Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Kin from KBEAR for sending me the KBEAR Flash for review.
I have already had the chance to enjoy some of their models in the past, like the Dumpling and the Rosefinch. Their ratio of quality to price has consistently been higher than KZ’s. However, KBEAR had also lost its way lately with models that did not suit my tastes or the tastes of others.
The Storm were the last ones I purchased, and I regret to say that I was not pleased with them. However, lightning (Flash) also arrives with the storm, and a new model has been released.
However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- Color: black/gray/blue/purple
- Driver: 10mm DD + Customized BA
- Impedance: 32±2Ω
- Sensitivity: 108±2dB
- Frequency response range: 20Hz – 20kHz
- Cavity material:aluminum alloy + PC
- Cable material: 4N OFC with silver plating
- Pin type: 0.78MM 2PIN-C
- Plug: 3.5MM stereo plug
- Cable length: 120CM/200CM
- Mic: standard / with mic
Packaging:
The packaging of KBear Flash is typical of inexpensive IEMs and makes for a good entry-level product. To be honest, these details do not really matter, but the packaging is really plain. Fortunately, there is a good amount of standard equipment inside.
The following are the accessories that come with it:
- 6 pairs of tips
- 3.5 mm cable featuring QDC connectors
- Manual
As you can see, all entry-level IEMs come with the same traditional cable. Even though it serves its purpose, I will not even tell you that it needs to be upgraded. I was shocked to see two distinct types included on the tips side! The classic ones are the dark ones, but I really adore the others since they almost exactly resemble the SS20 with a wide bore!
Design/Build quality:
For the price, the KBear Flash is built with incredibly sturdy materials. The shell has excellent thickness, and the aluminum faceplates are well made. Looking at it first, it looks like a very sophisticated product.
From the additional images, we can see that the black nozzle is also composed of metal. The DD is located behind the black nozzle, and inside is the BA driver—this has caused me some concern. It is not just a shell with some internal components; there is some complexity to the internal structure. One vent is located close to the QDC pin, and the other vent is over the DD. It appears to be a decent product overall for $25.
Comfort/Fit:
I haven’t encountered any comfort issues with the Kbear Flash. I immediately chose the tips that resemble the SS20 in size L and found the perfect seal. The only negative is that the cable tangles on its own. If I really had to try tips that aren’t his original ones, I would probably try Kbear 07 to keep the budget low.
I forgot to take pictures of how they fit and in the meantime, I gave them to my father, who liked them.
Initial sound impression:
I won’t deny that I was a little prejudiced by the KBear Flash! Seeing that BA directly in the nozzle that shoots directly into the ear made me realize it was a very bright set. Luckily, I don’t know how they managed to tame that BA and make it very relaxed. The overall tuning is warm, with some streaks of shine. The bass is very pronounced and immediately reminded me of Rosefinch, even though they remain unbeaten. This set also has the BA, which is more balanced.
Tips rolling (cheap choice):
Given the tips included, I don’t think there is a real need to do tip rolling; if you have some at home, it’s fine but if you have to buy 12 USD worth of tips, then the set increases in price. If you find some tips in the AliExpress Choice section, you can save significantly. Personally, I recommend you try the KBEAR/Nicehck 07 as much as possible. They increase the low end slightly but as a result, I prefer the SS20-like tips.
Final sound impression:
Equipment used for testing above
Device:
- iMac
- Redmi Note 7 Snapdragon
Software:
- Foobar2000 24bit 192kHz (iMac)
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)
DAC:
- Moondrop Dawn Pro ( Great CS pairing)
- Hidizs S9 Pro Plus (ESS)
- Hidizs S9 pro (ESS)
- Hidizs S3 pro (mostly used)
- Muse Hifi M4 (Most Versatility)
- Ibasso Dc04Pro (Dual Cirrus) (Best soundstage)
- EPZ TP20 (Dual Cirrus)
- EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)
As usual, I performed a little less burn-in, as the sound already seemed good to me right away.
Let me start by saying that I recently finished the review of the Simgot EM6L, to which the comparison doesn’t even make sense. Despite this, the Flash managed to positively surprise me immediately.
They have a fairly refined sound, typical of the V-shaped sound that we were used to with KBear, a set with a warm, smooth, and non-fatiguing tone. Very good emphasis in the bass region, slightly recessed midrange but they still manage to stand out very well and the highs have been smoothed out, losing a bit of air but in any case, there is a good presence of macro details. You can easily turn up the volume without feeling your eardrums cry at high frequencies.
Treble
The high frequencies are evidently smoothed out to appeal to a wider audience. I don’t think it’s a bad choice; they wanted to stay in a safe zone rather than exaggerate. Obviously, the micro and macro details seem to have been sacrificed a bit and overall, there is a bit of air missing.
Mids
The midrange is recessed but stands out enough to be pleasant. The vocals are quite coherent (slightly warmer), while the instruments seem a little dull (lack of extension in the high region, probably) but for the price requested, I really have no complaints about it. It’s a set that I would happily use and also give as a gift to some of my friends.
Bass
The bass region enjoys all-round emphasis. We are not at Rosefinch levels but that is the way. The bass is a bit overbearing for the other frequencies. I wouldn’t call them bassheads, but they’re pretty close to that category. I don’t think everyone would agree. However, they gave me the sensation of being a little flat and not very enveloping.
Separation/Imaging/Soundstage
The sound separation is not bad but I would say it is average. The image is also average, while the soundstage is not particularly developed; in fact, I would say it is a little compressed. The tuning and the overall result are a lot of fun but it’s not a technical monster.
KBear Flash + BT5 Setup:
Kbear also sent me the KBear BT5 some time ago; I never had time to review and try it. I took the opportunity to unbox this product too. It is nothing more than a BT adapter that transforms any set (as long as it is not too difficult to drive) into a wired TWS. It has the QDC standard so it is perfect with Kbear IEMs. The product looks good, is light, and is easy to use. The cable rests on the back, around the neck. The two largest parts are the battery and the Bluetooth chip. The BT 5.1 module is quite silent; during playback, there is a bit of background noise but it is not noticeable. If it pauses, I don’t notice any noise. However, it is average for products in this price range.
Coming to the point, the combination with the Flash is perfect. The result is well beyond my expectations in terms of audio quality, and despite the SBC codec, not much is lost. I think a similar setup for the gym is really convenient. However, I would like to point out that there is no protection against water or sweat.
It has decent battery life but like all these devices, it varies quite a bit based on the volume. Very high volume due to not having a dedicated amplifier internally (I think it is that of the BT chip).
The operation is as follows:
- Central button: play/pause, on/off
- + button: Increase volume / skip song
- – button: Decrease volume / skip song
The microphone is discreet in low-noise and turbulence-free conditions.
For the price requested, I have absolutely no complaints.
(Really) Fast Comparison:
vs Kbear Rosefinch
The Rosefinch is still one of the sets I love. They focus totally on fun and bass, with a more accentuated V-shaped tuning. In my opinion, the high frequencies are more present on this set but the mids are more recessed. Generally, they are only slightly less precise in the image than the Flash, which has a more modest bass and a more present midrange. Definitely set for Bassheads without money.
vs Kbear Storm
Please no. I don’t want to talk about it; I’ll refer you to the complete review.
The fairly cheap overall construction, lightweight shell, and driver seem small too.
Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to them for a long time but they were far too bright and shouty for my taste.
vs Kbear Dumpling
Another super particular IEM. Its format is unique and I must admit that for being iems for sleeping, they are not boring at all. Warm and very fluid sound timbre. Not at the same level as the Flash ones, which are better but if you are looking for a mini-format, these are remarkable.
vs Moondrop CHU II
With about 10 USD less, you can have the Moondrop CHU II, which, in my opinion, has a very respectable overall performance and a metal shell. I’ll leave you with the full review so you can form your own opinion about it.
vs Tanchjim One
If fun is not your priority but you want a set with good performance and technicality, then the Tanchjim One is a very good compromise. The DSP version is not mandatory, as they sound very good even without it. If you are looking for an even more neutral set, the Tanchjim Zero is still a good buy, but it is very light in the bass. In terms of clarity of sound, nothing comes close.
Conclusion:
The Kbear Flash are a return to the origins of the brand; after trying to change direction, they have retraced their steps. This is definitely a fun set that for 25 USD, definitely gives a satisfying sound.
Combined with the KBear BT5, they become an excellent set for going for walks, runs, or various workouts. Their bass gives you the right charge to perform exercises and gives you the right rhythm.
I think they can compete with some slightly more expensive sets but currently the $50 territory is very competitive with excellent sets.
It’s not a set that will create hype in the enthusiast community but it will certainly find a place in the hearts of KBear lovers. My favorite remains the Rosefinch, that’s for sure!
The Kbear Flash should definitely be taken into consideration by those who are looking at brands like TRN, KZ, and CCA and those looking for something fun.
6.9/10
Pros:
- Good and nice shell
- Nice comfort and fit
- Removable cable
- 1DD + 1BA
- Good tips included
- Nice Bass and Sub-bass – Fun tuning
- No harshness or shoutyness (BA is really tamed)
- Low Price
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Quite cheap cable
- Lacks of air
- Slightly unnatural timbre (nasal)
- The soundstage could be better
- Imaging could be more refined
