Kiwi Ears Astral VS TANCHJIM x Effect Audio Force

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The Kiwi Ears Astral offers a solid build quality with comfortable shells that fit well, featuring a practical nozzle design that holds ear tips securely. The included cable is notably high-quality, featuring a functional chin slider, a sleek bluish-purplish-gray hue, and connectors that are exceptionally easy to swap. While the case is utilitarian and similar to other Kiwi Ears offerings, the overall package is practical and well-appointed.

Sonically, the Astral stands out as a special and highly competitive set at its $299 price point. It delivers a beautifully tuned, balanced tonality that hugs the target curve closely, offering a satisfying amount of bass, well-executed upper mids, and a generally pleasing, non-fatiguing sound. While it may occasionally lean slightly shouty or risk sounding dull on certain tracks compared to more aggressively tuned alternatives, it excels as a refined all-rounder. Its technical performance – including spaciousness, detail retrieval, and rich bass texturing – is impressive for the price, though micro-details and ultimate pristine clarity aren't class-leading.

The Astral trades blows with top competitors like the Performer 7 (slightly darker/richer) and the Volume S (better dynamics but less sub-bass), often coming out ahead for its cohesive balance. It significantly improves upon predecessors like the Kiwi Ears Quartet or Singolo, offering better upper-mid presence and technicalities. Ultimately, it represents a fantastic option for those seeking a well-tuned, balanced IEM, delivering a highly enjoyable and versatile listening experience with minimal faults. For its price, it's exceptionally hard to beat, earning strong marks across the board.

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Priced at $300, the Kiwi Ears Astral stands as the brand's most expensive IEM, featuring a 10mm dynamic driver and six balanced armatures. The build is notably large and deep, with a design described as "pepper" yellow or more appealing "blue crystal" – though the included accessories are minimal, offering just one set of tips, replacement filters, and an interchangeable connector (3.5mm or 4.4mm). The gunmetal gray four-wire cable earns praise for its quality and flexibility, but the deep connector adds significant length, potentially hindering portability. Simply put, at this price with so little included, the sound must deliver.

And deliver it does. The Astral produces an exceptionally wide and holographic soundstage, achieving impressive "instrument realization" – creating an almost unsettling sense of space where sounds can emerge from above, below, behind, or beside the listener. The tuning is decidedly chill and smooth, prioritizing effortless listening over aggressive detail. The dynamic driver handles frequencies up to 300Hz, providing satisfying warmth and weight to the bass, while the six BAs contribute significantly to the expansive staging and air. This isn't a sound easily found in sub-$100 IEMs; it offers a unique, relaxed presentation reminiscent of far more expensive models, like certain $1,500 Final Audio IEMs known for holographic imaging.

The Kiwi Ears Astral emerges as a strong contender for favorite IEM of the year. While it lacks accessories and its large, somewhat plain design might not win beauty contests, its unique sonic character justifies the $300 price tag. It carves out a niche as a "big wide smooth" option, perfect for extended, fatigue-free listening sessions where the goal is pure enjoyment and astonishment rather than analytical treble scrutiny. It competes favorably with $500+ IEMs known for soundstage, offering a glorious, spacious, and utterly engaging listening experience that makes revisiting tracks a joy. For those seeking a high-end, chill sound with exceptional staging and bass foundation, the Astral is a magnum opus worth serious consideration.

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The TANCHJIM Force goes for a “vented open-back” vibe—don’t expect true openness, but those rear vents give the presentation extra air and size. Inside are dual dynamics: a 10 mm PU-suspended titanium driver for low end and an 8.2 mm PU-suspended beryllium-coated unit for mids/treble, blending so cleanly it feels like one big, exquisitely tuned DD. Stage is wide with a clear sense of distance between singers and instruments; bass is deep, textured, and superbly integrated, with zero awkward crossover tells. Tip-rolling matters (silicone tightened things up more than foam), and source pairing shows typical dynamic-driver scaling—push it and it rewards.

Build and kit are peak Tanchjim: a light, clear shell showcasing the drivers, a huge but rigid case, two sets of silicone tips, and even a bundled USB dongle for plug-and-play. The Effect Audio co-designed cable is a pleasant surprise—properly sized, not a garden hose, with interchangeable right-angle plugs and neat touches like matching mesh and an angled slider. Sonically it’s the “big-stage + big-bass” experience done right—energetic, cohesive, and a little addictive. Priced around $279, the package feels worth ≈$320 on sound and accessories alone, making this an easy, emphatic YES for anyone chasing a lively, spacious DD signature without BA weirdness.

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Astral is a 1DD+6BA hybrid around $299 that aims for a sub-bass-heavy U-shape. The low end is boosted yet relatively clean and fast, avoiding bloat while anchoring drums and electronic hits. Mids are flattened by the mid-bass tuck and an early upper-mid rise, which can thin vocals and push presence forward; at low volume it sounds warmer and more natural, at higher volume it turns sharper and more resolving.

Treble carries enough energy to match the bass shelf, but balance is volume sensitive; borrowing a bit of the 200 Hz lift and slightly reducing 1-2 kHz via EQ yields a more even result. Stage shows decent width and some height, while depth and layering need work unless re-balanced. In a crowded $299 field, Astral is a solid platform for listeners who enjoy elevated sub-bass and do not mind fine-tuning, rather than an out-of-box reference.

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Tanchjim Force packages dual dynamic drivers (10 mm titanium-dome + 8.2 mm beryllium-dome) behind an open-back style shell and a modular Effect Audio cable with DSP support and a microphone. The stock analog tuning reads as a modern neutral-bright: a leaner bass shelf from a dipped mid-bass, a single-peak ear-gain region for vocal energy, and a fast upper roll-off to tame fatigue. The second DD carries real treble extension and clarity, giving a hybrid-like presentation with cleaner separation and a slightly thinner note weight in the mids.

As a package it is engaging but also conflicted. The analog cable sounds clean yet a bit lean, while most DSP presets push sub-bass and blunt the clarity that makes Force special; the result feels more like a do-it-yourself EQ project than one polished voice. Stage size benefits from the semi-open design and extended top end, and detail retrieval is strong, but at $280 there should be a clear default that clicks out of the box. Force shows the right ideas, just without the focused, finished tuning that would fully exploit the excellent drivers and cable.

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Unboxing & build land solidly for the price: a genuinely pocketable zip case, three pairs of narrow-bore tips, spare nozzle filters, and a modular 3.5/4.4 cable with a secure push-pull lock. The four-wire cable is soft, low-memory, and only lightly microphonic at the slider. Resin shells are a bit chunky with a short metal nozzle (6.0 mm at the widest) and average isolation, but the seal is stable and the comfort is excellent for long sessions—just not ideal for sleeping due to the slight protrusion.

Tonally, Astral aims for a Meta-style tuning with extra upper-treble air: clean, detailed, and engaging. The bass is sub-bass focused—tight, textured, never boomy—with punchy but restrained mid-bass; quality over quantity, delivering standout rumble and definition (A+ bass quality). Mids are the highlight: clean, forward vocals with natural timbre and strong separation. Lower treble adds clarity without sibilance, while the elevated upper air brings sparkle and space; it can read a touch crisp for sensitive listeners, especially on bright masters or at high volume.

Technicalities impress: excellent imaging, open width, and resolution that surfaces micro-details and locks centers convincingly. Versus Kiwi Ears K4, Astral trades K4’s warmer, fuller mid-bass for tighter bass, clearer vocals, and more air; versus Xenns Tea Pro, Astral offers better bass texture and cleaner, more forward vocals; against ZiiGaat Odyssey, Astral is the more resolving and airy set, while Odyssey feels fuller and more relaxed with tamer upper treble. Recommended for those wanting a detailed all-rounder, Meta-leaning balance, forward mids, and textured sub-bass; not for upper-treble-sensitive listeners or those craving heavy mid-bass and warmth. Final verdict: 4/5, competitive and confidently recommended at its price.

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The Tanchjim x Effect Audio Force is a dual dynamic, semi–open-back IEM around $280 that leans decisively mid-centric. Accessories are standout: a hard leather case, two silicone tip sets (wide/narrow bore), and a genuinely nice Effect Audio modular cable with 3.5 / 4.4 / USB-C terminations. Build mixes a CNC-milled aluminum faceplate with a 3D-printed resin shell; isolation proves surprisingly solid despite the vents. Fit seals well but sits a bit tall, preventing a very deep insertion. Sonically, bass is light to moderate—clean but short on slam and sub-bass rumble—while upper mids push forward, putting vocals front and center and occasionally edging into “too clean” territory at volume. Treble is smooth, extended, and airy, staying safe in the lower treble while adding breathable sparkle up top.

Technicalities read as clean, resolving, and especially articulate through the mids. The USB-C plug unlocks the Tanchjim app with multiple profiles plus a 5-band parametric EQ that saves directly to the dongle—great for tailoring the bass and easing the upper-mid bite. Versus Truth Ear Nova, Nova digs deeper in bass and runs closer to a Harman-style balance; compared to Tanchjim Fission (and Origin), the single-DD options sound fuller, more natural, with better timbre and separation, and a more comfortable fit. Hybrid alternatives like AFUL Performer 7 and ZiiGaat Odyssey bring punchier low-end and relaxed upper mids for a more fun tilt. Recommended for listeners who want clean, vocal-forward tuning, lighter bass, and the flexibility of a premium modular cable plus on-dongle EQ; not ideal for those sensitive to upper-mid energy or craving a warmer, weightier mid-bass foundation.

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Kiwi Ears Astral arrives as a 7-driver hybrid at $300 with glittered resin shells, a comfy semi-custom shape, and a genuinely nice modular cable (incl. 4.4 mm). The accessory set is decent—case, tips, and notably replacement filters that help longevity—though more tip options would be welcome. Fit is generally good but the short nozzles can loosen long-stem tips; smaller ears may struggle, so try before you buy. A tiny nitpick: recessed 2-pin sockets on non-recessed shells look a bit clunky.

Tuning is meta-ish: a clean, controlled bass that rumbles down low without mid-bleed, natural mids with convincing body, and vocal-forward presence that adds shine without shout. Treble is smooth yet airy, showcasing percussion and harmonics without harshness; only very top-end sensitivity might find the shimmer a touch much. Higher output impedance or an adapter subtly trims that top-air, but the core balance stays intact. Overall it’s a mature all-rounder tonality—engaging, tidy, and easy to live with.

On technicals, Astral delivers good resolution and separation with a roomy, average-for-price stage. It’s a clear step up from the K4 (tighter bass, more forward vocals), trades blows with Dunu DaVinci (Astral is cleaner/steadier; DaVinci punchier/sparklier), sits under the more neutral, airier, and resolving AFUL Performer 7, and the Softears Volume S offers a calmer, truer neutral take. Moondrop x Crin Dusk feels like the more refined next rung if you spend more. Verdict: This is brilliant—a superb $300 all-rounder that should be on any shortlist unless the goal is maximum bass, treble fireworks, or sheer technical flex.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral, priced at $299, combines one dynamic driver and six balanced armatures in an exceptionally ergonomic and lightweight 3D printed resin chassis. Comfort is phenomenal, allowing for extended listening sessions exceeding eight hours without discomfort. Available in striking blue or gold faceplates, the Astral impresses immediately with its build and feel.

Tonally, the Astral offers a fantastic, well-balanced V-shaped tuning. It features punchy, airy, and well-separated bass with notable sub-bass rumble that avoids muddying the exceptionally clear and resolving mids. The treble provides very good extension, feeling airy, technical, clean, and fast, contributing to an overall presentation that sounds more expensive than its price tag. While generally excellent, providing too much power can make the upper region slightly spicy with certain intense audio cues. The technical performance – imaging, separation, layering, and micro-detail retrieval – is phenomenal across various music genres.

For competitive gaming, the Astral truly shines, demonstrating holographic imaging and precise depth perception. In Valorant, it excels at differentiating multiple footsteps and gunfire sources with urgency and precise horizontal and vertical placement. It handles chaotic moments in CS2, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty exceptionally well, maintaining clear separation during intense firefights, grenade explosions, and air strikes without becoming fatiguing or overwhelming. Tip selection is crucial for optimal performance, with recommendations leaning towards options like the Azla EarFit Light. Despite including a decent interchangeable cable and silicone tips, third-party tips are suggested. Ultimately, the Kiwi Ears Astral is a fantastic all-rounder, delivering top-tier performance for both music and competitive gaming at its mid-range price point.

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The Kiwi Ears Astral presents a well-rounded, balanced sound signature characterized by a boost in sub-bass and treble air, sharing some DNA with the Meta but offering significant improvements. It delivers a punchier, harder-slamming low end with better texture, making drums feel livelier and more impactful compared to the Meta. The mid-range and vocals are also more forward and less relaxed, creating a fuller sound versus the Meta's brighter, leaner presentation that highlights treble sparkle. While not vocal-centric like the Arcanis, the Astral excels as a true all-rounder.

Technically, the Astral edges out the Meta, offering better bass texture, improved vocal clarity, and slightly more micro-details in the mid-range and treble. Its value is strong at roughly $50 more than the Meta. However, the boosted air region can make the treble sound slightly wispy or fatiguing at higher volumes on very energetic tracks laden with symbols or air, making it best suited for mid-volume listening (around 65 dB). Genre-wise, it shines as an all-rounder at this volume, providing clean, extended, natural vocals, a thumpy low end with good rumble, and extended, airy treble. Compared to the Odyssey, the Astral is cleaner, more detailed, smoother, and airier, working better for mid-centric genres like indie, acoustic, and classical, though the Odyssey scales better at higher volumes and feels fuller for pop, metal, R&B, and hip-hop.

Positioned as a strong contender for the best all-rounder under $300, the Astral is seen as a more complete version of sets like the Pilgrim and Dusk, offering better sub-bass extension, texture, and rumble with less shouty vocals and sizzly treble. It significantly outperforms the Performer 5+2 technically for only $50 more and is a tier above the Kiwi Ears KE4 in clarity and technicalities. While specific alternatives like the EPZ P50, Tanchjim Origin, or Cadenza 4 are better for vocal focus, and sets like the Estrella or Deuce excel for bass, the Astral stands out for its balanced, engaging, and technically proficient performance across most genres at mid-volume. Expecting potential sales around $260, it's heralded as the new all-rounder benchmark under $300, ideal for listeners who want a single versatile IEM where "everything just sounds great."

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The Kiwi Ears Astral arrives in a package typical for the brand, featuring a resin shell and a metal nozzle. While the design isn't groundbreaking, the build feels sturdy. The included cable is a pleasant surprise, better than expected and features interchangeable terminations. A major highlight is the inclusion of Sancai ear tips, considered valuable accessories at this price point. However, the fit presents some challenges: the shells are notably bulky and chunky, pushing comfort limits for larger ears, and the angled cable hooks can cause sealing issues, though switching to larger tips helps significantly.

Sonically, the Astral delivers a solid bass and mid-range balance. Yet, the standout issue is the treble presentation. It's perceived as quite forward and adds a noticeable digital edginess to the timbre, making details sound overly prominent and somewhat unnatural. While technical performance seems improved over models like the original Wan'er, this treble character overshadows the positives. Initial impressions suggest it falls short of previous Kiwi Ears releases like the Quartet or Singolo, with even the Lush potentially being preferred. The Sancai tips and overall package offer good value, but the tuning needs refinement.

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TANCHJIM x Effect Audio Force is a dual dynamic open-back IEM that feels more like a tiny headphone on the ear. The aluminum faceplate with fine sand-blasted finish and medical resin shell keeps the body light, while the open mesh vents let air move freely and reduce ear pressure, so the fit feels effortless and fatigue free even over long sessions. The hand braided Effect Audio cable with silver plated OCC copper and interchangeable 3.5, 4.4 and USB-C plugs adds a premium touch, and the DSP type C option with custom EQ and tuning app makes it easy to drive straight from a modern phone with good control and power. The included pressure balanced and bass or treble enhancing tips further fine tune comfort and seal without adding extra pressure.

On the sonic side the Force leans into a warm, atmospheric presentation with a very wide and tall soundstage. Bass has a moderate shelf that gives a cozy mid bass warmth but feels controlled and punchy rather than boomy, with sub bass reaching surprisingly deep for an open-back design and showing excellent vertical layering and dynamics. The mids ride on that foundation, putting vocals close to the ear with a full body and clean focus, while instruments stay well separated even as the reverb adds a slightly lush halo that some will love and others might find a touch heavy. Treble is bright, transparent and airy with good extension and no harshness or sibilance, though in the upper mids to lower treble the detail is more relaxed and the timbre can sound a little dry or thin at times.

Compared to other sets around this price, Force trades raw detail and bite for space, texture and mood. Versus more aggressive hybrids it offers less sheer bass slam and less micro detail up top, but the stage feels more open, with better breathability and a more natural sense of depth, especially in the sub bass and lateral imaging. Against the more neutral and smoother tuning of models like TANCHJIM Origin, Force pushes vocals closer and uses its reverb and warmth to create an almost dreamy, floating in the clouds feeling at sunset, while still keeping enough clarity and treble air to avoid sounding dull. For listeners who value a huge stage, rich bass texture and intimate vocals from an easy to drive open-back design, this IEM delivers a distinctive and very engaging experience that justifies a strong score at its price.

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The Tanchjim x Effect Audio Force is a dual dynamic driver flagship that leans into a clean, open presentation, packaged with a very nice modular Effect Audio cable and multiple terminations plus a familiar Tanchjim case and decent tip selection. The shell combines CNC aluminum with a medical grade resin inner body and an open back design that looks understated yet premium, though the slightly larger shell and the pronounced nozzle shoulder can make deep insertion a little tricky even if general comfort and seal remain solid.

In stock form the tuning is essentially neutral with elevated upper mids, which shifts the overall balance toward the top end. Bass is tight, fast and well separated from the lower mids with very little bleed, but quantity and mid bass weight are on the lighter side so kick drums and lower mid instruments do not hit with much punch, and the midrange can sound a bit thin even though vocals remain clear and tonally natural. Upper mids and treble are cohesive, delivering good vocal presence, natural cymbal timbre, decent air and clarity without obvious sibilance or harshness, but the emphasis up top can come across as a touch bright for listeners who prefer more bass foundation.

Technical performance on the Force is solid for the price, with good vocal texture, clean bass separation and respectable detail retrieval including some fine micro nuances in the upper treble, while soundstage size, imaging and separation sit around average rather than being class leading. The included DSP via the Type C connector and Tanchjim app, with several EQ presets and a five band EQ, allows the tuning to be pushed closer to a more bass boosted neutral target for those willing to EQ, and the Force responds well to these adjustments. Taken purely on its stock tuning it will likely appeal most to vocal focused listeners who enjoy a leaner, brighter balance, whereas others with a preference for stronger bass and a more relaxed upper midrange may find competing sets around or below this price more convincing out of the box.