KIWI EARS Allegro

When moondrop released their Dawn pro at 50 bucks I knew that the competitors in the industry would try to pick up. And Allegro is a great example of this.


Hi everyone today's review sample was provided to me by Kiwi ears themselves and I thank them for the opportunity. But they don't have anything to say about what I say.

Allegro is a dac amp that uses an ESS9028q2m chip.

Like many other similar dac chips this chip supports all available audio formats from standard 16 bit to all the way 32 bit 384khz. I've still yet to find a song that can use this full range, I might try to test it with a remux or wave file. But honestly I personally think it's nice to have that extra bitrate.
Because although we can't use the 32 bit 384 khz on single files I personally hear a slight improvement on 5.1 concert recordings and anything that involves Dolby Atmos. So windows as a system does provide better sound output at these high bitrate modes.

Like dawn pro Allegro uses a dual 3.5 and 4.4 outputs.
It's power output is not the highest at 32 ohm 3.5mm gives you 70mW and 4.4 mm gives a 155mW.
But this doesn't really matter because if if it were to provide more power it would drain too much power from the usb connection. For laptops this isn't an issue but for smartphone users this is a pain in the ass.
And besides it still has enough power to drive full size planars.
Speaking of wich.
I've tested the Allegro with my Hexa, Kiwi ears Quintet and Ke4, letshuoer s12 pro as well as sennheiser hd560s and hifiman edition xs.

Out of all these the Edition xs is the hardest to drive and Allegro had no issue powering it via 3.5mm output. So it is powerful enough for almost every iem.

Now let's talk about the hardest part of this review for me.
The sound.
Honestly I don't have a good idea on how to describe it to you.
Because dac-amps are supposed to be flat and yet every dac that I've used so far had slight differences in sound. For example to me moondrop dawn pro has a cirrus logic chip and that dac-amp sounds musical, it doesn't change the frequency response but the Bass hits on that dac amp sounds open and spacious. Definitely better than my old note 9 and current laptop that uses a realtek sound card.
Old hidizs dac-amps that used similar Ess chips had a very resolving mid centric sound.
And Allegro probably due to its Ess chip sounds similar to them.
It is very resolving but it also sounds rather sterile. İt's flat, dead flat and this can be a good thing or bad thing depending on what you're using it with.
For example for my 560s it's a terrible choice, 560s already have a very clinical sound so pairing it with a neutral source like Allegro is not the best idea.
But edition xs pairs well with the Allegro.
Allegro pushes the center image and vocals forward and since edition xs has a pulled back mids it compliments it nicely.
As for iems everything sounds fine except hexa. Hexa is similar to 560s, it's neutral so it doesn't sound good with Allegro.
And for Kiwi ears models both KE4 and quintet pairs nicely but for different reasons.
Ke4 has too much bass for it's soft mids so Allegro boosts the mids a little and this makes it more detailed and more balanced. İt sounds great especially with the vocal forward tracks.
And for Quintet it's the exact opposite.
Quintet already sounds open and airy and adding a neutral source to it basically amplifies its resolving capability.
I'll be honest, I don't like to use Quintet with Allegro because of this, it sounds too harsh for music but in gaming this comes handy. It improves the directionality and separation.
But for music I prefer Dawn Pro.

And let's get into my criticisms.
I think Allegro is too bulky. It's built like a tank but it also makes it heavier than it's competition and for a mobile device this is an issue.
And other issue I have is the design.
This is my personal opinion so you are free to disagree with me but I think Allegro's design is not really that good.

I like the idea of retro eastetics but filling this thing with fake buttons isn't a good idea. Again this is a portable device so keeping it clean would've a better idea.
I get the reason, they wanted to add their identitiy but a soft glowing logo would've a better idea. İt would have double as a notification led.
And that's it.
I like the Allegro but it could use some improvements on design.

A retro styled portable powerful headphone DAC/amp​

The Kiwi Ears Allegro is a mid-priced retro-styled headphone DAC amplifier aimed at delivering high-quality sound from a fun looking compact device. The Allegro does it job exceptionally well, though for me personally the gaming themed buttons on the front of the device distract a little for an otherwise exceptional device:



The Allegro’s audio quality from both its 3.5mm and 4.4mm outputs make it a great choice for those looking for a reliable DAC amp in this price range (as you will see in the measurements section later).


Note: Thanks to Kiwi Ears for providing the Allegro for this review.
If you are interested in more information check out Kiwi Ears product page here
Where the Allegro is currently on sale for $50.99

Unboxing Experience and Box Contents​

The Kiwi Ears Allegro comes in simple box:



Some key specs on the back:


Opening the box you see the Allegro and a nice cable in the box:

Design and Build​

While the Allegro’s build quality is good, featuring a sturdy aluminum chassis, I personally think the retro gaming design slightly spoils what internally is a very decent headphone DAC amplifier. Mostly I feel it is a pity the volume control wasn’t the A / B buttons on the front of the Allegro or alternatively the ‘arrows keys’ on the fake game control would actually work maybe toggle some gain settle or filters.

Internals​

But the key thing with the Allegro are the internals

Dual DAC Architecture​

The Allegro is powered by ES9028Q2M DAC chip, which offer excellent detail retrieval, low distortion, and a smooth flat frequency response. This architecture provides separation and clarity, ensuring each channel is processed with precision for an immersive listening experience.

4.4mm Balanced Output​

The inclusion of a 4.4mm balanced output is a valuable addition for those using balanced headphones, providing enhanced power output and improved channel separation. This output is particularly useful for higher-impedance headphones, which benefit from the added power and control of a balanced connection.

Sound impressions​

The Kiwi Ears Allegro shines in its audio performance, providing a balanced and refined sound signature that works well across various genres. Its power output is sufficient for a wide range of headphones, from sensitive IEMs to more demanding over-ear models, ensuring a consistent and satisfying listening experience.

Bass​

The bass on the Allegro is tight and well-controlled, offering a solid foundation without overpowering the other frequencies. Tracks like “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins demonstrate the Allegro’s ability to reproduce deep bass with precision and texture, making it a great choice for genres that require accurate low-end reproduction.

Midrange​

The midrange is clear and articulate, providing excellent reproduction of vocals and instruments. The Allegro’s tuning lends itself well to vocal-centric tracks, with a smooth, natural quality that enhances both male and female voices. In “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele, the Allegro captures the nuances of her voice with warmth and clarity.

Treble​

The treble response is detailed and well-extended without being harsh, allowing for an airy quality that enhances overall transparency. It handles high frequencies gracefully, making it suitable for genres that rely on treble detail, like classical and jazz. The Allegro ensures cymbals and string instruments sound crisp without any harshness.

Soundstage and Imaging​

The Allegro offers an impressive soundstage for a DAC amp in this price range, with good width and depth that create a natural listening environment. Imaging is accurate, allowing listeners to pinpoint instrument placement within the sound field, which adds to the sense of immersion. The balanced output, in particular, contributes to a more expansive soundstage, enhancing spatial accuracy.

Specifications and Measurements​

Practial Measurements and Comparisons​

Why I am calling this a ‘practical measurement’ section?

DAC should be transparent windows into your audio collection​

You will often see reviews on head-fi (and other websites) talking about the subjective differences between different headphone DAC amps, one having a better bass response or another focusing on the midrange while a third might give you a more detailed treble and this was certainly the case in this market as recent as 3 years ago. And especially was the case at both the cheaper end of the market (as the technology was not as matured) but it can also for the very high end where manufacturers want to distinguish their devices with unique sound signature.

But in my opinion, DAC and Amplifiers should not change (by design) the sound signature, though obviously some implementations are better than others and some implementations (like Tube amps) will deliberately ‘colour’ your sound (like a stained-glass window). Older cheaper designs would also affect the extremes of your sound (the sub-bass) or poor filter implementations (near 20,000Hz) - maybe like glass that has ‘blurry’ or ‘frosted’ edges but then crystal clear in the middle.

I believe the best DAC and Amplifiers should be perfectly transparent and let your music be ‘seen’ perfectly clear by your headphones and IEMS (and Speakers), unless you choose some EQ to your preference.

Measurements of an old DAC compared to a modern one​

Few manufacturers previously would publish their measurements but as an example I did find during my recent review of the FiiO KA15 some earlier measurements of the FiiO K3, for comparison and the difference I think perfectly illustrate the point that the industry has moved on. Below is the FiiO DAC K3 from 2019 compared to the latest KA15:

While from 20-20,000Hz the K3 was a mostly flat it does roll off while a modern DAC will (should) be transparently ‘flat’.

Selection of a Headphone for ‘Practical Measurement’​

Rather than compare DAC Amp SINAD charts, I thought for this review it might be more fun to see how well does this DAC Amp (and a few other portable DAC amps) perform when driving a real headphone to loud ‘90+ dbSPL’ volumes and then measure the output from that the headphone to see if it is still transparent. This is to remove most of that typical uncertainty that I read when people just read DAC or Amplifier measurements (i.e. ‘but how will it perform with my XXXX headphone’ ).

So over at AudioScienceReview Amir has been putting together an interesting graph of how hard it is to drive any headphone that he has measured, and it is becoming a very extensive and interesting list covering most of the ’normal’ headphones (and some very expensive ‘high end’ headphones). Here is the latest version of that chart:



For those interested here is the source of this version of the list is from his latest: DCA Noire X review

So I thought I should use a headphone from the bottom end of this chart as a good ’test’ of these DACs, so I picked the Hifiman Sundara (as I am about to publish a review of that headphone). So here is that section of the list zoomed:



As you can hopefully see I thought the Hifiman Sundara was in the good ‘challenging’ part of this chart. So lets see how the Allegro does. But first I thought I should measure the Sundara with various Headphone DACs to compare if there is any ’tonality’ differences:

Hifiman Sundara FR with various DACs​

So in this test I measured the Sundara using my KB501X softear pinna and a 711 clone coupler and I decided to ‘volume level’ the output measured (as close as I could) with the various DAC Amps:



As you can hopefully see each one of the devices used produced the same result (i.e. they were all transparent at 90+ dbSPL). I even started using my Macbook Pro own headphone jack, then the Apple usb-c, and then I followed up with both the single ended and then the balanced output of various dongles.

Here a photo of the dongles (including the Allegro) that I used in this measurement (though I didn’t measure the Qudelik 4K and the FiiO KA17 in this particular comparison):



So in this photo the ones I used are Fosi Audio DS2, FiiO KA15, iBasso Jr Macaron, Kiwi Ears Allegro and the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini on the right-hand side of this photo.

So the point of this is each of these devices can drive a ‘hard to drive’ headphone but the question is still what ‘headroom’ they leave for that ‘high dynamic range’ track or for applying EQ filters (often needing an extra 10dbSPL).

To capture and understand this I used my Macbook Pro to ‘record’ what volume was needed to drive each device to this ‘volume matched’ level(through with the Macaron I had to use Macaron own volume buttons).

I believe you should always have some headroom when driving headphones so having more volume available, the better but which of these devices has ’enough’ for your use-case (on this relatively hard to drive headphone), so low volume is better:

I think it’s pretty impressive that all these devices could drive the Sundara to a pretty loud 90+ dbSPL, but what does each cost:

So the KA15 is considerable more expensive but does have a little more power, a screen and PEQ capabilities via a companion application.

Since, the Allegro Mini is really just slightly more powerful than the Apple USB-C dongle it benefits are the conveniences of having both a 3.5mm and 4.4mm and its super compact size.

The iBasso Jr Macaron is the cheapest of the “dual CS43131” models, it also has an Android ‘companion’ application and if you are an Android user I think it provides the best price to performance ratio here. But both the Kiwi Ears Allegro and the Fosi Audio DS2 also provide excellent powerful audio. So, as you will see in their individual reviews it a more personal choice of what design suits you. So, the Kiwi Ears Allego makes an excellent choice with the all the power you could want at this price point to drive almost all the headphones you own.

Given that all these devices are “transparent” with a relatively ‘hard to drive’ headphone at 90+ dbSPL we are at a golden age for ‘pragmatically’ price portable audio devices.

So, here is a comparison of various published specifications for these devices:

Rating​

The Kiwi Ears Allegro earns a 4-star pragmatic rating for its high-quality sound, build, and versatility in handling various headphones. I personally thought the retro styling took away from the excellent internals but at its price point it is hard to beat.

Conclusion​

The Kiwi Ears Allegro Headphone DAC Amplifier is a well-built, mid-priced DAC amp that excels in sound quality, offering a neutral, room-like tilt that’s both natural and engaging. Its robust DAC architecture deliver excellent audio, the Allegro is a versatile choice that fits well in any listening setup.

Kiwi ears Allegro Dongle
Redcarmoose Labs November 17, 2024

The Kiwi ears Company for the most part needs no introduction. Believe it or not Kiwi ears was an unknown Chinese manufacturer when in the summer of 2021 they released the original Orchestra IEM. The Orchestra is a $499.00 8BA Universal IEM that is still offered today. Now personally I haven’t heard the newest Kiwi ears x HBB Punch or the oldest original Orchestra.

But I have heard everything else, everything.

So what happens is you kinda get in bed with a manufacturer, you share the similarities in production and sound design. And quite frankly I am almost bewildered by how much product Kiwi ears has made!

Even though I haven’t heard original Orchestra Universal IEM and Punch Universal IEM……I have heard a few Kiwi ears products.

The Kiwi ears KE4 Universal IEM $223.00
The Allegro Mini DAC/Amp $24.00
The Canta Universal IEM $89.00
The Flex Ear-tips $14.99
The Allegro DAC/Amp $59.99
The Singolo Universal IEM $79.00
The Melody Universal IEM $89.00
The Forteza Universal IEM $59.00
The Dolce Universal IEM $24.99
The Quintet Universal IEM $219.00
The Orchestra Lite $249.00
The Quartet $109.00
The Cadenza $34.99

It goes without saying that you start to lean more towards some products over others. And the wild part was the unique experience I just had listening to the Quartet. The reason I bring up the Quartet here is not only is it the last Kiwi ears IEM I reviewed, it was also basically different in sound design (almost experimental) in that Kiwi ears went with one custom BA for mid-highs, one custom BA for the highs and 2 isobaric DDs for the rest. On paper you may question the hodgepodge of ingredients used to create the Quartet, but after 7 days of burn-in it really balanced out.


The Kiwi ears Quartet above:

See I know I’m getting side-tracked here, but the Quartet was truly a unique and rewarding experience for me. Why? Somehow the Quartet does bass, but what you are not expecting is beautiful vocals. Note-weighty full and textured vocals that when mixed with the silky highs simply becomes all you need. Sure the bass is there, but Kiwi ears went with a mid and upper bass emphasis which somehow created bass pace in the end. I’m putting all this here at the start because for a long time, I wasn’t sure if I would ever hear the Quartet in action? And probably the Quartet was the longest wait I have had post production to even hear it. But I’m so glad I did. Other IEMs of notoriety (to me) are the Kiwi ears Orchestra, and the crazy Hybrid, the Quintet. I know this is the Allegro review, but I would be short changing you my dear reader if at least didn’t mention who Kiwi ears truly is, they are an IEM manufacturer first and foremost.

Reality:
I may come off as a salesman and a marketer because I am, that’s what I have done my whole life. Yet at the same time I’m an avid music lover, musician and audiophile, so I can tell when stuff sounds good. And sure as with any manufacture there are good products and lesser examples of the audio art. Probably the only real dud here has been the Kiwi ears Forteza Universal IEM. Where in many ways the new Kiwi ears KE4 Universal IEM has been the attempt to rectify that particular model. And just like any manufacture Kiwi ears is not perfect, yet their whole stream of output (for me anyways) has been truly a fun ride.

My testing:
I’m not the most technical reviewer when it comes to DAPs and Dongles, hence my reviews are centering more on the basic sound profile, and use scenarios. Also though I will scour the web and try and accumulate some basic information, so at least you get an idea of where we stand.

Basic information:
ESS ES9028Q2M Decoding Chip
Amp Chip ESS9603
Does 32bit/384kHz PCM
DSD 256, DSD 128 and DSD 64
3.5mm and 4.4mm Output
Type C USB to Type C USB cable included
Red and Blue LED for DSD and PCM decoding
Power consumption 0.13A/0.65W consistently
70mW/32Ω for the 3.5mm output
155mW/32Ω for the 4.4mm output

Sound statistics:
Total Harmonic Distortion + N: 0.0015% (32Ohm)
Signal to noise ratio: 123dB
Frequency Response 20Hz to 40kHz
Noise Floor: < 1uV

Package:
Here we find the basic package which actually includes a six-page owners guide which contains basic specifications and operation. A special matching TypeC to TypeC USB cable is also included.




Build:
Really built is where the Allegro scores points. Coming in at a 22 gram weight, we are awarded with ample build quality principles. The (5 sided) case has a solid solid feel. Showing one (backside) plate of metal. The side toggle functioning buttons are both holding tactile response and seem of a superior metal quality.

The TypeC USB input does not wiggle, nor do the 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks respond with anything other than a firm click, and I like that! There is a sunken-in placement protecting the two toggle buttons, and even the USB TypeC cable included is very different, only bending two ways, due to design and construction.





Looks:
Somewhat of a visual showboat, the Allegro was made so that it would be noticed as the thing in use at a coffee-shop. While only two side toggle micro-switches are usable, we see a whole gambit of fake buttons installed across the top faceplate. The bottom of course has the small LED to indicate PCM or DSD in use. I can literally see small kids attempting to activate these magical top buttons, and that's the thing, here we are reminiscing the times of our youth, with a small game-controller in aesthetics. Probably the only additional add (to really make it realistic) would have been to place the TypeC USB off to the middle side of the device to truly replicate such a Game Controller imposter. But as a whole you have to at least give Kiwi ears credit for not making just another case for a Dongle, something to become visually remembered in this modern sea of Dongles. And in so many ways this is Dongle creativity at its best, as the shape and looks are fun!


Left to right:
The ACMEE 4X, The Allegro, The HeartField R1 and the SIMGOT AUDIO DEW4X

Comparisons:
Look I have roughly ten of these little devices to compare, but I randomly chose a few of recent arrivals. As such I’m really a DAP listener, but just like playing a game of cards here, I find different Dongles fun and interesting to at least compare back-to-back. If you were to ask me before side-by-side comparisons were made, I would say the HeartSound R1 Ladder Dongle is the warmest, the next warmest would be the ACMEE 4X and the one closest to the Kiwi ears Allegro would be the SIMGOT DEW4X? Let’s go!

Test rig:
So contrary to how you may envision this testing to go down, I’m not going to use a Kiwi ears IEM. Now sure a Kiwi ears IEM would work, only I’m trying a different approach than what maybe would be expected. Why? Well marketing and sales expectations could in fact hinder my believability, with concerns of this review being a marketing dribble. That I am choosing the KZ AS24 Pro IEM out of simply liking it. The AS24 Pro is also not exactly warm to the 10th degree and will show us how each Dongle ultimately is in the end. The KZ 10 BA IEM is just clear and even with the 2 DIP switches (1 and 2) (out of the possible 4 turned on) it is still not that bass laden or warm. Yet what sound is given is genuine and fun. I’m using the SIMGOT AUDIO LC7 in 4.4mm modular plug and PAC LStips. Again these ear-tips go with the program not adding excessive brightness or warmth.



You may question my use of the LC7 cable…………..it is fairly smooth up-top with a warmer than average treble and subdued upper Pinna gain added to a hefty lower midrange, which kind-of gives the KZ AS24 Pro what it is looking for.



The Kiwi ears Allegro:
Here I’m slightly out of character due to describing the Allegro first. Why? I have had the Allegro for 40 days! Sure I know and understand what it does and what it does not. The sound profile is very direct and shows a very small amount ether-way of coldness or warmth. As such I would probably call the attitude dry, it really is just that. And this dryness is not totally bad, especially if you combine it with a warmer IEM. A warmer IEM is good, as the IEM is adding back in the tone to arrive at more musicality. What the Allegro is becomes ultimately resolving and pure but not adding anything in regards to extra blurring of pace. So, the Allegro walks smack-dab in the middle of coldness and warmth.

This Allegro arrives at no-nonsense coloring, there is almost no color, accept if you chose to call dry a color.

The ACMEE 4X:
Here we do have an add of warmth, just not as much as pre-guessed. The stage is slightly bigger too. Ultimately what is happening is the AS24 Pro is showcasing its attributes over the Dongles and that is the way it should be. Yet there is an add of fluidness which is small but ultimately there as an addition. This fluidness is combined with added harmonic complexity and probably making the ACMEE 4X the preferred way to go, at least with the dryness the AS24 PRO is already promoting?

The HeartField R1:
Wow, so we are now in a true analog universe here. And as much fluidness the ACMEE 4X brought to the AS24 PRO, the R1 is adding to that to arrive at a very much more musical than analytical idea of playback. Here the best part are these added elements of accents flowing freely (as images) outside the stage. Now yes, this probably most would say is a color, but color me happy, at least with the AS24 Pro I’m happy. The drums are more round and fending off any crispness to arrive at soft and warm and even slightly blurry? But the blurry but great! Really the Allegro and the R1 are total opposites. Just like I have 3 different small dogs, and each dog shows its own personality. One is better at listening to commands and one simply ignores me if out of sight. So which one is the rebellious one here? The R1 is.

The SIMGOT AUDIO DEW4X:
So this was fascinating. As unexpectedly the DEW4 had more bass than the Allegro. There was also an awakening to these side-by-sides as they were more closer together than apart, except for the R1, that Dongle is 5150 crazy. But what was the awakening was how I started to do lots and lots of switch-backs. The switch of Dongles was to basically keep using the HiBy R3 II as the TypeC digital source with the same song in rotation over and over again, then over and over again. After a while the Allegro really sounded less dry and fully involved while still not holding quite the bass of the DEW4X or R1 what came about was a faster and more clear idea of playback.

Conclusion of side-by-sides:
Really this testing can go either way, meaning the test vehicles can go into separation or fly closer together after repeated (over and over) tests. Now that is not to say the attributes I have described about the Allegro are not there, it is just after comparisons to the other Dongles, somehow the Allegro doesn’t sound all together too different. Prices at the moment……..R1 $159.00, DEW4X $71.99, ACMEE 4X $79.00 and Allegro $59.99.



The Kiwi ears Quartet with Allegro and Pyramid VI cable:
Look, I knew this test was coming and I prepared for it. Why? This is the perfect example of a smoother and darker IEM joining forces to add the musicality back in. What I mean is this test I saved for last for this particular IEM and cable to write about. I did this as a way to find happiness, not to say with cooler IEMs the Allegro is not good. It is just in my opinion adding warmer IEMs is totally the way to go. With the Quartet it seems everything is more warm is the good stuff.

Warm is simply more listenable and fun, while never forgetting the detail and pace that makes the Allegro and Quartet both something of value here together! I guess they call this synergy because I have no other word. You simply forget to analyze stuff and let the music play on. Bass is rounder and big, yet still tight and pure. The treble is accounted for but not totally etching or strident ever. Here we have an upper midrange BA, and a treble BA and they (Kiwi ears) have de-tuned the BAs to offer a clear but not bright and somehow cohesive mix with the 2X DDs for the low end. It is that there is less sub-bass but an additive of middle bass and upper bass that makes this combination have pace and groove.


Shown with the Pyramid V1 cable and Sony WM1A with MrWalkman's firmware
The difference here is that noticeable the stage is bigger, also there are more finite details to be perceived.

Full-size:
Here the revelation was the MDR-Z1R and Allegro combination. See in many ways the Sony MDR-Z1R and Kiwi ears Quartet share much of the exact same style. Now for the record the Quartet does not have a bright treble tone, but where they share character is in how the mid bass and upper bass hold a presence. In fact the Allegro helped the tone of both the Quartet and MDR-Z1R for the exact same reasons……..the Allegro is neither too cold nor too warm, has great technicalities and is clear and transparent. These are the basic attributes that allow for clear yet added room response from both the MDR-Z1R and the Quartet. This room response is a sound that occurs with speakers in a room, where sound waves bounce off the insides of the speaker, then travel out to the side and behind the speaker (off the walls) competing with the forward front facing sound waves. A few dB of extra frequencies as has been measured and is a real-life phenomena. This is one of the basic differences between headphone sound and speakers in a room sound.

Adding this back to IEMs and headphones can add to listenability and prolong listening times. But if your source is too sleepy it can cause a decline in detail which could come off as boring. That is where the technicalities and extra dryness of the Allegro are a plus. When you add the clear response and transparent nature of the tonal response of the Allegro you’re out of the woods so to speak.



The R1 goes to offer a warmer analog sound, never reaching the volume levels of the Allegro. Still what is there reaches an adequate volume with smoother ideas of treble and midrange to becoming more like sheets of sound appose to the Allegro finite details and hardy dampening factor.



The ACMEE 4X goes to introduce a slightly more fluid response along with comparable stage, but maybe just a smidge more soundstage, and a more fluid midrange.



Conclusion:
I was extra critical of the Allegro at the start of this review. And for good measure as the market is truly flooded with Dongles. Still though the Allegro has its place, and the Allegro earned its place today!

Such a small and well made device you would be fine tossing in a bag and attaching it to your laptop in a public coffee house. Really while I found better Dongles for crisp clear IEMs like the KZ AS24 Pro, this is nothing new here at Redcarmoose Labs. Meaning normally I like smoother and more musical ideas of a Dongle for the KZ, and other IEM playback devices. Yet as the review here progressed I combined the Allegro with full-size headphones and things started to come alive, as it is one of the more powerful Dongles in Dongle Land.

Plus the tonality the Allegro held turned-out to be an asset to the Kiwi ears Quartet and Sony MDR-Z1R.

Joining and mixing these ideas as to create sound quality is nothing new, only when you discover them each time they ARE new and precious.

The preciousness is that they enable long enjoyable listening times, and just like that fresh glass of cold water, such an example in daily life is refreshing!

$59.99
https://kiwiears.com/products/kiwiears-allegro

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Evelyn Zhou from Kiwi Ears for the Allegro review sample.

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

Equipment Used:
HiBy R3 II DAP Type C USB digital output
Apple MacBook Air 3.5mm output single ended
ACMEE 4X Dongle 4.4mm balanced
HeartField R1 Dongle 4.4mm balanced
SIMGOT AUDIO DEW4X
Samsung phone USB Type C
MacBook Air Type A to Type C USB

The Universal Model of the Quartet, they make an alternative faceplate and a CIEM model too.