Following the success of the Believe and Diamond models, KbEar decided to continue experimenting with a dynamic driver and as a result released a new version of in-ear headphones called Ink. that’s ink. The model looks just great, the cable was also included in the kit, but as for the sound, this will be our conversation today.
Characteristic
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Emitters: dynamic 8.8 mm
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Connector: 2 pin 0.78mm
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Frequency range: 20Hz – 20kHz
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Sensitivity: 102dB
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Impedance: 16 ohms
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Wire resistance: 0.245 ohms
Packaging and equipment
The headphones came in a fairly large cardboard box with the manufacturer’s logo and a full list of features on the back. Of the important thing, we highlight the impedance of 16 ohms and the sensitivity of 102 dB.
In the kit we find a small instruction, a tight leatherette case, a cloth and a brush for caring for the headphones, and two sets of silicone ear tips, including the popular seventh series.
The cable here is flexible, twisted, with tight heat shrink ears and a straight 3.5mm metal plug. The equipment showed its resistance equal to 0.245 ohms, which is within the normal range. The connection is made on classic 0.78 mm fork connectors.
Design/Ergonomics
The cups themselves are made of metal with a gold insert as nice as a medium sized sound guide.
With a shelf to hold the pads and a protective metal mesh. Both compensation holes were directed upwards.
The outer part of the headphones, as usual, was endowed with an abstract three-dimensional pattern with the manufacturer’s brand and covered with transparent plastic. It looks great so I personally have no questions about the design.
Its fit is also decent, so we say thanks to the simply amazing ear cushions, in my opinion, complete. Now they can even be found in a box with high-end Kinera earphones.
measurements
According to the measurements we have an absolutely standard boost, acceptable discrepancies between the left and right channels and distortion, reaching 1% at the peak. Directly, as under a ruler.
The phase behaves quite naturally, and the attenuation at 30 and 60 dB corresponds to about 70 and 92 ms.
And, practically without outrage.
There is a difference between the ear pads, but I’d say it’s significant only beyond 10kHz. Where there are quite serious recessions and narrow peaks.
As for the frequency response, we have a 12dB boost in the low frequencies with a soft approach to the mids, an impressive selection of the intelligibility area with accents at 3 and 5 kHz, and a now classic peak at 8 kHz for improve sound clarity. In terms of balance, we obviously have a slight dominance of the high frequencies, but only at acoustically solid points. So everything here is in the mind: I can’t find fault.
With the manufacturer’s schedule, mine matched almost perfectly.
Measurements made in artificial ear according to standard IEC-60318-4.
Sound
By their very nature, I found the KbEar Ink headphones to be super melodic. I can’t call them particularly clear or transparent, but the structure is extremely solid and there are no doubts in terms of nuances. That is, without bias in microdynamics, but with everything, even small nuances of sound production. It is very interesting to listen to: the low frequencies are good in depth and textures, and the middle is slightly off the track, has an underlined top, expressiveness and warm analog color. The highs don’t draw attention to themselves, but at the same time they pull in all sorts of percussive drops and high-frequency tails well. As for the tonality, everything is quite precise, the plates do not go from “s” to “u”, everything is not mixed into mush, but there is no noticeable separation here either.
As another plus, I would like to note an ear-pleasing weight in the entire frequency range, which gives the acoustic canvas a special fullness and juiciness. If we talk about the drawing of the orchestra, then KbEar Ink shows pretty average results, in fact, like everything else tuned to Harman. There is really volume in the sound, but the construction of the scene in depth is not as spectacular as, for example, in 7Hz Eternal or Bqeyz Autumn. There’s a little breathlessness, a noticeably smaller range, and not-so-precise positioning in space. However, in this segment, this is clearly picky. Personally, I really liked the way jazz, orchestral and electronic music sounds here, as well as moderately fast metal. The latter, of course, can be a bit brighter in the upper middle, but that’s the cost of the manufacturer’s chosen configuration. That is why it is preferable to choose discs with a more or less competent mastering. It’s also hard to call KbEar Ink a particularly technical sound, but for the most part, the headphones manage with dignity.
Another important point is the choice of the signal source. Since the heroes of the review have a tone close to musical, it is better to sing with them some kind of clear or neutral source. In the case of a music player or DAC with this parameter, it may be too much, so choose wisely. Most of the time I used KbEar Ink with a fixed SMSL DO100 package with a HO100 headphone amp. The capabilities of which, obviously, are many times higher than those of these headphones, and therefore they are able to reveal them 100%. With the first generation xDuoo Link, the sound becomes softer, but more expressive, and with the Whizzer DA1 we get something like a stationary link, but simplified to the level of these headphones. That is, as an example of a successful pair, you can fully consider a mobile DAC from Whizzer.
Two sets of ear pads here, by the way, are also not accidental. Replacing them with a red core pair noticeably hides volume, but sharpens attacks and enhances detail. But, to my liking, it takes some of the charisma out of the music, adding a bit of smooth digital flavor. But this is pure taste, try it this way and decide where you think the sound is most delicious. In all, my questions were exclusively about metal. In some places it’s really brilliant, especially in the context of the more expensive 7Hz Eternal. But exactly the same moment, for example in jazz, pleasantly emphasizes string and wind instruments, making them brighter and clearer. So there is no unequivocal opinion here.
conclusions
As a result, KbEar Ink dynamic in-ear headphones pleased me personally with such a nice juicy sound, interesting appearance and wonderful fit. The headphones, naturally, don’t break the mold, but price-wise, they sound very decent. Not as aggressive as the TRN TA1 Max and much more expressive than the Barbados Sunrise.
Well, what captivates me about them is such a pleasant melody, coupled with an almost velvety smooth timbre. Of course, this option is not for lovers of neutral or monitor sound. Everything here is musically beautiful and mega incendiary. Considering the price, I really liked the model, but for mediocre engraved heavy styles, I’d probably look elsewhere. Jazz, techno, rock, ethnic and everything in between, they just sound amazing.
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Source: IXBT
