Today we are checking QKZ x HBB IEM which is the result of collaboration between QKZ and Hawaiian Bad Boy also known on YouTube as “Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews”. The unit for this review was kindly provided by Linsoul in exchange for my honest review. As always I’m not paid to say anything in particular about the product and all thoughts and opinions in today’s episode are my own.
QKZ x HBB is an ultra budget single dynamic driver IEM that features a 10mm Titanium-Coated Diaphragm driver and it’s available in two versions, with or without the microphone. The IEM currently retails for $19.99 US dollars.
The headphones come in a small carton box. On the front and the back of the box there is an illustration of the IEM
In the box
- QKZ x HBB IEMs
- Detachable 2-Pin Silver-plated cable
- And 6 sets of silicone ear tips
Impedance of this QKZ x HBB is 22Ω, Sensitivity: 115 dB/mW.
The QKZ x HBB IEM shells are quite large and are constructed from two pieces of plastic glued together. The faceplate that carries a QKZ and HBB logos has an aluminum alloy rim around it. The logos are etched directly into faceplate and that gives this IEM quite a distinctive look. The plastic is kind of smoky black plastic but it’s still transparent to a degree so you can see the driver configuration. There is also one small vent on the inside part of each IEM.
The nozzles are made from metal , they are on a shorter side and quite thick. There is a metal mesh at the end of each nozzle and also a small lip that helps with ear tips retainment. The IEMs feature 2-pin connectors and come with a 6 sets of silicone ear tips . All tests in my review have been performed using the stock ear tips. Overall for 20 USD the build quality is great and I liked how the IEMs look.
The QKZ x HBB shells are large in size, but they are light and have ergonomic shape. The nozzles are on a shorter side, but finding a good fit & seal wasn’t problem at all. I’ve been using this pair for extended periods of time and the IEMs are comfortable
The cable that comes with IEM is ok, especially considering this is an ultra-budget IEM. It’s 1.2 meters, silver plated cable with an angled 3.5 mm connector on one end, and two 0.78 2-pin connectors on the other ends. It also features Y-splitter and pre-molded ear hooks. The cable is low in microphonics, but using a better cable with this pair will definitely increase the fit and comfort.
QKZ x HBB sound overview
Please note that all sound impressions I’m sharing in my reviews are completely subjective so please take them with a grain of salt.
QKZ x HBB is a collab IEM and it’s based on HBB’s own tuning and sound optimization preferences. The IEMs have a warm sound signature (basically a V-shaped) with a good frequency extension and surprisingly dynamic sound for an ultra-budget IEM. I had no issues driving this set from my Samsung Galaxy S10 that was able to bring this pair to my comfort levels of volume with some additional headroom left.
The bass is the star of the show here. The sub-bass on this pair is well extended and has a good amount of rumble and authority. It goes quite deep, and bass heavy tracks sound engaging. The mid-bass also has a good weight , impact and hits hard. Bass details are average, but busy musical passages don’t sound muddy, thanks to the bass speed.
The mid range on QKZ x HBB is a bit recessed, smooth and lush. The lower-mids have a nice warmth and add some weight to male vocals. I also wouldn’t call lower mids the most natural as there is a lot of bass bleed in this region. But because of that male vocals sound thick and lively. Upper mids are more forward and energetic, without being harsh or sibilant. The upper mids are also better defined, have more details and sound more natural that the lower mids.
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The treble is well extended and energetic, but at the same time it’s smooth and non-fatiguing. The treble doesn’t have a lot of air and sparkle, but it’s lively enough to add necessary clarity to the overall mix. At the same time the treble works really well with the warm tonality of this IEM which makes this tuning very comfortable during long listening sessions.
The soundstage wight and depth is above average. Separation of instruments is not the strongest part of this IEM, and I’d say it’s about average. Resolution & detail retrieval; while not class leading, is good enough to pull-out the necessary details during the playback. Imaging on the other hand is good and I can easily locate everything within my music. Nothing is out of place which is all that we should be asking at this price tag.
Conclusions
In my opinion, QKZ x HBB has got a solid tuning for an ultra budget IEM which makes it a good all-rounder. Well done QKZ and HBB!
Pros:
- Attractive pricing
- Excellent design
- Good and comfortable fit
- Dynamic and engaging sound
- Excellent bass response
- Full and rich vocals
- Enough details in the treble
- Good soundstage & imaging for an ultra budget pair of IEM
Cons:
Honestly, at this price point, I don’t think QKZ x HBB has any real cons. However I will mention that this pair won’t be appealing to those who seek neutral tonality, extensive detail retrieval or technicalities. In addition the amount of bass can be too much for some listeners.
Overall this IEM is fun to listen and I especially liked it’s musical, engaging, lively and slightly laid back character. I can easily recommend this pair to anyone looking for well turned ultra budget IEM with a warm tonality.
And that concludes my review for today. If you want to see more content like this consider subscribing to my YouTube channel for future updates. Thank you for joining me, and until next time, goodbye!
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