Another V-shape tuned, fun-sounding IEM is on the market! This budget-friendly IEM combines a 10mm beryllium-plated DD with a bone conduction unit. A hybrid configuration in the sub-$50 price range. It's very affordable ($27) and can be a good choice for new audiophiles and music enthusiasts who love the V-tuning. It is capable of delivering fantastic bass with good mids and treble. Other than all these tech talks, what is it capable of delivering in the real-world scenario? Let's jump in ...
KBEAR KB02 REVIEW
DISCLAIMER
KBEAR was kind enough to send me the KB 02 to review. I am not affiliated with KBEar, and of course, I was not asked for any copy-checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this ‘KBEAR KB02 review’ are my subjective thoughts.
One more thing: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary because of personal preference and physical differences like the shape and depth of the ear canal.
For your personal purchase, checkout GEEK MART or KBEAR for their fantastic products and promotions (non-affiliated links).
GEAR USED
● DAP: Cowon Planue R2, Cayin N3 Ultra, Hiby RS2, Hiby R4, Snowsky Echo Mini.
● DAC/AMP: xDuoo MT-604, KAEI Design TAP2, ifi Hip DAC 2, xDuoo XD-05 Plus (with BB OPA 2604), Cayin RU7, iBasso DC04 Pro, Dunu DTC 480, Fosi Audio DS-1, Celest CD-10, Celest CD-20, Hidizs SD8 Pro Robin, Moondrop Dawn Pro.
● Smart Device: Poco X3, Xiaomi MiPad 5.
● Files: Tidal, Spotify, local Hi-Res FLAC & DSD files.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
● Driver: 10mm DD+ 10mm elastic-piece type BC
● Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz
● Impedance: 40Ω
● Sensitivity: 104 dB
● Cable: 6N OFC Cable
● Pin Type: 2pin, 0.78mm
● Cable Length: 1.2m
● Plug Type: 3.5mm
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
● KB02 IEMs
● 6N OFC Cable
● 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicon tips (S,M,L)- 3 typs
● Some official papers
UNBOXING EXPERIENCE
So when you open up the KBEAR KB02, there ain’t a whole lot goin’ on — it’s simple. You get the IEMs, a few silicone eartips, and a basic cable. There is no carrying pouch in the box, which is not a thing of shock if you consider the price. It’s not like some premium unboxing thing, but honestly, for the price? You ain’t gonna complain much. Everything’s packed clean, and it feels decent for a budget set.
BUILD & DESIGN
The build is actually pretty solid, like, better than I thought it’d be. It’s got this shiny resin shell that looks nice and feels durable. The nozzle’s metal, which is a nice touch. Feels like it won’t break easy. The design’s kinda slick too — they come in different colors and got this quicksand lookin’ faceplate that pops without being all flashy. For the money, it looks and feels real good.
FIT & COMFORT
Man, these things fit real nice. The shape just works, y’know? Sits in the ear comfortably, doesn’t poke or press weird. I wore ’em for a couple hours and didn’t feel no pain or pressure. The stock tips are alright, but they ain’t the softest. Still, even with them, the fit’s decent. You throw on some better tips and they get even more comfy.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS
Sound-wise, KB02 got that V-shape goin’ on. Bass is up, treble’s up, mids kinda pulled back a bit. It’s a fun listen, not super technical or anything, but it sounds good, especially if you just wanna enjoy your music and not pick it apart.
Here is the frequency graph:
Let’s dive deep…
SUB-BASS
Sub-bass hits deep. Like, you feel it more than hear it sometimes. That bone conduction driver? Yeah, that thing adds a whole extra layer of rumble. It’s thick and got that physical slam to it. Not the cleanest, but man, if you’re into bass, you’ll dig it. Only thing is, on really heavy tracks, it can get a bit too much — starts creepin’ into the mids a lil’ bit.
MID-BASS
Mid-bass got good punch too. Kicks hit hard, and there’s a lot of weight to it. Adds a nice warmth to the sound. But yeah, it’s not super tight — like, it can feel a bit bloated on certain tracks. Especially if the song already got a lot goin’ on in the low-end. Still, it’s a fun bass, just not the most controlled.
VOCALS
Vocals actually hold up pretty decent. They ain’t super forward, ‘cause of that V-shape tuning, but they ain’t buried either. They sound smooth and clean, which is nice.
MALE
Male vocals sound warm and a bit thick — in a good way. There’s a little extra body to ’em, which helps make ‘em feel full. On slower tracks or acoustic stuff, they sound real good. But if there’s too much bass behind ‘em, they can kinda blend in a bit more than you’d like.
FEMALE
Female vocals are nice and smooth, but I wish they had a bit more sparkle. They ain’t shouty or harsh at all — which is great — but they miss a bit of that brightness that really makes ’em shine. So yeah, they sound pleasant, but just not super lively. Still enjoyable, but not standout.
INSTRUMENTS SEPARATION
Separation’s okay. Like, on simpler tracks, instruments got space and you can hear stuff clearly. But when it gets busy, like with rock or orchestral, it starts smushin’ together a bit. It’s more about vibes than precision, y’know? Not bad, but definitely not super clean or layered.
TREBLE
Treble’s chill. It’s got a bit of sparkle, but it don’t go overboard. Ain’t harsh or sibilant, so that’s a plus. But also, it’s not super detailed or crisp either. Some people gonna want more air and shimmer up top. But for long sessions, this tuning’s easy on the ears and doesn’t wear you out until the recording is good!
SOUNDSTAGE
Soundstage is alright, not too wide. Feels kinda close, more like a small room than a big hall. It don’t feel cramped, but also don’t feel super open either. There’s not a ton of depth, so everything sounds a bit upfront. It’s fine for most stuff, but don’t expect some crazy 3D experience.
TECHNICALITIES
Technically, it does okay for the price. Detail’s decent, but not amazing. Imaging works, but not pinpoint sharp. Separation’s alright in simple stuff, but struggles in busier tracks. Speed is decent — it don’t sound muddy or slow — but it ain’t super snappy either. It’s tuned more for fun than accuracy.
SOURCES
You don’t need nothin’ fancy to power these. They run fine off a phone or a cheap dongle. But if you plug ’em into something cleaner with a little more juice, like a decent DAC or DAP, you’ll get better bass control and clarity. Just avoid real warm sources or it might start soundin’ too thick.
CABLE & TIP ROLLING
The cable it comes with is just okay — it works, but it’s not special. Swapping it out doesn’t change the sound much, but feels nicer. Now tips — that’s a different story. Aftermarket tips made a big difference. I tried Spinfit W1, Final Clear, Dunu Candy, and a few others. Dunu Candy and Final Clear was my favorite. They opened up the sound a bit and tamed the bass better. Way more enjoyable that way.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At the end of the day, KBEAR KB02 is a fun little set. It ain’t perfect, but it’s got a solid sound that’s real enjoyable, especially if you like bass. Build is good, comfort’s great, and with a bit of tip rolling, it gets even better. It’s not for folks chasing detail or technicalities — it’s for people who wanna chill with their music and enjoy the ride. For the price, it’s a solid pick.
RECOMMENDED FOR
● Bassheads who want deep rumble.
● Folks who like warm and smooth sound.
● Casual listeners not stressin’ over detail.
● People who want comfy, lightweight fit.
● Fans of hip-hop, EDM, pop, chill rock.
● Those on a budget lookin’ for a fun daily set.
NOT FOR
● People who need super clear vocals.
● Treble lovers who want tons of air and sparkle.
● Listeners who prefer neutral or balanced tuning.
● Classical fans wantin’ separation and layering.
● Audiophiles huntin’ for top-tier resolution.
● Folks who don’t like boosted bass.
You can read other reviews HERE.
