Kiwi Ears brings something refreshingly different with the Étude. Priced at $119, this penta-driver tribrid IEM includes a 10mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver, three balanced armature drivers, and Kiwi Ears’ proprietary vibration driver—the KVT (Kiwi Vibration Transducer). The result is a sound signature and experience that feel deliberately experimental, leaning into fun and tactile engagement over strict neutrality.
Unboxing & Accessories
The unboxing experience is minimal but familiar for Kiwi Ears fans. Inside the box, we find:
- The Étude IEMs
- A standard 2-pin 3.5mm cable
- A hard shell carrying case
- Three sets of silicone tips (in different colors and sizes)
While the accessories don’t stand out, they’re consistent with what Kiwi Ears offers in this price range. The included cable is functional but basic. For daily use, it’s perfectly acceptable, though some may consider upgrading for aesthetics or ergonomics.
Build & Comfort
Visually, the Étude impresses with a grey transparent resin shell and an eye-catching resin faceplate framed by an aluminum bezel. You can see the crossover and drivers through the translucent housing—a detail audio enthusiasts might appreciate.
Due to the number of drivers, the shells are quite large. While they fit our average-sized ears securely, those with smaller ears may find long listening sessions somewhat fatiguing. One quirk: tapping the shells while wearing them triggers a noticeable resonance, a byproduct of the internal KVT system. It’s not unpleasant but does highlight the unconventional nature of the IEM.
Seal and comfort can be inconsistent with the stock tips. We ended up using foam tips to achieve a better fit and isolation, which improved both comfort and sound quality.
Sound Impressions
The Étude delivers a mildly V-shaped tuning, with elevated bass and treble, and a touch of warmth in the lower mids. It does not aim for reference-grade neutrality; instead, it offers a vibrant and textured experience that rewards listeners seeking immersion over analytical precision.
Bass
The low-end is where the Étude truly shines. The beryllium-coated dynamic driver, paired with the KVT, delivers bass with weight, texture, and a physical sense of tactility. This isn’t just about hearing bass—you can feel it. It’s especially noticeable on sustained notes from instruments like bass guitars or kick drums, where the transducer adds an organic, almost subwoofer-like texture.
The bass doesn’t overpower the rest of the spectrum. It’s clean, relatively fast, and well-integrated—making the Étude ideal for genres like EDM, pop, and cinematic soundtracks.
Mids
The midrange is relatively neutral, with a slight warmth introduced by the transducer’s influence on the lower mids. Male vocals, acoustic guitars, and piano notes carry extra weight and body, giving them a natural, lifelike presence. Upper mids are slightly forward, allowing female vocals to cut through with clarity, although some microdetails may feel softened compared to more analytical sets.
There is a subtle hollowness or metallic resonance in certain vocal passages—likely a side effect of the shell acoustics and vibration driver. It’s most noticeable in sparse tracks like podcasts or vocal-centric acoustic recordings.
Treble
Treble is well-controlled and non-fatiguing, with a smooth roll-off that keeps sibilance in check. There’s enough detail and air to preserve clarity in cymbals and strings without veering into harshness. It complements the overall tuning nicely and contributes to a pleasant long-term listening experience.
Technical Performance
The Étude is average in soundstage width and imaging. It presents a reasonably intimate stage with decent left-right separation, though layering and spatial depth aren’t its strong suit. Instrument separation is adequate but falls short of what we’ve heard in more neutral or reference-oriented sets.
The IEM also benefits significantly from a more powerful source. On desktop setups, the bass becomes more impactful, and the mids gain clarity and presence. While it’s easy to drive, weaker sources may not showcase the Étude’s full potential—particularly in the midrange.
Conclusion
The Kiwi Ears Étude isn’t for those seeking clinical precision or reference-grade neutrality. Instead, it’s for listeners who want a distinct, fun, and tactile listening experience that adds something new to their collection. With the introduction of the KVT, Kiwi Ears has created a set that feels experimental in the best way—pushing boundaries at an affordable price point.
While it may not replace a daily driver for everyone, the Étude is a compelling option for those looking to explore a more visceral and unique flavor of sound in their IEM collection.
Also Read: Kiwi Ears Altruva Review
