to see on a $25 IEM.
The 2-pin connectors are in the .78mm config which makes cable rolling easier as well except that it uses another KZ-like housing which makes connecting other 3rd party cables look more protruded. The stock cable used on the KBEAR KS2 review unit is made of a 4-core OFC cable which once again reminds us of KZ. A MEMS mic version is also available and did well when used for casual voice and video calls. Cable noise is observable but not annoying which can also be said to its ease of storage.
Tonality and Isolation
The KBEar KS2 is a warm sounding IEM that relies on its low-end performance to deliver a positive experience. The isolation is great on this since they lean on the medium sized shell and also has good contours that hugs the ears well. Picking the right ear tips is once again key. Comfort is also on a positive note since it doesn’t cause any uneasiness or discomfort after the usual hour or 2 of use.
I have done a 200-hour burn-in for the KS2 for those that believe in it and used the stock M size ear tips since they aren’t as trash as the Starline (whoever named it a star?) KZ ear tips. I used the JWD JWM-115 music player and my Samsung S10 5G for the duration of the review.
Lows
There is no hiding what’s up on the sleeve of the KBEar KS2. Its ace is its low-end. It gives out a thick sub bass that is able to creep towards the succeeding frequencies. Its mid bass while being punchy, suffers from bloom that doesn’t give that much help due to its already creeping sub bass. The overall bass performance is all about offering that thump when it’s needed and then some. It isn’t so bad like the ones you’d get off the early KZ offerings which I have happily forgotten the model names and I don’t care if you would find that snobbish since if you were on my place, wouldn’t you be any happier that budget offerings such as the KBEar KS2 doesn’t sound so bad?
Midrange
The midrange performance of the KBEar KS2 relies heavily on being all over the place which makes it appear as if it has an elevated midrange. This creates an engaging and lively outcome but sounds off timbre at best. Female vocals sound less grainy than male vocals and both deliver quite a dose of air. While there is emotion to be felt throughout the midrange frequency, it is still not articulate and detailed enough to warrant a sure-fire must have if you want that commitment in the vocal range.
Highs
The KBEar KS2 doesn’t shy away from being assertive with how it handles the high frequencies. Treble hits are distinct and lets you know here and there that you are in the moment the highs kick in. There is a noticeable bite and kick to its delivery which also shows a hint of peaking. It doesn’t sound shrill or piercing but if you’re sensitive to high notes, the KBEar KS2 won’t be that forgiving.
Soundstage and Imaging
One of the promising and positive impressions left by the KBEar KS2 on my end was that how it deals with soundstage. It is able to showcase a nice balance of width and depth despite not being excellent at both. There is noticeable perception of where instruments are place giving a nice imaging performance. Left to right and right to left panning is observable. It doesn’t lean on the intimate or spacious levels of soundstage but the fact that it doesn’t just throw the frequencies all over is a win at its price point.
Conclusion
The KBEar is a nice little thing. It does it job without much fanfare and doesn’t utterly make you feel that you wasted another $25 on another KZ-like IEM. There’s nothing wrong with it’s aesthetics but it just reminds me so much of KZ which doesn’t really offer something new to the table. The KBear KB04 sure looks better and also shows promise in its sound quality like the KS2 which is what we really need, good music, which the KBEar KS2 is able to provide.
