Which Kiwi Ears IEMs are Best for You?

Something I didn’t realize when I first dove into the audiophile world is that you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on a pair of IEMs to get truly satisfying results. Sure, a hefty price tag often brings a level of technical excellence and resounding brilliance that’s hard to replicate – but let’s be real, not everyone has that kind of money to spend on audio gear. If that’s you, don’t worry - you’re not alone!

The good news? There are hundreds of affordable in-ear monitor options out there, and when you stick with a brand like Kiwi Ears, you get amazing sound without breaking the bank. Let’s dive into the Kiwi Ears lineup we carry here at Bloom and find the perfect set for you.

Kiwi Ears Quartet: $109

Coming in at just over a hundred bucks, the Kiwi Ears Quartet delivers impressive power with 2 dynamic drivers and 2 balanced armature drivers. This set is all about the low end, delivering a bass response you can truly feel. There’s a noticeable emphasis on the midbass, giving kick drums a satisfying, powerful slam. The sub-bass sits perfectly at the bottom of the mix, adding depth and fullness without overpowering the rest of the music.

If you’re not a basshead - don’t worry. While the vocals aren’t overly forward, they’re still present and clear, with the upper mids and presence region offering a bright, soothing character. These IEMs are a perfect match for hip-hop lovers and fans of orchestral soundtracks. Personally, I enjoy them with folk music – they bring out the crisp strums of an acoustic guitar while delivering a big, satisfying sound from the drum kit.

Kiwi Ears KE4: $199

The KE4 is for you if you want a powerful low end but also crave clarity and emphasis in the presence region. Like the Quartet, this IEM features 2 dynamic drivers and 2 balanced armature drivers. The key difference lies in the upper midrange and treble regions - offering ultra in-your-face vocals, silky-smooth guitar tones, and lush string instruments. The low end is still strong on the KE4, with the sub-bass taking the front seat over the midbass. With hip-hop, you get a full low end that delivers a satisfying rumble, while in a band setting, it makes the bass guitar something you feel more than you hear.

Another thing I appreciate about this IEM is that for just $90 more than the Quartet, you can really notice the upgrade in quality compared to the Quartet. The IEM shell feels sturdier, the cable is higher quality, and the termination is robust. At the $199 price point, the KE4 offers something for everyone – and it’s hard to beat for the price! 

Kiwi Ears Quintet: $219

Like Quartet, Quintet gets its name from its driver configuration. This IEM features 1 dynamic driver for the low end, 2 balanced armatures for the midrange, 1 planar magnetic driver for the treble, and 1 bone conduction driver which is tuned to enhance overall resolution and texture in the treble and air regions, rather than for the subbass as it’s used in many IEMs. Together, these drivers deliver a truly excellent and detailed listening experience comparable to professional-grade studio monitors.

If I had to describe the Quintet in one word, it would be balanced. As a musician with years of experience playing live in band settings and a few years in audio engineering, I can confidently say that among all the Kiwi Ears sets, this would be my go-to choice for those environments. While the Quintet isn’t a "true" reference IEM, it does an excellent job of letting everything breathe. Nothing takes center stage; each element works together seamlessly, making it a fantastic option for musicians performing live or producers working in the studio.

Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite: $249

Orchestra Lite is the successor to the Kiwi Ears Orchestra. Like its older sibling, this set packs 8 balanced armatures on each side - 2 custom tweeters for precise treble detail, 4 BA drivers for clean mids, and 2 custom subwoofer drivers for powerful lows. The sub-bass is subtle but impactful, the vocals are soft and full, and the midrange is crystal clear and delicate.

One standout feature for me is the instrument separation. The sound transports you straight into the studio, with instruments placed all around you. This IEM holds its own against other all-BA sets that cost thousands of dollars. All-BA designs are a fan favorite in the audiophile community - like the Thieaudio Valhalla or the 64Audio U18t - and as wild as it sounds, I believe the Orchestra Lite deserves to be part of that conversation. At this price point, it’s a true heavyweight and one of the easiest recommendations I can make. Whether you're a lifelong audiophile or just starting your journey, you can't go wrong adding these to your collection.

Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch: $449

Punch is an IEM made in collaboration with Kiwi Ears and Bad Guy Good Audio Reviews, also known as HBB. Its driver configuration includes 1 dynamic driver, 2 balanced armatures, and 2 electrostatics. Let’s be clear: this IEM is made for bassheads. True to its name, the Punch delivers a massive low-end impact that hits hard.

Punch is a premium-sounding and premium-feeling IEM, especially if your library is packed with hip-hop. The huge sub-bass takes center stage along with a snappy, quick midbass. Vocals are also boosted, with a significant emphasis in the 2-3k region. Punch also shines with pop-punk music, offering powerful bass drum thumps and a well-defined low-mid emphasis that perfectly complements a grungy bass guitar. If you’re listening to a lot of tracks produced by the likes of Will Yip, or if you’re like HBB and love Kendrick Lamar, this is the IEM for you.

Concluding Thoughts

Whether you're a musician looking to upgrade your in-ears for playing live, new to high-end audio and searching for a budget-friendly pair to explore the world of premium sound, or a dedicated audiophile wanting to add a reliable beater to your collection, Kiwi Ears has something for you! We’re excited to carry them here at Bloom, and they’re definitely a fan favorite around the office. I hope this article was informative and helps guide you toward the perfect Kiwi Ears IEM for your needs.

What are the Bloom Audio Office Favorites from Kiwi Ears Line?

Steve: HBB Punch

Matthew: KE4

Marty: HBB Punch

Caleb: Orchestra Lite

Jake: Orchestra Lite