Kiwi Ears ETUDE VS Tanchjim Fission
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kiwi Ears ETUDE and Tanchjim Fission use 1DD+3BA+1VT and 1DD driver setups respectively. Kiwi Ears ETUDE costs $119 while Tanchjim Fission costs $130. Tanchjim Fission is $11 more expensive. Tanchjim Fission holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (6.6 vs 7.1). Tanchjim Fission has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, Tanchjim Fission has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge, Kiwi Ears ETUDE has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge and Tanchjim Fission has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Kiwi Ears ETUDE | Tanchjim Fission |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 6 | 7 |
| Treble | 5 | 7 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 5 |
| Tonality | 6.9 | 7.5 |
| Technicalities | 6.4 | 7.3 |
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Tanchjim Fission Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA+1VT
Tuning Type: V-shaped with tactile bass
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $119
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Tanchjim Fission Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD
Tuning Type: Neutral, vocal-focused (customizable)
Brand: TANCHJIM Top TANCHJIM IEMs
Price (Msrp): $129.99
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Review Score
Average User Scores
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Tanchjim Fission User Review Score
Average User Scores
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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+Tanchjim Fission Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.4Gaming Grade
A-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.
Tanchjim Fission Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- Well-executed tonal character. No major flaws with good technical control. Smooth presentation works with multiple genres.
Average Technical Grade
A-- Competent technical presentation. Handles separation and detail well in most tracks, with modest soundstage and acceptable imaging capabilities.
Kiwi Ears ETUDE Reviews
7
Reviewer Score
This is a unique sound, for neutral I prefere Airoso. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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
Z-Reviews
2025-08-09
6
* score normalized
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.
Tanchjim Fission Reviews
7.5
Reviewer Score
Such a Fantastic little set. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
The Tanchjim Fission presents fantastic value right out of the box, largely thanks to its inclusion of a high-quality USB-C DAC cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations. The all-metal build feels premium, and the included cable is extremely silky and pleasant to use. A standout feature is the set of interchangeable nozzles that allow for sound tuning; the gold nozzle is the clear winner, providing the best balance, while others can make the bass less impactful. However, the fit can be a challenge for some as the shell lacks a pronounced lip, and the nozzles can be tricky to remove and replace.
Sonically, the Fission is extremely close to the more expensive and beloved Tanchjim Origin, offering a smooth, energetic sound with a tonality that is highly enjoyable. It provides a touch of warmth, pristine detail, and good air, making it a set that is easy to recommend and daily drive. When compared to other sets in its price range, it holds its own against competitors like the Dunu Kima (which has better fit and accessories) and the Kiwi Ears Quintet (which offers more bass), though the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference for tonality and the value placed on its tunable nature.
While it doesn't break the so-called "curse of the $150 IEM," the Fission is a strong contender and gets a full recommendation. Its few cons include a fit that may not work for all ears and a bass quantity that some may wish was greater. For those who value its specific sonic qualities, the excellent build, and the incredible package value with the included DAC cable, the Tanchjim Fission is a fantastic and competitive option that is very easy to enjoy.
7
Reviewer Score
Exact same driver and tuning as the Origin (with middle dial on S-SILVER NOZZLE) but with less premium build/design/cable/case - a welcomed hit for better value. Clean, neutral, balanced, full, and smooth all-rounder. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
The Tanchjim Fission presents a neutral, balanced, and clean sound signature that is also described as smooth and full. It offers a very natural and laid-back listening experience, making it a strong option for those seeking a safe, non-fatiguing tuning. The technical performance is solid for its price, with good detail retrieval and instrument separation, though it isn't the most dynamic or sparkly set available.
Tip selection is crucial, with recommendations for the Tri Clear or Final E tips to open up the sound, while the Spinfit CP155 can add a touch more bass. The included tuning switches are largely seen as a gimmick; only the middle silver setting is recommended, as the others introduce a significant sub-bass roll-off. The Fission excels with genres like rock, indie, acoustics, and classical at moderate volumes, but its lack of sub-bass rumble and extension makes it a weak choice for hip-hop, EDM, or rap.
Its greatest strength is its value proposition, as it is essentially a cheaper version of the Tanchjim Origin, sharing the same driver and sound profile for a lower cost. This makes competitors like the Moondrop Kato seem less relevant. However, when compared to other all-rounders like the Juzear 4U or Simgot EW300, the Fission faces stiff competition. The EW300, in particular, offers more bass, tuning variety, and similar technicalities for half the price, making the Fission a tougher sell unless its specific brand of smooth, neutral tonality is exactly what you're after.
7
* score normalized
The Tanchjim Fission is an absolutely spectacular IEM that feels and performs far beyond its $129 price tag. It comes loaded with a ridiculous amount of customization, featuring three interchangeable nozzles (stainless steel, titanium, and brass) and a four-way tuning switch, creating a potential 12 different sound combinations. The entire package feels flagship-tier, boasting an excellent interchangeable cable system with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C terminations, a waterproof bag, and even a keychain tool for adjustments.
After extensive testing, the definitive "cheat code" for the best sound is using the brass nozzles with the tuning switch set to Pop mode, which seemingly bypasses internal circuitry for a pure, direct sound. This configuration delivers exceptional clarity and a surprisingly wide soundstage, though they are not bass monsters. The fit is excellent, passing the "pinky test," and the build quality on everything from the IEMs themselves to the accessories is exceptional.
While not every combination of nozzles and switches is a winner, the sheer number of options ensures you can find a sound you love. For the price, the value is unmatched, feeling like a product that should cost $279. It comes as a full recommendation, offering a premium, highly tunable experience that is arguably one of the best deals in the IEM market, cementing Tanchjim's reputation for making no bad gear.
Super* Review
2025-09-05
6*
* score normalized
Fairly unoffensive with a slightly bright/forward tone. Pillowy bass attack and overall presentation aren’t very engaging; the bass dial doesn’t meaningfully change that.Super* Review original ranking
Super* Review Youtube Channel
7.8
Reviewer Score
The Tanchjim Fission delivers a notably neutral with vocal-forward presentation in its default configuration, emphasizing clarity and articulation in the midrange without excessive coloration. Bass response is described as clean and firm, offering good texture without bleeding into the mids, while the treble remains smooth and non-fatiguing, contributing to an overall balanced yet engaging listen. Its standout feature is the extensive customization: three swappable nozzle filters (brass for warmth, titanium for brightness, stainless steel for neutrality) and a four-position analog tuning dial collectively enable 12 possible tuning combinations, allowing significant user adjustment to suit genre or preference.
Technically, the Fission leverages Tanchjim’s fifth-generation DMT5 dynamic driver, shared with their higher-end Origin model, which contributes to strong detail retrieval and a surprisingly expansive soundstage for a single-DD IEM at this price. The lightweight CNC-machined aluminum shells ensure comfort during extended use, though isolation can vary and may require tip rolling for an optimal seal. The package includes a practical soft case, a modular silver-plated cable with 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and USB-C (featuring DSP and app-based parametric EQ) terminations, rounding out a strong value proposition at $129.99.
Kiwi Ears ETUDE User Reviews
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