KBEAR KS2: Not Another Review!

[Estimated read time: 4 minutes] 

When I first received the news that KBEAR was planning to launch another budget IEM, I was wondering why another one, since they already have KB04, KB06 and KB10 to cover the base of their budget segment. KBEAR was all excited over this new earphone, claiming it was tuned by the same person from one of the most popular Chi-Fi brands, which I shall not name due to an agreement between myself and the manufacturer. I was actually looking forward to it because of this bold claim. 

Due to resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Mainland China, AliExpress shipment was delayed. My unit arrived late. Jürgen’s set arrived few days earlier than mine. He was impressed by its soundstage. Eventually when I did receive the KBEAR KS2, I wasn’t entirely awe and here is why:

– Bass was a tad too much for my taste. I like bass don’t get me wrong but this bass to giving me listening fatigue. 

– Upper-midrange sounded etched. I don’t mean harsh or edgy. It sounded as if somebody had over-sharpened an image in Photoshop. That’s my best description.

– Timbre sounded unnatural and dull.

I contacted KBEAR via WeChat and was immediately hit by their futile rebuttal – Jürgen likes it, why don’t you? … You are nitpicking on something that cost so little. You know we use better drivers than XX brand, thus more expensive to produce… It is selling like hotcakes in Mainland China and Japan, etc, etc… Yada, yada… Okay fine! Let’s wait a few weeks more to see how many positive reviews the KS2 can garner. It is pointless debating over this right now.

KBEAR came out a bizarre proposal. They want me to compare KS2 against the Sony IER-Z1R. Some audiophiles in Mainland China did a comparison with the Sony flagship and were praising how good it was. Okay, fine. Let me arrange with my buddy at Sony Singapore. I will do the comparison (check our Facebook discussion page for the comparison). 

True enough, one of the few negative reviews that came in was from fellow Audioreviews.org Facebook group member Jason Lucas. He did a YouTube video stating he didn’t like the KS2 as much as KB04. Subsequently more reviews were posted and KBEAR went completely silent.

So, this review is for the company KBEAR, not for KS2. 

KBEAR/TRI is a young Chi-Fi company. They didn’t have much success in their early attempts such as the F1, Opal, Hi7, KB06, KB10, etc. Last year, they contacted Jürgen and me to tune the Diamond and KB04, which eventually lead to some hype. However due to their past failures, many audiophiles are reluctant to buy their earphones. The Diamond and KB04 did not gain sales. Partially also due to the Diamond’s strong bass and recessed midrange.

Like most Chi-Fi companies, KBEAR wants a piece of the pie, too. They engaged several reviewers, Jürgen and myself included, hoping to hype their products. Unfortunately, to the western ears, these products are tuned either too harsh or too bass heavy. It is difficult for reviewers to recommend their products with a clear conscience.

I want KBEAR to become successful but first they must learn to listen to their customers and take the suggestions and opinions from their overseas “guest tuners” more seriously. Read and understand what audiophiles prefer and enjoy. Don’t rely on Chinese, Japanese, or Korean sales. These markets do not represent the majority. No doubt, both China and Japan generate the most sales, however KBEAR must realise the fact that when the western worlds give recognition to a product, it will influence the consumers in both China and Japan eventually. Give the audiophiles what they want instead of expect what they want.

KBEAR KS2 can become successful if they want to. Just decrease the bass and smoothen the treble. It is already a winner in having one of the widest soundstage and fast clean bass in the current Chi-Fi budget earphones lineup. Why stop here?

Real KBEAR KS2 Reviews