【Chi-fi earphones impressions】KBEAR KB04: A model that inherits the concept of the popular model KBEAR DIAMOND

KBEAR KB04 Dual BA drivers+10mm PU diaphragm driver HiFi Earphone

Comfort / Noise isolation
- Testing environment
- Fit
Package
Sound quality: Sound is firmly built on a warm and deep low base
Summary
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Comfort / Noise isolation

Price
$30.99 USD
Spec
Frequency response range	20～40000Hz
Impedance	16Ω
Sensitivity	104dB
Speaker type	Hybrid (Dynamic×1, Balanced Armature×1)

It has a little weight because it is a metal case. In terms of design, it has a shape that inherits the same KBEAR's DIAMOND, and because it has a slightly slim case, it may be more suitable for everyone than DIAMOND. Sound insulation is not bad either.

Testing environment

This first impression test is performed using FiiO M15.

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Fit

KBEAR KB04

Package

One pair of KBEAR KB04 earphones
One 2-Pin connector cable
Six pairs of silicone tips
User guide

KBEAR KB04

Sound quality: Sound is firmly built on a warm and deep low base

Image of frequency characteristics (Test operation)

※The "Image of frequency characteristics" is a reference information for the purpose of reviewing the image of the frequency distribution personally for the sake of review. The measurement method and the measured data are very rough and lack strict reliability and accuracy.

Recording Signature (Test operation)

The recording signature is binaural, but of poor quality. The lows are easier to get out of, so I raise the lows with an equalizer, but still not enough. Therefore, it is different from the sound quality as it is heard, so please use it as reference information only.

The music used in the recording signature is from the game maker Nihon Falcom, which I also love.

www.falcom.co.jp

First impression

This time, I confirm the first impression using the L size of black silicon eartips included.

Sounds enough with a smartphone

In terms of specs, it was enough to sound with a smartphone, and I tried it on a Galaxy A20, I didn't feel any shortage. Probably it sounds normally.

Warm, slightly gentle low-frequency expression, crisp high frequency（saya - "The Girls Are Alright!"）

The low-frequency signature of this earphone is quite close to KBEAR DIAMOND. For comparison purposes, I will post the image of DIAMOND's frequency response, but I think that the low range sounds almost exactly the same.

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KBEAR KB04 frequency characteristics image

KBEAR DIAMOND frequency characteristic image

So, that's why the atmosphere in the low range is similar, and it sounds a little more bassy, warmer and more live-oriented. Specifically, the bass is round and gentle, with a slightly loose outline, and you can hear the drum kick in a space like a bath. So I guess I said the same thing in DIAMOND, but it was easy for hot air to come up near the mid-range, and the space under the mid-range might not be clean and had a rather smoky feeling. On the other hand, the mids have a steeper slope than DIAMOND, giving a clearer flavor. Therefore, even if the clues of the sound are not clear in DIAMOND, a three-dimensional effect that allows the sound to be grasped more clearly is realized. The edge of an electric guitar should sound more lively than DIAMOND. When you listen to rock music, the vividness is concentrated around the vocals, and you will get a more enjoyable impression there. That was a little weakness in terms of nostalgia, and I thought that DIAMOND might be fun at first, but ultimately it might be a little bored earphone.

Another major difference is the higher frequencies, where KB04 decayed faster. DIAMOND created a well-ventilated atmosphere due to the high frequencies, but on the contrary, there was a lack of sweetness in the midrange. However, in KB04, the high highs are tightly closed, the sweetness rides on the sound properly, and the mids can be heard more colored. In particular, the vocals are more sweet, and the glossy atmosphere of the body is deeper.

On the other hand, in areas where hi-hats and the like are somewhat noticeable and brittle, you will notice that the adjustments are relatively the opposite of KB04 and DIAMOND. DIAMOND is aiming for a more stable sound with less brittleness around there, whereas KB04 dare emphasizes the crash feeling of the hi-hat, while suppressing the attack moderately, The flavor that collapses and spreads is clarified. This has the effect of enhancing the high-end atmosphere with clues as opposed to the warmth of the low end. In a sense, it can be interpreted that it may be closer to the sound that DIAMOND was aiming for than DIAMOND. At least it sounds closer to the V-shape than DIAMOND and sounds more lively.

Therefore, when considering finally listening to such a girl's rock, the sweetness of the middle range, the presence of the electric guitar, and the crisp taste of the high range are more clearly exhibited even if the low range is equivalent. I think KB04 is more enjoyable.

Floor with live feeling, warm and dry（Nulbarich - "Silent Wonderland"）

I personally like to listen to this song with this earphone. The soft floor feels a little fluffy in the warm lows, giving weight and support. In the mid range, the lower half of the space is slightly hazy and the sound field has a live feeling. This is not a good prospect, but it has a harmonious atmosphere and is comfortable to listen to. The cymbals do not glare, but they sound quite edgy, so the presence of rhythm is sufficient even in a warm atmosphere.

The vocals are sweet, rich, and the surroundings are not clean, so the focus is not always very good. However, the consonants are emphasized a little, and the breath is extended, so they are in harmony with the space but do not feel buried. There is not much moisture in the sound, but it is rather convenient to listen to funk.

Warmth is strong, even for songs that are likely to be harsh, there are many clues, but you can listen to it mildly（ZAQ - "Alteration"）

This song is, frankly, easy to get noisy with earphones. However, this earphone has the tendency that the warmth of the low range tends to calm the sound in the middle range, the glare is suppressed while it is V-shaped, the high range is closed, the sweetness in the middle range is adjusted so that it feels a little darker, so you can enjoy such songs that are slightly crowded without discomfort. Some people may find it less stimulating, but the sound is warm but the details are not sacrificed, and the sound's contour cues are clear.

It can express dry and hot bitter sound（Mami Kawada - "JOINT"）

The weight of the drum is quite good, so you can feel the weight in the sound field with this song. The snare is snappy, warm and reverberating, so it sounds like a European-style rock with a somewhat retro feel, but it also seems to work well with this song. The sound of the edge of the electric guitar is also good, so it won't be buried even if it is warm, and it has enough blackness to make this song look cool.

And the vocals feel sweet and coquettish sigh rich. The contours of the consonants are relatively clear, so they are not too sweet or greasy. By the way, since the sense of speed is a bit slow in the low range, I think snares and hi-hats work well, but some people may feel a slight slowness of the kick.

Summary

The low-frequency atmosphere sounded exactly like DIAMOND. I get the impression that the DIAMOND package has been reconfigured to make it easier to purchase. The cables and accessories are fairly rugged, but the build quality of the earphones has not been compromised. For those who are interested in DIAMOND, but are a little expensive and hard to reach, it can be a great alternative. In some cases, you may like the sound more fun than DIAMOND. However, it does not reach DIAMOND's resolution. Vocals and electric guitars are particularly likely to sound more lively than DIAMOND.

KBEAR KB04 Dual BA drivers+10mm PU diaphragm driver HiFi Earphone