Kiwi Ears KE4 Review
Intro
Today I have with me the Kiwi Ears KE4 from the fine audio brand Kiwi Ears. I’m a hair later to the party with this set but I am more than happy to get to speak on the KE4 and experience what it’s all about. The KE4 comes in with an MSRP of around $199 and sits nestled in one of the more competitive price points within the Audioverse. Now, the KE4 is a fairly ambitious iem from Kiwi Ears as the slick looking shells house two dynamic drivers and two balanced armature drivers and comes with the latest New Meta tuning. I suppose my first question will center around the implementation of those drivers as well as the overall tuning, and how the KE4 fits within the current market. Lately we’ve been inundated with copy-cat style tunings. Yet somehow, I think the KE4 is fairly unique in how Kiwi Ears went about tuning the KE4. I suppose we shall see, but if earlier New Meta tuned sets are any indication than this one will be very unique.
Kiwi Ears
For those who don’t know, Kiwi Ears have been around for a hot minute and are still relatively new. Of course, they’ve had so many hits and so few misses that it almost seems like they’ve been around longer. This is a brand committed to crafting and creating iems & audio devices that are both technologically relevant and also committed to make sure their products stand-out against the competition. We all know how many brands simply copy, copy, copy. We see it all the time folks. However, go down Kiwi Ears list of products. Look at their past releases. One after the other they are quality sets “per the price point”. Sets like the Kiwi Ears Cadenza (Cadenza Review), the Kiwi Ears Dolce, Kiwi Ears Forteza (Mahir’s Forteza Review), Kiwi Ears Melody, Kiwi Ears Canta, the collab Kiwi Ears X-Crinacle Singolo (Singolo Review), Kiwi Ears Quartet (Mahir’s Quartet Review), Kiwi Ears Quintet, the astounding Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite (Orchestra Lite Review), and finally their flagship Kiwi Ears Orchestra (Mahir’s Orchestra Review). Not to mention their Kiwi Ears Allegro, and Allegro Mini dongle dacs. Each and every product is well timed and relevant. Every one of them. They don’t flood the market, Kiwi Ears doesn’t promise amazing feats of sonic amazement, and they don’t overprice their iems and audio devices. Kiwi Ears exudes price to performance with products which may be lower priced… but they aren’t cheap. There’s a difference. Also, no this isn’t a Kiwi Ears commercial, but I really do love to see solid brands get their flowers. Furthermore, this is only my opinion. Over and above that… this also seems to be the consensus amongst most hobbyists.
Competition
Of course there are loads of competitive sets around that $200 price. I actually just reviewed a phenomenal iem in the Juzear 61T Butterfly (61T Review), or even the Simgot SuperMix 4 (SM4 Review). Shoot, there are two handfuls of great single DD sets like the Simgot EA1000 (EA1000 Review), Dunu Falcon Ultra etc. Or even planar sets like the Hidizs MP145 (MP145 Review) and most importantly the absolutely wonderful Letshuoer S12 2024 (S12 2024 Review). I listed about 5% of the competitive iems around $200. The truth is, I don’t have the patience to pull all of the links or else I’d list them all. Point is, there is a mountain of good sets. As I said before, the KE4 has to really be special and do something different to stand out. Or maybe it just does the same thing we’re used to… but better. I have only heard a couple New Meta tuned sets and so this should be interesting to say the least. I guess I have to get them in my ears to find out. So, with all of that said, let’s check out Kiwi Ears latest, the Kiwi Ears KE4 everyone…
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Disclaimer:
I received the Kiwi Ears KE4 from Kiwi Ears in exchange for a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a review sample iem. Kiwi Ears has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to the very kind people of Kiwi Ears and thanks for reading.
KE4 Pros
-Very comfortable and extremely ergonomic (for me)
-Love the minimalist design
-Nice and warmly weighted without sounding veiled
-Timbre is natural, earthy, atmospheric, organic and rich
-Musicality overload
-Very deep, very fun, foundational bass
-Lush midrange, full note weight, yet still reasonably detailed
-Vocals are utterly wonderful
-Treble is not very emphasized, yet articulate, nuanced
-Nice warm macro-dynamic energy
-Details will surprise with its warm tonality
-Good depth of stage
KE4 Cons
-New Meta tuning is slightly polarizing
-Those who enjoy a more analytical style may not be down with the KE4
-Bass could be better defined
-Treble is not very airy or brilliant
-Soundstage width is not very grand
Gear used for testing
–Ifi Go Blu
–EPZ TP50
–Simgot Dew4x
–Aful SnowyNight
–Fiio Q15
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
The Kiwi Ears KE4 arrived at my house in a medium sized (what’s medium?) black box sporting an outer sleeve which is handsomely decorated with a picture of the KE4 in the front. You see their bright and vibrant logo in the top left corner and “KE4” at the bottom right. So, take the sleeve off and the inner box is just as handsome. I like the deep black with the silver Kiwi Ears logo in the middle. It makes for at least a couple nice pictures which is always welcomed. Anyways, take off the box top and inside you’ll see the fly looking KE4 sitting slick in some foam covered cardboard cut-outs. Peel off that layer and you’ll spot the carrying case, all black and also sporting the logo. You’ll also find the eartips, some nozzle mesh filters and of course the cable as well. Overall, a decent $199 package. It won’t blow your mind but also, it’s decent and you are getting one heck of an iem.
Carrying case
I don’t have a ton to say about the carrying case and I’m fairly positive that 92% of you could care less. However, I’m speaking for that last 8% who actually want to know about the case. Believe me, I would much rather couple all accessories in one paragraph. Who am I kidding, that’s just not me. Anyways, the case is pretty slick. It’s an all-black and fabric covered hard case with a working zipper. Can I just say, I’ve always been a fan of the Kiwi Ears logo. So, I don’t mind that the logo is also right in the middle of the case. Looks sweet, looks fun, yet doesn’t come across cheesy. That’s a tough thing to accomplish. Anyways, the case is just large enough to fit your KE4 as well as the cable, possibly some tips and if you are good at situating things in tight spots, you may even fit a small dongle dac. So, it’s a decent carrying case which will do well enough at protecting your precious earphones.
Eartips
Inside of the packaging Kiwi Ears provides the buyer with three pairs (S, M, L) of their very own Kiwi Ears Flex eartips. Folks, these tips are very comfortable, actually extremely comfortable. They are an off-white-colored soft silicone eartip with an ear wax and debris silicone guard over the open hole. I don’t know how I feel about the silicone guard over the nozzle. To me I feel that it will impede on the overall sound. Oddly enough I couldn’t be more wrong. Also, the silicone isn’t some flimsy and chinsy type silicone that won’t hold the form of your inner ear. On the contrary, I feel like these tips hug my ears. Now that I’ve said these nice things I have to now declare that I didn’t actually use the included tips with the KE4. I instead used some of my favorite wide bore eartips in the Letshuoer blue shallow fit wide bore eartips. This set really does sound better to my ears with wide bore tips. There’s almost a subtle vibrance which comes to the sound, bass feels slightly tighter too. You may have slightly different results so do keep that in mind. Also, the included tips sound very good with this set as well so please don’t think you need to tip-roll. If I didn’t get the idea to try wide-bore tips I never would’ve used anything but the Flex tips. So, to be clear the Kiwi Ears Flex eartips are nice tips.
Cable
Guys and gals, maybe I haven’t looked hard enough, but I cannot find anything out about this cable. I checked all of my usual spots and don’t have a clue what the material is. Oh well. Anyways, Kiwi Ears provides a decent cable with the KE4. It’s a 2-pin cable, brown in color, nice braid, and ends in a 3.5 single ended jack. Okay so, I definitely would have liked to see a modular cable with such a prolific set. Listen, this is not a bad cable by any stretch of the imagination, but I also feel that the majority of folks will likely swap cables. I’m not saying it’s a bad cable. In fact, it’s quite nice. However, it is slightly under the price point. Beyond that, the KE4 does benefit from more power provided to these drivers which is something that a 4.4 balanced cable will help to provide to a slightly greater extent. Depending on your source of course. Also, I wish Kiwi Ears would’ve added a fat and silver cable. I wanted that so much that I swapped cables to the KBear Chord 4.4 balanced cable and man is it slick looking with this set. It looks so cool! What a pair. Also, the Graphene of the Chord seems to improve any set I attach it to. The KE4 is no different. I highly suggest picking up the Chord for any earphone and in this case, I feel it does help both aesthetically and sonically with the KE4. Again, the cable which comes packaged is not bad at all and will most certainly do the job it was created to do. I just think there are some better cables which pair better in a few different ways with the KE4.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
So, we’ve seen an influx of all-resin iems. Even as low as $35. However, please don’t make the mistake of thinking that the KE4 is one and the same with cheaper sets. It truly isn’t. This resin is so well done that I get that premium sense when they are in my hands. The Shells are actually made by way of 3D printing using medical-grade resin materials. Everything else is handcrafted by Kiwi Ears talented staff. The nozzles are roughly about 6mm in width, and they don’t extend too far into the ear. About medium length, or average length I’d say. You’ll notice a fairly large back vent with a filter mesh covering it which is there to regulate pressure in and out of the ear, as well as for tuning purposes. You cannot find a rough spot on this set. Everything has smooth curves, is all about comfort, and ergonomics are awesome with this set. Just a very well built iem from front to back. Really a job well done Kiwi Ears!
Design
This brings me to the design of the KE4. Did I ever tell you that I’m a sucker for a minimalist yet classy design? Well, I am now. It’s a dope look. So simple and yet so sleek, slick, and cool. The Shells themselves are mostly black in color with what appears to be silver brushed aluminum faceplates and the Kiwi Ears logo adoring the center. Such a nice design. The silver on the faceplates POPS against the gloss of the resin and the black shell underneath. Just a very classy design. I love that Kiwi Ears understands that they don’t need a flashy look. Not all the time anyways. In a different way I adore the look of the blue Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite that I have too. Look at the Cadenza, look at some of their other sets. Usually very well designed. Anyways, it’s simply nice. I suppose that some of you won’t dig it like I do, but nothing pleases everyone.
Internals
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a four-driver hybrid iem consisting of two dynamic drivers and two balanced armature drivers. I was originally enticed by this set because I heard they’d have two 10mm bass region dynamic drivers that sit in an isobaric chamber. Instantly I needed to hear it. Tha fully I have that opportunity now. So, the DD’s are actually two 10mm dynamic drivers which cover the low-end. The midrange and a portion of the treble is actually covered by a Knowles RAD-33518 balanced armature driver coupled with a good-sized ventilation hole which was specifically used to help the midrange mesh with the lows. Covering the ultra-highs is a customized Knowles RAB-32257 balanced armature driver. Really an interesting setup. I love the sub-woofer style isobaric system implemented here. Beyond the drivers, Kiwi Ears made sure to add in a three-way passive crossover system which incorporates three separate tubes as well to bring a completely coherent sound between frequency and drivers. Obviously, these drivers used are of good quality.
Fit / Comfort
This set is simply comfy. I have no other way of saying it. They literally hug my ears and seat so well you’d think they grew there. Just a perfect fit for my ears. So much so that I could wear the KE4 for hours with no strain whatsoever on my ears. Now, will the KE4 fit you? I’d be willing to bet that they would but, I obviously can’t be sure of that. Anyways, the KE4 are so user friendly, ease of comfort, smooth everywhere, and rides every curve of my ear like a wave in the sea. Just a phenomenal fit for me. I really hope they fit you as they do me and I truly hope they don’t make a liar out of me… lol.
Drivability
Output
Rated with an impedance of right around 28 ohms along with a sensitivity of about 102 dbs, the Kiwi Ears KE4 is definitely sensitive. These are not difficult to drive. My iPad brings them to great volume very easily and there’s plenty of headroom. Shoot, even my Fiio UTWS5 sounds amazing with this set attached and that’s 53 mw at its peak. So even a smartphone should be able to drive the KE4 rather well. I don’t think you NEED some huge amount of power. Also, the KE4 sounds really great with low powered sources. But there’s more If you want the most out of this set. I truly feel you should strive for at least a 100mw @ 32ohm source device. If it has high gain on it, then use it. If you can run balanced 4.4 or 2.5… then use it. You’ll thank me. The KE4 will most certainly scale with power. In fact, I use high gain on all of my dongle dacs whether it be the EPZ TP50, the TP35, the Aful SnowyNight, the Simgot Dew4x, whatever the device I go high gain. The extra power seems to wake up those drivers. I don’t feel you “need” more power to sound good with the KE4. No sir, but I do believe you should want more power because the KE4 will sound at its best. I run medium gain on my daps (iBasso DX240 & Shanling M6 Ultra) and the result is a tighter bass, better controlled treble and a slightly more refined midrange. To add to this little section, I also don’t think you need some unbelievably massive amount of power either. There’s a cap to that where you will stop hearing any improvement. So be reasonable.
Source pairing
This takes us to source tonality pairing with the KE4. I know for a fact that you’ll hear or read reviewers proclaim that you NEED a cooler or neutral source with this set. Don’t buy in. I know I don’t. Just because a set is warmer doesn’t mean you need a cooler source. You don’t have to offset tonality. The KE4 sounds just as good with warmer sources as it does with brighter sources. Flat-out and hands-down. Just as good, but simply in a slightly different way. Yes, some warmer sources will help the KE4 to sound more rich and more syrupy, less airy to a small extent too. However, the best I’ve heard this set, with all of my sources, was with a warmer device in the Shanling M6 Ultra. Now, I do enjoy the KE4 with more neutral sources too, like with my iBasso DX240. It sounds great in its own slightly less rich way.
Synergy?
Don’t buy into synergy all the time. Synergy is a made-up word which has its place (to an extent), but it’s really just a tonal pairing which sounds good to you. That’s it folks. I get it though. Some things sound better than others and it resonates with my own personal and particular taste too. Same thing can be said of reviewers who state that the KE4 “synergizes” better with one device or another. It does not mean you will feel the same way! This is a subjective hobby… for everyone… including reviewers. That said, I think most folks would generally want a more neutral source. Sorry I had to go 8 miles out of the way from a two-step destination on that one. I just feel that we have to be transparent in this hobby. It’s your money that our words are playing with and that thought alone makes me uncomfortable.
What do you need?
Like I said, anything will work. You don’t need something powerful. That said, something powerful does help. I would recommend a decent Dongle Dac. Preferably something with around 100mw @32. More is better too. It just helps to wake up these drivers a hair more. You certainly could get away with a smartphone and that will still sound really good. So don’t feel lacking or pressured to purchase something you can’t afford in the name of slightly better sound. Especially if you are strapped for cash. If you have the funds, then I’d say try to get a nice dongle dac with a clean sound and decent power.
Sound Impressions
Note: I want to preface this entire sound section with something that I feel is very important to the enjoyment of the KE4. Burn it in. I know, I know, you don’t believe that helps or that any change can occur. Just, humor me. I gave this set about three full days of burn in and it 100% made a difference in overall coherence of the KE4. This isn’t always the case, but it certainly is the case with the KE4. I listen with flac or better files which are stored on my devices. Also, I listen mainly on UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro) as my software side music player. I also use Hiby Music app at times for certain sources as well as Poweramp at times too.
New Meta?
I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the New Meta Target tuning curve which is fast becoming one of the more lauded and applauded targets. Well, “fast” may be a hair misleading but there is certainly an appetite for this target amongst the community. There’s good reason too. We’ve seen a handful of sets which carry this New Meta Target, and each has been fairly well praised. Sets like the Dunu X-Gizaudio DaVinci (DaVinci Review), or the Hisenior Mega 5EST, among others. There was a time when the 2019 Harman curve ruled the Audioverse and its tentacles reached far and wide. In fact, the Harman target still has some folks who fully embrace it. I understand that too. Harman is for those seeking that neutral and yet fun sound. Alot of great sets had a Harman tuning. I just think that maybe we got a little tired of it. Used to it. That’s all. Most certainly there was a time and a place for the Harman curve and each variation of that curve as well. However, the New Meta curve seems to be here to stay. It’s just how the audio pendulum swings my friends. Folks are ready for warm, rich, lush, and clean sound with an obvious low-end boost. At least some portion of hobbyists. Let’s take a look at the KE4…
How does it sound?
Now let me just get something out of the way really quick, I really like the sound of the KE4! I will try to explain why as we go through this review. I mean, it isn’t perfect by any stretch. It isn’t the most fine-lined and crystalline in its note outlines and isn’t the most separated. In fact, I never thought I would have dug it the way I do. Especially looking at the graph, yet I really loved the DaVinci which also follows a similar curve. So maybe it isn’t so odd. Now this is going to be one of those tunings that you’ll either love or… maybe not love. The KE4 has got a softer sound, more laid back, less intensity, not as decisive and exact in its note definition, not the speediest in comparison to some sets either. You don’t have as much sprawling and vibrant energy as you would with other sets that are more harman tuned for example. Truth is, I like a vibrant set sometimes, I like energy, I like dynamism, I like big and bright macro-dynamics. However, there’s something to be said for a set which is straight up musicality done right, buttery, creamy and totally tuneful. Also, the dynamics are there, they just aren’t as distinctly contrasted as some other brighter and more V-shaped sets. The KE4 gets me with its note density, its velvet demeanor, its unprocessed and wholly natural sound, and the fact that each area of the mix is partitioned out beautifully with wonderful coherence across the spectrum.
Jazzy vibrance
The Kiwi Ears KE4 comes across warm/neutral in tonal coloration yet leaning warmer in body, but with good vivacity when pushed with rich dynamics. Again, I don’t consider the KE4 an outright energetic sounding iem. It’s laid back as a whole and not as lively in the traditional sense, but again, it still carries good macro-dynamics with a very jazzy type of vibrance. Not a bright, crisp, brilliant or luminous energy here. You won’t have those screaming highs, the glaring midrange or all of the little side effects of an overtly boosted pinna gain (only 8-9 db’s) and elevated treble region. Sibilance is not an issue and there’s nothing peaky or piercing about this sound either. Instead, the KE4 is effortlessly smooth, completely non-offensive and totally melodic. I’d call it a warm U-shaped sound with a definite sub-bass boost. It has a warmly weighted, unsullied, and relatively polished midrange positioned forward in the mix. It has a less emphasized but peppery enough treble region when it’s given some juice. The KE4 has rounded notes which are nicely detailed for the tuning, and good extension that isn’t too vigorous or enthusiastic. Every area of the mix is accounted for very well per the target tuning too.
I could listen for hours…
The KE4 shows off nice depth of field which adds dimension with rounded notes which have actual body and convexity to them. Nothing flat here. Texture may not be as evident as some sets, but I also don’t feel the KE4 lacks in this regard either. This is a wholly musical sound that is engaging in all the right ways for me. No, it isn’t the most clinically pristine sound. The KE4 doesn’t necessarily have glass-lined notes and isn’t a technical beast. With all that said, I love what Kiwi Ears has done here because for all the subtle subjective ways in which it may lack, it makes up for with a completely charming, enchanting, and agreeable tuning that I could honestly listen to for hours on end.
Cozy-natural?
Another feature worth noting about the KE4’s sound is the natural and creamy timbre. Simply organic. Not “neutral-natural” but “cozy-natural”. We all have our ideas of what “natural” sounds like. For me though, in this listening session I cannot help but love the earthy vibe, the authentic feel. There is definitely color in this tuning, but that color makes this set sound realistic to life. Each note is expressed in a clean enough manner as well, which helps the KE4 to not sound muddy or veiled. Notes have a stout and dense nature to them on the KE4 with relatively clean note outlines. It’s never fuzzy, grainy and not congested as a whole. Of course, it’s not as technically pristine as sets tuned analytical or treble boosted which may feel like it lacks crispness, peppy snap, airiness, or openness to some hobbyists. Still, the sound is very clean per the tuning along with very nice detail retrieval for a slightly warmer sound. Most notes come across ever-so-slightly soft in presence, yet clean and dense in note body which seems to help compact the sound to a degree. That attack is followed by a perceivably tight enough decay to not sound as though it’s too inarticulate or veiled like some other warmer sets. Perhaps resolution isn’t the KE4’s strong suit (isn’t lacking either). However, I’d trade resolution (which really isn’t bad at all) for engaging musicality any day. Again, wonderfully pleasant timbre and a deep breath of fresh change that is very inviting. Let’s check out each 3rd of the mix.
One more thing…
I need to just preface everything you read past this point. Folks, the Kiwi Ears KE4 is a different animal than we are used to hearing. It fits a certain type of listening style and preference. It will not be for everyone. This New Meta (why do we label this?) tuning was a choice, a protest, a target created to rally against the market wide barrage of Harman tuned sets and therefore may present a slightly polarizing sound at the offset. Okay I may be going a bit too hard in that last sentence but I’m sure you understand the sentiment. Basically, we’ve heard enough Harman for a minute. With that said, there will most certainly be some subjective issues for those who truly enjoy a more neutral, airy, dynamically contrasted and clinical sound. So please keep that in mind. The KE4 may take a minute to get used to if you are coming from a more neutral/bright sound. Without question, the KE4 is a set which fits those hobbyists who value musicality and mellifluousness over anything else. It may be a departure from what some of you are used to. However, I am utterly impressed by the KE4 and find myself wanting them in my ears to replay my music library more than almost any set of late. Okay, moving on…
Bass Region
The low end of the Kiwi Ears KE4 is certainly sub-bass focused with a full but also taught delivery in respect to the overall quantity. Softer in its surface texture and not the most well defined that I’ve ever heard, yet it fits the tuning to the tee. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea here though as the KE4’s low-end is not a one-noted bloom fest. I feel that for the quantity and for the focus the bass has on this tuning that it is clean and well defined. In this regard the low-end has good note definition along with the ability to run fast and tight. Softer at attack, but also fairly quick and dense on the initial attack, followed by a quick recovery. These DD’s are working great in tandem. Not to the extent as something like a planar can be quick, but for a bigger bass presence the KE4 is tight even in complicated tracks. Again, this isn’t the most hard-edged bass I’ve ever heard. Not as much vibrance or snap as some sets, but also these two attributes aren’t non-existent either. Also, the KE4 may be emphasized, but it isn’t basshead to my ears. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s authoritative, but it isn’t so much of a focus that it covers, masks, or smears other regions. The low-end really keeps to itself besides some subtle spill over into the midrange. Overall, I really dig this bass folks and I’ll try to explain it further as this section moves along.
Sub-bass
Like I said, this is a sub-bass focused bass region. The KE4 sub-bass has plenty of low droning energy and haptic feel to the sound. I’d say it has average texture as well which is a great thing to hear. I think what I like the most is the dynamic control of the sub-bass. Yes, it has a meaty presence and yes it isn’t the most hard-lined and crisp, but it has great control coupled with good and dense notes. Which, after listening for days now has finally brought me to the conclusion that the sub-bass is actually very clean. No, it isn’t the most well defined in the micro sense. It’s in the speed of its cadence and rhythm and the way it can meander through complicated tracks all while keeping that heavy density and meaty vibrational feel to the sound. Nothing weak about it folks. It’s bold, beefy, bulbous, but also speedy. I realize this all sounds like contradicting statements. How could a soft note attack sound clean? It’s in the speed of recovery and the fact that the KE4 can and will take on some more complicated arrangements fairly well while keeping that macro definition and compacted note density.
Sub-bass examples
The track “The Hardest Part” by Washed Out has a groovy bass guitar which speeds along and on the KE4 it doesn’t sound like smeared bass. Each inflection of the bass guitar riff is heard in the midst of a heavy and full body with a nicely edgy note outline. Other songs like “Tell Me What’s on Your Mind” by The Decemberists also has a slower progressing, but ridiculously deep and edgy bass guitar which. Once again, the KE4 provides impressive guttural fullness and weight that sounds great as the foundation of this track. I could point out quite a few tracks but hopefully you have the idea. Sub-bass focused and clean per the emphasis, deep, extended and speedy enough to not get tripped up. Also, it’s just nice.
Mid-bass
Now the mid-bass is not as lifted as the sub-bass, but I still find it emphasized enough to give the body that’s needed to those bass guitars and the boom needed to provide the volume punch needed for kick drums. Not a snappy or crisp mid-bass and possibly more laid-back than some may enjoy. Basically, it isn’t the crispiest mid-bass and doesn’t have that lean-muscle snap to it. Of course, I also don’t feel the KE4 lacks these qualities either. It simply isn’t tuned to portray low-end instruments and tracks in this way all the time. It has a slightly wider note body, not as transient swift as some other sets either. Having said that, the mid-bass also fits the overall tuning wonderfully. This isn’t a mid-bass for those who love a “hit-it-n’-get-it” type of speedy punchiness. The mid-bass is more atmospheric and earthy, less intense in its dynamic presentation. Also softer on attack to a degree though there are tracks that will argue that.
Mid-bass examples
Like the song “Type Shit” by Future and Metro Boomin off the We Don’t Trust You album. That bass drop simply hits hard and has some good dynamism while also not really masking anything else over to a detrimental degree. You get some lingering resonances with the KE4 but not so much that I would call it lacking in note definition. Again, this is not a basshead set per se, but it can really boom nicely. Tracks like “Billie Jean” by Weezer (Michael Jackson cover) actually hits hard and fast with great density to those kick drum booms followed by a clean snare drum “pap”. Certainly not the most rigid at the crest of each note, but the big and hollow boom sounds great, and I don’t hear the exaggerated lingering resonance that some more heavy bass-canon sets can have.
Downsides to the Bass Region
The downsides are obvious. Anyone who wants that leaner bass profile with even better note clarity and detail will likely not enjoy this emphasized low-end. The KE4 isn’t the hardest edged or perfectly refined down low either. It is a clean version of a bulbous and beefy bass. You could call it mature for what it is. However, there are so many folks who will not agree with the emphasis here. I happen to really enjoy this fun, deep, penetrative and reasonable tight bass very much. It is a very gratifying and satisfying low-end which serves that guilty pleasure portion of my brain very nicely. To end this section, the bass isn’t flabby folks. I’m telling you, there is a very nice control of this region, and I feel that it helps to really serve my music well rather than hinder it. However, it is different from what some of us may be used to so do keep that in mind.
Midrange
The mids on the Kiwi Ears KE4 are simply engrossing. Mostly neutral in tonal coloration yet with a weighted and thick body to notes. The best word to describe the midrange is “engaging”, I don’t know how many ways to say it. I feel as though the midrange is most certainly the Star of the show on this set. I truly enjoy how the bass sets up this midrange with great note weight yet without lacking in clarity or cleanliness. Its creamy and syrupy type sound comes across as smooth and very musically inclined which makes vocals so delicious! The KE4 has snap when it needs it and is crisp when it needs to be, but by-and-large has a smoother presentation. Timbre is a standout feature of this engaging midrange which takes that “organic” moniker and doubles down with a forward sound that creates a wonderful presence for midrange notes. Yet at the same time the midrange doesn’t blare over the rest of the mix. To some it may sound duller than you may be used to, or less forward with its vibrant energy. That said, I feel the midrange is forward, full, velvety smooth, and unmistakably easy on the ears while also very well defined. Nothing piercing, nothing sibilant, and nothing even close to artificial or metallic. The KE4 has a very cohesive midrange replay as well.
Tuneful
The KE4’s mids are subtly crisp but mostly smoothened, with an earthy and atmospheric type of tunefulness that comes across as mellifluous in most any track I throw at it. To add to that, the KE4’s midrange has a deep sound field which provides rounded notes that have good dimension to the sound with pretty good layering and imaging. Details in this region are also much better and more vividly expressive than I would’ve thought with actually very good micro-dynamics. The KE4 does carry well refined initial attack and a thicker note body, but also once again those individual notes decay rather swiftly as most midrange notes are well condensed and compacted. This makes the sound come across cleaner, even articulate to a degree. Obviously, there are many sets which come across much more refined and technically savvy, but those sets don’t carry this lifelike and weighted sound with almost perfect timbre. Again, earthy and atmospheric with wonderful tunefulness. I just love vocals on this set. Now, instrument separation and airiness aren’t going to win any awards. I’d say average in separation, certainly not congested but also not as distinct as some more analytical iems. Also, there is some air to the sound, but it simply isn’t the KE4’s calling card. Basically, I don’t think the KE4 lacks in these areas while at the same time it isn’t the focal point. Really just a musical midrange that I could spend days listening to.
Lower-midrange
The lower midrange is one of the areas that really helps this New Meta tuning trump the Harman sound for me. I’m so used to thinner and less pronounced male vocals and instruments. I get that from many different sets but the KE4 seems to fix that issue. I say it all the time that I want men to sound like men. Give em’ some authority, some fullness, some body to their voices. Male singers like Max Mcnown in “A Lot More Free” sounds really nice as his raspy and emotionally gratifying voice plays right into the KE4’s strengths. His voice is weighted, just enough. His voice also has just the right amount of warmth against the neutrality of this region as well. However, it’s the forward sound to his voice which separates the KE4 from other sets without ever sounding too levitated in vibrance. Then you add in the very well defined and detailed acoustic guitar. Each strum comes across with a natural timbre and utterly clean against the weight of Max’s vocals. Another revealing track is “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by Home Free. These guys are an acapella group and are amazingly harmonious. I’m telling you the KE4 takes their voices and serves them up perfectly. From the bass to the tenors, each voice comes together wonderfully rendered. Just a joy to listen to on this set.
Upper-Midrange
Female vocalists are slightly more vibrant, slightly more shimmery and slightly more engaging than male vocalists with the KE4 in my ears, in my opinion. There’s this rich and moist sound with a slight glittering of shine to this region. Again, nothing even remotely close to glaring or bright. The upper-mids are defined by their bodied sound and musical flare which creates a nicely organic timbre for both instruments and voices. Females come across more open sounding with a more vivacious quality. The upper-mids have better separation between notes, and a cleaner delivery. Certainly, more revealing in that way. Sia songs “I Forgive You”. In this track her voice comes across rich and dulcet in every intonation to her voice. She is presented forward and full, euphonic and sweet with a resounding quality on the KE4. This set finds every last inkling of emotion and packages it up in such an easy way to stomach. Really a sweet sound. I’ve always enjoyed females with a rich quality as I don’t enjoy dry and papery, or thin. With the KE4, females can go from feathery, soft, svelte and subdued, but also sonorous and resounding and they do so while never coming across either bland or too piercing to the ear. Certainly, the KE4 is one of the better vocal sets that I’ve heard in this price range. Again, my opinion.
Quick instruments
Beyond vocals, instruments also come across timbre-accurate, organic, weighted, and musical. I feel like many instruments are simply tonally correct. I suppose percussion could use a hint more of a pointed snap to them, but I still don’t find the KE4 lacking in this regard. Like the fundamental tone of a cymbal strike has good body, slightly chimney, but never shrill or splashy. Snares have that nice power behind them, generally. Perhaps they could use a bit more of a tacky initial attack, but all things considered they can be nicely satisfying to the ear. I could see some folks wanting a bit more of a direct burst of energy there. Violin on most tracks is very melodic, silvery, and really just pleasing for me. Let’s put it this way, without going through every instrument I’ll sum it up as this; no, the KE4 isn’t perfect, and yes, there are ways in which it could be better. That said, timbre is very nice for instrumentation. I also enjoy the note weight afforded to instruments, as well as the slight forwardness and good clarity of this region. Instruments have a nicely detailed sound as well as carry a rhythmic smoothness that is very pleasing.
Downsides to the Midrange
I hate to list any downsides but there will always be those who simply don’t enjoy the rich sound of the KE4. I do feel that it could use a hair more of a peppery shimmer in the upper-mids which could lead way to that satisfying abrasiveness for strings, or snap for percussion. Certainly, there will be those who want more of a vibrant and even cleaner sound, better delineated and more evident detail retrieval, who don’t really care about the musical aspect of the sound. And guess what… that’s great. This hobby is full of different viewpoints and ideals, different preferences and it makes this the best hobby on earth. But as far as the KE4, not everyone wants thick lower mids. Some folks don’t want the bass region to even sniff the midrange. So many want absolute clarity. Many people also love an analytical sound with an ultra-speedy transient response. They want perfectly sculpted and glass-lined notes, or even brighter and even more revealing notes. Once again, the KE4 isn’t perfect. Despite that imperfect sound, it’s also one of the more enjoyable midrange sets that I’ve heard anywhere near $200, and I couldn’t possibly call it anything other than lovely. Vocals are great, and musicality is top notch at this price. Nice work Kiwi Ears!
Treble
Looking at the treble, it’s easy just to say that it’s safe, and to let the description die there. It is safe. The treble is not one that has volumes of cascading brilliance shining a light on every last little bit of minutia hiding in your music. It isn’t that. This is a treble which gets its value in upholding the rest of the mix and simply being a team player. It is not one which comes with uplifted and emphasized vibrance to the point that it steals the focus of the sound. With that all laid out, I also feel that Kiwi Ears nailed the sound in this region. Absolutely spot-on. Even with the lack of true gleaming brilliance. The treble on the KE4 doesn’t need that brilliance to sound very well defined, articulate and nuanced. I actually find detail retrieval very good on this set. Kiwi Ears didn’t need to pump the sound full of forced resolution brightness and they didn’t need to thin out every note for every note to sound distinct. They didn’t need to do that. They added just enough lift to bring a sense of levity, a sense of air, and they added just the right amount of extension in the upper treble. Notes already had good note body, but they needed a quality tuning and quality drivers to form the contours of that body. What you are left with is a relatively clean, relatively contoured sound which never threatens the musical nature of the KE4. Just a well-done treble region. You can’t find anything shrill, anything shouty, anything sharp, nothing piercing, and you can’t find sibilance (unless you are crazy sensitive). What you find is natural, organic, cleanly outlined notes that have good density and treble punch with a slight peppering of crispness.
Examples
I should stress that this is not a treble saturated in luster and gleaming in forced resolution with massive amounts of air and separation. The KE4 operates on a different philosophy and is simply good for what it is and what it was targeted to be. That all said, it can move along some speedier treble arrangments fairly well. Now, of course the treble on the KE4 can get tripped up in heavily congested music up top. Then again, most sets can get tripped up on such tracks. Be that as it may, the KE4 handles tracks like “Evil Twin” by Lindsey Stirling with wonderful timbre and cadence while resolving most every note she plays. It sounds accurate and doesn’t feel artificial at all. “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef is another track I use for testing purposes, and it comes with loads of treble activity from various instruments. I love the body and punch to treble notes while remaining smoother than it is crisp. However, extension up top is not bad either. I wouldn’t call it too heavily boosted past 8k as cymbals on the track “In Bloom” by Nirvana have that nice fullness to them, a slight shimmer, but never any splashiness.
It fits
Having said all of that, I wouldn’t call this a treble heads dream. Far from it actually. It’s not the typical treble that I would refer to as “good”. I also highly doubt any true “treble heads” would be jumping for joy either. With all the good words I’ve spoken about the top end of the mix, it’s still safe, still dynamically laid back too. In fact, for the first few hours of listening I thought the treble was dull, boring, and almost too safe. The KE4’s treble slowly grew on me when I began testing out songs that I’ve tested a hundred times in the past. It also helped when I pushed the volume a bit, gave them some juice. Once I erased my preconceived ideas about what “good” actually is. I suppose now I prize a treble that simply fits the overall tuning first and foremost. Coincidentally, the KE4’s treble does just that in a very coherent manner. I still find it pretty polarizing and possibly different from what many are used to. But man do I reach for this set a lot.
Downsides to the Treble Region
The downside here is the lack of brightly sheened brilliance for those who yearn for that type of replay. As nice as I feel the KE4 is in the upper portion of the mix, I have heard many sets which are truly treble delights. Sets that aren’t as safe. I’m talking about sets which push the treble right to the edge, much more luminous, open sounding, more pristine, better crispness, more treble bite and a higher resolution. However, you couldn’t plop those treble replays into the KE4, and it come across nearly as fine as it does. Why? Because the treble on the KE4 fits. A little boost here and there will change what makes this set so charming and engaging. Also, I think the upper regions are nicely tuned, airy enough, resolute enough, detailed enough, and they never kill your ears in ear gouging sharpness.
Technicalities
Soundstage
When listening to the Kiwi Ears KE4 I feel the soundstage is not as wide as some other sets in the price point. I wouldn’t call it narrow in width, but I also wouldn’t call the KE4 vast in stage width either. Maybe average. The sound field is closer to the listener, not pushed back as far, small venue type stage. Having said that, the stage does have solid depth. I can plainly hear this in many tracks with good layers to the sound from front to back. So, while the stage is not humongous in overall grandness, it’s still not bad by any stretch.
Separation / Imaging
Separation of instruments and vocalists comes across about average as well. There are so many sets tuned more clinical and more razor sharp in note agility. Also, there’s many sets which have that extra air to the sound, less thick and robust, more analytical and less musically gifted. What I’m getting at is that it is less typical to hear fantastic instrument separation with a set which has thicker and richer note weight. I’m not saying it can’t be done because I can tell you firsthand that it can. I’d say that in spite of that, the KE4 still has a clean enough note structure that separation doesn’t come across congested. The sound field doesn’t feel (sound) crammed. Imaging on the other hand is very well done. Left to right sounds pretty spot-on for me and front to back also shows off some layering of sounds. I would most certainly not call the KE4’s ability to place instruments on a stage in a coherent and well-defined way as “top class”, but I will definitely say that the KE4 does a very good job at imaging a stage. Perhaps on bass heavy tracks you’ll get a slightly more masked sound, to an extent. Or on heavily jam-packed tracks you may not be able to discern every instrument on a stage as well either. Of course, there are sets in the $200 price point which can separate and partition off instruments better and place them better. However, once again, that ability also comes at a price. The price of harmony, silveriness, and tunefulness, or… musicality. Everything is a give and take in this hobby.
Detail Retrieval
Detail retrieval on the Kiwi Ears KE4 is average in some areas and above average in others. All things told it’s good in the details department. Again, it’s a rich sound, less wide stage, smoother in body, less bright and resolution isn’t a game changer on this set either. These conditions influence the sound to not always illuminate all the nuances as well as an iem with a more analytical, clinical, bright, and resolute set. This brings me to a nitpick within the community. Folks, we make too much of details. My question to you is how many details are you really missing? Yes, the sound on the KE4 isn’t so clean and pristine that the whisper of a fan 10 rows back in your favorite live track is going to be heard. However, I honestly miss almost nothing with this set. Details simply aren’t as raised to the surface as some iems. Still, we make way too much of details. We always have actually. I still hear everything with the KE4 that I do on analytical sets. The Aful Performer 8 brings out the subtleties with ease and is very expressive with its details but guess what… I still hear the same details just fine on the KE4. So, they aren’t as bright, they’re warmer sounding, less obvious to a very small degree but I’m not missing much. I think the biggest culprits against detail retrieval are heavy bass, badly recorded tracks, bad fit, and congested music. I’d still say the KE4 is about average for its price, and very good for its tuning. Also, average is good.
Comparisons
*Note: I am going to be very quick with these comparisons below. Also, I am going to use very broad strokes when comparing. I don’t need to go super in depth with differences but will hopefully do so In a way that helps to explain the set I’m reviewing.
Simgot Supermix4 ($150)
What a special iem! Just a fabulous quad driver set. I reviewed the Supermix4 (SM4) earlier this year (SM4 Review) and I gotta tell you folks, it is a wonderful set if the tuning agrees with you. It does it all very well, but it also does it all for only $149. Simgot is one of the most respected brands in this space and they are truly remarkable tuners & sound engineers. So, the SM4 comes equipped with one dynamic driver, one balanced armature driver, one micro planar driver, and one piezoelectric driver. The way Simgot coherently tuned all these drivers into one cohesive and musically/technical sound is quite impressive.
Differences
To begin, the KE4 is a larger set than the SM4. Yet it also fits me better (don’t know about you). I find the KE4 is certainly the better-looking set with a better design language and has better isolation as well. Both iems are outfitted with similar accessories too. Of course, the SM4 is $49 cheaper than the KE4 too, so keep that in mind. The cable for both sets is a wash between the two I’d say. Both are nice enough. Both sets also came with a lot of fanfare and adoration as well.
Sound Differences
First off, the SM4 is closer to flat neutral whereas the KE4 definitely has a warmer tilt. I find the KE4 to be the more natural sounding iem too. Just more organic, true to life and more accurate for both voices and instruments. This takes absolutely nothing away from the SM4 though. Of course, it does have the slightest tinge of artificial timbre, but I find it’s sound irresistible. The SM4 is certainly more V-shaped with a snappier and quicker bass, a deeper bass by a small margin but the KE4’s low-end is fuller and more impactful. The KE4 has the richer midrange note weight, more engaging, more forward, and musically more enriched. The SM4 carries better resolution in this range with more refined and contoured notes. The SM4 is crisper, with more snap, and more crunch, to the KE4’s smoother sound, warmer sound, and more liquid sound. I do feel the KE4 is better for vocals and correct timbre while the SM4 is more technical, brighter, and simply more detailed. The treble of the SM4 is brighter, more intense, has more crunch, more bite and is simply better in every technical way. The KE4 has rounder notes, better body, and once more timbre is better on the KE4. The KE4 has better depth of stage with just as good layering, but the SM4 wins out in separation across the mix, as well as tighter and more exact transients.
Final thoughts on this comparison
As you can see, this is a “preference battle” all the way. Meaning, you’ll know right away which set you better identify with due to the distinct difference between them. Two totally different animals here and two sets that I personally grab for on a consistent basis. My preferences reach across almost all sound signatures and so one day I may grab the SM4, another day may be the KE4, and another day may be a basshead set, or a treble head set. It’s whatever I fancy. The point is that I love every signature and when you have two of the best at their respective signatures per their price point it is hard saying one is better, or one is more pleasing etc. So, I cannot call one better than the other. They are too different to do that yet both iems are truly fantastic.
Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition ($199)
Another absolute BALLER of a set and probably the best tuned planar iem on the market for many folks. Letshuoer decided to make only 2,024 units and called it a limited edition iem, in celebration of Letshuoer’s 8th anniversary. I also reviewed the S12 2024 (S12 2024 Review) about a month and half ago and was blown away by its rendering of the frequency for a planar magnetic earphone. The S12 2024 was one of the 1st planar sets which didn’t sound like a planar in the timbre department, but still had all the earmark technical chops of a planar set. It’s simply a wonderful creation from the folks at Letshuoer. Easily one of my favorite iems under $300. This is certainly a set to own and collect.
Differences
To begin, the KE4 is a 4-driver hybrid while the S12 2024 is once more a planar set. Both sets cost the same amount, and both are lived by many. Now, the KE4 is much larger than the S12 2024. Also, the S12 2024 is made of all alloy while the KE4 is made of all resin. Neither material is necessarily better but some folks have a preference. As far as looks go, it could go either way. Not everyone enjoys the gold on the S12 2024 and not everyone enjoys the logo on the KE4. I like them both. As far as accessories, the S12 2024 has a much better unboxing experience. Much better cable, better tips, better carrying case, and many extras too that the KE4 doesn’t and wouldn’t have. Of course, the S12 2024 is a special edition set. So that is understandable. Both sets are awesome to look at, both made very well.
Sound Differences
Between the two, the KE4 is warmer, thicker, and more robust, possibly more musical, while the S12 2024 has a more open feel, still very natural but more vibrance. I find the S12 2024 to be much more textured across the mix too. As for bass, the KE4 has the deeper bass, heftier and meatier to the S12 2024’s more versatile, agile, (still meaty) and more well-defined low-end presentation. The midrange of the KE4 is warmer, thicker/richer, more velvet, less intense, generally more forward but less vibrant, especially near the pinna rise. While the S12 2024 is better textured, tighter transients, more detailed, cleaner, higher resolution, and simply faster along with a slightly brighter and more airy sound. The treble of the S12 2024 is more brilliant, has more crunch and bite with a better extended treble region. The KE4 has the darker treble, better note weight, rounder notes, smoother and less textured but easier in the ears by a small margin. As for the soundstage, the S12 2024’s stage is wider, taller and feels more open. While the KE4 has more depth, better layering, more 3d and holographic and simply more euphonic. Details come across better on the S12 2024 with better separation and a more rapid attack, more snap and quicker decay. The KE4 is simply more atmospheric and more laid back as a whole. Both sets perform wonderfully, and both sets once again are different in many ways.
Final thoughts on this comparison
I love them both. Both iems represent a slightly different take on my music and both represent the best at the price point in respect to their tunings. If you want a meaty, bass wonderful set with thick and rich timbre but wholly natural and fantastically musical you may want to try the KE4. However, if you live that planar texture, yet also a planar which has very good timbre, very natural, very fun, and also very well presented in a nicely balanced way, then maybe you will want the S12 2024. Folks I chose my absolute favorites in the price point for these comparisons and so I don’t know how much it helps or not for the buyer, but it is a very fun comparison session. I love both of these sets entirely. Both are very good for what they are.
Dunu X-Gizaudio DaVinci ($299)
Oh, the DaVinci! How wonderful you are. The Dunu X-Gizaudio DaVinci is actually tuned very similar to the KE4 and both tuned to the New Meta curve. For the most part anyways. Really both sets walk the same line in almost all respects. Now, I also reviewed the DaVinci (DaVinci Review) earlier this year and was, and still am… Stricken by how melodic and musically gifted the DaVinci is. This is actually a collaboration effort between Gizaudio (Timmy Vangtan) from YouTube fame as well as Dunu TopSound. The DaVinci is a six-driver hybrid consisting of two dynamic drivers and four balanced armature drivers. Very similar to the KE4 but much more expensive.
Differences
Looking at the build, the DaVinci is certainly the larger set in every way. More drivers, fatter, heavier too. Fitment is easier in the KE4 (though I never had an issue in the DaVinci). Both are built very well using 3D printed resin. I do feel the DaVinci is the better looking iem of the two as it’s just gorgeous. That said, they are both gorgeous iems and also, this is purely subjective. The orange, golden, brown, fall color swirls is DOPE! The DaVinci is obviously better accessorized with a better unboxing, better cable, more tips, better case. It’s also $100 more expensive too so… expectations. I have to repeat, I truly adore both sets. Well, every iem comparison I’ve used in this review… I adore.
Sound Differences
Folks, this is going to look one sided. I only say this to simply prepare you. Because these two sets are so close sonically this will also be a shorter and easier to manage comparison. Also, since the DaVinci is so much more expensive it does stand to reason it would perform a hair better. Both sets have similar organic, atmospheric, earthy type timbre. Though the DaVinci is the closer set between the two to sounding V-shaped, a hair more vibrant. More like U-shaped with a bass boost. Both are very natural to the ear. Both are warm/neutral yet have great energy in that warmth.
Between the 20’s
Now, the bass on the DaVinci has much more depth, denser, more guttural, and has a more impactful slam. Both have great bass replays. I find the KE4 to come across better for vocals, slightly smoother, more forward than the DaVinci. Nevertheless, the DaVinci has slightly better technicals in the mids while also sounding great for vocals. Both are forward, both have beautiful midrange timbre. The DaVinci does have better detail retrieval here with better separation and a more holographic feel to my music. The treble on the DaVinci has more brilliant energy though the margin between both sets is small. Again, better details, more bite, but sound well extended into the upper treble. I do find the DaVinci has slightly more clarity, but it is subtle in comparison. The DaVinci has a wider, just as deep, but also grander of a stage. It’s fuller. You already know it bests the KE4 in details by a small margin and has slightly more macro-dynamic energy and expression. However, I do find myself reaching for the KE4 more at the moment, and not just because I’m reviewing it. I mean for casual listening. Something about the KE4 just resonates with me right now.
Final thoughts on this comparison
There’s really not much to say because there are some similarities between these two sets. One is obviously a lot more expensive, and it plays the part. The DaVinci is probably the better set. However, if I were to say which is better for the price I’d definitely say the Kiwi Ears KE4. Simply better price to performance for me. That is 100% subjective and not a fact. I don’t say stuff like that to lead you astray. Please remember that and don’t message my inbox over it. I can’t believe I have to say that. Anyways, both sets are fantastic if the tuning agrees with you. Both have that warm and slightly polarizing sound that not everyone is going to enjoy. Now that’s a fact! As for me, I cannot say enough good stuff about the DaVinci and the KE4. You may feel different and guess what… we Are both right! I love this hobby.
One more point I’d like to interject here is that this comparison is a huge bonus for the KE4. It literally hangs toe-to-toe with the DaVinci in many respects and costs $100 less. That’s saying a lot about how well Kiwi Ears did on the KE4.
Is it worth the asking price?
Okay, this is a question which has a clear answer, but that answer comes with an OBVIOUS caveat. That caveat is this; the Kiwi Ears KE4 is 100% worth the $199 asking price if… you enjoy a warmer and richer sound. That’s it. If you don’t want warm, rich, full, with gooey and engaging vocals and just a purely wonderful timbre than you will not feel the KE4 is worth $199. Heck, you may not feel it’s worth $99. I cannot envision a world where a set like this is not worth $199. I’d buy it over and over again until they stop making them or a new version hits the market, then I’d buy that. So yes, of course it’s worth it. However, this question is a question that I can only ask myself and for myself. If you’ve read any review by my hand, then you know I ONLY REVIEW PRODUCTS THAT I ENJOY. I don’t need to be a critical, insulting, and disparaging reviewer just to prove to the audio mob how honest I am like some folks… I don’t need to do that. Also, my time is far too important to me than to spend it reviewing anything I don’t enjoy. So, the simple fact that I reviewed this set should tell you that I dig this set. If I’m reviewing it… you know I think it’s good. However, that doesn’t mean I think it’s worth the price. That’s different. Good sets can be overpriced. The Kiwi Ears KE4 is not overpriced to my ears. The fact that it basically hangs step-to-step with the DaVinci says alot.
The Why…
Because the build is nice, solid, smooth, comfortable and ergonomically well made. Also, because it’s a solid looking set. It won’t look stupid in the ear. Minimalist, simple, yet gorgeous with the brushed alloy look on the faceplates. It’s a slick looking iem in my opinion. But the main reason the KE4 is worth the price is because of the sound, of course. It sounds so nice! So velvety-creamy and vocally delicious with a fun, big, and bold bass. Those vocals are almost class leading folks. The treble is very well done without needing to force resolution with heaps of emphasis. Details are pretty good to even with its warmer and more rich sound. The KE4 has good depth which creates a sonically 3D stage in front of me. Rounded notes, weighted, authentic timbre. Again, it won’t be for everyone but as far as I’m concerned, the KE4 is great and well worth the $199.
Ratings (0-10)
Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Kiwi Ears KE4 ratings below, that would be $150-$225 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $150-$225 is a very large sized scope of iems. So, it should be a nice surprise to see a rating above a “9.0”. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.
Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 9.2 Built very well.
–Look: 9.0 Dope industrial design.
–Fit/Comfort: 9.6 Fit and comfort is great for me.
–Accessories: 8.3 Nice unboxing, above average.
–Overall: 9.0🔥🔥
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.6 Natural, earthy, organic, rich.
–Bass: 9.0 Heavy, deep, foundational bass.
–Midrange: 9.5 Those creamy & forward vocals!
–Treble: 8.9 Laid-back yet skilled, very nice.
–Technicalities: 7.9 Good techs per the tuning.
–Musicality: 9.7 Musicality over everything else.
–Overall: 9.1🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
I don’t like rating things. Well, let me clarify, I like the process of rating things (comparing, listening, making notes, having fun), but I don’t like the outcome, and I don’t like how ratings can mislead. This review is actually a case where the ratings may be a bit misleading. I think the reason for that is how one sided the tuning is. See, the KE4 is fantastic for what it is. So I rated the KE4 against every driver configuration in the price point. I couldn’t complete a ratings section with the KE4 vs other warm, bassy, and New Meta style sets. If that was the case it’d be a much higher score. Also, for those who don’t like this tuning, you will likely give the KE4 an average rating, maybe even below. So, like I said, ratings can be misleading. Also, so many of the readers skip right to the ratings which is why I HAD to begin making these ratings summaries. If nothing else I did it to explain myself. I was “asked” to complete ratings in my reviews. I begrudgingly accepted, and still begrudgingly do so. To be 100% honest, I don’t even feel my own ratings indicate how great he KE4 is. I feel it should get an overall sound score of something closer to a “9.5” or “9.6”. When I was done going through the comparison in each category with 10 or 12 different sets, I thought it’d be higher. That said, it is a treat to sit in my bed and judge each set. Making notes, giving a score, listening for differences. I enjoy that. I used planars, hybrids, single DD’s, all BA sets too. Anything I had that’s somewhat relevant in the price point mentioned above.
Explain Yourself!!
Okay so, no question people will call me nutty for giving the KE4 a rating of “9.0” in the bass. I’m sure those people would rather have a tight, punchy, resolving bass with loads of quick and pointed impact. Better definition. I get it. However, I judged this set purely on how the low-end makes my music sound. Per the size of this bass the KE4 has a very solid low-end which I feel is a “9.0”. Next the “Midrange” rating of “9.5”. Those who enjoy a better separated, higher resolution, and better detailed midrange with more vocal shimmer and more energy will not agree with this score. To be perfectly honest, I held back my true feelings. I wanted to go “9.9” but I didn’t. I think that maybe, possibly, perhaps… I’m a prisoner of the moment and so I held back. Therefore… “9.5”. Also, how could I give a laid-back treble a highs core of “8.9”?! How? Well, because this treble is actually very nice in my opinion and it upholds and fits the overall tuning wonderfully with great timbre, good note body, good extension, and actually fairly well detailed too. Not above a 9, but close. The rest of the ratings I feel are on point and not worth my time explaining.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review and feature of the Kiwi Ears KE4, I have to first give a big thanks to Kiwi Ears for providing the KE4 to be reviewed in the first place. Thank you so very much. This was an unexpected treat that I didn’t think I’d be able to do. So, thank you very much. I also thank the reader (that’s you) for clicking the link to this review. It is the number one thing you can do to help mobileaudiophile.com besides sticking around long enough to let Google know that we have decent enough content. We are really trying to get better. So, thank you for trusting us and we do hope each review is a help for you in some aspect of the buying process.
Other perspectives
Finally, please check out other reviews. I am so late to the party with this set and there are a multitude of reviews captured about the KE4. It can only help you in making an educated decision. Please don’t read this review and then hit the “buy now” button. Please take in other perspectives, please read, watch, or listen to other opinions. We are all so very different folks. Each one of us have different likes and dislikes, different abilities to even hear the music, different music libraries, and we all haven’t been down the same journey through audio. This makes an enormous difference in how we each perceive music through devices. Some have a lot less experience and some reviewers have been doing this forever. Each is a valid and useful perspective. Also, there are so many ridiculously talented reviewers out there. So many smart and witty reviewers, and so many who will help you to understand the KE4 in possibly a different light. Anyways, with that said, I think I’m done. Please take good care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!!
