7th Acoustics Proxima VS Kiwi Ears ETUDE

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

7th Acoustics Proxima and Kiwi Ears ETUDE use 1BA and 1DD+3BA+1VT driver setups respectively. 7th Acoustics Proxima costs $100 while Kiwi Ears ETUDE costs $119. Kiwi Ears ETUDE is $19 more expensive. Kiwi Ears ETUDE holds a decisive 1.4-point edge in reviewer scores (5.5 vs 6.9). 7th Acoustics Proxima has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, 7th Acoustics Proxima has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, Kiwi Ears ETUDE has significantly better dynamics with a 3-point edge and 7th Acoustics Proxima has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.

Insights

Metric 7th Acoustics Proxima Kiwi Ears ETUDE
Bass 4 6.9
Mids 6.3 6
Treble 6 5
Details 5.5 6.9
Soundstage 7 6
Imaging 5.8 6.9
Dynamics 4 7
Tonality 4.9 6.9
Technicalities 6.4 6.4
Take these comparisons with a grain of salt—we don't have enough 7th Acoustics Proxima reviews saved yet to provide an unbiased result.

7th Acoustics Proxima Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

5.5

Mixed to Negative


Kiwi Ears ETUDE Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Average Reviewer Score:

6.9

Cautiously Favorable


Reviews Comparison

7th Acoustics Proxima (more reviews)

7th Acoustics Proxima reviewed by Shuwa-T

Shuwa-T 6.3 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
A- Tech
Tech performance for this price is unparalled, a true IEF neutral offering, treble extension Tuning to such neutrality is not welcome for majority of people, bass impact non-existent

Shuwa-T original ranking

Shuwa-T Website

Bass: D Mids: B Treble: A- Soundstage: A- Details: A- Imaging: A

7th Acoustics Proxima reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 6* * score rescaled + normalized

7th Acoustics Proxima reviewed by Tim Tuned

Tim Tuned 5.5 Reviewer Score
B- Tuning
A+ Tech
True "IEF Neutral" IEM, can be "A" tier with easy EQ Bass lacks fun and life

Tim Tuned original ranking

Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
Bass: B Mids: A+ Treble: A-

7th Acoustics Proxima reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 4 Reviewer Score
C- Tuning
C- Tech
Sounds similar to an ER3 from memory, but possibly worse.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: D Mids: C+ Treble: C- Dynamics: C- Details: C- Imaging: C-

Kiwi Ears ETUDE (more reviews)

Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Jaytiss

Jaytiss 7 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
C+ Tech
This is a unique sound, for neutral I prefere Airoso.

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: B Treble: C+ Dynamics: A- Soundstage: B
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Jays Audio

Jays Audio 6.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A Tech
Reverby, bouncy, and extended decay in the sub-bass. Unique bass play back and adds more texture to the low-end. Although reverb can bleed into the vocals - maybe the drivers work too well lol. A bassier 5+2 with better texutre and scaling.

Jays Audio original ranking

Jays Audio Youtube Channel

Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Z-Reviews

Z-Reviews 6 * score rescaled + normalized

Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7.8 * score rescaled + normalized
24 community members have rated the Kiwi Ears ETUDE at an average of 4.2/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Web Search

uses AI-Search to turn user, reddit and head-fi reviews into clear, concise summaries.
Web Search 7 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
B+ Tech

The Kiwi Ears Étude offers a distinctive listening experience centered around its Kiwi Vibration Transducer (KVT), which adds a subtle tactile sensation to bass frequencies. This isn’t a gimmick—it lends sustained notes like bass guitars or synth lines an organic, textured quality that feels immersive without overpowering the mix. That said, the KVT can introduce mild reverb in lower-mid frequencies, occasionally coloring male vocals in podcasts or sparse tracks.

Tuning-wise, the Étude follows a mild V-shaped signature with an 8dB sub-bass lift and smooth, relaxed treble. The midrange remains relatively neutral, though vocals can lack body in acoustic tracks without bass accompaniment. While the beryllium dynamic driver delivers punchy kicks, the real star is the KVT’s physicality, which creates a holographic low-end that enhances EDM and hip-hop. Technical performance is competent for the price, with average soundstage width and decent separation, though imaging lacks precision.

Fit may be divisive due to the large shells housing the transducer, and the nozzle’s lack of ridges limits eartip options. Source pairing is critical too: the KVT scales noticeably with powerful amplification, unlocking fuller dynamics. Despite quirks, the Étude succeeds as a fun, genre-specific IEM that stands out in a crowded market.


7th Acoustics Proxima User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!

7th Acoustics Proxima Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6

Gaming Grade

B

Kiwi Ears ETUDE Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

6.6

Gaming Grade

B+

7th Acoustics Proxima Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

C
  • Uneven emphasis across the spectrum keeps the presentation unsettled and awkward. Acoustic instruments lose their natural body.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
Bass C-
Low-end presence is gentle and restrained, favoring balance over slam. There's enough presence for casual listening.
Mids B
Expect a confident midrange that keeps details audible without harshness. Acoustic arrangements sound engaging.
Treble B
Expect crisp, well-balanced treble that keeps shimmer intact. You hear reverbs decay naturally.
Dynamics C-
Expect modest dynamics that keep music listenable without thrill. Micro-contrast is serviceable.
Soundstage A-
The stage stretches in every direction, carving out clear three-dimensional pockets for each player. Placement accuracy impresses from the start.
Details B-
Ambient cues appear, albeit with softer focus than die-hard resolution seekers may prefer. You can follow supporting instruments well.
Imaging B-
Decent positional accuracy provides good left/right placement with an acceptable center image. Instruments stay anchored once placed.
Gaming B
Decent spatial awareness for fundamental positioning. Creates satisfying atmosphere in story-driven games while handling basic directional cues.

Kiwi Ears ETUDE Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.

Average Technical Grade

B
  • The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Mids B
It offers engaging mid frequencies with pleasing clarity and layering. Details emerge without becoming harsh.
Treble C+
Treble is decent, offering acceptable extension without harshness. It balances presence with a touch of restraint.
Dynamics A-
The system snaps into action with precision, highlighting every swell. Recordings feel energetic and alive.
Soundstage B
A satisfying balance of width and depth yields a stage that feels organized and engaging. Imaging lines up with the intended mix.
Gaming B+
Respectable environmental presentation favors atmosphere over precision. Detects obvious directional cues while conveying game world ambiance.

7th Acoustics Proxima User Reviews

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Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Reviews

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