Kiwi Ears KE4 VS 7Hz Timeless 2

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Build & accessories: understated box, a surprisingly nice cable with a “juicy” feel and flat 2-pin connectors, plus extra filters. The stock tips are the weak link—thin out note weight and feel downright horrific, so a tip swap is recommended. The medium-to-large shell is a highlight: secure fit, comfy nozzle size, and a handsome faceplate that looks premium in ear. Overall ergonomics and finish scream daily-driver friendly.

Sound: impactful, well-judged bass, lively upper mids, and a touch of upper-air jank; for $200 it’s a strong value with a clean, modern JM1-style tuning. Easily the most convincing Kiwi Ears to date: more balanced and natural than Quintet (which pushes upper mids/10 kHz energy), far more sensible than the treble-shouty Forteza, a clear upgrade over budget options like DLS and the tiny, poorly packaged Singolo, and less fatiguing than the bass-and-upper-mid heavy Melody. Against $200 benchmarks, KE4 becomes a new reference—cleaner male vocals and better build than “Chopin,” and a tighter low end plus tidier mids than AFUL Performer 5. Trades blows with Hype 4 at a fraction of the price; those craving a pricier step-up in the same vein can eye HiSenior Mega5EST. Measured verdict: Tier A, 3-star, 8.8 for tone—good imaging, solid soundstage, gamer-friendly, not flawless but genuinely excellent once re-tipped. A handsome, comfortable set that delivers outstanding value for newcomers and gift-givers alike.

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Kiwi Ears KE4 plays a warm-leaning, smooth and relaxing set at mid volume with slightly laid-back vocals and a good sense of space. The real trick is volume scaling: turn it up and the upper-mids/treble step forward with more detail without becoming shouty, while the bass grows thumpier and digs deeper. A 1 kHz scoop plus a tasteful ~3 kHz lift (gentler than Harman) keeps vocals extended yet non-fatiguing; the trade-off is vocal power/weight, which stays a touch mild compared to sets like RS5.

Driven by dual dynamic drivers, the KE4’s low end is among the best under $200 for texture, slam, and note weight, making the tuning feel full and grounded. It’s not as razor-quick in transients or as surgical in imaging as certain planars or techy hybrids, but the payoff is a more natural timbre. Treble sits in a balanced pocket—neither splashy nor dark—with none of the plasticky shimmer or planar/PZT glare.

Against peers: Supermix 4 and Quintet (and even the cheaper “Conta”) push more micro-detail and separation; Orchestra Light is the cleanest/most neutral but softer in bass and more complete in vocals. Versus CKLVX and PULA, KE4 trades their airy, sometimes peaky sparkle for a smoother, more grounded presentation and richer bass grip. Compared with Explorer, KE4 offers a clear step up in technicalities and low-end authority, while Explorer stays more intimate. Net: not the new “benchmark” at $200, but as a crank-it-up, musical all-rounder with standout bass and fatigue-free top end, KE4 is an easy favorite.

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7Hz Timeless 2 arrives as a polished successor to the original, delivering a smoother, more refined treble and a presentation that feels less “planar” in timbre. Its headline feature is the interchangeable nozzle system that meaningfully changes the sound—three distinct tunings rather than subtle tweaks—so fit and flavor are easier to dial in. Technicals remain solid for the class (layering, separation, staging), but the emphasis shifts from raw edge to easy, airy listenability; compared to brighter, snappier planars, this one trades a touch of bite for balance and comfort. Pairing with regular Sedna-style tips further smooths the top end without dulling it.

Midrange is handled with a calmer 2 kHz region, so vocals sound less forward and less shouty on energetic tracks. The silver nozzle tames that zone even more, appealing to listeners who prefer flatter upper-mids while adding a sense of openness and clarity. Bass is punchy, quick, and clean with good impact that avoids bleed; it won’t out-slam a strong dynamic-driver set, but the planar low-end here feels tight and versatile, fitting an all-rounder profile. If ultra-etched detail and hyper-tactile treble are the goal, some rivals push further; if the priority is smoothness without boredom, Timeless 2 hits the brief.

As a value play, sub-$100 options still undercut it, yet the combination of refinement + three nozzles makes Timeless 2 competitive at its price. Owners of recent planars may find it a side-grade in sheer technicals, but for anyone starting fresh—or seeking a safer, fuller tuning that scales reasonably—this is a confident recommendation. Use the smoothing tips and select the nozzle that fits the library, and it becomes a comfortable daily driver for most listeners.

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Kiwi Ears K4 is a 2DD + 2BA hybrid that comes in a neat black resin shell with a brushed metal style faceplate, solid stock cable and a nice set of propeller style tips, putting a meta-tuned package on the table for around 200 dollars. The idea here follows the Meta Target: a bit of bass boost, fuller lower mids, and a non shouty, relaxed treble that takes the edge off the classic Harman rise around 2 kHz and aims for a more natural, mid centric presentation.

On K4 that concept mostly comes through, but the balance is a little off. The mids are definitely fuller and more mid centric than usual, giving vocals a thicker and smoother tone, and casual listeners will find playback very easygoing. At the same time the sub bass is heavily boosted and tends to sound a bit cushy and thick, while the treble is very anti shout and pulled back to the point where it stops adding sparkle and air. The result is a signature that can feel a little inward and closed in, with dynamics that come across as somewhat compressed and resolution that sounds lower than what the drivers are actually capable of until some EQ is applied.

This combination of fun low end and relaxed upper range gives K4 a pleasant and forgiving character that works well for mainstream pop or anyone who just wants to try a Meta style tuning without fatigue, but it does not really scratch the itch for hybrid tech fans expecting a bigger, more open and technical presentation from a 2DD + 2BA at this price. Too much sub bass, conservative treble and a stage that shifts with fit and tracks mean the soundstage and sense of nuance never quite open up, so K4 ends up feeling more like a nicely tuned single dynamic style listen rather than a showpiece for what these drivers could do with a more balanced implementation.

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Timeless II modernizes the original’s high-detail character into a more approachable package. The headline is four tuning nozzles (Gold Flower, Silver Flower, Gold Bullet, Silver Bullet) that meaningfully shift presence/upper mids and treble, letting listeners choose between a relaxed, natural profile and a forward, planar-typical clarity. Build quality, modular cable and accessories are polished, fit is comfortable, and the overall aim is to give newcomers an easy entry into planar detail without the harsher edges.

With the Silver Bullet, vocals move forward with crisp articulation and strong resolve; the bass shelf sits near Timeless AE levels with clean definition, while treble is consciously smoothed to reduce planar sharpness and sibilance. The Flower filters sound more relaxed and dynamic-driver-like but give up some nuance and air. Out of the box it is not as perfectly balanced as the S12 2024 reference, yet the nozzle/foam system provides real tuning flexibility: small foam changes can restore upper-treble air and add stage height, making Timeless II a versatile, top-tier option at its price.

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Kiwi Ears KE4 is a 2DD + 2BA hybrid touting an isobaric subwoofer system and “sub-bass impact and slam.” The reality doesn’t match the brochure: the $200 package feels plain—simple box, basic case, few tips, and a generic 3.5 mm cable—while the tuning comes across as safe to a fault. Marketing promises of kick drum thump and bass guitar presence give way to a presentation that’s competent but uninvolving.

On music, the low end skews mushy rather than tight, transients lack bite, and the overall tone reads flat—the kind of “waiting-room” vibe that prompts a double-check of DSP settings. Even with a strong seal from premium tips, energy and excitement refuse to show up; it’s “fine ingredients, bland dish.” Technicals aren’t a disaster (it’s not unclear), but fun factor feels negative, recalling ultra-neutral sets like Softears Studio 4S that impress more than they engage. Verdict: about a 6/10 (maybe 7/10 on a generous day), with better value found in a cheaper Kiwi alternative at roughly half the price—skip the KE4 if musical thrill is the goal.

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Timeless 2 shows up with a bigger, round shell (carbon-fiber face, metal rim), a nice hard case, and an oddball-but-cool ribbon cable on MMCX that feels a bit stiff. The real headline is the swappable nozzles: tiny side-vent “pin” nozzles (stock), a “flower” top-vent nozzle, and a large side-vent set. Tip pack is a colorful grab bag (no foams), and care is needed because narrow bores can block those side vents. Power isn’t a problem—this set is very efficient and plays happily from a phone or desktop amps without turning harsh.

Sonically, the three nozzles behave like three different tunings. The stock tiny side-vents are wide, chill, and distant—easy listening with big space. Swap to the “flower” top-vent and everything snaps into focus: detail rockets up, staging comes closer, and transients clean up without tipping into sibilance; bass also tightens and gains punch. The big side-vent option brings more bass weight and a huge stage, trading a bit of hyper-detail for scale and fun. Tip rolling matters: wide-bore silicone (e.g., Dunu SS) or high-seal foams can make it a party in the head, while tight-bore foams can choke the vents and thin the sound.

With the right nozzle/tip combo, Timeless 2 goes from “good planar” to aggressively engaging: thunderous taiko hits, breathing and string texture on acoustic tracks, and club-ready energy on electronic. It feels like the most complete planar IEM here—big soundstage, real bass presence, and crisp clarity that invites louder listening. If pricing sits around the speculated $260–$320 range, this could muscle aside a lot of sets under $500–$600. Verdict: a bold, successful experiment that delivers three flavors of planar goodness, with the “flower” nozzle as the standout for clarity + slam.

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Competitive audio matters: precise imaging, localization, and clear spatial cues drive better peeks, crosshair placement, and decision-making in titles like Apex and Valorant. Among the sets tested, the Moondrop Blessing 2 impresses with its premium unboxing, CNC stainless faceplates, and transparent resin shells, but more importantly with clean bass/sub-bass, vivid mids, and non-fatiguing treble. The stage isn’t claustrophobic and imaging remains pin-point, yielding an almost open-back-like sense of space for an IEM at its price.

The Dunu SA6 steps up build and versatility: UV acrylic shells with unique stabilized-wood faceplates and a high-quality cable with swappable terminations. Tonally it reads as a reference-leaning set with a touch more bass energy than Blessing 2, adding oomph without masking footsteps or micro-details. Separation stays clean during busy mixes, and even the bass-boost switch remains usable for games. This blend of fun and precision makes SA6 the easy choice for daily competitive play.

On a tight budget, the Tanchjim OLA shows surprising prowess: a single DD tuned around HRTF targets, aluminum shells with a partial window, and a balanced, footstep-friendly tonality. Stage runs closer and there’s slight ambiguity at certain front/back angles, but overall imaging and intelligibility are excellent for the price, plus the mic cable adds everyday utility. Summary: SA6 for the best mix of immersion and accuracy, Blessing 2 for a cleaner tilt with wide spatial cues, and OLA as a highly recommended budget option for competitive gaming.

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Kiwi Ears KE4 is a $200 hybrid (2DD+2BA) that showcases the so-called “new meta” tuning—more body in the lower mids and a calmer lower treble versus the Harman Target. Packaging is simple: a pocketable case and bespoke silicone tips (usable, though even shorter tips can improve comfort). The cable handles well but feels a bit thin/kinky with heat-shrink earhooks, and the shells look plain, prototype-like. Fit is secure and comfy with a semi-custom shape, albeit a touch thick, so they can protrude from the ear.

Sonically, KE4 delivers a warm, low-contrast midrange that makes vocals sound natural and well-placed, with a pleasant mid-treble “frothiness” adding texture. Bass quantity leans on the mid-bass, but quality is the weak spot—soft/bloomy and a bit poofy, lacking density and punch, which can dull drive on bass-heavy tracks. Imaging is decent, treble is safe and balanced (not sharp or dark), and overall technicalities are respectable without chasing wow-factor.

Against peers: Truthear Hexa mirrors the new-meta mids with tighter, better-controlled bass; AFUL Explorer is more engaging with tighter slam and slightly crisper treble; the Harman-leaning Binary Chopin brings the best bass attack. KE4 is a strong choice for vocal-first listening and a clear example of the new meta, but the bass bloom can hold it back across a broad library. Verdict: a very solid 4/5 stars.

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Kiwi Ears KE4 is a hybrid 2DD + 2BA IEM around 199 dollars, built from medical grade resin with an ergonomic, contoured shell and a pocketable case. The cable is soft, non microphonic and generally very pleasant to use, though a modular plug option would have been welcome, and there is a bit of soft driver flex that some users may notice.

The sound signature follows a warm neutral meta tuning with a clear bass boost, smooth overall response and no major peaks or dips, which makes the tonality very versatile across many genres. Bass is all about slam and impact, with full bodied low end and satisfying sub bass rumble, while the lower mids add thickness and note weight so male vocals and instruments sound rich and hefty, even if the upper mids can feel a touch laid back at lower volumes. Treble extends well with an airy but very smooth presentation, zero sibilance and a relaxed, non fatiguing character that lets the KE4 work as an all day, easy listening set.

Technical performance is not on the level of the most detail focused competitors, but the KE4 holds its own with respectable detail retrieval, good timbre and a pleasingly soft transient character that suits the relaxed tuning. Sets like TruthEar Nova, Binary Chopin or Kiwi Ears Quintet will offer more bite, separation and vocal forwardness, yet they often give up some of the KE4s natural timbre and forgiving treble in return. For around 200 dollars this IEM functions as a benchmark warm meta tuned option, recommended for listeners who want impactful bass, natural vocals and a smooth presentation that still feels engaging once the volume is turned up a bit.

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Kiwi Ears KE4 drops at $199 and comes across as the best-tuned Kiwi Ears yet. Unlike the Orchestra Lite with its sub-bass roll-off or the budget Cadenza that skews a bit dark, this set keeps the sub-bass present and tight. Compared to the Dolce (energetic with more mid-bass) and the Quintet (politer bass, lighter upper-mids/late treble), KE4 adds more slam while smartly tucking the mid-bass so vocals stay clean. It’s a tuning that both looks right on the graph and lines up with real-music listening across hip-hop/R&B, rock, and acoustic cuts.

Low-end tests—808 drops and bass-guitar lines—hit clean and natural, and kick-drum transients keep their body instead of drying out. Female vocals get clarity without mid-bass haze, while male vocals avoid thinning—nicely balanced through the mids. The treble is managed with some late-treble roll-off, avoiding glare while preserving harmonic bite for guitars and cymbals over longer sessions. Net result: no qualifiers, no obvious weak spot, and performance that competes hard at $199. Easy recommendation and a frontrunner for the brand’s lineup to date.

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$199 hybrid with 2DD+2BA, the Kiwi Ears KE4 pairs a glossy, translucent faceplate with an ergonomic 3D-printed resin shell for all-day comfort. The stock 3.5 mm cable is light and flexible, the new silicone tips seal well, and spare filters are included. Sonically it follows the diffuse-field “new meta” tuning popularized by sets like Moondrop x Crinacle Dusk, Dunu Da Vinci, and Mega5 EST—but arrives as the most affordable in that crowd. Tonality leans a touch warm with a smooth upper-mid/treble that keeps gunshots from sounding harsh; for music, the presentation feels immersive and lively at the price.

For competitive play, performance varies by title. In Valorant: B, horizontal imaging and depth cues are convincing, and footstep “thumps” pop through clearly, aiding reaction time. In Apex Legends: B–, basic imaging and map awareness are fine, but busy fights expose separation/layering limits and a slight haze to light taps and micro-details. In Call of Duty: C+ (borderline B–), clarity and detail retrieval dip during chaotic moments and the game’s occlusion/breathing effects mask cues more than preferred. Overall, a stylish, comfortable DF-tuned IEM that’s great for music and a solid pick for Valorant, but not the first choice for top-tier Apex/CoD grinders—though it still makes the Wallhack Certified list.