--
I want to introduce you to the one and only K's 500ohm Earbud:
-All photography in this review was taken by me-
**Disclaimer - I was given the opportunity to test out the K's 500 Earbud, from NiceHCK on AliExpress. I received no monetary gain for my work on this review, only my ears benefit.**
[Product Link]: www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-K-s-Earphone-500-ohm-Balanced-High-Impedance-In-Ear-Earphone-Earbud-500-ohms-Earbud/32751502658.html
*Specifications*
Impedance: 500 Ω
Earphone sensitivity: 110dB/mW
Frequency range: 10-35000Hz
Cable Length: 1.2m
*Contents*
- Wood Box
- K's 500ohm Earbud (Version 2)
- Leather Cable Management Strap
- 8 Sets of Various Foam Covers
The wood box is a premium touch, which displays your individual build number.
There is also an included leather strap to keep your cable sorted when not in use. It is not only beautiful, but works properly well.
The addition of 8 sets of foam covers in a plethora of hues allows you to find a color scheme that works best for you
*Build/Design*
The black housings are just the typical MX500 plastic frame. There is no Left/Right labeling on either of the earbuds, instead one must look to the beautifully braided cable for that information. Once you glance at the cable, you will notice a tiny ring that only is put on one side of the earbuds, well, that is the right side earbud.
There are two models of the K's 500 earbud; Version 1 and Version 2. As far as I can tell, there is no difference between the two, except for the 3.5mm plug type. For the Version 2 which is shown in this review, the 3.5mm is a work of carbon fiber art. Looks amazing with K's logo inscribed along the top.
There can be some slight noise within the housings, as I can hear the cable rub a little against the inside when I move around. Also, just touching the earbud or cable can cause a small amount of microphonics.
The drivers are stunningly matched and balanced. I find it best to put foobar2000 in Mono and listen for any differences in tone. The K's 500 easily passed this test, showing off its high end attention to detail.
*Fit/Comfort*
Again, these are just the standard MX500 style housing, so fit is going to depend if you like how earbuds feel. For me, it is a perfect fit with a pair of included foam covers. Personally I could wear these earbuds with absolutely no complaints.
*Sound*
- All Sound and Comparisons Testing was done with my ORB Jade Casa DSD & Amp -
Lows - The K's 500 greets you with great extension throughout the bottom end, with a special touch of sub-bass. The lows are controlled and wonderfully tuned. There is an ease to the bass that warm the ears with satisfaction. It is rare to find an earbud with this smoothness and accuracy in the lows.
Mids - The mids are meet with shivery and honesty. It is a pleasure to hear vocals come through with such poise. The satisfaction felt in the middle is something quite exceptional. Example, "What is Love" by Kiesa, absolutely blew me away.
Highs - One of my favorite songs to test the upper frequencies is Joe Satriani's - "Friends". His guitar hits some notes high enough to crush some earphones, but not the K's 500. Instead the sophisticated earbud grabs every little detail without becoming harsh or sibilant.
Soundstage - There is a great width to the K's 500 that demonstrates wonderful instrument separation.
*Portable Sources*
Having an impedance of 500ohm, you would think that driving these for a quality sound would be difficult. While they do shine with a proper amp, they are still pretty darn good even with lessor sources.
I even tried these with my little FiiO M3. The playback was a bit warmer, but still very enjoyable. I had to turn the volume up a little more than with smaller impedance earbuds, but I had plenty of room to push them even farther if needed. Not an optimal mate, but in a pinch it works.
One mini setup I was surprised with the result it generated was matching the K's 500 with the combo of the Onn X5 and cMoyBB (Bass Boost Off). This produced a magically smooth, yet accurate sound which I enjoyed for a large amount of time. With the amp on the cMoyBB is not exactly known for its power, it seemed to drive the K's 500 without any issues. Bringing together a bass light DAP, with a warmer amp made for a wonderful marriage with the K's 500.
Of course, I had to venture a try with my trusty Samsung Galaxy S4. I might have even have played a guilty pleasure song by way of Maroon 5's - "Don't Wanna Know". There is even a rumor I was enjoying it so much... I may have danced around until my wife caught me, though she is known to lie . I hope she does not read this. Please don't tell her, or anyone that I like a few Maroon 5 songs.... but I digress.
Next up was the portable device with the best chance to drive the K's 500 to higher levels. The one and only budget beast xDuoo x3 (ROCKBoxed). This pairing produced the most refined sound for on the go. Listening to Tom Petty's - "You Don't How it Feels", reveled a small taste of the excellence the K's 500 is capable of generating.
*Comparisons*
- For testing purposes, I used the EXACT same medium thickness foam covers on all earbuds -
For this section, I will be comparing the K's 500 to the Dark Horse G400 and the TY Hi-Z 650. Funny thing about all these earbuds is that their impedance is also their model name, so it is easy to remember which is which. At this high level, driving all these earbuds is important for testing. Thus why I only used my ORB Jade Casa Amp/DAC combo to find the difference between these three earbuds.
Build wise, they all share the exact same size, MX500 style plastic housings. Next, they all have a premium cable, but there are some differences. Starting with the G400, the cable is SUPER soft and pliable, however is is also turning green. While I am a function over form kind of guy, it is nice to have a good looking earbud when spending in this price range. The cable on the K's 500 is clearly made from higher end materials, that are good looking and strong. The Hi-Z 650 cable takes the middle ground. It is softer like the G400, but is not turning green anytime soon. The G400 also gets beat when it comes to the 3.5mm plug, of which both the K'S500 and Hi-Z 650 are made of high quality components.
Finally when it comes to sound, the G400 finds it self being out classed yet again. The signature produced by the G400 is a bit too relaxed and veiled. The G400 also seems to have drivers that are not particularity matched very well. The Hi-Z 650 and K's 500 find themselves sharing a higher level of overall sound quality. They both produce a sound that is very pleasing to the ears. The Hi-Z take everything thrown it with ease and has a playback reserved for a top end headphones. Differences only coming with the K's 500 being able to sort out the highs with a surgeon like skill. The smoothness of the Hi-Z can be more agreeable for longer listening and the K's 500 excels at shorter use examination.
*Conclusion*
I love it when a product shines, as it makes completing my review a much easier task. Que the K's 500 Earbud, which took hold of my interest with an attentive sound that is extremely enjoyable.
What surprised me was the K's 500 ability to be driven by a multitude of sources I thought it would struggle with. This earbud scales up particularly well. It gives you the most it can, no matter what you throw at it.
The K's 500 is a premium earbud in every sense of the word; Sound, looks and function. It is such a treat every time I place these in my ears.
**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**
www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/
www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/
twitter.com/BloodyPenguin
I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:
Earbuds Anonymous: www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/
--
I want to introduce you to the one and only K's 500ohm Earbud:
-All photography in this review was taken by me-
**Disclaimer - I was given the opportunity to test out the K's 500 Earbud, from NiceHCK on AliExpress. I received no monetary gain for my work on this review, only my ears benefit.**
[Product Link]: www.aliexpress.com/item/Hot-K-s-Earphone-500-ohm-Balanced-High-Impedance-In-Ear-Earphone-Earbud-500-ohms-Earbud/32751502658.html
*Specifications*
Impedance: 500 Ω
Earphone sensitivity: 110dB/mW
Frequency range: 10-35000Hz
Cable Length: 1.2m
*Contents*
- Wood Box
- K's 500ohm Earbud (Version 2)
- Leather Cable Management Strap
- 8 Sets of Various Foam Covers
The wood box is a premium touch, which displays your individual build number.
There is also an included leather strap to keep your cable sorted when not in use. It is not only beautiful, but works properly well.
The addition of 8 sets of foam covers in a plethora of hues allows you to find a color scheme that works best for you
*Build/Design*
The black housings are just the typical MX500 plastic frame. There is no Left/Right labeling on either of the earbuds, instead one must look to the beautifully braided cable for that information. Once you glance at the cable, you will notice a tiny ring that only is put on one side of the earbuds, well, that is the right side earbud.
There are two models of the K's 500 earbud; Version 1 and Version 2. As far as I can tell, there is no difference between the two, except for the 3.5mm plug type. For the Version 2 which is shown in this review, the 3.5mm is a work of carbon fiber art. Looks amazing with K's logo inscribed along the top.
There can be some slight noise within the housings, as I can hear the cable rub a little against the inside when I move around. Also, just touching the earbud or cable can cause a small amount of microphonics.
The drivers are stunningly matched and balanced. I find it best to put foobar2000 in Mono and listen for any differences in tone. The K's 500 easily passed this test, showing off its high end attention to detail.
*Fit/Comfort*
Again, these are just the standard MX500 style housing, so fit is going to depend if you like how earbuds feel. For me, it is a perfect fit with a pair of included foam covers. Personally I could wear these earbuds with absolutely no complaints.
*Sound*
- All Sound and Comparisons Testing was done with my ORB Jade Casa DSD & Amp -
Lows - The K's 500 greets you with great extension throughout the bottom end, with a special touch of sub-bass. The lows are controlled and wonderfully tuned. There is an ease to the bass that warm the ears with satisfaction. It is rare to find an earbud with this smoothness and accuracy in the lows.
Mids - The mids are meet with shivery and honesty. It is a pleasure to hear vocals come through with such poise. The satisfaction felt in the middle is something quite exceptional. Example, "What is Love" by Kiesa, absolutely blew me away.
Highs - One of my favorite songs to test the upper frequencies is Joe Satriani's - "Friends". His guitar hits some notes high enough to crush some earphones, but not the K's 500. Instead the sophisticated earbud grabs every little detail without becoming harsh or sibilant.
Soundstage - There is a great width to the K's 500 that demonstrates wonderful instrument separation.
*Portable Sources*
Having an impedance of 500ohm, you would think that driving these for a quality sound would be difficult. While they do shine with a proper amp, they are still pretty darn good even with lessor sources.
I even tried these with my little FiiO M3. The playback was a bit warmer, but still very enjoyable. I had to turn the volume up a little more than with smaller impedance earbuds, but I had plenty of room to push them even farther if needed. Not an optimal mate, but in a pinch it works.
One mini setup I was surprised with the result it generated was matching the K's 500 with the combo of the Onn X5 and cMoyBB (Bass Boost Off). This produced a magically smooth, yet accurate sound which I enjoyed for a large amount of time. With the amp on the cMoyBB is not exactly known for its power, it seemed to drive the K's 500 without any issues. Bringing together a bass light DAP, with a warmer amp made for a wonderful marriage with the K's 500.
Of course, I had to venture a try with my trusty Samsung Galaxy S4. I might have even have played a guilty pleasure song by way of Maroon 5's - "Don't Wanna Know". There is even a rumor I was enjoying it so much... I may have danced around until my wife caught me, though she is known to lie . I hope she does not read this. Please don't tell her, or anyone that I like a few Maroon 5 songs.... but I digress.
Next up was the portable device with the best chance to drive the K's 500 to higher levels. The one and only budget beast xDuoo x3 (ROCKBoxed). This pairing produced the most refined sound for on the go. Listening to Tom Petty's - "You Don't How it Feels", reveled a small taste of the excellence the K's 500 is capable of generating.
*Comparisons*
- For testing purposes, I used the EXACT same medium thickness foam covers on all earbuds -
For this section, I will be comparing the K's 500 to the Dark Horse G400 and the TY Hi-Z 650. Funny thing about all these earbuds is that their impedance is also their model name, so it is easy to remember which is which. At this high level, driving all these earbuds is important for testing. Thus why I only used my ORB Jade Casa Amp/DAC combo to find the difference between these three earbuds.
Build wise, they all share the exact same size, MX500 style plastic housings. Next, they all have a premium cable, but there are some differences. Starting with the G400, the cable is SUPER soft and pliable, however is is also turning green. While I am a function over form kind of guy, it is nice to have a good looking earbud when spending in this price range. The cable on the K's 500 is clearly made from higher end materials, that are good looking and strong. The Hi-Z 650 cable takes the middle ground. It is softer like the G400, but is not turning green anytime soon. The G400 also gets beat when it comes to the 3.5mm plug, of which both the K'S500 and Hi-Z 650 are made of high quality components.
Finally when it comes to sound, the G400 finds it self being out classed yet again. The signature produced by the G400 is a bit too relaxed and veiled. The G400 also seems to have drivers that are not particularity matched very well. The Hi-Z 650 and K's 500 find themselves sharing a higher level of overall sound quality. They both produce a sound that is very pleasing to the ears. The Hi-Z take everything thrown it with ease and has a playback reserved for a top end headphones. Differences only coming with the K's 500 being able to sort out the highs with a surgeon like skill. The smoothness of the Hi-Z can be more agreeable for longer listening and the K's 500 excels at shorter use examination.
*Conclusion*
I love it when a product shines, as it makes completing my review a much easier task. Que the K's 500 Earbud, which took hold of my interest with an attentive sound that is extremely enjoyable.
What surprised me was the K's 500 ability to be driven by a multitude of sources I thought it would struggle with. This earbud scales up particularly well. It gives you the most it can, no matter what you throw at it.
The K's 500 is a premium earbud in every sense of the word; Sound, looks and function. It is such a treat every time I place these in my ears.
**You can see more of my photography and follow me at:**
www.facebook.com/JustinMinerPhotography/
www.instagram.com/justinminerphotography/
twitter.com/BloodyPenguin
I've also started a Facebook Group for earbud fans:
Earbuds Anonymous: www.facebook.com/groups/EarbudsAnonymous/
--
I appreciate you provide nice reveiw.
I have a question.
I'm using iPhone 6s and I don't want to use amp.
If I use this k's earphone 500 without any amp, Is this earphone not good ??
I'm Korean so my English is not good.
I hope your kindness answer.
have a good weekend.