AKG N400NC VS Kiwi Ears ETUDE
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
AKG N400NC and Kiwi Ears ETUDE use 1DD and 1DD+3BA+1VT driver setups respectively. AKG N400NC costs $100 while Kiwi Ears ETUDE costs $119. Kiwi Ears ETUDE is $19 more expensive. Kiwi Ears ETUDE holds a decisive 3.6-point edge in reviewer scores (3 vs 6.6).
Insights
| Metric | AKG N400NC | Kiwi Ears ETUDE |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 3 | 6 |
| Treble | 3 | 5 |
| Soundstage | 3 | 6 |
| Dynamics | 3 | 7 |
| Tonality | 3 | 6.9 |
| Technicalities | 3 | 6.4 |
AKG N400NC Aggregated Review Score
AKG N400NC Average Reviewer Scores
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Aggregated Review Score
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Average Reviewer Scores
AKG N400NC Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: n/a
Price (Msrp): $100
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA+1VT
Tuning Type: V-shaped with tactile bass
Price (Msrp): $119
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AKG N400NC User Review Score
AKG N400NC Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Review Score
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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AKG N400NC Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
3Gaming Grade
DKiwi 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
6.6Gaming Grade
B+AKG N400NC Scorings
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- Generally enjoyable tonal character with some noticeable unevenness. Maintains listenability while showing room for refinement in frequency balance.
Average Technical Grade
B- Satisfactory technical performance. Handles basic detail retrieval adequately in most tracks. Maintains reasonable cohesion in simpler arrangements.
AKG N400NC Reviews
AKG N400NC reviewed by: Drew / Audionotions
3
Reviewer Score
Great sound marred by being tough to fit - awkward shell shape. Very poor UX - why can't they just use Samsung's software? Previously Owned
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Reviews
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by: Jaytiss
7
Reviewer Score
This is a unique sound, for neutral I prefere Airoso. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by: Jays Audio
6.5
Reviewer Score
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 Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by: Z-Reviews
2025-08-09
6
* score normalized
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
2025-07-12
7
Reviewer Score
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.
AKG N400NC User Reviews
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