KZ - x HBB

**QKZ HBB:** Has more bass compared to Castor Pro, but comes with slight compromises in Mids and Treble. In certain songs the bass tends to mask the vocals. The Treble is smooth for some, but it is on the darker side. **Castor Pro:** Has Bass and good sub bass rumble and it is one of the sets that maintains a balance in everything. It has Sub bass, mid bass, decent Mids and resolving Treble. For me, this is the jack of all trades set under 20 dollars. Most bassy iems tend to sacrifice on mid bass punch to maintain the Mids. This does provide that mid bass punch but at a cost of harman-ish Mids.

EQed QKZ x HBB. I should have written in the first post that I use EQ, sorry I forgot about this important detail. As for the EQ I use *Hot Monster Output* in MSEB settings in Hiby R4 player.

Link to what? IEM: [https://www.linsoul.com/products/qkz-x-hbb?srsltid=AfmBOorHXr5-Ccfk2JbPPUJtrXPyBWcjeDP1KSGggRv49aiG9M5CgSQi](https://www.linsoul.com/products/qkz-x-hbb?srsltid=AfmBOorHXr5-Ccfk2JbPPUJtrXPyBWcjeDP1KSGggRv49aiG9M5CgSQi) [https://qkzheadphone.com/product/qkz-hbb-3-5mm-in-ear-sports-earphones-for-mobile-gaming/](https://qkzheadphone.com/product/qkz-hbb-3-5mm-in-ear-sports-earphones-for-mobile-gaming/) [https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-QKZ-HBB-Titanium-Coated-Silver-Plated/dp/B0BDDZVV1F](https://www.amazon.com/Linsoul-QKZ-HBB-Titanium-Coated-Silver-Plated/dp/B0BDDZVV1F) \+ aliexpress My small post about these IEMs: [link](https://www.reddit.com/r/iems/comments/1j8ofyu/i_like_the_qkz_x_hbb_am_i_a_pleb/)

i have 2 dirt cheap iem use for gaming kz castor bass boost and qkz hbb, but i use qkz for fps game, e.g., on cs2 dust2 im on mid ramp i can hear both connector and A long double door footstep.

MM4s are not really balanced. They are pretty bassy and v-shaped. There are other consumer-tuned headphones that are worse, but that's not the sort of thing most people here are listening to. I have a pair for the insanely long battery life (and they were on sale), but I don't listen to them normally. Pretty much any IEM that is widely considered half-decent is going to sound better than the Marshalls. In fact if you compare "good" headphones (i.e., not Bluetooth) then you need to spend around $150 before you're getting competitive with $20 IEMs. But if you like that MM4 sound then you might have trouble finding something with a similar enough signature that isn't outright bad. I would suggest something like the QKZ HBB which has a warm, bassy tuning, so it's not taking you too far away from what is familiar, but at the same time it's very natural sounding and will have significant better clarity than the Marshalls, especially in the low mids. You don't need much to power these, any standard 3.5mm output will be fine as long as it's not a really poor quality source with a ton of noise, or else an Apple dongle. Also the HBB isn't too expensive so it will allow you to try out IEMs and see if you like them. Obviously the fit is quite different to headphones and the way they present sound is different too. People often prefer one a lot more than the other.

? These don't sound like the BL03, but they definitely aren't lacking in bass, especially not midbass. You most likely aren't getting a proper seal, or maybe you got a faulty set. I would actually say that the CCA CRA is one of the most BL03-like IEMs, although the BL03 is better. The overall tonality is quite similar. The HBB is much warmer, with less of that sparkly upper treble that the BL03 has. The only other one I've heard that's a bit like the BL03, but a bit bassier and not quite as resolving, is the Tripowin Piccolo. It also has a more normal fit than the BL03. It's pretty good if you find it on sale - it's not so well known because it was way overpriced at release into a very competitive market at the time. If you're looking for something that sounds *exactly* like the BL03, you pretty much need to stick to the BL03 itself. There's a new version just been released with a 2pin connector. They changed the tuning slightly but I haven't heard it. Not many reviews yet. HBB says it's good, but his review is a bit hand-wavy.

They definitely do **not** sound like that normally. That's the complete opposite of how they sound. I have two pairs of HBBs and they sound identical.

It's very good. The Zero 2 is borderline neutral (but definitely warm tilted) whereas the HBB definitely has more bass than neutral. But it still sounds very natural. It's relaxing & non-distracting at low volumes, fun at higher volumes. BTW, if your Zero:2 doesn't sound warmer than the Wan'er then there's probably something wrong with it, you didn't get a good seal with the tips, or you have a Zero 1 not the Zero 2. If you're looking for a punchy style of bass, none of these do that. They're all the relaxing, warm style of tuning, just with different amounts of bass & low mids.

I would recommend the HBB over the coffee bean. I have both and the CB is more v-shaped and a bit grainy. I like the shells with the rubber fin though. Other manufacturers should steal that idea.

Yeah, the coffee bean isn't worth that sort of money. I think I paid about $12 for mine and consider them "OK" for the price. Certainly not one I'm rushing to recommend to everyone. If you really want one just for the looks or whatever, add it to your wishlist on Aliexpress and look out for it popping up in Super Deals. $12 was after coupons, but those sales are at least once a month anyway. The HBB however punches well above its weight for tuning. You mainly get what you pay for in terms of looks :) I've got mine on $10-a-pair Azla eartips and $60 Hakugei cable. Planning to customise the faceplate eventually. It's my 3rd favourite IEM at any price and probably the one I listen to the most overall. The S08 is maybe creeping up on play time and they have a similar-ish sort of sound, but the S08 is a lot more vocal forward and energetic. The HBB is more laid back, so it's good for background listening. The HBB also has better quality bass in some ways (though the S08 is much more resolving, as you'd expect).

Not really in order, as different tunings: * Moondrop Chu 2 - mild v-shape, great IEM * QKZ HBB - warm/bassy, great IEM * Blon BL03 - fun v-shape (but the fit is terrible) Bright neutral has a few options - I prefer the original Chu but the crappy fixed cable lets it down. The 7Hz Zero is a bit better in that regard, but I don't think it sounds quite as good. Arguably it's better to pay the extra for the Moondrop LAN for this signature because it's the best one until you go up significantly, but OTOH it's also kind of overpriced for what it is (I think it's around $40 normally, but it's basically just a Chu 2 with less bass). The 7Hz Zero 2 is OK as well but I personally find it a bit of an overly safe middle ground between other, better IEMs. Like the QKZ HBB, if you want warm but don't want to go quite that warm. It's probably the one that's the closest competitor to the Wan'er, as a better all-rounder. Although I find the Wan'er has a stand-out feature in its vocals while being weaker elsewhere, but the Zero 2 doesn't have a single stand-out thing it does better than anything else. It could maybe get the award for the okayest $20 IEM, as it doesn't do anything bad, but nothing stands out as particularly good either. You also have things like the KZ EDC Pro as probably the best beginner IEM, for around $5. It's very close to the Chu 2 but a bit bassier and slightly less refined in the treble. Probably more comfortable than the Chu 2 and less prone to condensation issues. The KZ Castor Bass, around $15, is good for a really hard-hitting bass tuning, although it's not an all-rounder and the tuning is a bit grainy.

I tried ranking my IEMs a while ago. It gets harder to say after the top 3, but those are: 1. Simgot EA1000 2. Letshuoer S08 3. QKZ HBB Not a lot of correlation between price and ranking. The Variations is my most expensive IEM so far, but it's ranked a lot lower down because of the bass tuck and comfort reasons. It does have the best treble, but the EA1000 is comparatively about 98% - equally resolving, just not quite as smooth. The EA1000 has much more correct-sounding bass. It's only real flaw is the slight cool tilt to the midrange, which I would change if I could, but it also doesn't bother me. Everything else about the EA1000 is basically endgame for me.

Well I rank them #3, so IDK what else you want me to add. For context I own about 50 IEMs, up to and including the Variations and quite a few in the $150-300 bracket.

I would say that the QKZ HBB and the Truthear Hola are two of the best examples of tuning to the driver, and they both sound similar except the HBB has more bass overall. They both make the same sacrifice: you don't get tons of detail/resolution in the treble. But if you have a cheap driver, you can't do everything, so it that's a pretty sensible trade-off to then focus on making everything else about the tuning really good. And in both of those cases they really pulled it off. I think the HBB is actually slightly better than the Hola in that the Hola is quite tip-sensitive and the stock tips it comes with are terrible. Plus it's discontinued and they replaced it with the Gate, which isn't as good. Hola is better if you want that same warm blanket of sound, but a bit more neutral.

How long have you had the HBB? I didn't like them at first but they're now one of my favourite IEMs. They really need some brain burn-in. It's possible that just doesn't work for everyone, but I hope you give them a proper chance before giving up on them. I don't find them particularly tip-sensitive, so how they sound is just how they sound. But I do think you get used to how bassy they are after about a week, and then they start to sound a lot more natural. It's like you're always *aware* that they have more bass than they should, but it stops sounding wrong and any sense of muddiness goes away. I haven't heard the Hades though, so if you mean that one... yeah from what I've heard one has no redeeming features at all. I'd like to try it at some point just for a laugh, but not if they insist on keeping the price at $50.

Yes. The HBB is just a very warm & relaxing tuning, but it's also good for focusing on other things, because vocals are a bit less forward than usual. The OH300 is very similar but more vocal-forward and has very immersive soundstage.

I purchased qkz hbb out of curiosity. I prefer warm or warm meutral. Im a bit treble sensitive. I have ew300 in my cart. I want to purchase it but i was wondering about the treble. Can any one recommend any other warm or warm neutral set with smooth treble and no sibilance. I already have 7hz zero 2 (perfect for my ear, no eq) final e3000, and blon bl03 (eq the treble). Kz zs10 pro (huge amount of eq)

Variance is a big problem in chifi. But if you get a good one, keep it. My cheapo qkz hbb set sounds fantastic, the upgrade, hbb Khan, sounds meh.. Something wrong with it, some sort of gap in the upper mids.

Speaking of the QKZ HBB, I replied to you the other day. I tried them and I wanted to love them too since you mentioned how much you did. I tried three separate tips you recommended but the comfort is not there. The Cadenzas are fine for hours but after ten minutes the QKZ start hurting my ears. Have you had any IEMs like this? I'm not completely sure what the difference could be with them.

man i need reccos for a mid tier option that does bass well, my 2nd pair of qkz x hbb's died

You should check out the QKZ x HBB Hades. I have both and the Hades hooked me within 30 seconds of listening. Highly recommend.

Holy! how is this possible for 25 euros?!?! I love this warm blanket of pure sound that wraps around me. Thanks for the tip! Im using stock tips rn and getting a good seal with them. Bass and warmth is mindblowing really. Don't like the cable though. Have a good recommendation?

I knooooow. Honestly the first iem I bought was the QKZ HBB and had the Delci AE as an upgrade and well.. I was kinda disappointed What iem did you buy and upgraded to?

I agree with the Delco AE sounding a bit "off" or I don't know how to describe it. But everything sounded slightly harsh for me. Even the bass. It was a tad bit too "thumpy" for me. Like drums really slammed a tad bit too much on my eardrum for my liking which caused it to be a little too fatiguing. I actually enjoyed QKZ HBB more musically (albeit I had to use sound enhancer on Apple Music to introduce a bit more air, treble, and perceived soundstage in order for me to REALLY love those - I play music most of the time on my laptop) I REALLY love how the bass guitars are unusually forward with this set. Its bass was lush and smooth. It was something I was looking for on the Delci which it couldn't do. I chose the Delci since it had a V--shaped tuning. Considering I wanted a lot of bass but with more perceived clarity and air. I thought the Delci could deliver. I have heard good things about the Ziigaat Odyseyy though. How it's one of the more "musical" iems - whatever that means. Jay and GizAudio spoke highly of that set but considering my preferences, it kinda sounds like I will want to lean more onto the Tea Pro's being "neutral with bass boost" while having "an unusally clear treble for a bassy set" or something along those lines Might pick up Odyssey if I have enough money to burn though. It really has me very curios ngl

Cheap ones: Kbear Rosefinch, Whizzer/Opera Factory OS1 Pro, CCA CRA, More pricey ones: 7Hz Legato, QKZ x HBB Hades, Campfire Audio Honeydew. In case you are looking for a cheap one I would go for the Rosefinch. If you have more money to burn, probably the Honeydew would suffice. :) I only have the Castor Bass and I also had the QKZ x HBB Khan (not the standard QKZ x HBB), but for me the Castor was way better.

Qkz x hbb has way more rumble than castor bass (not pro). I don't think that pro really improves on that aspect. But you need to find the right tips for your ears. Stock qkz hbb tips kinda trash like on most budget iems. Qkz x hbb hades has even more bass, sub bass a little worse than qkz x hbb, but they're more comfortable at higher volume, but it's not for everyone and not for every type of music and it's harder to drive, but i really love them, they're my favorite with qkz x hbb atm. Castor and castor pro are also a little harder to drive. You won't find better bass quality with good quantity at this price than qkz x hbb. Kbear Rosefinch has more quantity but it lacks any rumble and punch for me. Kz saga bass could be a good competitor to qkz x hbb from what I've heard. Also there is new 7hz elua, wich is hbb colab, also could be something interesting, but a little bit more expensive. I'm waiting for both of those and more pairs to hear them, since i can't really find anything to replace qkz x hbb. I'd say go with qkz x hbb. They're absolute beasts for hip hop and any other genre really, if you're into dark sound signature which helps bass. Qkz x hbb hades are absolutely fucking insane for hip hop, but could be lacking in other genres, but i like them for most other music too. But for movies i always use qkz x hbb.

I didn't like the Hades personally, but its an ok IEM though. there's only 3 versions of them, the original, the hades, and khan the original is my favorite on all 3, being its so close to my QKZ AK6 Pro while still having enough clarity and sparkle.

Bassy IEMs: Under $5 * QKZ AK6 Pro $25 and lower (bass-focused) * KBEar Rosefinch \* * QKZ x HBB (OG version) \* * BLON BL-01 * KZ Castor Bass \* $25 and lower (neutral warm) * Tangzu Wan'er SG/Wan'er 2 \* * 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Zero 2 \* * Moondrop Chu 2 * KZ Castor Silver (UUDD switches) $25-60 (bass-focused) * BLON BL-03/BL-03 II \* * BLON x HBB Z300 * TinHiFi C3 Mk2 \* * 7Hz x HBB Elua * Kinera Celest Gumiho * KZ Castor Pro Bass \* * CCA Rhapsody \* * CCA Trio \* $25-60 (neutral warm) * Kefine Klean \* * Inawaken Dawn Ms \* * Kiwi Ears Cadenza \* * Tripowin x 0DiBi Vivace \* * Kinera Celest Wyvern Abyss \* * Tangzu YuXuanJi * KBear KB02 * KZ Zenith (UUDD switches) \* * KZ Castor Pro Silver (UUDD switches) Special mentioned * Truthear x Crinacle Zero Blue 2 \* * QKZ x HBB Khan (\* recommend)

I would avoid anything from KZ except for EDX Ultra, those were cool. Get the Wan'er, the QKZ HBB have such a ridiculous amount of bass that when you use them for some time and switch to anything else you will think "wow there are actually instruments in this song"

Yes whichever is their standard 2 pin, fits perfectly fine! I now am using it with my QKZ HBB that has KZ style plug, a bit dodgy, but works. Just can’t be bothered buying the adapter for it lol

Yes, that could have been the case. I heard them at an audio event and compared to all the other earphones (even budget ones), they felt wierd. But I only spend a short time with them so there is that. I've found that soundstage and dynamics are very important for me and the Midbass-Uppermids level determines that for my ear anatomy. So even very cheap earphones like Wan'er and QKZ HBB sound good due to their soundstage. While Kefine Klean feels very one dimensional and lacks dynamics (contrary to what everyone else says). Olina SE, EA500LM and Supermix 4 are all great in these aspects (but they have their own issues).

In my opinion the Tripowin Vivace is hard to beat at $30. Can’t go wrong with the QKZ HBB either just know it’s bassy.

* Results.. let's start from down to top ........ ∆ The Crin Zero Reds.. -Good loudness, meaty bass but sometimes there is something off about it.. like... always.. -With trying every possible resistor: 10 ohms - more balanced bass to treable not enough rumble though, 220 ohms - quiet and clean, 47 ohms - boomy, 150 ohms - kinda quiet and clean, 39 ohms - bassy and kinda loud, 56 ohms - boomy and kinda loud, 82 ohms - bassy clean and kinda quiet, 75 ohms - boomy kinda loud and kinda clean, 15 ohms - loud and boomy, 33 ohms - balanced with good rumbles. -Can take some EQ, a lot of amp -It looks Informative .. ∆ The Aoishida E20.. -I think it competes with HEXA in treble speed and details, especially when the music is like salty twinkles. but just a little bit behind. -Similar openness like how the Tangzu Wann'er is, yet it's unlike it in loudness despite it's only 12 Ohms.. -Really quiet without amp I wouldn't listen to it unless I have to... like if I've got a headache or something.. -Tapping the vents.... results are unnoticeable. -liked how much power it can receive without timber changes.. that where it knocked out HEXA and got louder than it while feeding the kinda same sparkle. -there is a limit to the good rumble, despite Amping and EQ. -2DD, yet no good effect with resistors? -Can take some EQ -Stage is phenomenal.. like.. how could it be this huge? even when taped no changes to stage It looks Beneficial .. ∆ QKZ HBB.. -Louder than the Zero Red ,but kinda less meaty bass however much nicer sparkle, yet the same thing.. sometimes there is something really really off about it even more than the Red. -You can relax listening to it with some kind of music, just rest you back and good night, there you go. -Can take EQ, a lot of amp -it looks a scare and a greed .. ∆ Truthear Hexa.. -Smooth sparkles everywhere. -Stage is like a helmet around your head, yet you can pin point everything. -Fast track those sparkles please.. from left to right. -Do not lose that note, there you've got it. -Did i hear this before? -Why I can't touch the Bass region on EQ it goes from quite deep bass to BRRRFFF -Amp limits -Flip only one of the two (2 pin connector) you get the only beautiful IEM out of phased (kinda limited to Jazz and Classic), stage becomes WIDE like out of this world. .. ∆ Sony MDR-EX800ST -What a name. -Loudest -EQ freak.. (Try EQing it to.. APX SE, Deuce, Sony M9, 24/7 downloading wavelet from squiglink, etc..) don't forget to tune the % of the EQ on wavlet -AMP IT.. high gain please.. BASS ON -Tape the vents.... who did plug in the subwoofer? -Ears became itchy from that shaking. -Its so loud and clear, -Am I here? -should I shake my head? -Can I plant the Hexa inside these 16mm, please fast track the sparkles! -it is getting warm, ear wax is melting. -stage is a huge tall airport lounge, can be reshaped with EQ. quite mouldable. -Nausea? this is enough.. will enjoy them later. -Forget how it did sound without EQ clearly, all the other iems are cute toys to this. let's buy more toys just to see how it grew up oh no, that Aioshida just got close to my soundstage. is that Beryllium in the Aioshida toxic if it gets warm and vapour inside my ear or loses some of its particles flying around my ear canals? it was kinda clear the Sony MDR-EX800ST is still The BEST. then (it's a tie between Aioshida 20, and the HEXA), then (its a tie between the Red and the QKZ HBB) Thank you All! Goodnight.

the Qkz is actually a titanium coated driver

Agreed, they are complete shite. Will never buy a HBB collab again

I have the hbb x kinda lava.. and while it’s great, for having an added bass boost compared to the ej07m it still lacks in the low end for me.. so I’ve never been too curious about the punch.. tho I do know it has a big bass shelf.. I really wanna try the zempire audio ze51b.. have you checked them out..? I imagine it might be the best bass experience..

Qkz x Hbb But if you wanna get something really bassy 7hz legato although 100$