Kiwi Ears Aether Review

  

Introduction:

The Kiwi Ears Aether introduces itself as the brand’s latest In-Ear Monitor featuring a 15.3mm planar magnetic driver, which is the largest driver used in any Kiwi Ears IEM to date. Designed with a focus on delivering a combination of high output, reduced distortion, and balanced tonality, the Aether aims to replicate an expansive sound experience comparable to that of open-back headphones. Constructed with medical-grade resin shells, it prioritizes durability while also showcasing an aesthetically appealing faceplate design. The inclusion of a detachable 2-pin cable system adds flexibility for users seeking customization. This review offers a detailed evaluation of the Aether’s design, features, and performance, providing an objective analysis of its capabilities and potential appeal to various listeners.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Linsoul and Kiwi Ears for providing the Aether Planar Driver IEM for review purposes. I am not affiliated with Linsoul or Kiwi Ears beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability: 

The actual price of the Kiwi Ears Aether Planar Driver IEM is 169.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• Kiwi Ears Aether Planar Driver IEM

  

Package & Accessories:

The Kiwi Ears Aether arrives in a sleek, compact box with a minimalist design that keeps things simple yet elegant. The outer sleeve features a subtle image of the IEMs alongside the Kiwi Ears branding, setting a refined tone. Inside, the unboxing experience is straightforward and well-organized. You’ll find the earphones nestled neatly, accompanied by a small silver box containing a high-quality carrying case and a separate compartment with ear tips.

The package includes the following:

• 1 x pair of Kiwi Ears Aether In-Ear Monitors
• 1 x Detachable Cable with 2-Pin Connectors
• 9 x pairs of Silicone Ear Tips (1 pair came pre-installed)
• 1 x Zipper Case
• 1 x Print Material

The carrying case is a practical addition, though its snug size leaves just enough room for the IEMs, cable, and spare tips. The included ear tips offer decent variety, but some users might wish for foam options or more diverse bore sizes to fine-tune the fit and sound.

 

Design & Build Quality:

The Kiwi Ears Aether has a design that feels both premium and purposeful. The shells are crafted from medical-grade resin, delivering a solid yet lightweight build. The faceplates are a visual highlight, featuring a striking black and white marbled pattern with a subtle shimmer of purple and pink flecks, reminiscent of a starry night sky. This marbled effect is accented by a bold starburst graphic at the center, with the “Kiwi Ears” branding elegantly scripted in white, adding a touch of sophistication.

The faceplate’s ribbed texture, visible along the edges, not only enhances the aesthetic but also provides a subtle tactile contrast to the smooth resin body.

At the heart of the Aether is its 15.3mm planar magnetic driver, a significant step up from the typical 12mm or 14mm drivers found in most planar IEMs. This larger driver, paired with multi-layered N52 neodymium magnets, is designed to produce robust sound with minimal distortion. The shells feature an acoustic chamber and enhanced ventilation, with small vent holes visible near the faceplate, aiming to replicate the open, airy feel of full-sized headphones.

The nozzles are equipped with a mesh filter to keep debris at bay, and their standard diameter ensures compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket ear tips.

At the top, the 0.78mm 2-pin connectors offer a secure fit for the detachable cable, which is made of high-purity copper with a soft, braided sheath to minimize tangling.

 

Detachable Cable:

The detachable cable provided with the Kiwi Ears Aether is made from high-purity copper, though the specific composition is not disclosed. It is coated in a black nylon insulation, which is soft to the touch and designed to resist tangling, offering practical benefits during use.

The cable features 2-pin male connectors with a 0.78mm diameter. These are clearly marked for ease of use, with a red indicator for the right channel and a transparent marking for the left channel, ensuring quick and accurate connections.

At the end of the cable, there is a 3.5mm headphone plug housed in a durable metal casing. A plastic strain relief is also incorporated into the design, enhancing the overall durability of the plug and improving its resistance to wear during regular handling.

 

 

Fit, Comfort & Isolation:

The Aether’s ergonomic design fits snugly into my medium-sized ears, with a smooth inner contour that keeps discomfort at bay even after hours of use. The lightweight resin shells and over-ear cable routing ensure they stay in place without excessive pressure. However, the thicker shells might protrude slightly more than some prefer, and achieving a perfect seal can take a bit of tweaking with the included tips.

Passive noise isolation is decent but not exceptional, likely due to the ventilation designed to enhance the soundstage. It’s sufficient for casual environments like a quiet room or a mildly noisy commute, though it won’t fully block out louder surroundings. For those prioritizing comfort over isolation, the Aether delivers a pleasant experience.

 

Technical Specifications: 

• Model                          : Aether
• Driver Technology      : 15.3mm Planar Magnetic Driver
• Frequency Response : 20Hz ~ 20 kHz
• Sensitivity                   : 105dB SPL/mW ±1dB
• Impedance                 : 14Ω ±1Ω
• Connector Type         : 0.78mm Diameter 2-Pin Connector
• Plug                            : 3.5mm Single Ended
• Cable Length              : approx. 120cm

  

 

Drivability & Pairing:

With a low impedance of 14Ω and a sensitivity of 105dB SPL/mW, the Kiwi Ears Aether is relatively easy to drive for an IEM utilizing a Planar Magnetic Driver unit, especially one equipped with a large 15.3mm driver. It performs effectively across a variety of devices, pairing well with smartphones, DAPs like the Sony WM1Z M2 and xDuoo X5, as well as USB DACs such as the ONIX Alpha XI1 and iBasso Nunchaku, delivering consistent performance without the need for high-powered amplification.

However, while it is relatively easy to drive, I observed that it delivered better performance when paired with a source featuring a sufficiently powerful amplification stage, further enhancing its capabilities. Even so, the Aether remains versatile, offering commendable sound quality with more modest setups, making it a practical choice for diverse listening scenarios.

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

IEM’s              : Kiwi Ears Aether, Tangzu Zetian Wu
DAP&DAC’s  : Sony WM1Z M2, xDuoo X5, iBasso Nunachaku, ONIX Alpha XI1

 

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
• Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
• Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
• Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
• Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

Sound Introduction:

The Kiwi Ears Aether offers an expansive and precise sound signature, characterized by a neutral foundation with a subtle yet appreciable bass lift. Its 15.3mm planar magnetic driver is a standout feature, providing exceptional openness, layering, and precision. The Aether’s overall presentation is marked by a controlled low-end, a balanced midrange, and a treble that is articulate without becoming fatiguing, making it versatile for various listening preferences.

Let’s now turn our attention to a more granular analysis of the audio reproduction.

This review has been written after a burn-in period of about 55 – 60 Hours. I have used the stock cable and the black silicone ear tips that are included to the package. My sound impressions below are based on my experiences with sources like the Sony WM1Z M2 and xDuoo X5 Digital Audio Players as well as the iBasso Nunchaku and ONIX Alpha XI USB DAC/AMP dongles.

 

Bass:

The bass region of the Aether strikes a fine balance between depth and control. The subbass reaches impressively low frequencies, delivering a visceral rumble that remains clean and distortion-free. In tracks like Angel by Massive Attack, the subbass performance showcases its ability to provide a tactile and immersive listening experience, adding weight to the mix without overwhelming other frequency ranges.

The midbass complements this with a punchy yet controlled energy, lending rhythm and texture to kick drums and basslines. Tracks such as Billie Jean by Michael Jackson exhibit satisfying impact and well-defined decay, demonstrating the Aether’s ability to maintain clarity and separation. The bass performance is neither overly dominant nor underwhelming, making it suitable for a wide range of genres, from electronic and pop to orchestral and jazz.

 

Midrange:

The midrange of the Kiwi Ears Aether is where its tuning achieves a natural and balanced tonality. The lower mids possess a touch of warmth, providing body and fullness to male vocals and instruments like pianos and acoustic guitars. In tracks like Come Away With Me by Norah Jones, the lower midrange imparts a lush and engaging quality that enhances emotional resonance without introducing muddiness.

The upper midrange, on the other hand, is meticulously tuned to deliver clarity and articulation. Female vocals and higher-register instruments are presented with vibrancy and resolution, as evident in Adele’s My Little Love. This tuning ensures that the midrange remains both detailed and engaging, making it suitable for critical listening while preserving its versatility for casual enjoyment. Despite its balanced nature, some listeners might find themselves wishing for a slightly more pronounced upper midrange for added intimacy and presence.

 

Treble:

The treble region of the Aether contributes significantly to its sense of openness and detail retrieval. The lower treble, often referred to as the brilliance region, introduces sparkle and energy without overshadowing the overall tonal balance. Cymbals, high hats, and similar elements in tracks like The Four Seasons exhibit natural tonality and crispness, enhancing the auditory experience without inducing listener fatigue.

The upper treble, or presence region, further enhances this by adding an airy quality that extends the soundstage. Subtle micro-details, such as the decay of cymbals or the breathiness of a flute, are rendered with remarkable accuracy, as demonstrated in So Wonderful. The Aether’s treble tuning ensures that it remains smooth and non-fatiguing, even for those sensitive to brighter highs, while maintaining a high level of detail and resolution.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The soundstage is both wide and deep, creating an immersive and almost speaker-like listening environment. This is particularly noticeable in tracks like Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd, where the separation of guitars, synths, and other instruments is vividly rendered to create a three-dimensional soundscape.

 

Comparison:

 

Kiwi Ears Aether versus Tangzu Zetian Wu

The Kiwi Ears Aether provides a refined and balanced bass response, with a controlled subbass that delivers a subtle rumble for added depth and a midbass that avoids bloom, preserving clarity in details like plucked strings or kick drums. This makes it a strong pick for genres like classical and jazz requiring precise bass. In contrast, the Tangzu Zetian Wu emphasizes subbass for a deeper, more tactile rumble and boosts midbass for punchy percussion, favoring electronic and bass-heavy tracks. While this adds warmth and energy, it can occasionally soften finer details, appealing to those who enjoy a livelier low-end.

The Kiwi Ears Aether offers a clear and natural midrange, with warm lower mids that enrich male vocals and acoustic instruments, paired with a gently lifted upper midrange for articulate female vocals and highs. It’s a great fit for acoustic and vocal-driven music, delivering a smooth, cohesive sound. The Tangzu Zetian Wu takes a slightly recessed midrange approach, creating spaciousness that thins male vocals a bit, while its forward upper midrange sharpens female vocals and strings. The difference is subtle, and both perform well, though the Aether edges out slightly in tonal unity, while the Zetian Wu offers a touch more airiness.

The Kiwi Ears Aether’s treble is smooth and refined, with just enough lower treble brilliance to highlight cymbals and an airy upper treble that brings out micro-details like note decay with precision. It’s ideal for long, fatigue-free sessions. The Tangzu Zetian Wu counters with a brighter, more dynamic treble, adding sparkle to rock and pop tracks via a lower treble peak. This can risk sharpness on weaker recordings, and while its upper treble provides good airiness, it lacks the Aether’s level of control.

The Kiwi Ears Aether creates an intimate soundstage with precise imaging, letting listeners easily locate instruments and vocals, making it excellent for analytical listening despite its moderate width. The Tangzu Zetian Wu delivers a wider, more immersive soundstage, enhancing orchestral and cinematic tracks with strong separation. Imaging remains solid, and while the Aether has a slight edge in pinpoint accuracy, the difference is small, as both handle complex arrangements effectively in their own ways.

 

Conclusion:

The Kiwi Ears Aether stands out with its 15.3mm planar magnetic driver, delivering a beautifully balanced sound characterized by controlled bass, natural and lush midrange, and delightfully smooth treble. The shells are crafted from medical-grade resin and feature a stunning faceplate design that is both durable and visually striking. The accessory package includes a practical case and silicone tips, covering the essentials, though some users might wish for a wider variety of tips to achieve the perfect fit. Isolation is adequate for casual use, ensuring a satisfying listening experience in moderately noisy environments. For audiophiles seeking top-tier sound quality and robust construction, the Aether offers an exceptional performance that feels like an outstanding value, blending impressive sonic capabilities with elegant craftsmanship.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Excellent Sound Profile that offers both Technicality and Musicality
• + Powerful, textured bass with excellent control
• + Wide, immersive soundstage for its class
• + Natural midrange and smooth, detailed treble
• + Lightweight and stylish resin build
• + Easy to drive for an IEM with Planar Magnetic Driver

 

• – A modular cable with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced adapters would be a valuable addition
• – The carrying case could benefit from offering more space for improved practicality

 

 

Thank you for the Read!