Dunu SA3 VS Kiwi Ears ETUDE
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Dunu SA3 and Kiwi Ears ETUDE use 3BA and 1DD+3BA+1VT driver setups respectively. Dunu SA3 costs $140 while Kiwi Ears ETUDE costs $119. Dunu SA3 is $21 more expensive. Kiwi Ears ETUDE holds a decisive 3.9-point edge in reviewer scores (3 vs 6.9). Kiwi Ears ETUDE has significantly better mids with a 4-point edge, Kiwi Ears ETUDE has significantly better treble with a 3-point edge and Kiwi Ears ETUDE has significantly better dynamics with a 5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Dunu SA3 | Kiwi Ears ETUDE |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 2 | 6.9 |
| Mids | 2 | 6 |
| Treble | 2 | 5 |
| Details | 2 | 6.9 |
| Soundstage | 3 | 6 |
| Imaging | 2 | 6.9 |
| Dynamics | 2 | 7 |
| Tonality | 2 | 6.9 |
| Technicalities | 2 | 6.4 |
Dunu SA3 Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
3Very Poor
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
6.9Cautiously Favorable
Reviews Comparison
Dunu SA3 (more reviews)
Dunu SA3 reviewed by Super* Review
4*
* score rescaled + normalized
Dunu SA3 reviewed by Precogvision
2
Reviewer Score
Precogvision Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears ETUDE (more reviews)
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Jaytiss
7
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Jays Audio
6.5
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Z-Reviews
6
* score rescaled + normalized
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.8
* score rescaled + normalized
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by Web Search
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.
Dunu SA3 Details
Driver Configuration: 3BA
Tuning Type: Neutral
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $140
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA+1VT
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $119
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Dunu SA3 User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
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Dunu SA3 Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
2Gaming Grade
E+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
6.6Gaming Grade
B+Dunu SA3 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
E+- Balance is severely off, producing a harsh, unpleasant listen regardless of genre. Long sessions quickly become exhausting.
Average Technical Grade
E+- A foggy, one-dimensional presentation wipes out layering and obscures the finer points of a mix. Spatial cues barely register at all.
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.
Dunu SA3 User Reviews
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