In this review, I’m looking at the Kiwi Ears Division headphones. The Division features a 40mm dynamic driver and is designed for music enthusiasts, gamers, students and DJs. It’s priced at $49.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Kiwi Ears for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Kiwi Ears Division
Specifications
Driver Unit: 40mm
Impedance: 32 Ohm
Sensitivity: 98dB+/-3dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20KHz
Plug: 3.5mm+6.35mm (1/4 inch) adaptor /3.5mm
In the Box
- Kiwi Ears Division
- 3.5mm+6.35mm adaptor
- 2 headphone cables
- User Manual
Design
The Kiwi Ears Division headphones draw inspiration from classic studio headphones but are designed with versatility and portability in mind. They are notably smaller than traditional studio models, thanks to a foldable design that reduces their footprint, making them easy to store and transport.
The Division maintains a true over-ear fit despite their compactness, comfortably accommodating my reasonably large ears. The headband and earpads are cushioned with vegan leather for comfort, while the closed-back earcups made from lightweight aluminium not only contribute to the headphones’ aesthetic but also help in sound isolation.
The box includes two cables: one is around 2 meters long and has a coiled spring section (similar to the stock DT990 Pro cable). This one is ideal for desktop and studio use. The second cable is shorter and comes with a built-in mic and single-button inline remote and is better suited for when you’re on the move.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the iFi ZEN DAC 3 + ZEN CAN 3, iBasso DX180 and Shanling UP4. Division is easy to drive and will work with just about any audio source.
The sound is mostly neutral, except for the sub-bass which is significantly boosted. It makes the headphones more fun to listen to but less accurate. However, for the price, Division is pretty solid as a studio monitor for those on a strict budget.
Soundstage & Technicalities
Despite the Division’s smooth presentation, it has better detail retrieval than several more expensive headphones I’ve tested recently. The soundstage is reasonably intimate yet still creates a good sense of width and depth.
Verdict
The Kiwi Ears Division marks an intriguing first step into full-size headphones for the brand. While it may not be the most accurate reference monitor, it stands out as one of the better options at its affordable price point. For a debut model, they’ve done well, and I’m eager to see what future releases might bring.