Kbear Little Q - Review

The "Little Q" by Kbear is a budget IEM released in 2022, originally priced around $20 but now available for as low as $6 on sites like AliExpress. I bought this set with my own money.

Specifications:

• Driver configuration: 1DD (6mm Dynamic Driver)
• Impedance: 12Ω
• Sensitivity: 105dB

In the Box:

• Kbear Little Q IEM (3.5mm Single-Ended)
• 3 Pairs of white silicon eartips S/M/L
• User manual

Why Did I Buy It?

As usual, I was watching videos and reading reviews about this tiny basshead IEM, and I was curious to see how much bass it could actually deliver from a small 6mm dynamic driver (DD). When I found it on AliExpress for only $6 through Choice, I figured it was worth a shot.

Build and Design

The Little Q feels lightweight and plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap. I actually like the cable’s texture, though it’s not detachable, so if it breaks, you can’t swap it out for a new one. It only comes with a 3.5mm plug.

Sound

The following impressions were made using all stock accessories. If you’re curious about my testing setup, you can check it out HERE

Right away, I noticed these need more power than expected to reach a good volume level. I'd describe the sound signature as a warm V-shape; but vocals are present, and mids don’t feel too recessed. To me, these aren’t basshead-level IEMs.

With a warmer source, the bass is more prominent, with a smoother transition to the mids, giving it a fuller sound. Mids feel softened, and treble is natural, non-fatiguing, and well-balanced. With a warm-neutral source, bass slightly loses body transitioning into mids, but mids and highs stand out more. Personally, I prefer it with a warmer source. 

Let’s break it down with some test tracks:
* The songs I pick might vary, but I include this section so you can see if you hear the same things I do or if our impressions differ. This way, you can choose the level of trust you place in my review, as long as you have some of the IEMs I've reviewed.

• "Magnetic" – ILLit: Passed the test. Bass and vocals are well-placed, and mids-to-highs don’t feel overpowering, making it comfortable at higher volumes.

• "Los Aretes de la Luna" – Flora Martinez: Passed the test. The vocals have weight but sit a bit farther back than I’d like, just in the middle. while the background instruments blend smoothly, with bass filling out any empty spaces.

• "Safari Song" – Greta Van Fleet: Passed the test. Surprisingly, it doesn’t feel congested; there’s enough separation and space to enjoy the track, with the vocals nicely positioned, and the cymbals come through clearly without being harsh.

• "Deeper Still" – Incognito: Passed the test. The hi-hat is just right for my taste, no painful peaks, and the mix feels cohesive, there’s no sense of emptiness.

• "Woke Up" – XG: Passed the test. Sub-bass and bass are boosted but controlled. Vocals are smooth and well-positioned in the mix, though I would have liked a bit more treble clarity.

• "La paciencia" – Ekathé: Passed the test. The drums don’t sound muffled, and there’s no sense of emptiness, but it does feel a bit confined (more space in the soundstage would’ve been ideal).

• "Fly Me to the Moon (Live in Paris)" – Diana Krall: Passed the test. Warm, cozy, and naturally cohesive with a spacious sound.

Measurements

1. Frequency Response

This graph helps visualize the sound curve and gives a basic idea of the IEM's sound signature. It also helps spot issues like channel imbalance or damaged drivers, which might affect certain frequency ranges. In this case, the graph shows an expected result, with no noticeable issues in the frequency response.

Conclusions

For their size, they deliver surprisingly good sound, especially for casual, warm listening. While they don’t offer top-tier immersion, detail, or clarity, they perform well for what they are. Just keep in mind, these aren’t for true bassheads.

The Little Q need a good seal to sound their best. I usually wear S or M tips, but I had to use the L size here. There’s also a bit of air pressure buildup in the ear (noticeable, though not as bothersome as some other IEMs). Also, the cable connection to the driver seems a bit fragile, so handle with care.

Considering the current price, they’re a fantastic value and would make a fun and enjoyable gift, especially for someone new to IEMs.

If you're curious about where they rank on my rating list, you can check it out HERE

I hope you found this review helpful. Thanks a lot for reading this far! If you have any questions or want to share your thoughts, feel free to drop a comment below. Cheers!