Last updated on February 24th, 2024 at 05:58 pm
Kbear is a brand based out of China and is a well established brand among the Audiophiles. Their most focus is towards the budget and mid price segment and delivers some impressive IEM’s into the market. The Storm is their latest budget offering that comes with a single 10mm DD with some good diaphragm units and in this review let’s check out how good this is against the competition.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kbear |
| Origin | China |
| Target Market | Audiophiles |
| Focus | Budget and mid-price segment |
| Latest Offering | Storm |
| Driver | 10mm PEEK+PU Composite DD |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 108 dB |
| Frequency Range | 20 – 20,000 Hz |
| Interface | 0.78mm 2 Pin |
| Cable | OFC Silver Plated |
| Sound Profile | V-shaped with bright tone and timbre |
| Bass | Clear demarcation between sub and mid bass |
| Mid Range | Slight recession, vivid and engaging background |
| Treble | Good extension, precise attack and decay |
| Staging & Imaging | Above average, good width and height |
| Detail Retrieval | Excellent |
| Fit & Ergonomics | Lightweight, excellent fit and isolation |
| Mic Option | Available |
| Sound Evaluation | Dynamic, clear with good texture and detail retrieval |
| Pros | Macro dynamics, layering, bass presence, ergonomics, price |
| Cons | Bright tone and timbre, relaxed vocals |
| Reviewer Information | Kathiravan from Tamil Nadu, audiophile, experienced in reviewing audio products |
SPECIFICATIONS:
Driver: 10mm PEEK+PU Composite DD
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 108Db
Frequency Range: 20 – 20KHz
Interface: 0.78mm 2 Pin
Cable: OFC Silver Plated
DISCLAIMER:
This unit has been provided to me by the KBear team in exchange for my honest opinion about the product. The whole views are based on my observation and experience with this product and not influenced by other means. The views might differ from person to person depending on the source of usage.
SOUND:
The sound profile of the Storm follows a nice V shaped curve with slightly brighter tone and timbre. The technical aspects are pretty good for a budget category IEM with above average imaging and detail retrieval. Let’s check in detail about the sound in the following sections.
BASS:
The bass in the Storm is one of the star aspects where the sub and the mid bass have a nice presence with clear demarcation between them. The sub bass has nice reach and depth but still it has an early roll off hence it might not satisfy a pure bass head. The sub bass however has nice control and would definitely please most of the listeners out there. It does give those subtle rumbles and the kick drums have nice weight to them. The mid bass is not that elevated but still gives a nice overall weight and body to the presentation.
Overall the bass feels warm enough, good texture with clear distinction between each instrument in the background. The imaging is done pretty well hence even in the bass heavy tracks the congestion is not observed.
MID RANGE:
The mid range in the Storm shows the character as per the V shaped profile where there is a slight recession in the mid range making the vocals take a back seat. The background instruments however are nicely presented which sounds vivid and engaging. The tone and timbre is slightly brighter hence the instruments and the upper mid section get an extra splash making the overall presentation more vivid and dynamic.
The piano notes and the guitar strings have a nice note weight carried along from the bass section however the notes sound tad brighter making them vibrant.
TREBLE:
The treble in the Storm is another likable aspect where the extension is done pretty good with no noticeable early roll off. The tone being slightly brighter, the instruments in the treble section shined well. The trumpets and the cymbal crashes got some nice presence making the treble to sound well and forward.
The attack and decay of the instruments are pretty precise and the overall brighter tone thus helped in bringing out the brilliance and shimmer from the Storm. The electric guitar strings sounded pretty good but as I said in the previous sections, the tone seems not so neutral.
TECHNICALITIES:
STAGING AND IMAGING: Both these qualities in the Storm are pretty above average for the price. The staging has a good amount of width and height thus helps in representing a nice grand presentation. The imaging and layering are one of the best in this segment thus providing a nice three dimensional presentation. The depth sensation however is good enough but needs improvement.
The Detail Retrieval is excellent for the price! Those minute shackles from the treble section are neatly brought out with no sort of congestion or masking.
VERDICT:
Storm, the latest budget offering from the house of Kbear is a well rounded package with smart pricing. The Storm comes under the budget category providing one of the best fit and sound for the price. It is equipped with a single 10mm PEEK+PU composite diaphragm Dynamic Driver and does deliver a nice vivid and dynamic sound.
The whole construction is made out of medical grade resin thus it feels lightweight and the best part is the fit. They have great ergonomics thus the fit is the best that I have tried in this segment providing a nice seal and isolation. The stock eartips does help in achieving a nice seal too. The stock cable comes with a mic option thus taking calls is easier now and comes with a multifunction button.
Coming to the sound, Its V shaped with slightly brighter tone and timbre. The bass here is good enough with clear demarcation between the sub and mid bass with good texture. The bass is warm and the sub bass digs deep enough to provide those subtle rumbles yet needs more reach to attain level. The mid range is kept vivid and engaging by the open and bright presentation. The vocals take the back seat due to recession in mid section however the instruments do shine and give engaging experience due to nice upper mid elevation. The treble section is above average with nice detail retrieval. Has adequate brightness yet with control making them less fatigue to listen in the long run.
Overall, the Kbear Storm is one of a VIVID package to be considered in this budget segment which provides a nice dynamic sound with extra touch of clarity.
PROS AND CONS:
Pros:
- Macro Dynamics
- Layering
- Bass Presence
- Ergonomics
- Price
Cons:
- Brighter Tone and Timbre
- Relaxed Vocals
This Review is Written By KATHIRAVAN.C
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I’m Kathiravan from Tamilnadu. A budding audiophile here with high love towards music and audio equipment. My first experience of enjoying the hifi audio came when I started to use budget chi-fi gears and now it came all along the way of reviewing the gears with high end stuffs. I love reviewing audio products.
This content is collaboratively crafted and vetted by Shubham, a Mechanical Engineering specialist. His passion for unraveling the intricacies of machinery and consumer electronics mirrors his avid interest in gaming. With his wealth of expertise, Shubham adeptly navigates readers through the complexities of audio, home appliances, and everyday products, guaranteeing a smooth and enjoyable shopping journey. For every product you read about on this site we do rigorous research and testing behind the scenes to bring you the best value for money options. For any query directly reach out to me at my personal Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shubhamgarg8024/
