Kiwi Ears Altruva Review

 

Introduction:

Kiwi Ears has established a presence in the audio market with a focus on delivering in-ear monitors and headphones that aim to balance performance with accessibility. The brand is recognized for its approach to product development, introducing models that feature competitive sound characteristics and build quality. The Altruva, an open-back headphone with a 50mm dynamic driver, is an example of this design philosophy. It is designed to offer an open-back listening experience to a broad audience, including casual listeners, gamers, and audio enthusiasts.

This review will provide an analysis of the Altruva’s design, technical specifications, and performance, evaluating its position within the market and its ability to meet the expectations of its target users.

 

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Linsoul and Kiwi Ears for providing the Altruva Headphone 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 Altruva headphone is 69.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the link below;

• Kiwi Ears Altruva Headphone

  

Package & Accessories:

The Kiwi Ears Altruva arrives in a square box with a sleek, blue-colored design. The main visible side of the packaging displays a large, stylized, and slightly faded graphic of the headphones. The model name “ALTRUVA” is prominently featured in a large, bold, white font that spans the width of the box.

• 1 x Kiwi Ears Altruva Headphones
• 1 x Detachable 3.5mm cable (3m) with dual 3.5mm connectors
• 1 x 6.35mm adapter
• 1 x Pair of velour earpads (in addition to pre-installed faux leather pads)
• 1 x User manual

The Altruva comes with both velour and faux leather earpads, allowing for the customization of comfort and sound. A 6.35mm adapter is also included, which enhances compatibility with professional audio setups, making the headphones versatile for both home and studio use. However, a protective case or carry pouch is not included.

 

Design, Build Quality & Comfort:

The Kiwi Ears Altruva shows a refined yet understated design that surpasses expectations for its price range. Available in grey or a wood-patterned brown finish, the headphones feature a lightweight metal headband paired with plastic ear cups adorned with a woven mesh grille.

The open-back design is both functional and visually appealing, with the mesh facilitating sound dispersion while adding a touch of elegance. The Kiwi Ears logo is subtly embossed on the grille, maintaining a professional aesthetic without being overly prominent. The oval-shaped ear cups, approximately 100mm in diameter, accommodate various ear sizes, and their matte finish resists fingerprints and smudges.

The headband incorporates a leather-like suspension strap with an elastic adjustment mechanism, ensuring a snug yet adaptable fit across different head shapes. This design evenly distributes weight, minimizing pressure points during extended use.

The earpads, available in faux leather (pre-installed) or velour, are generously padded with soft foam, providing a plush feel that conforms to the ears. The velour pads enhance breathability, ideal for long sessions, while the faux leather pads offer a slightly warmer sound.

The clamping force is moderate, ensuring stability without discomfort, though users with larger heads may need to slightly stretch the headband for an optimal fit.

Weighing approximately 327g with leather pads, the Altruva is lightweight, making it suitable for prolonged use without fatigue.

The dual 3.5mm connectors at the base of each ear cup are robust, supporting easy cable swapping, though they may attract dust over time.

The build quality is pretty impressive for the price, combining durable plastic ear cups with a metal headband for structural integrity.

The suspension strap, while not genuine leather, feels soft and durable, showing no signs of wear during testing.

However, the left and right indicators inside the ear cups are small and faintly printed, which can be challenging to read in low light, posing a minor inconvenience during setup.

The open-back design enhances ventilation, keeping ears cool during extended sessions, and contributes to the headphone’s sound profile. The ear cups swivel slightly on a single-axis mechanism, allowing minor adjustments to fit the head’s contours, though a dual-axis system would offer greater flexibility.

Overall, the Altruva’s design prioritizes practicality and comfort, with thoughtful features like interchangeable earpads and a detachable cable elevating its appeal in the budget segment.

 

Cable Design & Materials:

The included 3m cable is fabric-covered, featuring dual 3.5mm plugs for the ear cups and a 3.5mm jack for the source, accompanied by a 6.35mm adapter. The cable uses high-purity copper conductors, ensuring reliable signal transmission with minimal interference. The fabric sheathing enhances durability and reduces tangling, while plastic strain relief at the connectors adds longevity.

The cable’s length is ideal for home or studio setups but may feel cumbersome for desktop or portable use, where a shorter 1.5m option would be more practical. The 6.35mm adapter is sturdy, with a gold-plated contact for improved conductivity and corrosion resistance. An optional 4.4mm balanced cable would have been a welcome addition for users with balanced-output devices, but its absence is understandable at this price point.

 

Technical Specifications: 

• Model                          : Altruva
• Design                        : Open-Back
• Driver Type               : 50mm Dynamic Driver with Neodymium Magnets
• Impedance                 : 32Ω
• Sensitivity                 : 98dB ± 3dB
• Freq. Response        : 20Hz – 40kHz
• Weight                       : ~327g (with leather pads)
• Cable Material           : Fabric-covered high-purity copper with 3.5mm connectors

 

Drivability & Pairing:

Due to its 32-ohm impedance and 98dB ± 3dB sensitivity, the Altruva can be easily powered by a variety of devices, including smartphones and dedicated DAC/amplifiers. While portable devices provide enough power for casual listening, a desktop setup can reveal greater dynamics and detail. The headphones respond well to amplification, showing improved bass control and treble clarity when used with higher-end sources. Neutral or slightly warm sources pair well with the Altruva’s mildly V-shaped sound signature, boosting its musicality without overemphasizing the bass or treble.

 

Key Features: 

• 50mm Dynamic Driver with Neodymium Magnets
• Open-Back Design for Wide Soundstage
• Interchangeable Faux Leather and Velour Earpads
• Detachable Cable with 3.5mm and 6.35mm Options
• Lightweight Metal and Plastic Construction
• Elastic Suspension Headband for Comfort

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• IEM’s              : Kiwi Ears Altruva, Moondrop Void
• DAP&DAC’s  : HiBy FD5, FiiO M21

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 Altruva has a sound profile that is mildy U-shaped, with a transparent character. The acoustic tuning is oriented toward a studio monitor-like sound, providing a balanced and detailed presentation. The 50mm dynamic driver, with its composite diaphragm, produces a clean and articulated sound suitable for a variety of music genres, as well as for gaming and film. The open-back construction expands the acoustic field, delivering an expansive sense of space that complements orchestral, live, and cinematic recordings. The included velour earpads provide a more open and balanced sound compared to the warmer faux leather pads. The driver’s prompt transient response ensures sonic clarity and distinction, with minimal distortion even at higher volumes, making it suitable for both casual and critical listening. The Altruva scales with amplification, revealing greater articulation and control when connected to a capable source, though it operates with portable devices. The U-shaped tuning emphasizes low- and high-frequency energy, making the headphone suitable for listeners who prefer an engaging sound signature while still providing sufficient resolution for high-fidelity recordings. The sound remains consistent across different sources, handling a wide array of musical styles.

 

Bass:

The Kiwi Ears Altruva’s low frequencies exhibit clear depth and texture. The 50mm dynamic driver produces a controlled and distinct bottom end with a mid-bass emphasis that adds body to genres like pop, rock, and electronic music. In tracks with prominent basslines, the low end drives the rhythm with a firm pulse, maintaining clarity without overwhelming the rest of the sound. This mid-bass focus ensures that instruments like kick drums and bass guitars have a strong presence, making the Altruva well-suited for rhythmic compositions. The sub-bass performance is present for an open-back headphone, providing an audible rumble that gives weight to ambient and electronic music.

The bass agility and control are evident in intricate tracks where swift basslines and complex drum patterns are rendered with precision, avoiding any lack of clarity. The low end remains separated from the midrange, ensuring voices and instruments are not overshadowed. When driven by a desktop amp, the low end gains further texture and depth, with enhanced sub-bass extension. The Altruva’s low frequencies respond to equalization, allowing users to customize the sound to their preference. The bass is responsive and versatile.

 

Midrange:

The Kiwi Ears Altruva’s midrange is lucid and natural, though it has a less-forward presence. This creates a spacious and relaxed presentation that allows voices and instruments to breathe. Male voices exhibit a full, rich tone, with the lower midrange providing warmth and body. Female voices are handled with good level of resolution and articulation, and the presentation remains smooth, avoiding any sharp, sibilant qualities even in bright recordings. Instruments like pianos and acoustic guitars are reproduced with an authentic, rich character.

The Altruva captures the resonance of piano chords and the attack of guitar strings with clarity. In jazz or classical recordings, instruments are rendered with clear separation, contributing to the spatial nature of the listening experience. The gentler midrange tuning can make complex arrangements feel a bit less prominent, but this attribute also gives a sense of depth that is suitable for general listening. The velour earpads enhance midrange openness, while the faux leather pads add warmth. The Altruva’s midrange prioritizes a balanced and neutral tone, providing enough clarity for detailed listening.

 

Treble:

The Altruva’s high frequencies are articulate and well-proportioned, providing a solid balance of clarity and smoothness for non-fatiguing listening. The 50mm driver delivers a lively high-frequency response that adds detail to genres like rock, electronic, and classical music without becoming harsh. The treble is rendered with crisp cymbal strikes and hi-hat details, capturing the intricate dynamics of drum kits with an authentic quality. It maintains control, rendering delicate high-frequency elements with clarity and precision, generally steering clear of piercing or sharp tendencies. Instruments like violins, flutes, and brass in orchestral or jazz recordings are reproduced with an airy, authentic character, enhancing the sensation of space.

The treble extends well, though a slight rollback in the highest frequencies contributes to its comfortable nature. The velour earpads contribute to a more open high-frequency presentation, while the faux leather pads slightly soften the highs. The Kiwi Ears Altruva’s treble complements its U-shaped tuning, adding articulation without sacrificing comfort, making it suitable for both casual and critical listening.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The Kiwi Ears Altruva’s open-back construction delivers an exceptionally broad soundstage, creating an expansive experience that improves orchestral, live, and film recordings. Audio elements and voices are distinctly placed, with clear positioning in complex arrangements. The velour earpads enhance the sensation of space, while the faux leather pads slightly compress the stage for a more intimate sound. The soundstage provides a sense of breadth, particularly in live recordings, but lacks the significant depth and height found in some premium headphones. When paired with a desktop source, the soundstage gains slight refinement, enhancing the sense of immersion for movies and gaming.

 

Comparison:

Kiwi Ears Altruva vs. Moondrop Void

The Kiwi Ears Altruva and Moondrop Void are both open-back headphones, but they present different audio profiles. The Altruva has a mildly U-shaped sonic profile with a boost to the low and high frequencies, delivering a presentation that is suitable for pop, rock, and electronic music. The Moondrop Void, in contrast, has a neutral tuning, focusing on transparency and musicality, which is suitable for critical listening in genres like jazz and classical music.

The Altruva’s bass is more potent than the Void’s, while the Void’s low end is more subtle. The Altruva’s midrange is less prominent, creating a spacious presentation, whereas the Void’s midrange is a central feature, offering clarity and natural instrument tones. The Altruva’s treble is articulate, while the Void’s is smoother. The soundstage of both headphones is broad, with the Altruva having clear spatial positioning.

For comfort, the Altruva’s lightweight frame, suspension headband, and interchangeable earpads provide a comfortable fit. The Void’s ergonomics include a stiff headband and shallow earpads that may cause discomfort for some users. The Altruva’s 32-ohm impedance and 98dB sensitivity make it easier to power with mobile devices, while the Void’s 64-ohm impedance and 110dB sensitivity may require more robust amplification.

 

Conclusion:

The Kiwi Ears Altruva is an open-back headphone with a balanced U-shaped audio profile that is suitable for various genres and multimedia uses. Its clear low end, natural mids, and articulate highs provide a listening experience with technical competence. The lightweight construction, comfortable suspension headband, and interchangeable earpads provide long-term comfort. The Altruva is a versatile all-rounder. With a retail price of around $70, its key characteristics and performance are competitive with some higher-priced headphones, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable open-back experience with quality audio and a comfortable fit.

 

Pros & Cons:

• + Punchy, textured bass with good control for open-back design
• + Clear, engaging midrange with natural vocal and instrument reproduction
• + Lively and detailed treble that avoids harshness
• + Wide, immersive soundstage ideal for music, movies, and gaming
• + Lightweight (327g) and comfortable for extended use
• + Durable metal and plastic construction with premium aesthetics
• + Interchangeable faux leather and velour earpads for customization
• + Easy to drive with portable devices, scales well with amplification
• + Exceptional value at $69.99

 

• – Lacks slightly in terms of subbass extension
• – 3m cable is impractical for portable or desktop use
• – Left/right indicators are a bit difficult to read
• – No protective case or pouch for travel

 

Thank you for the Read!