Kiwi Ears Astral VS Yanyin Canon Pro

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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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Yanyin Canon Pro is a 1DD + 6BA hybrid around $400 with a light, well-sized shell that’s easy to fit and pleasantly vented. The kit impresses: a suede-like round case feels durable, the tip selection is reasonable, and the cable is a standout—supple, visually premium, and available in 3.5 / 4.4 (even 2.5 for holdouts). Comfort trends above average, and the dip switches exist but the favored setting is the “all up” configuration.

Tonally the Canon Pro skews neutral and safe: modest bass with slightly recessed lower mids, a clean midrange, and smooth treble that brings out micro-detail without harsh spikes. Sub-bass could dig deeper, yet dynamics never feel anemic; it’s more about balance than fireworks. The FR “hugs the target,” with a touch of upper air and extension that reads subtle rather than showy, yielding an all-day listen with natural imaging and very low fatigue.

Against peers, Canon Pro beats Canon 2 for detail and top-end finesse (Canon 2 offers more warmth and punch), and comes across more refined than Hype 4, whose upper air can feel exaggerated. Versus Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk, the Dusk DSP wins if DSP is on the table, but in pure analog the edge tilts to Canon Pro. Sets like AFUL Performer 7 trade blows (more bass/treble “spice” there), while Pilgrim can read too bright and Moondrop Meteor feels leaner down low. The takeaway: not a showboat, but a polished, versatile IEM with beautiful accessories, easy comfort, and tuning that’s EQ-friendly and broadly appealing—an easy recommendation for those who value clarity and poise over spectacle.

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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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Yanyin Canon Pro comes with two dip switches per side and effectively three tunings (up/up, down/down, and mixed). Packaging is solid with a nicer copper cable, tips, case, and a switch tool. Sonically it shifts away from Canon 2’s warmth into a more neutral profile with clean bass, quick attack/decay, and a wide, deep stage. Detail retrieval, separation, and layering are a highlight for music at around $400, competing with sets like Mangird Tea Pro and Canon 2, while feeling less intimate than both.

For gaming, the expansive stage delivers strong imaging and “yardage” cues, with gunfire rendered clean and impactful; however, reduced mid-bass body means footsteps don’t cut through as urgently as on Canon 2. In Valorant (preferred up/up), the set sounds spacious and resolving but can soften the immediacy of close-range steps—still solid due to depth and layering, scoring about a B+. In Apex, down/down becomes preferable: slides and lighter cues pop better amid chaotic fights, yet overall brightness and big explosions can mask details, putting it around B+ (bordering B). In Call of Duty, imaging and layering impress, but the softer footstep emphasis keeps it near a B+. Overall, a B+ for competitive play: choose Canon Pro for a more neutral, airy presentation and excellent detail; pick Canon 2 or Mangird Tea Pro when maximal footstep emphasis and tighter intimacy are the priority.

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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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Yanyin Canon Pro brings a 1DD + 6BA stack with two DIP switches that alter an internal crossover rather than simple EQ, but the documentation is maddeningly vague. Stock out of the box (switch 1 up, switch 2 down) hits the sweet spot: most bass, gently damped treble, and a cohesive, engaging sound. Flip both down and the presentation turns flat and distant; flip both up and treble gets piercing with bass falling behind; 1 down / 2 up is another treble burst. Imaging remains solid throughout, but these are not bass monsters even with bass engaged. Tip rolling matters: wide-bore “velvet” tips step the listener back a row, smoothing the intensity and making the set feel properly $400-grade.

Build and accessories are a mixed bag. The cable is excellent—thick, straight, aluminum hardware that would make full-size headphones jealous—though the included plug here was fixed 3.5 mm (a 4.4 mm option is preferable). The carry case and presentation are great, but the shells themselves look muted and underwhelming in person, a far cry from attention-grabbing faceplates. Comfort and fit are fine, with flared nozzles and grippy bases that keep tips secure.

Sonically, with the right tips and the 1 up / 2 down setting, Canon Pro can absolutely be a daily driver—balanced, clean, and listenable for long stretches. The headache is the switching: three of the four permutations feel like downgrades, and the lack of a clear switch map from Yanyin doesn’t help. Net take: tuning potential is there, but it requires fussing (tips, gain, switches) to get it right. As a package—case, cable, and sound once dialed—this feels more like a strong $300 proposition; sort the switch profiles so each one is genuinely good, and the full $400 ask would make a lot more sense.

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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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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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Yanyin's Canon Pro returns with a 1DD + 6BA array that targets a clean, BA-forward presentation: sub-bass modestly lifted, a persistent mid-bass tuck, and an earlier ear-gain rise that brings vocals forward. Lower treble has presence while upper treble rolls smoothly into air, preserving separation and avoiding splash; the result is crisp articulation at low–moderate volumes with notable clarity and resolve.

Bass is punchy and fast but restrained, reading neutral for some genres; rock can feel a bit too tidy, while classical/jazz benefit from the cleaner floor. The mids carry the show—strong imaging, clear outlines and BA speed—though the combination of the tuck and earlier rise flattens stage depth; width/height are convincing and layering remains organized. The set responds well to a warmer source to add body and to keep vocals from thinning when the volume creeps up.

Positioned around $400, value depends on priorities: all-rounders with a smoother bass shelf at lower prices exist, but Canon Pro offers a more technical, mid-centric take that will resonate with balanced-armature fans. For listeners chasing separation, detail and a tidy treble without glare, it makes a focused, capable choice—just not the safest pick for those wanting heft and depth.

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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 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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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 Ziigaat Arcanis offers a warm, somewhat thick sound signature with a noticeable bass boost and a lean lower midrange. This is balanced by a relaxed upper midrange and lower treble, contributing to its overall smooth character. While it provides decent extension, the Arcanis can occasionally present vocals with a slightly wet or near-sibilant edge, especially depending on ear tip choice and fit depth. Its transient response is sharper than the Yanyin Canon Pro, giving it better definition and crisper imaging, though the bass physicality is only middling.

Physically, the Arcanis features lightweight plastic shells with a distinctive dark black and green aesthetic. However, the build quality feels somewhat cheap for the $400 price point, especially paired with the included thin, glossy cable. The shells are notably long, leading to a fit that can feel deep and occasionally aggressive in the ear canal, exacerbated by the stock ear tips. Users may experience noticeable driver flex or squish when inserting them. Comfort is generally acceptable for upright listening but becomes problematic when lying on your side.

Ultimately, the Arcanis earns a three-star rating. While it delivers a generally inoffensive, warm sound with decent technicalities like transient bite and imaging, it lacks standout qualities or strong definition at its price. The physical experience, particularly the fit and perceived build quality, further holds it back from being a compelling recommendation. It ends up feeling like a competent but unremarkable offering in its tier.