Kiwi Ears - KE4

Imho bass blunts highs. this is the way of life. You want better highs, get one of the meta dynamics with a bass shelf. That said save for Kiwi Ears KE4 imho otherwise. gets rid of the 2khz early rize that makes everything sound shhh ish

If you want an iem that sounds totally natural without much colouration except in bass region go with ke4 .

The KE4 and the DaVinci should be good for the sound signature you're after. The Ziigat Odyssey have a V-shaped tuning, which is not really neutral, but if you're looking for a V-shaped IEM those are the ones to beat right now apparently. If you can pony up $50-$100 more I can personally recommend the Moondrop Dusk, the default DSP tuning aims for the same meta tuning the KE4 and the DaVinci aim for, which is a mostly "neutral" sound signature with a slight bass boost.

DaVinci when I'm in the mood for a more fun sound KE4 when I want a more neutral sound Salnotes Zero 2 when I want the best comfort

I'm waiting for my Punch to arrive today. Will be my first "basshead" IEM. Don't have the Tea Pro, but I'm VERY HAPPY with my KE4 and found this post wanting to compare Punch to Tea Pro :D

I think your preferences would be far better served by something like the KiwiEars KE4, or the also new Ziigaat Odyssey. As your preference with Fan3 would indicate you like that later JM1 style upper mids Pina Gain. An out of left field alternative would be the AFUL Performer 5. Or possibly the Performer 5+2 (or Performer 7 as some people call it). Personally the Performer 5 is a little brighter, which leans more towards the Fan3, but the 5+2 has a little more clinical detail up top. And way out in super right field, is the KiwiEars Airoso, it might be a little too U shaped for proper monitor use. But it is very clean in the upper mids and treble, and has excellent detail. There really isnt anything i have found that the Airoso cant play well. And for the current sub-$100 price, it punches WAY above its price target. Not that you came here looking for advice, buuuuttt...its interesting to get some alternative perspectives. https://audioamigo.squig.link/?share=Ziigaat_Lush,Ziigaat_Cinno,Ziigaat_Odyssey,Penon_Fan_3_BC_Off,Kiwi_Ears_KE4,AFUL_Performer_5,Kiwi_Ears_Airioso

For what, the KE4 of the Daybreak? Either will be a fine upgrade.

Kiwi ears ke4 or Fatfreq deuce, maybe also Thieaudio hype 4 and Ziigaat arete

Kiwi Ears KE4 (why would I EQ them ?) and rock (including punk and metal).

The pilgrims are good but they lack bass even compared to the hexas, so I wouldn't go that way, the thing with the hexas is that their mids and highs are basically tuned to the meta target, with less bass, so if you want a hexa with more bass then a meta tuned iem would be perfect for you, the kiwiears ke4 is the cheapest but in your price range you can also get the dunu da Vinci or the moondrop dusk.

Kiwiears ke4 I wouldnt rec kz, their qc is shit

There are bulk made iems like kiwiears, aful, truthear with good qc

I can’t help but shake my head watching that video — or anyone who quotes it, honestly. There’s a part where he says he disagrees with websites that list JM-1 targets as one category and neutral as another. I don’t know… but I just don’t like the sound of the newer Meta-tuned IEMs at all. To me, they don’t sound neutral — for example, the Truthear Nova and Kiwi KE4 both sound pretty bleh. They’re definitely not neutral in my book. That said, I do love the Studio4 — and it doesn’t follow any of the “rules” mentioned in that video. But is undoubtedly more neutral than any hogwash from those other IEMs.

I got the KE4 and am obsessed. Best IEMs I’ve tried so far.

Personally I started with the Kiwi KE4, and it has satisfied me pretty good. I also recently got theiaudio hype 4 which not going to lie it was a big difference(not huge tho) in how spacious it is, could be me tho. if you looking for something average nice for most music style, i do recommend the kiwi KE4 i got them for like $170 on Amazon.

It’s like a better KE4. I love my set.

Kiwi Ears KE4 in my humble opinion

Most good Edm sets are just above 200$. Check out the Ziigaat Doscinco or Ziigaat Estrella or Fatfreq Deuce. Under 200 the KE4 is one of the best iems overall.

I recently got the KE4 after testing 6 options at an audio shop, alas the only ones I caught the names of were the KE4 (which I bought) and the Quintet also from Kiwi Ears. The KE4 are pretty amazing with impressive clarity and balanced profile but enough “oomph” that the bass isn’t too muted. My past experience comes from Sennheiser HD598, B&O H9i, AirPods Pro, and a few other headsets and honestly it beats them all, with the exception of the sound stage on the HD598 (which is unfair since those are open-back headphones) Also the KE4 are currently on sale so there’s that. Looking to see what folk comment on the other IEMs you mentioned since honestly I didn’t do much research and wasn’t able to test the Moondrops I would otherwise have compared to.

I thought about these for a while and found that they're £154 from Linsoul's website with free shipping! I got a pair, very excited to try these!

I mean sure, but at the end of any day subjective experience is paramount. I'm not trading Abyss Diana for a Kiwi Ears KE4 since the Diana smashes the shit sound wise to my preferences (and it better for like 15X the cost). Kilobuck iems are the same. Elysian Annihilator 2023 (I know people say 2021 is better but havent tried them) was the most resolving and full sound IEM, Ive ever had. The Performer 5+2 and Odyssey I have dont compare.

Kiwi Ears KE4 and ifi go link dac. Mostly listen to podcasts on the commute to be honest, but I enjoy them for music too

I haven't tried the three iem that you mentioned; I recommend the Kiwi ears ke4, if you like a warm/ relaxing sound and prefer a good timbre to technicals, these iem are great. If you can spend a bit more, prefer a more engaging, but imho a bit too bright, v shape signature, the ziigaat odyssey. I have tried both and I prefer the ke4, still have these, but could be boring for some people

Mmmm, I'd go with EM6L or EW 300 from your list. I was Imm 1, and I use KE4's for gaming, not the best, but gets the job done (I previously was using Truthear Hexas). My radiant friend, has been using Super Mix 4's for about 6 months, and before that he was using Dunu Kima's. We both play Extraction shooters on the side like ABI and Tarkov, and we're able to clearly recognize what direction sounds are coming from, and each specific sound (footsteps, voip, nades, etc). Kefine Delci AE wouldn't be a bad pick either, have heard good things, I just haven't tried them yet. I have the OG Zero Blue, and I think they're okay for gaming, definitely worth the price though.

(amongst the iems have I owned) s tier: kiwi ears ke 4 and truthear hexa a+ tier: Ikko OH10, Pula PA02, Shuoer s12 pro, Sennheiser ie200, Kefine Delci, Dunu Titan S OG a tier: Dunu Titan s2, Tanchjim One, pre revision CCA CRA+ A- tier: Binary Chopin, Tangzu Waner Studio, KZ PR2 pre revision, Tripowin Olina SE B+ tier: Kiwi Ears Quintet, Tangzu Xuan Ji, Simgot EW 200, Truthear Gate and Hola, Tangzu Wan'er SG B tier: Moondrop Chu 2 and OG, KZ EDA Balanced, Kiwi Ears Quartet, Moondrop Aria Snow, FiiO Jade Audio JH3, Tripowin Lea B- tier: 7hz zero OG, Truthear Zero Blue, Whizzer BS1 C tier: KZ CRN D tier: Moondrop Quarks honorable mentions: Koss KSC75 in A minus, Porta Pro in B, Moondrop Space Travel in B-, Galaxy Buds Plus and 2 in A minus along with Airpods Pro Gen 1, and Galaxy Buds 2 Pro in A plus.

This, for me, was a spectacular find on the used market where I am based at, as I was able to scoop this unit up with a custom 3d printed eartip case and a pair of CP155+ for roughly 50% of the retail price of this wonderful unit. I had low hopes from Kiwi Ears and this would have been my last shot, as my experience with Quartet was meh to say the least, and I had a tumultuous relationship with the Quintet as it had fatigued my ears like anything. This was a personal hail mary, and I am going to say that this is the best Kiwi Ears IEM I have owned till date. https://preview.redd.it/rj9mj5rzolqe1.jpg?width=5164&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4120845d6d61199a76cd561c8c356d6dcd8d93dc Unboxing was a nice experience- none of that cringe waifu branding which really should be done with in all honesty; image of the product and specifications on the cover, followed by unboxing and the IEMs nestled in it, and further leads to the usual kiwi ears branded carry case (Kiwi Ears, in all honesty it is high time you invested in a better, bigger case). They also decided to supply their own Flex line-up of eartips, and their usual cable which is nothing to write home about. Ample, that is all but a better cable and maybe a redesigned thicker cable could be some added welcomed toppings. This, after the Cadenza, has to be their best fitting iem to me. Despite being fairly large, the KE4 fits my ears so comfortably I can have them on for hours, although I use the Tripowin Zonie instead of the stock cable. Using the Spinfit CP100 tips also helps me bring out the best sound out possible through this while my ears continue to enjoy this set. https://preview.redd.it/e89vjur1plqe1.jpg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=60dd1505f3cc4ecb37896c250c759f2b5ab9435d **Lows:** Now, the main part that is the sound and this is where the KE4 takes centre stage. You are first greeted with the lows thick enough to hang like Greek Yoghurt. Rotating tracks like Pneuma by Tool, Limelight by Rush, Message in a Bottle by the Police helps me appreciate the weight of the bass that the KE4 tends to carry- drums sound nothing short of magnificent although without EQ, it may sound a bit too bleeding into the midrange as the sub-bass tuning on the KE4 consistently keeps this phenomenon across the board. But people who tend to enjoy the healthy, meaty lows that have the potential to put the fun in funeral their listening sessions will definitely appreciate this IEM. At times, one might find the details across the lows a tad too missing but this by no means is a slouch in terms of that- it might seem a bit lacking but it does make up quite a fair bit. **Mids:** the KE4 through its rotation through tracks like All by Myself by Celine Dion, Nessun Dorma by Pavarotti, and When We Were Young by Adele- except for female vocals running out of air across certain points of their respective tracks, and the male vocals scramming across for some weight, the KE4 midrange hits the right notes very well and with a lot of consistency. It is blessed with commendable imaging while not losing too much on details. I would have enjoyed a slightly wider soundstage given how mildly overwhelming the imaging could get, but I am not going to deduct points for this. It does not sound claustrophobic by any means but could have used a little space to let the imaging shine through bright. **Highs:** Lastly, I seriously appreciated how well reined the KE4 is. It has a beautiful, lush sparkle which can be observed in tracks like Caravan by John Wasson, The Spirit of Radio by Rush and Alright by Kendrick Lamar; where the cymbals had such a gorgeous way of presenting themselves that I was finding myself grooving hard. Except for the timbre getting ever so slightly metallic, I have no complaints with how the highs are. Detail retrieval on the KE4 gets even better when one observes how well it handles busy or element heavy tracks where it helps you observe and revel everything without letting one tumble over the another, and you might as well forget the lack of a slightly wider stage because of how well the extension is on this set. Which was my major qualm with the predecessor of this IEM in the same price range, ie, the Quintet where the highs kept on changing colours to the extent where I just concluded that it was inconsistently wonky. The KE4, as a welcome change, lets the highs soar with some restraint as in to not make the presentation shouty- with this, the whole listening experience sounds cohesive, with the only qualms being a slightly narrower stage than preferred, the miss of a faint air across the vocals, and a tad touch down on the sub-bass to midrange transition. And yes, this set is not sibilant. https://preview.redd.it/x936o304plqe1.jpg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ef06cba137d68e3a0db8803fcec5eef39a5a0a1 **Concluding notes:** The Kiwi Ears KE4 were a blessing in disguise to me, after I had sold off my Pula PA02 and the Ikko OH10 with a heavy heart and even though the Performer 5 from Aful had ticked off a lot of boxes for me, I wanted a bit more life on the lows, and a bit of more sparkle across the highs and the Kiwi Ears KE just get it so damn right, it is here to stay in my stable. Versus the likes of the Simgot Supermix 4, the Kiwi Ears KE4 totally make the price bump worth it. I severely disliked the wonkiness in the highs of the Supermix 4 and that is part of the reason why I bought the Pula PA02 instead which was a terrific offering from a maker that had just recently started. When I glance over my notes for the Ikko Oh10 and the Shuoer S12 Pro, the KE4 is one IEM that makes me not miss the OH10 for the better, but reminds me how tight the lows of the S12 Pro can get when EQ is brought in. However, I pick the KE4 readily over these. But here's where it gets interesting, the Tangzu Zetian Wu Heyday changes a lot of things that I felt previously for this IEM, and even though I enjoy the KE4 in its flesh and will still maintain the ranking, I just cannot see myself recommend this over the Heyday, that would be a shame. However, versus the likes of the Aful Explorer, in my book the Kiwi Ears KE4 is a literal upgrade. Enough said, this earns an S from me. https://preview.redd.it/f4o9yatcplqe1.jpg?width=6000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=007ca9f3b881e023c09a32d978453d75a6c1baf9 Eartips used: Spinfit W1, CP100+ and CP100, Kiwi Ears Flex, Dunu Candy DAC used: FiiO KA13 (in both normal and desktop mode) Portable devices used: Nothing Phone 2, Google Pixel 6A, Apple iPhone 15 plus Tracklist: * Tool- Pneuma * Rush- Limelight, The Spirit of Radio * Pink Floyd- Time * Daft Punk- Get Lucky * Kendrick Lamar- Alright * Kanye West- Stronger * Celine Dion- All By Myself * Adele- Easy On Me, When We Were Young * The Police- Message in a Bottle * Luciano Pavarotti- Nessun Dorma * Meshuggah- Bleed

If I forego ownership, I would say Aether is their best IEM till date. Then, the KE4 and then the Orchestra lite. Edit: the KE4 is spot on, at a discount or in the used market. I would not recommend buying this at retail.

Kiwi ears ke4, ziigaat odyssey, arcadia. These are neutral with bass boost. Wait for November 11, if you are going to buy. They would be on sale.

If you want a decent upgrade but nothing too big definitely give the Kefine Quatio a check, kinda similar sound, pretty nice value. If you want something on the notably bassy side, there is the ZiiGaat Arcadia. As for something more V-shape, the kiwi ears aether is an interesting, energetic alternative, but a notable different sounds style, balanced aswell, but different approach. And finally, if neutral with a bass boost is more your thing, the Kiwi Ears KE4 is also a pretty good idea (more natural, balanced sound but with a plus on bass). I honestly dont think there is anything particularly worth for a few extra bucks above $200 (sorry for the temptation but you might wanna just save up for something sub $400 like the Tea Pro).

I don't know how the rest of the community feels about the Kiwi Ears KE4 regarding whether or not they're "reference" quality, but they have a fairly neutral tuning with a little bass bump (they're overall tuned pretty in line with the "new meta" tuning, which is much closer to neutral than Harman is), plus they have pretty good soundstage and imaging. They are generally outside your price range as they retail for $200, but they're frequently on sale and I just recently saw them on Amazon for $160. I realize that's $50 over budget for you, but if you can swing it, I'd say give them some consideration. Again, I don't know how others feel about the KE4 in terms of being "reference" quality, but I think their fairly neutral/warm leaning tuning is pretty good for critical listening and would likely be just fine for audio production as well. If anyone else has any input on the KE4 in this context, please feel free to chime in or just tell me how wrong I am. :P

It depends on what you want. Variations is tuned towards Harman. If you want something that is like the variations but a bit better I would either look into the I/O Volare or wait for the Mooondrop Meteor x Crinacle DE (The issue with the meteor is the lack of bass, only decent mids but really good treble and crin said collabed with mooondrop to fix that. Like with the blessing series). [https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=JM-1\_Target,Variations,Volare,Moondrop\_Meteor&bass=8&tilt=0&treble=-4&ear=0](https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=JM-1_Target,Variations,Volare,Moondrop_Meteor&bass=8&tilt=0&treble=-4&ear=0) If you want an iem next to your Variations that is just more vocal forward I would either go for something cheaper like the Tanchjim Lineup (Nora,Fission, Fola) or for a bit more something like the Softears studio 4. If you want something that has good vocals but also bass, I would look into the Softears Volume s or any other jM1 tuned Iem like the crinear daybreak, Ke4, Ziigaat Odyssey 1/2, Mooondrop Dusk (and many more) or something like the Ziigaat Luna. Ps. You could also consider to try out some EQ and add a bit more lower midrange and maybe a bit more mid bass. Something like this might work for you. https://preview.redd.it/zn3o9psp46tf1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1a11b179c593b4f5707192bf77cd1be58c94e415

Hey, I don't recommend the Supermix 4 as the treble is too much for me (I get fatigue over time). If you wanna stick with Harman I would go with the Truthear Nova for 50quids less ( https://amzn.asia/d/hKDOjKv https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=JM-1_Target,SuperMix_4,Nova_TE&bass=8&tilt=0&treble=-4&ear=0 ) or for 60Aud more I would look at the binary x GIZAUDIO Chopin (https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=JM-1_Target,SuperMix_4,Nova_TE,Chopin&bass=8&tilt=0&treble=-4&ear=0 https://amzn.asia/d/atqSDLt ) or the Tanchjim Kara if you want a bit less bass but still Harman for 30Aud more than the supermix (https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=JM-1_Target,SuperMix_4,Nova_TE,Chopin,Kara&bass=8&tilt=0&treble=-4&ear=0 https://amzn.asia/d/azPlx2G ) Some other Iems I would personally pick over the Supermix 4 would be the Kiwi Ears Ke4 for $295 (after coupon https://amzn.asia/d/23yycCS) as well as the Quintet for $291 (after coupon https://amzn.asia/d/4upC76P ). https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=JM-1_Target,SuperMix_4,Quintet,KE4&bass=8&tilt=0&treble=-4&ear=0 Edit: for the dongle I would probably just pick the koondrop echo b, kiwi ears allegro mini or fiio ja11. Doesn't matter that much.

Agreed. I did in fact blind buy them, if only because I rate the KE4 and properly enjoy them, nice and easy, kick back kind of listen. Aether, wouldn't hesitate to recommend, unless you're an adamant bass or treble head. They're ace.

The Aether will sit alongside the KE4 nicely. If I just want to kick back and zone out, the KE4 are used. Fancy a bit more detail and "wow, I've not heard that before", I'm reaching for the Aether.

They're good aren't they. Aether for "I never heard that in this song before". KE4 for kicking back and relaxing.

Aether - really, really well tuned and balanced across the frequencies. It's a "I've never heard that in this song before" type of listen. KE4 - relaxed, let's kick back kind of sound. Nice warm bass, easy going treble, no worries here, but don't expect a detail monster. Orchestra Lite - not heard them, kind of curious, but may he redundant for me as I have the Aether and KE4.

I may be in danger of being a Kiwi Ears fan boy, but the 2 I have are both solid sets. One and done, most likely the Aether, but I'd miss the KE4.

I brought the S12's first. They were too screechy for me. Then I got the MP145, and thought they sounded really, really good. I then got some Crinacle Zero 2's as a travelling set, they are okay, but, you know, budget, so for me weren't in the same league, but I'd have gotten over it if they went missing or got damaged. Can't really remember what I went for after, but did realise the £200ish area is where the action is for me. It's all about the tunings now. I generally like a "warmer" profile, so the Septet were a bit of a risk, but I love them, in the right circumstances (they're not an out and about set). I'm not sure what advice to give really, graphs don't mean that much to me, they give a clue to the sound, but aren't going to tell you whether you'll like it. I have different sets for different moods, where I am, type of music etc. One and done? That's tough. More than likely the Martilo for it's versatility, but I'm on holiday at the moment and grabbed the KE4. Guess I'm lucky I can return home to the rest of the kit! For the record I use a BTR15 Bluetooth dac or M21 dap when I'm out, and a FIIO K7 as my desktop.

SM4 sounds about right, but if it’s too bright and fatiguing for you, the Kiwi Ears KE4 might be worth a try. To my ears, the KE4 has harder-hitting bass, more forward vocals, and warmer and less spicy treble compared to the SM4, which I found fun and bright but fatiguing until I swapped out ear tips to SpinFit W1.

I’m still early on in my IEM journey, but I think I’ve settled on the KE4 as the most pleasing to my ears overall. I’ve tried AirPods Pro 2, Wan’er 2, Zero Blue 2, SuperMix 4, and Aether. I’ve tried to AutoEQ the KE4 to other “new meta” IEMs, but none have been as convincing as when I first EQd the SuperMix 4 to KE4, which is what convinced me to buy the KE4 as the frequency response “felt right”. I was curious if a different driver configuration and build quality would bring the FR to life, so I was pleasantly surprised when the actual KE4 sounded better than the SuperMix 4 (EQd to KE4) to my ears. I know I can just stop here and enjoy the KE4, and some may say that it’s enough, but I can’t help but wonder how IEMs in the next price bracket will perform. Imaging, staging, resolution, detail retrieval, clarity, all those terms… Is there a “better” KE4 with almost the same frequency response? The Dusk Default DSP seems to be it on paper, but there’s no way I can test it out myself. Should I simply buy a more expensive set with more drivers and EQ it to KE4 if I find the stock tuning lacking? Any suggestions? Insights?

Thanks for these insights! I'm still trying to learn how changes to the frequency response grant certain perceived qualities. I found the SuperMix 4 too bright and fatiguing until I tamed it a bit with SpinFit W1s. (Otherwise, I could only listen to the Fall Out Boy discography for \~30 minutes. No such discomfort with my other IEMs.) Even then, I felt the SM4's mids (?) were too recessed/distant compared to the KE4's more forward/intimate presentation. That's when I became wary of Harman targets and IEMs said to be "very bright". Perhaps that means I'm a bit treble sensitive and prefer something closer to the JM-1/new meta target? The Braindance looks cool as hell but on paper it scares me. I actually have been interested in the Punch! I grew up enabling "bass boost" whenever I could on my Apple devices. I still do. (KE4 on HiBy R4 Eva with DRX10K Dynamics--bass boosted--and Sound Field plugins enabled.) I enjoy a bit of rumble and a lot of punch as long as it doesn't become... soupy? Though I am also curious about "more technical" sets, which is why I bought the Kiwi Ears Aether. To my ears, the Aether is "truly neutral" and quite detailed. So KE4 for fun and relaxed and Aether for fun and analytical. I've been mulling over the Tea Pro, Dusk, and Punch/basshead sets, but I'm worried diminishing returns will kick in hard coming from KE4 and Aether... Like the other poster said, perhaps experiencing an EST driver would be worth it?

vs KE4? I can't decide if it'll be an upgrade going from KE4 to the Tea Pro or Dusk.

I’ve owned both, there’s a lot of difference between the two. https://graph.hangout.audio/iem/5128/?share=Quartet_(00),KE4 The KE4 is the new “meta” tuning versus the Quartet being a more V-shaped, extremely midbass forward IEM. What you’ll get from the KE4 comparatively is more sub bass, waaaay less punch in the low end. The mids are balanced, even emphasized but I wouldn’t say they or the new tuning in general screams “detailed”, if anything these lean neutral warm with what came across to me as muddy due to the treble dropping off a cliff around 7k. I would opt for the Kiwi Quintet or Ziigaat Odyssey over the KE4 personally because they are good showcases of the meta tuning that have more cohesive upper mids and treble that was easier to EQ. I couldn’t get balance out of the KE4 and gave up on it.

Claude helped: # IEM Tier Comparison: Top 3 Models by Price & Ratings ## **S-TIER (Flagship Performance)** ### **Top 3 by Lowest Price:** 1. **Xenns Mangird Tea Pro** - $359 2. **Moondrop Meteor** - $499-549 3. **Kiwi Ears Etude** - ~$200-300 (estimated) ### **Top 3 by Consumer Ratings:** #### **1. Xenns Mangird Tea Pro ($359)** • **Pros:** - "Excellent choice for balanced yet engaging IEM" - Deep, controlled bass with lush mids and smooth treble - Exceptional comfort and passive noise isolation - Natural timbre and texture • **Cons:** Cable is stiff and inflexible • **Best For:** Vocal lovers, balanced tuning enthusiasts #### **2. Moondrop Meteor ($499-549)** • **Pros:** - "One of the company's best-tuned tribrid IEMs" - Impressive treble extension with zero sibilance - Users report it "sounds better than $2000+ IEMs" - Innovative 7-driver configuration (1DD+2BA+4Planar) • **Cons:** Large size may not fit smaller ears, lighter bass response • **Best For:** Technical performance seekers, treble enthusiasts #### **3. Kiwi Ears Etude** • **Pros:** - Innovative KVT (Kiwi Vibration Transducer) technology - Unique tactile bass enhancement - Beryllium-plated dynamic driver • **Cons:** KVT vibration feature requires adaptation, polarizing • **Best For:** Bass enthusiasts seeking unique tactile experience --- ## **A-TIER (Exceptional Value)** ### **Top 3 by Lowest Price:** 1. **AFUL Performer 5+2** - $239 2. **Kiwi Ears KE4** - ~$200-250 3. **Moondrop Illustrious** - ~$250-300 ### **Top 3 by Consumer Ratings:** #### **1. Kiwi Ears KE4 (~$200-250)** • **Pros:** - "Can confidently compete with IEMs under $400" - Excellent tonal balance with natural, engaging sound - Great for competitive gaming (FPS positioning) - Comfortable 2DD+2BA hybrid design • **Cons:** May need higher power sources, tuning might be "safe" for some • **Best For:** Gamers, neutral sound preference, all-rounders #### **2. AFUL Performer 5+2 ($239)** • **Pros:** - "Offers a lot of value" and "handles all kinds of music well" - Blends fun with technicalities - Tribrid design (2DD+4BA+1 Micro Planar) - Versatile across genres • **Cons:** Cable not modular, basic eartips • **Best For:** Genre versatility, technical performance on budget #### **3. Moondrop Illustrious** • **Pros:** - Solid technical performance in price range - Moondrop's refined tuning approach • **Cons:** Mixed reception, less standout features • **Best For:** Moondrop fans, balanced signature seekers --- ## **B-TIER (Solid Performers)** ### **Top 3 by Lowest Price:** 1. **Tripowin Vivace** - ~$80-120 2. **ArpegEar Hane** - $129 3. **Tangzu Wu Zetian Legend** - $259 ### **Top 3 by Consumer Ratings:** #### **1. Tangzu Wu Zetian Legend ($259)** • **Pros:** - "Highest detail" captures finest recording nuances - Dual planar drivers (14.2mm + 6mm) - Excellent treble control without harshness - Beautiful abalone-like faceplate design • **Cons:** May be too analytical for some, dust filter issues • **Best For:** Detail retrieval enthusiasts, planar driver fans #### **2. ArpegEar Hane ($129)** • **Pros:** - "Strong first impression" for brand debut - Clear and engaging sound signature - Tuning switches for customization - Comfortable fit and stylish design • **Cons:** Limited brand recognition, fewer reviews available • **Best For:** Customization lovers, newcomers to IEMs #### **3. Tripowin Vivace (~$80-120)** • **Pros:** - "Vivacious" bass performance with good separation - Competent tuning, inoffensive signature - Comfortable ergonomic design - Good value for entry-level • **Cons:** Average soundstage, basic treble detail, stiff cable • **Best For:** Budget-conscious buyers, casual listeners --- ## **Key Takeaways:** • **Best S-Tier Value:** Xenns Tea Pro offers flagship performance at mid-tier pricing • **Best A-Tier Pick:** KE4 dominates with versatility and gaming performance • **Best B-Tier Technical:** Zetian Wu Legend punches above its weight class • **Price Sweet Spot:** A-tier offers the best performance-per-dollar ratio

The KE4 are meta, they are very good but have poofybass according to the music, and not the most neutral pair either.

Have to try more currently would have to be the kiwi ears ke4

Ke4 would be Better if you prefer meta tuning the quartet are more warmer and all rounded i personally would choose the ke4 all day long

I’m loving the Pure! AB’ed it after a while w my beloved Kiwi Ears KE4 that I’ve been daily driving for months now, and I hated how dark and bloated the KE4 sounded in comparison. The Pure sounds so natural, I’ve never heard such detailed and natural travel in an IEM (though I’ve only tried so many up to now). Nicely downward-tilted in comparison to the Hexa. Just wish there was a bit more ear gain to compensate for the warmer mids and treble, but tbh I can’t even hear a difference when EQ’ing that in. They’re incredible. I like a good deep insertion and thankfully no noticeable resonance for me

Ye I did eq most of my iems to try out ,my lineup currently is supermix4,moondrop meteor,kiwiears ke4 and ziigaat Luna, maybe I can order a custom studio 2 or yume 4 then XD

Tbh cheapest one and the first one I got was tanchjim ola bass,driver died in 1 months,might be qc, then goes to moondrop lan and moondrop may, like may a lot but I dropped may by accident (too comfy in my ears and forgot about using it on my PC) eventually looks around in YouTube.Then goes with kiwi ears ke4 kinda regret after having the later few iem.Then watched some reviews and bought supermix4 ,like it but the shell fell out, glue issue.Decided to go for semi end game iem and buyed moondrop meteor and ziigaat Luna loving both but would still buy may if I didn't buy the end games then I have.

Chopin or maybe Xenns Top (not pro) hit that U-shaped signature for me. If you can stretch the definition of U to include Mild V, the new meta tuned sets like KE4 and Ziigaat Odyssey are on the table as well but they do have a thicker midrange that comes along with that kind of tuning