Kiwi Ears Orchestra II Review: A Balanced Symphony
Jin Soh
The original Kiwi Ears Orchestra debuted four years ago as an eight–balanced armature IEM that was widely praised for its tonality and technical performance. It later received a follow-up in the form of the Orchestra Lite, which aimed to improve bass presence and overall sound quality.
Now, Kiwi Ears is back with the Orchestra II, adding two more balanced armature drivers to the mix and positioning it as a refinement of the original concept rather than a radical departure.
While I never had the chance to listen to the original Orchestra, the reputation of the series sets clear expectations. The Orchestra II enters a market that has increasingly leaned toward bass-heavy and hybrid designs, making its balanced armature-only approach feel almost refreshing by contrast.
What Is It?
The Kiwi Ears Orchestra II is an in-ear monitor with 8 balanced armature drivers housed in a transparent acrylic shell. Kiwi Ears claims this precision-tuned acrylic construction helps minimise acoustic resonance, resulting in a cleaner and more natural sound compared to metal housings.
The Orchestra II makes a strong first impression with its packaging. Alongside the earphones, you get a silver-plated copper cable, a carrying case, and an unusually generous selection of twelve pairs of ear tips, neatly organised in their own case. The cable is modular and supports both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations out of the box, which is quite impressive at this price point.
The honeycomb-style faceplate is visually appealing, though the printed font of the model name feels a bit too…playful and slightly detracts from the otherwise serious aesthetic. It’s worth noting, that the shells themselves are larger than average and may pose a fit issue for users with smaller ears. Personally, I had no trouble achieving a good seal, and the earphones remained secure and comfortable during longer listening sessions.
One thing worth noting is the lack of a pressure-relief vent. This can lead to some pressure buildup when inserting the earphones. While I did notice it, the sensation never became uncomfortable enough for me to remove the earphones all-together.
Our review unit of the Kiwi Ears Orchestra II was graciously provided by Linsoul. The earphones retail for 349USD (around RM1450) on Linsoul.com.
How Does It Sound?
The Orchestra II presents a clean, mostly neutral tuning with a slight emphasis on the sub-bass. It is clearly not tuned to chase bass quantity, instead prioritising balance, clarity, and midrange performance. Detail retrieval is strong, and while balanced armature timbre is still present, it is relatively minor and well-controlled.
Soundstage performance is above average, with good width and respectable depth. It does not sound expansive, but it avoids feeling congested, allowing instruments and vocals to occupy their own space comfortably.
Tip selection makes a noticeable difference. Among the included options, the grey tips with yellow inner bores stood out for me, offering the best seal, deeper bass response, and slightly more forward vocals.
Bass
Bass performance is modest but well-executed. There is a slight lift in the sub-bass that gives the low end some presence, but extension is limited, this is certainly not a set for bassheads. The mid-bass is sufficient and clean, providing enough body to support the rest of the frequency range without bleeding into the mids.
The bass is relatively fast and controlled, though it lacks the physical impact and slam found in dynamic driver or hybrid designs. It gets the job done, but it is clearly not the focal point of the tuning.
Mids
The midrange is the clear highlight of the Orchestra II, which is largely expected from a multi–balanced armature setup. There is a hint of warmth that keeps the mids sounding natural and engaging, with vocals placed front and centre without feeling overly intimate.
Male vocals benefit from the slight low-end emphasis, giving them good weight and richness. Female vocals remain clear and articulate, though they can sound a touch floaty at times. Overall, the mids sound clean, well-textured, natural and very easy to listen to.
Highs
Treble performance is smoother than one might expect, especially for multiple balanced armature drivers. Rather than sounding sharp or overly energetic, the highs are slightly rolled off, avoiding fatigue and harshness. There is enough air and detail to keep things engaging, but the lack of sparkle means the Orchestra II does not sound particularly open or crisp.
This tuning choice makes it a comfortable listen for longer sessions, though listeners who prioritise brilliance and top-end energy may find it a little restrained.
Is It Worth It?
The Kiwi Ears Orchestra II offers a compelling alternative to the current trend of bass-boosted IEMs. Its 10 balanced armature drivers deliver a clean, balanced, and technically competent sound that emphasises clarity and midrange performance over sheer impact.
It also serves as a reminder that good tuning matters more than branded drivers or exotic configurations. If you have been listening to warmer or bassier earphones lately, the Orchestra II can feel like a breath of fresh air.