KIWI EARS Allegro

Kiwi Ears is a renowned earphones manufacturer with many successful and well regarded models, like the Kiwi Ears Quintet. The Allegro is their first portable USB DAC dongle.



Non Audio stuff

Digital to analog conversion is assigned to the ES9028Q2M DAC chip by ESS which supports audio decoding up to 32bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 while the headphone amplifier chip is the ESS9603. The Kiwi Ears Allegro has a USB Type-C interface with a detachable cable and two headphone outputs, 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm single ended. A high quality and durable USB type-C cable is included in the package but no Lighting cable or a full size USB adapter.



Appearance

The Kiwi Ears Allegro has a rectangularly shaped design with rounded edges and corners. The compact chassis is very well made from solid CNC machined aluminum alloy in a sturdy and durable build.

The design resembles a Nintendo retro gaming machine controller with some fake buttons on the upper surface. There are also two real buttons at the side of the chassis that are used for volume control which is independent from the host device controller. A tiny LED will turn blue for PCM and red for DSD decoding.

Functionality

This is a simple, plug and play, USB DAC dongle that is compatible with most operating systems without the need to install drivers. I have used it with my Android phone and a Windows laptop without any issues.



Power output and efficiency

The rated power output is 70mW/32Ω for the 3.5mm output and 155mW/32Ω for the 4.4mm output. Not the most powerful USB DAC dongle, it is mostly suitable for earphones and some sensitive headphones.

Power consumption is relatively low as it was measured at 0.13A/0.65W. The number remains the same both at idle state and while playing music.



Audio stuff

The Kiwi Ears Allegro offers crystal clear sound with excellent transparency and fidelity. It is neutrally tuned with stellar linearity and some extra brilliance in the treble. The bass is fast, tight and controlled with good dynamic behavior as long as you use sensitive earphones. Definition and layering are also exceptional for the category, the Allegro can resolve very complicated bass lines and don't loose inner detail.

The mid-range and the treble are crystalline and well defined with good separation and detail retrieval. The mids have a good amount of harmonic variety, the treble is energetic and crisp with extra sparkle and bite but it doesn't sound annoyingly bright or harsh. There is a touch of artificiality to the timbre but not too much digital glare. The textures are rather lean and dry but the Kiwi Ears Allegro doesn't sound too clinical or sterile.

The Kiwi Ears Allegro is not that organic and analog, it has a modern tuning that favors transparency, linearity and objectivity over musicality or any other kind of intentional sound shaping. The soundstage is also open and spacious with good imaging and placing across the horizontal plane.



Conclusion

The truth is that the Kiwi Ears Allegro doesn't break new ground, it has limited functionality and is not very powerful either. However you can consider buying it for its unique retro appearance, the sturdy build, the compact size, the excellent objective performance and its class leading technicalities.

The review sample was kindly provided free of charge. The price of the Kiwi Ears Allegro is $59.99 and is available from Linsoul.

Allegro is a musical term that defines a fast pacing and lively tempo in a composition piece.

If you follow my review articles in both my own blog and Head-Fi, I did a substantial amount of KIWI EARS products and all of them are IEM earphones. But this time, this one is quite a different type of product.



KIWI EARS decided to enter one of the most lucrative segments of portable audio devices in the current audio market and these are the DAC/Amp dongles. The DAC/Amp dongles became one of the staple devices for audio enthusiasts that its small frame is quite mobile and capable to deliver a high fidelity sound that it is also a very versatile one as you can also use in modern smartphones, laptop, tablets and even PCs to enjoy listening your favourite tracks either on local music library or via music streaming services.



This is KIWI EARS ALLEGRO, KIWI EARS’ first DAC/Amp dongle on their product line-up. It has a solid aluminium alloy frame on its overall structure and it underwent an anodising process to achieve that brushed look for corrosion-resistant and enhanced durability. The aesthetics of this device reminds me of some controllers from an old video game console like NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) that gives some retro vibe reminiscing the single digit bit video game era. It also has hardware volume keys that we can adjust the amplitude level without relying on software volume keys from the connected devices.




The ALLEGRO has a dual audio output interface consisting of 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced output which make this device very versatile in both casual and professional use. The 3.5mm has a power output of 70mW at 32 Ohms which will be enough to amplify almost all types of IEMs, earbuds and even headphones. Meanwhile the 4.4mm balanced output can deliver up 155mW of power output at @32 Ohms which can drive some of the power-hungry professional grade cans. On its connectivity, it has a type-C port which is a standard modern connectivity for better compatibility for smartphones like android devices and latest iphones, tablets, laptop and tablets with type-C ports.



On its internals, the ALLEGRO utilises an ESS DAC, the ES9028Q2M which is quite uncommon as it was usually integrated mostly on desktop DAC amplifiers. This model is a 32-bit high performance DAC and it is also quite power efficient as it has a low power drag that it is able to execute on processing decoding digital audio format while delivering a fairly powerful output due to its built-in proprietary SABRE amplifier. It can encode and support digital audio formats up to 32bit/384kHz on PCM format and up to DSD256 on DSD format to have that audio clarity while preserving the original reproduction of an audio track's recording.



The product packaging of KIWI EARS ALLEGRO is relatively minimalist with some sparse content enough to cover its basic usage.



Here are the following contents inside of its packaging box:

• KIWI EARS ALLEGRO DAC/amp dongle.
• Short parallel type-C to type-C cable.
• Specification card.

In regards to connectivity in both hardware and software, it supports a variety of modern devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop PCs and even DAPs (as long as it supports USB audio decoding). On the software side, this device is quite compatible with almost all known OSes in both mobile and desktop like Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS and Linux. Since I am more of an Android user, the device is highly recommended on some music apps like UAPP( USB Audio Player Pro), Onkyo HF, Neutron and HiBy Music app.



Tonality-wise, this device delivers a quite neutral sound that all parts of its frequency range were all equally represented across the audio spectrum in a clean sonic background. Depending on the driver quality that the headphones and earphones have , this device will surely convey a proper power output to power-up those transducers to emit sounds as well-balanced with full dynamics as possible.



LOWS/BASS:

This device is capable of delivering a bass response from tight to a boomy and authoritative sound depending on the tonal profile of an earphone or headphone. It is also capable of producing a good sub-bass presence with just the right amount of mid bass texturing for a proper note weight on some bass clef instruments and low octave male vocals.


MIDRANGE:

Again, depending on the tonal profile of an earphone or a can, the ALLEGRO gives a transparent, clean and mostly neutral midrange presentation albeit there are some instances that it adds only a little bit of warmth on some warmish and analogue-ish sounding sets.

I noticed that if I paired it on my sets with reference-neutral sound profile, it has a tad dry and sterile sound on some types of female vocals and instruments too like strings and percussives.

Unlike those other DAC/Amp dongles with warmish-neutral or balanced-warmish. This device won't give a lusher, succulent and richer vocals and instruments as it try to stay as uncoloured and natural sounding as possible.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble quality that this DAC/Amp dongle delivers remains to sound smooth and even that it is sufficient enough to deliver clarity, detail and air on its overall treble response.

It is capable to convey a well-defined attack of instruments and definition of clarity of vocals without added overboost on the treble section along with sufficient harmonic for sparkle and air on the brilliance part.


OVERALL TECHNICALITIES:

In general, the ALLEGRO is capable enough to deliver a spacious and an atmospheric-like stereo imaging presentation in a well-layered soundscape with decent separation of elements like vocals and instruments.

Its resolution capability is pretty capable on this one of giving a firmer macro-dynamics and quite proficient on micro-detail retrieval in clean sonic canvas.


PEER COMPARISONS:

FOSI AUDIO DS2

• This device has a slimmer yet longer profile with a LED light for sampling rate indicator compared to the ALLEGRO but like the latter, this device also has an aluminium alloy structure. It also has an USB type-A to type-C adaptor that was included inside of its packaging box.
• With a Cirrus Logic CS43131 DAC, this device is quite a bit more powerful on delivering an amplified sound output as it has 128mW at 32 ohms on SE and 510mW at 32 ohms on balanced output. In comparison with the ALLEGRO, it has a “warmish-neutral” sound profile which makes a bit coloured as it can give a more tactile bass response, a warmer and lusher midrange presentation and smoother and relaxed treble response with a less sparkle and less airy treble extension. On technical capabilities, it appears that it has a more solid macro-dynamics.

HIDIZS XO

• Compared to ALLEGRO, this device has a smaller form factor, an option to choose digital tuning filters and a customisable LED lighting but it doesn't have a hardware volume key. At least, on its packaging box, it includes a USB type-A and type-C adapter for usage on laptops and PCs.
• The HIDIZS XO has a balanced-neutral sound with a tad warmth just to sound at least more natural in which it aligns with analogue-ish yet less warm tonality that compared to the ALLEGRO, it sounds less dry and not so sterile sounding. It appears that it shares similar technical performance with the ALLEGRO from perceived sound/speaker size up to the resolution capabilities which is rather sufficient but not up to par with best-in-class dongle that I've tested.

EPZ TP20 PRO

• Like the ALLEGRO, the TP20 PRO also has metal alloy structure on its frame with a carbon-fibre coating on its surface albeit this device has a LED light for sampling rate indicator and a manual switch for gain mode. Inside its packaging box, it has short braided single crystal copper 8-core type-C to type-C cable for better signal transmission.
• On its internal, unlike the ALLEGRO, The TP20 PRO has a Cirrus Logic DAC, the CS43131 which is quite a proven audio IC which is quite power efficient yet it delivers a high power output. This device has “warmish-neutral” sound which is a bit coloured compared to ALLEGRO as it has a slamming and punchier bass response, a warmer and a bit lush on midrange presentation and smooth yet less airy treble response. Again, on technical capabilities, this one has a more solid presentation on macro-dynamics.

Given the current state on portable audio market that it is given there will be new product releases on a monthly or even on a weekly basis and DAC/Amp dongles are one of those products that KIWI EARS is quite a flexible audio company as it always adapting on the audio market changes. With the release of this product, it adds more option on the already competitive DAC/Amp dongle market.

To conclude this product review, while it doesn't have a class-leading power output performance among the entry-level DAC/Amp dongles in the market. With a solid built, a uniquely looking device with sturdy volume control buttons, the KIWI EARS ALLEGRO is quite enough to satisfy the needs of budget-minded audio enthusiasts who simply wants a device that delivers a good sound quality with capable technical performance at under US$100/£80.

KIWI EARS ALLEGRO is exclusively available only on LINSOUL, here is the unaffiliated product link for those who are interested.

★★ KIWI EARS ALLEGRO - LINSOUL ★★


For more KIWI EARS product reviews, check out the following previous models.

■ KIWI EARS CADENZA

■ KIWI EARS QUARTET

■ KIWI EARS QUINTET

■ KIWI EARS FORTEZA

■ KIWI EARS MELODY

■ KIWI EARS SINGOLO





SPECIFICATIONS:



TESTING TRACKS: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*


P.S.

I am not affiliated to KIWI EARS nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to MS. KAREENA TANG of LINSOUL for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

Kiwi Ears Allegro dongle DAC review and comparisons.
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When I first heard this, I was astounded at how much better the sound quality was than my more costly dongle DACs. Linsoul Audio, one of the largest online portable audio stores, provided me with the Kiwi Ears Allegro, which retails for $59.99 US dollars, for a review. I was told that I could say whatever I wanted in this review, and I'm grateful for that, because this dongle DAC sounds so good that reviewing it would be a relatively simple task.

Kiwi Ears is a relatively young audio brand that has quickly gained popularity in the international portable audio market. Their main product line consists of in-ear monitor (IEM) earphones. To be honest, I never paid much attention to them; however, after touching and listening to the Kiwi Ears Allegro, I realized why people love the brand; and based on the reviews and user comments I've read or seen, I believe this firm is solid and run by true audiophiles.

The packaging (see photo) is small yet tidy, with an excellent USB type C to C cable. It looks excellent with the Allegro, as if they were meant for each other, and I didn't feel compelled to purchase and replace it with a third-party connection. This is very surprising given the price, and the dongle DAC itself is compact, robust, and visually appealing. It evokes childhood nostalgia.



The Kiwi Ears Allegro has no problem driving my IEMs, except for the few difficult-to-drive ones. When paired with the Dunu Falcon Ultra Ti and the Xenns Mangird Top, which are my reference IEMs and used for sound evaluation in this review, the Allegro can go very loud at only 50 percent volume and ear-damagingly loud at around 85 percent volume. I used the 4.4mm connection.

It has the resolution and clarity that ESS Sabre chip-equipped DACs are known for. The tonality is very neutral, and the perceived frequency response is very flat. But the most notable of all is the bass control. This is one of the few dongle DACs I've heard that has excellent bass control, resulting in a very textured bass and sub-bass. The midrange sounds neutral and clean, and the treble is very extended.



Kiwi Ears Allegro vs. Hidizs S9 Pro Plus Martha vs. Rose Technics Roseselsa.

They represent three generations of ESS Sabre chips: the Allegro has the ES9028Q2M, the oldest, the S9 Pro Plus Martha, has the ES9038Q2M, and the newly released Roseselsa has the latest chip, the ES9039Q2M. Let me warn you in advance that any sound differences I point out are, in reality, really small; most people might not notice them.

I did an extensive three-way comparison, and the first thing I noticed was that the Roseselsa was the bassiest, the Allegro was the most neutral in bass, and the Martha was the most bass-light of the bunch. The Roseselsa might be the bassiest, but the bass is less controlled than the bass on the Allegro and could sound boomy at times. The Martha also doesn't have the most controlled bass and could sound boomy at times. It also has the least bass of the three due to its slightly elevated upper mids and treble sound. Again, the differences are tiny, but for me, the Kiwi Ears Allegro wins in this round by a wide margin due to its excellent bass control, making the bass sound very textured and non-boomy.

I heard no discernible differences in the midrange, but at the upper midrange and treble, the Martha was the most forward-sounding, bringing the details closer, the Allegro was neutral, and the Roseselsa has the most polite sounding of the three. I prefer the Allegro and the Martha equally in this round, as they sound more musical for me, but don't get me wrong, they all sound great, and the differences are really small.

In the upper treble region, the Roseselsa was the most polished sounding, the cleanest sounding too, but it sounded a little polite; the Allegro is the least polished sounding; the Martha is in between; it has the best balance of smoothness and liveliness in the upper treble; and I prefer it over the other two, so the Martha is the clear winner for me in this round, but again, the differences are very small.

In terms of sound stage, the Roseselsa has the deepest, followed by the Martha, and lastly, the Allegro. The Roseselsa also has the cleanest and darkest background of the three. Roseselsa clearly wins in this regard.

Of course, the implementation and tuning of the DAC chip also play a role in the final sound quality of the dongle. Therefore, the differences between these three cannot be pinned down to the chip alone.



Vs Moondrop Dawn Pro

I noticed the Dawn Pro has slightly bigger sound stage size, but the Kiwi Ears Allegro has more audible resolution. The Dawn Pro is warmer or more analog-sounding, which I like about the Dawn Pro. The Allegro easily has the better bass by far; it has more textured bass and seems to have a more powerful bass presentation.

Vs Moondrop Moonriver 2

The Allegro has a bigger sound stage and thicker note weight; it also has a cleaner background. They both have excellent bass control, but to make the story shorter, I prefer the Allegro over the Moonriver 2.

Based on the evaluations I've seen or read, the newly released Moonriver 2 Ti has better sound quality than its predecessor, but I believe the old Moonriver 2 is now outdated, since it may be outperformed by much less priced recently launched dongle DACs.



Pros:
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- a design the evokes good memories
- excellent sound quality
- very afffordable price
- excellent value for money
- great build quality
- volume control
- the included USB cable is the best I've seen

Cons:
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- I have no complaints with the Allegro, this is clearly a winner.

Conclusion:

I wasn't expecting much from the Kiwi Ears Allegro, but when I first handled it and looked closely, I noticed the machining was flawless, and the Allegro felt quite sturdy. When I tapped my finger nail on the Allegro, I heard a lovely high-pitched metallic pinging sound, indicating a thick metal, as opposed to my previous dongle DACs, which sound plasticky or cheap when tapped. The sound quality is practically perfect. And the value for money is phenomenal, which is why I recommend the Kiwi Ears Allegro above all other dongle DACs that I've reviewed for beginners who are starting to invest into dongle DACs in their audio journey. Thank you again, Linsoul Audio, for sending this fantastic dongle DAC for review.

Happy Listening! Cheers!