Reviewed by gc335

Source: Head-Fi

Packaging/Unboxing

The packaging is basic but nice quality especially for the price. The tips and cable are in a little cardboard box below a foam cutout for the IEMs. Nice presentation.

Accessories

The KB02 comes with a very nice selection of tips especially at this price point.

Build

The build is outstanding for this price. The shell has a premium feel. The faceplate has nice color and depth to it. The 2pin socket is secure. The nozzle looks like machined metal. The build could easily compete with IEMs costing 10x more. I like the cable. Little memory, metal connectors. Very good for an IEM at this price point.

Comfort

After a bit of tip rolling, I was able to get a comfortable fit. There are no pressure points or sharp edges.


Overall sound signature

I tried all my usual tips with the KB02. JVC Spiral Dot, Symbio W, and Azla Xelastec. I found they were making them sound thin or made the lower treble a bit harsh. I tried the stock clear/red tips and found them to be perfect.

I was blown away at how good the KB02 sounds. It’s even more impressive when you consider the price.

Overall, the sound is clear and detailed with a sub bass tilt over mid bass. Assuming you have the right tips, the treble is very balanced and rarely harsh. There were times were a bit of sibilance came across but it was not significant.

These IEMs are good with most genres but really shined with classic rock especially well recorded live versions.

Sound Anayis

I’ll briefly go into my thoughts about bass, mids, and treble. I find it a bit easier to describe a headphone’s characteristics when I compare them to other headphones.

Bass
Again, there isn’t a lot of mid bass but the sub bass is powerful and reaches low. With the right track, these really rumble. It’s well controlled.

Mids
The KB02 is even across the mids. I didn’t notice vocals or instruments to be forward or recessed. Vocals sounded natural.

Treble
The treble has just enough bit to give that nice sense of detail. Guitar plucks have a nice bite to them.

Stage/Imaging
Nice width and depth to the staging. It’s not overly wide where it sounds disconnect and it’s not too in your head. The sound is very immersive, and imaging is also good.

Comparisons

For this comparison, I used the Mojo 2 with no EQ. The dual 3.5mm outputs make it easy to A/B.

Afterglow – Emancipator (Sub bass)

KB02: The bass reaches deep and has a physical rumble to it because of the BC driver. Treble is just right. Zero harshness with this track. Staging is nice.

IE200: There’s still a nice rumble in the sub bass but nothing like the KB02. Staging has similar width but much taller and deeper with the KB02

Cadenza: There is a lot less bass on the Kiwi Ears. It goes low but has significantly less physicality versus the KB02 or IE200. They sound thin in comparison. I moved the foam tips and that helped a bit but not much. They don’t sound bad by any stretch, but bass heads should look elsewhere.

Blon BL03: Lots of low end but leans a bit more to mid bass. It doesn’t reach as deep as the KB02 or IE200.


Lindsey Stirling - Elements (Orchestral Version) (staging)

KB02: Stage is wide to the left and right. It’s a bit too wide and losing a bit of cohesion at least with this track. It’s like listening to a speaker on your left side and another 180 degrees on the right side. You lose the sense there is one violine.

IE200: Staging is a bit narrower but more in front of you versus to the side. I like the staging on the IE200 a bit better for this track. It’s like the speakers are in front of you. Hard to explain.

Cadenza: Slightly better than the KB02 but not as good as the IE200.

Blon BL03: Still a bit wide for this track but better than the KB02 and Cadenza but not as good as the IE200.


Grateful Dead - Touch of Gray

KB02: Nice impact on the kick drum. The Kbear is so good with classic rock. I like this pairing.

IE200: Does not have the same impact as the KB02 and sounds a bit veiled when compared to the KB02

Cadenza: Less bass and the sound is a bit flatter when compared to the KB02.

Blon BL03: Nice impact on the bass but sound muffled when compared to the KB02.


Angus and Julia Stone - Yellow Brick Road

KB02: I thought the bass would be too bloated on this track but it wasn’t. Vocals a clear and natural, nice detail. This IEM pairs very well with this track.

IE200: Sound is a thinner and less layer but has more speed. It’s almost like going to a planar from a DD. Not bad, just different. The stage is bit deeper with the KB02.

Cadenza: Even with foam tips, there is less warmth to the sound. Other aspects of the sound are similar to the KB02. However, I’m noticing some sounds more on the KB02. There is an instrument on the left that I could barely notice with the Cadenza but it is with the KB. Imagining is better on the KB02.

Blon BL03: The Blon is good with this track. The KB02 edges it about on clarity and layering but not by a lot.

Alison Krause - It Doesn’t Matter (sibilance)

KB02: Nice staging. Track has a nice live feel to it with great low-end rumble. Slight sibilance in the vocals. Another strong pairing

IE200: Staging isn’t as good. It’s deeper on the KBear. Bass has less presence but a bit more control. No sibilance.

Cadenza: Again, the first thing that I notice is less energy in the low-end. Staging is still good and no sibilance in the vocals.

Blon BL03: Not as much bass but nice control and staging. Great pairing with this track but does get being sibilant but it’s less than the KB02.


Conclusion

The KB02 is a great IEM especially when you consider its sound, accessories and price tag. This IEM will see regular use in my rotation. I listen to it at the office all the time. If you’re looking for a budget IEM with a well-rounded signature, this Kbear is certainly worth it. Highly recommended.