Firstly I would like to thank HiFiGO for sending this sample for me to review.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
Pixel 3a / iBasso DX200 > BD005 Pro (Silicone tips)
Tech Specs:
3D Printed Earpieces
9.2mm Beryllium Diaphragm Dynamic Driver Unit
Custom tuned 30095 series high-frequency BA driver
2-Pin 0.78mm Connectors
Impedance: 26Ω
Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz
Sensitivity: 108±2dB
Termination Plug: 3.5mm
Kinera BD005 Pro 3D Printed Hybrid In-Ear Earphone
Packaging, Build Quality and Accessories
The BD005 Pro come in typical Kinera packaging, a nice quality hexagonal box with the model printed on the front and specifications on the back, open up the box and you’ll find the carry case held in a foam insert. The earphones are in the carry case, you also get a user manual and also a card with all of Kinera’s social channels for you to joining their community. These are nice little touches and add to the unboxing experience, especially for the price.
The BD005 Pro are very well built, the 3D printed housings feel really sturdy and the 2-pin sockets and detachable cable are all of great quality too. The cable is the normal black twisted variety with mic and controls for smartphone use, these are designed for portable use and are easily driven from a phone, there is good strain relief and the moulded earhooks are comfortable.
Accessory wise you get a basic clamshell carry case and 3 pairs of silicone tips (S/M/L) – this isn’t a lot to be honest and a few more tips would have been nice. For the price you can’t really complain, but Kinera do only include the essentials with these.
Comfort and Isolation
The BD005 Pro are well designed, the housings are smooth and comfortable in the ear once you settle on the right tips. The cable is soft and falls neatly behind your ears, all in all they are great for daily use and long listening sessions.
Isolation is also good, they are vented so don’t expect sealed BA model levels of isolation, but they block out more than enough outside noise for most daily usage.
Sound
Lows: Being a dual driver hybrid setup you have a single dynamic driver handling the lows/mids and a BA handling the treble, the beryllium driver of the BD005 Pro is very clean and controlled though, whilst still having that dynamic driver tactility. The low end hits with good impact, and digs deep when called for, but it is very articulate and responsive never becoming bloated. The BD005 Pro are tuned to sound quite flat, with some EQ you could easily bring out a little more impact and presence, but I find this tuning to be really enjoyable and it works well with multiple genres. The lows don’t bleed in to the midrange, there is a slight sub-bass lift in the BD005 Pro which adds to the overall sound providing some body and rumble in a subtle way.
Midrange: Due to the lows not bleeding into the midrange, male vocals cut through with excellent presence and clarity, really impressive in this price range. Vocals could perhaps have a tiny bit more warmth to sound a little more natural, but they are not thin or too clinical luckily, there is also really good layering in the midrange which helps with the separation and sense of space. There is a tiny hint of sibilance in the upper midrange, but it isn’t problematic to my ears the lack of excessive warmth is good when it comes to more aggressive music as guitars have the power and edge to cut through the mix without being drowned out. If you enjoy a clean midrange these could be a great option in this price range.
Treble: The single BA driver does a great job up top, these are only $50 so taking that in to account they have a very complete and clean sound for the price. The treble isn’t the most refined, it does sometimes sound a little splashy, but it extends well and the presence is great. There is great energy in the lower treble without becoming too hot for my tastes, you don’t miss out on things in the upper region which is good. These are not dull, but they don’t have an exaggerated sound in any part of the spectrum, which means they are energetic but not too in-your-face.
Soundstaging and Instrument Separation
The BD005 Pro have an above average soundstage for the price, due to the controlled sound they have great air and space whilst still having good intimacy when called for. The soundstage is wider than it is tall, but overall it’s very good.
Separation is a strong point, you can clearly hear every bit of the mix even when it gets complex, Kinera have done a really good job at making these clean, transparent yet also engaging and easy to listen to.
Conclusion
If you are in the market for a cheap but well balanced model with a clean and crisp midrange the BD005 Pro should definitely be on your radar – for $50 they offer up a lot of control and detail for the price. These are not bass heavy, nor are they thin or bright sounding, they have an engaging but nicely balanced sound that is quite unusual at their price point.
Sound Perfection Rating: 7/10 (clean and crisp sound with great build quality and comfort)