Kiwi Ears X-Crinacle Singolo Review
Intro
Hello, this is a review of one of Kiwi Ears latest budget oriented iems named the Kiwi Ears X-Crinacle Singolo which comes in at $79. The Singolo is actually a collaboration effort between Kiwi Ears and the popular reviewer, YouTube personality and mastermind of “In-Ear Fideltiy”…Crinacle. Crinacle has been a staple of the audio scene for quite some time, carving out a spot for himself among some of the biggest names in the hobby. Whether you like him or not, or whether you enjoy his work, or you don’t, he’s certainly on a pedestal within the audio community and carries a vast amount of knowledge and fanfare. So, of course the hobby will react to any release that features an “X-Crinacle” within the name. As honest as I can be, I’ve only ever watched a handful of videos from Crinacle and used his awesome database of frequency graphs… a lot. Not that I don’t think he’s entertaining and very insightful either, because I certainly do. Everything I’ve ever seen involving Crinacle has been something I’ve learned from, at least a little. He’s pretty funny too. At any rate, this is not a discussion on Crinacle, this is a review of the Singolo and I don’t want the rails falling off this thing already.
Kiwi Ears
It is difficult to say that you aren’t a fan of Kiwi Ears. How could you not like this innovative and hip audio brand? I for one have been a fan ever since I reviewed the Kiwi Ears Cadenza (Cadenza Review) a couple years ago. I did feel that Kiwi Ears crafted the best set that money could buy under $50 in the Cadenza and it held that crown for quite some time. Of course it has since been dethroned, but that doesn’t take anything away from how special that set is and has been for audio in general. Also, it’s still a damn fine set for the price and still one of the best iems under $40 in my opinion. I also have owned a few other Kiwi Ears iems that I never got around to reviewing, like the Kiwi Ears Melody, Kiwi Ears Quartet as well. However, I did review one of my favorite iems that I’ve ever heard under $250 in the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite (Orchestra Lite Review). I feel that the Orchestra Lite is a masterpiece for what it is and where it’s priced at. Even the Melody is one of the best planars that money can buy under $100. I suppose the point is that Kiwi Ears knows what they are doing and doesn’t seem to make many wrong moves. At least not from my vantage point. So, I was instantly intrigued to see what the Singolo was all about.
Singolo
Well folks, I am quite interested to check this set out in more detail. I want to see how well the implementation of the KARS (Kiwi Acoustic Resonance System) technology (along the principle of a Helmoltz resonator) works to actually create a sense of separation of the sub-bass in a single dynamic driver by cutting the 300hz frequency, and only the 300hz frequency. This would essentially, or better said… “perceptibly” give the Singolo that detached sub-woofer clean cut. If Kiwi Ears is able to pull this off, it’ll be very special. We’ve seen this before in the recent past with the likes of the Truthear X-Crinacle Zero (Mahir’s Zero Review) and the QKZ X-HBB Khan (Khan Review). There have been a few others but that’s neither here nor there. However, those were also dual dynamic driver earphones. Again, the Singolo is just as its name suggests… single… solo… Singolo.
I have no idea why Crin and Kiwi Ears tried to accomplish this feat. It reminds me of Aful’s wonderful attempt to tune the MagicOne with its single BA driver. It’s almost like they do it simply because it’s a challenge. I’d push back on that a bit because there are other reasons why one may want to go this route with a single DD, but that’s for later. Right now, I just have questions which need answering. Okay, let me burn this set in and I’ll see you in about a week and a half. The Kiwi Ears X-Crinacle Singolo…
Purchasing Links:
Singolo Pros
-Build is fantastic, truly, all resin with a 3D printed resonator
-A typically great Kiwi Ears design
-Absolutely impressive technology
-Very clean signature with good musicality
-Deep, authoritative sub-bass with punchy mid-bass
-Resolution in the midrange is great
-Forward mids, transparent, detailed
-Treble has good energy, resolute, unsullied
-Details for a single DD with a big sub-bass
-Separation is very good
Singolo Cons
-I don’t hear a distinct subwoofer type sound
-Not the most fun sound I’ve ever heard
-Accessories are not up to the price point
-Not everyone will want this type of bass shelf
-Midrange lacks energy and dynamism
-Macro-dynamics aren’t very expressive without higher volume
-Note weight is on the thin side
-Slight sibilance at times
-A tad too dry at times (is this a con?)
Gear used for testing
–Ifi Go Blu
–Aful SnowyNight
–EPZ TP50
–Fiio Q15
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
The unboxing experience is really not an experience at all folks. If there was some glaring gripe about the Singolo is that the accessories are absolutely entry level. This is a very strange thing to see at the price of $79. I don’t want to beat a dead horse on this and I’m sure that the money must’ve gone into the R&D, drivers, as well as the actual making of this earphone rather than the accessories. So, I give em a pass. Furthermore, I don’t really care as I tip roll and cable swap all the time anyways. At any rate. The box is rather small with a picture of the Singolo on the front, some stats and specs on the back as well. Nothing we haven’t seen before. Inside the box you’ll find the Singolo looking tough in foam cut-outs. Next to the foam is another box which contains the tips and the cable. Folks let’s just put it this way, I’ve seen better accessories for $25 iems. Okay, the horse is dead.
Eartips
Kiwi Ears provides a couple different sets of tips. Both sets are wide bore silicone tips, one set of three is white and the other set of three tips is black. Both sets (S, M, L) are shallow fit and both sets have very flimsy flanges. Folks, these are both useless to me. They truly don’t even try to seal in my ears. Just prepare to tip roll. I actually went with my standard KBear 07 tips which fit me like a glove.
Cable
This cable is also very utilitarian and is just…Not good. I don’t know how to say it any differently. I have zero idea why Kiwi Ears went this route, but I feel they should know that we as a community of hobbyists do enjoy better cables. The provided cable is very light… I’ll give them that. It feels like nothing on the ear which I’m sure some folks will enjoy. Not me, give me a nice, braided cable. They are ridiculously cheap anymore and I’m sure that most consumers will pay the extra $10 for a decent cable that looks nice paired with the Singolo. Anyways, the cable provided is a 2-pin cable, white, thin, and there’s nothing else I can tell you because there isn’t any more info on it. I actually paired the Singolo with a 4.4 balanced SPC BQEYZ cable that worked well with it both aesthetically as well as sonically.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
The build quality is actually very good. When considering not just the structure of the iem but also what’s inside the iem you can begin to appreciate the approach as well as the outcome. The Singolo is made entirely of resin and crafted by way of 3D printing. Kiwi Ears actually had to use the method of 3D printing as it would be next to impossible to achieve the Helmholtz Resonator tubing internally without 3D printing. It’s too intricately designed. Also, the build is simply nice. The Singolo is a smaller earphone that is very smooth all the way around with a shallow length nozzle, or a shorter nozzle than usual as well, and so using tips which work for you is a requirement. I will say this again, I used KBear 07 Large sized tips as well as Tenmak Whirlwind wide bore tips during my listening. I do believe it is paramount that you seek out the best fit for any set, but in particular the Singolo. Anyways, the resin looks and feels durable and well-constructed, from the front to the back. Nice job Kiwi Ears.
Design
The design is gorgeous. The Singolo comes in two colorways, with a black option as well as a blue option like I have. This is a set with faceplates that starkly resembles a slightly less beautiful Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite. Still very nice looking though and one which certainly competes aesthetically with any set in its price point. That’s if you dig all resin builds. I enjoy that the Shells are crystal clear where I can easily see the inner workings. I can see the large 11 mm DD; I can see the resonator tubing as well and that is pretty cool. Honestly, it’s a nice looking iem that will look good on anyone strolling down the street, in the market, or simply out and about.
Internals
Okay, so the Internals are interesting. This should be one of the most legendary acoustic marvels if Crinacle and the folks of Kiwi Ears get this right. The driver is an 11 mm single DD that was custom built with an LCP diaphragm. Internally you have what’s being referred to as a Helmholtz Resonator which has the ability to cancel out, or seriously attenuate certain areas of the frequency. However, this isn’t like traditional methods of using mesh, dampers, etc. Crinacle saw to it to actually attenuate the 300hz frequency which would act and sound like a clean cut from the bass region. He boasts that this would leave a clean and neutral midrange. Very much similar to the tuning seen in dual DDs like the Truthear Zero, or the QKZ X-HBB Khan among others. There’s a big bass tuck and a scoop out of the 300hz region. You can see my pictures of the tubes within the Singolo which shows the KARS technology up close. I certainly hope this works.
Kiwi Acoustic Resonance System (KARS)
Kiwi Ears Promotional
KARS is not a gimmick – it is a discrete band-pass filter that manipulates airflow to the driver, regulating low frequency output. This patented innovation features an elaborate labyrinth tubing network that has been designed after numerous scientific and physical models to perfectly calculate the appropriate resonance point for the Singolo’s driver. KARS makes a tight sub-bass shelf possible; something that has been previously impossible in a single-driver IEM. The bass quality, quantity, and texture are all incomparable to any other tuning strategy used in a similar driver format.
Unlike traditional crossover networks that uses multiple drivers with RC (resistor-capacitor) networks, KARS instead uses Helmholtz resonance to regulate its tuning. Airflow to a dynamic driver regulates how much the diaphragm can respond, but also requires additional calculations of flow rate, direction, and volume. KARS allows exact regulation of this airflow to manipulate the sound as we desire. While capacitors and resistors provide a calculated means of crossover solutions, they also add unwanted artifacts to the sound in the form of distortion, especially when cheap SMD components are used.
Fit
The fit is where we may have some issues. For whatever reason Kiwi Ears gave us tips that simply are not good. So, getting a seal and a good fit does require (at least for me) some tip rolling. I’ve heard the horror stories online and in threads from folks who couldn’t get them far enough in their ears. The shell almost gets in the way and the nozzle may not be long enough. I don’t know. Anyways, they fit me fine. As long as I get some tips that work, the Singolo fits like a glove. So, I have zero idea how this set will fit you. Obviously, there are folks who’ve had issues. Again, I don’t know why. It doesn’t look like it’s some odd shape or anything. I guess we are all just built differently.
Drivability / Synergy
To drive the Singolo I would say that all you need is a decent Dongle Dac. Heck, you could probably be fine using a phone with a 3.5 jack. With a rated impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 108 db’s (give or take), this means that the Singolo is a pretty sensitive iem. I actually used many different source devices while critical listening and found that sources with a slightly more neutral tonal color seemed to work the best for me. Devices like the Moondrop Dawn 4.4, the EPZ TP50, Fiio Q15 or the iBasso DX240. Each is closer to neutral and sounds great. Not that warmer devices will sound horrible or anything. It’s just my preference with this set.
Output
Now, the Singolo will slightly benefit from some more power output too. You’ll notice that the Singolo does seemingly stretch the stage a bit with more output as well as an increase in dynamics to my ears. Of course, my more powerful source devices are also my “better” source devices too. So, I think a little has to do with the output power, but I also feel that the sonic ability of a source device will make an even better and bigger contribution to the final result.
What do you need?
Just get a decent Dongle Dac. You don’t need some amazing setup to bring this set to its best fidelity. There are so many low-cost dongle dacs on the market anymore that finding a suitable one for the Singolo should be no issue if you can afford it. That said, if you simply cannot afford anything greater than the Singolo itself, then you will be fine with a simple phone.
Sound Impressions
Bad rap…
Now we get to the polarizing part of the review. Folks, I’m just going to make a bold prediction. I’ll put on my Nostradamus hat for a minute on this one. The Singolo is likely going to be a set that you either really love, or really… not love. Some will have an issue with fit and others may have an issue with the tuning itself. Still, others will adore this set. Guys & gals… hear me out. The Singolo has gotten a bad rap and I’m not quite sure why. As honest as I can possibly be, the Singolo does not sound bad. It just doesn’t. I think the biggest crime that’s been committed here is that the Singolo doesn’t exactly sound the way that it was described and advertised to sound.
He said what?
Folks, I’m trying to make sense out of the chaos here. However, the biggest crime of all (my opinion) is that Crinacle actually said (out of his mouth) that Simgot (ya know, the brand that took a blow torch to the hobby) makes “mid” iems, aka; average, meh or blah iems. Yes, he said that. However, he then proceeded to make a… not perfectly amazing set himself. Let this be a lesson to all of us. Of course, he is promoting his product collaboration, which is fair. However, the community sees it as “self-involved ego” and people don’t take well to it. Whether that’s what it is or not I do not know, it just comes off that way. Yet this is nothing new and Crinacle shouldn’t be looked down upon for promoting his product. Maybe he could’ve refrained from putting down an actual awesome brand. Also, it isn’t professional to belittle another brand (who’s done damn well by the way) and then proceed to create something that is in FACT… kinda mid (as a whole package). I’m not mad at him though; he’s just trying to make his way just like the rest of us. I could never have anything against Crinacle, he’s a staple in the Audio community and given way more than he’s taken. From my point if view, that is. I respect him quite a bit, but this whole ordeal was odd to say the least. There, I wanted to lead with all of that so that I wouldn’t harp on it the whole review.
Is it good?
Now, is the Kiwi Ears Singolo a good sounding iem? Yes, it’s a decent sounding set. Is the Singolo good as a package? Yes, it is, but only if it was about $20-$25 cheaper. It’s priced a bit too high if I’m being totally honest…that’s it. Still, I really feel that this set has gotten a bad rap. It really isn’t a bad set. Is it my favorite? No, it isn’t. It’s not even my preference. Will folks enjoy this set? Absolutely, there will be people who love and adore this set.
How does it sound?
The Singolo is a slightly warmer sounding iem down low and has a more neutral sound after that. The bass is obviously north of neutral (8db bass shelf) but it’s also not so infused into the sound that it creates a veil. Altogether I hear a slight V-shaped sound, smoother than it is crisp, decently technical and pretty musical I suppose too. I hear an average stage with even some hints of depth. Separation is decent depending on the track, Imaging follows suit and detail retrieval is fine for what the Singolo is. Not bad at all.
That all said, the Singolo has a more fun signature. It has a deeper and more bulbous sub-bass with only a slight sub-woofer like effect, on some tracks… maybe. What I mean by that is the bass region does cut itself off from the midrange to an extent. Okay, I have to stop again, folks, the Singolo simply doesn’t really have that sub-woofer sound unless you are listening to tracks that really bring it out. Some are great, and I mean… really great. The Singolo does have that abrupt decline but not enough of a low-mid 300 hz scoop to make the sound detached and separated like we’ve seen on some dual driver sets which are tuned for it. Maybe not to the extent that Crinacle was going for anyways. So, the new tech does its job, but it only slightly worked.
Condensed Sound Between the 20’s
What the bass does sound like is a heavy sub-bass and a meaty mid-bass with a less-than sharp downhill mid-bass roll-off. More like a gradual hill. Again, not really a straight deep dive tuck with a deep cavernous scoop that doesn’t bleed at all into the mids. Not exactly anyways. Still pretty clean in the mids though. The midrange is only slightly recessed, it’s very clean and clear, a bit thin sounding, yet also it’s pretty laid back throughout without a lot of energy in the middle frequencies. Certainly not mid-centric, but vocals can be pretty nice. For me that means higher volumes though because there is a lack of vibrance for me. Perhaps it could use some vivacious gusto in the upper mids for some hobbyists, well, most hobbyists. The treble has some decent energy adding some levity to the mix and does have some toned-down brilliance to it. Detail retrieval certainly isn’t bad, though extension into the upper treble may leave a tiny bit to be desired. Altogether, this is not a bad set. I know you folks are hearing a lot from many reviewers, but I can assure you that the Singolo is not a bad sounding set. It simply has some real amazing sets around its price point. This also happens to be a problem for all under $100 iems.
Bass Region
This is the type of bass that isn’t regularly heard in the budget range. Without question this is a valiant effort by Crinacle and Kiwi Ears. I find the low-end to be fun. I would never consider the bass region as mature, tight, swift or defined. It’s none of those things. Well, not all the time. Of course, some tracks play differently, and some tracks will surprise you with the Singolo. Shoot, some tracks sound down-right amazing. That’s no joke. However, in general the low-end is almost flabby. I did say almost. Kiwi Ears made sure to keep it all together. This isn’t that hard edged type of bass with concrete note outlines that sounds precise in its slam. I also wouldn’t consider the Singolo’s low-end as transient swift. It is definitely more atmospheric in nature with a very nice rumble and haptic/tactile feel which works for more than a few genres. However, it also isn’t that well defined and mature sound I’ve gotten used to hearing at the under $100 price point. I’m not going to begrudge Kiwi Ears attempt here though. After listening I can usually start to wrap my brain around the sound and begin to enjoy the Singolo. Scratch that, over time I can see how folks would enjoy it as I did begin to enjoy the Singolo myself.
Sub-bass
The lowest of lows is exactly as the graph suggests, it’s deep, extended, and guttural with quaking bass that you can feel as well as well as hear. Certainly, the sub-bass takes the brunt of the low-end priority. I actually love a lot of my rap and hip-hop library listening with the Singolo as well as those deeper bass guitar riffs. In fact, deep and bulbous sub-bass comes up in songs in ways that may surprise you which makes listening to some songs almost new in a way. Now, the bass shelf only extends upwards about 8dbs give or take which doesn’t seem like a lot. Though with the less intense treble it does make it’s presence felt. Certainly not a basshead set. Maybe a hint softer on the edges, but the Singolo has a very compact and dense sub-bass note body. Listening to “Groove” by Ashley Monroe shows off the low droning bass guitar. This track also shows off the clean separation between the bass and the midrange. Ashley’s vocals are very clean and unsullied to my ears. Folks, the sub-bass has a nice texture, and it isn’t sloppy or too overwhelming either. I honestly don’t have anything bad to say about it. Unless of course you are allergic to a more lifted and extended “lowest of lows”.
Mid-bass
Now, the mid-bass has a good amount of beef to it with a decent slam which sounds pretty nice with kick drums on more exuberant tracks. Songs like “Billie Jean” by Weezer start out with those exuberant and raucous kick drums that will tell you exactly how your iems sound. It’ll tell you texture, speed, and quantity very well. The Singolo comes across slightly soft and with a slower, or better said… an almost natural decay through release. The leading edge at attack has a little bit of fuzz to it, which isn’t always a bad thing. Not really to my liking, but I’m not you. Also, quite a few sets can handle these drums and sound a bit more condensed, compacted, glass-lined and with more fullness. The Singolo doesn’t do drums quite how I like. I want more exact impact, more snap, and direct palpable slam. The Singolo is another set that mimics the analogy of a hammer wrapped in a sock. It’s pretty dense and full, but soft at the crest of the note. Most kick drums have that leading tacky edge which is followed by a big hollow boom with a weighted and resonant decay. The Singolo almost gets me there. Also, “2040” by Lil Baby & Lil Durk. This is another track which should boom with authority. For the most part I hear that. Maybe the Singolo is missing that last little bit of texture and amplitude, but it sounds good enough and makes me bob my head. It did its job.
Downsides to the Bass Region
The downsides for me are only a few. It really isn’t that bad folks. Especially if you enjoy this type of sound. However, I understand why reviewers would scorch it. Especially if they are judging it for its straight-up “quality”. So no, this isn’t the most refined, defined or separated bass. It’s a bit one-noted at times and doesn’t really follow faster bass passages very well. Also, to do a complete 180, there will be those who despise this much low-end activity. They will find it annoying and bothersome, and I understand that. To those folks I’d kindly advise them to move on. This set isn’t for you. Coincidentally, my entire purpose for these reviews is to try to help you figure out just that; is the Singolo for you, or isn’t it? For some, this bass will be heavenly, and I cannot just roll the Singolo through the mud just because it doesn’t fit my exact preferences. Granted, I honestly don’t find it bad at all and even quite fun. If any of you have been paying attention, the Singolo fits the criteria and preferences of the man who tuned this set. That’s the measuring stick folks. Not MY particular subjective wants and desires. The bass is deep, and it’s big. Yes, it’s also pretty unclear and ill-defined too. You already know if it’s for you or not. I told you this set would be at least slightly polarizing.
Midrange
The mids come through with pretty good cleanliness against the bassy backdrop. Tracks without a lot of bass activity will sound very clean, refined even. However, even in bassier tracks the bass tuck “cut-off” is abrupt enough that the midrange does sound pretty distinct. Does this make it good? Maybe. I suppose it all depends on what you personally enjoy. Now, the Singolo isn’t exactly a “mid-centric” iem, and I do hear the slightest recession. Mostly in the lower midrange. Furthermore, there’s also a less vibrant energy in the midrange to my ears than on most good budget iems. This still doesn’t make it bad either, but it takes a minute getting used to. Especially if you are coming from most anything on the budget market of late, ie: Simgot EA500LM.
A few midrange notes…
The midrange is a mix of crisp and smooth. It’s lean in body, yet with good structure to the sound. It isn’t weak and lifeless, or too sapless and frail. Transients move along with a natural decay to my ears. Not super ductile or nimble, but also the Singolo isn’t sloppy at all, or sluggish either. There’s decent texture and the midrange is also pretty technically adept too. You’ll hear some mellifluousness as well, which rears its pretty head at times. The complaint against the Singolo is that it lacks some energy, especially in the upper mids where we are used to hearing that more exuberant and vivacious pinna rise. I don’t know if I agree completely. Perhaps it’s less shimmery than some sets? In addition, another knock against the midrange is that it comes across kind of flatter than most and lacking those expressive macro-dynamics. The bonus is that there really isn’t anything which causes offense to the tuning. Unless of course this tuning itself is offensive to you.
Lower-midrange
The low mids offer pretty nice male vocals. Of course, they aren’t as hearty as some sets which incorporate a slight bleed over from the bass region. You don’t have that brute weight like some sets (Rhapsody, Delci) and that is by design. What you are left with is supposed to be a cleaner male vocal with cleaner instruments in this region. I would say that this is pretty much what I hear. That said, I also hear thee slightest recession of this area and male vocals may also sound slightly thin and less authoritative. However, if you are cool with that then you’ll be cool with males on the Singolo. To be honest, they all sound pretty good. Maybe a hint thinner, but good enough. Maybe a hint recessed too, but this isn’t anything we haven’t heard before. Listening to Marcus King in the track “Save Me”, his voice comes across very nicely resolved. Yes, it isn’t as full bodied as some sets, but his voice does sound very good against the rest of the melody. The subtle but heavy bass riff never encroaches on the lead singer’s performance, while the electric guitar on the left side of the sound field can easily be heard, loud and clear. “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by Home Free is an acapella cover of U2’s famous hit. This is the type of song that the Singolo really shines with. Once you hear those melodic and perfectly timed harmonies of each male voice you will understand. However, there are some males that simply feel as though they lack authority and energy. It’s hard to put my finger on all the time. Like something is missing.
Upper-Midrange
The upper midrange is where I really wish there was just a bit more energy. The Singolo doesn’t miss by much. However, this is where we start to see the issue I explained earlier. There are simply too many great sets within its price point that don’t have this issue. If you call it an issue. For me it’s subjective. It’d be one thing if the note weight was juicy, emotionally charged and more engaging. I don’t hear that though. Females tend to lack some vibrance and shimmer from time to time as well as weight and body. They aren’t as elated or lifted in their presence. Some tracks will sound better than others. Still, “More Hearts Than Mine” by Ingrid Andreas is a beautifully sung track that isn’t the most enthralling and energetic in tempo. The Singolo almost exaggerates this lack of enthusiasm. Ingrid’s voice needs some weight to it, in my opinion. Her voice and the inflections in her voice need that more shimmery engagement. It just isn’t there as I like hearing her. Then you have a track like “Oscar Winning Tears” by Raye which is recorded very well. More energy, bass, vibrance to a degree as well. This comes through with the Singolo. I also enjoy the bigger bass in this track which follows Raye’s vocals very well with the Singolo. The Singolo helps Raye’s voice to come across very clean against the bass foundation with an airy quality to it. So, there you go, some sound great while others… don’t.
Downsides to the Midrange
Of course, the biggest glaring issue that I have is a subtle lack of sprightliness and vibrance. The midrange can come across as ever-so-slightly deadpan and slightly less colorful or kinetic in its macro-dynamics than I would like. I have a hard time saying this though, because generally I do enjoy this set. If I turn the volume up enough, and simply watch what tracks I’m playing… then no big deal. The truth is, there are moments when the Singolo can sound flat-out impressive. Despite that, I have to keep going back to the overarching issue that Singolo faces. There’re too many sets that simply out-performs the Singolo at that $80 price point. Maybe if the price was $20 to $25 cheaper than I wouldn’t be as much of a weakness, or issue. I mean, detail retrieval isn’t abysmal in the midrange and the mids are very resolute and clean. So long as the track isn’t bass heavy then what you’ll have is a tidy and clean sound. Also, the midrange isn’t shouty, isn’t glaring, minimal sibilance, not metallic sounding either. Separation of instruments is decent to good. Imaging is actually quite good on tracks without heavy low-end activity as well. I’m torn folks and I shouldn’t be torn at $80.
Treble Region
The treble on the other hand is actually pretty nice. Again, we don’t have any offensive peaks or ear gouging glare which is good to hear. This isn’t the most energetic treble as far as brilliance and lift is concerned, but there’s still enough vivaciousness to add some fun to the sound. The Singolo walks that fine line pretty nicely. Just enough brilliance without it coming across as “too much”. So yes, it’s a slightly less energetic treble then some iems at the price point, but the Singolo also had a good quality timbre. I find it comes across slightly crisp, but with decent contour of treble notes and there’s a little bit of bite to the leading edge of attack up top. Resolution is actually quite good here, and I also hear some nice detail retrieval for how downplayed the treble is. What you won’t hear is an annoying level of emphasis or forced resolution. Believe it or not the treble actually works well for the overall tuning. Like I said, the Singolo isn’t an outright bad set by any stretch of the imagination and the treble helps in this regard.
Not bad for what it is
Now, I don’t consider this a fast or transient agile type of treble region in a general sense, but for a budget single DD I think the treble region does just fine. Not as well in comparison to some balanced armatures, planar magnetic earphones or obviously est drivers (is there any budget est drivers?) However, the Singolo has good enough attack through release, as well as nice resolution, stage width and separation up top to tackle some more demanding treble tracks. Listening to Billy Strings in the track “Ice Bridges”, I find that the Singolo does an adequate job of handling Billy’s fast paced banjo play. Along with the banjo, the Singolo does great in parsing out separation of the other instruments for a single DD. I can hear the mandolin, chimes, etc. There are some moments of blending happening, but this is to be expected. For the most part it handles this and other tracks pretty well.
Again, I feel one of the strong suits of the Singolo’s treble region is its timbre and the way that the Singolo handles stuff like the secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike. I don’t hear anything even remotely splashy, but instead cymbals sound nicely bodied with realistic enough harmonics. Obviously, this can change from track to track. This really goes for most any instrument in the treble region that I zeroed in on during critical listening. Having said that, extension will leave a little bit to be desired. It isn’t ultra extended. I wouldn’t say it’s rolled off, but extension simply isn’t a “pro” of the Singolo’s tuning. But the timbre is good, instruments sound realistic enough, and I don’t hear anything metallic, too edgy, shouty or peaky. All In all, not bad.
Downsides to the Treble Region
If I were to cover some downsides or issues, I’d probably first say that treble heads will be left wanting here. This is not refulgent in shimmering luminance. The Singolo doesn’t have that edged and crisp bite. Treble notes don’t have that contoured structure and super defined body. Also, I’d say that extension is only average. Nothing that will draw out all of the tiniest of details. Not extended enough to stretch the stage either. The treble isn’t so laid back that I’d call it relaxed, but it’s leaning in that direction. All things considered, it isn’t deplorable and does fit the overall tuning well enough.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The soundstage as a whole is about average. This isn’t a massive sounding iem that stretches the stage in width, but it also isn’t congested sounding. It’s average. Height fills out the sound field pretty well and depth is there too. The depth of field is not the type that adds a holographic or 3D type sound. Not completely anyways. Actually, the Singolo has its moments. At the end of the day, I would simply say that the psycho-acoustically rendered stage is average. Furthermore, average isn’t bad at all, it’s average. The stage doesn’t feel, or sound cramped at all which is the least of what we should be looking for.
Separation / Imaging
Separation of elements within the imaginary stage are well parsed-out and delineated from one another. The Singolo has a tuning which tends to create space and the sound is crisp enough and defined enough to create those distinctions. It’s a cleaner sound throughout the midrange which takes up the bulk of our listening. The bass may be a bit compressed and not as clinical in its approach, but it all comes together nicely. So long as the track you are listening to isn’t loaded in bass activity then separation of instruments and voices is not bad at all. Imaging follows suit almost to the tee. I find the Singolo actually has good imaging, so long as the low-end doesn’t get in the way.
Detail Retrieval
Detail retrieval is another area that I’d say is about average as a whole. Maybe above average midrange micro-details, but that is highly debatable. So much depends on the track you are listening to at any one moment. Less complicated tracks will obviously come through a bit better and more congested tracks will not sound as refined, defined, distinctly separated, and clean. Again, the bass will have a lot to say on how well you are able to perceive the subtleties within your music when the Singolo is in your ears. Again, I’d probably call the Singolo’s ability to draw out the finer details as average. I don’t want to commit to saying it is above average though it does have its nice moments.
Comparison
Simgot EA500LM ($89)
This was an easy choice for a comparison. Well, it’s appropriate anyways. The set I’m comparing against the Singolo just so happens to be the Simgot EA500LM (EA500LM Review). Of course, it only stands to reason that I’d choose the one set that Crinacle referred to as “mid”. That set is one of, if not thee, best set under $100. This is ridiculously debatable, but I would assume that the great majority of hobbyists would agree that the LM is at least a top five under $100 iem. The LM is also a single dynamic driver set with a 10 mm lithium-magnesium driver and one of the sickest builds at any price point. I truly adore this set and feel that Simgot deserves all the accolades and praise that they’ve gotten. The EA500LM is actually the successor to the much-loved Simgot EA500 (EA500 Review) which itself had received the same amount of praise and rich adoration.
Differences
To begin, the LM is about $9 more but also comes with working tuning nozzles and one of the best builds that your money can buy for under $100. Made completely out of a high shine metal (stainless steel) that’s polished to a mirror finish. The Singolo is, as you know, an all resin iem and is very well built in its own right. However, I don’t think anyone would argue that the LM is simply more robust and clearly better built. Unless you need a lighter iem, at which point the Singolo would work for you as the LM is a solid and dense iem which is very weighted. As far as design and aesthetic, both iems are gorgeous. This would obviously come down to your own preferences. You may enjoy the clear resin with the beautiful Kiwi Ears design. Or maybe you are like me and cannot get over how tough and flat-out handsome the gunmetal high polished look of the LM is. Either way, they’re both dope. Now, the LM is much better accessorized with a much better cable, much better tips, and the LM also comes with a zipper case. So, from the outset, the LM is built better, arguably looks better, better accessorized, and even has tuning nozzles. Maybe “mid” means “awesome”.
Sound Differences
To begin, the LM is much closer to neutral than the Singolo which does have that big bass that warms the sound a bit more. The tuning nozzles can slightly change this, but the nozzles really won’t affect the tonal color all that much. The LM has a more defined and airy sound with a better balance of the spectrum. While the Singolo carries that heavy bass which does tilt the scales a bit to the left. Transients come and go more swiftly on the LM and do so with better precision. The Singolo tends to let a note run its course a bit more. You could probably say that the Singolo has the funner sound. Of course this depends on what you consider “fun”. Traditionally, this means bigger and more rambunctious bass, more V-shaped etc. However, I find the LM is much more melodic in sound with a better mix of technical ability and musicality.
Between the 20’s
Starting with the bass, the Singolo has a much heavier weighted, guttural deep and emphasized low-end. It’s deeper, slams harder too. However, the LM has the more mature bass while still having a moderate amount of thump. It’s quicker, better definition, more detailed. The midrange of the LM is richer and has better note weight across the mix and better detail retrieval. Between the two I feel that vocals come across better on the LM. It’s more shimmery in the upper mids and more engaging while the Singolo can sound flat at times and doesn’t have the same shimmer and vibrance. The treble region of the Singolo isn’t as lifted as the LM’s is. Now, the LM also has the possibility of coming across too bright for some whereas the Singolo isn’t offensive at all. That said, the LM is also more airy and open sounding too. Also, the LM has better extension into the upper treble within the air region, better note precision, definition too.
Technicalities
Technically speaking, the EA500LM is pretty much better across the board. Having said that, neither set is flat-out bad technically. Both sets perform well here. However, the LM is clearly more detailed across the frequency. It’s pretty obvious and easily discernible to me. Separation of instruments are nice in both sets too, yet the LM has an airier approach, better resolution to my ears too. Like I said, the transient behavior of the LM is tighter, more exact in its approach. I find imaging is also pretty nice in both as well, but once again, the LM doesn’t have that huge bass to mask over anything to the extent that the Singolo does. Finally the soundstage has more depth on the LM.
Final thoughts on this comparison
Like I said, this was an appropriate comparison. I can say without a question in my mind that the LM is the set that I prefer. Also, I realize that this comparison looked much better for the LM, and it does stand to reason. I suppose that folks who are very sensitive to upper mid pinna glare and treble emphasis will take a second look at the Singolo. It’s much less offensive. Also, people who do enjoy that big and rotund bass that can really extend deeply may also want to check out the Singolo. However, for everyone else this is almost a no-brainer. I think that the LM is clearly going to reach a broader range of hobbyists and fit more genres better.
Is it worth the asking price?
I will be short in answering this question. I do feel that Kiwi Ears is asking a hair too much for the Singolo. The Singolo is a decent set. However, I simply don’t think the Singolo competes with some of the sets within its price point all that well, for me anyways. Of course, I don’t know what all went into creating the Singolo. There could be a long and arduous back story that none of us are privy to which was rolled into the final price of $80. Who knows. The one thing that I do know is… the Kiwi Ears X-Crinacle Singolo doesn’t stand up next to the better sets in the under $100 price point. Yes, it is a decent set, and yes, I can vibe with them and enjoy them. However, I’d be lying if I said that the Singolo could equal the Kefine Delci, the Simgot EA500LM, and many more. There are simply better buys for your money.
Great sets in the price point
These impressions are only my own folks. I could understand someone really enjoying this set and could easily understand someone who loves the sound. I am not here to upset anyone. The truth is, the Singolo is not a bad iem. I realize I’ve said this multiple times and I believe that. I can easily enjoy listening to them. Again, it’s only when I am going through some of these under $100 sets that it becomes apparent that the Singolo is priced a bit high. When there exist sets like the Celest Pandamon, Artti R1, Artti T10, Kiwi Ears Melody, BQEYZ Topaz, Fiio JH5, Fiio JD7, Truthear Hexa, Simgot EA500, Simgot EA500LM, Simgot EM6L, BGVP P05, Muse Hifi East 6, EPZ Q5, EPZ X-Tipsy Star One, Letshuoer DZ4, TangZu Fudu Verse, Moondrop Aria 2, Tripowin Olina, Tripowin OlinaSE, Dunu Kima, Dunu Kima Classic and that is just to name a few. There are quite a few more that will either outperform the Singolo, or perform somewhat the same, but have much better accessories etc. So, nothing against Kiwi Ears because I have greatly enjoyed many of their iems, but the Singolo should have probably been priced a bit less. My opinion.
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 X-Crinacle Singolo ratings below, that would be $60-$100 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. $60-$100 US is a huge sized scope of iems, and so seeing a 9 should probably be pretty special. 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: 9.0 Built very well, all resin.
–Look: 9.4 Another beautiful Kiwi Ears Design.
–Accessories: 5.7 Not very good.
–Overall: 8.0
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 8.8 Timbre isn’t bad.
–Bass: 8.4 A fun and deep, bigger bass.
–Midrange: 7.8 Clean, slightly thin, laid back.
–Treble: 8.5 Non-Offensive with good details.
–Technicalities: 8.2 Technically a nice set.
–Musicality: 8.5 Musicality is very nice as well.
–Overall: 8.4🔥
Ratings Summary:
Rating the Kiwi Ears X-Crinacle Singolo was tough for me. Each rating could be argued for various reasons. In fact, I argued with myself over most of them. The ratings could go either way based on perception, preference and what one considers “good” or “bad”. Welcome to every rating ever given… ever. It all depends on what the criteria is. Basically, I judged the Singolo against any and every iem between the prices of $60 and $100 US. In case you didn’t know, that’s a ton of awesome iems. I have many on hand to actually listen to and make a subjective judgment, which is nice. But also, it’s a long process that gets tiring after a while.
Explain Yourself!
Anyways, enough complaining. The Singolo is a pretty good set folks, and I stand by my ratings on this one. As you can see the Singolo is about 7 to 10 rating points off the best in the price point (if you’ve read any of my reviews). I gave the Singolo an overall “sound” rating of an “8.4”, which is basically an average of all “sound” scores added up and divided. That’s about what the Singolo is. Good, but not top tier.
Grains of salt
The two ratings I had the most trouble with were the “Midrange” rating, and the “Musicality” rating. I kept going back and forth between those two. Basically, for the “Musicality” rating it isn’t always easy subjectively rating such a thing. Let’s put it this way… define “musicality”. Let me know when you have a good and understandable way to describe it. Let alone quantify it in a rating value. Musicality is a fluff word that is wholly subjective, and its meaning fluctuates and changes between people. Truth is, I shouldn’t even have it on my ratings. Actually, I shouldn’t even do ratings to begin with. Oh well, moving on. The midrange is another rating that I was going back and forth over because there really are some beautiful moments with this set. There are times it sounds strikingly good. On the flip, there are also times that the Singolo sounds like a $18 iem. The good outweighed the bad, I gave it a “7.8”. The rest of the ratings are questionable, but they are also my opinion in the end. You may disagree and I wouldn’t argue with you at all. We all perceive music differently folks, please don’t let any “high on their horse” reviewer tell you different. So once again, these are just painstaking little grains of salt.
Conclusion
I haven’t had such a hard time writing a review in quite a while. I’ve been so conflicted during this whole process. Do you know that there were nights that I felt the Singolo was flat out awesome? Also, there were plenty of times I was wondering what it was that I was smoking. That’s what the Singolo has been for me. However, in the end, when all is said and done… the Singolo simply isn’t one of the top tiers iems, for me. There are too many good to great sets that can be had for the same price and even lower. It’s a good iem, it’s a fun iem, but it’s also got some subjective gripes that I personally can’t unhear which drops it below those “best under $100” iems.
Other perspectives
Please listen to, watch, or read other thoughts about the Singolo. It will certainly be a benefit to you. Don’t simply rely on my words and my thoughts. We are all so very different. The next guy may absolutely love this set, and ya know what… they’re right. This is a hobby where every opinion is always correct. It’s all subjective and personal to the person listening. So please do yourself a favor and check out other perspectives. Also, I thank you for reading this review and I do hope it helps you. Okay, that’s about all I have. Please take good care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!
