Kiwi Ears x Crinacle: Singolo Review

Introduction

Kiwi Ears has been active in recent months, with several new IEM releases, including the Cadanza and Forteza. Now, the company has partnered with Crinacle for their first collaborative project—the Kiwi Ears x Crinacle Singolo.

Priced at $79, the Singolo is built around a single 11mm dynamic driver and introduces Kiwi Ears’ new KARS (Kiwi Acoustic Resonance System), a soundtube technology designed to manage resonance and tuning. With this design, Kiwi Ears is aiming to deliver a cleaner and more controlled bass response in a budget-friendly package.

What’s in the Box?

• Singolo IEMs
• Three pairs of wide-bore silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
• Three pairs of narrow-bore silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
• 3.5mm 2-pin cable (1.2m)

Design, Build & Fit

The Singolo features clear resin shells paired with either blue or black faceplates. The blue variant we tested looks striking, with a smooth, jewel-like finish. The build quality is solid, and the shells are small, lightweight, and ergonomically shaped.

However, the nozzle design is on the shorter side, which makes achieving a proper seal more difficult with the stock tips. The included silicone tips feel too shallow and soft, often failing to provide a secure fit. After experimenting with alternatives, we found larger aftermarket tips gave a much better seal and overall comfort.

The cable, unfortunately, is another weak point. While functional, it feels thin, prone to tangling, and out of place on an otherwise well-built IEM. Unlike the more affordable Forteza, the Singolo also lacks a carrying case in the box, which feels like a missed opportunity.

Sound Impressions

The Singolo follows a V-shaped tuning with boosted bass and treble, while the mids take a slightly more reserved role. Despite its price point, it offers a surprisingly wide and layered soundstage, delivering an immersive experience.

Lows

The bass response is one of the Singolo’s highlights. Sub-bass digs impressively deep, producing rumble and presence without overwhelming the mids. Mid-bass impact is present but controlled, offering punch without muddiness. While not the fastest or cleanest bass we’ve heard, it’s enjoyable, musical, and pairs well with a variety of genres.

Mids

Vocals sound natural in tone but sit a touch further back in the mix compared to instruments. Guitars, strings, and piano come through with clarity and detail, though some may wish vocals had a bit more forward presence. For the price, the midrange quality is strong, but the placement may not suit those who prefer vocal-centric listening.

Highs

Treble is well-extended and adds air and sparkle to the overall presentation. Cymbals and percussion sound realistic without harshness, though certain tracks can reveal slight sibilance around 3.5–4kHz. Listeners sensitive to treble may find this fatiguing, but for most, the balance between detail and smoothness will be pleasing.

Technical Performance

Detail retrieval and instrument separation are impressive for an IEM in this price bracket. Compared with competitors like the Simgot EA500LM, the Singolo performs slightly behind in raw resolution but holds its own with enjoyable tuning and timbre. It also scales well with amplification—pairing particularly nicely with the Kiwi Ears Allegro DAC/amp and the iFi hip-dac 3 with XBass enabled.

Verdict

The Kiwi Ears x Crinacle Singolo stands out in the crowded sub-$100 IEM segment by offering a distinct tuning and innovative design with its KARS technology. Its bass performance and treble quality are excellent for the price, making it a strong option for those who enjoy a fun, energetic V-shaped sound.

That said, the short nozzles, mediocre stock tips, and basic cable hold it back from being an easy recommendation. Listeners willing to experiment with aftermarket tips and cables will get much more out of the Singolo.

Overall, the Singolo is a well-tuned, enjoyable IEM with strong technical performance. While not perfect, it offers excellent value for those seeking a unique take on the single dynamic driver design in the budget category.

Also Read: Kiwi Ears Cadenza In-Ear Monitors Review