Kiwi Ears Septet Review
Kiwi Ears Septet Review
Introduction:
The Kiwi Ears Septet is a multi-driver In-Ear Monitor positioned within the competitive midrange IEM market. This review will analyze its design and performance characteristics, with a particular focus on its Quadbrid Driver System comprising a Dynamic Driver (1x DD), four Balanced Armatures (4x BA), a Micro Planar Transducer (1x MPT), and a Piezoelectric Driver (1x PZT). The evaluation will also cover its build quality, included accessories, ergonomic design for extended use, and sonic capabilities across different frequencies and musical genres to determine the effects of its unique driver configuration on the listening experience.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Linsoul and Kiwi Ears for providing the Septet 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 Kiwi Ears Septet retails for approximately $269.00 USD, positioning it in the mid-to-high-end IEM market. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The Kiwi Ears Septet comes in a minimalist, compact box with a dark background, featuring the Kiwi Ears logo and an image of the IEMs. The packaging prioritizes simplicity, with contents neatly arranged in foam cutouts for security.
Inside the box are the following contents/accessories;
- 1 x pair of Kiwi Ears Septet In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x Modular Detachable Cable with 0.78mm dia. 2-Pin Connectors
- 1 x 3.5mm Single-Ended Headphone Plug Adapter
- 1 x 4.4mm Balanced Headphone Plug Adapter
- 6 x pairs of Silicone Ear Tips (narrow and wide bore, various sizes)
- 1 x Zipper Case
- 1 x User Manual
The unboxing experience is straightforward, with the portable carrying case being a highlight for its practicality. The stock ear tips offer decent variety, though some users may prefer aftermarket tips for an optimal seal. The modular cable, with 3.5mm and 4.4mm options, enhances versatility for different audio sources.
Design & Build Quality:
The Kiwi Ears Septet exudes premium craftsmanship with a design that balances elegance and functionality. Its shells, crafted from a sturdy metal alloy, likely aluminum, offer a solid yet lightweight feel at approximately 7-8 grams per side. The open-back design, a unique feature for IEMs, enhances both aesthetics and acoustics, contributing to a spacious soundstage.
The faceplate is a visual standout, finished in a rich coffee-brown hue with a subtle metallic sheen. Its intricate open-back grille, resembling a delicate lattice, adds sophistication while facilitating air flow for a speaker-like sound. A Kiwi Ears logo is subtly etched at the center, complementing the design without overpowering it. The faceplate’s texture reflects light, highlighting its meticulous craftsmanship.
Each monitor features a Quadbrid Driver System integrating four distinct transducer technologies. For low-frequency reproduction, a 10mm dynamic driver with a composite diaphragm is utilized, dedicated to the sub-bass and bass regions down to a stated 8Hz. The mid and low-treble frequencies are handled by four balanced armature drivers, managed by two independent crossover networks that segment the low-mid and mid-treble bands. This configuration is engineered for controlled frequency response and minimized harmonic distortion within these ranges.
High-frequency output is generated by a single micro planar transducer (MPT) driver acting as an ultra-treble tweeter, extending the frequency response up to 30kHz. Complementing this, an updated piezoelectric (PZT) driver is implemented to influence the upper registers. This multi-driver architecture, comprising dynamic, balanced armature, micro planar transducer, and piezoelectric drivers, represents a technologically diverse approach to audio signal transduction across the audible spectrum.
The inner surface is ergonomically contoured to fit the ear’s concha, contrasting the faceplate’s matte texture. Its smooth, rounded edges ensure comfort during extended use, suitable for most ear sizes, though smaller ears may require tip experimentation for a secure fit.
The nozzle has a diameter of approximately 5.8 mm and incorporates a metal mesh filter designed to mitigate debris accumulation. Its design facilitates a fairly deep insertion into the ear canal, which contributes to enhanced bass response and sound isolation. Distal to the mesh filter, a three-bore system precisely directs audio output from the seven integrated drivers.
The top of the shell features recessed 0.78mm 2-pin connectors for a secure cable fit, marked with blue (left) and red (right) indicators for easy identification. Three small vent holes near the connectors support the open-back design’s acoustic properties. The smooth, edge-free area ensures comfort and durability during cable swaps.
Made of 5N high-purity OCC copper with brown insulation, the detachable cable has a braided design that harmonizes with the faceplate’s aesthetic.
Its modular system allows switching between 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, catering to various sources.
The 2-pin connectors are robust, ensuring long-term reliability. The Septet’s build quality feels luxurious and practical for daily use.
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The Kiwi Ears Septet monitors are relatively small despite their seven-driver setup. The shell has a pretty ergonomic shape that offers a comfortable fit and is also quite lightweight at 7-8 grams per side thanks to its metal alloy. The contoured inner surface allows a snug fit without fatigue during long listening sessions.
The deep-fit nozzle enhances passive noise isolation, though the open-back design results in noticeable sound leakage, making it less ideal for noisy environments like public transport. It excels in quiet settings, such as home or studio use, where its open soundstage can shine. The stock ear tips are decent, but aftermarket tips may improve the seal for some users.
Technical Specifications:
- Model : Septet
- Driver Technology : 1x DD + 4x BA + 1x Planar (MPT) + 1x PZT Quadbrid Technology
- Crossover : 5-way with 3 tuning tubes
- Rated Power : 5mW
- Max Power : 10mW
- Frequency Response : 8Hz – 30kHz
- Sensitivity : 95dB @ 1kHz/mW
- Impedance : 15Ω
- THD : <1% @ 1kHz
- Cable : 5N OCC, 1.2m ±5cm (length)
- Connector Type : 0.78mm 2-Pin Connector
- Plug : Modular 3.5mm Single-Ended / 4.4mm Balanced
Drivability & Pairing:
The Kiwi Ears Septet is a relatively power-hungry IEM, featuring an impedance of 16Ω and a sensitivity of 95dB SPL/mW. While it can be driven by various sources, optimal performance is achieved with high-output devices capable of delivering sufficient power. For this review, evaluation was conducted using high-output DACs, DAPs, and amplifiers, including the Sony WM1ZM2, iBasso DX340, and iBasso Nunchaku. When paired with lower-powered sources, such as basic dongle DACs, the Septet exhibits a noticeable reduction in dynamic range and overall sonic impact.
Using the 4.4mm balanced adapter of the stock cable enhances clarity and dynamics, especially when paired with premium devices such as the Sony WM1ZM2. The improvements are particularly pronounced when using higher-powered sources like the iBasso DX340 via its balanced output. The Septet scales well with high-quality audio setups, demonstrating that superior source components can further refine its performance and unlock its full sonic potential.
Equipment’s used for this review:
IEM’s : Kiwi Ears Septet, Letshuoer Cadenza4
DAP&DAC’s : Sony WM1ZM2, iBasso DX340, iBasso Nunchaku
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:
The Kiwi Ears Septet, equipped with a 7-driver Quadbrid configuration (1x DD, 4x BA, 1x MPT, and 1x PZT), delivers a balanced sound signature through a 5-way crossover. Its sound profile features deep, textured bass, a forward and clear midrange with a touch of warmth, and detailed, controlled treble. Complemented by a wide soundstage from its open-back design, the Septet offers a versatile performance across genres, with clarity and separation that shine when paired with capable sources.
This review has been written after a burn-in period of 50 – 55 Hours. I have used the stock cable and the silicone ear tips (with wide opening) that are included to the package. My sound impressions below are based on my experiences with sources like the iBasso DX340, Sony WM1ZM2 and iBasso Nunchaku.
Bass:
The bass response of the Kiwi Ears Septet shows both depth and impact, with a notable sub-bass extension reaching low frequencies, providing a substantial foundation for genres such as electronic dance music and orchestral works. Tracks with prominent basslines demonstrate this depth through a palpable resonance. The mid-bass presents a punchy and dynamic character, lending energy to instruments like kick drums and bass guitars, ensuring their distinct presence within the mix.
A key attribute of the Septet’s bass is its capacity for layering and separation of low-frequency elements, potentially facilitated by the interaction between its dynamic and planar magnetic drivers. In complex musical arrangements, individual bass notes and drumbeats remain discernible, maintaining clarity even in dense passages. This articulation prevents muddiness or excessive bloom, a characteristic often sought in IEMs at this level. The bass achieves a balance that avoids both dominance and restraint, offering versatility across genres from bass-heavy hip-hop to nuanced acoustic pieces. Listeners seeking a bass response that combines depth, punch, and textural detail may find the Septet’s low-end performance well-integrated and cohesive.
Midrange:
The midrange of the Kiwi Ears Septet is characterized by a forward and bright presentation, with vocals positioned prominently and showing an airy quality, likely influenced by the multi-driver configuration and crossover design. The lower midrange provides a subtle warmth, adding richness to instruments such as pianos, cellos, and male vocals, contributing to a grounded tone suitable for genres emphasizing emotional resonance, such as folk and classical music. The deep tones of baritone voices and the timbre of cellos are rendered with fullness.
As frequencies transition into the upper midrange, a noticeable elevation enhances the clarity of elements like electric guitars, brass instruments, and female vocals, ensuring their detailed and expressive presentation. The intricate details of acoustic guitar picking and the high notes of soprano vocals are conveyed with precision. The transition between the lower and upper midrange is relatively uniform, creating a cohesive sonic image where instrumental and vocal elements maintain their harmonic richness. Vocals, across various genres, are presented with sufficient detail to capture subtle inflections.
The midrange avoids significant deviations from a neutral response, resulting in a balanced and adaptable presentation across different musical styles, including rock, jazz, and classical. This balance, combined with its forward and airy nature, may contribute to comfortable extended listening. Listeners who prioritize a lively and accurate midrange with vocal clarity may find the Septet a capable performer, delivering a detailed and engaging sound.
Treble:
The treble performance of the Septet is characterized by a detailed and clear high-frequency presentation, offering a lively presence that enhances high-frequency elements like cymbals and high strings with clear articulation, supported by the PZT driver’s contribution. The clarity in this region allows for the distinct audibility of percussive strikes, such as hi-hats and cymbals in rock music, adding to the music’s dynamic feel. The upper treble shows a controlled airiness, lending a sense of spaciousness to instruments like flutes and chimes, approximating a live performance ambiance.
A notable aspect of the Septet’s treble is its ability to convey fine details without introducing harshness or sibilance, even in recordings that may be prone to such artifacts. The subtle decay of instruments like triangles in orchestral pieces and the resonance of bells in minimalist compositions are discernible without being overly emphasized, indicating a refined tuning approach. This characteristic makes the Septet adaptable to various recording qualities, aiming for a consistent listening experience. While the treble may be perceived as lively by those preferring a more subdued high-end, it remains generally comfortable and non-fatiguing, balancing detail retrieval with ease of listening. The treble integrates well with the midrange and bass, contributing to an overall clear and open sound across different genres.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The open-back design of the Kiwi Ears Septet contributes to a wide and deep soundstage, often compared to higher-priced IEMs. Instruments and vocals are positioned across a broad auditory field, creating a three-dimensional listening experience. The soundstage’s dimensions are particularly beneficial for orchestral and live recordings, where the separation between instruments appears natural and expansive. Imaging accuracy allows for clear localization of sonic elements, although it may not reach the precision levels of some reference-grade IEMs. The open-back structure enhances the perception of air and space, making the Septet feel less constrained than closed-back IEMs, which can be advantageous for genres that benefit from a spacious presentation.
Comparison:
Kiwi Ears Septet versus Letshuoer Cadenza4:
The Kiwi Ears Septet is equipped with a hybrid 7-driver configuration, featuring 1 dynamic driver (DD), 4 balanced armatures (BA), 1 planar magnetic driver, and 1 piezoelectric (PZT) driver, all managed through a 5-way crossover for a refined sound output. The Letshuoer Cadenza4, in contrast, utilizes a 4-driver hybrid setup with 1 dynamic driver and 3 balanced armatures, designed to deliver a balanced and detailed sound profile.
The Septet’s bass profile blends warmth and control, offering a gentle subbass rumble that adds depth without overshadowing other frequencies, paired with a punchy midbass that enhances kick drums and basslines with clarity. This excels in intricate tracks where layering is key, such as separating a bass guitar pluck from a drumbeat. The Cadenza4 provides a tighter and more defined bass response with a balanced subbass that ensures impactful lows, though it can occasionally lack warmth, which might limit its richness in some genres. While the Cadenza4 emphasizes precision, the Septet’s warmer and more textured bass, likely benefiting from its dynamic driver and planar integration, gives it a slight edge for listeners seeking a fuller low-end experience.
In the midrange, the Kiwi Ears Septet delivers a natural and cohesive sound with a mildly warm tone in the lower frequencies, enriching instruments like pianos and male vocals, while a gentle lift in the upper midrange brings clarity to electric guitars and female vocals. This balanced presentation suits extended listening across genres. The Letshuoer Cadenza4 offers a crisper and more defined midrange with a neutral tone that highlights vocal textures and acoustic instruments, but its slightly recessed lower mids can make male vocals feel leaner, which may not appeal to everyone. The Septet’s fuller and more cohesive midrange, possibly enhanced by its complex driver setup, provides a subtle advantage, particularly for those who prefer a resonant and immersive midrange experience.
The treble of the Septet is vibrant and detailed, providing moderate airiness that enhances cymbals and high strings, capturing subtle decays without harshness for a lively yet forgiving presentation, likely aided by the PZT driver’s contribution to high-frequency detail. The Cadenza4 delivers a contolled and airy treble with good extension, adding sparkle to percussion and high notes, though its brightness can sometimes feel overemphasized, potentially affecting comfort during long sessions. While the Cadenza4 brings a touch more excitement, the Septet’s balance of openness and natural detail makes it a slightly more refined choice for a comfortable high-frequency experience.
When it comes to soundstage, the Septet provides a moderately spacious experience with noticeable width and depth, allowing effective separation of instruments like violins and brass in orchestral pieces, which minimizes congestion, a trait possibly enhanced by its open-back design and planar driver. The Cadenza4 offers a decently wide and open soundstage, particularly with certain ear tips, with precise imaging, but its consistency can falter in complex tracks, which limits its expansiveness. The Kiwi Ears Septet’s broader and more immersive soundstage gives it a slight edge, appealing to listeners who value a larger sense of space, while the Letshuoer Cadenza4’s more controlled presentation might feel less expansive.
Conclusion:
The Kiwi Ears Septet emerges as a compelling contender in the midrange IEM market, distinguished by its sophisticated fusion of cutting-edge technology and refined design. Its advanced Quadbrid Driver system offers a balanced and engaging sound signature, characterized by impactful yet controlled bass, articulate and vibrant midrange frequencies, and detailed, airy treble. This sonic tapestry is further enriched by an expansive soundstage that often surpasses the capabilities of IEMs in its class. The Septet’s premium construction, featuring a lightweight yet robust metal alloy chassis and an aesthetically pleasing open-back faceplate, complements its comfortable ergonomic design, ensuring enjoyable extended listening sessions. The inclusion of a versatile modular cable system with both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations adds to its adaptability. While its potential to benefit from higher-powered sources and the inherent sound leakage of its open-back design suggest optimal use in quieter settings, the Septet presents an exceptional value proposition for discerning audiophiles seeking a dynamic and immersive listening experience within the midrange price bracket.
Pros & Cons:
- + Rich, balanced sound with deep bass, clear mids, and lively treble
- + Versatile performance across diverse musical genres
- + Wide, immersive soundstage enhanced by open-back design
- + Advanced quadbrid driver system for precise and dynamic audio
- + Premium and lightweight metal alloy build with stunning open-back faceplate
- + Ergonomic shape designed for comfortable use over extended periods
- + Modular cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm options for versatility
- – Requires powerful sources for optimal performance
- – Open-back design causes sound leakage, limiting portability
- – The provided carrying case has a relatively compact size
Thank you for the Read!
