Kiwi Ears Aether

Kiwi Ears Aether – The Musical Anti-Planar Planar

Disclaimer: Kiwi ears provided the Aether for an unbiased evaluation.




PREAMBLE:

Anyone who follows the IEM space is familiar with Kiwi Ears, and quite possibly has either heard of or owns at least one of their products. Over the years they have produced many products, some of which are notable including the Orchestra Lite, KE4 and others.

The $170 USD Aether comes to the table with a single 15.3mm planar driver compliment per shell. Planar drivers have been used in iems for a while now and to be quite honest, the first few generations of products using this tech did not inspire me. It seems than more often than not, these products were tuned to highlight the technical over the musical. IMHO music has to sound like music, not like a crudely constructed stream of bits and bytes.

Thankfully the Kiwi Ears Aether does NOT suffer from these past failings and delivers on the “Planar Promise” of being quite musical while still displaying some nice technical capabilities. I would say that Kiwi Ears has done an admirable job of tuning the Aether and its new large 15.3mm planar driver with great skill.

The Aether is moderately easy to drive but imho does definitely benefit from a more capable source to get the best sound. I recommend a warmer source if possible. I used wide bored short stemmed tips as well which synergized which afforded the best sound for my preferences. Some may have to tip roll to get that perfect fit and seal as the Aether is a larger iem, actually it’s bulky to be honest.

Read on to find out more.

SPECS:

Model: Kiwi Ears Aether

Sensitivity: 105dB SPL/mW (at 1KHz)

Frequency Range: 20Hz-20KHz

Impedance: 14 Ohm (at 1KHz)

Driver: 15.3mm Planar x1

Earphone Jack: 0.78mm / 2Pin





BUILD AND FIT:

The Kiwi Ears Aether is an attractive iem. From its smoothly finished resin shell to its patterned cap, it exudes an understated yet elegant presence. There is a lip around the cap but I believe it is part of the design. The shells are on the large side and for some may require some tip rolling and careful size selection to get that perfect fit.

Next to the the 2-pin cable connectors there are what appears to be holes for driver venting as well as another on the inside face of the shell. Build quality is typical Kiwi ears and is very good. The retail presentation is also a little different from some recent Kiwi Ears products I have used. The packaging is a shiny silver colour with embossed branding which carries on to the internal boxes holding the documentation and accessories. The included accessories include three sets of tips, a carrying case within which there is the cable and some documents found in another silver sleeve.

The included cable enjoys good haptics being soft and flexible. This cable while being a step above the “basic” cable included with many competitors’ product even those costing more, is good but not exceptional. Still overall the retail presentation and quality of the included items is very good.





SOUND:

Bass:

Bass does go deep, is tight and well controlled. There is an emphasis on mid-bass over sub-bass here but the sub-bass was not found lacking. “Angel” by Massive Attack came through with ample bass energy, being bested in that regard by just a few recent iems I have heard. Sub-bass does though lack that last measure of roundness and meat heard on only the better dynamic drivers yet the low end of the Aether still satisfied with great speed and snap. The mid-bass does come through as more forceful with again great control and texturing. The Aether is an interesting beast in the bass as it tries to bridge that gap between dynamic driver and planar bass presentation. The tuning focus here seems to lean towards clarity and coherence rather than over whelming force.

I guess I would describe the bass and balanced with ample power when demanded which may not please bassheads, but those who prefer musicality will surely find something to like.



Midrange:

The Aether offers a balanced midrange with a touch of warmth. Clarity is the name of the game here while also being natural in presentation. There is a mix of both macro and micro details heard with a lean towards the macro.

Vocals are more immediate than recessed with male vocals having a denser presentation than female which while not thin was noticeable. Listening to “He’s a Caricoa” by Eden Atwood relayed the level of clarity of voice reproduction that the Aether enjoys with even small vocal nuances heard. There is a naturalness to the midrange that many will find pleasing. Sounds just flow encouraging the listener to get lost in the music.

It also showcased the layering and separation capabilities which were notable, the Aether staying composed on busier tracks. Transients were well done with quick attack and a natural roll off. Timbre was also good if with anything just slightly lacking some note weight, particularly in the upper midrange, but this is a personal preference.

The midrange of the Aether is open, clear and clean without harshness. Thankfully pinna gain is kept in check so no nasties here.

The midrange as offered by the Aether is natural sounding, open, clean and expressive. There is lots to like here and this kind of presentation does lend itself towards long and satisfying listening sessions with your favorite beverage and stack of favorite tracks.


Treble:

The treble is where the Planar driver and tuning excel. What Kiwi Ears has done here is retain all the hallmarks of quality Planar drivers being speed, clarity and an open airy sonics but they have also gotten rid of any hardness and “digital sounding” treble that affected many early iems using planar drivers.

Treble here sounds open with good quantities of air and sparkle. Here we have a treble with good precision and technicalities yet sounding natural. No splashiness heard here just quality playback without any overdone emphasis.



IMAGING AND SOUNDSTAGE:

The soundstage of the Aether showcases how far planar based earphones have come. The soundstage is large with precise instrument placement. Listening to Eden Atwood’s release “Waves” my ears were often greeted with instruments playing well beyond my ears. Moving on to “Zero Zero” by Dephazz I was keenly aware of a sense of depth in particular when focusing on the drumkit. Front to rear separation is impressive for an iem and height isn’t far behind.

The inherent layering that the Aether possesses is used to good measure here opening up the soundstage and giving instruments their own space in the mix. Nicely done.


CONCLUSION:

Kiwi ears have done a great job with the Aether. It skirts the thin border between being technical yet musical. This is NOT an iem that exists just to throw details in your ears as many earlier planar driver-based earphones were. This is an iem tuned for serious musicality while still taking advantage of the characteristics and tech behind its driver and implementation.

Make no mistake about it, the Kiwi Ears Aether is a resolving and technically adept iem, but has one foot firmly planted in the musical camp. It is a welcomed evolution in Planar Driver based earphones and gets a recommendation.

Available at Kiwi ears

Review Of The Kiwi Ears Aether​

Introduction​

Recently, I had the chance to test and review several Kiwi Ears products that were released in early January and last December. These include their headphone lineup and their new IEM, the Airoso. Whether it was the Division or the Airoso, I’ve never been disappointed with any of their offerings, and the same can be said about the ones I’m still testing. Recently, they’ve also released their new take on a Planar IEM after Melody, called the Kiwi Ears Aether. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on it for review purposes, but before proceeding further, I’d like to clarify a few points.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. As I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “Aether.”
*I am using different ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Aether based on its performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.
*Please understand that all opinions expressed in this review are my personal perspective and are not intended to offend anyone’s beliefs or experiences. Therefore, I kindly request a respectful and thoughtful approach to this review, even if it differs from your viewpoint.

Specification​

The Aether IEM boasts an all-new Planar driver, which appears to be a custom 15.3mm driver featuring multi-layered N52 neodymium magnets. The shells of the Aether are on the larger side and are constructed from resin with a black accent, while the faceplate is elegantly crafted over an aluminum faceplate. Despite its heavier weight, the Aether feels comfortable to use even after extended use, though the fit can be a bit of a challenge.

I must admit, I’ve never felt the need to mention this considering Kiwi Ears’ reputation for producing comfortable IEMs, but with the Aether, I found myself having to tip-roll some eartips to achieve a perfect seal and a comfortable fit in my ears.

On a brighter note, the cable has undergone a significant improvement compared to the previous version. It’s now a detachable 2-pin 0.78mm cable with a straight 3.5mm termination jack. The cable’s feel and appearance have been enhanced, making it an excellent value for the price of the IEMs. Additionally, the cable features a cable cinch, which is a handy feature that allows for easy adjustment.

In addition to the IEMs and cable, the package includes a leather carrying case and nine sets of eartips, each available in three different types and sizes.

Regarding technical specifications, the Aether has an impedance of 14 Ohms and a sensitivity of 105dB. The frequency response spans from 20Hz to 20kHz.

Sound​

Recently, almost all brands offering Planar IEMs have shifted towards a tuning that reduces the frequency range from 2.4kHz to 5kHz. This tuning enhances the sound by focusing on higher frequencies, making it less harsh and more pleasant while also improving resolution and staging. Whether I’m referring to the Letshuoer S15 or the Timeless II, both have the same tuning. However, the Kiwi Ears Aether presents a slightly different sound compared to the overall presentation to the listener. While it sounds similar to the S15, which has a natural and mature sound that I personally adore, the Aether’s response is less balanced but rather mild-neutral.

Planars are exceptional in terms of technical aspects, delivering detailed and clear sound without introducing any artifacts from the drivers. They have also made significant progress in planar IEM R&D since the 7Hz Timeless. However, I still felt that the driver had limitations or wasn’t properly tuned. Now that I have the Aether, I’m confident that this gap has been narrowed. Let’s delve deeper into the sound to uncover more about it.

Treble​

As most of the Planar IEMs I’ve heard and tried, I’m consistently impressed by their exceptional detail and clarity, while also effectively conveying micro nuances. This was particularly evident with the Aether, but what sets it apart from other Planar IEMs is its remarkable control over the dynamics and energy that notes reveal in the mix. The upper treble boasts great extension, enhancing the vocals and instruments’ fullness, airiness, and the effortless detection of nuances. The chimes, sparkle, and shimmery characteristics are well-expressed without overpowering the upper frequencies, resulting in a well-controlled and safe presentation.

Moving on to the lower treble, it resonates with the overall energy, bringing the vocals and instruments forward and revealing their details. The upfront presentation of the vocals adds a sense of airiness, while the instruments sound sharp enough to capture nuances without compromising their integrity.

Let’s consider tracks like “Mizukagami no Sekai” by Marina Horiuchi. This track often exhibits high energy in the upper frequencies, which a bright-sounding IEM like Aether can effectively expose. However, Aether tames the sibilance rather than amplifying it, revitalizing the notes’ integrity and producing a more balanced, clean, and detailed response. This allows me to fully immerse myself in Marina’s vocals and appreciate her performance.

Similarly, “Love Story” by Indila features crisp and well-expressed vocals that contribute to their fuller and airy sound. This presence enhances the sense of space and vibrancy in the mix. Overall, the treble region is well-expressed, detailed, and well-controlled.

Mid Range​

From what I’ve heard and read, it appears that the midrange is less prominent or forward in the mix. This refers to the downscaled range from 2.5kHz to 5kHz, as far as I can ascertain. In my opinion, they are well forward and balanced in terms of sound. However, such a response does eliminate the characteristics of ‘ss’ and ‘tt’ sounds, as well as wispiness, and undermines the note attack, which would lean towards a lean response. It does bring the vocals and instruments to sound a bit soft, which is subjective and depends on the listener’s preference. Personally, I believe such a response contributes to the overall presentation sounding natural, airy, and revealing.

The upper midrange has an unevenness to the energy and forwardness, which describes the vocals as airy and light but also soft, making them sound revealing and natural. However, when it comes to the instruments, while they sound a bit rounded and natural, they tend to sound a bit vague.

While listening to the tracks, I can appreciate that the vocals are more centered and forward, while the instruments complement them. However, I would have preferred a more robust sound from the instruments. The lower midrange has a pleasant warmth and presence that enhances the tonal quality of the higher frequencies. The clean and smooth vocals and instruments deliver detailed sound, which in this regard sounds wonderful.

Listening to the tracks, particularly “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty, is an absolute delight. The vocals are light, airy, and refreshing, while the instruments possess that zing and crispness that I always crave when listening to this track. However, I must admit that I do feel that the instruments lack a certain depth and body.

Listening to Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere,” I was struck by its rich and musical sound. The vocals were forward and revealing, while the instruments were well-expressed and complemented the vocals. I didn’t feel like the instruments lacked any richness or weight in their notes, which made the overall presentation of the midrange region natural, revealing, and forward.

Bass​

Now, when it comes to the bass, I believe people would either like it or not. It’s my first time hearing such a response where the bass sounds more like a dynamic driver bass rather than coming from a planar. While it does have some caveats, I have a different perspective on this. Don’t get me wrong, the bass isn’t underperforming; it just may not please planar lovers.

Planars are known for their accurate and fast bass response, which sounds extremely clean and textured. However, they lack that roundness and heft in the attack. That’s where I feel like the Aether inspires. The bass response isn’t very prominent in the mix when the notes hit, as it’s well-controlled. But it does have that heft and body that reveals a natural and wholesome response, though one might argue that the bass attacks are soft. The emphasis is in the sub-bass region, with deep extension that brings subtle rumble to the mix.

When it comes to the mid-bass, the presence is well-forwarded, which helps bring impactful thumps and clean slams. The notes hitting are nicely textured and detailed, but they aren’t the best amongst it’s peers. The bass has that naturalness that other Planar IEMs can’t replicate, but it isn’t as textured or detailed as them. However, it does retain the fast transient quality of the planars.

Listening to tracks like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” sounds very clean, fast, and natural. The bass notes have good clarity and body, while the higher frequencies sound crisp and clean. The drums and bass guitars sound as if each instrument is revealing its own individuality.

Listening to tracks from the new Skrillex album, especially “RECOVERY,” “MORJA KAIJU VIP,” and “MOSQUITOTOUILLE,” the bass sounded very clean and impactful. It sounded controlled but pounding with good presence in the mix. The bass has good weight and depth, which reflects on all the tracks I mentioned and sounds distinct to each and every track.

All in all, the overall presentation of the bass region is controlled, wholesome, and thumping.

Technical Performance​

It’s no surprise that the Planars IEMs excel in technical aspects, and the same is true for the Aether, albeit in a different way. The Aether astoundingly elevates the impact of the tonal balance, sounding more detailed and sharp than any other planar IEM. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

Aether produces great depth and width, which contributes to its holographic sound within a good headspace. This makes the presentation sound spacious and airy. Its precise and clean imaging reveals the notes well, but it doesn’t capture the sharp and tactile quality. On the other hand, the separation between the notes is superb, allowing for a clear pinpointing of the source of each sound.

Speed & Resolution​

Now, I wouldn’t be surprised if the notes aren’t particularly detailed. The macro and micro nuances are well-revealed in the mix, though not as detailed as other Planar IEMs. However, it does sound very detailed and clear. The attack of the notes is very fast, but the decay isn’t as fast, which produces a tonally rich sound. It doesn’t influence or mess with the overall mix.

Sound Impressions ​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - While listening to the Aether with the WM1A, the response seemed more spacious, enhancing the vocals and instruments’ refined and separated sound. The treble lacked vibrancy but retained its details, while the midrange pushed the vocals forward, creating an airier and well-resolved sound. The instruments remained unchanged, but the added space and warmth from the lower frequencies made the notes sound fuller-bodied. The bass had more heft and impact, avoiding the lower midrange while sounding deeper and more substantial.



FiiO M15S - Listening to the Aether with M15S, the response became more transient, revealing more details and clarity in the mix, regardless of whether it’s the bass, treble, or midrange. The treble sounds more vibrant, the midrange sounds livelier, and the bass is more punchy and potent in the mix.

iPod 5.5 Gen (RockBox) + Aune X7S - The pairing of Aether with the iPod stack created a lively and vibrant sound that was full-bodied, though it did take a bit of a hit on the stage. As usual, the presentation is in front of the listener, which helps to blend everything together without sounding congested or messy. The vocals and instruments sound more direct, making them sound more detailed and vibrant across the spectrum. Additionally, the bass sounds more dynamic and punchier, which creates a fun and engaging response.

Tanchjim Stargate II - When paired with Stargate II, the Aether’s vocals and bass sound prominent and forwarded, enhancing the overall response. The immersive presentation allows for better expression of macro nuances, resulting in a clean sound. However, the stage’s vertical reach is more noticeable than its horizontal one. One of the most striking aspects of this response is the vocals presentation, which is arguably the best I’ve heard. It elevates the vocals but makes the response sound a bit lean compared to other pairings.

Tracks​

Millet - Anytime Anywhere
Anri - I can’t stop the loneliness
Kohana Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Uru - Kimino Shiawasewo
Uru - Kamihitoe
Kujira Yumemi - Kenka
Majiko - Kokoronashi
Anly - Sukinishinayo
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Indila - Love Story
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Skrillex - RECOVERY
Skrillex - MORJA KAIJU VIP
Skrillex - MOSQUITOTOUILLE
Weeknd - Popular
YUNGBLUD - When We Die(Can We Still Get High)
Bring to Horizon - Kool-Aid
Middle Kids - Bend
FLETCHER - Leads Me On
Loathe - Aggressive Evolution
The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
Sigrid - Burning Bridges
AURORA - Black Water Lilies
AURORA - Runaway
X Ambassadors - Renegades
Lupe Fiasco - Words I Never Said
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can’t Hold Us
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
Jay-Z - Run This Town
Lady Gaga - Poker Face
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Ladytron - Ghost
Travis - Love Will Come Through
LINKIN PARK - Somewhere I Belong
DJ Shadow - Six Days (Remix)
Hoobastank - The Reason
Ricky Martin - I Don’t Care
Tool - 7empest
Tool - Vicarious
A Flock Of Seagulls - Space Age Love Song
Zack Hemsey - Vengeance
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Tom Petty - Free Fallin’
Elton John - I’m Still Standing
The Moody Blues - Nights In White Satin
Micheal Sembello - Maniac
Guns N’ Roses - Sweet Child O’ Mine
A.R. Rahman - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To be honest, I believe this is the benchmark of neutral sound. Kiwi Ears did an excellent job tuning an IEM that is tonally well-tuned with the great advantages of Planar IEMs while retaining the natural quality and integrity of notes, especially considering the price. While there are many other planar IEMs that lean towards a more vibrant and detailed sound, which may be a more attractive option, there are also others that are distinctly tuned to suit majority of audiophiles. However, based on my experience, I personally believe that the Aether can be the benchmark for Planar IEMs. Therefore, I recommend it as it checks all the boxes.

Disclaimer​

Hello everyone! I want to start by letting you know that Kiwi Ears sent me the Aether to review. I’m not getting paid for this, and they haven’t asked me to write anything specific, check my review before I post it, or given me any deadlines for publishing.

Everything I share here is based on my own experience with the Aether. I always do my best to be as fair as possible, but in the end, this is just my opinion. We all have different tastes, and that’s what makes this hobby so interesting!

A big thanks to Kiwi Ears for giving me the opportunity to try out the Aether, and of course, a huge thank you to all of you for reading. Your support truly means a lot to me!

The full review can also be found on https://mobileaudiophile.com/, via this link

Introduction​

When I first heard about the Kiwi Ears Aether, I was pretty excited. Planar IEMs have been getting more popular lately, but finding one that really nails both tuning and technical performance isn’t always easy. Kiwi Ears is known for making well-tuned IEMs, and now they have stepped into the planar game, so I was curious to see what they could do with a 15.3mm planar driver, especially at this price ($169.99).

I’ve spent some solid time with the Aether, testing it with different genres and sources and swapping out some eartips to see how it performs. So, is this the planar IEM that finally gets everything right? Let’s dive in and find out.

Unboxing​

The Kiwi Ears Aether comes in a medium to small size box with a pink color design on it, and you can see the IEMs themselves right on the front. Sliding it open, the inside has a full silver design with the Kiwi Ears logo stamped on every section. Right on top, there’s a cardboard box that holds the user manual and warranty card. Underneath, there are the Aether IEMs sitting nicely in a foam cutout, and next to them are two separate boxes with the accessories.

The smaller box contains the included eartips:

• White eartips (S/M/L)
• Black eartips (S/M/L)
• Grey+red eartips (S/M/L)

They’re all pretty similar and feel very basic, but they will surely get the job done.

The second box got the carrying case inside, which is actually a pretty nice, hard, and good sized one. Inside the case, you will find the included cable. It’s a black 2-pin (0.78mm) cable that feels soft and doesn’t tangle, which is great. But it only comes with a 3.5mm connector, and honestly, I think it’s a bit too simple for this price.

Overall, the unboxing experience was pretty nice. The presentation is clean, and while the accessories are decent, I would have liked a bit more, maybe some better eartips or a more premium and modular cable with the option for a 4.4mm connector.

Technical Specifications​

Specs:​

• Sensitivity: 105 dB SPL/mW at 1 kHz
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Impedance: 14Ω at 1 kHz
• Driver Type: 15.3mm planar magnetic
• Cable Connector: 2-pin (0.78mm), detachable

Build quality and design:​

The Kiwi Ears Aether feels really well-built, with a smooth, solid shell that is made out of medical-grade resin. It has a sturdy feel in hand, and the materials feel premium. The shells are also on the larger side and may cause some discomfort for those who have smaller ears.

The faceplates, OH BOY! Those faceplates are stunning! They have a glittery, color-shifting texture that catches the light in different ways, making it look amazing. The metallic border around it adds a bit of contrast, and so does the silver Kiwi Ears logo in the center.

The nozzle is made of metal, and the opening is covered with a metal mesh, and there’s a lip to keep the eartips securely in place. There are also a few small vents on the shell to help with airflow, preventing any pressure build-up. And the connectors on them are 2-pin connectors.

The drivers:​

The Kiwi Ears Aether uses a large 15.3mm planar magnetic driver, which is quite big for an IEM, and the shell size lets you know this. This size should help it deliver a more open and full sound, with more air movement, almost like a pair of full-sized headphones. The driver is powered by strong N52 neodymium magnets, and Kiwi Ears claims that the Aether has a special chamber design with improved airflow. This chamber is supposed to give it a more natural and spacious presentation.

The cable:​

The cable that comes with the Aether is a detachable 2-pin (0.78mm) design, so you can easily swap it out if you want to upgrade or replace it later. It’s lightweight but sturdy, and it doesn’t tangle easily, which is always a plus. The cable works well, but looks a bit too simple in my opinion and comes only with a 3.5mm connector, so if you are the type who likes to experiment with different cables, the option is there.

Sound performance​

Bass​

The bass on the Aether is quite tight and well-controlled. I'd say that it has a focus on clarity rather than sheer impact power. The sub-bass reaches actually very deep, and it does give me that satisfying low-end rumble when it's needed on some tracks, but it also never gets too crazy, so don't expect a basshead level of bass.

The mid-bass is more on the neutral to slightly warm side of things, so it doesn’t add too much warmth or thickness to the sound, but it's definitely not a thin mid-bass, and it actually has a nice warmth to it. That’s good if you want a clean and detailed presentation, but if you are looking for a heavy, thumpy bass, this probably won’t hit hard enough for you. Personally, I like how it keeps everything precise without muddying up the mids.

Mids​

The mids of the Aether are pretty good, but they have a slight drawback, which is present in most of the planar IEMs. Vocals and instruments sound super clean and natural, without any weird dips or boosts messing with them. Male vocals come through nicely, staying detailed without feeling too forward or pushed back, but female vocals can sometimes sound thin to me, and it is probably because of the slightly more recessed 3kHz to 6kHz region.

Instruments like guitars, pianos, and strings all have a nice, realistic presence, but sometimes they can feel a bit behind, slightly thin, and not so upfront. Sometimes I wish for a bit more forwardness in the upper mids, but overall it is done very nicely. If you are into vocal-heavy music, acoustic, or anything that relies on clear mids, the Aether does a great job overall, but you might want to slightly boost the upper mids with EQ.

Highs​

Treble is actually very smooth and detailed without being too aggressive. There’s enough sparkle to make things like cymbals and hi-hats sound crisp, but it doesn’t go into harshness or sibilance. It’s tuned in a way that gives a very good sense of air and space, making everything sound more open but without making bright recordings uncomfortable to listen to.

Some planar IEMs push the treble too hard, which can get tiring after a while, but the Aether keeps it in a good territory, still letting you hear all the little details up top.

Technicalities​

Detail Retrieval​

The Aether leans more on the musical side rather than being a detail monster, but it still brings out plenty of small nuances. It doesn’t overemphasize microdetails, but they come through naturally without getting lost. The sound stays clean and resolving, letting you hear little details in vocals and instruments without feeling too sharp or clinical.

Soundstage​

The Aether has a surprisingly spacious sound for an IEM, especially for a planar. It feels more layered and three-dimensional than most IEMs I’ve tried. It creates an open and natural stage, making music sound less boxed-in. Of course, how big it feels depends on many things, including the ear canal shape, so it may be different for some people, but overall, it avoids congestion and gives instruments and vocals plenty of space to breathe.

Separation & Imaging​

The Aether does a solid job keeping different sounds distinct. Even in busy tracks, instruments and vocals don’t get jumbled together. It’s not the absolute best in its price range, but it’s still a single driver, although a planar, but still a single one, so it's not the easiest task to keep everything super separated. It's still clean and precise enough that you can easily pick apart layers in a song. Imaging is also strong; you can clearly tell where sounds are coming from.

Aether ($169.99) vs. TinHiFi P1 MAX II ($139)​

Bass​

The Aether has a more powerful bass, that's for sure. It feels deeper, and the sheer volume is higher, while the P1 MAX II is a bit lighter but faster in response. Maybe it's because of the bigger size of 15.3mm in the Aether compared to the 14.2 that's inside the P1 MAX II. So if you like a fuller and stronger bass, the Aether is the way to go. The P1 MAX II still has good bass, but it doesn’t have the same weight or impact.

Mids​

Both are pretty similar in the mids, with a nice amount of detail and clarity. Vocals and instruments sound good on both, and neither feels too pushed back or too forward. There’s not a huge difference here, so whichever you pick, you’ll get a solid midrange.

Treble​

This is where they also sound quite different. The Aether is smoother and more balanced in the treble. The P1 MAX II, has a more bumpy treble; it has a peak around 15kHz that makes some sounds really stand out, while other parts of the treble (around 10-13kHz) feel a bit dipped. This makes the P1 MAX II sound more energetic but also a little less refined compared to the Aether.

Comfort & Fit​

Both fit pretty well, and they are close in size. The main difference is that the Aether is a bit thicker, so it sticks out more. It doesn’t really change the comfort much, though, unless you have really small ears.

Conclusion​

The Kiwi Ears Aether is a really good planar IEM, and I can very confidently say that it is one of the best planar IEMs that I have heard. The bass is deep and powerful but doesn’t drown out the rest of the sound, and the mids and treble are smoothly done, and it does pretty much everything right. Maybe just the upper mids could use some tweaks, but it's mostly a nitpick.

In terms of comfort, it’s pretty good. The Aether is a little thick and chunky because of the 15.3mm driver, but it’s still comfortable, unless you have small ears.

All in all, the Aether is a great pick if you want an IEM that has a balanced and detailed sound. For the price, it really holds its own and would be a great choice if you are looking for a planar IEM that sounds great and is fun to listen to.



Where to buy: (Non-affiliated! None of my reviews use affiliated links!)

Kiwi Ears Official Site

Hello dear readers! And happy Passover! I am happy to see you here again in another review.
Today I am going to review the Kiwi Ears Aether, a single planar driver IEM, that was sent to me by Linsoul Audio in exchange to my honest review.
Let's jump into it!

Disclaimer​

I received the Kiwi Ears Aether from Linsoul Audio in exchange for my honest review, but still – my opinions about the IEMs are personal and written based on my own experience with them, and I was not paid for this review.



My goal in my reviews is to make it easier for everyone to understand the terms audiophiles often use, so even if you are a beginner and this is all new for you, you can feel comfortable understanding all the terms and make a better decision for yourself.

A little bit about myself​

I thought it could make it easier for you to understand what I am listening to, and if we are audio soul mates, maybe this review will talk to you more personally

I mainly listen to pop music and instrumental music, such as Lindsey Stirling. I am also an EDM lover, who enjoys both sides of the spectrum: bass and treble. My favorite artist, for example, is Snail's House, and I also listen to a lot of monstercat releases. Are we audio soul mates?

A little bit about this IEM – Kiwi Ears Aether​

This iem is a single planar IEM by Kiwi Ears, that is claimed to house a whopping 15.3mm planar driver. At this point you probably have seen a lot of single planar IEMs, don't you? So you might ask yourself, ok, what is so special about this? The answer for this question is simple, this is the first planar IEM that doesn't use the usual 14.x driver size, but the driver size is bigger than the old era of planar IEMs. Isn't it exciting to see something new?

You could learn more about the new planar driver at Kiwi Ears website: https://kiwiears.com/products/kiwi-ears-aether

This IEM was pretty hyped up recently, you probably have heard it a lot in conversation, but is the hype justified? Let's find out together!



What's in the box?

In the box you will find:​

• Carrying case.
• 3.5mm Cable
• 9x Silicon Ear Tips
• User manual & QC Pass
• The IEMs themselves

Alright, I must admit, the unboxing experience was fun. At first, you are blessed with silvery, shiny boxes to unbox. Each of these boxes store another accessory. While the accessories might not be so different from what Kiwi Ears usually give, which is pretty enough to get started with – now the experience is upgraded, which is a good move in my opinion.

Carrying Case​

The carrying case provided here is the usual one you will get with Kiwi Ears IEMs, you get a pretty good case that can store a dongle and/or ear tips, and big enough to fit the IEMs themselves, and is very pocketable. Very nice case, I like it a lot.

Ear Tips​

The ear tips provided are decent too, you get 3 types of ear tips, each of them will give you a slightly different fit and comfort, you can pick and choose which is best for you. For me, the black and red one worked the best for me, as well as it was with the Kiwi Ears Airoso.

Cable​

The cable provided feels quality, it was very comfortable to use, it didn't have memory at all, didn't tangle or anything, just did what it needed to do, and did it very well. The chin slider on the Y split worked pretty well for me, it stayed in its place and didn't move, and wasn't very hard to manage as well. Overall, the cable provided here is very good, and I am happy to see that here. I must also say that it matches the design of this IEM very well. Though, it doesn't come with a 4.4mm termination option to choose from. For me, it is not a problem because I mainly use 3.5mm ports, but I know that it could be an issue for some, so I do feel the need to mention this.

Build Quality & Fit and Comfort​

The build quality of this IEM is decent, the shell is made of resin, while the faceplate is surrounded with metal, and inside there is a very cool looking sparkles that change colors and reflect to lights, where behind them you have black and gray lines, and in the middle you can find Kiwi Ears logo. In my opinion, it is very stylish. I heard some complaints about this IEM that it could be large for some, but for me, it was just the right size. I could wear the IEM for long, didn't hurt me or anything, but it is a slightly big shell, for sure, but it wasn't a problem for me. You could find underneath the 2-pin connector 3 vent holes. I didn't notice any driver flex or whatsoever. The nozzle as well wasn't too large for me, and I could wear them for long with no issues at all. Overall, they get a big pass here.

In Terms of Sound​

You can find the graph here.

I would describe the tuning of this IEM as slightly V-Shaped, but it is not overdone. I must admit, when I put this IEM for the first time and give them a listen – I was like, wow, this is exactly how I expected an IEM to sound like. I mean… It sounds just like how I would want it to sound. Fun, engaging, I don't know where to put the finger exactly, but there is something special about this IEM. But as always, let's break it down.

Sub-Bass​

The sub-bass, which covers the lowest frequencies and often delivers the rumbling sensation rather than distinct sounds.

The sub-bass in this iem is done very well, there is a nice amount of it, and good quality of it, but it is doesn't play the main role here. I would say, there is a good balance, you get good sub-bass response, which is well separated from the rest, and there when needed and doesn't bleed to the midrange. It is where it is supposed to be. For me, as someone who loves sub-bass, it was very good and enough to satisfy.

Mid-Bass​

The mid-bass, where the bass becomes more distinct and perceptible, is equally well-executed. In this range, you hear kick drums and some male bass vocals more clearly.

The mid-bass here is done also well made, it has good quality of bass, it has good impact, kick, punch. It doesn't bleed into the midrange or whatsoever, it is where it supposed to be. There is enough from it to give body for male/low vocals and instruments, but not to the point of making the whole sound "warm". There is great balance between the rest of the frequencies and the bass, where everything is in its own place and being played when it should be played. To be honest, I didn't expect this from a planar driver. At first I said, wait, are you sure this is a planar driver? Isn't it a DD? I mean, just wow. The bass is well made here.

Mids​

The mids are the home to most instruments and vocals.

The midrange performance here is also good, where instruments and vocals sound forward, but not too much. Everything sound where is should be, there is no hint of warmth or brightness, for me it sounded natural with some bass that makes it fun to listen. I have to say, while the vocals do sound forward, I wouldn't say that they are shouty, they are well made in my opinion. There is a good balance in this tuning. I don't think this is the main role of this IEM, as I would describe it as a V-Shape IEM, but I don't think that there is anything missing in the midrange that makes it too recessed or too forward, it sounded good for me, and this is good. One thing to mention though, in some tracks, you might hear "s" more dominant (known as sibilance), for example in Ariana Granda's songs. It is not that bad, but it is there. Despite that, I liked the mids of the Aether.

Treble​

The treble, which captures high-pitched sounds like cymbals, violins, and higher synthetic tones, adds brightness, sharpness, and sparkle to the music. However, excessive treble can lead to harshness or fatigue.

Well, well, well. Here is the interesting part of a planar IEM. I really love planars for their treble, if they are well tuned, then you can get beautiful results with open and airy treble. And I am happy to announce that this is the case here. The treble of this IEM is open, airy, but not to the point that it is fatiguing. It adds openness, air, room to breathe. Moreover, there is good extension, but it doesn't come to the level of making the IEM sound bright. I would say, it adds great balance, and there is a good contrast from the bass, which makes it very fun listening experience. So, overall, well-made treble here.

Technical Performance​

​

Imaging​

Imaging is the ability of the IEM to separate the left or right positions, put anything in the correct direction.

The imaging here is excellent, you can pin-point easily where everything is located in the stage, it sound very precise, as expected from a planar IEM. In my opinion, this feature stands out from other IEMs that I have tried in this price range, which are not planar. Yeah, planar are kind or superior when it comes to imaging performance. Hard to beat, but not impossible .

Soundstage​

Usually in IEMs this term is overused, but in general the soundstage is the feel of openness and wideness of the sound. For example, if the IEM provides a congested feeling to the sound, everything sounds in the middle, this is bad soundstage.

The soundstage here is very good, the airy treble give a room to breathe and make the whole sound wide and open. When something is far, you hear it far. When something is close, you hear it close. I liked the soundstage here, it is well made, and sounds natural and correct to my ears.

Layering & Separation​

Layering & Separation is the ability to deliver you any piece of instrument or vocal in its own place, separately. The better it gets, the more resolving the IEM will be.

Well, we are talking about a planar IEM here, you can higher your expectations! The layering performance here is decent, you can hear every vocal and instrument individually, very resolving, nothing is bleeding to each other, very good. The separation here is also well made, as we are talking here about a V-Shaped IEM, you get good separation and contrast between the bass and the treble. Combine that with the fact that it is a planar IEM and you get here decent layering & separation performance.

Comparisons​

Comparisons could give you a better idea of where this IEM stands within the market.

Letshuoer S12 (FULL REVIEW HERE)​

The Letshuoer S12 is a planar IEM, that was released in 2022, 3 years ago. It houses a 14.8mm planar driver, 0.5mm smaller one than the one used in the Kiwi Ears Aether. It is interesting to see how far the planar technology has gone. Alright, enough talking, let's start comparing. The S12 is leaning toward to the bright side of tuning, when you get a lot of high details while the bass might feel like an afterthought. Not that the bass is bad, but it is not the prominent point of the IEM. While in the Aether, you get a more refined tuning, more balance, stronger bass response. Yeah, they might be graphed the same in the bass, but to my ears, they are so different. The Aether has better punch, impact. It is the most resolving one in terms of the bass, and the overall balance. In terms of technical performance, I think they are on par. But as the S12 might sound more "bright", I might say it is the more resolving one in terms of details, but you are not missing out a lot. Both are airy, open, and have good soundstage and imaging. As a complete package, I prefer the Aether much more than the S12, as they are more versatile, and have much better bass. Like, a generational upgrade in the bass, and less fatiguing treble.

Kiwi Ears Airoso (FULL REVIEW HERE)​

The Kiwi Ears Airoso is a hybrid IEM that houses a 1DD and 4BA drivers. In comparison to the Aether, I would say they are warmer, while the Aether is more balanced. It is amazing to see how a single driver could perform just as good as hybrid configuration, doesn't it?
The bass of the Airoso is focused on the mid bass, but it doesn't have the same punch and impact that the Aether have. Not that this is bad, but to me the mis bass punch and impact is a step ahead in the Aether. But overall, the bass of the Airoso is more dominant and take a bigger role than the bass of the Aether, which this approach gives more body for male/low vocals and instruments. For example, guitars might sound a little fuller due to that, more intimate. I would say, the Aether is a touch more detailed than the Airoso, more balanced, more versatile and V-shaped with better treble extension. But to be honest, if you already own Airoso, you are not missing a lot. The Airoso is a strong set for its price. But if you have the money, I would suggest investing it in the Aether, because as a complete package, and sound performance, you get better value (though, except for the cable, the accessories are the same). In terms of technical performance, I think the Aether takes the win here, with better soundstage and imaging, which are great. Though, the imaging and soundstage of the Airoso are decent for its price too.

If you are listening to a lot of EDM, the Aether is a blind buy between the two, in my opinion. But if you prefer a warmer midrange and listening experience, lush vocals, lest contrasty tuning, then the Airoso might fit you better.

Both are great sets; you cannot go wrong with each of them.

ZiiGaat Lush (FULL REVIEW HERE)​

The ZiiGaat Lush is a hybrid IEM that houses a 1DD and 4BA drivers. This one is interesting for me. There is 10$ price difference, which might make it hard to choose between the two, so I will try my best to make it easier for you to choose between the two. The Aether in comparison to the ZiiGaat Lush is leaning towards being V-Shaped, it has better bass punch and impact, also has relaxed upper midrange and relaxed treble that is open and airy. I find the imaging on the Aether to be better than the ZiiGaat Lush, and stage a little more open, but not that much. For EDM and pop music, I ended up picking the Aether more, as it offered a more fun experience with its V-Shaped tuning, that was also not very shouty. But still, there is something special about this ZiiGaat Lush, the reference sound, that nothing stands out from each other, and made it fun to listen to live recording, or in long listening sessions with not fatigue.

Do you want neutral sound? Relaxed sound? Experience the "new meta"? Do you listen to live recordings a lot? ZiiGaat Lush is for you, for sure.

Do you want a more V-Shaped sound? Forward vocals? Impactful and punchy bass? Fun IEM for EDM? Then get the Aether, it will fit you better, and you will probably find the ZiiGaat Lush too boring to your preference.

To Sum Up​

The Kiwi Ears Aether is hyped up, and in my opinion, for a good reason. The beautiful balance here is well made, the bass impact is good and satisfied my bass needs, the treble is open, airy and sparkly. It is just what I wanted an IEM to sound like. For me, it is an easy recommendation for everyone, I cannot see anyone who won't like it. It is not too bright, not too bassy, not boring, it just does everything right. I see many reviews and people say that this IEM is good but not special. I am not saying they are wrong, but I don't agree with them. The fact that it is not trying hard to be special, and it is just good because it is good, and has good price for what you get, is awesome. You get decent V-Shape tuning, great technical performance, what else do you need? So yeah, I think its hype is justified. If you have the money, you are getting here decent value. Good packaging, cable, ear tips, and IEM. It is hard not to love it, really.

The Kiwi Ears Aether is sold for 169.99$ from Linsoul Audio Store at this following link (unaffiliated).

Big thanks to Linsoul Audio for making this review possible, and I will see you in my next reviews!

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was loaned to me for review by a friend. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A big thank you to @Jaytiss for the opportunity!

Non-affiliate link for those interested:
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ki...03nEYy6Nm0c4HUDPAiJulhHhlqqHFPqx8k-NCrNhRaIpV

Gear used:
●Samsung Galaxy s25 Ultra
●HiBy R1/R3 II
●Various DAC/amps

Source:
●Listening was done using Amazon Music HD/Ultra HD and local FLAC files.

Introduction:
Kiwi Ears has been a staple of the budget and mid-fi IEM tiers for the last two years, with popular releases like the Orchestra Lite, Cadenza, and the Quintet, among others. The Aether is one of their latest products and it sports a single 15.3mm planar driver. Although it is their latest single planar driver IEM, it is not their first. That distinction belongs to the Melody, which received mostly favorable reviews upon its release. The Aether is a bit more expensive tbough, coming in with a price tag of $169, and it boasts athough, planar driver as well. Let's break down this newest Kiwi Ears IEM and see how it fares against some of today's competition.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
As this was a loan, I did not receive the retail box so I can't speak to the unboxing experience, but if you've ever purchased a set of Kiwi Ears IEMs, the Aether's accessories will look very familiar. It essentially comes with the same case, cable, and tips as many of their other sets. To be honest, the inclusions are pretty underwhelming, and I think it's time that Kiwi Ears steps up their accessory game to match some of their competition like DUNU and Letshuoer, who usually offer more tips, better cables, and better cases. The Aether's shell is made of black resin with a metal frame around the faceplate, which features the Kiwi Ears logo and a slightly sparkly design. I'm not the biggest fan of the aesthetic choices that Kiwi Ears made here, but taste is subjective and I'm sure some will be drawn to the design. The shells are definitely on the chunkier side and the nozzle is somewhat large too, measuring 6.4mm at the widest part where there's a lip to help hold tips. The insertion depth is a little more than average but they fit just fine for me; however, I can see fit issues arising for those with smaller ears. There is a line of three small vent holes located just in front of the flat 2-pin connection on the shells. While the black cable is nothing to write home about, it is a little bit thicker than other Kiwi Ears cables that I've seen. I chose to substitute it out for the XINHS S89 cable. I did not recieve the stock tips so I chose to use the Penon Liqueurs, which gave me a good fit and seal. The branded, black zipper case is also just the typical affair. Its a little on the small side but easily pocketable.

Sound impressions:
I'd describe the Aether's overall tuning as slightly W-shaped but still well-balanced. It has a healthy bass response, some midrange emphasis, and a decently extended treble with a good amount of sparkle. The note weight is maybe just a hair on the thick side of average, which is to my liking. The Aether isn't a particularly hard set to drive and can get to loud volumes with just a simple dongle; however, most planar IEMs do perform better with more power and headroom. The detail retrieval is not the best in its price bracket, but it is still decent. The soundstage has good width but perhaps sounds a bit flat. It could use more depth, to my ear, but overall it does not sound cramped or claustrophobic. The timbre is good, and there is no glaring planar sheen to speak of, but it is also not the most natural and organic I have heard. The accurate and precise imaging is a strong component of the technical performance, along with the dynamics, separation, and layering. The Aether never gets bogged down in complicated tracks, and the tuning remains strong despite the volume level. Overall, I wouldn't say the Aether is class-leading in terms of technicalities, but it is more than serviceable, especially at this price point.

For better or worse, the Aether is somewhat source-sensitive, and finding the right synergy can make all the difference. I found a few good pairings among the DAC/amps I own that suit my preferences. The FiiO RR11 has a more analog sound signature that helps keep any treble peaks to a minimum. The Questyle M18i is very dynamic and helps bring out bass resolution and sub-bass extension, but it might also exacerbate treble peaks. For my listening impressions, I chose to use the EPZ TP35 with the slow roll-off, low-latency filter, as it helped preserve the overall tuning while slightly curbing the treble peak.

●Lows - The slightly elevated bass response is probably my favorite aspect of the Aether's tuning. It is more sub-bass focused, but the mid-bass presence is good too. The extension is not the end-all-be-all but can definitely dig low when called upon. The bass has a nice elasticity and snappy character, and the texture is clean, but I think it could be more resolving. The impact and slam are decent, if not a little staccato and punctuated. The attack and decay are on the quicker side and can sound slightly unnatural to those used to a traditional dynamic driver bass response. The rumble and reverberation are good, but again, they are a bit on the shorter side due to the characteristics of planar drivers. There is no bleed into the midrange to my ear. Overall, the bass of the Aether is pretty well done, but it still falls short compared to DD bass for me.

●Mids - I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the Aether's midrange. While vocals are generally well-accentuated, I typically enjoy a slightly more forward presentation. There is just not quite enough emphasis in the upper midrange to let them reach their full potential. The mids could use a bit more energy around 3 kHz to help highlight vocals and instruments in this range. Going by the graph, the pinna gain should have an earlier rise, which would help lend more weight to male vocals, as they aren't quite as forward as their female counterparts. The lower midrange could also use more weight to showcase lower-registered instruments like the cello. I also find the entire midrange generally lacking some emotional depth, and it's hard to make an emotional connection. Overall, the mids are good, and while guitars in particular sound quite detailed, the entirety of the midrange could be better for my tastes.

●Highs - The Aether's bass is quite nice, and the midrange is decent, but the treble is where I have the most trouble. It's not inherently bad or anything, but there is some peakiness around 8 kHz that I'm sensitive to. This leads to some harshness and sibilance on certain vocal notes like "s" and "sh," and can be wince-inducing on sibilant-prone tracks. The treble has a certain incisiveness consistent with many other planar IEMs I have heard. To it's credit, there is good extension and air without sounding too ethereal, and cymbals are particularly well done. They are crisp and correct without sounding splashy or metallic. Snares and claps also have a crisp texture and a nice snap. Overall, the treble is energetic and fun, and I do not have much issue with it except for that pesky 8 kHz peak, which really does put a damper on the entire experience for me.

Comparisons: Credit to Jaytiss and Audio Amigo for the graphs.

●Letshuoer S12 2024 ($200) - This one is a matchup of single planar drivers. The S12 has the far superior unboxing experience and overall accessory package. It includes a better modular cable, sturdier case, and better tip selection. The S12 has a smaller shell and a shorter nozzle. The Aether fits me a bit better due to the nozzle length and angle. Design is always subjective but I personally really like the black and rose gold combination of the S12. These two graph pretty similarly and have well-balanced V-shaped tunings. While both have a decent bass shelf with a focus on sub-bass, the S12 is overall a bit bassier, with deeper extension, more fullness, and more mid-bass impact. Both have some characteristics of planar bass response (speed and resolution), but the S12 has a longer lasting reverberation that goes a long way towards sounding more natural for my preferences. In the midrange, the Aether positions vocals a bit closer to the ear and they sound a little thinner compared to the S12. However, instruments have a more natural balance and timbre on the Aether, while the S12 adds a noticeable amount of noteweight and warmth to the midrange that some may not prefer. The treble on the Aether is a little airier and more incisive especially with claps, snares, and "s" and "sh" sounds. The S12 doesn't have quite the same airiness up top but it has a smoother presentation and a sense of energy and sparkle that hits my ear better. In the technicalities, the Aether has more depth in the soundstage and slightly better imaging and dynamics. The S12 has a wider soundstage with more space between instruments, better separation and layering, and a slight edge in detail retrieval. Overall, the Aether is admirable, but the S12 2024 has a certain combination of warmth, bass, and detail that just grabs me, and it remains my favorite planar IEM to date.
My pick: S12 2024

● Hidizs MP143 ($130) - Here's another single planar matchup, and for this comparison, I utilized the MP143's gold filter, which graphs fairly closely to the Aether. Neither of these two has great accessories, in my opinion. Both have somewhat cheap-feeling cables, but the Aether has an actual case, whereas the MP143 includes a small carrying bag. However, the MP143 does come with three different tuning filters, which adds variety and value. The shell of the MP143 has an all-metal build compared to the mostly resin Aether. The MP143 is larger, but the Aether has a longer and thicker nozzle, and I personally prefer its fit due to the nozzle's insertion depth and angle. As for aesthetics, neither one really grabs my eye, but I would probably pick the MP143 due to its more unique shell shape and design. Now, for the sound comparisons, the Aether has a more balanced, V-shaped sound signature with more treble emphasis, while the MP143 is a bit more U-shaped. The low end of the Aether is more sub-bass focused, with a deeper reaching extension. The MP143 has more midbass focus and impact, which also adds a warm tilt to the frequency response. The Aether's bass is more characteristic of what I expect from a planar driver: decent speed, quick decay, and good resolution. To my ear, the MP143's bass is closer to that of a typical dynamic driver. By this I mean it can be a bit messy sometimes, but it also has a certain fullness and a more natural decay. The midrange is warmer and smoother on the MP143 but it sounds overall cleaner and better separated on the Aether. I prefer the vocal presentation of the MP143 because it is a bit more accentuated and forward. In the treble, the Aether definitely has more energy, air, and sparkle. The MP143 is not without its own treble energy and excitement, but it is decidedly less than the Aether, due in no small part to that 8 kHz peak I'm sure. In the technicalities, the Aether has slightly better timbre, dynamics, and detail retrieval, while the MP143 has more note weight and greater soundstage depth. The MP143 may not have the bass performance or technicalities of the Aether, but neither does it have the treble issues. Overall, the tuning of the MP143 is much more enjoyable for me, and at the end of the day, this hobby is all about enjoyment.
My pick: MP143

● NiceHCK F1 Pro ($99) - Here we have yet another single planar driver contest, and these two graph fairly closely. This matchup is also useful to gauge the difference between more budget-friendly planars and the tier above. Both sets have very similar accessories, but I'll give the nod to the F1 Pro for a slightly better case and cable. The shell size, build quality, and overall design vary quite a bit. The F1 Pro has a small, all-metal shell and a much smaller nozzle. The Aether has a mostly resin build, with a shell and nozzle size that are definitely on the larger side. The design is subjective, but I prefer the F1 Pro's blue aesthetic, although the Aether offers a better fit and seal for me. The tunings of these two are pretty similar, with the exception of the Aether's larger bass shelf and extra mid-bass, which does add some warmth. The Aether has a more boisterous bass response with deeper sub-bass extension and a slightly slower decay that sounds more natural to my ear. The F1 Pro has more of that typical speedy planar bass response, with a quick attack and decay, which is great for resolution but doesn't sound the most natural. In the midrange, the F1 Pro has better separation between the bass and lower mids. The Aether lends more weight to instruments in this range, but the F1 Pro has a better overall midrange balance to me. It also allows vocals to come forward a bit more and really shine. The graph shows a close relationship in the upper frequencies as well, and both sets have a somewhat accentuated treble that is not really my preferred style. However, the F1 Pro is noticeably brighter and sounds a bit thinner, exhibiting some splashiness on cymbals. While the Aether's 8kHz peak is quite noticeable to me, the added bass helps it sound less bright in comparison. As for the technicalities, the Aether offers better timbre (the F1 Pro has some of that classic planar "zing"), more note weight, and better dynamics. However, the F1 Pro is a very capable sub-$100 set and rivals the Aether in detail retrieval and soundstage. Ultimately, this matchup comes down to overall tuning preference and sensitivity. I do prefer the Aether's more balanced tuning and less zingy timbre, but honestly, the difference between these two is not night and day. Pairing the F1 Pro with a warmer source or utilizing EQ could be a great alternative to spending the extra money on the Aether.
My pick: Aether

In conclusion:
The Kiwi Ears Aether is a fun and energetic planar that really impresses, but there are a few drawbacks that keep me from rating it higher. The first is the somewhat lackluster accessory package. It is not terrible for this price tier, but other companies seem to be stepping up their cable and case game, so Kiwi Ears should really re-evaluate their offerings. Next is the somewhat larger shell and nozzle. I myself have large ears, and fit is never as much of an issue for me as it might be for those with smaller ears, but it's worth noting. The third and most concerning factor for me is the 8 kHz peak in the treble. This is definitely subjective, as each individual is sensitive to different areas of the frequency response, but using EQ to bring down the 8 kHz peak by about 4 decibels did wonders for my enjoyment of this set. The peak is most apparent in pop and rock genres, but orchestral and classical genres perform well without the need for EQ. Now let's talk about what the Aether does well. The bass has nice elasticity, punch, body, and sub-bass extension, the midrange delivers an excellent vocal and instrumental presentation with a decent timbre, and the treble has a good amount of sparkle and air. Also, details and instruments in the upper frequencies are very pleasing, especially cymbals. In summation, I think the Aether could be a great choice for those looking for a balanced and fun tuning, and wanting a taste of planar performance without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, it is one I cannot really enjoy without a touch of EQ, but that doesn't keep me from recommending it to others.

- Introduction -
Hello friends, today in the review we will consider the new planar headphones from the company Kiwi Ears for 169$.
And they come in a rather small box with a modern bright design, where there is an image of the headphones themselves, and the name of this model, namely Aether.

- Technical specifications -
Drivers: 15.3mm large planar driver
Sensivity: 105dB
Impedance: 14Ω
Frequency Range: 20Hz-20kHz
Plug type: 3.5mm jack
- Let's take a look at what's included -
1.High quality audio cable with 2 pin connectors and 3.5 mm jack.

2.Branded case.

3.User manual.

4.Warranty card.

5.Quality certificate.

6.Three sets of silicone eartips.

7.IEM.
The headphones are very large, made of plastic with a silver edging of the front panel made as if under the metal that as a solution I liked as the headphones look in person because of this very cool, I especially like how there are small crystals on this texture beautifully shimmer in the light from purple to blue with azure, and the company logo perfectly completed the clear and stylish design concept of these headphones, from me just for the design is already a respect!



Well, here they have a standard 2 pin connector for connecting the cable, and there are as many as three holes for compensation, and one more is already on the inside of the earpiece, next to this small length of metal soundhole, which has a diameter of 6 mm, got a clear edge for better fixation of the ear tips and is protected by a metal mesh.


Well and sit in my ears these headphones I have quite well, although certainly before buying them should be taken into account that they are really large, and I thought it would be nice if their sound guide was a little longer for a deeper fit with better sound insulation, otherwise I liked everything, picking up the ear tips in my ears they sit well and I can listen to music for a long time without problems.

- Tuning and Conception -
Now let's talk about how the Kiwi Ears Aether planar headphones sound, this is what their frequency response graph looks like, these headphones have 8 dB of bass boost, with a smooth transition to the lower midrange, and the main emphasis in the upper midrange here is exactly at 2 kHz, and then follows the peak at 8 kHz from the measuring microphone, and if you pay attention, the high frequencies here have a duration of about 15 kHz and then fade out smoothly, but nevertheless I will say at once that these are definitely not dark headphones, and to my ear the high frequencies in these headphones on the contrary are on the slightly lighter and emphasized side, but still these headphones will not be exactly as bright as the new planar headphones Tangzu Zetian Wu Legend, they had high frequencies were just noticeably so more spicy and bold, and here they are on the contrary even to us a little on the very edge of cleaned up that gives us a more accurate and moderate presentation of high frequencies already in comparison, well and now let's analyze the sound of these headphones in more detail!

- Low Frequencies -
The bass in Kiwi Ears Aether is primarily about very clean detailed and texturally rich bass, but absolutely without any massive pressure. These headphones are not for bassheads, they don't offer us some explosive and super killer amount of bass or excessive sub-bass rumble. Instead, the bass here plays in a planar, structured way, with precise nuance and excellent dynamic variation.
And attack and decay are among the key features of this bass. The planar driver works in such a way that the attack here is very clear and fast, making the drum hits sound very collected, crisp and focused, but without being overly aggressive.
The bass doesn't disappear instantly after the kick, but fades out smoothly, which makes it more natural and properly formed, giving you the opportunity to better feel the full volume of rhythmic bass parts and all the layering of the sound, and in fact, such a balance between speed and naturalness is quite rare, and in this respect these headphones are unequivocally good.And since these are planar headphones, texture and transparency are another of their strong points.
Because bass is not just present in the background, it is detailed, so you can easily distinguish the small nuances of the instruments.
For example, the sound of double bass in classical music is transmitted with some vibration of the string, not just as a humming smeared low-frequency spot. And percussion instruments sound with some lushness and body, but without excessive compaction as in more bass-heavy headphones. That is, the entire bass structure in these headphones remains very transparent and airy, without affecting or overlapping the midrange and without creating the effect of so-called “shading” of other instruments.
This is especially noticeable when listening to more multi-layered and instrument-rich tracks, where the bass remains very readable and collected, and does not turn into some empty homogeneous crumpled mass.
And the depth of the bass I think that also deserves a separate mention. If in a track, for example, in electronics or boom bap there is an accent on sub-bass, then it appears with good depth, but I note that it does not excessively come to the foreground as in Kiwi Ears Punch. And this is the case when bass frequencies are felt not as some insanely powerful pressure or pressure, but as a very correct and accurate support and a solid foundation of the sound picture.
That is, the sub-bass here goes quite low, but it does not create this artificial emphasizing and over-emphasizing, as it very organically and accurately fits into the overall presentation without breaking out in the overall mix.
So to summarize, the bass in Kiwi Ears Aether is the most balanced combination of speed, textural richness, transparency and depth. It doesn't dominate like bass-head headphones, but it doesn't get lost in the background either, giving you a clear, controlled, yet musical and natural presentation of this range.
- Mid Frequencies -
Well, the midrange in Kiwi Ears Aether has a little lightness and the most obvious sense of openness, but at the same time it is pleasant that they do not sound too aloof or too cool. Rather, their delivery is more airy, lively, and with a nice palpable warmth that makes them sound more natural and comfortable to listen to.
And since these are planar headphones, of course the transients are very fast and clear, which is especially noticeable on live instruments and vocals. Sounds do not lose their dynamics in any way, as the attack and their fading occur smoothly and very controlled, that is, without sudden jumps or blurriness in presentation. And this gives the instruments more realism, as the guitar sounds with a more emphasized string attack, and the drums with a very natural articulation, and the piano with a very clear drawing of each hammer blow.
Well, the airiness in the middle frequencies here emphasizes their separation and makes the sound perception for us a little more light, but I note that it is not simplified by various small nuances.
As the instruments do not merge with each other in one heap as in simple headphones, but on the contrary, clearly, occupy their space, remaining very distinct even in very rich arrangements. And this is especially noticeable when listening to acoustic and orchestral recordings, where you can easily hear some background nuances of reverberation, microdynamics and after-sounds from the same cymbals.
Well, a slight note of warmth in the midrange delivery adds the necessary comfort and smooth musicality in the delivery.
As the midrange in these headphones definitely does not sound too sharp or overly analytical, but rather very smooth and natural.
But friends look interesting that in the case of these headphones, it does not mean that they are somehow blurred or smoothed, as the detail here remains at the same time very even high, and the overall tonality is extremely comfortable and verified.
As the vocals sound very pleasantly extremely relaxed whether it is male or female, with good dynamics and most importantly with excellent bodiness, but without this not pleasant excessive brightness or emphasize sibilants that can be especially manifested when listening to female high vocals, and these headphones believe me with it cope with it perfectly so fans of vocal-oriented music take them on a note.
To summarize, the midrange in Kiwi Ears Aether strikes a very fine balance between noticeable technicality and smoothly integrated musicality. They are fast, detailed, yet light and free, with a nice added warmth and excellent timbre and micro nuance definition.
- High Frequencies -
And the high frequencies in Kiwi Ears Aether are almost a real benchmark of detail and technicality with precision and transparency very characteristic of planar drivers. They are delivered with that very planar clarity, with high speed and intelligibility, without any hint of looseness or blurriness.Since the detail here guys is at a really high level, you can absolutely without any problems to catch both the smallest nuances in the cymbals and strings and hear some rustles in the background and even the breath of vocalists.
And it's not just emphasized treble, but a subtly literally on the verge of precisely worked out range, which conveys to you all microdynamic changes in the sound and at the same time maintains a good comfort in its presentation. If there are subtle aftertones, reverberations, and barely audible overtones in a recording, they will be perfectly drawn out and easily heard by you.
And you're probably wondering where the planar character that I often talk about in my reviews of planar headphones can be found, but guys, it's in the precision of attack and decay. As opposed to armature or dynamic treble, which can either smooth out details or make them too bright, planar treble sounds more natural here, without these artificial accents and cutting through armature timbres, because the sound of cymbals and percussion on the output is very realistic and without excessive dryness, but again you should take into account that the planar character may not be to everyone's liking, and I understand you perfectly, but who has been watching my reviews for a long time knows that I have a very positive attitude to planar headphones, because they just like other headphones have both their pros and cons and it's absolutely normal.And the plus point of these headphones is the airiness that is felt in the way the treble shapes space for you.
Because they don't just add some brightness, but really kind of expand the scene, creating a better sense of depth and lightness as in more open models.
At the same time, I'll note that they don't overpower the sound, but remain quite balanced, allowing you to hear the smallest spatial nuances of the recording well, if they are there.And of course their technicality is already manifested in the accuracy of fast passages and complex instrumental parts.
Regardless of the saturation of the composition, the treble remains clear, and does not merge or get lost. They are just right to give the sound the necessary energy and life, making it very dynamic, but not intrusive, i.e. this balance is perfectly maintained here.
So to summarize, the treble in Kiwi Ears Aether is a combination of very good detail, precision, airiness and technicality.
They do not go into any obvious sharpness or over-analytical, but very carefully maintain the balance between naturalness and elaboration of micro nuances, making the sound as transparent and realistic as possible.
- Sound Stage -
The soundstage in the Kiwi Ears Aether is truly impressive in its size. This is one of those rare models that can give you the feeling of a huge, spacious sound field with a wide and well-organized delivery.
As the stage width here is noticeably larger than the standard dimensions for conventional in-canal headphones. Instruments are positioned well outside your head, creating a more open space effect. The stereo panorama unfolds very wide, giving the sound the freedom and air it needs without any hint of compression or compactness.
The depth of the stage is also well expressed, the layers of instruments in the mix are arranged very naturally, without the effect of being so to say compressed. The distant background really feels distant, and the foreground is already closer to us.
And it is already very noticeable in recordings with well-built reverberation space, such as orchestral music, live concerts or atmospheric electronic tracks that sound with an excellent sense of volume.
Well, the separation of plans in Aether is also performed at a pretty good level. Vocals and instruments are clearly separated from each other, each element of the mix takes its place in space.
And even in complex, overloaded compositions with a lot of instruments the scene remains clean and without any feeling of sound piling up.
And in general, if to summarize, Kiwi Ears Aether create a really huge, wide and deep soundstage with almost perfect drawing and separation of plans. They are able to convey all the atmospheric nature of the recording, while maintaining the correct naturalness and realism of the spatial picture.
My conclusion on this headphones!
And the conclusion of Kiwi Ears Aether planar headphones is that they are really impressive and very spectacular planar headphones, which stand out first of all with quite powerful, textured and fast bass, which creates a dense but controlled low-frequency base. Neutral, but at the same time driving middle, which provides a fairly natural transmission of vocals and instruments, maintaining the necessary emotional involvement. And the high frequencies are of course slightly emphasized, which adds the very planar technicality, transparency and detail without excessive harshness. But as for me the main trump card of these headphones is an insanely wide and large soundstage, which creates an immersive effect, as if you were listening to music on open full-size headphones. And as for me all this makes them a great choice for fans of orchestral music, soundtracks, electronica, jazz and complex arrangements, so from me I recommend these headphones to fans of characteristic planars!
Buy Kiwi Ears Aether on Linsoul Official Website:https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-aether

Introduction​

Kiwi Ears has been releasing a lot of stuff recently and the new Aether falls among the latest ones. The company has designed these with a whopping 15.3mm planar driver, which is currently the biggest planar driver in the “affordable” range (yet not the biggest around, think about the Audeze Euclide that feature a 18mm planar driver, just to make an example, even though these cost a lot more), and after trying them for a few weeks I think that I’m ready to share my own thoughts.

Disclaimer: the Kiwi Ears Aether were sent to me by Kiwi Ears so that I could write an honest review. This review represents my personal opinion on the set, it isn't promotional or paid content and I don’t get any revenue from the sales of this product.
At the time of the review, the Kiwi Ears Aether were on sale for about $169,99 at Kiwi Ears.

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Technical Specifications​

• Driver Configuration → 1 x 15.3mm Planar Magnetic Driver
• Impedance → 14 Ω
• Spec-sheet Frequency Response → 20Hz-20kHz
• Sensitivity → 105 SPL/mW @1kHz
• Cable → 1.25m cable with 0.78mm 2-PIN connectors
• Plugs → 3.5mm jack

Packaging​

The packaging of the Aether is pretty simple honestly and I like the fact that it’s not excessively fancy nor does it include any waifu pic or similar things. Keep things simple, that always works! This is what you’ll find in the box:

• The Kiwi Ears Aether
• Nine pairs of tips (three different sets of three tips each, with similar bore width yet with different stiffness)
• The detachable 0.78mm 2-PIN cable
• A hard carry case
• User manual

Design, Build Quality, Comfort and Isolation​

The Kiwi Ears Aether are enclosed in pretty big shells since they have to accommodate a cumbersome 15.3mm planar driver, and for this reason I would not suggest these to those who have small ears. The earpieces are made of 3D printed resin with an aluminum faceplate frame. They look good indeed, even though I would have preferred a full-resin shell at this point, just like Celest did with something like the Relentless.

The comfort is nice to me, I don’t have any particular issues with IEMs (much more when it comes to earbuds) and even though the stock tips weren’t the best out there I have done some tip-rolling and found my ideal pairing with the Dunu S&S.
The isolation is average, let’s say that there are IEMs that insulate better from external noises but at medium volumes (which are a must for these) I can easily use them in my daily commuting routine.

Cable​

The cable is not the best cable you can find in this price range, but it looks and feels enough considering the overall package that you get with the Aether (sound, packaging and so on). There’s a chin slider, the cable doesn’t tangle like crazy and it feels durable, so no real criticism here, just a minor rant considering that some competitors include better cables (i.e. nylon/braided ones) even at lower price tags.

Sound​

GEAR USED FOR THE TEST

• DAC: Topping E30
• AMP: Topping L30, Fiio A3
• Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, Xiaomi Mi A3
• Moondrop May’s DSP cable with PEQ=0
• Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Fosi DS2, Hidizs XO, Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro, Tanchjim Stargate 2, Dunu DTC480, Dunu DTC800, Truthear SHIO
• Portable DAPs: Snowsky Echo Mini, Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
• Bluetooth DACs: Snowsky Retro Nano, FiiO BTR11
• Bluetooth Adapters: KBEAR S1, KZ AZ10
• Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE, Elgato Wave XLR

Amplifier needed?
Well, the sensitivity and impedance of the Aether suggest that they’re a very efficient planar set, and in fact I can say that I’ve been able to use them on most sources. However, I would at least consider buying a cheap CX31993 dongle for a bit more juice since this is a set that likes more volume to shine.

Let’s speak about the sound.
The Aether sound very, very good. They don’t sound the most polite and inviting, nor do they hug you with a special warmth or delicacy, instead they are very incisive, precise, quick during busy passages and the low-end sounds very entertaining.
The sub-bass extension is notable for a planar set, especially because most planar sets tend to have a more evident bass shelf with some sub-bass roll-off. It’s not a super sub-bassy set but it delivers just right. The bass, on the other hand, isn’t left behind, with very nice textures, solid punch, and it contributes to the overall note weight in a positive manner. You can definitely hear that you’re listening to a planar set, but not in a bad way, and the more you crank up the volume, the more the low-end makes your feet move. Let’s say that it sounds “planar” but the fact is that it’s not a weakness because this is exactly what I expect when using a planar set (we used to listen to a lot of planars that somehow didn’t have this level of maturity and that was the moment in which we developed a sort of negative accent to “planar sound” term).
The transition between the bass and the midrange is smooth, with the lower midrange having some added warmth in order to maintain a natural depth and timbre for male vocals, as opposed to very U-shaped tunings that provide for super clean and transparent lower mids by sacrificing male vocals and bass guitars’ thickness.
The upper midrange has some added spice, with violins and female vocals that tend to play close to the listener in a very energetic way. However, I think that there’s a small lack of extension in female vocals, which is noticeable when you have “decrescendo” moments of female singers (basically, when their vocals slowly fade out in a delicate way): in these occasions, the Aether lack that last bit of information. This is usually caused by a 4KHz dip in the frequency response, a thing that characterizes the Aether as well.
The treble is a big “no” for those who are treble sensitive, especially if you also factor that this set likes to play at medium/high volumes (not that I suggest that, but I had to try that during my tests): the treble can become very spicy and could make the overall sound more fatiguing, so I really suggest you looking for other IEMs if you are treble sensitive.
To all the others, the added space is still worth it, since you get loads of information up top and you also get a very nice sense of resolution.

The soundstage is, surprisingly, not that big, and even though I expected these to render a more spacious soundfield I think it’s a well-rounded stage. The imaging, instead, is very precise and I really appreciate the pinpointing capabilities during my gaming sessions as well.

Are they something I would use considering my taste and preferences?
Yes. I am up for some brightness up top if counterbalanced by a healthy low-end shelf, and these provide for it. They need some juice to shine, but they really have a potent yet speedy low-end that keeps me reaching for them. The S&S pairing also provide for a better seal in my case, and even though there’s an additional (small, yet relevant) treble enhancement, there’s also a better seal which grants a more solid low-end response to my ears.
I will keep experimenting with more tips to see if I can get a similar fit with a slightly tamer upper-end (not that the upper end really “bothers me” but morning and late nights are not the best to listen to spicy IEMs so that would solve this).

Some comparisons:​

Kiwi Ears Aether vs Hidizs MP145

The differences aren’t night and day but it’s worth speaking about them.
The Aether have better bass impact and better textures, and the low-end also feels a tad snappier. The lower midrange is similarly tuned but the upper mids on the Aether give a bit more life to female vocals, which sound less vivid on the MP145. The MP145 have a touch more air in the upper treble, which translates in a wider perceived soundstage, even though some cymbals sound less natural than on the Aether. In terms of imaging, I think that the Aether take the lead. The Aether sound more resolving, more precise overall, as if they are a notch above in terms of overall maturity and performance.
The build quality is good on both sets, but the Aether look and feel less delicate, while the MP145 are more prone to scratches due to their opaque shells. Comfort goes to the Aether hands down, whereas the MP145 (if you find the right tips, since they are bulkier and trickier to wear than the Aether) provide for better isolation from external noises. The MP145 have interchangeable filters, the Aether don’t. The MP145 come with a slightly wider tips’ choice and with a slightly better cable.
Overall, I would pick the Aether.

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Kiwi Ears Aether vs ARTTI T10 Pro

Big differences honestly, since the timbre is totally different: the T10 Pro are way more polite and “wet” than the Aether, with a denser low-end and a more controlled treble response. The Aether are more contrasty, faster, more articulate during busy passages, more spacious and effortless at portraying small nuances, but this also comes at the expense of a more aggressive sound signature that may not be for everyone.
The overall technical superiority of the Aether is evident in some ways (especially when it comes to soundstage, imaging a detail retrieval), but this also depends on the tuning, which is more easy-going on the warmer and more relaxed T10 Pro. When comparing them, the T10 Pro sound more “dampened” and more similar to DD set with respect to the drier and more technical Aether.
The build quality is very good on both sets, but the T10 Pro are generally easier to suggest to anyone due to their smaller and more rounded shells. In terms of packaging and accessories, the T10 Pro come with a similar set of tips but the included stock cable is better and has modular plugs. The isolation is similar, maybe a touch better on the Aether.
Overall, the Aether are more resolving and technically superior, but the T10 Pro are less bright and generally smoother so they may be more appealing to those who usually seek for more relaxed sets.

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Kiwi Ears Aether vs NiceHCK F1 Pro

The Kiwi Ears Aether are like a more “mature” version of the F1 Pro: the note weight is better, the bass quality is similar but Aether’s bass is a bit more textured, the upper midrange is similarly energetic yet less shouty and less prone to be sibilant on the Aether, and the mid-treble and upper treble are a touch more controlled on the Aether as well.
The soundstage is a lot bigger on the Aether (especially when it comes to height, which is a weakness of the F1 Pro), and the imaging is also more precise.
The build quality is great on both sets. The comfort is better on the F1 Pro, the isolation is better on the Aether. In terms of packaging and accessories, the F1 Pro win thanks to the better cable and the wider choice of tips.
The Aether are the better sounding IEMs of course (they are more resolving and more refined overall), but they also cost 2x the price of the F1 Pro.

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Kiwi Ears Aether vs SGOR Luna

Well, this is a very hard call but it could be useful, for those who are interested,to understand something like the Luna can be a cheap alternative to the Aether.
The short answer is “yes”, and in fact the Luna is a very compelling option considering what you can get for that price (we’re speaking about 40$ nowadays, more or less).
The biggest difference is the level of refinement that you get with the Aether, as we are not only speaking about pure technical performance (which would be more obvious).
The SGOR Luna sound generally thinner with slightly less low-end power and a bit more energy in the treble region. This makes them stand-out in terms of perceived resolution and detail retrieval, even though the kinda lack the density and note weight that the Aether can be proud of. In terms of soundstage and imaging, the Aether are superior but the differences aren’t mindblowing and this is a very big compliment for the Luna.
In terms of build quality, comfort, packaging and accessories, the Aether win hands down, whereas the Luna do better when it comes to isolation.
If I have to be completely honest, I really struggle not to recommend the Luna, especially to those who are starting their planar IEMs’ journey and want a good example to start from: there are noticeable differences if I compare the Luna against pricier planars, but it’s really amazing to hear what the Luna can do for such an affordable price, and I think that they really set the bar for cheap planars along with the KZ PRX (which are slightly different yet similarly capable).

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Final Thoughts​

The Aether are very incisive, very resolving, and even though this comes at the expense of a less relaxed sound, it’s totally worth it. From the potent yet fast bass to the energetic vocals and the wide soundstage, the Aether raise the bar for planar IEMs in the sub-200$ range, and even though they are not perfect (no IEM is perfect, but it’s a way to point out that these still have a few weaknesses) I am pretty sure that other brands will need to put a lot of effort to beat these gems.

ADHD Reviews presents!!
Short attention span reviews for the masses!
Kiwi Ears Aether!!


Aether is the new 15.3mm giant planar made by Kiwi Ears with a stylish new look and is sold for 170$, an iem with a soft U shaped signature, bright tuning, and a punchy mid bass.

Treble:
Bright, smooth, and transparent, with excellent detail while remaining easy on the ears.

Mids:
Both male and female vocals are clean and resolving, with no noticeable planar timbre.

Bass:
Quick and punchy, especially in the mid-bass. It handles a wide range of genres well but may not satisfy those who prefer bass with more delay and impact.


Aether in action:
The Aether performs exceptionally well across various genres, including pop, opera, classical, mainstream, rock, hip-hop, metal, and electronic. It’s a true all-rounder with no noticeable planar timbre.
It handles quick transitions smoothly, excels with busy tracks, and remains non-fatiguing. However, to fully experience its capabilities, a powerful source is essential.



Preferred source:
KA13 or something else with as much power.


Preferred Eartips:
Tangzu wide bore for vocals, Penon liquer black for bass.


Comparison with T10 OG:
I'm in a sterile room with both Aether and T10 doing some critical listening the T10 has better sub bass quantity , but Aether has a better mid bass punch which is crucial in some genres like rock,metal.
OG T10 feels a little brighter while Aether feels smoother.
(Gracias AudioAmigo for this graph)


Final words:
This iem is really good!
*if you want a more polished sound than other planars on the market.
*if planar timbre did you dirty before, aether will fix it.

I'd like to thank Linsoul for sending me this iem for a honest review.
Keep getting updates at Linsoul's website for more interesting audiophile products and discounts

non affiliated link:
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ki...3dNiv30CncTgaygi2oszCP290VbbrUDklOurNNv9GUnuY

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Disclaimer:

• I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
• Linsoul sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, unbiased review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.

Source/s used:

• - Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
• - Tanchjim Space DAC
• - Fosi Audio SK02 USB DAC
• - Venture Electronics Odo USB DAC
• - Venture Electronics Devastator USB DAC
• - Snowsky Echo Mini DAP
• - Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini DAC
• - Rose Technics RS9039 USB DAC
• - DDHiFi TC35M2 USB DAC
• - Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
• - FiiO DM13 CD Player
• - Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.

IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock small black eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 40-60% volume.

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Sound signature:

• Kiwi Ears seems to be venturing into the “neutral” side of things with their recent releases, and the Aether seems to show it further. The Kiwi Ears Aether is a neutral, “reference” sounding IEM in its core. If we’ll be specific, there is a touch of subbass boost here in this IEM, making the “neutral with a subbass boost” impression valid.

Lows:

• Having a subbass boosted in an overall neutral sound signature isn’t new in this hobby, and has been in and out in the trend for quite some time now, but it all boils down on how well it is implemented in an IEM. As for the Aether’s case, I can confidently say that it is one of the better ones, in terms of the capability to sound non-lacking while keeping things neat. It is definitely one of the cleanest under the 500 USD price range I have heard so far while delivering the thick, subbass from the depths, whenever needed. It is definitely quick, subbass-dominant, and tight. In my humble opinion and experience, the bass here on the Aether can be perceived as a bass that most current planars cannot reproduce. So, does this mean that this can be enjoyed by the bassheads at heart? It is possible, that’s for sure, most likely if you prefer your subbass dominant and rumbly more than your midbass. If you are coming from a basshead IEM, like the 7Hz Legato for example, you may find the quantity a bit lacking and “too clean”, but it is definitely a step-up in terms of quality.

Mids:

• The first thing that I said upon hearing the Aether is “that mids is very transparent” up to the point that I had to roll with my eartips and sources right away. To most people, they won’t notice the difference because it is subtle, but for those who are doing audiophile things with a “blessed” than usual ears, they may find it too transparent. They can also say that it may sound “warm”, they may say that it can sound “flat”, they can also say that it can sound “recessed”, which are all sort-of correct since I experienced it all as I swap different variables on my setup. Based on my experience, to make it simple, The eartips paired with the Aether greatly affects the mids in terms of its presence and thickness. The mids here in the Aether reminded me of how the Kotori Audio Zephyr sounded, but this time it is slightly thinner and vivid, probably because of its driver. Kiwi Ears provided three sets of eartips here with the Aether. The most “transparent” in sound among the three included sets will be the clear-colored eartips, no pun intended. The grey eartips with the red stem makes things a bit warmer to my ears and it also makes it smoother, while the black ear tips fuses the characteristics of the two sets, while also giving the bass a tinge of added punch and impact. As for the lower mids, it is clean and nearly free from any added warmth, so there aren’t any added thickness to male vocals, and instruments, in this region. Upper mids are slightly elevated, clear, and noticeably airy but not by a lot compared to the presence of the lower mids. However, this is a planar set, which exhibits the “planar timbre” or the “planar sheen” that can be experienced with most planars, which in return will make it seem that the upper mids are noticeably elevated compared to most ears. To those people that are not sensitive to the aforementioned timbre and slightly boosted upper frequencies, they will most likely not have any problems in this region. As for those people who are extra sensitive to the planar timbre, you may experience the planar sheen on certain tracks, usually those tracks that has boosted consonants, as most planar audio equipment has.

Treble:

• The presence of the upper mids are also carried here in the treble - it isn’t elevated or boosted by any means, but it will sound like it to some due to its neutral sound profile and its planar timbre. This region exhibits excellent treble extension, air, and detail retrieval, while keeping its composure. As a result, I can recommend the Aether if you are looking for an analytical IEM under 200 USD.

Soundstage, Imaging and Separation:

• Due to its neutral, nearly dead-flat sound character, and its driver configuration, this region is uncompromised and incisive. The soundstage is quite immersive and spacious to my ears, as there are times I check the doors of our house if someone’s coming, when in fact it is only on the track/live performance I am listening to. Separation and layering is clean and free from any unnatural congestion, as to be expected in a neutral sub-200 USD IEM. Imaging is as precise as expected.

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Other IEM Comparisons!

Kiwi Ears KE4 (190 USD)

• Think of the KE4 as the Aether’s warmer, people-pleaser cousin. It is definitely safer, more ear friendly in terms of its sound and comfort, and warmer. When compared side by side, the KE4 will sound mildly u-shaped whereas the Aether will sound neutral-borderline-bright.

Hidizs MP143 (150 USD)

• The MP143’s soundstage is one of its highlights as it is expansive and noticeably wide, but it slightly lacks the immersiveness the Kiwi Ears Aether have. The MP143 is also mild-v-shape in sound, while the Aether is analytical. As for the technical performance, both sets are excellent under and within the 250 USD price range, but the Aether is noticeably cleaner when compared to the MP143, if we’re talking to planar to planar.

NF Acous NM20 (118 USD)

• The NF Acous NM20 is a bit more coloured, brighter, and energetic when compared to the Kiwi Ears Aether. Both sets excel on technical performance, but the Aether is more composed in sound when compared to the NM20’s bright, energetic character.

Rose Technics QTX (439 USD)

• This comparison is the part where I can say that the “law of diminishing returns” starts to show with these two IEMs. Despite their huge price difference in practical terms, the differences on both sets are very minimal, in terms of their overall respective sound quality. The QT-X is noticeably a smoother, v-shaped IEM when compared to the Kiwi Ears Aether’s neutral, analytical sound character, but their technical performance is nearly the same with the QTX a bit better on the layering, but very, very negligible. I have to admit, on the surface, their differences in this department isn’t really noticeable, unless you use these IEMs more often than usual, side by side.

DUNU DK3001BD (499 USD)

• Yep, I can also say it here that the overall sound quality isn’t really a night and day, but definitely noticeable, especially on layering, separation, and overall attack and decay speed. To an average consumer this will not matter at all, in my humble opinion, but I can see their desire to maximize the performance based on their budget. The DK3001BD is a neutral with a subbass boost as well, but noticeably better in refinement and versatility, especially on how it handles its driver timbre. Overall, the DK3001BD wins this comparison here, but I can also again, confidently say, that you aren’t missing a lot with the Aether, in practical terms.

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Pros:

• The most “neutral” sounding planar IEM I have heard and reviewed under 200 USD!
• “Almost neutral”, near-analytical sound signature!
• Well-controlled, impactful bass response! (for a planar)
• Near-transparent, vivid mids!
• Well-extended yet non-harsh upper frequencies!
• Excellent technical performance under 300 USD! (compared to all of the IEMs I’ve heard under 300 USD, and it is to be expected since this is a planar)
• Snug fit, comfort, and isolation (for larger ears)
• One the “better” ones in terms of packaging and accessories!
• Fairly easy to drive! (for a planar)

Cons:

• Mild planar timbre can be observed on certain instances (anticipated from a planar set)
• Drive shells are on the larger side of the spectrum.
• Cable is too “simple” for this asking price, in terms of visual aesthetic (definitely subjective)
• A version with a 4.4mm cable would be a solid treat for everyone.

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If you’re reading this section, you can say that I am glazing a lot here with the Kiwi Ears Aether. However, it isn’t the case, as all of these ramblings I wrote and said are my firsthand experiences (like I really tried to look for words that aren’t hyperbolic but there aren’t seem to describe my experience well) and I did my best to be objective with this IEM. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t the “best” IEM in under 200 USD, as there are some significant cons of this IEM, such as its large shells, planar timbre, and its double-edged neutrality, but those findings will also not dismiss its excellent overall performance for its asking price, as long as you are sticking with your preferences, such as preferring a neutral, analytical sound character, subbass-dominant bass, nearly flat mids, and the like. Personally, I will recommend the Kiwi Ears Aether to those who are looking for a neutral, analytical IEM under 200 USD that will fit their large ears snuggly. Definitely a solid planar banger, Kiwi Ears!

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Pairing recommendations:

• Source: For a planar driver, the Kiwi Ears Aether is surprisingly easy to drive, but as a planar IEM, it definitely needs at least 2VRMs of power. I prefer pairing this with a warm-sounding dongle, such as Simgot DEW4X and Cayin RU6 as examples.
• Eartips: You may need to eartip roll with the Aether due to its large IEM driver shells. Among all of the included eartips, the black stock eartips fit and sounded to my ears the best. As for third party eartips, I recommend the DUNU S&S and Tri Clarions for this one.
• Cable: The cable is alright for the price, albeit “too simple” to my liking. In all honesty, the cable on the Kiwi Ears KE4 has more character when compared. You may use your preferred cable. I recommend using a cable with 4.4mm plug with this one for an added assurance that you’ll be squeezing every bit of power you have with your USB DAC/source.

Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated links here:

https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-aether

Additional Photos Here:

The Kiwi Ears Aether is an IEM that immediately piqued my curiosity. With a 15.3mm planar magnetic driver, it features one of the largest planar diaphragms I’ve encountered in an IEM. Naturally, I expected a big, bold, bass-heavy, and colored sound a fun, V-shaped tuning with an emphasis on low-end rumble and aggressive treble. But from the moment I pressed play, it became clear that Kiwi Ears had taken a completely different approach.

Instead of boosting the bass to overwhelming levels or pushing the treble into sharp, overly energetic territory, the Aether leans toward a neutral, refined, and almost reference-like tuning. It delivers a highly accurate representation of the recording, staying faithful to the source without artificial coloration or gimmicks. However, it doesnt fall into the trap of being sterile or lifeless. Instead, the Aether manages to strike a balance between technical precision and engaging musicality, making this a versatile set.

Technical Specifications
• Driver: 15.3mm Planar Magnetic
• Impedance: 14Ω @ 1kHz
• Sensitivity: 105dB SPL/mW @ 1kHz
• Frequency Response: 20Hz - 20kHz
• Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin

Whats in the box? heres my quick unboxing video of the Kiwi Ears Planar.

https://youtu.be/mcvRju1Toa0?si=HBiE5ioWkS23V70F

• Kiwi Ears Aether IEMs
• Stock cable
• 8 pairs of ear tips
• Carrying case
• Warranty card



Build Quality & Comfort
Despite housing a large 15.3mm planar driver, the Aether manages to stay remarkably ergonomic, lightweight and a little thick thats to be expected since this houses a big 15.3 planar driver. The smooth, contoured resin shell feels natural in the ear, offering a snug yet comfortable fit without any awkward pressure points. The medium-length nozzles strike a good balance, ensuring a secure seal without digging too deep into the ear canal.

One of the more interesting design choices is the enhanced ventilation system, which i dont see a lot on some of my planar IEMs. I noticed three vent holes near the connector and one additional vent near the base of the nozzle. These vents serve a crucial role in pressure regulation, preventing the dreaded "vacuum effect" that can cause discomfort over long listening sessions also this vent holes can also contributes to the Aether’s wide, spacious soundstage, giving it an almost open-back-like presentation. It’s a thoughtful engineering touch that enhances both comfort and acoustic performance.

I particularly love the faceplate design, it’s a mix of classy and playful without being over-the-top. The silver and black base gives it a sleek, modern look, while the green and purple flakes add just the right amount of flair, almost like a galaxy shimmering under the light. The embossed silver Kiwi Ears logo ties it all together, making the design feel premium yet fun. It’s the kind of faceplate that catches your eye but doesn’t scream for attention.

Sound Performance:
The Aether embraces a neutral, reference-like tuning, prioritizing accuracy and precision in how it reproduces sound. This means it delivers what the source demands nothing more, nothing less allowing it to adapt seamlessly to any genre. Whether it’s the deep, pulsating bass of hip-hop and techno, the soulful warmth of vocal jazz, or the intricate layering of an orchestral performance, the Aether handles it all with finesse.

But dont mistake its neutrality for dullness, this is not some lifeless, clinical tuning Instead, the Aether strikes a fine balance, offering a natural and engaging presentation that feels dynamic yet controlled. It’s a chameleon of an IEM, effortlessly shifting to match the mood and energy of the music, making it one of the most versatile tunings I’ve encountered. whether you are a critical listener dissecting every nuance or someone like me who simply wants to enjoy music in its purest form, the Aether delivers without imposing its own character on the sound.

Bass:
With a planar driver this large, you might expect an overwhelming low end, but Kiwi Ears has taken a more measured, refined approach prioritizing control and precision over raw power. The sub-bass reaches deep, offering a satisfying rumble that feels layered and textured, rather than just a uniform thump. It’s present when the track calls for it but never overbearing or bloated. Meanwhile, the mid-bass stays tight and neutral, delivering a clean, punchy impact without bleeding into the mids. This balance allows bass guitars, kick drums, and electronic beats to sound fast, articulate, and well-separated, rather than muddy or bloomy. The Aether’s bass is not the kind that rattles your skull i think no planar driver can do that. Instead, it offers clarity, speed, and natural decay, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate a well-structured and accurate low end rather than exaggerated booms. Whether you’re listening to bass-heavy EDM, jazz, orchestral music, or classic rock, the Aether delivers a satisfying yet disciplined performance, ensuring every note is clean, tight, and true to the recording.

Midrange:
The midrange is one of Aether’s biggest strengths. It’s neutral, transparent, and highly resolving, staying true to the recording without unnecessary warmth or forwardness. Vocals, both male and female, sound realistic and well-articulated, with just the right amount of weight and body. Instruments like pianos, guitars, and strings benefit from the planar driver’s natural timbre and excellent and energetic transient response, making every note sound lifelike and nuanced. Unlike some planars that can sound overly analytical, the Aether manages to remain engaging and musical without sacrificing technicality.

Treble:
Treble tuning can make or break an IEM, and Kiwi Ears has struck an impressive balance with the Aether. Right away, I noticed that it avoids the common pitfalls of planar treble, where some models can sound either too sharp or unnaturally metallic. Instead, the Aether delivers an airy, well-extended top end that manages to be both detailed and smooth, making for an engaging yet fatigue-free listening experience.

Cymbals, hi-hats, and string overtones retain their natural shimmer and decay, without sounding brittle or exaggerated. There’s a delicate sparkle that adds energy and excitement to the presentation, yet it never strays into harshness or sibilance. The treble peak is tastefully done, providing just enough brightness to enhance clarity while keeping things comfortable for extended sessions.

What stands out is the effortless resolution, the Aether is capable of retrieving micro-details without sounding analytical or clinical. Subtle textures, like the breathiness of a flute or the fine nuances of a violin, come through clearly and naturally, lending a sense of realism and refinement to the sound. Even on less-than-perfect recordings, the treble remains forgiving yet articulate, making the Aether just as enjoyable for casual listening as it is for critical monitoring.

This is treble done right, airy, spacious, and detailed, without stepping into harsh or fatiguing territory. It complements the overall tuning beautifully, ensuring that every note feels lively, yet controlled and balanced.

Soundstage & Imaging:
A big planar driver with lots of vent holes equals to an expansive soundstage, which feels more like an open-back headphone than a traditional IEM. This is largely thanks to its vented chamber design, which allows for better airflow and a more spacious presentation.
Imaging is precise and three-dimensional, making it easy to locate instruments and vocals within the mix. This makes the Aether not just great for music but also for gaming, Movies and even professional audio work, where accurate spatial representation is crucial.

I decided to compare the MP145 with the Aether because the MP145 is the planar IEM I've used the most over the past two years. Comparing the Aether to all of my planar IEMs would take a lot more time and effort, but I did take some comparative measurements with a few of them for reference.

Aether vs. Simgot ET142

Aether vs. FiiO FP3

Aether vs. ARTTI T10

Aether vs. Kefine Klanar

Aether vs. Hidizs MP145

Kiwi Ears Aether vs. Hidizs MP145:
For this comparison i use Divinus Velvet eartips on both IEMs and FiiO JM21 DAP.

Tonality & Tuning
The Kiwi Ears Aether takes a more balanced and natural approach. It aims for neutrality with a slight musical warmth, keeping everything in check. The bass is present but never overpowering, mids are clear and expressive, and the treble is extended yet controlled, avoiding unnecessary peaks or harshness. It’s a well-rounded and mature tuning that suits a wide range of genres.

On the other hand, the Hidizs MP145 leans into a more V-shaped tuning with a focus on deep, powerful bass and a lively treble response. It has a more pronounced subbass presence, adding rumble and impact that bass lovers will appreciate. The treble, however, is sharper and airier, which can make details pop but also introduces some brightness that might not be for everyone. The mids are lush, warm but slightly recessed compared to the Aether, making vocals and instruments sit further back in the mix.

Bass
• Kiwi Ears Aether: The bass is tight, controlled, and well-textured. It doesn’t aim for a heavy impact but instead focuses on accuracy and cleanliness. Midbass is well-defined, adding warmth without bloat, and subbass is present but not dominant. It’s the kind of bass that integrates seamlessly into the mix.
• Hidizs MP145: The MP145 packs more bass quantity, particularly in the subbass region, making it deeper, darker and more powerful than the Aether. While it has good texture, it leans more toward a fun, dynamic bass rather than a neutral one. It can be a bit overwhelming for those who prefer a more balanced low end.

Mids
• Kiwi Ears Aether: clarity, natural timbre, and excellent balance. Vocals—both male and female—sound forward, engaging, and lifelike. Instruments have a good sense of weight and presence without feeling overly colored.
• Hidizs MP145: The MP145’s mids are more recessed due to its V-shaped tuning. Male vocals and lower mids feel a bit pushed back, while upper mids have a brighter, more energetic presentation. This makes female vocals stand out more but can sometimes make them sound slightly sharp, especially with brighter recordings.

Treble
• Kiwi Ears Aether: The treble is well-extended but smooth, providing plenty of detail without becoming fatiguing. It has a natural, airy presence, ensuring clarity without harshness. If you’re sensitive to treble peaks, the Aether is the safer choice.
• Hidizs MP145: The MP145 has a more pronounced treble, making it more energetic and airy than the Aether. This contributes to more energy and sparkle and more detailed presentation.

Technical Performance
• Soundstage: The Hidizs MP145 has a wide and more deeper expansive soundstage, likely due to its large 14.2mm driver and open-back-like venting. The Kiwi Ears Aether, while still wide, but not as deep as the mp145, but still gives instruments a more cohesive placement.
• Imaging & Separation: Both IEMs have solid imaging and separation, though the Aether’s more neutral tuning helps define each element with precision. The MP145, with its wider stage and sharper treble, can make details pop more, but it’s also more spread out, which may reduce pinpoint accuracy.
• Detail Retrieval: The MP145 extracts more microdetails, thanks to its brighter treble and more analytical tuning. The Aether, however, maintains excellent resolution while keeping things more natural and non-fatiguing.

Comfort & Build
• Kiwi Ears Aether: Features a lighter, more ergonomic shell, making it comfortable for long listening sessions. The smaller, more contoured design should fit a wider range of ears.
• Hidizs MP145: With its large metal shell and vented design, the MP145 can feel a bit bulky and protruding in the ears. While the fit is secure on my ears, people with smaller ears may struggle with its size.

Both IEMs showcase the strengths of planar drivers but cater to different preferences. The Kiwi Ears Aether is the better choice for those who value balance, natural tonality, and immersive mids. It’s an IEM that stays true to the music without unnecessary coloration. Meanwhile, the Hidizs MP145 delivers a more energetic, bass-driven experience, making it a great pick for those who enjoy a lively, engaging sound with deep lows and airy highs. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal taste, whether you seek natural precision or dynamic excitement, both IEMs offer compelling takes on planar technology.

Final Thoughts: A Planar IEM That Prioritizes Balance and Musicality
The Kiwi Ears Aether takes a different approach to planar IEM tuning, opting for balance, natural tonality, and precision rather than chasing extremes. While many planar IEMs lean toward exaggerated bass impact or hyper-detailed treble, the Aether refines the formula with a more cohesive and immersive presentation.

It delivers clean, well-textured bass, ensuring a solid foundation. The mids are transparent and naturally expressive, allowing vocals and instruments to shine with clarity and nuance. Meanwhile, the treble extends beautifully, offering detail and airiness without straying into harshness. The result is a sound that feels spacious, accurate, and effortlessly engaging, supported by a wide, well-defined soundstage.

While the Aether may not be the go-to choice for bassheads craving seismic rumbles or treble enthusiasts seeking an ultra-bright presentation, it excels at delivering a true-to-source, refined listening experience. For those who appreciate precision, realism, and a well-balanced tonality, the Kiwi Ears Aether stands out as an easy recommendation a proof to how neutrality, when executed well, can be anything but boring.

Non Affiliated Link: https://www.linsoul.com/products/ki...ZDXFXKX733RpIxr-7KneEYg6UP5WQgLFwvJGi8ea8GECV

General Info/Comfort/Build
Kiwi Ears, a name that i believe no one who’s active in the Chi-Fi community wouldn’t know, it made a splash last year coming out with several IEMs that are still being talked about, not just that, it also received a great deal of positive feedbacks (of course, there are bound to be some negatives as well as we all hear/perceive differently). Today, I have here with me another new release which is the Kiwi Ears Aether. The shell has a very pretty faceplate, but in terms of size, it is slightly on the larger side but not really an issue for me and it did not cause any discomfort at all. This is probably to accommodate the large planar driver.
In terms of packaging, the unboxing experience is quite pleasant and is definitely worthy of the asking price, however, the bundled accessories are a bit of a let down, if you had past experience with Kiwi Ears products, they are more or less similar, even the cable.

Gears used for this review

• Kiwi Ears Aether in stock form (stock cable in 4.4 termination and stock eartips)
• iFi Zen Dac 3
• Aune S9C Pro DAC -> Aune S17 Pro EVO AMP
• Fiio JM21
• Dunu DTC 800

Foreword
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound Impression
The Aether to my ears, sounds like a U shaped tuned IEM to my ears, a slight elevation on the lows while remaining fairly neutral across the frequency range, being a planar IEM, i did not hear any planar timbre on the Timeless AE, it could be the case of the 3db boost on the low end that helps to slightly smoothen to top end which in effect also cause the planar timbre to smoothen out. It has got a good note weight and full sounding to my ears. Let’s take a look at the breakdown on the frequency range:

Bass

• Bass on the Aether is hard hitting, fast, and tight,especially satisfying when listening to Metallica’s track, Master of Puppets, Lux Aeterna
• Speed is good which is expected from a planar driver
• The bass has got a satisfying texture, especially evident on the double kick drum, very very pleasant experience which got my foot tapping along with it
• The sub bass rumble is nicely done on the music, i took a step further and played a trailer of Star Wars where the lightsaber fight scene and swinging the saber around produces a very ecstatic deep rumbles, and this is reproduced in a very “fun” manner listening to it via the Aether
• Mid bass is quite punchy with good texture and it doesn’t bleed into the mids

Mids

• The mids are neither too forward nor recessed,rather balanced in my opinion
• Male vocal has got a good texture to it, doesn’t sound thin or nasally, both Sam Smith and Zhao Peng’s vocal sounded very pleasant
• Female vocal such as Teresa Teng sounded sweet and has got texture to it, a slight boost on the upper mids will give the female a little boost, but overall, it is good
• Vocal positioning is not too laid back or forward, i would say it is just a few steps from your face
• No bass bleed from the mid bass to the lower mids, transition from the low to upper mid is also smooth and gradual rise, certainly not shouty at all

Treble

• Treble on the Aether is very well done in my opinion, it is detailed, airy and also smooth at the same time, impressive
• The treble is non offensive and never sibilant, i have tried a wide range of music with it and even turned up the volume (for a short period of time of course), it remained easy on the ears all the time
• The smoothened treble response is due to the seesaw effect from the boosted low end which is audible to my ears

Soundstage/Imaging

• Soundstage is quite good, with a slightly out of your head kind of rendition
• It has good height and width perception, a little lacking in the depth, but overall it is not bad
• Imaging on the other hand is good, well layered and instruments can be pinpointed easily without sounding congested

Driveability

• Aether is not hard to drive, it can be driven easily by most of the entry to mid range dongles out there
• It does however scale with better source and also power, i observed a better bass response in terms of control, dynamic, as well as soundstage when it is being fed with more power and also better source, my desktop stack specifically
• This is not to say that you need an amp to get the best out of it, rest assured that it is already good sounding right out the box, but amping it will allow you to squeeze out more from Aether to fully maximise its potential

Comparison
7Hz Timeless II

• Timeless II offers a more three dimensional presentation in terms of soundstage, especially with the bullet shaped gold nozzle
• Bass quality is slightly better but in terms of quantity, Aether seems to pull a head slightly, mid bass punch is slightly better with the Timeless II
• Timeless II offers a variety of sound tuning via nozzle swapping, my personal experience with it, is that it really does offers changes in tuning to a certain degree
• In terms of detail retrieval and resolution, Timeless II pulls itself ahead of Aether

Tangzu ZetianWu(OG)

• ZetianWu’s presentation is overall a little laid back, warm with a slight elevation on the mid bass
• Once again, the Aether pulls itself miles ahead in terms of detail retrieval comparing against ZetianWu(the OG)
• A very safe sounding set i would say compared to Aether which offers a bit more fun and details, I’m not saying ZetianWu is bad in anyway, it’s just that it is tuned differently and considering the price point it position itself at, it is good enough

Final Thoughts
There are plenty of Planar IEMs out there at the moment, i personally have tried several which i compared against the Aether, i am someone who prefers versatility because i listen to a variety of genre, the Aether does gives me the versatility because i consider it an all rounder which perform really well in most of my library, Metal, Rock, Hip Hop, Jazz, Live recordings and many more in its stock form (stock cable and stock eartips). To make things even better, using the Dunu’s S&S eartips offers a slightly wider soundstage compared to stock eartips, and also fits and seal better, and also gives a little bit more energy on the top end if you find the treble on stock eartips is a little smooth to your taste. I am definitely recommending the Aether without any hesitation to anyone who’s currently on the lookout for a very capable Planar IEM at a lower price point and without breaking the bank.

*I thank Linsoul for sending over this in exchange for this review. All thoughts are of mine and I received no monetary compensation nor was I influenced in any way to produce this review.

Interested in getting a pair? Head over to Linsoul to grab one from the link below:
Kiwi Ears Aether - Non affiliated link

Spoiler: A little about myself and my musical taste.

Hello, and thanks for taking the time to read my review. I really appreciate it!
I’m Vlad, a former semi-pro FPS player, mainly in CS:GO, and now an audiophile and reviewer of audio devices.
My passion for music started with a classic Japanese Panasonic boombox. Later, I got my first headphones - Koss Porta Pro, which I absolutely loved. I spent years listening to music on those and the Sennheiser CX200. Back then, my playlists were filled with Linkin Park, DMX, Dr. Dre, and Eminem. Hip-hop and rap captivated me, especially the deep, rumbling bass and the distinct rap-style delivery.
Now, I consider myself a music enthusiast who enjoys a wide range of genres, from metal to classical music, choosing what to listen to based purely on my mood.
When it comes to sound, I prefer a neutral-warm V-shaped tuning. I appreciate a rumbling, well-defined bass and would consider myself more of a basshead than a treblehead. In the midrange, I have a particular fondness for male vocals, as I find them the most engaging and essential in modern music. What do I dislike? Harsh treble, a lack of bass, and a narrow soundstage.

You can learn more about me in my portfolio

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• 15.3mm Planar Driver Configuration;
• Impedance: 14Ω;
• Sensitivity: 105dB;
• Frequency response range: 20Hz-20kHz;
• Connector: 2-pin 0.78mm.;
• Cable material: 4-core high-purity oxygen-free copper-plated silver cable;
• Price: 169$.

• IEM itself - Kiwi Ears Aether;
• 4-core high-purity oxygen-free copper-plated silver cable, 1.2m length;
• 3 sets, 9 pairs of eartips: 3 pairs of white transparent eartips with standard bore (S / M / L), 3 pairs of gray eartips with red bore (S / M / L), 3 pairs of black eartips with standart bore (S / M / L);
• Carrying case;
• User manual.

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• Android smartphone via 3.5mm
• Laptop with a built-in sound card via 3.5mm
• Basic DAC with CX31993
• Tanchjim Stargate 2
• Qudelix 5K
• Fosi Audio K7

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Kiwi Ears Aether Review​

The Fulle review can also be found HERE

​

Kiwi Ears Aether Review ​

Intro​

Hello, this review and feature covers the Kiwi Ears Aether ($169) from Kiwi Ears Audio. The Aether is actually a planar magnetic driver earphone which houses a massive 15.3 mm driver and features a very striking design. From my vantage point Kiwi Ears is in an absolute tear of late bringing to market unique and smart products which seem to do a solid job of meeting consumer demand, both in design/aesthetic as well as performance. I haven’t actually heard the Aether yet, but tracking says it’s about a day away and I gotta tell you all that I’m pretty pumped up to hear it. We shall see if the Aether is just another planar set stuck in the sea of planar wars iems. Or will the Kiwi Ears Aether buck the trend of copy-cat tunings?

Kiwi Ears ​

This brand is hot folks! Almost like they’ve had this stockpile of wonderfully tuned iems and audio devices just waiting to hit the scene all at once. However, the truth is, they’ve been hot since their conception. I actually just now received the Aether along with a couple other products from Kiwi Ears and I am so smitten folks! I want to shake the hand of every person involved with the creation of their products. Just a job well done! Of course, there is such a thing as the “Honeymoon phase” with all products. However, I think the honeymoon phase is simply a precursor to a happy marriage concerning myself and Kiwi Ears. As long as they care about their products using every resource and every engineering mind at their disposal along with proper R&D… then I think they’ll just keep on rolling. I think we know a legit brand when we see one. No doubt there’s more than a few very solid brands out there too. My praise of Kiwi Ears in no way cancels out what some other great audio brands are doing. However, in a Kiwi Ears review, I’ll stick to the topic, and the topic in the header reads “Kiwi Ears”.

I have the receipts… ​

I say all of these nice words for a reason. Basically, the proof is in the pudding. Everything I’ve owned or reviewed from this brand is a hit. Friends, I cannot begin to explain how much I love the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite (Orchestra Lite Review). I gave that set a very good review, gushed over them. Um… I love them even more today. Truly, sound value at its best. How about the Kiwi Ears Cadenza (Cadenza Review)! A set which very easily competes against any set within its price point in today’s market. I know it because I have them all. The Cadenza was and is… a price to performance beast. I just reviewed the Kiwi Ears Airoso (Airoso Review) and let me tell you, please hear me, it is without question one of, if not thee, best hybrids under $200. Obviously, that is a highly subjective and easily debatable thing to say, but I’m saying it, and I have a stone straight face. One of the Airoso’s biggest competition is Kiwi Ear’s own Kiwi Ears KE4 (KE4 Review). For a different sound signature, it too is right up there with the best that the market has to offer at $200. I’ve reviewed the Kiwi Ears X-Crinacle Singolo (Singolo Review) too. Not my favorite, but a solid set. There’s actually quite a few more of their products I’ve owned as well, but I’ll spare you the links. Also, my partners at Mobileaudiophile.com have also reviewed a number of Kiwi Ears products as well and it seems that each one has a similar theme, a solid product for the money. Centrally, price value, price to performance, and sound value are things you’ll read a lot at Mobileaudiophile.com.

Burn em’ in… ​

Back to the Aether, I have had this set in my ears quite a lot, pre-burn-in. Of course, the Aether has a gargantuan 15.3 mm planar driver and so it definitely needs many hours of burn-in. Not that much needs to change either. However, out of straight up due-diligence I will suffer the wait and put them on the burn-in station. I am eagerly awaiting many hours of critical listening, and I will certainly make that happen soon. With that said, I’ll see you folks in about two weeks. So, without further ado, the Kiwi Ears Aether everyone…

Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links:​

–Kiwi Ears

–Linsoul

–Amazon

–Bloom Audio

Disclaimer:​

I received the Kiwi Ears Aether from Kiwi Ears as a review sample and in exchange I will conduct a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a review sample iem. Kiwi Ears has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be. However, this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Kiwi Ears, and thanks for reading.

Gear used for testing​

–Ifi Go Blu

–EPZ TP50

–EPZ TP35

–Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro

–Aful SnowyNight

–Shanling H0

–Fiio JM21

–Fiio Q15

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2

–Shanling M6 Ultra

Packaging / Accessories ​

Unboxing ​

The Kiwi Ears Aether arrived at my home in a fairly large rectangular box (6.5” x 4.5” x 2”) with a pink/purple sleeve covering it and a nice picture of the Aether on the front etc. On the back you won’t see anything of importance but on the side, there are some specs pertaining to the Aether. Take off the sleeve and you find a silver box with “Kiwi Ears” imprinted in the center. Open the box (a ton of suction, not simple) and you’ll see a thin box which holds the Aether’s manual, the QC pass card, and a warranty card. Take out that layer and you’ll see the gorgeous Aether sitting pretty in white foam molds on the top left. Just next to the Aether earphones on the left side is another small box which holds all of the eartips in small baggies separated by the style of tips. There’s also one more box which carries the carrying case. Take out the carrying case, open it up, and you’ll see the cable wrapped up neatly inside. For $169 the unboxing isn’t bad by any stretch. Though, it also isn’t the best we’ve seen. It’s a nice box, almost Apple-esque, or somewhat in the vein of a Tanchjim unboxing. It’s definitely nice. However, not tops in class. Which is fine. Not bad.

Eartips​

So Kiwi Ears provided a total of nine pairs of tips over three different styles of tips (three pairs of each style). The first set (S, M, L) of three tips are black silicone eartips with a narrow bore, somewhat longer, flimsy at the flange, not very rigid at the stem. I am not a fan of those. The next set (S, M, L) of three tips are some white silicone tips which also have a narrow bore, exactly the same size and appearance as the black tips but these have a slightly firmer flange. These aren’t bad tips at all and will be useful for other sets, not for the Aether. The last set (S, M, L) of three tips are a light gray flanged and red stem pair of silicone tips with a semi-wide bore and which have a fairly firm flange and rigid stem. I certainly like the gray/red tips the best, but I definitely wanted to tip roll to find the most suitable eartips per my unique preferences. So, after many eartips tested with the Aether I found that the Hiby WG01 tips easily worked the best for me. Oddly enough, when I reviewed the Airoso I also preferred the WG01 tips. I also really liked the Dunu S&S tips with the Aether, but the WG01 is much more comfortable for me.

Carrying Case ​

The Kiwi Ears Aether comes packaged with a decent carrying case. The case is a black faux leather covered zipper case. It’s a nice enough case for its purpose. It’s actually the same case provided with many of Kiwi Ears iems. I actually just reviewed the Kiwi Ears Airoso, and it is the same case provided with that. At any rate, it’s a decent sized case. Just large enough to fit the Aether and the cable, possibly some extra tips. Inside if the case is lined with some softer fabric along with a mesh pocket as well. Also, the case is a good size if you like to carry it in your pocket. It isn’t going to bulge out too weirdly.

Cable ​

The cable provided is nice looking. I certainly wouldn’t call it a ‘best-in-class’ type of wire or anything, but it’s nice. Now, I do have a small gripe that could be resolved fairly easily for Kiwi Ears… maybe. I really would’ve liked to have seen a modular cable, or at least an option for a 4.4 balanced cable. I feel that Kiwi Ears either slightly missed the boat on this or they already know that you are going to cable swap and so they provide any ole’ cable. Perhaps, to put more money into the earphones themselves. I’m perfectly happy with the latter. I really am. One more thing, with planar magnetic earphones the general rule of thumb is that they need some power to shine. Also, generally, a 4.4 balanced cable will provide the higher output on almost all source devices on the market. Planars need juice folks. So, in that respect I would’ve liked to have seen a 4.4 option at purchasing. Not that the included cable is a bad cable either as it really isn’t bad at all. I just feel that the package would be more complete with a nice-looking modular system. Or the option to go with a 4.4. That’s it. We are so used to seeing modular nice fatty fat cables on plus $150 sets anymore which was a very small let down. No biggie though, the included cable is not bad looking and it does its job just fine. Coincidentally, I said that exact same thing in the Airoso Review.

The included cable​

Okay, I know I just got done expressing my wish for something different but, as far as the included cable is concerned it’s still a very nice wire. I think that “aesthetically” it fits the Aether very well. I am a person who desires my cables to fit the aesthetic of the earphones. With the Aether, I feel that there’s only three to four colors which really jive well with it. So long as the predominant color of the cable is silver, black, or white. In my opinion any of these solid colors will work and you’ll have a dead ringer for a nice aesthetic pairing with the Aether. Thankfully, the included cable is completely blacked-out. It’s a dark glossy black with black fittings (y-split, cable cinch, connectors etc.) and that jet black coloring fits perfectly with the Aether. Plus, the included cable is very pliable, semi-fat, nice braid. Now, I have no idea what material the cable is. I’m assuming it’s a silver-plated copper cable, but I don’t know for sure. I wish I did have that info for you, so forgive me for that. The only info that Kiwi Ears provides is that the cable is a 3.5 single ended cable which terminates with 0.78, 2-pin connectors. Oh, and that it’s detachable. That’s it. At any rate it’s actually a nice cable and so I’m not dishing on Kiwi Ears at all. It makes no microphonic noise, it’s soft, easy to manage, easy to roll up and store, very pliable, and it’s nice to look at too. I simply wish that it was either a nice modular cable, or that the consumer had the option for 4.4 at purchasing. No biggie.

What cable did I use? ​

However, it took me all of about a half a minute to decide that I’m definitely going to cable swap. I went through so many cables folks. Probably about 10 in total. Well, I ended up using two different cables for the review and ultimately landed on one which will stay on the Aether. The first cable is the silver BGVP modular cable that came with the BGVP Melody. You’ll see it in some of the pics. Truly a nice cable. However, the sweetest sound that I heard came from one of my favorite semi-budget aftermarket cables in the Audioverse, the FSIjiangyi SPC 4.4 balanced cable. I’m telling you folks; it is a very special cable which should cost twice as much. At any rate, the sound paired with the Aether is wonderful. The upper mids are brought out so nicely and the bass gains an even tighter expression. I realize that some of you don’t believe in cable tonality changes, but I can assure you, there’s a definite difference. Unless my mind/ears deceived me. Three other budget cables which worked nicely are the Simgot LC7, the KBear Chord 4.4 and the Nicehck IcyMoon 4.4. Still, I also realize that not everyone has the extra money to throw down on a 3rd party cable. Also, the 3.5 single ended cable provided is still pretty decent to look at and it does its job well.

Build / Design / Internals / Fit ​

Build Quality ​

Starting off with the build quality of the Kiwi Ears Aether I feel that it has very nice structural integrity, it’s substantial, and rather large too. Large enough that I should provide the disclaimer that small ears may want to think twice or at least compare with other larger sets to know if they’ll fit you. I don’t have that problem. So, the Aether has what appears to be a 3D printed resin shell, somewhat rounded in its body, smooth everywhere. The faceplates are made with a resin coating over the gorgeously designed centerpiece. Around the resin faceplate is an aluminum border which creates a very nice color contrast. Kiwi Ears made the Aether so that it is a semi-open back design as there’s three smaller vent holes near the back Chamber near the female 2-pin connectors at the top-back of the shells. There’s also another small vent near the nozzles. The nozzles are 6.5mm in width, made of a pretty aluminum, nice eartip ridge for holding them on tightly. Also, the nozzles are medium in length (what’s medium Chris?), not too long nor too short. I wouldn’t say the build is going to wow you, or make you gasp with wonder, but it is a very nice build. I used the word “substantial” because they are definitely substantial in both quality and size. They just feel solid. However, the Aether is also a light earphone and very comfy. If I were a betting man, I’d say that for sure the Aether weighs between 7-10 grams. They just feel nice in the ear. Overall, the build quality is pretty nice.

Design​

I’ve already somewhat explained the design just a moment ago, but I love the look! It is so dope looking with a very unique, very simple design with a classy touch of pizazz. Again…I absolutely love it. Kiwi Ears designs always seem to veer into the simple and minimalist side of the aisle. However, in all of their simple designs they usually have a touch of elegance. Or some distinguishing feature which adds some zest to an otherwise plain Jane design. Well, except for the Kiwi Ears Melody, that’s as plain Jane as it gets. But I digress, the Aether is beautiful, handsome, even elegant, and it has just the right amount of that “zest” that I was just referring to. That zest can be seen in the center of the faceplates under the transparent resin within the aluminum border. You’ll see tiny speckled electric teal and purple glitter slightly/randomly covering a black/stone-gray ribbed design underneath. Okay, I did a bad job explaining that, but you can just look at the pictures. Truly a dope looking set which will look dope whilst walking around the market, bus rides, wherever you go. The design gets an “A” from me, nice job Kiwi Ears artisans and designers.

Internals​

Okay, now we get to the heart of this set. That “heart” is the planar magnetic driver which sits inside the Aether within the acoustic cavity. Friends, when I saw that the Aether was going to feature this driver, I was very happy to see something different. What’s different you ask? Well, the planar inside is a massive 15.3 mm planar driver. Darn near every planar on the market that isn’t a micro-planar runs between 10-14 mm in size. So, to see something this large in a set of in-ear monitors was very cool for me. Surrounding the 15.3 mm driver is an array of N52 neodymium magnets. Beyond the driver, Kiwi Ears states that they upgraded the acoustic chamber. I don’t know “how” they upgraded the chamber, but it’s upgraded, nonetheless. I know that Kiwi Ears gave the Aether an almost semi-open back design. Like I said earlier, the Aether has three side-by-side small backside vents which may explain the upgrade. Anyways, there isn’t much more info that I have on the internal makeup of the Aether. Despite that, 15.3 was all I needed to hear.

Fit / Comfort ​

As far as fit and comfort the Aether is pretty comfortable for me once I get them in my ears and sealed with the right tips. Like I said, the body of the shells are somewhat rounded and fairly large in size and so the beefiness of the shells may be a problem for smaller ears. I can tell you that I don’t have big ears, and the Aether fits me very well. So, take that for what it’s worth. Also, the Aether is not a heavy set of earphones which greatly helps over long listening periods. I would say that so long as you find the perfect eartips for you then the Aether is likely going to fit the majority of hobbyists just fine.

​

Drivability ​

Output Power ​

The Kiwi Ears Aether is a fairly sensitive planar magnetic set. Then again, most planars nowadays are fairly sensitive. To be exact, the Aether is rated with an impedance of just 14 ohms and a sensitivity of about 105 dB SPL/mW (@1kHz). Basically, the Aether can be played with even sensitive sources. I used my old Android phone, my iPad, and a no name Amazon dongle dac (super weak output) and the Aether was able to get to nice volume on each. However, the Aether wants and desires greater power like a cold glass of water in the desert my friends. You should feed it. Just like most any planar magnetic earphone that I’ve owned or reviewed, the Aether comes alive and reaches its full potential with good output power. What do I mean by good output? Well, for me, it wasn’t until I put the Aether in the EPZ TP50 on high gain that I started to hear the Aether ramp-up its dynamics, tighten in certain areas etc. Even more so when I attached the Aether to my daps and larger dac/amps like the Fiio JM21, iBasso DX240, Shanling M6 Ultra, Fiio Q15 etc. Having said all of that, to my ears you could easily find great enjoyment out of the Aether with a decently powerful dongle dac. You don’t need a huge desktop power supply to wake up the Aether. Maybe 100-150 mW @16 ohms. Of course that’s on the low-end, but it isn’t that weaker sources cannot bring the Aether to volume because they most certainly can. It’s about the fluid and emphatic dynamics which seem to come through clearer when using more output and better sources.

Source Pairing ​

One thing I love about the Kiwi Ears Aether is how easily it adapts to different source tonalities. The Aether naturally comes across carrying a closer to neutral sound with a touch of low-end warmth, and so finding a suitable source to pair with it is quite easy. The only type of source tonality I didn’t enjoy was with brighter sources. That’s it. The Aether is so well balanced tonally and doesn’t have any one area stealing the focus in my opinion. So, there’s not a whole lot to have exaggerated (bright, warm, sharp, muddy) one way or the other from source devices. That’s not to say that any source will fit your particular preferences, but in general the Aether is tuned in such a way that many devices seem to work very well when attached. I used a lot of source devices, as per usual. My favorite source that I used is my Shanling M6 Ultra which comes across highly resolving but also warm/neutral with a less enthusiastic upper end of the spectrum. However, the neutral iBasso DX240, the slightly warm/neutral Fiio Q15 and even the neutral Fiio JM21 all helped the Aether to sound very nice. With all that said, I prefer a source with a touch of warmth with this set.

What do you need? ​

I would spring for a decent Dongle Dac with sufficient power if you want to begin getting the most from the Aether. Believe me it’s worth it. Truly a special iem when paired well tonality-wise and when powered well. However, don’t fret too much over pairing or “synergy” as the Aether does well attached to many devices.

Sound Impressions ​

*Note: before I dive into the sound portion of this review, I have a few things to speak on. First, I did burn in the Aether for roughly about four days, maybe a hair longer. Next, I used Hiby WG01 eartips for best seal, comfort, and perceived sound quality. Also, I listen mainly with flac or better files stored on my devices, I rarely stream my music. The Android music player that I use in my devices is almost always UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro). However, I do at times use Hiby Music Player as well.

How does it sound? ​

Friends, the Kiwi Ears Aether is truly a special iem. I’m not going to beat around the bush here. Let’s just take the guesswork out of it. Without question the Aether is one of the best planar magnetic earphones that my ears have heard. The entire spectrum is complete, balanced very well, with no one area taking the brunt of the focus from any other area. Nothing stands out in that way. Instead, it’s the entire tonal body (spectrum) as a whole which works cohesively to bring a very mature sound, a very fun sound, a very dynamically expressive sound, a very technically inclined sound, and a sound with very nice timbral qualities. I am simply smitten folks. Ever since I first put the Aether in my ears and hit play… It was love at first listen. Okay, I may have taken that a hair too far. Plus, like anything the Aether does have some slight “subjective” issues, or, “preferential” issues which some consumers may have. With that said, folks this set is one of the most complete planar magnetic earphones that I’ve heard.

Tell me more… ​

So, the Kiwi Ears Aether comes across as predominantly neutral with a nice layer of warmth. A little bass region weight provides just enough warmth to observe a semi-rich note body. Which by the way is nice to hear from the Aether. This means that it’s lean enough to not clog the lines between instruments, less hanging fat, and it’s rich enough to provide some added weight, some authority, some machismo. Then again, it’s also not so lean that it comes across frail, weak, dry, or papery. It’s semi-rich, it’s what a balanced sound should have. Now, as far as sound signature, I’d say the Aether lines up anywhere from a slight V-shaped sound signature to a U-shaped sound signature. I suppose if you put a squirt gun to my head, I’d say it leans closer to U-shaped. The reason that I say that is because while the Aether does have a lifted bass region and an equally boosted treble region, it also has a somewhat forward midrange. Well, it certainly isn’t recessed or distant. However, these “sound signatures” are all subjectively labeled and clearly, they can be different for everyone. As in, what you think is “forward” may not be “forward” to me. At any rate, it’s probably best described as U-shaped in my opinion.

Timbre ​

Another nice aspect of the Aether is its very nice timbre for a planar earphone. I can (at times) hear an ever-so-slight planar tinge to it, but in a very organic and natural way. If that makes sense to you. What I don’t hear is that edgy, electric/metallic fuzz which usually lines the crest of most planar notes. The Aether simply sounds refreshing in that way. There’s been a few other planar sets which exhibit this type of solid timbre in different ways. Sets like the Letshuoer S08 (S08 Review), the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition (S12 2024 Review), as well as the Letshuoer S15 (S15 Review). Basically, you get all the benefits of a good planar driver without the coarse note delivery of most planars. Add to that the nice dynamic and tonal balance that the Aether has and what you end up with is a very finely tuned iem. The Aether has enough air to the sound to create a sense of space, a feeling of openness, yet not so much to sound thin or artificial to my ears. While the Aether isn’t as tonally and timbrally correct as some dynamic drivers, I gotta say, it’s pretty close. So not perfectly natural, but natural enough for me to think “Damn, that’s some nice timbre!”.

All about Balance… ​

Planar, or no planar, it’s a very well-tuned set. Its nicely smooth underbody and fundamental tone is featured across the spectrum. Yet the Aether also has good crispness and crunch as well. This helps tremendously for different instruments to add that hard clanging snap, that clean edge which so many instruments need to sound authentic. The good kind of edginess. When a track displays such a thing, that is. Add to that the awesome technical ability of the Aether. I hear very good detail retrieval with very high resolution, good separation of elements within the sound field, wonderful imaging, and I hear a massive stage with plenty of depth and good layering for a planar set of earphones. Technically, the Aether is on point, no doubt about it. What makes this set so nice is how musically gifted it is in the face of that very good technical ability. The whole story of this set is one of balance. Balance tonally, dynamically, in its texture, its note body, and even balance in how it’s portrayed. You could call this set a technical beast and in the same sentence say it’s a fluid, rhythmic, and musical dynamo. Actually, nobody says “dynamo”, but you get the gist. It’s all about balance. You could also say that the Aether represents what some would consider a benchmark type sound, dare I say a… reference sound for an under $200 planar. Shoot, for an under $300 planar. Yes, it is that good in my personal opinion.

Bass Region ​

The low-end of the Kiwi Ears Aether has a very tight and fairly rigid rumble which has very solid extension into the lowest of lows. I find this planar bass to be highly capable of producing some above moderate impact with a very satisfying result. The Aether has a very hard-edged attack with a nicely dense feel to the low-end. Now, this isn’t an overly boosted range to the point that it’d please those bass-bois amongst us, but the bass hits with some good authority providing a very healthy slam and a nice hard impact. Now, the bass won’t exactly give you the palpable and hard driving depth of a dynamic driver, but it is surely very close. The Aether’s bass is a very detailed, well defined, layered, and it’s a very tight bass that doesn’t quite have the organic resonance of a dynamic driver either. However, I take absolutely nothing away from what Kiwi Ears was able to accomplish with this tuning. Let’s put it this way, the low-end has enough weight to be satisfying but it isn’t so emphasized that it’ll cause further issues anywhere else. This is quality over quantity without lacking quantity. It’s rigid, it’s dense enough, it’s fast enough for complicated bass passages, and it is a very ductile and agile low-end as well. Very good for a planar magnetic in-ear.

Sub-Bass ​

The lowest of the lows reaches deep and has solid extension. The Aether provides a fairly meaty rumble without mudding up the mix in any way. Like I said, it’s just-above-moderate in actual emphasis and likely won’t appeal to heavy bass head folks, but it still has enough of a low droning growl to give a nice haptic feedback. Very nice actually. Nice enough that the casual listener will probably not be able to distinguish the difference between this planar and a dynamic driver. For real, if it wasn’t for the speed and agility of this planar bass then I’d say there’s really not a huge difference. You still have some nice vibratory goodness in the sublevels of the bass and the Aether can reach a fairly deep-toned and rotund rumble. The sub-bass is very well textured with precise note outlines, nothing soft, nothing fuzzy, nothing which I would ever consider as pillowy. I definitely enjoy the depth of the bass in the track “Angel” from Massive Attack. Is deep, reverberant, heavy enough. Or the track “Violent” by Tupac, another real haptic and textured display of a meaty track. Again, not bass head, but substantial. Not earth shaking, but bulbous in a bulbous track. Basically, when a track calls for it, the Aether will reciprocate with a clean and tidy version of the artist’s intent. Supposing we know the artist’s intent.

Mid-Bass ​

Making our way into the mid-bass brings on much of the same verbiage as I used in the sublevels on the Aether. When a track calls for it the Aether will rise to the occasion with a very definitive and acute slam accompanied by very nice surface texture to each note. Well, that’s if the recording offers such texture. At any rate, I hear a solid impact for drums, a pointed attack on snares, tight and resolved bass drops, fullness in bass guitars, along with a deft and generally spry note body. There isn’t some bullish and overtly wide bass presence in the Aether’s mid-bass either. The mid-bass doesn’t obscure the mix. It’s actually quite the opposite as the Aether comes across with a more nuanced approach, a great balance too. Tracks like “Get Lucky” by Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams offer that speedy, authoritative, and nuanced sound that the Aether thrives with. Another track which showcases the Aether’s skill level to the max is “Higher Ground” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Beginning with a hard edged and abrasive bass guitar the Aether growls right through with enough guttural depth. However, as the drums kick in the Aether handles the simultaneous bass sections perfectly and without losing clarity or dynamics. Beyond that, the mid-bass does bleed slightly into the midrange yet not to a detriment in my opinion. Really very nice folks.

Downsides to the Bass Region ​

I’d say that those folks who simply love that earthy and resonant bass of a full sounding dynamic driver will likely not enjoy the clean lined approach of the Aether. Like hearing the bass drop in “Ultimate” by Denzel Curry. The harmonics sound a hair clipped with its cleaner style. Some folks love that lingering buzz in their music. I totally understand it too. I’m talking about those sets which provide an actual atmospheric type of bass. The only other subjective qualms which some particular folks may have is those people who truly detest any bass interference or bass influence in their music. There are moments where the Aether’s low-end may slightly mask some instrumentation and the bass does bleed into the midrange too. I suppose those folks who only like a crystal-clear midrange untouched by the warmth of the low-end may be somewhat put-off with the Aether. To be honest, I feel the bass bleed only enhances the listening experience for me. Certainly not something which I feel needs changed. However, I’m not you though.

Midrange​

To me the midrange is one of very good clarity, subtle warmth, smoothness and the crisp ability to hit a clean note edge in a precise manner. I wouldn’t call the midrange the crown jewel of the Aether, but it certainly isn’t a problem either. In fact, I’m impressed as the mids on this set have that semi-rich note body coupled with a highly technical presentation. These are usually two adverse words which usually would cancel one or the other out, at least to a degree. A lot has to do with the Aether’s very clean and tight transient response and well-defined note delivery along with a very kinetic, very agile, very nimble ability to maneuver around even complex music with relative ease. Of course, there’s some caveats to that, but for the most part the Aether definitely has that fast-twitch response to dynamic volume changes, and even the micro-dynamics to effectively help reproduce the subtleties within my music very well. It can stop at the drop of a dime and accelerate in an instant (so to speak), all the while keeping a good hold of its musicality and not losing the emotion of a track. Which brings me to what I enjoy most about the midrange; the constant knack for being able to convey (through tonal and melodic goodness) the liquid, cadenced, and fluid feeling of my music whilst not coming across too warm, veiled, & blunted. The coexistent technical & musical sweet spot that the Aether seems to reproduce is not bad at all for a planar at this price.

Better midrange sets? ​

Now, having said all of that, there are definitely iems under, at, or slightly above the price of the Aether which specialize in the midrange and certainly replay this area of the mix with better authenticity. Is authenticity what we are always after? Perhaps. If so, no doubt I have plenty in my collection which have more of a midrange focus, more organic midrange timbre, even more liquid vocals, more exclusively tuned to this region. For what it’s worth I adore solid midrange sets. However, those sets “usually” have certain “exceptions” which must be made to pull off those awesome midrange displays. There are some outliers, some unicorns if you will, which hold onto a nicely balanced sound altogether and don’t seem to lack as much at the edges of the spectrum. This is where I’d say that the Aether kind of does it all pretty darn nicely. Maybe the Aether is a “Jack of all trades, master of none” type of sound, but I think it’s more than that. Instruments & vocalists are actually sitting somewhat forward, definitely not recessed and there’s a nice dynamic contrast in this region with some nice energy and presence too. As I said, the note body is semi-rich, not thin, dry, or anemic sounding. Notes have some density, some mass to them, or some palpable texture while also having a well layered stage, a very airy and an open stage, and a decent roundness to notes as well. Still, you will hear the faintest tinges of planar timbre squeak through at times. But that’s where the issues stop.

Lower-Midrange​

The lower-mids are not pushed back or distant which is the case all too often. I’d actually say they are somewhat close to the listener without calling them “forward” leaning. I’d say male voices are roughly on the same plane forward/backward to instruments, perhaps a hair closer. It must have something to do with the clear definition outlining most notes along with the subtly richer body to those notes. “Heaven Without You” by Alex Warren shows this to an extent. His voice is smooth, while the acoustic guitar strumming along has a very crisp sparkle to it. The nice thing here is that his voice is tonally on-point, and he isn’t distant to the listener. His voice also has that good presence that I was talking about. The slight warmth drawn into male voices from the spill-over from the bass region brings some semblance of authority or command to the intonations in those voices. Max McNown sings “A Lot More Free” with his harmoniously raspy voice and the Aether does a nice job of focusing the sound on his voice. Once again, I hear a very emotionally gratifying sound from this region as Max’s vocals have the slight oomph and solid timbral qualities. I certainly wouldn’t say that the Aether specializes in male vocals, but I have yet to hear any male sound downright off, bad, or even subpar. In truth, some males come across flat-out awesome.

Upper-Midrange ​

The upper-mids are more energetic as per usual. I hear a nice shimmer in this region as there’s certainly an upper-mid boost without anything coming across shouty or harsh. They’re also more forward in the sound field and very well highlighted against the mix. This type of forwardness definitely pays off for any female voices as well as instruments. I like that the upper-mids have a certain fluid moistness. There’s a smoothness to vocalists and instrumentation as well. I find the upper-mids to be very well detailed, fast transients, and still a solid note body and denseness. Again, very nice for females. The track “Set Sail (Prometheus & Eros)” by Lake Street Dive really drives this point home when I hear Rachael Price‘s voice harmonizes with such a sweet boldness. Her voice is stout, but melodic, it’s crisp and also so very resolute against the backdrop of the melody surrounding her. Rarely do I ever hear any touches of planar style metallic timbre but instead hear a very natural sound more than anything. Like Sia in the track “I Forgive You”, her voice is absolutely profoundly resounding. I listen to this track in every review to check for that edgy abrasiveness that will either sound far too coarse, or it can sound whetted and cleanly sharp. Her voice has this ever-present rasp and hoarseness that will always come across ridiculously rich, dulcet, and honeyed. No doubt the Aether does her voice sweet justice without all the negative side effects that can accompany a voice such as hers.

Instruments​

Guys and gals, I honestly find almost no real issues with any instruments as the sound is so well tuned within this midrange. You have very nice timbre along with a very resolving sound. Every last little harmonic is heard effortlessly with the Aether in my ears. You also have enough sparkle to add some clean and pointed snap to percussion. Especially listening to a nice snare. That hard and visceral “pap” comes through very precisely. Or the fundamental tone and body of a cymbal strike which usually sound full and not too pronounced or splashy. Strings generally come across wonderfully edgy and sweet toned with that silvery type of viscosity to strings. That goes for guitar, violin, etc. I honestly don’t enjoy going through random instruments only because every track can replay them differently. However, in the most general of ways I can say that I don’t hear anything which is tonally off-putting, too sharp, too analytically dry, nothing too thin, and I don’t really hear anything which is artificial sounding. Forgive me if this isn’t the best explanation of how instruments come through on this set, but I have been impressed from the jump with the Aether and constantly I’m enjoying myself lost in my music.

Downsides to the Midrange​

If I were to point out issues that some folks may have, I’d first say that those people who want a thick, warm, rich, and less energetic sound may not be completely taken with the sound of the Aether’s midrange. Not that the Aether isn’t “rich” either, because they certainly are in a less lush/warm sense. The dynamism of each note and the clarity of each note almost provides that semi-rich sound. Like I said earlier there’s density to the Aether’s semi-rich note body. But the Aether isn’t that lush type of bass infused, top-end rolled-off sound which carries that nice and inviting subtle veil over the sound. Sort of like the Kiwi Ears KE4. The Aether has an airy sound, great separation, nothing stuffy at all, and a very nice vibrance to the sound. I’d also say those folks who only want the most pristine sound with zero bass influence. I know plenty of people who only love detail beasts where “thin” is a “pro”. There are the faintest touches of planar timbre at times too. Again, nothing which I ever pay attention to but if I’m listening for it I’ll hear it. Of course, those moments are very few and far in between.

Treble Region ​

I absolutely enjoy the treble on this set folks. I hear a very dexterously articulate sound up top while with extremely good control over this area of the mix. Every transient attack through sustain is met with precision coupled with solid dynamics. The treble has some nicely capped veracity that never seems to extend past the point of shrillness to my ears. It’s got awesome note control and tonal control. I feel that the treble region has a very nice emphasis which keeps a near perfect balance with the bass, both in dynamics and tone. I wouldn’t call the treble region anywhere near bright, though it does carry some brilliance. You have a very nice and edgy bite when a track calls for it with enough sparkle and resplendency to offer my music the “cherry-on-the-top” that I desire so much. Timbre is also very nice folks. Nothing is over-saturated with the Aether’s treble, and it isn’t dark, rolled off, or strident in piercing sharpness, at all. The treble really comes across pretty naturally for me. Also, it seems that nothing is too complicated for this treble. Every track is met with clean lined, glass-lined, and fine-lined control. I’m just so impressed that a set can resolve so well with such distinction.

Extension ​

I also hear a very nice and extended upper treble which provides plenty of air and controlled radiance to the sound of this set. This air region lift is very nicely emphasized as it isn’t taken to the extreme like we hear so often, but it’s kept to a tonally accurate degree. For the most part anyways. Let’s put it this way, the extension and lift at the top end doesn’t produce that splashy sound from the secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike and I don’t ever recall hearing any sheened out treble glare. It’s such a tasteful lift, a tasteful extension. Again, the treble is boosted and extended just enough to provide air across the treble. That air and moderate openness extends down through the midrange. Like I mentioned, the treble in general is lifted enough to counter the low-end quite well. However, back to the point of this paragraph, the treble extension adds width to the stage and provides plenty of info past 10k. Please understand that this isn’t an artificially enhanced increase in the upper treble either. I find the tuning to be very calculated and perfectly measured to extend the cohesion of the entire frequency range in a very proportionally weighted manner.

Do expect…​

I still wouldn’t refer to the treble as a treble-head’s dream, however. I don’t think the Aether’s treble region is boosted enough for that. Also, don’t expect some well-tuned Sonion EST type treble either. Do expect a very well controlled region with better than adequate crunch and crispness that helps very nicely to define the smooth underlying sound across the region. Expect a well layered treble region with great note separation and distinct note outlines. Do expect very clean details that don’t sound forced. And I’d expect to hear a very nuanced and articulate treble that never sounds overbearing, tizzy, too shiny, and it never really sounds artificial. Those are things to expect. I think I enjoy what I’m hearing so much because the Aether simply has some treble punch to it, some snap, it isn’t dull, it isn’t flat, and it isn’t smoothed over at the crest of each note. Yet it is smooth. Friends, for $169 this treble region is quite awesome.

Downsides to the Treble Region ​

If I were to pick apart the treble I could say a lot of things, but I’m not in this to pick anything apart. I’m in this to realistically explain what I hear and hopefully these very generalized “downsides” that I always jot down help you in some way. I think of the person who loves that creamy overall sound which features a rolled-off and non-intense treble region. Those folks do exist and there are a lot of them. Having said that, the thing about the Aether is that it is barely brilliant. It is in no way “rolled off”, but it isn’t bright either. I’m telling you; it is very well measured folks. Very calculated in how Kiwi Ears doled out the emphasis across the mix to come across with a solid tonal and dynamic balance (yes, I realize I’ve said that a few hundred times). However, I don’t think that the Aether has the type of treble that those dark treble lovers would ever really desire. Especially for those folks who are overly sensitive. Again, they exist, and again, there’s a lot of them. The other type who probably wouldn’t be completely thrilled with this region is true treble heads. I’d much sooner point them to the Simgot ET142 and a handful of others which have an actual focus in the treble region. Having said that, I don’t think that the ET142 has a “better” treble. But I’ll save that for later. For me personally, I wouldn’t change a thing with this top-end tuning. I feel that Kiwi Ears are truly showing off their skills very well and I’d love to give everyone involved with the end product a good pat on the back. Nice work.

Technicalities ​

Soundstage​

One thing which stood out to me early on with the Kiwi Ears Aether is that it has a very nice and open soundstage. Good in all directions. The Aether has very nice width, decent enough height, but the Aether has better depth than I’m used to hearing in planar iems. Well, in any iems. To put it more expressively, the Aether presents an almost holographic stage. I know that we say that a lot, but the Aether truly does have some nice front to back delineation of the sound field with a darn near 3D sense to it. Of course, a lot depends on the type of music you listen to, your source plays a part, quality of the recording makes a difference too. But friends, the Aether most certainly has a very nicely rendered soundstage. In my opinion anyways. One of the larger soundstage presentations from a planar that I’ve heard. The S15 from Letshuoer has a nice stage, the Hidizs MP145 no doubt has a great stage, and so does the S12 2024 from Letshuoer. However, the Aether seems to eclipse them all by slight margins. Basically, it’s a nice soundstage, it isn’t stuffy, isn’t congested, and it won’t compress the sound of your music.

Separation / Imaging ​

Another solid aspect of the Kiwi Ears Aether is its ability to render and separate multiple elements and moving parts within that nice stage. I wouldn’t say the Aether is class leading in this regard, but it has a very clean sound almost across the board and each note is rendered with nice definition. Transients are tight, the stage is wide and open, and the sound has very nice resolution too. What it boils down to is a set with better than average instrument separation. Imaging follows the same trajectory and then some. Folks, the imaging ability and the layering ability of this set are very nice to my ears. I simply don’t have anything really bad to say about the technical aspects concerning the Aether. Perhaps, maybe, on some tracks with loads of heavy bass you’ll hear some masking, some tightening of the sound field. I think that should probably be expected though.

Detail Retrieval ​

I’ve said many times within this review that detail retrieval is certainly above the average for this price point. I wouldn’t refer to the Aether as a detail-oriented set just because it does have a fair amount of smoothly rendered musicality. Yet I would say that details emerge rather easily within my music. There’s really not very much which will get blurred-out or masked-over with the Aether. Those clean and quick transients, airy sound, solid note separation, and relative transparency certainly favor hearing the subtle and finer details in music. Without question the Aether is far above the average under $200.

Comparisons ​

Simgot ET142 ($219)​

The Simgot ET142 (ET142 Review) came to market just a couple months ago and instantly became a solid planar iem competing for your dollar. I found the ET142 to be a truly special iem which specializes in the technical aspects of music listening. Simgot used a 12.5 mm planar magnetic driver, ultra-thin diaphragm housed within a dual sided magnet array. The ET142 is a bona-fide stud and beloved by many, however, there are certainly those who do not enjoy what Simgot created in this set. Let’s check out some differences between these two well regarded planar magnetic earphones.

Differences ​

To begin, the unboxing with the ET142 is undoubtedly better. They simply offer so many awesome accessories. Not to mention their very own Simgot LC7 modular cable, as well as four different sets of tuning nozzles, and ten pairs of eartips. Not that the Aether’s unboxing is bad at all but the ET142 does out compete here. The Aether is a hair larger, but both are fairly big in size. I find the Aether to be comfier for me too. Also, the ET142 are much heavier. As far as build, the ET142 is made entirely with stainless steel while the Aether is made entirely out of light 3D printed resin. Both are very durable and will not corrode. I suppose it’s up to you concerning what set looks better. I honestly love both designs. Both are very unique, and both meet that classy and sleek moniker. Like I said, the ET142 does have tuning nozzles which add some sound value. Though it’s argued that only two of those nozzles are worth their weight. One other thing which is great to see in the ET142 is that Simgot made sure to add in tuning foams to further dial in the sound to fit your preferences. I think that is great. Though the Aether doesn’t need all of that, it’s good just as it is. One more thing, the Aether cost $50 less than the ET142 and so that is one huge thing to consider.

Sound Differences ​

As far as the sound, the ET142 is definitely the brighter, more analytical, drier, and more technically sound iem of the two. Not to take anything away from the Aether either as it is very good technically. However, the Aether is also the richer and more musical of the two. Slightly warmer and not even close to as sharp or shouty as the ET142 can be (especially with a couple of those nozzles). No doubt the Aether is the more organic, natural and earthy sounding set with more tonally correct timbre. Now, the bass region of the Aether reaches deeper, more haptic, more guttural while the ET142 is tighter and better defined by a small degree. That said, the Aether comes across with more impact, more punch, and it is simply closer to a DD style low-end. The midrange of the ET142 is a hair closer, less authentic in timbre, more clinical in its approach. The Aether is simply more melodic, more musically gifted and much less chance for shout or glare. The treble of the ET142 can go from wildly bright and fatiguing to bright and very well controlled. That said, the Aether trumps the ET142 with its very clean treble which never seems to offend while still coming across with nicer bite, better dynamics, note body, and just as good extension with less splash. Not taking anything away from the ET142 because for what it is, it’s absolutely awesome and I love it. But man, the Aether is special. Lastly, the ET142 is better detailed, equal in sound separation, while the Aether wins on imaging, layering, and has a more massive stage with a more holographic sense to it.

Final thoughts on this comparison ​

What can I say, we have two different flavors. Like Cherry and Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream battling it out. No doubt this is a definite preference battle. Meaning, you’ll know right away which one aligns with your taste. Both sets offer an incredibly solid take on both sound signatures and tuning styles. I think for me; I’d take the Aether every day of the week. That is, until I want to really hear some fine details or listen to some ridiculously complicated tracks. I should also add that the ET142 is not without musicality either. There’s a reason why so many folks adore that set. Still, the Aether definitely fits my particular and subjective preference a hair better.

Letshuoer S15 ($259)​

This brings us to the planar which I thought was the best on the market for quite some time, the Letshuoer S15 (S15 Review). Without question it is a wonderfully tuned iem with its very large 14.8 mm planar magnetic driver and Letshuoer’s expertise with this type of driver. The S15 was really the 1st planar that I felt had all the great qualities of a planar yet without the issues that a planar can have. I still feel that the S15 is a highly underrated planar iem. Which by the way has gone way down in price all the way to $259. Still, it’s almost $100 more than the Aether. Let’s check out some differences.

Sound Differences ​

Both iems are very well tuned and both display wonderful timbre for planar magnetic earphones. Now, the S15 comes across a bit warmer, richer, and tonally less dynamic with less of a dynamic contrast. I find the macro-dynamics of the Aether are a bit more vibrant. By a small margin. Honestly, these two aren’t very far off from each other tonally. The bass of the Aether is better extended, more weighted, yet also somehow better defined, more nuanced even. Not that the S15 has anything to be shy about as its mid-bass does carry slightly more impact and slam. Again, small margins here. The midrange of the S15 is slightly less energetic, warmer, milkier and lusher. Though, the Aether is semi-rich with better midrange separation, better detail retrieval, and just as a holographic of a sound field. I’d say the S15 probably fits a more traditionally musical sound, but that’s definitely up for debate. The Aether has more sparkle, it’s much airier, and simply has the more vibrant sound. Neither is prone to shout. The treble of the Aether is simply better to my ears. Almost across the board. Better defined, better bite, it has more treble punch, it’s more brilliant and airier, and it comes across with better extension. Technically, these two sets are very close, but the Aether does win out to my ears. Its less rich sound opens up cleaner lines to define instrumentation and vocalists. It has better details, both are awesome with their imaging capabilities, and both sound layered. However, the Aether has a touch more of a 3D style sound and a wider stage. Again, I love these two iems also. Truly awesome sets.

Final thoughts on this comparison ​

To finish this comparison, I’d just like to express that the Aether once again is simply a more complete set, more versatile, and better balanced. Coupled with the fact that technically the Aether seems to win out. Now, the S15 definitely has that richer and warmer presence with a more “musical” presentation, but man that Aether is awesome folks. That said, I could definitely see some folks much more enjoying the S15. In fact, some days I enjoy it more. I suppose it just comes down to my mood, maybe it’d be the same for you.

Is it worth the asking price? ​

Idon’t even want to dignify this question with an answer. However, out of ridiculous due-diligence I will humor both you and I. Friends, please hear me. Or at least pretend. Folks, the Kiwi Ears Aether should cost more. There I said it. I feel like it’s an absolute steal for $169. Especially with the other more expensive planar sets in the market. The only other “almost comparable steal” (I said “ALMOST”) is the Letshuoer S08 (S08 Review) and possibly the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition (S12 2024 Edition Review). However, what the Aether is able to provide is one of the more balanced and more clinically inclined iems juxtaposed with as much slightly warm musicality as it has under $200. At least that’s how I see it. Like I said earlier in this review, the Kiwi Ears Aether is all about balance, and that balance (among many notable sonic features) is pretty much what sets it apart against the sea of competition.

The Why… ​

Because the Kiwi Ears Aether is decently packaged with a nice enough unboxing for the cost. Good enough for $169 anyways. Also, the build and design are both robust and striking. You have a very light earphone for the size which also helps it to be one of the more comfortable iems I’ve used in a while. You just got to get them sealed and you’re in business. But that look! The faceplates are one of the more gorgeous and artistic designs within the price point. Kiwi Ears absolutely knocked it out of the park as far as I’m concerned. There’s no way you walk through any market without folks wanting to know what is in your ears. FLAT-OUT DOPE! However, it’s always about the thing that we all wanted to know. Is the Aether a good buy for our hard-earned money when it comes to the sound? Wonderful question that you didn’t ask, let me explain why the Aether is most certainly worth the cost in a very condensed way. Friends, the balance, the pinpoint accuracy, the swift but dynamic transients, the macro-dynamic expression, the controlled vibrance, the deep textured bass, melodic mids, and great treble all coincide to form a fantastic sounding iem. I didn’t even mention the massive and semi holographic stage, the detail retrieval, nice layering and separation of instruments. It’s simply a complete package and a very versatile iem which knows no genre that it can’t replay in a quality manner. I am very pleased with this set and find no way on earth it isn’t worth the cost. Yes, it’s definitely worth the $169 that Kiwi Ears is asking.

Ratings (0-10)​

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Kiwi Ears Aether ratings below, that would be $100-$250 planar magnetic earphones. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $100-$250 planar earphones don’t represent a huge amount of iems. So, it isn’t out of the question to see a rating above a “9.0”. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.

Aesthetic ​

–Build Quality: 9.3 All-resin, built very well.

–Look: 9.6 Gorgeous.

–Fit/Comfort: 9.2 Fit and comfort is very good for me.

–Accessories: 8.5 Nice unboxing at the price.

–Overall: 9.2

Sound Rating​

–Timbre: 9.8 One of the more natural planars.

–Bass: 9.7 Speedy, authoritative, textured, impactful.

–Midrange: 9.3 Nice musical/technical sound.

–Treble: 9.7 Great control, resolute, nice bite & crunch.

–Technicalities: 9.3 Very solid technically.

–Musicality: 9.0 Nice musicality per the tuning.

–Overall: 9.5

Ratings Summary:​

To summarize my ratings from the Kiwi Ears Aether Review I first want to point out the parameters of this ratings session. These ratings were not against any and all iems. That’d make no sense and isn’t helpful. These ratings were against all planars between the prices of $100 and $250. I went that route because most of the time anyone looking to buy a planar set of earphones are usually “only” looking to buy a planar set of earphones. So, the Aether is $169 and therefore it made sense to me to start as low as $100 and stretch the cost up to $250 on the high end. Which may be a bit too high for some. Especially if $169 is at the top of your budget. That all said, the Aether is rated extremely high. I have just about every solid planar in this price point “on-hand” and “in-ear” to perform this ratings period. However, I no longer have older sets like the 7hz Timeless, the Timeless 2, nor do I have the TangZu X-HBB Wu Heyday. I feel like I have all the rest. I suppose there are a couple I’m not thinking of. However, the point is, I was effectively able to compare these sets with the Aether and here I have jotted down the results. Take them for a grain of salt, please.

Explain Yourself!! ​

Okay, I realize how high I put the “Timbre” rating. Yes, I gave the Aether a “9.8”. It was either the Aether or the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition which took top dibs in the timbre department. I gave them both a “9.8” against the field. They both deserve it. Maybe I’m still in the honeymoon phase and possibly I’ll regret that rating, but I doubt it. The timbre is great for a planar. Also, I gave the Aether a super lofty “Bass” rating of “9.7”. I could see some folks thinking I went too high. Seriously though, side by side with these other planars the Aether simply sounded the best to me. The last rating which some may disagree with is the “Treble” rating. I once again gave the Aether an extremely high “9.7” which I feel it deserves. Still, no doubt in my mind one of you is going to message me saying “Dude, you gave it a 9.7 but you also said that treble heads won’t entirely like it”. I did say that, and I won’t take any of it back. Yes, the treble isn’t boosted to the stars but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a very high-quality treble amongst other planars. I feel the treble is one of the Aether’s most inviting and engaging qualities. The other ratings are what they are. This is a solid set folks.

One more thing… ​

One more thing, please, please, read the little “*Note” at the top under the header of this section. I’ll repeat for the 3rd time what I rated this set against. I said, I’m rating the Aether against all PLANAR earphones between $100 and $250. People always come at me asking how I rate something one way or another when they haven’t even read the stipulations of that rating. At least a couple of you will ask me how the Aether got a “9.5” overall against all iems. It’ll happen, and that’s okay, I’m not mad atcha. It’s funnier than anything else.

Conclusion ​

To conclude my full review and feature of the Kiwi Ears Aether, I have to extend a huge thank you to the good people of Kiwi Ears, and Evelyn in particular. Thank you very much! Truly, Kiwi Ears is most certainly one of the brands to watch. There’s a handful of very solid audio brands which are primarily budget oriented which truly compete well and constantly craft and create unique and complete products. No doubt Kiwi Ears is one of those brands. I also want to thank you, the reader, for clicking the link and visiting mobileaudiophile.com. You are the reason that we do what we do, and you are the reason that our website keeps growing. All of us thank you very much.

Other Perspectives ​

You’ve just read my full review of the Kiwi Ears Aether so now I hope you will go and check out other opinions of this set. I can only speak for myself folks. We are all so very different in how we perceive our music through these products. Each of us have our own very particular tastes, different gear, different likes and dislikes, different music libraries and about a hundred other variables which differ from one person to another. It would only serve you better to read, watch, or listen to other reviews from other reviewers. There are so many talented and quality review people who also want to direct you to a product which works for you. Beyond that, I’m done folks. I hope each and every one of you take good care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!!

Unboxing Experience
The Kiwi Ears Aether comes packaged in a sleek, sleeved box. The outer sleeve displays an image of the IEMs alongside some key technical specifications. Inside, you'll find a refined, minimalistic silver box adorned with the subtle ‘Kiwi Ears’ logo, embossed on the foiled cardboard. Upon opening, you're greeted by the earphones themselves, accompanied by two silver boxes containing the carrying case, which holds the 3.5 mm cable, and a separate box with three different types of ear tips, each in three sizes. The carrying case, while undoubtedly high quality, is on the smaller side, offering just enough space for the IEMs, cable, and spare ear tips. As for the ear tips, made from silicone, they did their job but didn't seem to enhance either fit or sound significantly. A bit more variety in tip materials—perhaps foam tips or narrower and wider bore options—would have been a welcome touch.



Build Quality
The construction of the Aether’s ear pieces is solid, crafted from medical-grade resin, with a durable feel. The nozzles are made from metal, measuring a substantial 6.5 mm in diameter at the lip, making them quite large compared to other models. On the shells, there are three exhaust holes, plus another near the nozzle. The 2-pin connector is non-recessed and placed adjacent to these holes. While the left connector fit snugly and easily allowed me to detach the cable, the right connector was an entirely different experience. The resistance when inserting the cable was so high that I had to apply significant force, and when it came time to remove it, the connector was so tightly stuck that it caused the cable to tear right above the connector. The remaining part of the connector stayed lodged in the earphone shell, requiring pliers to remove. Thankfully, I didn’t damage the earphones themselves, but the experience left a bad taste, especially considering the quality of the included cable.

Disclaimer: I am in talks with Linsoul to resolve this issue. Nonetheless, my first impressions for the Aether remain negative in this regard.



Fit and Comfort
Comfort-wise, the Aether is a bit of a mixed bag. While I did eventually get a proper seal, the included ear tips weren’t the best fit for me. The smooth inner surface of the shells means there's minimal additional support, which caused some discomfort after extended listening sessions. The shells are also quite thick, preventing a flush fit in the ear, and leaving them to protrude. The IEMs rely primarily on the nozzle's fit and the cable's over-ear design to stay in place, which led to some fatigue during longer listening periods.

Sound Performance
The overall sound signature of the Kiwi Ears Aether is neutral with a slight bass boost. True to planar driver designs, it excels in technical performance, but there are some areas that could use improvement.

• Bass
  The bass performance is swift and highly resolving, but it lacks the depth and texture that dynamic drivers can deliver. Sub-bass is somewhat lacking, and the tactile impact that bass enthusiasts crave isn’t present. That being said, the Aether handles busy, bass-heavy tracks with remarkable clarity, maintaining intricate details even in complex passages. However, the bass does bleed into the lower mids, creating muddiness, particularly in male vocals.
• Midrange
  The Aether’s midrange suffers from this same bass bleed, leading to a lack of clarity. Vocals, especially male, are pushed back in the mix and sound veiled or unnatural. Female vocals also face issues, but this is due to a dip in the upper midrange and lower treble. While instrument reproduction is good, the midrange as a whole feels lacking in emotional engagement and musicality, with vocals particularly suffering from a distant, lifeless sound.
• Treble
  Treble is often a weak spot for planar drivers, but the Aether manages to avoid the harsh metallic peaks that plagued earlier models. The treble is smooth, well-controlled, and non-fatiguing in most tracks, although some occasional harshness between 8-10 kHz can lead to a few shrill moments. Still, it is generally an improvement over older planar designs and offers excellent detail retrieval, contributing to an overall more refined sound.
• Soundstage and Resolution
  The Aether’s soundstage, unfortunately, doesn’t impress. While stereo separation is decent, the overall stage feels narrow, and it’s challenging to place individual instruments on a well-defined stage. The IEMs lack the spatial depth and immersion of more holographic soundstages, particularly in live recordings. However, the temporal resolution of the Aether is outstanding. No matter how dense the track, the Aether excels in maintaining clarity and keeping up with intricate details, making it a true benchmark for resolution in this price range.

Conclusion
The Kiwi Ears Aether has a lot of potential, but it ultimately falls short in a few critical areas. The build quality issues—especially the cable and tight connectors—left me questioning the long-term durability of the set. Comfort is another issue, as the shells aren’t the most ergonomic for extended use. The sound signature, while offering excellent detail and resolution, is lacking in engagement, especially for vocals. Bass lovers will also find the Aether wanting, as it lacks the deep, tactile impact that dynamic drivers provide. Despite these flaws, the Aether shines in its technical ability to render details, but it’s not enough to make it a standout in a crowded market. It’s a capable IEM, but one with too many compromises to be highly recommended.

Hi to y'all, this is my first review here on Head-fi, i loved the process between receiving the set for the first time and testing it as it is.

Disclaimer:
The IEM was provided by Linsoul, and I’m more than glad to try it so thanks to them for the opportunity to test this set; the opinions and impressions are on my own.



My bias/tuning preferences:
My target is something including the JM-1 (new meta) target with a bass boost and a low and pinna gain little boost for gaining more male vocals and presence in that part, so is something like a Neutral with a bass boost tuning, I like some sub/bass and not so much mid bass, but plenty to feel the bass thump and kick, is nice to have some wide and depth to enjoy live recordings and a holographic capability in the soundstage to ubicate all the instruments and enjoy the microdetails included in music, so yeah, I dig a natural timbre with some coloring in the bass but enjoy technical capabilities.

My usual music genres to go is Rock (Indie, Alt, Hard, Classic, Progressive, and other sub genres), Metal (Alt, Prog, Extreme, Death, Melodic, Core, Deathcore, etc), Hip Hop, sometimes Pop, Salsa, Classic music, and dig some other genres as an audiophile.

I don’t believe in audiophile myths like burn-in, so I previously used to put some pink noise before trying IEMs for the first time, but now I’m using IEMs OOTB (Out of the box) and enjoying them as it is, I believe and can confirm eartips and sources can change the overall experience you can have with an IEM, so a nice synergy between your transducer, your ears, your tastes and your source is a must to fully enjoy an IEM IMHO.


Introduction:
The Kiwi Ears Aether is the new big launch and pioneer; a big planar driver in-ear monitor by Kiwi Ears. The Aether’s promotion is as a balanced but pretty technical and fun IEM, with a more than impressive 15.3 mm planar driver config, delivering a natural timbre, plenty of bass and a detailed experience who fits into the new reference in the market and excels at it, an opportunity for audiophiles and beginners in the hobby alike to enjoy what the best Planar in the market (March of 2025) can deliver.

The Kiwi Ears Aether is priced at 169.99 USD, and you can get it at Linsoul.

Sources used:
Dunu DTC 480 (my main source), Venture Electronics ODO, Tanchjim space lite, a dongle dac from TRN (the chip is KT Micro), and my phone, an old Xiaomi Mi Note 10 pro with an internal dac/amp from ESS Sabre.

Services used:
My local files (mp3 320 kbps, flac, other formats), YouTube music, Spotify, tidal. No equalization was used in the test of the IEM.

Here's a breakdown of its technical specifications:
• Driver Configuration:
o 15.3mm Large Planar Driver
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
• Impedance: 14Ω
• Sensitivity: 105dB
• Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin
• Cable Length: 1.2m ± 3cm
• Jack Type: 3.5mm


Packaging (What’s in the box):
• The IEMs itself, with a big size, but with my mid-sized ears with good comfort into my ears to long listening sessions, nice and beautiful built shell, the nozzle is mid-sized aswell, and its not heavy, so is not fatiguing in the ear.
• 3 bags of eartips, with 3 different sizes each, the black is for more bass, the gray with red center is for a balanced profile, and the white ones are for treble.
• Cable, is a 4 core, black cable with a 3.5mm single ended jack. I think just enough for the IEMs.
• Case: A nice fake-leather and sturdy case with the brand logo. Similar in size to the one included on the Artti T10.

Eartips and cable used for test:

I changed the stock balanced eartips for my favorite ones, the Penon Liqueur Orange for keeping the stock profile and improving the tuning a little. Also, i changed the cable to a GY-19 Devil’s eye with 4.4mm balanced jack for giving to the IEMs all the power it needed.

Pros:
• Plenty of bass shelf, and is a DD bass!, is no basshead IEM by any means, but is some quality and quantity bass here! the sub and mid bass is incredible fast, defined and resolving.
• The mid bass bleeds enough in this IEM and take a nice and enjoyable lower mid dip without losing that lower mids addition to the bass kick and noteweight into the instruments, the pinna gain is excellent, the male vocals are forwarded, sometimes I founded in spicy treble tracks to have a little of thin in those vocals, but this not a bad thing at all, the 2-4khz region is well putted in place, the presence is so noticeable, female vocals and certain instrumentals are pushed a little backwards, is not a dealbreaker to me, but have that in notice that 4khz “dip”.
• The treble is really crisp and with certain tracks not so sibilant, with enough upper highs to feel al the plates and cymbals in the drums, but is not a high-volume set, in certain spicy tracks (Looking for Somebody to love by the 1975, Sugar/Tzu by black midi, (O)rdinary by Avenged SevenFold) you have to lower a little the volume knob to not feel a sharp treble and enjoy the music.
• An interesting fact with this IEM, the planar timbre is almost not noticeable, so you can expect the planar known treble extension but with no metallic timbre to enjoy the so enjoyable tonality of this Aether.
• Technicalities: Is punching way above in this department, is very airy and it feels like an open pair of cans!, very wide and depth soundstage, excellent imaging and the macro and microdetails is plenty to find new details and things in your ‘old’ music and critical listening, but I think is a IEM to just sit and enjoy as it is…
• The noteweight is a delight, not so much but plenty to feel all the instruments in your brain, the natural and enjoyable timbre it has is to highlight, and for me this is a WOW factor in consideration to enjoy the music at its fullest. I can put things like The New Sound by Geordie Greep or the new Sadist’s Something to Pierce, I can feel the music is very well produced and full of details, with zero congestion even with busy tracks.
• The shell is not heavy at all, it has a mid-sized nozzle, so comfortable, the seal it makes in the ears is perfect (of course with the perfect match of eartips, your mileage may vary), and is zero fatiguing for long listening sessions.
• Very easy to drive, no matter being a big planar IEM, I can drive it at a perfect good volume with my humble phone ess sabre dac/amp. But as any planar driver, if you want it to shine at its max potential you really need a good source (the dtc480 delivers 150 mW in its 4.4mm balanced output, is plenty to crank the volume to the max).

Cons:
• Is a 169.99 USD IEM with an enough package to enjoy it at stock without problems, but I changed the eartips and cable because I want to bring all its qualities and sincerely, I expected a better package in pair with the price of the IEM (who is not cheap).
• That strange 4khz “dip” I founded in the graph and listening to the set makes some instruments and female vocals feeling a little backwards and veiled.
• The sometimes-thin male vocals… Is not very noticeable but maybe is not for all tastes.
• Is a mid-high volume set, if you are treble sensitive maybe you can lower the volume a little to enjoy the Aether, because at high volumes is kind of sibilant and fatiguing to my mild tolerance to treble spicyness.

Comparisons:

Kiwi Ears Aether vs. TRN Jaws:
The TRN Jaws, is a 129.99 USD MSRP IEM, I recently reviewed, with a similar tuning and not so equal MSRP, but I have to give the Jaws the prize as one of my top IEMs currently in my collection, compared to the Aether, the Jaws have less bass quantity, but the quality and extension is better, the lower mids are better in the Aether, but the pinna gain and 2-4khz part in the Jaws is perhaps better, with more presence and zero thin vocals, both male and female vocals are more forwarded, the treble is curiously a little less sibilant in my ears at high volumes than the Aether, and the technicals are a win for the Jaws, but in the overall tuning, the Aether is a more enjoyable set for more persons, not only us technical-heads because of a more natural timbre and more musicality.

Kiwi Ears Aether vs. Simgot Supermix 4:
The Supermix 4 is a 150 USD MSRP iem (usually you can get it for less) with a very different tuning because the SM4 is pure Harman 2019, meanwhile Aether is a JM-1 tuning with a nice bass boost and other spices, but similar MSRP, the bass quantity in the Sm4 is better, but I have to give the Aether the victory in this case, the quality and sensation in the Aether is superior, the lower mids in the Sm4 are less enjoyable, the pinna gain and the rest of the tuning is better in the Aether, is more clean, resolving and crisp, less sibilant at mid-high volumes, definitely the Sm4 is starting to show its age, was previously my top IEM and my previous point of reference talking about IEMs!, now is dethroned by the Jaws and now this Aether, I’m not enjoying the Sm4 as before having this last iem who is delivering me a sound more of my style and tastes.

Kiwi Ears Aether vs. Artti t10:
The Artti T10 is a 75 USD MSRP IEM (Usually you can find it for 50 ish USD) is praised as one of the best planar drivers IEM for less than 50 usd in the actual market. It is crisp, bassy, clean, with plenty of soundstage and treble sparkle, lots of air and openness. But come on, it is obvious the Aether excels the T10 in all cases, the bass have less quantity but more quality and presence, the lower-mids and pinna gain are best in place, the noteweight is equally noticeable, the highs are more in place and better extended in the Aether, but with the T10 you can crank more the volume with a less sibilant highs.

Kiwi Ears Aether vs. ND Planet:
(the yolo comparison):
The ND Planet is the new cheapie by ND, at a humble 17 USD MSRP is the new entry by ND to the budget market, with a more than capable 12 mm dynamic driver, it is clean, crisp, with plenty of sub and midbass, more than the Aether, and funny enough, a similar tuning to the Aether but with a less “premium” driver resulting in a pretty fun and technical cheapie, but with that weird early upper treble dip in the Planet, only eq can fix that lack of treble extension to even try to taste what a better driver and tuning does in the Aether, you can’t expect miracles on the ND but is nice to hear similar vibes in a “reference” IEM and in a budget one.

Final score: 4.0/5.
The Kiwi Ears Aether is an exciting, fun, musical, natural, very resolving and a technical marvel, so easily driven with a lots of sources, who punches way above its range, with a tuning who can be the beginning of a trend of IEMs who are forwarded to wider audiences, is an excellent product by Kiwi Ears who maybe is not up to the hype but is by no doubts a market pioneer who I’m more than pleased in trying and adding to my collection. I’m putting my seal of quality and recommendation for it for audiophiles and newbies in the hobby. Go Aether!

Kiwi Ears Aether

Another capable set from Kiwi!

Pro:
- Warm, fast bassline.
- Good vocal expression.
- Well articulated treble response.
- Micro-detail layering is above average.
- Good dynamic-range.
- Good balance between analytical & musical.
- Suited treble sensitive folks.
- Almost zero planar timbre
- Great value.

Cons:
- A hint of micro-grain on vocal transient.
- Higher pitched vocal lacks last bit of extension.
- Female vocal may sound a tad too thick.
- Stage-dimension is not the most spacious.
- Potential bass-bloat on certain pairings.
- Treble lacks air presence.
- No 4.4 BAL plug in 2025?
- The shell is on the large side.

[MY PERSONAL HEAD-FI GRADING]
1 ★ - Appalling! please avoid this!
2 ★★ Subpar offering, there are better options out there!
3 ★★★ Decent with some caveats! Not a bad pick!
4 ★★★★ Not perfect but solid choice ! This should be in your shortlist. A nice addition to your collection.
5 ★★★★★ One the best in class! You should go right ahead & buy one! A must have!


Kiwi Ears Aether 4★★★★
Driver Configuration : 15.3mm Large Planar
MSRP : $169.99

▓▒░ SOUND-SIGNATURE ░▒▓
To put it simple. It has a warm, mild V-shaped tuning.

▓▒░ BASS/LOW-ENDSOUND ░▒▓
- It has a tasteful amount of bass-shelf. Like most planar drivers, the bass is fast and detailed, but the overall impact leans towards the softer side.

- The lowest range of bass frequencies is often heard rather than felt. With its quick attack and decay, the subwoofer-like rumble or the vibration feel from bass heavy music is lacking the final touch of sustain and pressure. The sub-bass just don't tingle your ears like a proper dynamic-driver would do.

- Thankfully, the mid-bass elements have greater substance which makes up for it. It feels thicker and fuller. The tempo is slightly slower with a hint looseness edge. The notes offer a slightly heavier, more percussive quality to them while providing warmth and fullness that it needs. Kick-drums and tombs have this soft yet deep "thud". The drum strike has good depth to the slam, while the bass guitar has a clear and defined tone. Ghetto bass replay has a decent bounce while bass-drop and bass distortion elements maintain a decent clarity.

- It is not the tightest nor the cleanest bassline. There's a noticeable bass-bleed onto the lower-midrange which can makes vocal sounds fatter. On certain pairing, there is a hint of bass bloat, but it is not overwhelming.

- Despite the critical take, this has got to be one the very few planar sets that can come close to the bass performance of a well-implemented dynamic driver.

▓▒░ MID-RANGE /VOCAL ░▒▓
- Vocal intimacy isn’t its primary focus, as vocals are slightly pushed back in the mix. However, they never sound too thin, dry, or overly recessed.

- The overspilled mid/upper bass presence somewhat impacts its clarity and transparency. Even so, it manages to capture subtle nuances and textures reasonably well. Mid-range separation is average at best, with vocals and instruments blending together when the mix gets busy.

- The added warmth from the lows ensures that vocals and instruments sound smooth, lush, rich, and pleasing to the ear.

- The dynamic range is generally good, though not outstanding. The elements of rise and fall in volumes is well captured, offering vocal and instruments a good sense of expressions and emotions while not playing it too safe. Piano taps, violin strums, guitar plucks, and flute whistles all have a more rounded attack, yet maintain a natural note weight, sustain, and extension that make them distinct yet soothing to listen to.

- However it is not all perfect. At times, chesty male vocals (baritones), cellos, brass instrument, organ that lives on the lower region of the mid-range sound slightly distant. While high-pitch female vocals may come across a tad too husky. The higher range of vocals just missing a certain breathy quality that can make them feel ethereal.

- Depending on the track, there may be a hint of vocal grain at the tail end of the voice.

- If correctness or less coloured mid-range is what you're after, this is may not be the right choice. However, vocal enthusiasts might still find it enjoyable, as it doesn’t have any unpleasant tonal qualities.

▓▒░ TREBLE/HIGHS ░▒▓
- The warm hues coming from the lows, makes the treble sounds darker than the measurements suggest. But it is not too dark and dingy. The lower to mid treble region do still carry enough brilliance to avoid sounding dull. Air extension is more subdue, which nerfs some of that airiness and openness to stage.

- Though it doesn't have the most well-filled out treble, the response remains fairly smooth, steering away from any sort of peaks, harshness, sibilance, or shout. And from a planar driver standpoint, there is almost zero sharpness or metallic sheen is heard which is impressive.

- The treble detail isn’t the crispiest or most pronounced, but the smoothness allows the highs to come through naturally without feeling forced, making it more comfortable for treble-sensitive listeners.

- Cymbals and hi-hats, though has less prominence, showcase a remarkable timbral accuracy, capturing their delicate high-end shimmer. Similarly, the drum snares maintain a crisp yet smooth, high-pitched rattle. The glockenspiel retains its bell-like dings. Synthetic noise like electronic zings, rings, buzzes, as well as electric guitars, come through with a more rounded edge and acceptable bite.

- Having tuned not to impress treble-heads, there is one minor issue: On some recordings, there's a hint of subtle grains in the treble, which may or may not be noticeable. Aside from that, there is no deal breaking issues.

✧ ════ •TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE• ════ ✧
- The HEAD-STAGE of the Aether isn’t particularly wide, and the headroom is not very tall, but it offers a decent sense of depth. The background isn’t particularly dark either.

- IMAGING AND SPATIAL CUES seem to be one of its weaker points. While the image is large and accurate, it doesn’t stand out with vivid clarity. It feels a bit blurry compared to some of its competitors.

- INSTRUMENT SEPARATION is good, though not exceptional. Due to the relatively small stage dimensions, the space between elements isn’t the most generous. However, its speed ensures great consistency in maintaining the boundaries of each sound.

- In the grand scheme of things, the DETAIL-HANDLING is above average. But in planar game, it is not the absolute best.

- As mentioned, the DYNAMIC RANGE is near lifelike, making your music feel alive and never boring.

- When it comes to TONE AND TIMBRE, the Aether is one of the few planars that doesn’t exhibit the typical “planar timbre.” There’s no metallic sheen or sharpness in the upper-mids or lower treble. The attack is softer, but the natural decay and sustain make up for it, resulting in a sound that’s both fast, smooth, and warm.

- Thanks to its warm, smooth nature, you can still crank up the VOLUME higher than usual, at least with my current setup and test tracks.

- This 15.3MM PLANAR DRIVER is truly capable, and I believe there’s still room for further improvement.

✧ ════ •POTENTIAL SYNERGY/TWEAKS• ════ ✧
EARTIPS: The stock eartips are decent, but my preferred choice is the SPINFIT CP100 (Non-Plus). Not only are they more comfortable, but they also enhance vocal intimacy. The only downside is that they can cause bass bloat. In such cases, switching to wider-bore tips is a good solution.
Options like Moondrop Spring Tips, Corier Alloy, or Divinus wide bore eartips work well for this.

DAC/AMP: Fortunately, it’s not difficult to drive and performs well even with the Kiwi Allegro Pro. Personally, I find it scales better with a higher-quality amp that has a neutral, less warm coloration. It’s best to avoid pairing it with anything that emphasizes mid-bass.

✧ ════ •BUILD/ PACKAGING/COMFORT• ════ ✧
- The shell is solidly built, lightweight, and doesn’t feel cheap, featuring a beautiful purple glittering faceplate. However, it is on the bulkier side, so those with smaller ears might need to do tip-rolling for optimal comfort.

- The unboxing experience is fairly standard. It comes with a small carry case, a few sets of eartips, and a 3.5mm SE cable. And surprisingly, there's no 4.4mm balanced plug option available in 2025!


QUICK HEAD-2-HEAD
vs Kiwi Ears Airoso/Stock 3.5SE Cable/Spinfit CP100 (M)
- The AIROSO has a neutral balance tuning with a bright tilt, while the AETHER features a warmer, V-shaped sound.

- The bass on the AIROSO is quicker, deeper, punchier, and more visceral overall. And not to mention, AIROSO’s bass control is a step above. In contrast, the AETHER has a warmer, boomier, and loosened response. Its sounds is fatter, bigger, with a slightly slower attack and decay. When it comes to bass detailing, AETHER takes the lead.

- The AIROSO is more mid-centric of the two, with vocals taking up a larger space on the stage. The separation between vocals and background elements is clearer, up to a certain threshold. Meanwhile, the AETHER has a softer focus on vocal reproduction.

- The vocals and instruments on the AETHER sound more natural and lifelike, with greater liveliness and expressiveness. It does a better job of highlighting subtle nuances and textures, including reverb and overtones. However, the AIROSO’S vocals are cleaner and clearer, without the occasional graininess that can sometimes appear on the AETHER.

- The AIROSO has superior treble extension, giving it a more airy and open sound. Overall, it sounds clearer, and cleaner compared to the AETHER.

- The AIROSO has a wider, more open soundstage and darker background while the AETHER offers a slight edge in perceived depth.

- The AIROSO has sharper imaging and spatial cues, while the AETHER presents a larger image.

- On simpler tracks, the AIROSO can separate its elements more clearly than the Aether. However, on more complex tracks, like rock, metal, or orchestral music, the AETHER'S planar speed allows it to maintain more consistent separation while present additional layers in the music.

- The AETHER is more resolving, with micro-details presented in more layers.

- Not only is the AETHER more dynamic, but its tone and timbre also sound more natural. From end to end the notes feels more complete and better defined. Despite its softer attack, the sustain and decay are more accurate. To the contrary, on the AIROSO, some notes may fade a bit too quickly.

- The AIROSO’S has a smaller shell. And cheaper to own as well.

- Both are easy to drive. Just that the AETHER requires a smidge more power.

- Both of have nigh identical packing and accessories.

“ To my ears the Airoso has better tuning. It sounds more balance and has greater extension on both ends. But it is the Aether that will capture the hearts of many audiophiles. Its more dynamic, its more technical and the overall timbre just sounds slightly more natural.”
.
◤FINAL THOUGHTS◢
Another homerun from Kiwi Ears. I love seeing them improvise their product at more affordable prices. With the Aehter, it has made "Planar War" more competitive than it has ever been. Other than the 7hz Timeless II, the Aether might just be my 2nd favourite planar to date. But do bear in mind, as good as people claimed it to be, it is not flawless.

========================================================================

【SOURCE & GEARS】
● Native FLAC Files [44.1Khz 16bits-96Khz 24bits]
● Foobar2000 [ROG Strix G814JVR (2024)] [USB C Thunderbolt]
● Samsung S24 Ultra [as my DAP phone][ App- Foobar2000]
● Tanchjim SPACE/LUNA Asano Tanch / xDuoo Link2BAL / Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro
● INNTAK HIFI OTG Type C to Type C
● Eartips : Spinfit CP100 (M)
● Stock Cable 3.5MM Single Ended.
========================================================================

【PLAYLIST／TEST-TRACKS】​

1977 Fleetwood Mac - Dreams ★
1982 Chicago – Hard to say I'm sorry. ★
2003 NARUTO Original Soundtrack I – Wakiagaru Toushi ★
2008 K.will (케이윌) – 소원 (Great King Sejong OST Part.1)
2009 Maksim – Exodus
2010 Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou (OST) – Kokoro no Oku De Ha
2012 Imagine Dragons – Night Visions - Demons ★
2014 Grabbitz – Here with you now. ★
2014 BoA – MASAYUME CHASING
2014 Hyolyn – 안녕 Good bye ★
2015 KOKIA – I Found You ★
2015 K MISSING KINGS (OST) - New Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - Return of Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - If you die.
2017 Berry Goodman – Zutto (ずっと) ★
2017 SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki – ViEW
2017 Namie Amuro – Hope
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - In Pursuit Of
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - Lost Small World
2019 Blade & Soul (OST) – Half-Moon Lake
2019 CAROLE & TUESDAY VOCAL COLLECTION Vol.1 – Light a Fire ★
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – BAE – BaNG!!! ★
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – cozmez – Where They At ★
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – GET NAKED (Kiyoshi Sugo Remix)
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – again (MATZ Remix)
2020 premiere fleurs – プリンシパル
2020 Love Live! Nijigasaki – 朝香果林 (Karin Asaka) – VIVID WORLD ★
2020 Fujii Kaze – へでもねーよ”／Hedemo Ne-YoSeishun Sick
2020 King Gnu – 三文小説 ／Sanmon Shosetsu ★
2021 OWV – Fifth Season ★
2021 加藤 ミリヤ (Miliyah) feat. Yoshida Brothers – この夢が醒めるまで ★
2021 Aoi Teshima – ただいま★
2021 Official髭男dism – Cry Baby
2021 Chanmin BIJIN 美人 – Morning Mood
2021 門脇更紗 (Sarasa Kadowaki) – きれいだ
2021 Mirei Touyama – 美忘録
2021 SELECTION PROJECT Vol.1 – Only one yell -天沢灯ソロver.- ★
2022 Belle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Million Miles Away (ENG vers.)
2022 rei (E-girls) – Dark Hero.
2022 rei (E-girls) – IDNY
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – Bleecker Chrome - You will shine ★
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – YOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome - UP ★
2022 BEAST TAMER (OST) – じんわり感じている幸せ
2022 Ado – 会いたくて
2022 Ado – 踊
2023 La prière – Sweet Dreams ★
2023 Bungou Stray Dogs 4th Season ED – Luck Life – しるし★
2023 UMAMUSUME PRETTY DERBY - Hat on your Head!
2023 Anna – 花のように (Hana no You ni)
2023 riria. – 貴方の側に (Anata no Soba ni)
2024 Dungeon Meshi OP – BUMP OF CHICKEN – Sleep Walking Orchestra
2024 Ernie Zakri, Ade Govinda - Masing Masing ★
2024 Paradox Live THE ANIMATION OST – 25 幻影武雷管 - Trauma ★
2024 Bartender Kami no Glass OP – Takaya Kawasaki – Stardust Memory ★
2024 Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf ED – Sayaka Yamamoto – Blue Star
2024 Spice and Wolf Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf OP – Hana Hope – Tabi no Yukue/ Destination of the journey
2024 Tonari no Youkai-san ED – Aoi Kubo – Iro no Naka (風媒花)
2024 Sayounara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei OP – LUN8 – Together Forever
2024 Sayounara Ryuusei, Konnichiwa Jinsei ED – EverdreaM – 君と見た景色
2024 Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi ED – Toshiki Kondo – こまりわらい (Komariwarai)
2024 Hololive FLOW GLOW – FG ROADSTER ★
2025 Ameku Takao no Suiri Karte ED – The Gospellers – will be fine feat. Anly ★
2025 A-Rank Party wo Ridatsu shita Ore wa OP – L.E.I. – Enter ★
2025 Arifureta Shokugyou de Sekai Saikyou S3 ED2 – iScream – Metamorphosis
2025 Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon S2 OP – Riria. – Shiawase na Yakusoku. ★
2025 ONE OK ROCK – DETOX (Japan & International ver) – This Can’t Be Us ★
2025 Татьяна Куртукова - _ MATUSHKA ULTRAFUNK (REMIX BY. Satirin) (SLOWED) ★

★ Main-Test-Tracks/ A glimpse of what listen to 90% of the of time.


Do take my words for what it’s worth. Afterall, I am just one man. ╮(╯▽╰)╭

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! HAVE A GOOD DAY WHEREVER YOU ARE! TAKE CARE!

Disclaimer:
- This unit is sent to by Kiwi Ears (@EvelynZ ) . Thank you so much for making this review possible.

Where to buy?


If you like me to review your gears, please do send me a message! I'll try to respond ASAP!


EXTRA PHOTOS

The Kiwi ears Aether 15.3mm Planar Universal IEM
Redcarmoose Labs March 1st, 2025


The X Factor:
So in many ways judging IEMs in performance is like a new contestant on the X factor reality television show. It is the abilities of reproducing tone and timbre, the correctness of tuning which at times will catapult the new IEM in question into resulting stardom.

Now guess what, you may end with personal results here (after you buy the Aether) which fall into one of two categories. The first category is the resulting IEM benchmark status. This means that you perceive the Aether as literally the very best Planar IEM to ever be made. Or……..number two, that you still value the Aether as a winner and great value regardless of where you place it. You still win here, also Kiwi ears win because they sell another IEM and solidify their epic status as a manufacturer of products.

I will level with you:
Due to the amazing completeness of the Aether, due to the stage placement, and due to this reference tune the Aether does I was 20 feet off the ground when I heard it. I was shocked! I had read no prior reference as to quality, as I was the first person to report of the Aether in the Head-Fi community. Sure my first impressions are embarrassing for me, but they are real and a highlight of 2025 so far. It is just when you have this perfect mixture of great technicalities in effortless detail, a tight and controlled bass, and an overall subtle warmth…..you can’t say no!

The Aether never becomes too muddy or boring……seemingly walking that line of greatness. This must be a combination of build ingredients; the resin build, the 15.3mm Planar size. And of course the tune. The fact that the Aether simply puts out the biggest Planar stage I have ever heard, then it completes that stage by creating realistic center elements that are all accounted for. It is this homogenized characteristic that means the sound response is apparently complete with no notes too forward or behind. This is combined with only a dash of Planar timbre, which means we have sound quality success across the board……..that is why it is a benchmark when you add the technical abilities.

Technical ability:
Here we are in 2025 and no other similarly priced IEM this year has made such a grand technical statement. It is funny because people read my first impressions and purchased the Aether to prove me wrong, with the chance the Aether could be as good as I say it is, providing those same people with ample extra win! Fast transients due to giant multi-layers of N52 neodymium magnets. These magnets take control of this massive 15.3mm driver and take away muddiness or slowness in response. An enormous stage simply because the sound is generated from a bigger point source. And finally details, I’m not sure why there are such good details, except when you generate so much stage room for the information to be perceived, it is! These details come about in a slightly smooth note-weighty way where effortless is the name of the game.

Tone and timbre:
It is probably safe to say Planar off-timbre is a thing of the past, at least with the Aether it is. Sure there could be found a taste of Planar timbre but it is never distracting. Here the tone arrives from clean subwoofer focused bass, never approaching into the midrange. A smooth midrange and comfortable treble vocal approach.



Package:

Music:

Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1kHz - 24bit

Here I’m doing the music section before the side-by-sides as a change. Truth to be told the Aether has had 5 days of constant burn-in and during that time already side-by-side compared with many different IEMs. I have a good feel for what exactly the Aether is, so why not check-out some tunes? Here I’m using the SIMGOT AUDIO LC7 modular cable in 4.4mm, the new SIMGOT AUDIO wide-bore ear-tips (pictured later in this review) and the Sony WM1A DAP with MrWalkman’s firmware. This will also be the same equipment I later use to do all the side-by-sides.

Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae):
Here the song really found me, or just the luck of randomness, here we are gifted with the perfect idea of music for the Aether. There are some chimes at the 09:00 mark which are found and replayed, showing this subtle but accurate metallic twinkle! Now at the same time-mark we realize that it is the contrast of light and dark that has us captivated, that also at the 09:00 mark the sub-bass is present. At 00:15 the Blade Runner synth takes hold, and does it ever. Meaning grabbing your emotions due to bringing this event that much closer and bigger……….we are now in the grasp of a home theater experience, one with reference tone and abilities far beyond the simple $169.99 asking price. It is that we can hear the reverberations of this synth, the texture of it, the soul is encountered here………plus accurate positioning inside the stage.

Where this is the Bass Ambient sub-genre of the Ambient Music genre, but the bass is controlled and well defined. Now sure I have heard multi-BA set-ups that get a tinge more treble and treble itemization here, but that is not what the Aether is about. No, the magic is the overall cohesiveness that just won’t stop………..

Finally at 01:28 those small metallic treble artifacts have now in increased in event, seemly a multitude of sounds….right before a climax, yet here the sounds are heard, and not as separated as some Hybrids, except the smoother overall tone still makes those metallic sounds natural……..just not as bright as with some IEMs.

At 01:38 all heck breaks loose are we are now witnessing the full-on big breakfast of events. Yep, they are throwing all the musical gear at us, into sonic overload. And the thing is the Aether is going along with the program, showcasing the extra added stage found (surprisingly) newly discovered in the song………………………it goes on and on (the song descriptions) but I will stop here. Lol



Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
Ghost
Hunter’s Moon
From Halloween Kills OST
44.1khz - 24bit
Here we are in the presence of a perfectly recorded rock number. It was this exact song that showed me at the start what we are dealing with! The Aether is huge in replay of this electric guitar. That the very very first note you hear is a string resonance, and that resonance is left to continue with new pickings flowing a-top! That stage and that separation, the detail here, that in-fact this is not only dramatic, it is close to perfect to my ears?

The fact that we have a closeness to the guitar, it almost allows me to name the brand of guitar, that is what this single experience is about. There are subtle added phase effects to the signal, and a beautiful multitrack dual of right to left and center positioning, that due to these N52 magnets, allows for found transients to show their stuff! Finally at 00:04 the drums and vocals make their opening statement. Boom!

In contrast to the last song, we now have an analogue bass showcasing the natural thump, and even gaining clacks of detail! It is the fact that all-is-one with the Aether. That no one instrument is overpowering another resulting in an even, complete and correct response.

Vocals, piano and drums:
The way this song is mixed there becomes an authoritative and tight drum addition, then the vocals are heard. Here we can note the slight millisecond delay of left to right, we hear the clacking of bass guitar amid the middle positioning. I would not call the tune vocal centric, but due to how competent the overall tune is, vocals of both male and female are well represented. The magic found is how the piano filigree makes it way outside into the extra stage 00:22-00:23……….remarkable!


Not an IEM the Aether is for bassheads.......though for me perfect.


Side-by-sides:
Left to right top row: The SIMGOT AUDIO ET142 (Hybrid 12.5mm Planar and separate PZT driver) and the TANGZU ZETIAN WU (14.5mm Planar)

Left to right bottom row: Kiwi ears Airoso (Hybrid 1DD and 4BA) and the Kiwi ears Aether (15.3mm Planar)

The SIMGOT AUDIO ET142:
The Kiwi ears Aether offers a slightly bigger and more homogenous stage, meaning the ET142 is doing a bigger more contrasty idea of upper midrange and treble, and placing it further into the outskirts of the stage in more contrast formed........but the lower extremities are not as full and clear as what the Aether does on a regular basis.



SIMGOT AUDIO ET142 v Kiwi ears Aether:
To where in over all first impressions and second impressions and third impressions go back and forth.........after the IEM changes..............

The Aether is offering a bigger image generation and promoting those images into both more forwardness and even backwardness, resulting in a more uniform idea, simply better in the end.

Peace!
Peace, I'm just reporting as I hear the two! Where the Aether is simply effortless in how it walks....................That the Planar is the Kiwi ears idea of sound provider tone is more uniform because only coming from a single driver, yet large, only one driver. There is very little worry about the actual response of this 15.3mm getting slow or somehow too much from bass, due to size. Meaning the magnets here have complete control over the Aether transients and the bass......................tight and controlled. So imagine both a more homogenous stage, with subtle extra Aether notes all having room to exist, yet they are also bigger (in size) than the ET142, which just by that nature makes them clearer, and yet somehow connected to this cohesiveness at hand. Where the Aether has tiny little details, not sheets of sound like older planar ideas! And due to this Aether forwardness makes the whole shebang that much more of a joy!



The TANGZU ZETIAN WU:
It was a strange coincidence, like many coincidences that have been presented in this review, but after I took the original IEM group photo for this review, a member posted that his Wu had just failed and he wanted a new Planar. I explained that I would do a comparison in this review!

Here I’m choosing the Wu as it is also a big planar at 14.5mm, but more than that, from all the Planar reviews I have written the Wu was a stand-out performer holding many attributes that I come to Planar builds for. The note-weight, the tactile bass, the cohesiveness.

The WU:
Interestingly the TINHIFI “Big Panda” P1 Planar was one of the very first Planar I ever tried along with the legendary Raptgo HOOK-X, the HOOK-X being a Planar and PZT just like the ET142. Anyway, the P1 Big Panda is slightly low on bass to begin with, being the Big Panda is really a vocal Planar. So you can only imagine my surprise at how after multiple days of burn-in the P1 became both smoother and held extra bass additives. So really this was my start of understanding burn-in for Planar and why the Aether has 5 days of burn-in. The Wu held this extra warmth, even at the start, this thickness that made it special. Let’s see how the two compare?

Wow!
There is that WU magic that spellbound me for so many years when it first came out. And the funny thing about IEM reviews is no matter how long you have done them, you’re always learning. Here the WU comes off not as big at the start, of course you could have already guessed this. Though inside of that WU over-all thinness (and the WU was never thin?) there is less separation, less projection of sonic imaging and less space, having them generated closer together. There may actually be more WU bass (than Aether) activity, yet it gets neutralized by the bigger and clearer Aether bass. So once again we are experiencing the Aether as simply more linear in response with bigger stage technicalities……..like 2X as much…….lol.



The Kiwi ears Airoso:
This is the new Hybrid kid on the block, and even though I received the Airoso a day before the Aether, the Aether jumped ahead due to TOTL sound and drama! That is no way to introduce a new IEM, but it is what it is. Now the thing is the Airoso has been put on the back burner for a bit as I caressed and loved the Aether.

And you know how it goes right, when you go back to your old girlfriend (later) she shows you truth and honesty and you forget the very reasons you left here in the first place.

And with the Airoso that is exactly what happened. Where the Airoso is noticeably smaller at just 5 grams each, the Aether (it seems ) is twice as big at 7 grams each! Not really, this is Head-Fi I have to be careful of the jokes I make! Though the very first thing you notice is how both IEMs hold the Kiwi ears house sound. Yep, those guys in charge of tuning are using the same blueprint for success. Except there is the intrinsic nature of the drivers. Meaning no matter what we do, it is hard to subtract the BA tone and the Planar tone from each respected IEM. Plus we don’t really want to, we like that each IEM made represents its components, especially if tuned well and holding technicalities representative of such build (driver) characteristics.

Airoso:
So on first notice is the BAs. That in fact there are better technicalities in how the stage is positioned, in how BAs make this brighter and a more faster transitional example.

Except Aether Note weight, the lovely Planar note-weight! Hello! The airy Airoso doesn't quite get there!

BAs are a thin sheet of metal, Planar IEMs are a giant sheet! But to simplify this comparison, the Airoso became way, way better than I remember it in comparison to be. Meaning the Aether and Airoso go head to head in many ways. First off there is a segregated Airoso bass, a bass that holds this analog roundness and shape. Though here it is the actual upper midrange which is getting all the Airoso attention. These accolades come because for the first time in this review I am home once more. Home enjoying the BA Hybrid timbre…….but beyond that the imaging is even thinner yet faster, yet also not holding the taste of Planar tone, except it does hold the BA timbre. This BA timbre is not in any way distracting, but there nonetheless. The most I could say about the Airoso is that it is doing a lot of sound per $ spent. To where you can tell that they got the idea for the faceplate from the Sound Rhyme SR9, and while the faceplate of the SR9 is wood, and the Airoso is titanium, it is the air-vent which makes them look the same. But bringing up the SR9, the Airoso has a better upper midrange that holds this pure and natural tone, and maybe this is partially from the crossover network? As the Airoso is known for this advanced crossover design? Whatever the results are from (maybe the custom BAs) the Airoso can do no wrong, and truly another next level product that just arrived from Kiwi ears!

The Aether:

Build:
Yes we have extra-size, but not really extra-weight at only 7 grams. A perimeter aluminum ring and nozzle end, the Aether showcases 4 vents, three of which are under the faceplate, and one on the back. Sure this IEM is big, there is no getting around that, but it is not heavy and the nozzle length seems to be correct. Correct because I can use shallow donut ear-tip and the Aether fits me perfectly. The nozzle is 6.4mm in diameter and holds on tips like no tomorrow, with ear-tips never coming off inside your ear.


Cable:
There has been a little fuss over this cable in the community. Mostly I believe the Head-Fi members are getting new giant aftermarket cables and think every manufacturer should include a large audiophile cable with their IEM. When I was guilty of such thoughts myself, only to then start to really look at the included cable, then try the 3.5mm included cable. To be honest the different 4.4mm cables I have on hand access a different amplifier in the Sony WM1A which is more powerful and different sounding. Do you realize I used the word different 3 times in one sentence! That using the included 3.5mm cable works fine holding zero cable noise and a great overall feel. Taking the set-up over to a Samsung cellphone we are gifted with pretty much the same overall sound, only not as loud or enveloping. While sure I see folks using the Aether during the day on their cellphones then transferring over to witness the up-scale on an audiophile DAP or desktop at home. While the right 2Pin is color coded, probably the only minus is the fact of the chin-cinch being a plastic ball, as opposed to the aluminum ball chin-cinch of comparable priced cables and IEM combos. Each ear-hook is subtle and effective, and really for out and about any physical cable thinness is really an attribute, making the Aether and cable combo work fine.


Bonus side-by-side:
You thought we were finished with side-by-sides, only at the last minute I was asked how the Kiwi ears Aether would compare to the new 7Hz Timeless II Planar IEM. Coming in at $229.00 and 14.5 mm of Planar ability, the Timeless II was my most favorite Planar ever……..the word is “was”! Where the Timeless II and Aether are using the LC7 cable in 4.4mm termination, WM1A has MrWalkman's firmware, and I'm using the regular gold ear-nozzles on the Timeless II.

Also: The new SIMGOT AUDIO black donuts!



7Hz Timeless II verses the Kiwi ears Aether:
So to describe the two it took about 4 back and forth movements/changes to really get a hold mentally of how the two are different. As questions started with the first side-by-sides were later answered after multiple back-and-forths. It was determined that the Timeless II is just slightly smaller in stage size, this Timeless II stage size is accented with actual instruments that are amazingly more forward and attempting to be clearer, only the Aether is walking ahead nonchalantly giving bigger stage presence, except holding larger slightly set-back imaging, holding maybe a tad less contrasts, actually yes..............

The Aether is doing less contrasts, except the images are bigger and slightly softer......but this softness is in no way disrupting the experience here. So yes, they are very close in abilities here................... up until the Aether...........the Timeless II was my favorite Planar, but the Aether inches ahead offering a slightly smoother idea. The Aether offers more real fall-out of creations, making it seem both more homogeneous in instrument/vocal levels, at the same time slightly more laid back in positioning, which results in the positioning being more cohesive than the Timeless II. Again these differences are super small, but real.

Still if someone just bought the 7Hz Timeless II it may be that the differences are so small that it does not warrant the purchase of this new IEM? This would have to be a personal buying decision.

Still how the Aether is................is special and yes, better than the Timeless II. More friendly, less contrasts except offering a bigger stage with elements more at the same level, both IEMs exhibit the same slight Planar tone, but if you have the Timeless II, you already know we are at the point of this Planar timbre being a forgotten issue, not the issue it was a few years ago. It is maybe there, maybe not.........and I love that.

The tightness and carefulness of the Timeless II bass is again replayed in the Aether and the ability of both IEMs to gain a fast pace, offering no bass clutter falling into the midrange........is also my favorite aspect of both IEMs!

Where the Aether is 7 grams, the Timeless II is 6 grams, but way smaller. The Timeless II represents a more metal idea of chamber resonance, where the Aether is mostly resin which has a different vibrational and resonance personality. And this is how they differ when compared back to back. The Timeless II is more up-front and clear, holding greater contrasts, yet the Aether is bigger staged, with a slightly more reverberated idea, which in turn comes off slightly softer, yet more homogenized.



Conclusion:
Well, haven’t I said enough? The Kiwi ears Aether is one of my most favorite IEMs of all time. The Kiwi ears Aether sets a new benchmark in sound value for other manufacturers to target. The Kiwi ears Aether scales upwards into comparable sound equal to much more expensive IEMs in my collection. And after hearing of over 200 IEMs in my history, I knew there was something special about the Aether from the get-go, and I feel you will too!

$169.99
https://kiwiears.com/products/kiwi-ears-aether
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-aether

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

Disclaimer:
The Kiwi ears Aether Universal IEM has had a total of 5 days of burn-in.

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Evelyn Zhou of Kiwi ears for the love and the Kiwi ears Aether review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman’s Firmware 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman’s Firmware 4.4mm balanced
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 in 4.4mm balanced
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm
ifi Go blu Bluetooth Amplifier and DAC 4.4mm
ifi hip dac 3 Amplifier and DAC 4.4mm

Kiwi Ears Aether



- For the watchers -

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Introduction & Disclaimer

Every few years, a new technology, piece of equipment, or device appears within the high-end audio space that shakes things up and leaves a watershed moment on headphone history.
In 1979 it was the STAX SR-Lamdba; the first headphone to ever offer something actually resembling linear tonal response.
In 1989, Sony proved that high end audio wasn't limited to open back design with the very much closed-back MDR-R10.
In 1991, Sennheiser established the legendary comfortable middle-ground benchmark and the foundation of the HD600 series, the HD580 Precision.

Now, I don't have the clairvoyance to predict whether the Aether will go down in history, spawn a legacy or change the audio industry forever, but I think it damn well should.
This may well be the most important IEM yet made.

This sample was sent by Kiwi Ears for the purpose of this review.
Website + Specs - https://kiwiears.com/products/kiwi-ears-aether

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Build, Design & Aesthetics

Kiwi Ears has opted for a more rounded design for the 3D-printed resin shells of the Aether, adorned with milled aluminium and glittery resin faceplates.
The housings feature metal nozzles (6.4mm), one ear-side vent, and 3 forward facing vents. Despite the extra venting, I didn't notice any interference from wind, but neither did I find these any less isolating than the average IEM, which was at least a welcome relief.
I didn't have any problem with the ergonomics, however they don't provide the most snug fit either. I think as long as you're not adverse to larger housings, these should provide a relatively easy wearing experience.


Housed within the shells are one of the largest planar drivers ever produced for a closed-type in ear monitor out of China, at 15.3mm.
They are also sensitive enough to be driven directly from a smartphone without the assistance of a dongle DAC amplifier.

The cable is fantastic.
It's pliable, doesn't retain memory and fits the aesthetic.

It’s also thicker than average, so it doesn’t tangle as easily as even the KE4 cable.
The new and improved carry case arrives in a timely manner for the first new IEMs of 2025 and the cherry on top is the inclusion of 3 different sets of tips to ensure the best fit is found.

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The Sound

So how does it sound?
There is only one way to describe the way my ears hear this IEM.

It is a reference model.

I hate to use such an overly abused term, but every so often, it's important to re-establish personal or public benchmarks that the masses vastly agree upon.
Sometimes there are headphones that absolutely deserve such attention but simply fall out of the mainstream due to lack of interest, bad marketing or one bad review from a prolific journalist.
I hope this won't be one such case, as for the first time in my life I find myself listening to an In Ear Monitor that not only presents audio without any one singular frequency or tonal band reaching out for attention or shying away, but does so without making significant compromise.



It feels like for once, the marketing team actually didn’t lie.
This is what Kiwi Ears had to say about the Aether - “Its studio-tuned sound signature provides a clean sub-bass response, flat midrange, and a natural treble peak for clear, balanced audio.”
I can only fully agree.

For lack of a better word, the Aether sounds neutral, but not in the way the AKG K612 Pro or Hifiman Susvara sounds neutral and sucks all the joy out of the music.
The Aether serves up every single part of the music on equal terms with just a hint of smoothness and an uncommonly large soundstage.
It just sounds right.


(measured on miniDSP EARS, so treble is unnaturally emphasised in the graph)

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Comparisons

Kiwi Ears KE4
The darling of the so-called meta-tuning pales against the uncontaminated purity reproduced by the Aether. The upper mid-range and treble particularly suffers from some unwanted tonal characteristics that some might describe as BA timbre, with a slightly plastic quality.


Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite
The Orchestra Lite continues to wow me with it’s slightly holographic imaging and seductively hyper-realistic presentation of midrange, but we know it’s not a reference tuning.
The Aether more than confirms this.


Hifiman HE-500
The Aether reminds me most of the qualities I enjoy with my personal reference headphone, a modified Hifiman HE-500.
In fact switching between the two, I detect only an incremental increase in warmth in my HE-500, which I should mention is also modified, so it is more linear, a touch warmer and with smoother treble than a stock HE-500.
The uncanniness of overall timbre and tonality between these two is ridiculous, with the Aether falling only slightly behind, where treble sounds like cymbals are incrementally darker and weightier than the HE-500.

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Conclusions
In a time where truly high-end personal audio has never been so competitive, expensive, and littered with some quite frankly laughably bad offerings, the Kiwi Ears Aether is an oasis of sanity.

At $169 this is truly the first ‘people's reference IEM’ not hindered by poor build quality, awkward design decisions or restricted imaging and soundstage, and I believe it will become a benchmark for many IEM enthusiasts.



I really wonder if the big companies are ever going to respond, because the Chinese IEM industry overtook the consumer portion around 15 years ago and have been doing nothing but sprinting ahead ever since and now it seems they can’t keep up.

As a final footnote, I feel like I need to add that these are just my opinions and you don't have to agree with them.
There are also people out there who actually enjoy the DT990 Pro and the B+W P9, so while enjoyers of these obviously inferior headphones () might not quite be the Aether's target audience, anyone who appreciates the kind of truly rare neutral tunings offered by a select few high-end planars, a handful of electrostatics and even fewer dynamic headphones, then the Aether should be one for serious consideration at any starting budget.

The Aether receives my absolute fullest recommendation.

Kiwi Ears Aether Review: Next Plane of Existence​

Kiwi Ears Raises the Bar for… Everyone​

Kiwi Ears is the in-house brand for popular ChiFi (Chinese HiFi) retailer Linsoul. They’ve released a lot of IEMs since inception, many of which have become well-known crowd-favorites in the HiFi community. They were among the first on the scene to build planar-driver hybrid IEMs, and while those products had some room for improvement, that didn’t dissuade Kiwi Ears from continuing to explore the technology. Today we’re taking a look at Kiwi Ears’ newest and most robust planar-driver IEM. Featuring a massive 15.3mm planar driver and promising uncompromising studio-grade performance, the Aether has caught the attention of a lot of folks. But, does it perform in line with its promises? Let’s find out!

You can find the Aether for sale at Linsoul for $170.

About My Preferences: This review is a subjective assessment and is therefore tinged by my personal preferences. While I try to mitigate this as much as possible during my review process, I’d be lying if I said my biases are completely erased. So for you, my readers, keep this in mind:

• My ideal sound signature would be one with competent sub-bass, a textured mid-bass, a slightly warm midrange, and an extended treble.
• I have mild treble sensitivity.

Testing equipment and standards can be found here.

Tech Specs​

• Driver: 15.3mm neodynium planar driver
• Cable: 0.78mm detachable w/ 3.5mm termination
• Impedance: 14 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105db SPL/mW
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz

Sound Signature​

Sonic Overview:​

The Aether features open, airy, reference-style tuning. Its treble is well-extended and organic. Its midrange is neutral, with slight emphasis in the 2–3KHz range to bring out instrumental and vocal details. Its bass is extended, though not emphasized much. There’s a slight 1–2db lift in the mid-bass that provides solid lower-register articulation that carries out to the 20Hz range. The Aether’s studio-grade tuning allows it to express a wide soundstage with excellent depth and laying. Its new 15.3mm driver delivers excellent planar-driver timbre with all of the usual psycho-acoustic properties you’d associate with a high-quality planar driver.

Sonic Breakdown:​

Treble: Songs used: In One Ear, Midnight City, Outlands, Satisfy, Little One, Show Me How To Live (Live at the Quart Festival), Bittersweet Symphony

The Aether is one of those IEMs that, for most people, will make you say “wow, I’ve never heard that in this song before!”. That’s in no small part a feature of the Aether’s incredibly transparent and articulate treble. The Aether’s upper-register is genuinely reminiscent of full-sized planar headphones in that its spares no effort in providing maximum speed and near-flawless control. It isn’t just detailed, either. The Aether’s treble is even and organic, almost never sounding too hot, sharp, or over-blown.

This isn’t all smoke and hype — you can look into my past writing to see that I rarely get swept up in marketing-driven excitement. It doesn’t really matter what track you throw at the Aether as it will resolve it well. Tracks like Bittersweet Symphony represent but a trivial challenge for the Aether’s massive drivers. The song’s beautiful cacophony of string instrumentation and percussion is carefully, surgically even, layered by the Aether. Gone is the impenetrable wall of treble noise found with lesser IEMs — instead listeners are presented with a proper symphony.

The lonely electric synth lines of Midnight City cut through its bleak, dark background with precision and intent. The Aether’s incredible attack and decay speeds complement the echo-filled vibes of M83’s performance, truly delivering a faithful reproduction of their legendary track. This song is one that is easy to get wrong, and many planar IEMs I’ve tested sounded sharp at the edges of the synth effects. The Aether is free from sharpness and hotness which is a boon to treble-sensitive listeners like me.

Midrange: Songs used: Flagpole Sitta, Jacked Up, I Am The Highway, Dreams, Too Close, Little Black Submarines, Bohemian Rhapsody, Cash Machine, Chasm

As with its treble, the Aether’s midrange is incredibly detailed and evenly-toned. This is an IEM with a truly “perceived neutral” midrange that refuses to play favorites. Jacked Up’s wide assortment of instruments do a good job of exercising the Aether’s midrange muscles. The track’s vocals are highly intelligible, with almost every inflection in delivery captured by the Aether’s drivers. The tracks two pianos clamor together in the background, each sitting in their own distinct spot on the sound stage. Each note springs into existence with clarity and precision and fades out organically. Percussion is likewise rendered impressively; drum slams and kicks are remarkably distinct and well-bodied.

I had anticipated that the Aether’s reference-style tuning would make Flagpole Sitta and its dry-mastered ilk a boring listen, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. The Aether so rigorously captures detail that the track becomes rich in tone and texture, not simple warmth. This style-agnostic prowess gives the Aether a special place in my rotation and is a major part of why I like it so much.

Bass: Songs used: Moth, Gold Dust, In For The Kill (Skream Remix), War Pigs (Celldweller Remix), Feeling Like The End

The Aether’s bass is slightly emphasized, with a mild 1–2db lift over its lower midrange. This gives the Aether a solid lower register with the occasional capacity for punch and rumble. For a reference-tuned IEM, this quantity of bass is plenty. It adds much needed weight and substance to tracks and does a great job at minimizing dryness. Even electronic music is well-served by this tuning. Sure, it might be more fun to crank the bass, but the Aether doesn’t sound flat nor anemic. From the perspective of a critical listener, the Aether does bass extraordinarily well, even for fat dubstep drops.

I often write about bass “shape” and “control”. These are concepts that ultimately boil down to how precisely the IEMs driver(s) can produce bass and how well the acoustic cavity minimizes distortion and decay. The Aether’s bass is extremely quick and precise. Its healthy portioning combined with its speed makes it, at this price, uniquely adept at resolving subtle bass queues. Its precision allows it render nearly-tactile effects. For example, the Aether resolves Joji’s bass element in Feeling Like The End at 0:52 with a seemingly physical exhale. This is extremely subtle effect that is easy to miss outside of critical listening, but wow, I wasn’t anticipating such an affordable IEM to possess this level of technical ability. In fact, none of my other IEMs could replicate this sensation.

​

Packaging / Unboxing​

Kiwi Ears usually sticks to fairly basic packaging for their IEMs, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Aether’s has a more-premium look and feel. Each surface below the outer-sheathe makes excellent use of a semi-textured, partially-reflective silver cardboard. It does a good job of emulating the look of brushed aluminum/stainless steel.

Build​

Construction Quality​

The faceplates on the Aether are down-right gorgeous. Every inch of the Aether’s shells, apart from its nozzles is made out of plastic — but that doesn’t make it look or feel “un-premium”.



The Aether’s nozzles are, mercifully, made out of metal. They are a little above-average in depth and size. Below the nozzle’s lip sits a metal perforated debris filter. The filter sits securely and looks to be capable of repelling most dust, dirt, and viscous fluids. The top-face of the Aether’s shells houses a the IEMs 2-pin sockets and primary vent. Be aware that the primary vent is large and can very easily accumulate finger/skin oils, dirt, or (rain) water.



I was hoping that the Aether would come with a cable similar to the Orchestra Lite, but alas, we get a simple, but well-designed, black plastic cable. It features 0.78mm 2-pin connectors housed in a standard black shell, a black-plastic Y-splitter, and a 3.5mm termination housed in a black metal shell.

Power​

The Aether’s impedance is rated at a shockingly low 14ohms. That puts its squarely in “easy to drive” territory, especially when combined with its incredibly reasonable sensitivity. Apple’s USB-C adapter is more that capable of driving the Aether at, or near, full quality. Meze’s Alba dongle is likewise plenty powerful. The Aether had zero hiss and a very dark noise floor on all sources I tested, so even pedestrian 3.5mm sources should work well.

Comfort​

Disclaimer: comfort is a highly individual metric — no two people will have the same experience.

By virtue of the Aether’s massive planar driver, it also has large shells. They’re of average ergonomic design and not too hard for me to wear for extended listening sessions. I highly recommend experimenting with ear variety of eartip, and perhaps some aftermarket ones, to get as strong of a passive seal as possible.

Accessories​

Inside the box you’ll find:

• 1x semi-hard carrying case
• 1x 3.5mm cable
• 9x pairs of silicone eartips

The eartips that Kiwi Ears include in the box are serviceable, but not great. In fact, one eartip I tried to apply actually tore while placing it on the Aether’s nozzle. Thankfully I have plenty of spares, but its an irritating experience nonetheless.

The Aether’s case is fairly standard, though it is larger than the one that came with my previous Kiwi Ears IEMs by a smidge. A slightly roomier case would have been great considering I always carry the Aether with a USB-C adapter.

Comparisons​

1: NFAcous NM20 ($120)

The NM20 is another “reference-style” IEM, though it features a single dynamic driver instead of a planar driver. It also comes in at nearly $50 cheaper, making it noticeably more affordable. The NM20 has smaller shells, a better-looking and feeling cable, and a better-fitting case. The Aether’s ergonomics may be worse, but it posses undeniably superior technical capabilities. Its soundstage is wider, treble more extended, bass more precise; there’s a laundry list of performance advantages.

From a purely analytical perspective, the Aether is the better tool for mastering, studio work, etc. That said, the NM20’s bassier, more V-shaped sound signature may appeal to those who want a somewhat more-mainstream tuning. Its superior ergonomics may also sway an potential buyer, particularly if he/she is sensitive to the bump in price for the Aether.

2: BQEYZ Frost ($180)

BQEYZ’s Frost is a very unique IEM that brings non-standard tuning to the table. It is slightly more expensive than the Aether and packs a better cable, aluminum + glass shells, and a larger carrying case. Its ergonomics are similar to the Aether’s, though the added weight of aluminum does tire the back of the ear faster. BQEYZ’s included eartips are more comfortable for me and seal better than the standard Kiwi Ears assortment that was included with the Aether.

Sound-wise, both IEMs possess serious technical chops. The Frost does a great job at unifying its flat, warm, midrange with a sparkly and robust treble. It has an intensely organic lower register that is slightly more emphasized than the Aether. The Aether, by comparison, is a cooler, more analytical IEM. Its treble is more even and further extended, while its midrange is far more neutral and lacking the Frost’s signature warmth. In terms of sound staging, both IEMs are great performers with the Aether pulling ahead in both depth and width.

Conclusion​

The Aether raises the bar for the entire IEM industry. It represents a tectonic shift in what consumers can expect in both tonal purity and technical prowess per dollar. The fact that Kiwi Ears is selling the Aether for a mere $170 should do well to light a fire under both Eastern and Western brands. The Aether’s capacity to resolve detail eclipses many much more expensive IEMs both old and new alike. While not everyone wants an analytical IEM, those who are willing to give reference-style tuning simply cannot go wrong with the Aether.

Who This is For​

• Audiophiles who want reference-grade sound
• Listeners who enjoy neutral sound signatures
• Planar-driver enthusiasts

Who This isn’t For​

• Bassheads
• Listeners with small ears
• Those who crave warm sound signatures

As always, happy listening!