The KBEAR KB02 features a 10mm dynamic driver with a beryllium-coated diaphragm, paired with a 10mm elastomer vibration driver functioning as a vibration driver/bone conduction driver. It is priced at around 35 USD.
The Kiwi Ears Belle is a compact in-ear monitor with a single 10mm dynamic driver, featuring a diamond-like carbon (DLC) diaphragm. Like beryllium, DLC coating enhances diaphragm stiffness and it’s not uncommon in the IEM world. It is priced at 30 USD.
KIWI EARS BELLE SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver: 10 mm dynamic
- Diaphragm: DLC
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 103dB (±1dB) @ 1kHz
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- THD < 0.1%
- Resin shell with metal faceplate
- Cable: 1.2m silver plated OFC-copper
- Cable connectors: 0.78 mm 2-pin
- Cable termination: 3.5 mm jack
- Colours: Black or Silver
- Cable options:
- Standard 3.5mm cable
- Cable with Mic 3.5mm
- USB-C with Mic.
Current price and availability:
- Kiwi Ears: Belle
- Linsoul: Kiwi Ears Belle
- Amazon: Kiwi Ears Belle
KBEAR KB02 SPECIFICATIONS
- Drivers 2 total: 1 x 10mm full range DD with beryllium-plated diaphragm and 1 x 10mm elastomer bone conduction driver
- Impedance: 40 ohms
- Sensitivity: 108 dB/mW
- Cable: 1.2m OFC copper 4-core 6N
- Resin shell
- Cable connectors: 0.78 mm 2-pin
- Cable termination: 3.5 mm jack
- Tips: 3 types in 3 sizes
- Non detachable metal nozzles
- Color: Purple, Misty Blue, Maple Brown
Current price and availability:
- Amazon: KBEAR KB02
- AliExpress: KBEAR KB02
- KeepHifi: KBEAR KB02
BUILD, DESIGN AND COMFORT
The KB02 is a tad larger than average, while the Belle is remarkably small. The KB02 has a full resin shell with large metal nozzles, while the Belle has a decorative metal faceplate on a resin shell with a resin nozzle. The Belle’s nozzle is smaller than the KB02’s. Nozzle size will affect what tips you can use, so if you have third-party tips, this might be a factor.
Both come with thin cables. The KB02 cable is black and thinner, seeming more basic than the Belle’s, which has a nicer-looking silver-plated cable.
I find both earphones sit comfortably in the ear. Size is the main difference. The KB02 is easier to handle because it is bigger, but once in place, the tiny Belle is more discreet.
Both come with a selection of basic ear tips, but neither includes a pouch or case, which is typical at this price point.
LISTENING COMPARISONS
Below are my listening impressions comparing the two earphones. I used my two very versatile Topping A90 desktop amplifiers, and the two IEMs require similar not identical) volume settings to reach the same listening level. However, because of variations in frequency response between the earphones, I always adjust the volume level along the way to match the different tracks.
That said, they may respond differently if compared on other amplifiers, although from experience I doubt it will make much of a difference, as both are easy to drive, and when tried on other amplifiers they sound quite similar.
Associated equipment:
- Amplifier: Topping A90
- DAC: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
Mahler’s Symphony No 2 III by Paavo Järvi
Both have excellent bass and the kettle drums sound great. With the strings, the KB02 sounds smoother and more refined, while the Belle is more textured and crisper.
Young Vivaldi by Modo Antiquo
They are not very different. The Belle is a bit crisper and drier with the strings, the KB02 slightly smoother. Both are really good.
Escape Route by Boris Blank
The Belle is great here, the bass is impressive. Things are a bit crisp but in a good way. The KB02 has less bass presence, better instrument separation and a smoother touch.
Spontaneous Compositorius by Thomas Agergard
They’re similar, but the KB02 has a bit cleaner highs.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
The Belle offers strong, tight bass and gentle, textured vocals without much sibilance, which can otherwise be an issue. The KB02 has less and looser bass, with more laid-back but more sibilant vocals. Instrument separation is better on the KB02.
Midnight City by M83
They’re very similar.
Limit to Your Love by James Blake
The Belle is crisp and clear with great bass quality and rich but not overwhelming presence.
The KB02 has smoother but brighter vocals, and also offers good bass quality but less quantity. It sounds thinner, smoother and sharper at the same time.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
They share a similar, quite neutral sound signature with present bass. The Belle has a bit more low-end quantity and there are some variations in tonality, but in the grand scheme of things the differences are minor.
Treble
The KB02 has a slightly brighter, often cleaner treble, while the Belle is slightly more diffuse and drier. Differences are small, however.
Midrange
In general, the Belle has more textured and present mids, while the KB02 is smoother and more laid-back. Again, though, the differences are small.
Bass
The Belle has generally stronger, tighter bass. The KB02 is not bass-light, but more polite in its presence, though quality is still good.
Soundstage and Imaging
Soundstage size is pretty similar, but I find the Belle has a bit better imaging with more space between instruments. The difference is not too big, but I think it is significant.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
The general detail level is pretty similar. I find the bass is more detailed on the Belle, the treble more detailed on the KB02, with midrange detail being comparable. Dynamics are also very similar.
With regards to timbre, I typically find the Belle has a more textured and rich timbre in a slightly dry way, while the KB02 sounds smoother and more delicate but also sometimes thinner in tonal weight.
CONCLUSION
Broadly speaking they are very similar and differences are often subtle. The Belle has more and slightly better bass with a slightly more textured character, while the KB02 is leaner and smoother, but also a tad brighter.
In conclusion, I can recommend both the Kiwi Ears Belle and the KBEAR KB02.
Thanks for reading. You can support us by purchasing anything using any of our affiliate links.
- Kiwi Ears: Belle
- Linsoul: Kiwi Ears Belle
- Amazon: Kiwi Ears Belle
- Amazon: KBEAR KB02
- AliExpress: KBEAR KB02
- KeepHifi: KBEAR KB02
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