Synergy
Efficiency
With an impedance of 28Ω and an efficiency of 102 dB/mW, the KE4 can be easily driven by most laptops, tablets, and the few remaining phones with headphone jacks.
Throughout my testing, I tried the KE4 with the ddHiFi TC35Pro E2, 7Hz Artemis39, Kiwi Ears Allegro, iFi Audio GO link Max, and the FiiO K11.
The KE4 can be driven by more affordable dongles as well, however, I observed better dynamics and sound staging when pairing it with more powerful sources such as the FiiO K11 or the GO link Max.
Pairings
Since I found the KE4’s tuning to be its main strength, I preferred pairing it with powerful sources that add very little coloration to the mix. Because of this, the TC35Pro E2 and FiiO K11 were my preferred pairings for on-the-go and desk usage respectively.
I initially tried pairing the Allegro with the KE4, however, I found that its combination of additional warmth on the low end and sibilance in the treble region added too much color to the sound.
I found that the iFi Go Link Max was a good pairing as well. While it is not as clean as the TC35Pro E2, its leaner bass presentation is compensated for by the KE4’s warmth, and its increased midrange resolution does not detract from the listening experience.
Select Comparisons
Kiwi Ears Quintet
Technical
The KE4 features a 2DD+2BA hybrid configuration, utilizing two custom 10mm dynamic drivers for sub-bass impact and two balanced armature drivers for midrange and treble frequencies.
In contrast, the Quintet employs a more complex setup with four different driver types: a 10mm DLC dynamic driver for bass, two balanced armature drivers for mids, a planar magnetic driver for treble, and a piezoelectric bone conductor for ultra-high frequencies.
The KE4 has an impedance and sensitivity of 28Ω and 102 dB, while the Quintet has an impedance and resolution of 32Ω and 108 dB. In practice, I found that both IEMs were at par in terms of drivability when testing with my various dongles and desktop amplifiers.
Design
With both IEMs being manufactured by the same company, they have quite similar builds. The KE4 has a one-piece resin construction with a brushed metal faceplate encased in resin, while the quintet also has a resin body with a separate metal faceplate.
The KE4 is a bit larger than the quintet, however, its more ergonomic shell and curves make it more comfortable than the quintet for prolonged usage.
Performance
The Kiwi Ears Quintet and KE4 offer distinct sound profiles, catering to different listening preferences.
The Quintet adopts a slightly U-shaped sound signature with a more neutral midrange and energetic treble, whereas the KE4 leans towards a bass-rich presentation with a thicker and more velvety mid-bass.
While the KE4 excels in delivering impactful sub-bass with greater depth and slam, the Quintet provides a leaner, more controlled bass response that prioritizes clarity over power.
In the midrange, the Quintet demonstrates superior detail retrieval and resolving capabilities, especially with female vocals, which exhibit a more delicate and airy tonality.
String instruments also have better resolution on the Quintet, though the KE4 compensates with greater note weight, giving instruments a fuller, more substantial sound.
The Quintet’s treble is more energetic and forward, offering enhanced clarity for picking out fine details in complex mixes. In contrast, the KE4’s tuning creates a richer, warmer, and more relaxing listening experience.
Ultimately, the Quintet is ideal for critical listening and detail-oriented tracks, while the KE4 delivers a more immersive and soothing sound signature.
Hidizs MP145
Technical
The KE4 features a hybrid 2DD+2BA configuration, with two custom 10mm dynamic drivers dedicated to sub-bass impact and two balanced armature drivers handling midrange and treble frequencies.
The Hidizs MP145 uses a single 14.55mm planar magnetic driver, designed to deliver a wide frequency range with precise detail and speed.
The KE4 has an impedance of 28Ω and a sensitivity of 102 dB, while the MP145 has an impedance of 30Ω and a sensitivity of 104 dB.
While the KE4 is relatively easy to drive, the planar driver in the MP145 often benefits from additional power to unlock its full potential.
Design
The KE4 employs a resin shell with a brushed metal faceplate encased in resin, offering a polished yet durable finish. Its ergonomically designed curves ensure a snug and comfortable fit for extended listening sessions.
The MP145, by contrast, features a CNC-machined aluminum shell with an angular faceplate, giving it a more industrial aesthetic.
Despite its sturdy build, the MP145’s metal construction adds to its weight, making the KE4 more comfortable for longer usage due to its lighter, resin-based design.
Performance
The KE4 offers a bass-rich presentation, with a prominent and velvety mid-bass and impactful sub-bass that adds depth and warmth to its overall sound.
In contrast, the MP145 has a leaner bass response, focusing more on speed and precision rather than outright slam. While the MP145’s bass is articulate and well-controlled, it lacks the physicality and rumble that the KE4 delivers, making the KE4 more suited to bass-heavy genres.
The midrange of the KE4 is smooth and natural, with a slightly warm tone and good note weight, making vocals and instruments sound rich and full.
The MP145 has a more neutral midrange presentation with excellent separation and clarity, particularly excelling with vocal-focused tracks. However, it can sometimes sound slightly dry compared to the KE4’s more emotive and engaging mids.
The KE4 provides a smooth and non-fatiguing treble, striking a balance between detail and comfort. It avoids sibilance, making it ideal for long listening sessions. The MP145’s treble is more energetic and extended, offering superior micro-detail retrieval and a brighter tonality.
Moondrop Blessing 3
Technical
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) featuring a dual dynamic and 2 BA configuration, utilizing two custom 10mm dynamic drivers for sub-bass and two balanced armature drivers for midrange and treble frequencies. It has an impedance of 28Ω and a sensitivity of 102dB.
The Moondrop Blessing 3 employs a more complex setup with six drivers per side: two dynamic drivers and four balanced armature drivers.
This configuration aims to deliver a balanced and detailed sound signature. The Blessing 3 has an impedance of 14.8Ω and a sensitivity of 120dB/Vrms.
Design
Both IEMs feature high-quality resin shells designed for comfort and durability. The KE4 has a one-piece resin construction with a brushed metal faceplate encased in resin, providing an ergonomic fit suitable for prolonged use.
The Blessing 3 also boasts a smoothly sculpted resin shell with stainless steel faceplates, offering a premium feel and a snug fit for most users.
Performance
The KE4 delivers a bass-rich presentation with prominent and velvety mid-bass, providing depth and warmth to the overall sound. In contrast, the Blessing 3 offers a more neutral bass response, accurately reproducing bass frequencies with a touch of extra thump that R&B fans might appreciate.
The KE4’s midrange is smooth and natural, with a slightly warm tone that makes vocals and instruments sound rich and full.
The Blessing 3 provides an exceptionally clean midrange, with excellent timbre, especially for female vocals, which shine with delicacy and airiness.
The KE4 offers a smooth and non-fatiguing treble, balancing detail and comfort. The Blessing 3’s treble is balanced and detailed. Often being able to highlight the energy in most tracks without coming off as too sibilant.
The Blessing 3 has long been my benchmark for balancing technical resolution with a clean yet enjoyable tuning profile.
While the KE4 is not able to keep up with the resolving capabilities of the Blessing 3, I found that its warmer sound signature is more relaxing than that of the Blessing 3.
My Verdict
The $199 Kiwi Ears KE4 is a pair of hybrid IEMs that are nicely balanced with a pleasing and relaxing tuning, and a decent to good resolution performance at its price point.
Its accessories may be a bit lacking. I would have loved to have seen a modular cable at this price point, but instead, we are left with the stock cable found in 2023’s Kiwi Ears Quintet.
Those who prioritize an enjoyable and warm tuning without sacrificing too much resolution and energy should consider the KE4 as their next IEM.
Those who prefer cleaner and better detail retrieval may prefer other IEMs, but as a total package, the KE4 warrants a listen.
Kiwi Ears KE4 Technical Specifications
- Driver configuration: 2DD+2BA
- Frequency response: 20Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance: 28 Ω
- Sensitivity: 102 dB
- Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Plug: 3.5mm
