Kiwi Ears Aventus Review

Kiwi Ears Aventus Review
Introduction:
The Kiwi Ears Aventus presents itself as a versatile headphone, designed to cater to the needs of audiophiles, DJs and gamers. With features like customizable RGB lighting, a dual dynamic driver configuration, and Bluetooth 5.4 with low latency, makes it to a very interesting headphone at this price level. The Aventus utilizes a coaxial driver setup, combining a 40mm and 10mm coaxial driver, and is tuned to a mild Harman curve, with the option for user customization. Furthermore, its hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) promises to reduce ambient noise by up to 35dB.
This review aims to offer a balanced and objective assessment of the Aventus’s performance, focusing on its sound quality, comfort, and practical functionality.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Linsoul and Kiwi Ears for providing the Aventus 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 Aventus TWS Headphones is $89.99 USD. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The Kiwi Ears Aventus arrives inside a fancy looking box that is quite compact in size for a full-sized headphone. The cardboard sleeve sports the product illustration and some product related brandings on its surface.
Inside the box are the following contents/accessories;
- 1 x Kiwi Ears Aventus
- 1 x Detachable Audio cable
- 1 x USB Type-C charging cable
- 1 x USB Type-C charging data cable
- 1 x pair of ear pads
- 1 x User Manual
Design & Build Quality:
The Kiwi Ears Aventus strikes a balance between functionality and aesthetics, with a design that caters to both audiophiles, gamers and DJs. The overall look is modern and sleek, though it doesn’t necessarily scream luxury. The headphone primarily utilizes a matte plastic construction, which likely helps keep the weight down, a factor that’s important for comfort during extended use, particularly for gamers and DJs who might wear them for hours on end.
Internally, the Aventus features a dual dynamic driver configuration, with a 40mm driver handling the lower frequencies and a 10mm coaxial driver dedicated to the highs. This coaxial setup is designed to deliver a balanced and dynamic sound, with powerful bass and clear, detailed highs.
The earcups are generously sized and well-padded, while the padding itself feels soft and inviting, and it appears to be covered in a pleather (protein- leather).
The earcups also have a good range of swivel and tilt, allowing them to conform to different head shapes and ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.
The ear pads, while adequately sized for most, lean slightly smaller than I’d prefer. They’re not uncomfortably small, but I’d have appreciated a bit more coverage to fully envelop my ears, especially during longer sessions.
Speaking of comfort, the headband is also well-padded and features the same pleather material as the earcups. This extra padding contributes to a comfortable fit, even during extended wear. The adjustable headband uses a smooth sliding mechanism, making it easy to find the perfect fit.
On the earcups, you’ll find a set of integrated controls. There are buttons for managing playback, adjusting volume, and controlling the ANC features. The buttons are well-placed and have a tactile feel, making them easy to locate and use without having to take the headphones off.
Connectivity is clearly a priority for the Aventus. In addition to the wireless Bluetooth 5.4 connection, there’s a 3.5mm headphone jack for wired listening. Plus, there’s a Type-C port, which is a welcome addition for those who prefer to use the headphones directly with their PC or other compatible devices.
One of the standout design elements is the RGB lighting on the outer earcups. It features a circular pattern with a stylish starburst effect that adds a touch of visual flair. This is a feature that’s sure to appeal to gamers and DJs who appreciate a bit of customization and visualisation in their setup.
Overall, the Kiwi Ears Aventus presents a well-thought-out design that prioritizes both comfort and functionality. The generous padding, adjustable headband, and versatile connectivity options make it a practical choice for various use cases. The addition of RGB lighting and a unique driver configuration adds a touch of personality and hints at a focus on delivering an engaging audio experience.
Active (ANC) and Passive Noise Cancellation:
The hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on the Aventus is quite impressive. It reduces ambient noise by up to 35dB, thanks to a sophisticated 5-microphone array. This technology has allowed me to immerse myself in my music or gaming without distractions, even in noisy environments. The best part is that ANC can be activated in wired mode as well, making it versatile for various applications, from gaming to professional performances. Whether I’m commuting or working in a noisy cafe, the ANC ensures that I can focus on what I’m listening to without any interruptions.
On top of its active noise cancellation capabilities, the Aventus also offers effective passive noise isolation. The design and build of the headphones do a great job of minimizing external noise intrusion, which further enhances my listening experience. The snug fit and comfortable ear pads contribute significantly to the passive isolation, providing a quiet and focused environment. This passive isolation works in tandem with the ANC feature to provide clear and focused audio playback.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : Aventus
- Bluetooth : 5.4
- Drivers : Dynamic 40mm + 10mm (Coaxial)
- Noise Cancellation : Hybrid ANC technology, Noise reduction depth -32dB±3dB
- Battery Capacity : 1000mAh
- Playback Time : 18hrs (ANC + RGB on), 45hrs (ANC on), 82hrs (ANC off)
- Fast Charging : 10 mins = 4 hours playback
- Impedance : 16Ω±10% @1K Hz
- Sensitivity : 102±3dB @1KHz 1mW
- Frequency Response : 20Hz ~ 40KHz
- Connectivity : Can connect with two devices simultaneously
- Ear Cup Design : Foldable and rotatable
- RGB Lighting : With RGB light + plastic decorated pad
Connectivity & Microphone:
The Kiwi Ears Aventus offers reliable connectivity features. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, it provides a stable and consistent wireless connection, reducing latency and dropouts. This is particularly beneficial for real-time audio needs during gaming sessions and DJ gigs. The Bluetooth standard also contributes to the battery life.
Pairing the Aventus with devices is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive pairing mechanisms. The headphones support AAC and SBC Bluetooth profiles, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices. However, a notable drawback is the absence of support for aptX or LDAC, which could be a consideration for those seeking the highest possible audio quality over Bluetooth.
The multipoint connectivity feature allows for connection to two devices simultaneously. This is practical for switching between a smartphone and a laptop without re-pairing. It’s convenient for taking calls on the phone and watching videos on a tablet, with seamless transitions between connected devices.
The Aventus includes both a 3.5mm headphone (AUX) cable and a USB Type-C audio cable. The Type-C cable has a built-in Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), providing high-quality audio when connected to a PC or Android device. This versatility allows for both wired and wireless options based on user preference. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack is also useful for those who prefer a traditional wired connection.
When it comes to the voice transmission quality of the built-in microphone I can say that it shows an above average performance that meets my expectations for a device at this price level.
Battery Life:
In my testing, the Kiwi Ears Aventus delivered excellent battery life, though I didn’t quite reach the manufacturer’s stated maximums. With ANC turned off and the volume set at a moderate level (around 40-50%), I achieved around 75 hours of playback time (ANC & RGB OFF), which is quite impressive. With ANC enabled, the battery life dropped to approximately 38 hours, again with the same moderate volume level.
While these figures are slightly lower than Kiwi Ears’ claims, they are still very respectable and should be more than sufficient for most users. It’s worth noting that my testing involved a mix of music listening and casual gaming, so heavier usage with higher volume levels and ANC consistently on would likely result in shorter battery life.
The fast charging feature is a definite plus. A quick 10-minute charge did indeed provide around 4 hours of listening time, which is handy for those times when you need a quick top-up.
Overall, the Aventus’s battery performance is a strong point. While real-world usage might not always match the manufacturer’s claims, the headphones still offer excellent battery life that should easily last through multiple days of moderate use.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : Kiwi Ears Aventus
- Sources : FiiO M23, Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra, MSI Vector GP68 HX
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:
General Sound Profile:
The Kiwi Ears Aventus shows a sound profile that leans toward a fun yet balanced listening experience. Its tuning, influenced by a mild Harman curvature, emphasizes a robust and impactful low end, bringing energy to the bass while maintaining a natural and clear midrange that doesn’t get lost in the mix. The treble complements this with a crisp, comfortable presence that avoids fatigue, making it approachable for long sessions. Meanwhile, the soundstage and imaging stand out for a closed-back design, offering a spacious and precise soundfield that enhances immersion without reaching the extremes of open-back territory. Overall, it’s a versatile signature that is warm and engaging with a touch of clarity, tailored for enjoyment across genres like EDM, hip-hop, or even gaming, though it may not satisfy those seeking ultra-precise audiophile refinement.
Now, let me dive into a more detailed breakdown of its performance across bass, midrange, treble, and soundstage & imaging.
Bass:
The bass performance of the Kiwi Ears Aventus strikes a compelling balance, delivering depth and energy that immediately catch the ear. In the sub-bass region, there’s a satisfying rumble that digs deep, bringing a tactile edge to tracks like electronic beats or cinematic scores. The decay here feels deliberate and controlled. noticed how it lingers just enough to feel immersive without smearing into the mid-bass, which keeps things tidy even in busy compositions. For example, when listening to a bass-heavy hip-hop track, the low-end growl was palpable yet didn’t drown out the rhythm.
Moving to the mid-bass, the Aventus offers a robust punch that gives instruments like kick drums and bass guitars a solid presence. It’s not a razor-tight response, though there’s a warmth that adds character, though it occasionally sacrifices a bit of precision compared to pricier options I’ve tried. The layering between sub-bass and mid-bass stands out; I could easily distinguish the thump of a drum from the underlying hum of a synth line. This separation keeps the low end engaging without stepping on the toes of other frequencies, which is a relief in dense mixes.
The option to tweak the bass with foam inserts intrigued me. It’s a practical nod to personalization. Dialing it back softened the intensity for acoustic tracks, while leaving them out unleashed the full force for EDM. That said, the bass isn’t flawless; it leans toward enthusiasm over restraint, which might not suit listeners craving surgical accuracy.
Midrange:
The midrange of the Kiwi Ears Aventus feels like a steady hand—reliable and unassuming, with a natural tone that doesn’t demand attention but holds its own. In the lower midrange, there’s a gentle warmth carried over from the bass, giving body to instruments like cellos or male vocals. I found this richness comforting on folk tracks, where a baritone voice felt grounded without slipping into murkiness. It’s not overly thick, though, which keeps the sound from feeling congested.
Up in the upper midrange, clarity takes the lead. Female vocals cut through with a crisp edge, and pianos or electric guitars have a lifelike sparkle that avoids harshness. Listening to a jazz piece, I appreciated how a saxophone’s breathy texture stood out without overpowering the accompanying bassline. The balance here is functional—nothing feels recessed or pushed too forward, which makes the Aventus versatile for everything from podcasts to rock. It’s not a showy midrange, but it gets the job done with composure.
Vocals and instruments coexist peacefully, thanks to the tuning’s even-handed approach. I didn’t notice any glaring dips or peaks muddying the presentation, though it’s worth mentioning the mids don’t have the razor-sharp detail of higher-end models I’ve heard.
Treble:
The treble on the Kiwi Ears Aventus walks a fine line between clarity and comfort, and it mostly succeeds. In the brilliance and presence zones, cymbals and hi-hats shimmer with a clean, defined edge. I could hear the metallic ting of a ride cymbal distinctly in a live recording, adding a sense of realism. The extension reaches far enough to give the highs some air, but it’s not piercing; there’s a gentle taper that keeps things smooth, which I found easy on the ears during long sessions.
Control is a strong point here. The treble avoids the brittle sting that can sneak into budget gear, and sibilance. Those harsh “s” sounds—wasn’t an issue even on bright pop tracks. Listening to a string quartet, the violins had a delicate bite without crossing into fatigue territory. It’s not the most expansive or ethereal treble I’ve listened, but for its pirce class, the Aventus delivers a polished, fatigue-free experience.
The foam inserts play a role again; leaving them out opened up the highs a bit, which I enjoyed for classical pieces needing extra sparkle. With them in, the treble softened, suiting treble-sensitive listeners or genres like metal where cymbals can get aggressive. Presence-wise, it’s solid rather than spectacular—high-frequency details like a triangle’s ping are audible but don’t leap out with razor precision. For gaming or DJing, this tuning works well, keeping the highs clear without overwhelming the mix. It’s a safe, approachable treble that prioritizes enjoyment over analytical sharpness. It is really pleasant, if not a revelation.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The soundstage on the Kiwi Ears Aventus surprised me for a closed-back design. It’s has a spaciousness that feels broader than I expected. Listening to an orchestral track, the spread of strings and brass created a decent sense of width, almost tricking me into forgetting the headphones’ sealed nature. It’s not towering in height or cavernous in depth like open-back models I’ve used, but for its category, it’s immersive enough to pull you in. Gamers might appreciate this too—I could sense footsteps shifting left to right in a shooter, adding to the realism.
Conclusion:
The Kiwi Ears Aventus, at $89.99, caters well to audiophiles, gamers, and DJs with a versatile design. Its sound, shaped by a mild Harman curve, packs punchy sub-bass with tidy decay, a natural midrange balancing warmth and clarity, and smooth treble with crisp highs. The soundstage surprises for a closed-back, with precise imaging placing sounds accurately, though it doesn’t match premium open-back depth. It’s an engaging, well-rounded profile for diverse tastes.
Practically, it offers solid battery life and a handy fast-charge feature, with 10 minutes for hours of use. The 35dB hybrid ANC and passive isolation cut noise effectively, while padded earcups and an adjustable headband ensure comfort, despite a plastic build. Bluetooth 5.4 and wired options provide flexibility, though lacking aptX or LDAC may note for some.
RGB lighting and foam inserts add a personal touch, but they’re not revolutionary. The Aventus doesn’t aim for the top tier—it’s a reliable, likable headphone that delivers consistent performance and good value. For its price and audience, it’s a dependable choice, blending functionality with enjoyment without overreaching.
Pros & Cons:
- + Punchy, balanced sound with strong bass and clear treble
- + Wide soundstage and precise imaging for a closed-back
- + Solid battery life with fast charging
- + Effective 35dB hybrid ANC and passive isolation
- + Comfortable fit with padded earcups and adjustable headband
- + Versatile connectivity (Bluetooth 5.4, wired options)
- + Customizable RGB lighting and foam inserts
- + Great value for your money
- – Plastic build feels less premium
- – No aptX or LDAC support
- – Midrange clarity doesn’t stand out in complex tracks
- – Larger ear pads would be welcome
Thank you for the Read!