Kiwi Ears Dolce

dosec

New Head-Fier
Sweet, doce, dulce, dolce, 甜的
Pros: - Sweetness
- Nice treble extension
- Great bass texture
- Nice body and box
- Makes me think why should I pay more than 25 USD on an IEM
Cons: - Nothing on this price range
Kiwi Ears Dolce (originally posted at avaliasom.com)

Presentation


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Hello, friends of AvaliaSom. The one I bring you is the Kiwi Ears Dolce, an earphone that was kindly sent to me by Linsoul , without any obligation to speak highly about it, just provide my opinions. Xiè xiè, Linsoul!

This IEM costs from 25 USD (or around 30 USD applying the 20% Brazilian taxes in current legislation).

I've already tried some Kiwi Ears products: Cadenza , Quartet , Orchestra Lite and now it's Dolce's turn. The list of recent releases from Kiwi Ears is quite extensive, and I admire the work this brand has done, delivering IEMs for different tastes and budgets. And at this time when import tax burdens in Brazil are at prohibitive levels, the cheap Dolce fits like a glove for those who want to get to know Kiwi Ears' work without spending a lot.

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The IEM comes with a simple but careful unboxing. What appears to be one of those cigarette box packaging is actually a small rigid box with another glove box on the outside. And this one features the render of the IEM on the front and the Dolce name highlighted on both the back and the side. The internal rigid box is white and features the Kiwi Ears logo.

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Inside the rigid box, we have the plastic cradle for the IEMs with a velvety coating, and there is also another smaller box that stores the cable and a spartan kit of good silicone tips in a small bag. The cable is very simple, but well made, made of OCC (oxygen-free copper). The connections are 3.5 mm for the source and 2-pin 0.78 mm for the earphone. There is no case or bag, unfortunately.

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The IEM itself is another example of simplicity well done: the plastic faceplate combines blue and black in a gradient, while the shell is entirely made of slightly smoked transparent plastic, with a nozzle made of the same material, allowing you to see the driver and cables on the inside. interior. There is a metal grid with a filter at the tip of the nozzle, in addition to the brand name printed on the shell and the 2-pin connector is popped out.

The sound is generated by a 10 mm dynamic driver with an LDP diaphragm, a combination of LCP (liquid crystal polymer) and LDPE (low density polyethylene).

Comfort

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To my ears, the comfort of the Kiwi Ears Dolce was ideal. The phone is very light, has a rounded body and a good length nozzle. I used the size L tips that came with the package and had a great seal, without any discomfort. As it is a ventilated earphone, it does not generate any pressure in the ear canal.

Musical Sound

I tried the IEM on different sources, which are: iPhone SE (my “DAP”), Dell Laptop, Apple Dongle, Truthear Shio, iFi Uno, Cayin RU6 and Topping DX3 Pro+.

By the way, I invite you to check out my headphone test playlist on Spotify . This is a dynamic playlist, and the songs can change at any time, but they will always follow the purpose of presenting all the points I mention in my musical evaluation of the headphones.

Regarding sources, the Kiwi Ears Dolce plays smoothly in any of them, and assimilates the coloring characteristics of each sourcewell. I didn't notice considerable differences in sound in more refined sources when compared to cell phones or laptops, for example.

NOTE: The following notes serve as a comparison parameter only in the price range in which the IEM falls.

  • Bass: Level 3/5, Extension 5/5, Speed 4/5, Texture 4/5
The Dolce has already started to impress me in the bass, as they are deliciously controlled and pleasant. Starting with the beautiful extension to the subs, which brought beautiful body to the beats of “Ambitions Az a Ridah”. Bassheads will miss more bass weight, but I personally found the Dolce's bass sufficient for everything I listened to, and it reminds me well of the KZ D-Fi in this regard.

In terms of texture, I really like it, and I consider it superior even to the Cadenza, which brings drier and faster bass, without the body that the Dolce gives to the cellos of an Apocalyptica, for example. There is also a beautiful presentation of drums in a rock song, and the bass line on tracks like “Paranoid” appears well, but not prominently.

And just like in most modern drivers, even in cheap IEMs, there is good speed in the kick drums of Ne Obliviscaris and similar bands. I didn't notice a rush of notes, not even in the most insane moments.

  • Midrange: Level 3/5, Presence 4/5, Clarity 4/5, Voices 4/5, Transparency 4/5
The Dolce brings a considerable mid-bass presence, something that brings notable weight to Geoff Castelucci's voice , as well as portraying very well the lowest notes of a guitar, as in a “Táxi Lunar” in this version by Mariana Aydar with the Fejuca.

The clarity and transparency of a Portuguese guitar or a mandolin is also notable, just as the IEM also presents Andrea Grauzas' soft voice in a very sweet way. Did the idea to call the phone Dolce come from that?

Jokes aside, this is the best way to define the midrange of this guy: sweetness. Not even in more analytical sources do Helloween's voice and guitar pass the point, but they don't give you goosebumps either. And when it comes to the more intense female voices, Dolce also appears controlled, and I noticed a discreet sibilance beyond what was expected in Evanescence's “Hello”, but it didn't bother me.

  • Treble: Level 4/5, Brightness 4/5, Airiness 5/5, Extension 5/5, Timbre 3/5
In terms of treble, it can be seen that Kiwi Ears has given a good focus to this range of the spectrum, and the only point that I think it doesn't impress is the timbre, which to me sounds more metallic and thin than ideal.

However, I really like the splash of cymbals, which stand out on any track, including a beautiful extension noted in “September in Montreal”. Compared to the Truthear Hola, it's as if the Dolce had an extra driver to take care of the high treble.

Listening to a forró (brazilian folk genre), the presence of the triangles among other instruments is very noticeable, while the highest notes of Lindsey Stirling's violin sound very interesting.

  • Technicalities: Sound Stage 4/5, Image 4/5, Layering 2/5, Separation 3/5, Details 3/5, Resolution 3/5
When it comes to technicalities, I'll start by saying how I liked the Dolce stage, even though it's a lateral stage. Listening to “You and Your Friend” by Dire Straits , we have a very well presented stereo image for the different instruments. As for layering, the presentation of sounds occurs in a practically flat spectrum.

The separation of instruments is average for this price range, as is the level of detail and resolution presented. In other words, although it is not a technical exponent, the Dolce is a very capable phone in this aspect.

Sound in Games

For battle royale games, like CoD Warzone 2.0 , Dolce is very competent in presenting what happens on the sides, including a good sense of distance, but it lacks precision when the sound emitters are on the diagonals, just in front or right behind. And there is practically no accuracy in different sounds on the vertical axis. Rating 2.5/5 .

In FPS games like Valorant , Dolce changes from water to wine. The tuning is ideal for highlighting the sound of opponents' footsteps, and its stereo image matches the game very well. This makes it very easy to identify the location and movement of opponents, even in the most chaotic moments. Rating 5/5 .

In casual games, like GTA V , Dolce delivers a good lateral image, but its three-dimensionality is very discreet, which ends up damaging the immersion a little. On the other hand, there is an excellent naturalness to the surrounding sounds. Rating 3/5.

Finally, in simulation games like Assetto Corsa , there is a beautiful texture to the sound of the engines, but the Dolce lacks a little in strength. The immersion is good, but there is always the feeling that something is missing. Rating 4/5.

Sound in Films, Series and Productivity


Dolce's tuning is very interesting for films that feature a lot of dialogue, like “Scarface”, and proves to be a good companion for documentaries and the like.

I also recommend the Dolce for anyone who needs an earphone for work or study, as it provides a good sound for voices, even lower-pitched or poorly recorded voices, and because it is comfortable, it can be used for hours without any discomfort.

Conclusion

Kiwi is a fruit that brings an ideal proportion of sweetness and acidity to my palate, it's a balance almost like Ying and Yang. And just like the fruit, this cheap representative of Kiwi Ears balances the sonorous flavors, with an exemplary capacity in this price range.

For 25 USD, Dolce enchants, and the longer you keep it in your ears, the more you question why we spend so much on this hobby, if often a little jewel like this can deliver everything we're looking for in our music. preferred.

The Truthear Hola was, for a long time, my favorite IEM in this input range. Even when the KZ D-Fi arrived and enchanted me with its resolution, I was in doubt about which of the two was better. But with Dolce, that doubt is over. Today, it is the best cheap option for me, and I recommend it with my eyes closed, and it becomes part of my list of recommendations.

Big hug!

Berry108

New Head-Fier
𝑲𝒊𝒘𝒊 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝑫𝒐𝒍𝒄𝒆: 𝑼𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔
Pros: Good overall sound
Engaging tuning
Build tolerance is tight
Cons: Other priced IEMs are built "better"
𝑲𝒊𝒘𝒊 𝑬𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝑫𝒐𝒍𝒄𝒆: 𝑼𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒇𝒖𝒍 𝑷𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔


|| 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ||

Kiwi Ears has established itself as one of the most prolific brands recently with release after release of new IEMs on various price points. Prior to this offering, the cheapest Kiwi Ears IEM you can get is the Cadenza for around $35, but Kiwi Ears just released a new and cheaper entry with the Dolce starting at around $25.

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Equipped with a variation of an liquid-crystal polymer driver(LCP) that is tinkered with with a low-density polyethylene film(LDPE) which they refer to as an LDP driver, Kiwi Ears aims to take the common LCP approach with a different twist.

|| 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 ||

  • I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the brands I review and do not give out preview privileges.
  • This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both
    parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.
  • My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.
  • I don’t do rankings or tier lists as they can get outdated immediately as a reviewer can change their thoughts of a product to a certain extent. If you do want a recommendation then feel free to reach out so I can help out

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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 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗟 𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗦. 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀.

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| 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 |

Keeping with the packaging design philosophy of Kiwi Ears, it comes in a compact box that is designed very much like every other Kiwi Ears product albeit with cheaper materials because of the cheaper price tag.

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| 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

After sliding off the cardboard cover and the top cover, the Dolce earpieces immediately greet you as being encased in a thin plastic mold with a felt texture. Below it is box that has the accessories included in the package such as the cable and ear tip.

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𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:

QC pass stamp card
Dolce ear pieces
Stock high-purity OCC 3.5mm L-type QDC cable
A set of normal-bore ear tips(S/M/L)
Nothing much included considering the cheaper price tag.

I would like to add that the ear tips are color coordinated with the Dolce ear pieces themselves which is a nice touch but otherwise not necessary. All of the accessories are nothing exceptional but it is more than enough to get you started.



| 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The Dolce is built with medical-grade transparent resin with a mild black tint for the majority of the IEM and has this plastic faceplate with a cool blue to black gradient. The nozzle is also made with the same material of the body and has a ridge to help the ear tip stay in place. They do protrude a decent bit to help with insertion and a vent is located near it.

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The rear of the IEM has L and R indicators and Kiwi Ears branding. Unlike all the previous releases, the Dolce seems to be the first and only Kiwi Ears release that doesn’t have a 2-pin connection, which was instead replaced by QDC. The shape of the Dolce is quite universal in that there is no grooves or protrusion that others may find uncomfortable.


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I honestly prefer 2-pin over QDC for the sake of continuity between my cables but 2-pin cables do work but the connection may become a weak point in my opinion.
The overall design is good. The faceplate design is very minimal and subdued, though it may not look flashy, it does look bland with only the gradient coloring adding to the visual look. The build quality is also good with no rough edges and seems to have higher tolerances for imperfections.

Kiwi Ears packed the Dolce with a variant of the traditional LCP dynamic driver by placing a low-density polyethylene film on the driver to “help produce less low-harmonic distortions” according to Kiwi Ears themselves.

Dynamic drivers are one of the most used driver types either on a budget or even to those higher-end models. It’s nice to see Kiwi Ears trying out variations of the adored driver with some tweaks. All of that talk however, don’t hold up if it doesn’t sound good nor different from the competition.

I for one don’t really have a lot of knowledge of driver-related things besides those common ones and am keen on seeing if there is something special with this attempt Kiwi Ears made.


| 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The isolation is quite average, it’s neither good nor bad. This is still usable in times where you need to drown out the sounds of the outside world in a pinch but there are definitely others that can serve you well.


| 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 |

Being a universal fit, I find the Dolce quite comfortable even after using it for hours. It fits snug in my ear and doesn’t fall off with the slightest of movements. Occlusion
effect is also average in the Dolce


** 𝗨𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗞𝗕 𝗘𝗮𝗿 𝟬𝟳(𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹) | 𝗭𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝟭 | 𝗩𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗶 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗗𝗔𝗖 **


| 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 |


These can be run very easily due to how efficient dynamic drivers can be. I see no problem running these off a phone and noise floor isn’t much of an issue.


|| 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 ||

Using these at first made me wonder about its strengths and weaknesses. I don't come outright at first listen. I find these basically a jack of all trades and master of none. It doesn’t have any glaring issues but also doesn’t have anything of note. What I can say that it sounds a bit like a V-shape that is very common and is liked by a decent amount of people.

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| 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 |

Dolce is more skewed to more mid bass than sub bass. Despite leaning more on the hits and punch, rumble is still present though quite minimal. Mid bass hits have
impact and body though it is quite soft. There is only little bleeding on the Dolce during my testing but is very much kept at bay.


| 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘀 |

With the bass kept in check, Vocals and instruments are quite clear and present. Both female and male vocals are decent but can sometimes sound lean, and sibilance can be a problem to really sibilant voices. Though male vocals doesn’t sound dry, they do lack warmth or weight


| 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘀 |

Highs of the Dolce isn’t harsh, though execution isn’t the most clean. It tends to sound coarse and tinny at times. This has more forward treble than its closest sibling the Cadenza which is more warm. It is more detailed and less cloudy-sounding as the Cadenza though the treble execution could benefit from some polishing.


| 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Staging is average, it doesn’t necessarily feel especially wide nor tall. Separation, imaging and layering are all above average as well making it great for competitive gaming and analytical use in a pinch. I would recommend the Cadenza over this if you were ought to use it for more immersive genres like RPG games or movies.


|| 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 ||

I tried really hard trying to fault Dolce. Whilst it does have its downsides, it does it in a way that you aren’t particularly bothered by the negatives. I won’t recommend this for people who have a particular characteristic that they’re looking for in an IEM, like bassheads, and trebleheads among others, but the Dolce is quite versatile in itself that you won’t find anything especially lacking but as well as not especially excelling in a category.

[| 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐬 |]

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

(These are not affiliate links. I do not gain anything whatsoever upon purchasing something using the said links)
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suicideup

New Head-Fier
Kiwi Ears Dolce Review!
Pros: All rounder, energetic, bright sound signature (subjective).

Exhibits excellent qualities of an LCP-based driver.

Punchy, well-controlled bass response for its price.

Bleed-free, detailed mids.

Forward, airy vocals.

Extended, detailed treble.

Above average technical performance for its price (subjective).

Cool gradient faceplate design! (subjective).

Very good fit, comfort and isolation.

Easy to drive.

Overall clean sound quality.
Cons: This will be perceived as “too bright” to some ears.

Subbass extension may be lacking to some (subjective).

Instances of mild sibilance and upper mids peak are present on very sibilant tracks.

A pouch or a cable winder would’ve been a great treat to anybody in this price point.
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Kiwi Ears Dolce Review!

Good day! After 5 days of casual and critical listening, here’s my written review for the Kiwi Ears Dolce. A sweet budget contender!

Disclaimer:
  • I don’t read and read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as how earphones should be used.
  • Kiwi Ears 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:
  • Hiby R3 Pro Saber
  • Fosi Audio DS1
  • Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
  • Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: stock large eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 3.5 SE plug, 40-60% volume, low gain and high gain.


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Sound signature:
  • The Kiwi Ears Dolce sports a mild-v/w-shaped leaning towards bright sound signature. It may also be perceived as a neutral-bright sounding IEM on some sources, due to its firm, controlled bass.The Dolce sports the redeeming qualities that exist on an LCP driver, namely is very good detail technical performance and controlled, clear lows.
Lows:
  • The lows are mildly elevated and not as elevated compared to its upper frequencies. Being a punchy, midbass-dominant set, the Dolce delivers a clean, feet tapping bass response albeit not being a basshead’s dream. In addition to these characteristics, the attack and decay is quite fast, or faster than average.
Mids:
  • The mids are quite interesting to my ears, in a good way. The vocals are more forward than the instruments, offering a sense of intimacy. Lower mids do not exhibit any added thickness due to virtually zero midbass bleed presence during my tests. Upper mids are definitely elevated and exhibit a very good amount of clarity, air, and sparkle. It is leaning towards the bright side of the spectrum, and peaks, and mild sibilance are present on very sibilant prone tracks. For an average set of ears, this isn’t really a big problem as these don't linger too much or too long on most tracks, but for those people who are sensitive to upper frequencies, this may be a reason for you to skip this set.
Highs:
  • Bright and elevated are some of the overarching characteristics of the treble of the Kiwi Ears Dolce. It is definitely present, sparkly, and airy. Cymbal crashes are satisfying and do not pierce. Detail retrieval is above-average to my ears compared to the sets you usually find under 30USD, as the Dolce can pick up most details and nuances in a track.
Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:
  • In a nutshell, the Dolce exhibits an above average quality under 30-50USD. The soundstage is average, offering a wider than deep characteristic, with a good amount of height, but never “out of your head” experience. Separation and layering are above average to me in this price point as it can handle busy passages fairly easily. Imaging is average, accurate at best. It renders vocal and instrument position accurate.
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Comparisons!

VS Tangzu Wan’er SG
  • The Wan’er is a smoother, laid-back, thicker, neutral-ish warm-sounding set. The Dolce is the opposite of that. In return, the Dolce renders more detail and is quite better at the separation and layering department when compared.
VS CVJ KE-S
  • The KE-S is a warmer, smooth, lush, thicker sounding IEM. It is also inferior in technicalities compared to the Dolce. Dolce is definitely brighter and cleaner.
VS KZ D-Fi (with tuning switch, DDDU config)
  • The D-Fi is more " neutral" and less energetic when compared to the Dolce. It is also less brighter as well. Both share the same technical performance. Peaks are least heard on the D-Fi. Dolce is cleaner in terms of overall sound.

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Pros:
  • All rounder, energetic, bright sound signature (subjective).
  • Exhibits excellent qualities of an LCP-based driver.
  • Punchy, well-controlled bass response for its price.
  • Bleed-free, detailed mids.
  • Forward, airy vocals.
  • Extended, detailed treble.
  • Above average technical performance for its price (subjective).
  • Cool gradient faceplate design! (subjective).
  • Very good fit, comfort and isolation.
  • Easy to drive.
  • Overall clean sound quality.
Cons:
  • This will be perceived as “too bright” to some ears.
  • Subbass extension may be lacking to some (subjective).
  • Instances of mild sibilance and upper mids peak are present on very sibilant tracks.
  • A pouch or a cable winder would’ve been a great treat to anybody in this price point.
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Verdict
Despite being tuned as an “all rounder” IEM, the Kiwi Ears Dolce is quite different from the norm due to its forward, lively vocals and somewhat “bright” take for a mild-v/w-shaped IEM . Exhibiting the remarkable characteristics of an LCP driver, the Kiwi Ears Dolce automatically hits the sound I prefer under 30 USD. This IEM sure is quite different and interesting compared to the IEMs you see within this price point. If you are looking for a bright, vocal-forward sounding IEM with a very good technical performance, consider the Dolce as one of the possible choices under 30 USD. The gradient faceplate also stands out among this price range!


Pairing recommendation/s:
  • Source: This sounds just fine when plugged straight to a phone, but is vastly better when used with a proper source. I prefer using a warmer source on this one.
  • Eartips: The eartips are alright but I suggest using softer eartips for this one.
  • Cable is good, soft, and does its job. You may use your preferred cable.
Thank you for reading!

Non-affiliated product link here!:
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-dolce

Additional Photos Here:

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SherryLion

New Head-Fier
Better Than The Cadenza? The Kiwi Ears Dolce
Pros: 1. Extremely detailed treble.
2. Forward and expressive mid range.
3. Well controlled bass.
Cons: 1. Can become sibilant and tinny, which may sound like BA timbre.
2. Lower mid range lacks depth and weight.

Review OF The Kiwi Ears Dolce


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Introduction


Kiwi Ears recently introduced their capable IEMs to the audiophile community, with models intended for every market segment, whether it be under $50, $150, or $300. The Kiwi Ears Dolce is an ultra-cheap IEM that was recently released by them. I am personally familiar with Kiwi Ears because, with the exception of their Original Orchestra, I have reviewed every single IEM they have created and made available worldwide. The best part is that each ensemble, including Orchestra Lite, Cadenza, and Quartet, sounds fantastic and is distinctive in its own right. Today, I got my hands on their recently released Kiwi Ears Dolce ultra-compact in-ear monitor. Before we find out if these are as good as their other products, let's first clarify a few things.

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Disclaimer


*Since this unit tour was organised by the kindly people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. And 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 "Dolce."
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Dolce based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification


The Kiwi Ears Dolce is an IEM with one dynamic driver on each side, specifically a 10mm LDP (LDPE + LCP) driver. This driver, which has a diaphragm made by crosslinking crystallisation of low density polyethylene films with liquid crystal polymer, is something I have never heard before. Although they appear to be like any other generic IEM that is offered in this price range, the shells are made of extremely durable medical-grade resin. Even though the faceplate is painted in a dual colour scheme of flowing black and blue, it is made of metal. Although the shells are light and comfortable to wear, my testing showed that I could listen to them comfortably for extended periods of time without becoming fatigued. The cable is made of high purity OCC copper and has QDC type 0.78mm connectors on one end, terminating in an L-shaped 3.5mm plug. For an IEM at this price point, the cable is also lightweight and average. Although the eartips that come with the package match the IEMs' colour very well, there are other sizes available as well. 102dB of sensitivity and 16 Ohms of impedance are the technical specifications. 20Hz to 20kHz is the range of the frequency response.

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Sound


In less than a year, Kiwi Ears have already made a name for themselves in the audiophile world with fantastic releases that are adored by all, especially Cadenza, a 50 USD champion. However, the release of the Dolce intrigued me, and when I gave the IEM a listen, everything became clear. The Dolce is made available to satisfy those who didn't like the Cadenza sound signature as well as to draw in more enthusiasts and Kiwi Ears admirers.The Dolce has a more V-shaped sound with an exhilarating and super energetic treble, a great forward mid range, and a significant amount of bass, as opposed to the balanced sounding signature that the Cadenza follows, which has a dark treble natural and thick vocals, and Good amount of warm bass. If you look at the graph, you might be afraid of the area after 2000, but reassure yourself that it's not bad—even if it occasionally causes conflicting emotions—and doesn't leave a negative impression of the IEM. Let's talk in greater detail about the Dolce.

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Treble


Dolce is a very intriguing set, particularly in terms of the treble tuning. Many people will worry about how overly stressed the gragh is above the 2k region, as was previously mentioned, but rest assured that it is not bad despite a few points that have me wondering, which I will address later. The Dolce has a lot of energy in the treble region, which brings out a tonne of details in the mix and makes every note that is heard in this area sound sharp and detailed. Although the upper treble does sound wide and airy, it also gives the music a metallic undertone. The notes come across as sharp and thorough, but they also have a hint of offensiveness. The notes are lean in nature, meaning they have less note weight and density, which combined with the airy sound makes me think that the sound is beginning to sound a little artificial. However, those who don't mind the BA timbre might think it sounds similar to it. The vocals and the instruments are clear and do not swell into a single note or become distorted. Although, as I said, it doesn't come across badly, the lower treble adds the super energy that can be seen in the graph. In fact, this amount of energy makes the vocals come across lively and strong in the mix where the instruments complement them. Although the lean nature of the notes introduces sibilance into the mix, whether it is the vocals or the instruments, it does come across as noticeable even though it is not tiring. Overall, the treble region's presentation is very energising, detailed, and airy with hints of offensive qualities.

Mid Range


Since the mid range is uneven as a whole, the nature of how it is tuned makes it somewhat accountable for how the treble region behaves. The Dolce adds a lot of energy to the mix, particularly in the treble range, but the lower mid range does not feel that energy in the same way. The upper mid range does, to a certain extent, share the lower mid range's energy, but that only emphasises the airy nature of the notes and makes the sound more interesting and engaging. The vocals and the instruments are brought forward into the mix in the upper mid range, which has an upbeat sound. Particularly in the case of female vocals and metallic instruments, the nature of the notes is felt in the same way but with more note weight and density, making it sound non-offensive but rarely bringing sibilance into the mix. The vocals and instruments sound extremely clear and detailed, and the open presentation makes it easier for the instruments to support the vocals without ever detracting from the overall mix. The vocals also add the most revelation to the mix's subtleties and details. It sounds clear and vibrant in the lower midrange, where the vocals and instruments sound surprisingly clean but still relaxed. I'm not comfortable with the clarity because, in my opinion, the lower midrange shouldn't sound this clear because it sets the stage for how authentic or artificial the higher frequencies will sound. Basically, it determines whether the entire response is likeable or not. The reason offensive signature is introduced in higher frequencies can therefore be explained by clarity. The bass guitar has a clear sound, but it doesn't slam or sound thick. Overall, the mid range presentation sounds open, precise, and expressive.

Bass


The bass is tuned well because the sub bass and mid bass sound great and have a lot of presence. The nature is extremely detailed, so the texture and details are fantastic as well. The mid-bass also has a strong presence and contributes to the fuller sound, even though the sub-bass is where the emphasis is. When listening to a bass-heavy track, the sub bass extends far enough to cause an audible rumble in the ear canals. The impact of the punches is strong, but it dissipates quickly. The slams and thumps are felt in the same way. The lack of lower mid range presence in the mix causes the mid bass to easily lose its composure despite adding some warmth to the mix. But up to 300 Hz, the bass is audible and sounds natural. The bass region is well controlled and does not become overpowering or influential, so I really have nothing to complain about regarding it because it is well tuned. The bass region is presented in a clear, detailed, and well-controlled manner overall.

Technical Performance


The Dolce outperforms the other IEMs in this price range primarily in the technical areas, but that doesn't mean they don't perform well in other areas. The separation is distinct, and the stage is big enough. The images are crisp and clear. The speed of resolvability is also quick, and the resolution is excellent with impressive detail retrieval.

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Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation


The separation is distinct and far enough away for the elements to breathe, keeping the presentation expansive and airy, and it allows one to precisely identify the direction from which the sound is coming. Compared to other IEMs in this price range, the imaging is clearer and sharper.

Speed & Resolution


When compared to its rivals, its resolution is the best, and its details, whether they be micro or macro, are particularly expressive and direct. The speed of the notes' attack and decay is also unexpectedly quick.

Sound Impressions


Sources


Tempotec V6 - The Dolce's more energetic treble when paired with the V6 was in some ways exhausting, but only after extended listening. The bass was more controlled and less overpowering in the mix, while the midrange remained forward and felt the same. The details and imaging were clearer and more expressive, but the only technical changes I noticed were these two. Overall, I didn't find this pairing to be to my taste or preferences.

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iFi Hipdac - As the treble was toned down to my preferred level and the midrange took centre stage, adding a more realistic vibe to the mix, the sound of the Dolce felt less energising and more calm when paired with the Hipdac. This made me more eager to listen to them. More dynamic and elusive bass was felt. Although the details were slightly less noxious, the technicalities still felt overwhelming to the average person. I undoubtedly enjoyed this combination.

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Tracks Used


Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion


As I wrap up this review, I'm still astonished by how much Kiwi Ears' product impressed me. Dolce managed to keep me interested in them even though they don't cater to my tastes or preferences. The sound is lively and exciting with lots of details, making it best suited for people who enjoy listening to music of all genres. So, if you're looking for a good detailed IEM with excellent vocals and mix clarity, I'd definitely suggest these.

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Koresawa
Koresawa
nice review!
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