In this article, I review the Kiwi Ears x Crinacle Singolo IEMs. Singolo features a single 11mm LCP dynamic driver. It’s priced at $69.

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 x Crinacle Singolo

Specifications

Driver: Custom 11mm Dynamic Driver + KIWI Acoustic Resonance System (KARS)
Frequency response: 20Hz- 20kHz
Sensitivity: 108dBSPL/mW
Impedance: 32 ohms

In the Box

• Kiwi Ears x Crinacle Singolo IEMs
• Detachable SPC cable
• 3* pairs of black silicone eartips (S, M, L)
• 3* pairs of white silicone eartips (S, M, L)

Design

Singolo has clear 3D-printed resin shells that entice you to gaze into the internal structure of the IEMs that contain the Kiwi Acoustic Resonance System (KARS) and the driver enclosure.

The faceplates are pretty, in typical Kiwi Ears style. Singolo is available in either blue or black and both have a glittery effect interspersed with flecks of brown.

When it comes to comfort, the Singolo scores well. However, due to the short length of the nozzles, it can be challenging to get a good fit – some strenuous tip rolling might be necessary to get a good seal in your ears.

The included 2-pin silver-plated copper cable has a smooth TPU sheath and handles well. It feels a little pedestrian for an IEM at this price point but the quality is quite good.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the KGUSS T5Pro, Cayin RU6 and SMSL DO300EX. These IEMs are easy to drive and don’t have any demanding source requirements. You can plug them straight into a smartphone or a dongle DAC.

Bass

Singolo has the expected sub-bass boost and it can deliver some satisfying impact. However, relative to the boosted upper midrange, the quantity of the bass is fairly tame. The lows are well-controlled and there’s practically no bleeding into the lower midrange which is good for maintaining clarity.

Midrange

The midrange is clean and articulate and has a neutral tone. There’s a sense of dryness and lack of body in male vocals and instruments in the lower mids due to the scooped-out 100-300Hz region. This makes Singolo sound less rhythmic and a little sterile on some recordings where things like tom drums lack depth and punch. Furthermore, the boosted upper mids can be problematic when the volume is turned up, as it tends to become overly aggressive, especially with powerful female vocals.

Treble

Singolo’s treble has a safe tuning that should be agreeable to most listeners. The highs are somewhat laid-back, allowing the upper midrange peak to handle clarity while adding some air and definition to the mix. There’s no brittleness or sibilance in the treble but there’s not much sparkle either.

Soundstage & Technicalities

The soundstage has good depth but is somewhat limited in width. Its overall dimensions are fairly intimate but it doesn’t feel restricted. Instrument separation is good and the overall resolution is average.

Comparisons

Simgot EA500LM

Despite looking similar on the graph, these two IEMs sound distinctly different. The EA500LM has more fullness in the low frequencies but with a more natural and linear transition into the lower midrange. Singolo, on the other hand, has an attenuated lower midrange that raises the perceived level of sub-bass.

EA500LM has better bass texture and a more saturated lower midrange. It also has more upper midrange lift and core treble presence but these are counterbalanced by the extra bass body. As a result, the EA500LM sounds more dynamic and naturally balanced whereas the Singolo has an almost forced sense of clarity and comes off sounding somewhat flat. The Simgot’s added treble gives it more air and a larger soundstage. It also gives the EA500LM more lustre and precision.

Verdict

At the end of the day, the Kiwi Ears x Crinacle Singolo is a well-constructed IEM with abundant clarity and a safe tuning. It does most things well but doesn’t distinguish itself in the competitive sub-$100 market. I think its audio performance is acceptable for the price if you like this kind of tuning but ultimately, there are more tempting alternatives.