:
● Affordable price
● Comfortable fit
● Popular ‘V’ shaped sound signature
● Very good bass
● Clear vocals
● Treble has sparkle
● Good soundstage
● Decent build quality
:
● Lack of bass depth
● Treble sharpness (for treble-sensitive guys)
● Limited accessories
● Cable quality
● Average detail retrieval
KBEar KS10: “V” FOR YOUR EARS
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INTRO:
The KBEar KS-10 is an intriguing addition to the ever-growing market of budget in-ear monitors (IEMs). As a brand, KBEar has garnered a reputation for delivering high-quality audio products at affordable prices, and the KS-10 aims to uphold this legacy. These IEMs are designed with budget-audiophiles in mind, boasting a V-shaped sound signature that seeks to balance detail, clarity, and musicality. The KS-10 is built using a combination of advanced materials and manufacturing techniques, including 3D printed resin and aluminum faceplates, which not only enhance its durability but also contribute to its aesthetic appeal. Whether you are a casual listener or a dedicated audiophile, the KBEar KS-10 promises to deliver an engaging and enjoyable sound experience that belies its budget-friendly price point.
CONTEXT:
As consumers seek affordable options without compromising on audio fidelity, products like the KS-10 become essential. With advancements in audio technology and manufacturing, it is now possible to deliver high-quality sound in an economical package. Are you a V-shaped sound lover? Then this one is your top pick among all other V-shaped IEMs on the market due to it’s build, comfort, sound quality, & drivability. It’s easy to drive, which means you can run it directly from your smartphone. But if you connect it to the balanced output of any powerful source, like a DAC or DAP, it will run to it’s full potential and show you how much detail it can bring. I used it with various sources like Planur R2, Hiby R3, ifi Hip Dac 2, Fosi Audio DS1, Moondrop Dawn Pro, etc., and it paired very well with all of them. But as I’m a treble sensitive person, the Dawn Pro gave me fatigue during long listening sessions. Using a good copper cable and ear tips like Final E (black) can reduce the upper frequency sharpness while making the lower frequencies a bit thicker. I will explain more on this later in the review.
DISCLAIMER:
KBEar was kind enough to send me the KS10 to review. I am not affiliated with the company, and of course, I was not asked for any copy checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.
One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary due to personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.
For your personal purchase -
Geek Mart is the place if you are in Bangladesh.
Check out KBEar if you live elsewhere.
GEAR USED:
● DAP: Cown Planue R2, Hiby R3
● DAC: Fosi Audio DS1, Moondrop Dawn Pro, ifi Hip DAC 2
● Mobile: POCO X3
● Files: Local hi-res FLAC & DSD Files
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:
● Model: KS10
● Driver: 1DD+4BA
● Impedance: 32Ω
● Sensitivity: 116 dB
● Frequency Range: 20–20 kHz
● Cable: Silver-plated copper
● Cable type: 2Pin-Z
● Plug: 3.5mm
WHAT’S IN THE BOX:
● KS10 IEMs
● Six pairs of ear tips (Black- S/M/L & White- S/M/L)
● Silver plated copper cable
● Official papers
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE:
The KBEar KS-10 arrives in a compact hard paper box that opens to reveal the IEMs securely nestled in foam cutouts. The minimalist packaging is practical and straightforward, reflecting the product's focus on functionality. The IEMs are accompanied by six pairs of silicone ear tips in two colors, black and white, and are of S, M, L sizes. The included silver-plated copper cable with Z connectors is soft and easy to manage, though basic in appearance. This unboxing experience is simple but effective, providing all the essentials needed to start enjoying the KS-10 immediately.
BUILD QUALITY:
The KBEar KS-10 boasts an impressive build quality, combining 3D-printed resin bodies with aluminum faceplates for a sturdy yet lightweight design. The resin construction ensures durability while keeping the IEMs light enough for prolonged use. The brass nozzles are designed to hold ear tips securely, enhancing both comfort and sound isolation. The faceplates add some engraved lines, which is a touch of elegance to the overall look, and have red & blue mark to identify right & left drivers, respectively. The included cable is very basic and has a ‘L-shaped’ 3.5mm jack, featuring a soft and tangle-free design that complements the IEMs well. But a QDC connector instead of Z connector can make the IEM more secure. The ear tips, while basic, get the job done. Overall, the KS-10’s build quality and design reflect a careful balance of aesthetics and practicality, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.
FIT & COMFORT:
The KBEar KS-10 excels in providing a comfortable and secure fit, making it ideal for long listening sessions. The lightweight design of the 3D printed resin shells ensures that the IEMs sit comfortably in the ears without causing fatigue. The ergonomic shape of the IEMs, combined with the variety of included silicone ear tips, allows users to find the perfect fit for their ear size and shape, though you may find that they are not comfortable in long listening sessions. The cable is soft and pliable, it does not create any pressure over the ears and minimizes microphonics or cable noise. Overall, the fit and comfort of the KS-10 are well-designed, catering to a wide range of users and ensuring a pleasant experience even during extended use.
SOUND IMPRESSION:
The KBEAR KS-10 leans towards a warm and V-shaped sound signature, emphasizing both bass and treble while keeping the mids slightly forward. The bass is well-bodied and punchy, delivering a satisfying low-end presence without overwhelming the other frequencies. Vocals take center stage, appearing clear, pronounced, and energetic, ensuring you won't miss a single lyric. The treble is bright, adding a touch of sparkle and detail to the high notes. While the soundstage might not be the widest, it offers decent instrument separation, creating an intimate but enjoyable listening experience—particularly impressive for its price point. Overall, the KBEAR KS-10 prioritizes a fun and engaging sound, perfect for genres that benefit from a strong bass presence and clear vocals.
SUB-BASS:
The KBEar KS10 features a sub-bass that is notably extended and impactful. The sub-bass is both powerful and controlled, avoiding any excessive boominess that can muddy the sound. Instead, it maintains a level of tightness and definition, ensuring that it enhances rather than overwhelms the other frequencies. When listening to "Red Red Wine" by UB40, the sub-bass showcases its strengths. The deep, resonant notes in the track have good body and authority, delivering a satisfying rumble that adds depth to the music. The sub-bass manages to stay clean and precise, avoiding any bleeding into the midrange frequencies. This ensures that the vocals and instruments remain clear and distinct, even when the sub-bass is pronounced. Overall, the KS10's sub-bass performance is one of its standout features, making it an excellent choice for listeners who appreciate a strong, yet controlled bass presence in their audio.
MID-BASS:
The mid-bass in the KS10 provides a good foundation for the music. It adds warmth and punch to bass guitars and kick drums, but doesn't bleed too much into the mids, keeping the sound relatively clean. This avoided muddiness in most of the tracks I listened to. In "Turn Back the Clock" by Johnny Hates Jazz, the mid-bass region in this track comes through with a satisfying thump that adds warmth to the overall sound. The IEM manages to deliver this thump without causing any muddiness, maintaining clarity and separation between instruments. This balance is crucial for a song like this, where the bass needs to support the rhythm without overwhelming the vocals and other instruments. The mid-bass provides a solid foundation, enhancing the musicality of the track and making it more engaging. This characteristic makes the KS-10 suitable for genres that rely on a strong but clean bass presence, ensuring that the music remains enjoyable.
MALE VOCALS:
The KBEAR KS10 shines when it comes to male vocals. The V-shaped sound signature with slightly forward mids means male voices are clear and prominent in the mix. When playing "Angelia" by Richard Marx, the male vocals stand out with a very good presence. Richard Marx's voice comes forward in the mix, allowing listeners to appreciate the nuances and emotions in his performance. The IEM renders his voice with a hint of power and body, giving it a fuller and more engaging sound. This forward presentation ensures that the vocals do not get lost among the instruments, maintaining a strong center-stage presence. The clarity in the male vocals is impressive, as every word is easily distinguishable without any sibilance or harshness. This makes the KS-10 an excellent choice for vocal-centric tracks, especially for those who enjoy powerful male vocals.
FEMALE VOCALS:
Similar to male vocals, female voices also benefit from forward mids. They come across as clear and defined, with a touch of energy on the brighter side. Listening to "Life for Rent" by Dido on the KBEar KS-10 highlights its capability with female vocals. Dido's voice sounds bright and energetic, bringing a lively feel to the track. The IEM places her vocals forward in the mix, similar to how it handles male vocals, ensuring they are the focal point. There is a good hint of spark in her voice, adding to the emotional impact and making it more captivating. However, this spark might become a bit harsh for some female vocalists with a lot of sibilance (emphasis on "s" sounds) and can sometimes create a bit of fatigue for listeners who are sensitive to higher frequencies.
INSTRUMENT SEPARATION:
While not the most analytical IEM on the market, the KS10 offers decent instrument separation for its price point. You can distinguish most instruments in a track, with clear separation between the bass line, vocals, and guitars. "I Wanna Love You" by Bob Marley is an excellent test for instrument separation, and the IEM handles it decently. It provides sufficient separation to allow each instrument to be heard distinctly. The guitars, bass, drums, and vocals are all placed well within the soundstage, avoiding any sense of congestion. This level of separation helps in appreciating the interplay between instruments, especially in a genre like reggae, where rhythm and timing are crucial. The KS-10 ensures that the instruments do not blend into each other, maintaining clarity and coherence. This characteristic makes the listening experience more engaging, as it allows listeners to pick out individual elements within the track. However, in very complex recordings, some instruments might blend together slightly.
TREBLE:
The treble in the KS10 is airy and bright, adding sparkle and detail to cymbals and high-pitched instruments. This creates a sense of openness in the sound and makes it enjoyable for genres that rely on bright treble. "Enter Sandman" by Metallica showcases the treble capabilities of the IEM. The treble is bright and has a noticeable sparkle, which brings out the details in the cymbals and guitar riffs. This characteristic makes the KS-10 enjoyable for treble heads and those who prefer a V-shaped sound signature. The treble extension is decent, providing a sense of airiness and space to the track. However, it can become a bit shouty on some tracks and at higher volumes, which might be fatiguing for some listeners. Overall, the treble performance is impressive for its price range, offering a bright and detailed sound that enhances the listening experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced high-end.
SOUDSTAGE:
The soundstage of the KS10 is considered "intimate" rather than "wide.” This means the instruments seem to be positioned closer to your head rather than creating a wide and expansive listening experience. "Us & Them" by Pink Floyd is a great track to evaluate the soundstage of the IEM. Though the soundstage is intimate but not overly congested, it provides a decent sense of space for a budget IEM. While it may not offer the expansive soundstage of higher-end models, it does a good job of creating a believable spatial environment. The instruments and vocals are placed with reasonable accuracy, giving a sense of direction and distance. This helps create an immersive listening experience, where the listener can feel surrounded by the music. The soundstage is particularly decent at this price point, offering more depth and width than one might expect. However, it remains more intimate, which can be beneficial for certain genres and listening preferences.
POWERING:
KBEar KS 10 is a very easy-to-drive IEM. You can easily drive it with your smartphone with a 3.5mm audio jack. But more juice to any IEM (especially multi-driver) can bring out its full potential. In my testing, I find the KS10 shines with more power and brings out the full potential of the drivers even with less expensive DAC dongles (with just 3.5mm output). And also, a DAC with balanced output can give you a different experience. If you are new to this rabbit hole, you don’t need to buy a higher priced DAC to drive this IEM. But if you have some DAP, DAC, or APM with you, or if you have friends with those gears, don’t bother to experience them. It won’t let you down!
CABLE & TIP ROLLING:
I love switching out ear tips and cables. But is a 35 USD IEM really worth it? Not in my opinion! However, you might explore if you have a good collection of cables and tips. My two cents are this. When using pure copper cables with the KBEar KS-10, the bass becomes thicker, giving the overall sound signature a warmer and bolder feel. This change can enhance the musical experience for those who prefer a richer, more robust sound. Experimenting with different ear tips also significantly impacts the sound and comfort. Among the various options, the Final E (black) tips are a standout. They effectively tame the upper frequencies, making the sound smoother and less harsh, which is great for extended listening sessions. The Spinfit Omni tips are another excellent choice, offering superb fit and comfort, ensuring the IEMs stay securely in place without causing discomfort. Other tips, like the Dunu S&S, Divinus Velvet, and TRI Clarion, also offer unique sound tweaks and comfort levels.
WHO SHOULD GET IT?
● Budget-conscious Audiophiles: If you want good sound quality without spending a lot of money, the KBEar KS-10 is a great choice.
● Newcomers to IEMs: If you're just starting out with in-ear monitors and want a reliable, easy-to-use option, these are perfect for you.
● Daily Commuters: The comfortable fit and secure design make them great for wearing on your daily commute or during long trips.
● Casual Listeners: If you enjoy listening to music casually and want a clear, enjoyable sound, the KS-10 will meet your needs.
● People Who Like V-shaped sound: There’s a lot of audiophiles out there who loves this type of sound signature. For those, this IEM is a very good option.
● Listeners of Various Music Genres: The sound profile makes it suitable for different types of music, from pop and rock to classical and jazz.
MAYBE LOOK ELSEWHERE IF:
● Treble-Sensitive Listeners: The treble can be a bit sharp or sibilant at higher volumes, which might be fatiguing for some listeners.
● High-End Audiophiles: Those seeking the absolute best in audio fidelity might find the KS-10 lacking in some areas compared to more expensive IEMs.
● Preference for Premium Accessories: If high-end cable & ear tips quality is crucial for you, the basic included accessories might not meet your standards.
CONCLUSION:The
KBEar KS10 is a solid choice for those looking to dip their toes into the world of in-ear monitors without making a significant investment. Its combination of quality build, comfortable fit, and V-shaped sound makes it a good competitor in the budget IEM market. While it may not cater to extreme bass enthusiasts or high-end audiophiles, it offers a pleasing audio experience for a wide range of listeners. The silver-plated copper cable, although basic, is functional and easy to manage. In summary, the KBEar KS-10 delivers impressive performance and value for its price, making it an excellent option for everyday use, casual listening, and those new to in-ear monitors. If you’re seeking an affordable yet competent IEM, the KBEar KS-10 is worth considering.
