REVIEW – For some cause currently, I’ve been receiving (greater than normal) audio audio system and headphones/earphones to evaluate. I adore it. Audio is my past love and enjoying with new gear is at all times enjoyable. I’ve been having triple-fun—so to talk—with some Linsoul Audio Kiwi Ears in-ear displays (IEMs). They wished me to evaluate the hybrid Quintet, Quartet, and Orchestra Lite IEMs. So, let the enjoyable start!
What’s it?
The Linsoul Audio Kiwi IEMs are wired (not one of the Kiwi Ears IEMs are wi-fi) that wrap round behind the ear for a safe and (virtually) silent listening expertise. Consider how musicians look on stage with their ears plugged by earphones and also you get the thought.
An IEM is normally a bit totally different than an earphone purchased for music listening. Whereas music with IEMs can sound nice, they’re largely used as stage displays for dwell music. I don’t play an instrument, so this evaluate will stick to listening to pre-recorded music on each my (new) iPhone 15 Professional and the Fiio M7 transportable music participant.
Till pretty not too long ago, the privilege of experiencing these sorts of IEMs was custom-only fashions that price many lots of (and even 1000’s) of {dollars}. That has drastically modified. Now you can discover multi-speaker IEMs that sound nice from lower than $100 to $500 max. That is the place Kiwi Ears is available in. They provide many fashions in lots of value ranges—none approaching the astronomical vary of earlier variations.
Linsole Audio Kiwi Ears are wired solely—there’s no getting round that. If comfort is your aim, look elsewhere. If nevertheless, you’re a performer on a finances, Kiwi Ears IEMs is usually a nice selection for stage displays. They aren’t custom-made however are loads snug for stage work.
Kiwi gives many sorts of IEM speaker configurations. Of the three I used to be despatched, The Quintet is a hybrid (extra like an uber-hybrid) setup with a single dynamic driver, 2 balanced armature (BA) drivers, 1 planar magnetic driver, and 1 piezoelectric (PZT) bone conductor—for a complete of 5 audio system per ear.
The Quartet options 2 dynamic drivers and a pair of balanced armatures. The dynamic drivers are tuned to behave like sub-woofers.
Lastly, the Orchestra Lite is a successor (kind of) to the costlier Orchestra IEM. The Lite model options 8 armature audio system per ear: 2 are tuned for sub-bass, 4 tuned for mids, and a pair of tuned for greater frequencies. Kiwi Ears states that the Orchestra Lite IEMs are made for a extra balanced and pure tonal signature, making this mannequin extra suited to stage work.
Word: Right here is an (oversimplified) clarification of the varied IEM speaker varieties:
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- Dynamic driver: This speaker appears and acts like a tiny model of a conventional speaker. They typically have extra bass.
- Balanced armature: This driver comes from the listening to support trade. They give the impression of being visually nothing like a speaker. Armatures are typically for mid to greater frequencies.
- Planar magnetic: Planar Magnetic drivers are much like dynamic drivers however have an ultra-thin diaphragm. This driver has good bass response, coupled with greater frequencies. Distortion ranges with planar magnetic drivers are normally low.
- Piezoelectric (PZT) bone conductor: That is an uncommon driver for a hybrid. It’s made to work at the side of the planar magnetic driver for a extra correct treble response.
The IEMs include oxygen-free cables—one thing normally discovered on costlier iEMs.
Specs
- Many speaker varieties (see above)
- Oxygen-free cables
- 2-pin connectors
- Medical-grade resin shells
- Totally different-sized ear suggestions
- Carrying case
Design and options
As I maintain any of Linsoul Audio Kiwi Ears IEMs, I’m struck by the standard of their development. Whereas the costs between the three differ a bit, the construct feels the identical throughout the board.
Listed here are my impressions of every in no explicit order:
Quintet ($219): This 5-speaker IEM takes a kitchen sink method with 4 various kinds of audio system. I’m unsure if the benefits of such a setup could be really appreciated with out direct comparisons to different Kiwi Ears fashions. If I purchased this pair solely, what would my impression be? Effectively, I kinda like them. I’m certain Kiwi Ears’ aim was for the Quintet to realize a full-range sound with their multi-speaker array in every ear. Whereas they largely succeed, the audio is a bit too vibrant for my tastes. Word that I’m delicate to greater frequencies, so what I understand as vibrant, others might love. However that’s true of any audio evaluate. In the long run, you may solely belief your ears—nobody else’s.
I performed and in contrast some songs from each the Fiio M7 music participant and the brand new iPhone 15 Professional Max (utilizing Apple’s USB-C to headphone jack—iPhones don’t have headphone jacks anymore). Whereas the sound on the M7 normally sounded a bit richer, the outcomes have been surprisingly shut. Apple has come a good distance in audio high quality and their headphone jack adapter works fairly properly. Bass response was good, however the sub-bass was a bit missing utilizing each gamers.
Nevertheless, that might not be a foul factor. The Kiwi Ears are extra correct than pleasant to take heed to. What do I imply? Many headphone/earphone customers say they need accuracy, however the fact is that the majority listeners desire a extra “heat” sound—which means a barely boosted bass. Kiwi Ear’s accuracy is tuned extra for on-stage and recording work, the place accuracy means every thing. It’s right here the place Kiwi Ears shines.
The Quintet IEMs are the extra boring-looking of the three IEMs on this evaluate. Their silver-colored faceplate just isn’t as thrilling because the clear teal and purple colours of the others.
Quartet ($109): These are the cut price model, however I truly desire the sound of those when in comparison with the Quintet IEMs. Perhaps it’s as a result of the twin dynamic drivers coupled with twin armature audio system exhibit extra pleasing bass to my ears. No matter. I can simply hear to those for longer durations than the costlier Quintet. I’ll say that the Quintet IEMs sound extra correct which may clarify the price distinction. I think about a musician would select the Quintet over this Quartet IEM each time.
The Quartet comes with 2 tiny switches on every earpiece which have (unexplained by Kiwi Ears) markings (ON-KE & 1 – 2) that may assist tune the sound. These switches permit for 4 potential tuning kinds. Since I appreciated this setting unchanged from the manufacturing unit, I left it alone.
The underside line is if you wish to take heed to your favourite music, avoid wasting bucks and go together with the Quartet IEMs.
Orchestra Lite ($249): As a substitute or substitute for the far more costly Orchestra IEM ($499), Kiwi Ears state that the Lite model is “. . . constructed on the identical basis as the unique Orchestra, but redesigned to be extra environment friendly, each in efficiency and value.” At half the price of the Orchestra IEM, they actually created an IEM that ought to make you suppose twice earlier than paying double for the unique. Each the Orchestra and Orchestra Lite IEMs have 8 balanced armatures per ear. That’s 16 audio system, people. Though I don’t have the unique Orchestra IEMs to match, I can’t think about them sounding twice nearly as good because the newer Lite model.
When listening to the identical music on the opposite IEMs, I may instantly inform that the Orchestra Lite IEMs are meant for professionals on stage and within the studio. The soundstage—that spacious 3D high quality in music—is fantastic.
These are severe in-ear displays—not earphones for informal listening. I’m not a professional musician, however my son and spouse are each performers, so I think about both one will likely be utilizing these whereas on stage as soon as I’m performed with them.
Word that after once more, my ears desire the least costly of the three IEMs reviewed—most likely as a result of I’ve totally different necessities than any audio performer would have.
What I like
- All are equally well-made
- Any of the three appears costlier than they’re.
- Many equipment can be found
- Oxygen-free cables
- Cables are higher than many equipped on different IEMs
What I’d change
- The two-pin cable interface feels fragile
- I want Kiwi Ears provided wi-fi variations
Last Ideas
I understand that Linsoul Audio Kiwi Ears primarily markets their IEMs for performing professionals, nevertheless it’s clear to me that listeners like me also can respect these IEMs. Nevertheless, that informal listener in me prefers the friendlier, smoother sound of the “much less correct” Quartet mannequin. Add to that any cash saved and the Quartet IEM is a complete winner in my ears. We will at all times hope that wi-fi variations are sooner or later.
Value: Quintet ($219); Quartet ($109); Orchestra Lite ($249)
The place to purchase: Kiwi Ears and Amazon
Supply: The pattern of this product was offered by Linsoul Audio.
