In this review, I’m checking out the Kiwi Ears KE4 IEM. The KE4 features a 2 Dynamic Driver (2DD) isobaric sub-woofer system, combined with 2 Balanced Armature (2BA) full-range and tweeter speakers. It’s priced at $199.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Linsoul for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

Kiwi Ears KE4

Specifications

Drivers: 2 Balanced Armatures, 2 Dynamic Drivers, 1 Knowles RAD-33518, 1 Customized RAB-32257
Driver Details: 1 Uitra-High Frequency Driver, 1 Mid-High Frequency Driver, 2 Low Frequency Drivers
Crossover: 3-Way Crossover Network
Sensitivity: 102dB (±1dB)
Impedance: 28 ohm

In the Box

• Kiwi Ears KE4 IEMs
• Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
• Zipper carrying case
• 3x pairs of silicone eartips
• 2x sets of replacement nozzle mesh

Design

The Kiwi Ears KE4’s shells are made from medical-grade resin with a glossy black finish. Its hand-finished faceplates have a brushed aluminium pattern and are adorned with the brand logo. There’s a single vent on the top edge of the shells. A metal grille cover protects the nozzles from ear wax and the nozzles have a sturdy lip that holds eartips firmly in place.

I found the KE4 comfortable to wear, despite them being somewhat bulky. With the right eartips, they fit snugly in my ears and they do pretty good passive noise isolation too.

The included cable is of good quality and has matching polished aluminium components. However, due to its thinness above the Y-splitter, it is very prone to tangling.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the Cayin RU6, iBasso DX180 and SMSL DO300EX. The KE4 is easy to drive, but it scales well with better gear, so I’d recommend pairing it with at least a dongle DAC.

If you follow the ChiFi scene, you’ve probably already heard about the Meta tuning. I’m not going to get into it here because I think consumers put too much emphasis on graphs and curves already! So let me tell you what I hear when I listen to the KE4.

The KE4 offers a balanced sound signature with a touch of warmth, a neutral midrange, and well-extended treble. Its tuning doesn’t cater to extreme bass lovers or trebleheads, but instead provides a natural, musical character with solid technical performance.

Bass

One of the standouts of KE4’s bass is its lovely texture. It’s gritty and tactile, with a sense of depth and detail. There’s plenty of sub-bass reach and enough rumble to convey a sense of epicness when needed. The mid-bass is punchy and has a nice balance of impact and clarity.

Midrange

The midrange is another highlight of the KE4, with vocals sounding forward without being shouty. Instrument timbre remains accurate, and the overall presentation feels transparent and uncoloured. Meanwhile, the underlying bass adds a natural warmth without thickening the note size.

Treble

KE4’s treble perfectly rounds out its tuning—it’s smooth yet extended, offering plenty of detail without sounding sharp or brittle. While fans of bright, sparkling treble might not find it the most exciting, it impresses with its ability to create air and shimmer without harshness.

Soundstage & Technicalities

The soundstage is reasonably large in dimensions. The layering is not as distinct as some others in this price range but the imaging is still convincing. I think what impresses me most is the coherency of the presentation and the way the 4 drivers work in perfect harmony.

Comparisons

Moondrop Kadenz ($189)

The Kadenz (review here) has a thinner and brighter tonality. Its bass lacks weight and authority, unlike the KE4 which has powerful lows. Kadenz’s midrange has a thin note size and the upper mids get shouty, especially at higher volume. Despite its brighter tonality, the detail retrieval is only average and the resolution is inferior to the KE4. Kadenz has a slightly wider soundstage but the KE4 has more precise placement due to its superior resolution.

Verdict

The Kiwi Ears KE4 is an IEM that gets pretty much everything right. Its punchy bass and warm, non-fatiguing presentation are complemented by impressive technical performance, particularly in detail retrieval and imaging. For these reasons, it’s a no-brainer and gets a place on our Best IEMs list, along with our recommended award.