Disclaimer:

Hello MBA readers! We’re back with another excellent IEM from Kiwi Ears. This time, we have the Kiwi Ears Astral, a hybrid model without exotic drivers but with a fairly above-average number of drivers. This time, we have a single dynamic driver paired with six balanced armatures per side.

When you start tuning so many drivers, it’s not easy, and I always worry they might sound a bit too spicy, but Kiwi Ears has proven they have a good ear.

Thanks to Kiwi Ears for this review unit.

I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy who likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music. I fall into the audio enthusiast category.

So I’m not going to use super technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.

Tech Specs:

• Drivers 1*10 mm bioceramic‑diaphragm dynamic driver  + 6 Balanced Armatures
• Sensitivity: 105dB (±1)
• Impedance: 23Ω (±1)
• THD: <1%
• Frequency Response: 10Hz – 22kHz
• Cable Details: 1.2 Meter Detachable Cable

Packaging:

Kiwi Ears’ packaging is always well-made and meticulously crafted. They’ve set a standard and are maintaining it across the entire product line. This model, in particular, is priced higher than average, around $270, and fortunately, the accessories are superior in quality.

Inside, we find:

• Hard case
• Excellently made modular cable
• Replacement filters
• Eartips similar to model 07

If I really had to find something to complain about, I’d focus on the quantity of Eartips. I would have also included a different model to improve the fit for more users. However, given the price of the model, some rolling tips are essential.

Design/Build Quality:

The Kiwi Ears Astral is an important model, visible both visually and physically, as the resin shells are of high quality. They aren’t particularly flashy, especially if the sun isn’t shining on them, but they are very fine and elegant. The shell structure is more similar to custom-built IEMs and is a bit thicker given the presence of multiple drivers on each side. Unfortunately, the resin is completely dark, so you can’t peek inside. The latest transparent Kiwi Ears Orchestra II are beautiful. Personally, I wish they’d always make a transparent version for all the resin models. Getting back to the important stuff, the shells are well-made with soft shapes and feature a very understated faceplate with a few glittery blue flakes. There is a single ventilation hole on the back of the IEM like on the Hidizs MS5, but I believe this is connected to all the internal drivers to release pressure to the outside and avoid overloading the internal ear canal.

Initial sound impression:

The Kiwi Ears Astral is a very composed hybrid IEM, with a noble and elegant presence. I expected it to be anything but relaxing, but I have to admit that its neutrality and fluidity make it perfect for long listening sessions and also very useful for gaming.

They could have pushed it much more, but perhaps it’s better that way than making it too spicy, since with all the drivers present, detail and brilliance are still evident. Both the upper mids and treble are perfectly tuned without any noticeable peaks, and in my opinion, an IEM like this without sibilance is very rare.

The tuning isn’t Harman, so having something slightly different from the crowd is another positive.

Judging from first impressions, it could be suitable for gaming given its ability to reproduce sounds precisely and create a realistic soundstage.

Furthermore, I think those who work with music and mastering will also appreciate it very much.

Equipment used for testing:

Device:

• MacOS
• Poco M4 Pro

Software:

• Amazon Music UHD 24-bit 96kHz 

DAC:

• Fosi Audio K7 on Balanced

Comfort & Fit:

Perfect shape and size. The Kiwi Ears Astral, although a bit chubby as an IEM, fits like a glove. I have fairly large ears, so I could probably fit a plane, but trust me, with the right eartips, these fit without a problem. I’ve read people say the nozzle is large, but in reality, it’s perfectly average. At most, it might seem short, but I assure you, it’s not as short as the one on the HIFIMAN Svanar Wireless, which they practically forgot to include.

Tips & Cable Rolling?

I personally found the EPZ M100 in a medium size, I think, and they’re the ones I bought. Whichever way I wear them, the seal is perfect.

I don’t think it’s necessary, but I still wanted to try the usual Effect Audio Ares II cable. I assure you, the original is more than enough, and to be precise, a balanced one wouldn’t even be necessary, but to drive them to their full potential, it’s definitely the best choice.

The original cable is excellently made, and doesn’t need any improvement as far as I’m concerned.

Final sound impression:

After more than a week of use, I can say they’re well-made hybrids. I think it’s easier to love them than hate them, but it all depends on what you expect. If your goal is an analytical and serious IEM for mostly critical listening, then perhaps you should look elsewhere. But if you’re looking for something fun and carefree, you’re in the right place. The vibrating driver has been perfectly implemented with the Kiwi Ears sound, and the result is pure enjoyment. They may not be perfect, but they’ll definitely make you smile all the time. One thing is certain: Kiwi Ears is putting a lot of effort and dedication into their products, establishing themselves as a brand you can trust.

Bass

Slightly higher than neutral, not suitable for bassheads and perhaps slightly above the expectations of neutralheads. For me, it adds a bit of spice to the soundstage. That 10mm dynamic driver with bioceramic diaphragm does its job quickly, composedly, and precisely. It comes into play quickly if the track calls for it, excellent sub-bass that maintains the naturalness of the sound. Correct decay. It gives the right body to the sound, adding that weight to the notes. Without the IEM, it could sound light.

Mids

The Kiwi Ears Astral’s mids are truly well-crafted and 100% faithful to the nature of male and female vocals. Their presence is quite forward, perfectly matching the rest of the soundstage.

There aren’t many sets these days that can let you follow vocals and even musical instruments with this precision.

Turn up the volume and enjoy this fantastic Kiwi Ears set.

You won’t hear a trace of sibilance or harshness even when you turn up the volume; in fact, the soundstage opens up completely.

Treble

Expertly tuned trebles, detail is abundant thanks to the presence of numerous balanced armatures, so Kiwi Ears decided to keep the extension slightly limited, perhaps sacrificing a bit of air but making the IEM listenable even at volumes often prohibited for this type of IEM. Achieving smooth, fluid, and detailed results from BA-equipped IEMs is no easy feat, but this Kiwi Ears Astral is a prime example. The sheer amount of sparkle and sparkle results in an explosion of detail.

Soundstage and Imaging:

These are also at very high levels for the price range. The soundstage is expansive but not overbearing, with a truly clear image that makes them suitable for gaming as well. The internal crossover and all the workmanship hidden within deliver a clear, well-separated sound in all situations.

Turn up the volume and enjoy the expanding soundstage.

Comparison:

Since this IEM has a different target audience, it’s a bit difficult to make a direct comparison with other competitors. In my opinion, this is a hybrid IEM that truly deserves a mention. For example, if I think back to the Hidizs MS5 from a while ago, it had several peaks that didn’t make listening particularly enjoyable, and in comparison, this is a much more sophisticated IEM. Kiwi Ears is doing a really good job, constantly producing and improving their IEMs, making this brand very interesting at the moment.

Conclusion:

The Kiwi Ears Astral is the IEM you wouldn’t expect: a unique gem with meta-ish tuning that stands out after a slew of Harman-tuned IEMs. Because it is so distinctive, it’s important to keep in mind that, considering its configuration, this IEM could easily cost much more.

The choice of this tuning is spot on, aiming for a natural and neutral representation with a slight emphasis on the low end. The naturalness achieved pays off with a rich and detailed sound that’s very faithful to the source. These are IEMs that I see as suitable for gaming but also for music producers. I forgot to mention that this type of tuning is very practical and suitable for all the music genres I’ve tried. The mids are very refined, and the blend, along with the treble, is fantastic. Having achieved such a fluid and smooth hybrid is a credit to Kiwi Ears.

In my opinion, for their price, they’re something to have in your collection.

9/10

Pros: 

• Good Resin build quality
• Extremely Neutral + Resolving
• All-Rounder Meta-ish Tuning
• Crispy, Detailed
• Sibilance Free (Smooooooooth)
• The DD Bass presence is on spot
• BAs are working as a charm
• Nice soundstage
• Extra crisp separation with precise layering
• No harshness or spicy peaks

Cons: 

• Bass is just slightly more than neutral (I like it)
• Treble could not be enough for the trebleheads
• Finger prints magnet

More information: