Kiwi Ears has certainly carved out a significant niche in the ChiFi world. With noteworthy releases like the Cadenza and Orchestra Lite, it has more than earned its stripes. But it is the brand’s five-driver Quintet that truly stole the spotlight for me; it is easily one of my favourite pair of IEMs that I’ve reviewed to date.

Now, Kiwi Ears is back with its latest release, the KE4. Well-known reviewers like Crinacle and HawaiiBadBoy are already singing praises on the tuning of this new set, stating that the KE4 has what’s known in recent times as the “meta tuning” – that is, a Harman-like tuning, but with more warmth and less treble.

Naturally, this has set the bar high and made me curious. So is the KE4 worthy of the hype? Let’s dive in.

What It Is

The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a 2DD+2BA hybrid IEM, priced at $199 (about RM830) on Linsoul, who kindly provided this review unit. While the packaging doesn’t necessarily dazzle, there is a sense of quality here. Inside the box is a 2-pin cable, a hard carrying case, two sets of replacement filters, and three pairs of Kiwi Ears’ proprietary “Flex Ear Tips.”

Speaking of which, the Flex Ear Tip is quite unique. Not only does it have a wax guard at the tip, the nozzle swivels too, reminiscent of SpinFit tips. The Flex Ear Tips is also made from medical-grade silicone, and most importantly, it is comfortable enough for my ears that I don’t have to resort to tip-rolling.

Aside from that, the KE4’s chin slider and 3.5mm termination have a good amount of heft to them, making the cable feel a bit more premium than it actually is. It’s worth noting that the Quintet was one of the most comfortable IEMs for my ears, and I’m glad that I can say the same for the KE4. But as always, fit is subjective, and your mileage may very well vary.

How Does It Sound?

Overall, the KE4 delivers a neutral sound with a slight bass boost. It’s warm, smooth, and easy on the ears, offering a non-fatiguing listening experience. The soundstage is slightly above average, with good width and decent depth.

Bass

The sub-bass on the KE4 is deep and rumbly, offering impressive extension. However, it lacks some of the texture and detail you might find in more high-end options. The mid-bass is less pronounced, providing a softer impact that contributes to a more relaxed listening experience.

Mids

It’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to the mids of the KE4. The lower mids, for example, are thick and smooth with a good note weight that benefits male vocals. There’s controlled pinna gain, which helps avoid the shoutiness common in many Harman-tuned IEMs.

However, this also results in female vocals sounding a bit distant, lacking some presence and fullness. As a fan of rich, lush midranges, I found the KE4’s mids a bit lacking in vibrancy for my taste.

Highs

As for the treble of the KE4, it is smooth with good extension, offering decent details while maintaining a laid-back character. While it could use a bit more sparkle and edge, that would likely come at the expense of its smoothness.

Kiwi Ears Quintet Comparison

When stacked against the Quintet, the KE4 offers a warmer, smoother sound at a slightly more affordable price point ($199 versus $219). The Quintet, with its livelier, more engaging presentation, delivers punchier, impactful mid-bass and a more thrilling treble.

But the audiophile hobby is a subjective one, so it’s not entirely accurate to say one IEM is better than the other in this particular instance. The KE4 is great for those who want a more laid-back listening experience, while the Quintet will be a better fit for folks who want a more exciting sound profile.

And that is a good segue to the next section.

Is It Worth It?

As much as I enjoy listening to the Kiwi Ears KE4, I find its tuning approach to be almost too safe for my liking. It doesn’t quite spark the same excitement for me as the Quintet or even the 7Hz Five, both of which have livelier presentations.

That being said, the KE4 stands out as an exceptional IEM that offers the aforementioned meta tuning that’s currently in vogue; all for a fraction of the price of other high-end options with a similar tuning. If that sounds appealing to you, then do give the KE4 a consideration – or even a listen, if possible.

Li Jin Soh contributed to this review.