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KB Ear KB02 - Affordable Bassy, Dynamic Bone-Conductor Hybrid - Honest Audiophile Impressions

Writer's picture: dbstechtalkdbstechtalk
2 days ago6 min read

You don't often find bone-conductor technology in budget friendly products so when I was offered to review the KB Ear KB02 I was excited to give it a listen.


I want to thank KeepHifi for providing the KB Ear KB02 for review, much appreciated.

The KB Ear KB02 will set you back $40 from your bank account.

Purchase (non-affiliate link):


The KB Ear KB02 is a hybrid in-ear monitor featuring a 10mm dynamic driver with a Beryllium-plated diaphragm and a 10mm elastic piece type bone conductor. It has an impedance of 40 ohms, a sensitivity of 105 dB, and a frequency response range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.


Specifications:


Driver Configuration: 1DD + bone conduction

Impedance : 40 ohms

Sensitivity: 108 dB

Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20KHz


Box/Contents:

The KB Ear KB02 comes in a slim, small box with outer sleeve. The outer sleeve has a picture, some branding and descriptive overview.

On the back of the sleeve you can find some specs and contact information.

Removing the sleeve you find a slender box with the KB Ear logo in silver on top.

Inside the box you find the KB02 nestled in foam and an accessories box that contains a cable and 3 types of silicone tips S/M/L.

Build/Design:

The KB02 shell boasts an appealing appearance and texture.

KB Ear offers attractive faceplate options, and we are reviewing the purple variant.

The shell's design is a universal fit, with an average thickness, and the nozzle is slightly longer than usual. Overall, the shell is lightweight and has a pleasant look without being overly flashy.


Fit/Comfort/Isolation:

The fit of the KB02 is comfortable. The small wing on the the back and the slightly longer nozzle fit snuggly in my ear. I can see there being some discomfort for those with smaller ears. I was able to wear the KB02 for several hours without any discomfort.

The noise isolation for a budget IEM is quite remarkable, blocking or significantly muffling around 55-60% of external sounds. It was challenging to have a conversation with someone while wearing the KB02, and I frequently had to remove one earpiece to hear clearly. Please be aware that the shells resonate slightly when touched.


Tips:

I discovered that the provided tips were satisfactory.

The black tips suited me the best, providing the best seal and a slightly more open sound. The white tips were uncomfortable and didn't fit well; they felt mushy. The red-stemmed black tips had a sound very similar to the black tips but weren't as comfortable.


Cable:

The stock cable supplied by KB Ear is an oxygen-free copper cable that serves its purpose but isn't outstanding. It is lightweight and thin, with a propensity to get tangled.


Source Pairings:


The KB Ear KB02 is relatively easy to drive with its 40-ohm impedance and 108 dB sensitivity. It performs better with a slightly more powerful source but doesn't need a high-powered setup to function properly. Most dongles can power the KB02 to high volumes, though a more powerful dongle can enhance its full potential. All my DAPs and desktop equipment drove it effortlessly. The KB02 sounds better with a more neutral source, as it can become too thick and muddy with warmer sources.


Sound Impressions:


How does the KB Ear KB02 sound?

Some of the Gear Used to Test:


Fiio K19

Fiio K9 AKM

xDuoo XA-02

Questyle M18i

iFi Audio Go Link Max

Fiio KA17

Periodic Audio Rhodium

Hiby FC3

Fosi Audio DS2


Bass:


The bass of the KB Ear KB02 is a controlled, fun and engaging presentation. There is good sub bass rumble and grumble. The mid bass delivers a satisfying impact, punch, and slam, while the upper bass remains controlled and doesn't interfere with the lower midrange. There are times when it becomes overly exuberant, resulting in a bloated and muddy sound, particularly on tracks with heavy bass. The bass has a full and substantial body. The KB02's bass is the highlight, offering a heavy, deep, and impactful performance that keeps toes tapping and arms pumping.


Mids:


The mids aren't as robust as the bass, but they still possess a good amount of body. There's a bit more air and space, with sufficient clarity. The upper mids are slightly emphasized around 2k-4k, yet they don't sound shouty. Although the note body isn't as full as the bass, the midrange of the KB02 remains enjoyable and musical.


Treble:


The treble of the KB Ear KB02 will either satisfy or disappoint the listener. The treble is well-controlled but somewhat subdued. The higher frequencies are slightly lacking in air and space. Additionally, the treble isn't the most crisp or edgy and sometimes misses the natural bite. The treble complements the midrange, resulting in a more musical and enjoyable presentation, rather than focusing on technical aspects.

Technical Abilities:


The KB Ear KB02 may not be the most technical in-ear monitor, but it holds its own at the $40 price point. Its soundstage is of average size, neither expansive nor intimate. You can somewhat discern differences in venues, but it's not the most effective at indicating the size of the venue. The KB02 offers good depth, providing a view into several rows of the stage. Layering is well-executed, with no elements competing for space or overshadowing others. Imaging is sufficient; while not the most precise, it allows you to discern whether sounds are coming from the right or left, with details moving smoothly across the stage without any disruptions. The placement of details is more approximate than pinpoint. Detail retrieval is average for a $40 IEM; you won't miss anything, but it won't reveal new details in your music. The resolution of details is adequate, lacking refinement, particularly in the upper frequencies, bass can be a bit bloating and sounds smoother rather than crisp and sharp. The tone and timbre are impressive, offering a naturally pleasing presentation.


Alternate Cable/Tips:

I decided to include this section because the KB Ear KB02 is quite responsive to changing the cable and tips. I experimented with several cables, including the DUNU Lyre Mini, Rose Technics Faust, and Simgot LC7. Among the many tips I tested, the Tangzu Sancai wide-bore, Tri Clarion, and Spinfit W1 stood out. The most noticeable differences compared to the stock cable and tips were a slight increase in air and space in the upper frequencies and a reduction in boominess during the transition from upper bass to lower mids. My favorite pairing was the Tangzu Sancai wide-bore and DUNU Lyre Mini.


Purchase (non-affiliate link):


Conclusion:


The KB Ear KB02 is an impressive budget IEM that allows users to experience bone-conductor technology. Its overall sound profile is bass-heavy and enjoyable, with sufficient technical capabilities. While the KB02 doesn't compete with neutral options in its price range, it offers a unique experience. If you're looking for a budget-friendly, bassy, fun IEM for workouts, neighborhood walks, or public transit rides, the KB Ear KB02 might be ideal. However, if you want a neutral, technically-focused budget IEM, the KB02 may not satisfy your needs. I enjoy the KB02 and suggest it for moments when you're in the mood for strong bass and a relaxed sound.


I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy! I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research.  I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear.  I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.

Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.


Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs


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If you would like to contact the channel please send an email to: dbstechtalk@gmail.com


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