Kiwi Ears Airoso Review
Kiwi Ears Airoso Review
Introduction:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso is an In-Ear Monitor that blends a hybrid driver setup of 1x Dynamic Driver (1DD) and four Balanced Armature (4BA) drivers. This configuration, coupled with precision crossover technology, aims to deliver clear and balanced audio across a wide frequency range. The Airoso features a custom dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers designed to provide deep bass and detailed highs with minimal distortion. Constructed with high-precision CNC aluminum alloy and titanium faceplates, the IEM offers a lightweight and durable design prioritizing comfort for extended use. Additionally, the detachable cable design with 2-pin connectors enables customization and replacement, enhancing versatility for different listening setups.
This review will explore the features and performance of the Kiwi Ears Airoso in a straightforward manner.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Linsoul and Kiwi Ears for providing the Airoso In-Ear Monitor 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 Airoso Hybrid In-Ear Monitors is 129.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso comes packaged in a pretty small box with a sleek, purple background. The front of the box prominently displays the Kiwi Ears logo, some product related barndings and an image of the IEM’s. The minimalist design emphasizes the product image and branding.
Inside the box are the following contents/accessories;
- 1 x pair of Kiwi Ears Airoso 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
Unboxing the Kiwi Ears Airoso reveals a well-organized arrangement of the items. Inside the box, the earphones and accessories are neatly presented, making it easy to access each component. The package includes a black carrying case with the Kiwi Ears logo, a set of ear tips in various sizes and colors, and a braided cable. The thoughtful arrangement and inclusion of these items provide a clear and straightforward unboxing experience.
Design & Build Quality:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso monitors feature a thoughtful blend of high-precision CNC aluminum alloy and titanium faceplates, resulting in a design that is both lightweight and durable. Each monitor incorporates a hybrid driver setup, which includes 1x (one) Custom Dynamic Driver and 4x (four) balanced armature drivers that offers a frequency range between 20Hz ~ 20 kHz and a sensitivity of 105dB.
Each monitor’s faceplate is constructed from high-precision CNC aluminum alloy paired with a titanium finish, providing a lightweight yet robust structure. The faceplate features the Kiwi Ears branding alongside an acoustic opening, which is intended to contribute to the overall sound quality by enhancing airflow and reducing pressure buildup.
The inner surface of the monitors has been ergonomically shaped for a comfortable fit, while the sound nozzle, fitted with a mesh filter, helps prevent the ingress of dust and earwax. The nozzle’s standard diameter ensures compatibility with a wide variety of ear tips, allowing users to find their perfect fit.
At the top of the monitor shells, you’ll find 2-pin connectors designed for a secure and reliable connection.
The detachable cable of the Kiwi Ears Airoso is crafted from high-purity copper (specific composition undisclosed) and features a black nylon insulation that is notably soft and designed to resist tangling.
The 0.78mm diameter 2-pin male connectors feature a red indicator on the right connector and a transparent indicator on the left, facilitating easy identification.
The cable is equipped with a 3.5mm headphone plug, housed in a metal casing. Additionally, the plug includes a plastic strain relief for added durability.
The overall construction of both the monitors and the detachable cable reflects a careful balance of design and functionality, aimed at providing a versatile and enjoyable listening experience.
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso is an In-Ear Monitor is designed with a compact form factor that fits ergonomically into my medium-sized ear concha. The contoured inner surface is shaped to minimize discomfort, even during extended listening sessions. The monitors provide above-average passive noise isolation, making them well-suited for use in moderately noisy environments, such as a bus or train.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : Airoso
- Driver Configuration : Hybrid Driver Configuration
- Driver Combination : 1x DD + 4x BA Drivers
- Frequency Response : 20Hz ~ 20 kHz
- Sensitivity : 105dB SPL/mW ±1dB
- Impedance : 15Ω ±1Ω
- Connector Type : 0.78mm Diameter 2-Pin Connector
- Plug : 3.5mm Single Ended
- Cable Length : approx. 125cm
Drivability & Pairing:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso is an IEM with a relatively low impedance of 15Ω and a sensitivity of 105 dB SPL/mW, which contributes to its efficiency across a broad range of audio sources. This design allows it to pair effectively with devices such as USB DAC dongles, Digital Audio Players (DAPs), smartphones, and tablets, offering flexibility for users with varying equipment preferences. Its drivability suggests consistent performance without requiring high-powered amplification, though sound quality may vary depending on the source and individual listening conditions.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : Kiwi Ears Airoso, Dunu Kima2
- DAP&DAC’s : FiiO M23, xDuoo X5, 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 Airoso showcases a well-rounded sound character that strikes a balance between warmth, clarity, and control. Its bass is impactful yet precise, offering a satisfying depth without overwhelming other frequencies. The midrange brings a smooth and natural warmth, paired with enough detail to keep vocals and instruments engaging across genres. The treble adds a lively, airy touch, enhancing openness while steering clear of harshness. Combined with a surprisingly expansive soundstage and solid imaging for its class, the Airoso delivers a versatile and cohesive listening experience that caters to a wide variety of musical tastes without leaning too heavily into any single extreme.
Now, let’s take a closer look into a more detailed examination of its sound performance.
This review has been written after a burn-in period of 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 FiiO M23, xDuoo X5 and ONIX Alpha XI..
Bass:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso offers a bass performance that finds a good middle ground between strong impact and careful control. When it comes to the deepest bass notes, the subbass, it produces a smooth, rumbling sensation that you can actually feel. This deep bass is present and satisfying, but it doesn’t bleed into other sound frequencies, keeping the overall sound clean and organized. Moving up to the midbass, you’ll experience a solid punch that adds warmth to things like kick drums and bass guitars. However, it avoids becoming overly boomy or muddy, maintaining a sense of control.
One of the Airoso’s strengths is its ability to layer bass sounds. You can clearly distinguish different low-frequency elements, like the distinct sound of a plucked bass string alongside the steady thump of a drumbeat. This depth and clarity prevent any muddiness, which is a significant achievement for in-ear monitors in this price range. Notably, it manages complex basslines, such as those found in progressive metal, with good level of clarity, where less capable earphones might blur the details. While it might not deliver the most thunderous, overpowering bass, it focuses on clarity and integration, making it a good fit for a wide range of generes.
Midrange:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso’s midrange presents a balanced profile with a noticeable warmth in the lower frequencies. This warmth lends a degree of fullness to instruments like cellos and pianos, and provides a solid foundation for male vocals. The upper midrange exhibits a lift in energy, contributing to the clarity of electric guitars and brass instruments, and ensuring female vocals are clearly rendered. The transition between the lower and upper midrange is smooth, contributing to a cohesive listening experience.
The Airoso demonstrates an ability to convey detail in vocals and acoustic instruments. Vocals, regardless of genre, are presented with sufficient clarity to discern nuances. Instruments like violins and acoustic guitars maintain a natural timbre. The midrange avoids significant dips or peaks, resulting in a relatively balanced presentation.
The Airoso’s midrange is generally comfortable for extended listening sessions. While some listeners may find a slight preference for more or less emphasis in the lower midrange depending on their musical preferences, the overall presentation is versatile and suitable for a range of genres. The Airoso offers a competent midrange performance that avoids excessive coloration.
Treble:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso’s treble exhibits a noticeable presence, providing clarity to high-frequency sounds. Cymbals and high strings are rendered with articulation, and the upper treble offers an airy extension, contributing to a sense of openness. The treble presentation avoids harshness or excessive sharpness. The Airoso demonstrates resolution of intricate percussion, allowing for the distinction of individual strikes. The treble extension provides a sense of airiness to instruments like flutes and chimes. The presentation highlights subtle details, such as the decay of high-frequency sounds, without excessive emphasis.
The treble response may be perceived as lively by listeners who prefer a rolled-off top end. However, it maintains composure and avoids significant sibilance. The treble offers a degree of forgiveness with poorly mastered recordings. The treble contributes to the overall balance of the Airoso, adding clarity without overpowering the midrange or bass. It is suitable for listeners who value detail in high-frequency reproduction.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso presents a soundstage that is perceived as relatively expansive for an in-ear monitor at this price level. It offers a noticeable width and depth, contributing to a sense of spaciousness. In orchestral recordings, the placement of instruments, such as violins and brass, can be discerned with a degree of separation. The soundstage provides a sense of three-dimensionality, which may reduce the perception of congestion in complex musical mixes.
Comparison:
Kiwi Ears Airoso versus Dunu Kima 2
The Kiwi Ears Airoso delivers a balanced bass with a smooth, rumbling subbass that’s satisfying yet controlled, paired with a warm, punchy midbass that avoids boominess, excelling in layering details like plucked strings and drumbeats, ideal for complex tracks like progressive metal. In contrast, the Dunu Kima 2 offers a slightly more impactful subbass, shining in tracks like “Royals” with depth and rumble, while its tightly controlled midbass ensures clarity and agility, as heard in “Billie Jean” or Gogo Penguin’s fast sequences. The Airoso prioritizes texture and integration, while the Kima 2 leans toward punch and speed.
The Airoso’s midrange stands out with its warmth and fullness in the lower frequencies, adding richness to cellos and male vocals, along with a lifted upper midrange that provides clarity to guitars and female vocals. This combination maintains a smooth, detailed balance that is ideal for extended listening sessions across various genres. On the other hand, the Kima 2 has a slightly recessed midrange that adds spaciousness but renders vocals less warm. While the upper midrange of the Kima 2 highlights female vocalists like Adele, its less prominent lower midrange keeps male vocals natural yet leaner. Overall, the Airoso feels fuller and more cohesive, offering a more engaging midrange experience.
The Airoso’s treble is lively and articulate, featuring an airy extension that enhances cymbals and high strings without introducing harshness. This results in detailed percussion and a bright yet forgiving treble. In comparison, the Kima 2 also provides well-extended, energetic treble that adds sparkle to tracks like “Windowpane” while avoiding fatigue, though some listeners might notice a slight high-frequency emphasis. Both models avoid sibilance, but the Airoso emphasizes openness and detail, whereas the Kima 2 brings a touch more excitement.
The Airoso presents an expansive soundstage for its price, with impressive width and depth that separate instruments like violins and brass in orchestral pieces, reducing congestion. In contrast, the Kima 2’s soundstage is more intimate, offering decent depth and separation but less width, creating a defined yet smaller space. The Airoso excels in spaciousness, while the Kima 2 focuses on a tighter, more focused presentation.
Conclusion:
The Kiwi Ears Airoso In-Ear Monitors deliver a compelling package for their $129.99 price point, combining a hybrid 1DD+4BA driver configuration with a thoughtful design aimed at both performance and comfort. Its construction, featuring high-precision CNC aluminum alloy and titanium faceplates, offers a lightweight yet durable build, while the ergonomic shape and variety of included ear tips ensure a comfortable fit for extended listening.
In terms of sound, the Airoso provides a balanced and versatile profile that caters to a wide range of musical preferences. Its bass is impactful yet controlled, delivering depth without sacrificing clarity. The midrange strikes a natural and warm tone with enough detail to keep vocals and instruments engaging, while the treble adds a lively, airy quality without veering into harshness. Additionally, the soundstage and imaging stand out as notably expansive for this category, offering a sense of space and separation that elevates the listening experience.
While individual preferences may vary, some might desire more pronounced bass or a less energetic treble. The Kiwi Ears Airoso succeeds in offering a cohesive and enjoyable sound signature paired with solid build quality. For those seeking a well-rounded IEM under $150 that balances technical performance with everyday usability, the Airoso presents a strong and reliable option worth considering.
Pros & Cons:
- + Balanced sound with impactful bass, warm mids, and clear treble
- + Lightweight, durable build with CNC aluminum and titanium faceplates
- + Comfortable ergonomic fit for extended wear
- + Soft, tangle-resistant cable enhances daily usability
- + Fancy Faceplate Design
- – Soundstage performance, while good, not the best in its price class
- – Minimalist packaging
Thank you for the read!
