Come with me as I take a look at the KBEar BT5, KBEar’s latest bluetooth adaptor priced at $19.99. Is this the definitive solution for turning your favorite IEMs wireless, or will you come across some issues along the way? Let’s talk about it!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
- Pretty large footprint for something pocketable (particularly on the battery and controls)
- As advertised battery-life, but could be better
- Charging is not very fast for its battery life
- Solid connections stability, although lacking any hi-res connections (probably for the better)
- Good drivability, can power planars
- No distinguishable compromise on the sound
NOTE: The KBEar BT5 I received came in 2-pin. However, there are options for QDC and TFZ connectors
The BT5 serves as a somewhat budget solution to turning your IEMs wireless with its 110mAh battery, AC6956 chip, Bluetooth 5.1 and AAC or SBC codecs. And in all honestly, it does the job well. The connection is solid and I did not have issues with disconnection or instability. Drivability was also good for most IEMs, including planar magnetics. Sound was also largely uncompromised, although definitely set your expectations with its codecs. The neckband style also reassures you that it’s harder to lose or drop than the ear-style Bluetooth modules. Pair that with its rather straightforward and easy-to-understand controls and you’re basically set. Well, mostly.
However, you might find that the form factor might be a little archaic as most manufacturers have moved to ear modules than neckbands. There are still benefits to the neckband style, but it’s quite a chore to carry around due to the much larger footprint that affects overall ergonomics. This is also due to the large modules that hold the controls and the battery causing it to be a little big to store. The lack of high res codecs, fast charging, more advanced Bluetooth versions, and a so-so battery life is some stuff that might be undesirable for some people as they might be looking for something more advanced than this.
But for $20, it does its job. It’s no fancy Bluetooth module with advanced features or revolutionary ergonomics, but it doesn’t do anything wrong either. It’s a simple, easy-to-understand, easy-to-use, and recommendable product for those looking for a simple Bluetooth module to turn your favorite IEMs into wireless. If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it, I’d say
Stay tuned for the full review!
If you would like to get one yourself, consider using the non-affiliated link below: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005702868112.html?spm=a2g0o.store_pc_allProduct.8148356.8.5673d399NaNRmt&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21USD%21US%20%2419.88%21US%20%2416.90%21US%20%2416.90%21%21%21%21%402132a21716923485461853474ec277%2112000034057688850%21sh%21US%212607122328&gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt
If you have any questions, message me on my Facebook page or contact me on my email at obodioreviews@gmail.com
