Alpha & Delta KS100 Review  

 

Introduction:

Alpha & Delta is a Singapore based company that was founded by audiophiles with experience in the earphones retail industry.

The KS100 True Wireless IEM series offers two driver configurations: the AD16 a Single Dynamic Driver edition for users who prioritize bass response and the AD15 Hybrid Driver version (1x Dynamic and 1x Balanced Armature) for those seeking a more balanced and detailed sound. The earphones are similar in terms of design constructed from resin for durability and come in a variety of colors.

These two TWS IEM’s offer similar features: a Qualcomm QCC3040 Bluetooth Chipset with BT 5.2 standard for a stable connection, aptX support, the ability to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them easily, a built-in battery lasting up to 6 hours per charge, and a charging case extending playtime by up to 120 hours.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Alpha & Delta for providing me the KS100 TWS IEM’s for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Alpha & Delta beyond this review and all these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The KS100 True Wireless IEM series comes in two different driver configurations, with the price depending on the driver configuration. The Single Dynamic Driver Edition is available for $82.00, while the Hybrid Model has a slightly higher price tag of $97.00.

• Alpha & Delta KS100 (AD16) Single Dynamic Driver Edition
• Alpha & Delta KS100 (AD15) Hybrid Driver Edition

 

Package & Accessories:

Both KS100 variants are presented in a similar plain black box with a soft coating, featuring the Alpha & Delta branding in gold color on the top. The primary distinction between them is the label on the rear surface, which provides details about the specific model.

This box contains the following items & accessories;

• 1 x pair of Alpha & Delta KS100 TWS Earphones
• 1 x Charging case
• 4 x pairs of Silicone Ear Tips (S/MS/M/L)
• 1 x USB Type-C Charging Cable
• 1 x User Manual & Quick Star Guide

 

Design & Build Quality:

Earphones:

The Alpha & Delta KS100 comes with a gorgeous resin shell with a surprisingly small form factor. Its shape is similar to regular IEMs, but with a semi-custom design that prioritizes comfort. Despite its sub-$100 price tag, the build quality is fantastic. The monitors are IPX6 certified, meaning they can survive minor water splashes but cannot be submerged.

The KS100 is available in four different faceplate color options: blue, black, white, and pink. The main body has a dark tint. It comes in two color options: blue and black. In contrast, the pink and white versions have a transparent shell, allowing you to see the intricate internal components.

The faceplate itself prominently features the AD (Alpha & Delta) logo displayed on top. The most noticeable difference between them is that the Hybrid Driver Edition features a gold logo, while the Single Dynamic Driver Edition has a silver logo.

It also has a stylish, marble-like texture and a touch-sensitive surface for added functionality.

Under the faceplate of each earpiece, a small LED status indicator also resides. This indicator flashes depending on the operation status.

Taking a closer look at the inner surface of the monitors reveals the metal sound nozzle with a mesh on the top, and the charging connectors.

On the top of each earpiece is a small opening.

Charging Case:

Both variants come with a relatively small but weighty charging case that looks and feels pretty robust. On the top of each charging case is the Alpha & Delta brand logo.

The case has a metal chassis that is metallic blue for the hybrid model and black for the Single Dynamic Driver variant.

On the front of the case is the USB Type-C charging port.

A single hinge mechanism provides robust closure, though it might be a tad slippery.

Inside, the charging case are magnetic contacts for a secure fit and charging connection, preventing accidental drops.

L (Left) and R (Right) markings are located on the edges of the inner surface for easy identification, and four small LEDs in the center provide charging status information.

 

Fit-Comfort & Passive Noise Isolation:

The KS100 Series stands out for its comfortable shape, which resembles a universal in-ear monitor (IEM) with a semi-custom design. This design provides passive noise isolation that’s above average, effectively blocking a significant amount of noise in relatively noisy environments like buses or trains.

 

Battery Life:

Each earpiece is equipped with a battery that has a capacity of 40mAh, which gives you a playback duration of up to 6 hours. The charging case, on the other hand, has a very large 2500mAh capacity, adding up to 120 hours of additional playback time for the KS100.

Pairing, Navigation, Signal Strength, and Call Quality:

The pairing process for the Alpha & Delta KS100 series is quite easy. Simply take the earphones out of the charging case and they will be automatically recognized by your phone, tablet, or PC. They also offer a pretty stable connection within a range of about 10 meters, with latency that’s barely audible when watching videos.

The KS100 series also offers Multipoint Support, which lets you connect it to two devices simultaneously. This is a nice feature for users who switch between devices frequently.

The microphone quality was above average when paired with my Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra smartphone using the aptX codec.

 

Technical Specifications:

• Driver Model               : KS100
• Driver Type AD15      : 1x BA + 1x Dynamic Driver
• Driver Type AD16      : Single Dynamic Driver
• Sensitivity                   : 93 ± 3dB
• Bluetooth Chipset       : Qualcomm QCC3040
• Bluetooth version       : BT5.2 with Multi Point Connection
• Audio Codec’s            : AAC, SBC, aptX
• Bluetooth distance     : approx. 10 meters
• Microphone                 : 2x MIC’s (Sensitivity: 42 ± 3dB
• Earphones battery      : 40mAh for each earphone
• Charging case battery: 2500mAh
• Battery Duration         : up to 6 Hours (Earphones) / up to 120 hours (Charging Case)
• Water Resistance       : IPX6

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• TWS Earphones        : Alpha & Delta AD15 & AD16
• Source                       : Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, FiiO M11 M23

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Adele – My Little Love
• Sertap Erener – Aşk
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful
• Aretha Franklin – I Say a Little Prayer
• Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album
• Dionne Warwick – Walk On By
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel
• Sting – Englishman in New York
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On
• Elton John – Rocket Man
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
• Sting – Englishman in New York
• Casey Abrams – Robot Lovers
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Seasons”
• Otto Liebert & Luna Negra – The River
• Gogo Penguin – Raven
• Lorde – Royal Massive Attack – Angel
• Toutant – Rebirth
• Really Slow Motion – Deadwood
• Massive Attack – Angel
• Muse – The Handler
• Twerl – Lishu
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage
• Metallica – Sad but True
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets
• Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone
• Slayer – Angel of Death
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles

 

The Sound:

The Alpha & Delta KS100 TWS IEM Series offering a compelling combination of features. However, the KS100 comes in two distinct driver configurations: The AD16 with a Single Dynamic Driver and the AD15 with a Hybrid Driver setup (1x Balanced Armature + 1x Dynamic Driver). This begs the question: how do these configurations translate into real-world sonic experiences? Let’s take a deeper look into sonic performance covering the bass, midrange, treble, and soundstage performance of each variant to help you decide which best suits your listening preferences.

Bass:

The Single Dynamic Driver leans towards a warmer low-end response. The extension of the bass is great for a TWS IEM, delivering a satisfying sense of depth and rumble, which makes it suitable for genres like pop, hip-hop and electronic music. It sounds slightly more bass-heavy compared to the Hybrid variant, since it has less extension and presence in the upper midrange and treble register. This bass response makes it ideal bass heads who enjoy a powerful low-end presence. However, the warmth can occasionally mask some of the detail present in the lower midrange audible in some complex tracks like Gogo Penguin’s “Raven”.

The Hybrid Driver, on the other hand, offers a slightly tighter and more defined bass response. While it doesn’t lack in depth, the emphasis is slightly less pronounced compared to the Single Dynamic Driver variant (AD16). This makes the overall presentation noticeably cleaner, particularly audible in genres like rock, classic and especially in metal where a clear distinction between basslines and guitars is important. This makes the Hybrid variant (AD15) more suitable for those who prefer a more balanced low-end profile.

Midrange:

The midrange on both variants shows a good sense of spaciousness and clarity, especially the Hybrid Driver version of the KS100. Instruments and vocals are in general well separated for a TWS earphones. The result is a fairly natural and detailed presentation of vocals and instruments. However, some subtle differences emerge when comparing the two variants.

The Single Dynamic Driver variant of the KS100 (AD16) shows a warmer midrange tonality, with slightly more coloration towards the lower midrange register, which adds some extra body and weight to vocals. The Hybrid Driver variant of the KS100 (AD15) on the other hand is producing its lower midrange with a touch more neutrality and clarity. Vocals do sound slightly less lush on the Hybrid variant, but the overall transparency and detail created in the upper midrange area, adds female voices and instruments like woodwinds and pianos more presence and resolution.

Treble:

One of the key distinctions between the Single Dynamic Driver (AD16) and the Hybrid Driver version (AD15) lies in the treble presentation and performance. The KS100 Hybrid (AD15) delivers a crisper and more detailed presentation in this region thanks to its additional Balanced Armature Driver. It offers a higher level of detail, improved precision, and extended treble response. The result is a more energetic and sparkling presentation in this area, which particularly benefits genres like classical and metal music where instruments like percussions come more alive.

The Single Dynamic Driver version sounds slightly less aggressive in this area. While it still offers a surprising amount of macro detail for a TWS earphone, the treble range appear smoother and less detailed compared to the Hybrid variant. This can be a positive attribute for listeners who find bright treble fatiguing. The Single Dynamic Driver provides a smoother and more relaxed listening experience.

Soundstage:

One of the most surprising aspects of the KS100 Series is its capability when it comes to the soundstage performance. Both variants offer a wider soundstage than what’s typically expected from true wireless earbuds. Imaging, the ability to pinpoint the location of instruments within the soundstage, is pretty decent for TWS earphones. This makes the KS100 Series to a good choice, especially the Hybrid variant if you want an above average performance in terms of imaging.

The Hybrid Driver variant offers a marginally wider and more defined soundstage compared to the Single Dynamic Driver due to its additional Balanced Armature driver’s that has the ability to handle higher frequencies with greater precision, in order to create a more spacious and airy sound presentation.

 

Conclusion:

The Alpha & Delta KS100 True Wireless IEM series stands out as a versatile and robust option for music enthusiasts. The AD16 model, with its Single Dynamic Driver, caters to bass lovers who crave that extra thump in their music. On the other hand, the AD15 with its Hybrid Driver setup offers a more balanced and nuanced sound profile, perfect for those who appreciate the finer details in their audio experience. Both models boast a sleek resin construction, available in a variety of colors, and share a suite of features like the Qualcomm QCC3040 Bluetooth Chipset, BT 5.2 standard, aptX support, and the ability to maintain a stable connection with two devices simultaneously. The impressive battery life of up to 6 hours, extendable to 120 hours with the charging case, ensures that your music stays with you throughout the day.

Ultimately, whether you choose the AD16 or the AD15, the KS100 series promises a high-quality audio experience without breaking the bank. It’s a testament to Alpha & Delta’s commitment to delivering excellent sound and build quality at an accessible price point.

 

Pros & Cons: 

• + Decent Sound Performance for TWS Earphones (especially at this price level)
• + Entertaining Bass Reponses (AD16 & AD15)
• + Overall Clarity and Resolution (Especially the AD15)
• + Above Average Battery Life (up to 120 with the charging case)
• + Stabile BT Connection
• + Good Fit and Passive Isolation
• + Excellent Value for your Money

• – No LDAC Support
• – Heavy Charging Case
• – No Dedicated APP

 

Thank you for the Read!