In this IEM review, I’m checking out the Kiwi Ears Quintet. The Quintet is equipped with a DLC dynamic driver, 2 balanced armature drivers, a planar magnetic driver, and a piezoelectric bone conductor. It’s priced at $219.
Kiwi Ears Quintet
Specifications
Driver configuration: 1 Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) dynamic driver, 2 balanced armature (BA) drivers, 1 planar magnetic driver, and 1 piezoelectric (PZT) bone conductor
Impedance: 32Ω
Sensitivity: 106dB
Frequency Response Range: 20 – 30000Hz
In the Box
- Kiwi Ears Quintet IEMs
- Detachable 2-pin 0.78mm SPC cable
- Zipper carrying case
- 6x pairs of silicone eartips
Design
The Quintet has silver-coloured aluminium faceplates and glossy black resin housings. It’s a low-key utilitarian design and a far cry from the flashiness of the Cadenza.
I find the pseudo-custom-shaped shells very comfortable and provide good passive noise isolation too.
The included 2-pin 078mm cable is supple and doesn’t have microphonics but it tends to get tangled fairly easily.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the Soundaware M2Pro, Topping E70+L70 and xDuoo Link2 Bal. The Quintet is an efficient IEM and doesn’t require a lot of power to drive. However, it scales considerably with gear, so it’s worth hooking it up to a good source.
The Kiwi Ears Quintet has a balanced pristine sound. Right from the get-go, it sounds refined, astonishingly transparent and poised.
Comparison
Moondrop KATO
KATO has slightly less sub-bass extension. The bass speed is comparable to the Quintet. KATO’s lower and upper midrange is more forward, making it good for vocal lovers. In comparison, the Quintet is less shouty in the upper mids and has a more natural tonal balance. Both IEMs have a similar treble response but KATO’s highs are more forward as a result of its more restrained bass. Both IEMs have a large soundstage but Quintet has more stage depth which gives it stronger imaging capabilities.
Verdict
In conclusion, the Kiwi Ears Quintet is a highly technical IEM that is sure to please those looking for a high-fidelity sound signature. The speed and composure of the bass, the transparency in the midrange and the light, shimmering treble all combine to create an engaging, clean sound. Overall, I really enjoy the Quintet and I think it’s up there with some of the best in its price range.