New Kiwi ears Aventus DJ and Gaming ANC Wireless and Wired Headphone

Review Of The Kiwi Ears Aventus​

Introduction​

Kiwi Ears, as I mentioned in my recent review, has been on a roll in the headphone segment. Their headphones, Division and Ellipse, and Bluetooth headphone Ardor, have received great acclaim for their features, sound quality, and build quality, all at an affordable price. As a loyal fan of Kiwi Ears for the past two years, I was pleasantly surprised by their success in this area. While they haven’t released any groundbreaking products, they’ve delivered reasonable and worthwhile products that justify their price. This is a significant achievement for a company entering a new segment of products.

In addition to Ardor, Kiwi Ears has also released a Bluetooth DJ/Gaming headphone called Aventus. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on it. Before delving into further details, 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 “Aventus.”
*I am using different ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Aventus 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.
*Additionally, it is important to note that this review is written from an audiophile’s perspective, although it will be considered more of a consumer product than one specifically designed for the audiophile community.

Specification​

Basic Technical Information​

Aventus, like the Ardor, offers the same driver configuration, but there are some differences that we’ll explore in more detail later. It also employs a dual-driver setup, featuring a 40mm dynamic driver for bass and a 10mm dynamic driver for treble. Both drivers are positioned in a coaxial arrangement. Notably, despite being Bluetooth headphones, they also include a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable for analog connection, a USB-C to USB-A cable for charging, and a USB-C to 3.5mm plug cable for other connections.

Moving on to the technical specifications, the impedance is set at 16 ohms, while the sensitivity is 102 dB at 1 kHz.

Build & Form Factor​

The headphone body is crafted from high-quality plastic, ensuring durability and comfort. It features ample padding on the earpads and headband, providing a secure fit. The design bears a resemblance to headphones like the Audio Technica M series, giving it a “mecha” like stylish look. The headband has great padding and dense foam and ear-pads are designed to swivel to one side which can be flat rested and can also be fold inward, like the ear-pads doing Namaste, enhancing convenience and portability. The earcups adopt a more rounded shape to accommodate a wider range of ear sizes, while a ten-step extender ensures a customizable fit for every head shape.

Another surprising feature is that the headphones come in a hard and sturdy headphone case that protects them and makes them ready for travel. Overall, the design and features of these headphones are impressive, although I’m not an expert in gaming headphones. I play games with them, though, and I’ll share my experience later in the review.

Features & Compatibility​

Now, let’s talk about the Bluetooth features. These headphones support Bluetooth 5.4, which provides an impressive 8-10 meter signal range. Additionally, they offer support for SBC, AAC, and aptX transmission codecs, ensuring smooth audio playback. Moreover, they enable simultaneous connections to multiple devices via Bluetooth.

The headphones feature a five-mic array, offering hybrid ANC and effectively reducing ambient noise by up to 35dB. Battery life is impressive, with 82 hours of playback from a 1000mAh battery when ANC is disabled. However, ANC significantly reduces battery life to 45 hours when enabled, and with ANC + RGB lights on, it drops to 18 hours. Surprisingly, these headphones provide 4 hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge. The RGB lights illuminate the circle and the Kiwi Ears logo inside each earcup, located in the center. Another unique feature is the ability to customize the sound with a different pair of foam pads that are offered within the package.

The earcups of the headphones feature microphones, a volume rocker, an ANC button, and a dedicated button for RGB lights, in addition to the 3.5mm and USB-C jacks. The volume rocker also serves as a shortcut to navigating to the forward and last tracks.

Usage​

These headphones, despite being made of plastic and having a somewhat premium look, appear to be built like a tank. Surprisingly, the quality is great. To be honest, they are much more versatile and superior to most of the headphones I’ve used. However, there are certain areas that I believe the headphones lack, which I’ll discuss later in this section. To be honest, it helped me reconsider my claim of being the best gaming/DJ headphones.

Battery​

Aventus is an excellent headphone if you’re concerned about battery life. In my testing, I managed to use it almost to the advertised battery life limit. I tested it under various conditions, as mentioned by the brand itself, including:

- Normal usage
- Use with only ANC
- Use with only RGB
- Use with both ANC and RGB

Before conducting any tests, I fully charged the headphones and drained them before recharging them to 100%. I kept the volume at 40% throughout all testing. Additionally, before starting each test, I ensured that the headphones were fully charged. The reason for limiting the volume to 40% was that even at that level, the headphones were quite loud for me to listen to comfortably. However, this might be due to the headphones’ tuning, which I’ll discuss later in the review.

Normally, when I used it without ANC and RGB light on, I could keep it running continuously for three and a half days straight. However, there were times when I turned it off, which lasted around 3-3.5 hours.

Moving on to my next test, with only ANC enabled, I managed to get around 44 hours of continuous use with the same 40% volume setting. Surprisingly, when I used it with both ANC and RGB lights on, I was able to get around 25 hours of use.

After that, I used it again, this time with only RGB lights on, and the battery life was as good as the ANC, with more hours to spare, I believe.

I also tested the 10-minute fast charge feature, and it helped me use it for 3.5 hours, which is quite nice to have.

Connectivity ​

The Aventus Bluetooth headphones use the 5.4 protocol, which provides excellent connectivity and allows for multi-point connection. This means you can connect to two different devices simultaneously. Switching between the connected devices was seamless. However, when I was using the headphones rapidly, switching between devices with media playback on one device and calls on the other, the headphones became confused. They kept going back and forth, but once I answered a call on one device, they wouldn’t switch over. This was a good point, though. I also noticed that there were some situations where the connection was stagnant and I had to switch to an active source.

Using the cable did indeed enhance convenience, as mentioned earlier. Two analog cables are provided: a pure analog cable and one with a Type-C connector on one end.

Now, there’s one surprising feature that I haven’t seen in any headphones, whether gaming or not. Once connected via analog, the user can use both the RGB lights and ANC/Transparency mode. The RGB button works in both ways, but for using ANC/Transparency, the user can either turn on the headphones and click the ANC button once to switch between the two modes or simply press and hold the ANC button to activate both ANC and Transparency modes.

Thankfully, without the cable attached, nothing works unless the headphones are turned on.

Convenience ​

The Aventus has a convenient mechanism that allows it to shrink to half its size. However, I find the bulge on the case to be inconvenient. Sliding in and out of the bag while commuting disrupts the arrangement of the entire bad and makes it difficult to pull it out. When placed on a flat surface like a table or bed, they become unstable and wobble, making it easier to knock them down.

On the other hand, commuting or traveling with these headphones while using them or keeping them around my neck didn’t cause any inconvenience. I usually ended up keeping or using them without the case.

When putting these on my head, the comfort is great. The quality memory foam earpads are large enough for my ears to fit comfortably, and the way the headphones are made, the clamping power is balanced out, so they don’t cause any discomfort while using them. However, during extended use, sweat starts to build up, which is a common occurrence in closed-back headphones.

Even when using the cables, there weren’t any concerns related to connections or comfort. I do believe that some people might find the weight a bit of an issue, as these headphones are a bit heavier than most consumer headphones available in the market.

MFB & Features​

Coming to the features, these headphones offer a lot of functionality for a very affordable price. In fact, many Bluetooth headphones don’t have as many features as these headphones, which really impressed me.

Starting with the buttons, the left side cup has volume buttons and a multifunction button in between. The multifunction button is easy to work with and locate with my hands and fingers. It allows me to switch it off/on, play/pause music, answer/reject calls, and wake up my dedicated assistant on my smartphone. I didn’t encounter any issues using it.

The left side also has a proprietary 3.5mm jack for analog connections, although other 3.5mm cables will also work with the headphones, which was a plus.



Now, let’s talk about the right side of the headphone cups. They have two dedicated buttons located at the back of the cups ( same as the left side cup), which is convenient to use while wearing the headphones. However, it was a bit hard to get used to these two buttons at first. One button acts as an RGB button that features two types of lighting effects, while the other button switches between ANC and transparency. Double-pressing the button also switches from normal/game mode to music mode.

The right side cup also has a Type-C plug, but unlike Ardor, it only charges via this port.

Overall, I was really happy with all the features and the way they were coded to work.

ANC/ Transperancy & Mic ​

To be honest, these headphones do have ANC and Transparency mode for the price they’re being offered at, but there are a few caveats. To put it simply, the ANC works well, especially compared to other headphones at this price that also have ANC. However, the Transparency mode sounds a bit strange and almost off.

During my testing, the ANC was able to eliminate engine noises, traffic noises, and horns to some extent, but they were still audible. While commuting, the crowd seemed to disappear, but any announcements or loud conversations beside you would pass through if you weren’t listening to music. Overall, it works well.

Now, knowing that I’m spoiled by the Transparency mode of my daily drivers, the AirPods Pro, I had to step back and try other wireless earbuds and headphones that also have Transparency mode. I wasn’t very impressed with Jabras, Sennheiser, or other more affordable Bluetooth headphones or earbuds I tried. I was particularly not impressed with these headphones themselves. The reason is that they have an off-balance feel to how the tuning or the mics are sensing the sound and blending it with what you’re listening to. It works fine because the surrounding environment is passed through and sounds clean, but the wonkiness of how either side is producing the surrounding makes it feel underdeveloped.

That’s why I find their features decent. I’m happy that none of the advertised features are gimmicky and actually work.

Now, let’s talk about the mic performance. While calling, gaming, or recording, the mics catch the sound precisely and cleanly, focusing on the wearer’s voice. Even when in a crowded place or busy area during a call, the person on the other end of the call wasn’t disturbed by the noise and could clearly hear the wearer’s voice.

Drivability ​

Now that I know these are Bluetooth headphones, I was still curious about their drivability, especially since they have a hybrid-dual driver setup. When it comes to the source, they don’t require much power; I can literally use my iPod’s 3.5mm jack to power them. However, I did confirm that the sound changes when using different sources, which I’ll discuss more about later.

Sound​

Via Bluetooth

Now, when it comes to the sound via Bluetooth, I believe these headphones truly shine. The tuning of the Kiwi Ears worked exceptionally well, producing a great sound for a headphone that can be used as both a gaming headphone and a DJ headphone. Although I primarily used it to listen to music, I was not disappointed.

The response of the Aventus leans towards a bright V-shaped sound, which depends on the mode I’m using. As I mentioned earlier, these headphones have a gaming mode and a music mode.

Gaming/Normal Mode

When it comes to the gaming mode, the response seems to be very focused on the upper frequencies, as the midrange and lower treble sounds are quite prominent in the mix. The stage is wide and has nice depth, and the surrounding headspace has good air and space, which allows for detailed and sharp sound. The vocals sound fuller, clearer, and airier, especially when it comes to female vocals, percussion, and cymbals.

Now, I do find that it might become a bit bright, but even when listening to these at lower volumes helps the details to be more pronounced in the mix and helps pinpoint where the sound is coming from. Especially when it comes to footsteps and locating other players, Aventus makes it effortless to pinpoint where the sound is coming from and makes it very clear.

Now, when it comes to the bass, this is where it truly shines. The bass is well-controlled and clean, with a clear and articulate sound. The boom and rumble experienced during gameplay made it more realistic, as the bass wasn’t booming; it was well-balanced, which helped the whole scenario bring more attention to details, ultimately resulting in a new experience.

Do note that I only played Warzone, Valorant, CS:GO, Doom Eternal, and Genshin Impact while using these headphones.

Music Mode

Now, let’s talk about the music mode. The upper frequencies take a step back, making the sound more balanced. However, from an audiophile’s perspective, the response is still a bit V-shaped. Thankfully, the bass response is still articulated, which provides a detailed sound. Overall, the relaxation in the lower treble and upper midrange makes the music sound fun and energetic.

The treble response is lively, the midrange is forward and clean, and the bass is well-controlled. While these headphones may not be considered audiophile-grade, I believe any casual listener will find them enjoyable and engaging in music mode.

One thing to note is that these headphones have a very open sound, which brings out more characteristics in both vocals and instruments across the spectrum. The gaming mode, on the other hand, mostly emphasizes the upper frequencies, particularly in the upper midrange and lower treble.

Via Analog​

Firstly, I must confess that I had conducted extensive A/B testing to confirm my revelation before sharing any information about the differences between analog and Bluetooth sound. Yes, there are indeed differences in sound, especially when testing with various sources in the analog version. In short, while listening in analog mode, the responses varied depending on which Aventus was paired with. There were differences in the tuning, which made the sound more spacious and clearer, with better resolution, imaging, detail retrieval, and separation. The vocals became more distinct, and the instruments had a more narrative quality. The notes were highly resolving, and the sound projection was well-balanced, rich, and dynamic. Before discussing how the Aventus sounds on different sources, I would like to mention that using the analog mode while the headphones are powered on results in sound that is transmitted through the headphones. However, the sound quality is compromised, and it sounds nasal and degraded. Now, let’s delve into the differences in sound when using different sources:

FiiO M15S



This pairing sounded much closer to the Bluetooth mode, considering how neutral the M15S sounds. However, I would still say that the nuances are way better expressed, even though almost everything sounded the same. Consequently, such a response helped the tracks sound livelier, well-controlled, and detailed. The vocals and instruments didn’t come across sharp or bright; instead, they had resolved and clear responses, enhancing the experience of perceiving the details.

Sony WM1A



This pairing had a more dynamic sound that helped the vocals sound more characteristic and natural. Both the bass and treble extensions were well-noticed and emphasized, though the bass sounded more wholesome yet still well-controlled. The response was very much balanced, sounding soothing. Unlike other pairings, there were no peaks or sibilance.

iPod 5.5G Enhanced (Rockbox)



The Aventus had a warm and lively sound, to be honest. The vocals and instruments were sounding more forward than in the center or back of the headspace, which gave it a somewhat forward-sounding quality, especially the female vocals. Nothing was emphasized, but the blendful presentation made it sound musical and rich.

3.5mm Vs Type-C ​

As mentioned earlier, these headphones come with two cables: a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and a 3.5mm to Type-C cable. Although the headphones only have a 3.5mm input, the convenience of using it with smartphones or devices without headphone jacks but with Type-C makes them versatile headphones.

Now, let’s talk about the sound difference between the two cables. The Type-C cable provides a very centric presentation, especially when it comes to vocals. The instruments sound far and more open and relaxed, while the vocals take center stage and sound upfront. The stage depth is good, but the width is not particularly impressive. To be honest, the overall response sounds much closer to the pure analog version than it does when the headphones are in Bluetooth mode.

Foam Filters​

The Aventus also came with the foam filters that I almost forgot about, though after using them, I noticed a noticeable difference in sound. When it’s in its normal or gaming mode, the response is tamed or muted, reducing the spiky lower treble and upper midrange. This results in a forward sound with more emphasis on the bass, making the vocals sound more weighty and natural. The overall response becomes more dynamic. This is great for listeners who can’t handle the bright notes, especially those ‘ss’ tones, and want a revealing response. However, I do feel that the lively response fades through the filter.

On music mode, the headphones are already dynamic and more balanced, with better emphasis in the lower region. While the openness is somewhat muted, the bass is not emphasized much, delivering a very balanced and rounded response similar to any other Bluetooth headphones but with better tonality and technicalities.

Personally, I prefer the music mode with the filter because it sounds soothing and rich, like a warm-sounding headphone, but with better technical chops.

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
Kohama Lam - A Few Sentimental
Kohana Lam - Loving Me, Loving You
Miliyah - Kono Yumega Samerumade
Rokudenashi - The Flame Of Love
Yu-Peng Chen - A New Day with Hope
Yu-Peng Chen - Another Hopeful Tomorrow
Yu-Peng Chen - For Riddles, for Wonders
Valentino Khan - Satellite
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
Jawns - Erotica
ISOxo - how2fly
Kai Wachi - Happier By Now
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
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​

I agree that features aren’t the sole determinant of quality, and it’s true that having a lot of features don’t define it. However, I’m confident that the overall sound presentation is significantly better than even other consumer-targeted Bluetooth headphones, whether gaming or casual. While it may seem gimmicky, the dual driver system works effectively, elevating the experience and producing excellent bass and clarity without compromising on the midrange or vocals.

Personally, I’m not a gamer myself, but when I used these wired or wireless headphones, I was thoroughly impressed with the low latency and clearer, more detailed tones. These features may not be necessary, but they contribute to an impressive overall experience.

The fact that these headphones can last for three days of continuous use while streaming and watching content without ANC is already impressive. Moreover, with the RGB lights on, they can play games for 25 to 48 hours, depending on whether ANC is enabled or disabled.

And the cherry on top is the use of wired connections through either 3.5mm or Type-C cable.

While the transparency mode of these headphones isn’t as impressive as high-end earbuds or headphones that people are accustomed to, yet transparency still fucntions. I’m relieved to say that none of the advertised features are gimmicky. They may not be as impressive as others, but they do get the job done.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend these headphones for the price they’re coming in at.

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 provided to me by Linsoul in exchange for my impartial and honest review. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to Carina for coordinating this unit for review!

Non-affiliate link for those interested:
https://www.linsoul.com/products/ki...u06T7_eCGfjC4tssdBHvTfO37QmMwbXv8nZ3OCFraDgEm

Gear used:
●Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
●HiBy R3 II
●Various DAC/amps

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

Introduction:
Kiwi Ears is well-known for their IEMs, but the company recently decided to enter the full-sized headphone arena, releasing many new models over the last few months. The Aventus is one such new product and it's marketed toward DJs, gamers, and Bluetooth/ANC aficionados. It comes with a very reasonable price tag of $89.99 and features a unique 40mm and 10mm dual dynamic driver configuration. Let's break down this latest full-sized headphone release from Kiwi Ears and see how it performs.

Build, fit, ergonomics:
The unboxing experience is simple but good, and the box features some nice artwork of Aventus. Inside, you will find the travel case containing the headphones and all of the accessories. The build quality of the headphones themselves is decent. They are made from a mix of plastic and metal components but don't feel cheaply made. They have a nice weight balance, and the cups swivel slightly to ensure a good fit and seal. The Aventus has an all black design, and the cups feature the Kiwi Ears logo, which lights up when the lights are enabled. As far as the fit goes, I have pretty large ears, and the Aventus fits me well. The headband is easy to adjust, and the padding ensures it's quite comfortable. The pads do touch the edges of my ears, but it doesn't bother me much. However, they do trap heat, and my ears get warm after a short period. I'm also a little leery of the lifespan of the faux leather material, as I've had some peel badly over time. The pads also appear to be glued to the plastic ring that holds them, meaning they might not be easily replaceable. There are five buttons in total located on the cups: three on the left and two on the right. They are easy enough to locate and use, but I will go over their functions later. The Aventus also includes two long, partly coiled cables for wired use: one terminated in 3.5 mm and one with USB-C. The termination that connects to the headphone side can also be rotated slightly to lock in place, which is helpful to prevent easy disconnections. The headset folds and unfolds easily enough for storage, and the included zippered case is quite nice. It comes with a carabiner clip to easily attach the case to a backpack or bag and two netted sections inside to hold the cables. The fact that the Aventus even includes a case at all at this price is pretty crazy, but to have one this nicely built and sturdy is nearly unheard of. There are sets priced at multiple times the price of the Aventus that don't include a case, so my hat's off to Kiwi Ears for this decision. There are also two sets of foam inserts, of varying densities, included in the accessory package. These can be applied to the back of the pads to slightly alter the tuning, and the process is very simple and straightforward. The pads can be easily removed by simply rotating them counter-clockwise. Once the pads are off, the foam can be applied to the circular cutout on the back of the cups. I will discuss how these inserts affect the sound later in the review. Overall, the Aventus has decent build quality and fantastic accessories for the price.

Technical specifications and features:
● Bluetooth - 5.4
● Drivers - Dynamic 40mm + 10mm (Coaxial)
● Noise Cancellation - Hybrid ANC technology, Noise reduction depth -32dB±3dB
● Battery Capacity - 1000mAh
● Playback Time - 18hrs (ANC + RGB on), 45hrs (ANC on), 82hrs (ANC off)
● Fast Charging - 10 mins = 4 hours playback
● Impedance - 16Ω±10% @1K Hz
● Sensitivity - 102±3dB @1kHz 1mW
● Frequency Response - 20Hz ~ 40KHz
● Connectivity - Can connect with two devices simultaneously
● Ear Cup Design - Foldable and rotatable
● RGB Lighting - With RGB light + plastic decorated pad

The Aventus is packed with an impressive number of features, even without app support. There are the standard ANC and transparency modes, as well as "normal" and "music" modes offering slightly varied tunings. The ANC button on the right cup cycles through ANC on/off and transparency modes; a double-click toggles between normal and music modes. The LED button, also located on the right cup, cycles through three options: on, blinking, and off. Kiwi Ears' promotional material states that the LED lights are customizable, so I expected an app or some way to control the lights, but there is no such option. On the left cup, there are three buttons for volume up, volume down, and pause/play. A long press of the volume buttons can be used to navigate to the next/previous track as well. Interestingly, the Aventus can be used wired directly to a source using the 3.5mm port on the left cup. When using a wired connection, the Bluetooth, ANC, transparency, lights, and buttons will all be disabled upon connection. The lights and most other features are still available when wired, but the buttons function differently. The pause/play button becomes a mute button, there are no next/previous track functions or normal/music modes, and the ANC can be turned off completely by holding the button instead of a short press. Having the capability to use the Aventus wired and wirelessly is a great option, so even if the battery dies while on the go, music remains accessible.

Bluetooth, ANC, and battery performance:
The Bluetooth range is decent, and I easily walked around the house without losing connection. However, going about 25 yards from the source causes the signal to drop, so it is not overly impressive. There is also slight input lag when pausing and switching tracks, but it does not detract much from the overall experience. Generally, the ANC mode on other headsets I have tried causes an uncomfortable pressure feeling in my ears, but the Aventus is much more tolerable and barely noticeable after a short period, which is a nice surprise. Transparency mode is not the greatest, but it works well enough. To be honest, I don't use this option often. There are some slight tuning differences when switching between ANC on and off. I noticed more bass fullness and a warmer tilt when ANC is disabled, but the overall balance sounds a bit off to my ear, so I prefer the tuning with ANC on. There are also subtle differences when alternating between music and normal modes. To my ear, the music mode sounds a bit better balanced, with a lower bass shelf, less accentuated vocals, and a more even treble response. Normal mode is a bit more W-shaped, with an added fullness and note weight, extra sub-bass emphasis, more forward vocals, and a little more treble sparkle. Keep in mind that these impressions are while using the thicker tuning foam inserts. I did hear similar changes without the foam, but they were less pronounced. Between the different modes and thicknesses of foam, there are a ton of tuning combinations. I'm really impressed by the amount of customization, as it's not often seen at this price point outside of EQ or a companion app.

The battery life of the Aventus is excellent. Kiwi Ears boasts about 80 hours without ANC or LEDs, and about 40 hours with ANC only. In my experience, it did not last quite that long, but it's pretty close and plenty long enough for me. Because I rotate through so many different sets daily, I was able to use the Aventus for well over a week without even thinking of charging it. Also, the battery benefits from quick charging, providing a few hours of run time after only about 10 minutes of charging.

Sound impressions:
My preferred way to listen to the Aventus is with ANC and music modes enabled and utilizing the thicker foam filter inserts. The following impressions were made using these settings. I would describe the overall tuning as a darker take on a U-shaped sound signature, but overall still fun. The note weight is on the thicker side, which I generally prefer, but it might be a bit too syrupy for some. The Aventus can get very loud through the Bluetooth connection and is also easily driven with a simple dongle or the included USB-C cable when used in a wired setting. Detail retrieval is suboptimal, but this set is more geared toward fun and musicality than resolution and nuance, so don't expect much when dissecting tracks. The soundstage also lacks width and has a bit of an echo effect, likely due to the general nature of closed-back headphones. There's nothing inherently wrong with the timbre, but it does lack a more natural and organic quality at times. The imaging is not terrible, but it is not especially strong either. There is some echo at times, which diminishes imaging accuracy and makes judging distance more difficult. The dynamics are just okay—not great, not terrible. It could definitely use more nuance between loudness levels to extract more dynamism. The separation and layering are a bit messy and not up to the standard I'm used to from IEMs in the same price range. Overall, the Aventus will not win any awards for its technical performance, but I also don't believe it was Kiwi Ears' intention to do so anyway. This set strives for a fun and musical experience, and in this vein, I think it accomplishes its mission.

●Lows - The tuning of the Aventus is not inherently bass-heavy, but there is plenty here for me to enjoy. The bass has a good balance of sub- and mid-bass, but the latter is a bit more prominent. The extension is just okay, but I would like a lower-reaching sub-bass. The texture is fairly clean, and the bass is about as resolving as can be expected at this price point. The attack is not particularly punchy, and the impact is about average or slightly on the more polite side. The speed is fairly quick, and the double kick drums are audible, but the separation is a bit muddled, and they do tend to blur together somewhat. The decay is perhaps on the quicker side of average, and I would prefer the reverberation to last a bit longer to sound more natural to my ear. The mid-bass does bleed over into the midrange just a smidge, but it is not too bad. Overall, the bass does a great job of remaining a feature of the tuning without impeding on other frequencies. It is especially adept at allowing the midrange room to shine, which makes it quite enjoyable for me.

●Mids - This is one of the stronger aspects of the Aventus' tuning. There is a sense of musicality and a slight lushness here that is quite compelling. Vocals are forward, well-separated, and prominently featured without being overzealous. They are not shouty and have a certain emotive quality that helps me connect with the music. Both male and female artists are equally featured, and neither overshadows the other. While vocals have a fairly natural timbre, instruments in this range suffer a bit. They tend to sound a little less organic and a bit muffled. I would also like the lower midrange instruments to have more representation, especially in orchestral arrangements where they come across a bit flat. Those who value a vocal-first style of midrange while still exhibiting a nice overall balance with other frequencies should find the Aventus quite enjoyable.

●Highs - The treble presentation is mostly rolled off and polite. It will definitely not be enough for treble aficionados or those looking for air, sparkle, and detail. But for me, it's pretty close to my ideal target. The extension is enough that I don't hear it as devoid of air, and although it doesn't have a particularly energetic presentation, there is still a sense of crispness and a slight edge to the notes to keep things interesting. Cymbals and hi-hats can sound a bit metallic at times but don't come across as splashy. Claps and snares are well-behaved, although they could use just a bit more incisiveness to stand out further. Maybe the biggest praise I can afford the Aventus as a treble-sensitive listener is that it performs very well on sibilant-prone tracks with absolutely no issues. There is also no thinness or ethereal quality to the vocals. Sure, the treble could use a bit more extension and energy, but otherwise, I am quite satisfied with its presentation.

Comparisons: Credit to Kuulokenurkka for the graphs. Keep in mind that these Aventus measurements were made using the thinner foam inserts, while my impressions were made with the thicker foam.

● Moondrop Edge ($90) - The Aventus features a dual 40mm and 10mm dynamic driver configuration, and the Edge a single 40mm dynamic driver. Both are obviously Bluetooth headphones; however, the Aventus can also be used wired. The Aventus lacks a companion app, but the Edge has the Moondrop Link app for EQ and other customization options. For this comparison, I utilized the Country Style EQ setting on the Edge, which, in my opinion, is honestly the only EQ option of value. Unfortunately, it is locked behind the app and cannot be accessed without it. Please take the graph with an extra grain of salt, as this EQ would undoubtedly graph a bit differently. This EQ setting is also noticeably louder than the others, which is a bit strange. In terms of accessories, the Aventus pretty much blows the Edge out of the water. Kiwi Ears includes two cables for wired listening, a charging cord, foam inserts for tuning, and a nice hard-shell case. Moondrop only includes a charging cord and a carrying bag. As for build quality, both sets are made of a mix of plastic and metal, with the Aventus being the heavier and bulkier of the two. The earcups of the Edge are much more oval-shaped, whereas the Aventus are rounder. Both have plush and soft padding on the cups and headbands and are comfortable to wear. My large ears fit a bit better in the Edge's cups, but the Aventus offers better overall fit, seal, and isolation. I think the Edge has a much more premium-looking design and aesthetic, but some may prefer the more traditional-looking Aventus. When it comes to overall tuning, the Aventus has a well-balanced U-shaped sound signature with a nice bass shelf and plenty of energy in the upper mids and lower treble. The Edge has a slightly sharper V-shaped tuning with a more recessed midrange. The Aventus has a fuller bass response with more of a mid-bass focus, whereas the Edge is less bassy overall and has more of a sub-bass focus. The Edge does come across as the cleaner and more resolving of the two, but the Aventus is punchier and more fun. In the mids, the Aventus has a smoother and more balanced midrange with both male and female vocals prominently featured. The Edge's midrange is recessed, and male vocals, in particular, sound too distant for my taste. Instruments also lack weight and have a slightly unnatural and brittle timbre. In the upper frequencies, the Aventus has a treble response that more aligns with my preferences. It is rolled off but still has enough energy and excitement to keep things interesting. It does lack extension and air, though, so it may not be for everyone. The Edge, on the other hand, has quite an energetic lower treble that can be fatiguing and also lacks air to balance it out. It is not inherently bright per se, but the recessed mids certainly do not help the overall balance. When it comes to ANC, the function works well on both sets, but perhaps a bit better for me on the Aventus, which could also be due to a better seal. The Aventus boasts longer battery life and can reach much higher volume levels than the Edge. Both have buttons on the cups that are easy enough to use, but those on the Aventus work better for me due to their size and placement. In the technicalities, I might give the Edge a slight nod in detail retrieval, separation, and layering, but the Aventus easily wins in soundstage, dynamics, and timbre. In conclusion, the Aventus offers a decent amount of features and versatility and a much more enjoyable listening experience for me. The Edge's stock tuning out of the box is bad, and the EQ features are inaccessible without the app. It is also limited to Bluetooth connection only and just sounds generally worse to my ear. To be honest, I expected these two to trades blows, but Kiwi Ears has really surprised me. I would easily choose the Aventus every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
My pick: Aventus

●Bose QuietComfort ($350) - Bose has been a major player in the portable headphone game for many years, so it's good to see how Kiwi Ears' newer products compare to the old guard. The QC utilizes a 40 mm DD, while the Aventus sports a dual 40 mm and 10 mm DD configuration. The accessory packages are similar, each including a charging cable, a 3.5 mm terminated cable, and a case. The Aventus' inclusions are better, though, since it also includes a USB-C terminated cable and tuning foams. Unfortunately, the Aventus does not have an app, but the QC works with the Bose companion app, which offers some simple EQ and other customization options. As for build quality, both sets are made of a mix of plastic and metal, and the Aventus is the heavier and bulkier of the two. The QC's cups are more oval-shaped, and the Aventus' are rounder with thicker padding. I personally find the Aventus to be more comfortable, but both are easy to wear for long periods. The overall designs are very similar, but the QC is available in a variety of colors, while the Aventus only comes in black. I will award a point in Kiwi Ears' favor for the LED lights on the cup which is a fun inclusion. When it comes to tuning, the Aventus definitely has a more fun and energetic sound signature, while the QC is more V-shaped but not super exciting. In the bass, the QC is more sub-bass focused with lower-reaching extension and a slightly more prevalent rumble, but it generally has less bass quantity. The Aventus is more mid-bass focused and has better impact, slam, fullness, and weight in the low end. The Aventus also has a more lush-sounding midrange, with vocals coming through clearer and more forward in the mix. The QC's midrange is cleaner, with better separation from the bass and a smoother presentation, if a bit recessed. Both headphones have a polite treble free of harshness and sibilance, but the Aventus sounds a bit brighter in comparison, especially without the foam inserts. Both are also a little deficient in air and treble extension, which suits me fine but may not appeal to everyone. The QC's ANC is better at blocking ambient noise, but it causes uncomfortable ear pressure, which bothers me quite a bit. Its transparency mode is also better, but the Aventus has a longer-lasting battery, and its ANC can be completely disabled. As for the technicalities, the QC has better detail retrieval, imaging, and a deeper soundstage, while the Aventus offers better timbre, dynamics, and a wider soundstage. For me, this comparison comes down to overall tuning preference and comfort. While the QC does offer better ANC performance, the tuning is not my preferred style. The Aventus is more engaging, with a lusher, more colorful midrange, making it more enjoyable for me. I also find the fit more comfortable, the battery life better, and, not to mention, it's only about a quarter of the price—hard to argue with that.
My pick: Aventus

In conclusion:
I haven't had the opportunity to experience many full-sized headphones during my time as a reviewer, and none in the budget tier, so I was very excited to get my hands on the Kiwi Ears Aventus. For me, this set is all about having fun and enjoying music on the go. The bass is full but not overbearing, the midrange is great at showcasing vocals, and the polite treble is easy on the ears. The Aventus's technical prowess leaves much to be desired, but it's still very easy to like and has a lot to offer. It makes for a decent all-rounder for my music library but definitely excels in more upbeat and fun genres like pop, rock, and EDM. For only $89, you get the convenience of Bluetooth and ANC, a fantastic accessory package, the option of a wired connection, impressive battery life, and plenty of tuning customization with included foam inserts and normal and music modes. In my opinion, Aventus stands as a testament that one doesn't have to spend a lot of money on this hobby to get something truly enjoyable. At the end of the day, I honestly struggle to find much to complain about. The quality of the pads is probably my main concern, as the faux leather material tends to peel over time; but at this price, I highly recommend picking up a pair. Simply throw on your favorite dance music, switch on the lights on the cups, and enjoy!

Spoiler: A little about myself and my musical taste.

Hi, 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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• 40 mm + 10 mm Dynamic Driver Configuration;
• Audio Codecs: SBC, AAC;
• Bluetooth: 5.4;
• Impedance: 16Ω±10%;
• Sensitivity: 102±3dB;
• Frequency response range: 20Hz-40kHz;
• Noise Cancellation: Hybrid ANC technology, Noise reduction depth -32dB±3dB;
• Battery Capacity: 1000mAh;
• Playback Time: 18hrs (ANC + RGB on), 45hrs (ANC on), 82hrs (ANC off);
• Price: 90$.

• Headphones themselves - Kiwi Ears Aventus;
• Tuning foam pads;
• 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm audio cable with an angled plug;
• USB-C to 3.5 mm audio cable;
• USB-A to USB-C charging cable;
• Carrying case;
• User manual.

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Battery Life




Active Noise Cancellation

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Gaming Impressions

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The Kiwi ears Aventus Full-Size DJ and Gaming ANC Headphones
Redcarmoose Labs March 18th, 2025

First impressions:
At 349 grams on my humble kitchen scale the Kiwi ears Aventus is a more substantial headphone than the just released Ardor. Here we have a DJ and gaming headphone that can access wireless ANC or go wired with its very own up to 6 foot coiled USBTypeC DAC/Amp cable, or go with regular analog 3.5mm to 3.5mm. Only that’s just the thing, this USBTypeC cable and 3.5mm connectors………….actually both cables feature locking terminations that screw into place, in case you have to move around looking for DJ records. If wired is not your thing, remember you also have the ability of going 5.4 Bluetooth.

The Aventus Coaxial 40mm DD X 10mm DD Headphones:
Man, these sound better at $89.99 than the $99.99 ANC Ardor. Where really the Ardor is more of a sports headphone weighing only 286 grams! But to get back to the Aventus it holds a bigger Harman stage going with an added bass presence and slightly recessed mids in comparison to the Ardor. Where some may find the extra upper mid-boost of the Pinna Gain close to the edge with the Ardor, the Aventus has no worries of that ever happening. Of the comparisons I have read many actually prefer the Aventus sound. Both the Aventus and Ardor are sporting 40mm DD bass and 10mm DD treble in a coaxial form. Now the wild part is you would think that Kiwi ears would simply take the electronics and replicate them inside of both headphones. When in reality they are very different in use and personality electronic wise. The Ardor has the TypeC Plug on the headphones that can charge or be a receiver for a TypeC audio signal. Where the Aventus has a small USB TypeC DAC/Amp in the actual headphone cable plug, then uses 3.5mm to go to the headphone. Though the crazy part is if you do try the TypeC to TypeC Ardor plug on the Aventus, you don’t get any sound, except like the Ardor the plug does charge the Aventus. And the Aventus has a TypeA to TypeC USB plug in case you do just want to simply charge it. The extra cup padding of the Aventus offers great natural noise cancellation, but if you want ANC the roughly 35dB of blocking noise can go for 45 hours yet the 1000mAh battery gets you a full 82 hours with ANC off. There can be RGB cup lights used which will lower your play time to 18 hours, yet we can get back on track with a quick 10 minute charge allowing for 4 hours of music from a zero change level. The RGB lights have a standard mode, then a flashing mode and color changing mode, all by pushing the light indicator button. With the subtle differences in how the electronics work, I see Kiwi ears having Research and Development in two separate sections of the factory competing for ergonomics and at the same time still learning new ways to design products.



Here controls get you volume-up with voice confirmation, as well as another button for volume down, and a center button for on and off and Bluetooth search. The ANC also has voice confirmations as to ANC on or ANC off and a transparency mode.

Quick take on sound:
There are extra foam inserts included to try and reduce contrasts by lowering the bass and treble, but to me the bass and treble are what make this headphone. I did take to EQ the first time in years to see where I could go as far as adding a little Pinna Gain, yet at the end of the day, I left it be, and enjoyed the overall tone.

The trick here is anyone can make an ANC headphone, but the whole reason I was into exploring these is a genuine love of the Kiwi Ears sound. And the possibility of the company bringing that sound to a wireless headphone made me ask to review this.

The thrilling part is the separation and actual bass detail into which we can find any music genre fun and exciting. It is still a variation of Harman, and when you try to see just how far this bass capability goes, trying a genre like Dub, shows you that while good, they have not allowed the bass to over take the whole signature. The other captivating event happened when trying extreme treble songs where there are super high up small bells and yes, they are shown to exist, just not out front like you would have with bright intense treble centric IEMs. This neutral Harman can of course be added to and yes, the Aventus responds well to EQ. But just the way it is, it has instant interaction with the listener parlaying a way better style of interaction that you would guess by the retail price. Though due to the bigger cups, added clamping force and added weight you will still find me using the ANC Ardor for walks, even though basically the Aventus sounds better, more like a movie theatre. The part that I can't explain in writing is that there is a wonderful separation of imaging and a super nice stage, that is way better than you would guess by the asking price. This must result from 4X drivers going off?

Kiwi ears trademark name:
Sure I chose to review the Ardor first as I liked the subdued naming on the cups. Kiwi ears are getting their name out there……………then I thought about it, you really would want some kind of name on the cups, at least to tell folks who made these, that without the naming the headphones would seem like generic headphones upon first seeing them. Now really we are not as bright in the lettering (with the lights off) as the 50mm DD Ellipse wired headphone, that cup looks like a Chevrolet or Ford car badge...............illustrated in white letters. I have yet to open that box yet!

Kiwi ears has been busy the last month and a half!
The Aventus Full-size at $89.99
The Ardor Full-size at $99.99
The Atheia Full-size at $349.00
The Ellipse Full-size at $79.00
The Division Full-size at $49.00
All in addition to the new Aether 15.3mm Planar and Hybrid Airoso IEMs!


Let’s not forget the 5 microphone array for Transparency Mode, ANC and taking phone calls while using the Aventus headphones.

Technical Details
Bluetooth 5.4
Drivers Dynamic 40mm + 10mm (Coaxial)
Noise Cancellation Hybrid ANC technology, Noise reduction depth -32dB±3dB
Battery Capacity 1000mAh
Playback Time 18hrs (ANC + RGB on), 45hrs (ANC on), 82hrs (ANC off)
Fast Charging 10 mins = 4 hours playback
Impedance 16Ω±10% @1K Hz
Sensitivity 102±3dB @1kHz 1mW
Frequency Response 20Hz ~ 40KHz
Connectivity Can connect with two devices simultaneously
Ear Cup Design Foldable and rotatable
RGB Lighting With RGB light + plastic decorated pad

Inside the Box

• 1x Kiwi Ears Aventus
• 1x Detachable Audio Cables
• 1x USB-C Audio Cable
• 1x UBS-TypeC Cable
• 1 pair of ear pads
• 1x User Manual

Packaging:

1) Note the aluminum carabiner on the side of the case. I used this while out-and-about joining it flawlessly to my bag-strap for out-of-the-way flexibility, moving around or just sitting outside.

2) Note the warranty and instruction manual. The longest I have ever seen for a product, going over all the functions completely.

Usage:
As far as choosing a 3.5mm or TypeC USB cable as an option opposed to wireless with the Aventus, most of my first impressions were wireless. Then I got really curious about the USB TypeC DAC, and sure enough it was really really good, so good that it was almost comparable to using the Hiby R3 II with the Aventus, though I remember from my Ardor first impressions that the wireless mode will improve with burn-in. Maybe it is the amplifiers, maybe it is the ease of use with the drivers, but wireless could challenge the WM1A DAP...........that there was only real differences in Ardor use was once to hooked it (wired) to the Sony TA-ZH1ES, then you could totally tell it was an upgrade. But there was in no way that wireless at this point was showing a handicap that would make you choose the 3.5mm or TypeC USB as a necessity. Though remember wired is not going to show any delay in voice synchronization with movies or the YouTube news, and that while it is still there, it has been immensely improved over earlier generations of Bluetooth. And after continued testing the synchronization seems to be a non-issue? But my gosh, using the Bluetooth here to connect to my laptop was super easy. The other cool thing is my MacBook Air has a pull-down window which shows battery levels in the Aventus, I just love that!


I love the ability to check battery levels wirelessly with a pull-down menu on MacBook Air!

You can use TypeC USB DAC/Amp or 3.5mm to 3.5mm analog outputs!

Construction/fitment:
Plus construction here is really good, showing zero rattles (if you shake it) or feeling of being fragile and just like the electronic operations here, everything works as planned, though it is a little tight in clamping force. I'm sure that will loosen up with time, that or I will put the separation moves, trying to expand the cups? I would rather have the Aventus be slightly too tight than looser in fitment at the start. And the more I think about it, this being a DJ headphone, really this holding on to my head is just right, as it never moves or falls off ever........and I like that!


Here we are shown the frequency change by adding the foam inserts, as well as the frequency change resulted by using ANC. I seemed to like the sound better with ANC off, as there added lower midrange and bass and slightly lower upper treble. Plus the sound seemed slightly more clear with ANC off? Plus there was adequate natural headphone cup noise occlusion in public areas, though the ANC really works to substantially lower outside noise, and it is fun to test.

I never experimented with the foam inserts as I liked the contrasts of having the extra bass and extra treble left alone.



Music and usage experience continued:
To tell you the truth, this Aventus tune is just about right for me. Sure I have full-size headphones, one pair that at ($2299.00) is slightly over 25 times the price of the Aventus. So call me a S L U T for liking this headphone, only I truly do. And sure there is a new toy phenomena that we can’t forget. That this IS a new sound signature for me, blended with what I like about how Kiwi ears does their tune. So what happened is I started to analyze how the tune works, and truly genres of music that you (before listening) would guess would be ineffective with the Aventus, workout really well. Where at the start my preferred genre (believe it or not) is EDM with this headphone. Now sure we have a neutered bass effect, but how that actually works here is the bass levels are trim and fast, clear and agile. Now you old-schoolers reading know that if the bass is just right, it is just right. This cutting through of bass beats would be a tool of use with the regular DJ playing this style of music. Plus the lights on the cups may make those groupie girls light up themselves to see you in action. Anyway, here the presence that is of super importance is the fact that while there is a firm beat, there is also an expanded midrange that lets itself fill the stage with imaging. The money here is never the beat, or the mids, or the treble is ever too much, and scathing or causing shorter listening times at regular volume levels. That we can embrace the imaging and come to perfect terms as to what Kiwi ears were going for with this style of tune.




Did you ever have a headphone that caused you to genuinely gravitate to a genre of music?
There are obviously scientific reasons for this, but there is a component to the phenomena that still goes unexplained. Sure these are DJ headphones and I’m listening to dance music………but in their own way, the Aventus makes the music both fun and listenable for long periods, never boring or too intense, just perfect.

Goa Trance Music section:
I threw on a few tracks off my phone and cranked it to a medium volume. My DJ years are long gone, but sure the design of this headphone is so you can rotate one cup off your head to beat-match. Nowdays I’m hanging out with the Wife as I write this review……..note she reminded me she was doing accounting (meaning I bugged her) when I took the Aventus off my head for a moment, but I was still safe listening to music with the Aventus back on my head at medium volumes, due to the natural noise occlusion of the cups.

A quiet Wife is a happy life at times! Then at times you know they are happy when they are singing, especially in the car!


Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.

E-Mantra - Ravenmocker Wireless ANC off:
Here we are met with a great vibe when the beat hits at 00:14! To where it is deep-bass, but low on disruption force as far as messing with the other tones. This is especially noted as the mids take over in both imaging and created tone characters to move the interaction right along. There is a perfectness that you would truly need to hear to understand. I mean what I’m bragging about IS the Kiwi ears sound, a sound so even, correct and complete that it somehow contains enough information to move the song along, at the same time it is still relatively smooth, holding that Harman balance yet never leaving anything out? Sure I have other headphones I could use, only I am truly captivated here (and I have a write-up to complete) yet when you're as jaded and temperamental of a reviewer as Redcarmoose, that means something.

At 01:17 I got chills for a second and I kinda know why. Here there is a subtle sub-bass that is winding its way under the mids, it is only a hair deeper than the mid-bass, only it is accounted for and heard. These extra low Hz are present, yet they even have a slight pace to them which is rarely heard, but it is here? At 01:34 we have a few lead-ups to the break, and in this style of music it is the changes that are just as important as the choice of instrument tones. E-Mantra is the wizard for laying out this style of music sequencing and truly in my Goa DJ career I learned that every song is a story to be told, and a story to be lived by the listener. Finally at 01:42 we are in the song's grasp, the number is speaking words communicating this story, only the words are not in the English Language. Before the extra theme at 01:54 we are met once again with the subtle magic that always makes this genre work, and holds value, at least to me anyways? It is the Roland Juno-60 bass lines, and their inseparable relation to the beat. Yep, it is this deep foundation which everything is laid atop. And while sure this is a $89.99 DJ/gamer headphone, only the tuning makes this sound perfectly fine, and better than fine, correct. Sure we don’t have every detail taken apart and dissected like a lab experiment, but the beat is clear, clear enough to use for DJing. But most of all the mids are even clearer, making a story for the listener to enjoy at home. Then the extra surprises come with the added treble from those little 10mm tweeters. Yep…………..there is no way to have any disjointed separation heard in a song like this. That we are inside the very epitome of song contrasts and extra add-ons separated inside the file, way before they have a chance to reach the headphone. This all starts up at 03:57……..kind of like two space aliens having a conversation amongst themselves. This back and forth amusement is both smooth, yet represented in the higher registers. OK, enough Goa Trance for one review! Yet, I promise you I will go back to this place, far away from reality, and play once more in the land of Aventus.

Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.

E-Mantra with XOA - Amorok Rising From Black Sea ANC off:
Here is a perfect example of a down-tempo tune to showcase the sub bass on the Aventus.

The Rock Arena:

Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.

HIM - And Love Said No Wireless ANC off:
With the Rock genre it is a little easier to tell the slight issues here, but at the same time they were the same issues with the previous song. To get down to business here. The tune is what is the money here, as it costs nothing for the Kiwi ears company to supply a great tune. And if you blend with that, and your music goes with that you are ahead, especially for $89.99 you are. The Aventus also has admirable technicalities, more so because the tune is so even and balanced, which gets you almost the feeling that it is all midrange, and I like that. The Aventus is never trying to be something it is not, not extreme in any fashion, what we get is a medium wide stage that is holding good separation and thickness front to back, even up to down. The Aventus has the ability to get about 25% louder than the Ardor too, and what sounds it puts out are more natural without that boosted Pinna Gain. That while the vocals are heard, both with ANC on and off they are ever so slightly set back, making these not necessarily a vocal headphone. But that leads to the whole theme of this paragraph. If I was to outline the main difference here from $300.00 - $2299.00 headphones the main thing missing would be actual note density. Really no big deal when you consider the asking price, only at least you know, and what to expect with the Aventus limitations in comparison to high-end audiophile headphones. That said, I still kept asking myself if this was an audiophile experience and it was. The separation, the imaging and even the clarity at hand give you that………along with the Kiwi ears tune.

It is just that I found myself gravitating more to dynamic contrasty and authoritative files in replay. Meaning the Aventus plays everything, but that added instrument density can actually in-part come from the file choice in bringing you a slight bit more. Probably a Rock song like this one, while not the most authoritative, still goes along and outlines what we have and what we don’t have.

Remember all this is absolutely relative to the price you’re paying. That yes, the Aventus is listenable and has that slight magic that you can’t put your finger on, that doesn’t make it boring like the ocean of consumer headphones out there. This picked electric guitar is our first clue as to, yes it is well positioned but not the end all in replay density, same with the actual density of the drums that come in at 00:07. Sure for what the Aventus is, it is great, but not everything. Yet here we are able through maybe the 40mm DD and the coaxial 10mm DD.......able to still hear the grand separation at hand. There is a completeness and a wholesomeness here, even though slightly thinner than if you were to spend more on a wired audiophile headphone. Now keep in mind, the consumer headphone industry has always tried to make bass excessive headphones in this under $100.00 price bracket to fight this idea of a thinner sound. Where what Kiwi ears is doing is offering a more transparent sound, like you get with much of the Kiwi ears line. This transparency is not holding an extra cover-up bass thickness. And that is just the thrilling thing…….to find such clarity in the bass.......to note the fast sub-bass when offered in the song file.

At 00:25 we are rewarded with Ville Hermanni Valo vocals. And with those exact vocals being very upfront, especially in relation to other musical recordings, they work here. This song in particular holds that closeness and personable feeling we get from well recorded vocals, and the tone pushes through. The thing is the fall-off of cymbals out to the right, fully separated and itemized for the money here. At 00:48 we are now witnessing a double tracking of vocals, and sure it comes through as the effect of Villi singing along with himself. And for the money this idea of a headphone works, but with my experience of trying many more expensive products with this song, there is a slight noticeable blending and extra loss of details that just go with the turf here.

Sure at $89.99 the Aventus is not going to be everything. Yet where (to me) it excels more is with EDM. Where synthesizer tones are in a way more abstract and recorded directly to the mixing board, so they naturally have more authority and contrasts, which seem to boost these headphones to another level.

Usage:
So contrary to my previous statement (about not wearing them out of the house) I took these to the mall with my family yesterday. At first I was a little shy about wearing such a large device in public, but after sitting down in a dress shop, I took my cell phone out and activated the Bluetooth of the Aventus. Instantly I was hooked up, and at lower volumes I quickly confirmed the ANC was off and away I went. In fact after a few days I could relate with the clamping force and learned that with DJ headphones you may be moving around so you don’t want the headphones to move. Also I messed with the noise cancelation as well as the transparency mode. I kept wondering if the ANC on frequency graph showing the slight diminishment of bass and raised trebles was the tone that Kiwi ears truly designed the Aventus for?

In the end, I still liked ANC off, but I was never in a situation where too much ambient noise could ruin the party. That yes, these cups are larger than the Ardor and bring about natural noise occlusion to where for the most part I never needed ANC. And……no I never turned on the cup lights!

First button press gets you the top standard non-flashing (then another press) shows the bottom flashing alternating with the top lights, a third press of the switch turns them off.

Above the new Kiwi ears Ardor ANC sports headphone

Later usage:
The Aventus can be used while your body is laying down, but note for a moment you will sense the cups laying on the pillow, it just requires a repositioning, and is not like some other giant headphones I own. With that said, sure the Kiwi ears Ardor is never having its cup ever drop down to interfere/touch with a pillow. Of course clamping force is less, but due to sound quality between the two, I have learned to accept these differences.

Though when it comes down to it the Kiwi Ears Ardor is simply better ergonomics while (your body's) laying down flat, and overall better ergonomics in the end. Both these headphones also share much of the same tuning philosophy, yet the Aventus holds a denser idea of bass and a reduced Pinna Gain over the Ardor. That is not to say the Ardor is not fun, because it is, it is just if you are a hardcore headphone enthusiast you will both admire Kiwi ears for challenging the consumer headphone tone, and arriving at a more audiophile experience!



Conclusion:
I had fun with this review, I went to the mall, I actually went to the car service center to have the car oil changed, all the while using the Aventus. When not in use there are a few places it can rest on your head, one is the ridiculous way of simply positioning it with the cups just above your ears, like a hat, then the other way of bringing it down below your neck and resting on your shoulders with the cup facing in. Either way the clamping force allows such acrobatics………..though at times silly, I actually did get some smiles from fellow customers nearby. Maybe they were just smiling at me, and not the fact that I had these headphones on?

What does all this mean?
It means we have the ability to take our Kiwi ears tuning about town, or simply enjoy it at home, even laying in bed. The Aventus goes everywhere and joins with your gear on the very first try. Now the crazy part was the Kiwi ears Ardor had the best Bluetooth range of any IEM or headphone I have ever had experience with, where I could go down a flight of stairs then exit the bottom level and go out into the yard all the while enjoying seamless Bluetooth connectivity. Though here the Aventus was better than average and let me go into different rooms as well as downstairs, though with a reception cut-out for a moment. I will also admit the Ardor is really the Bluetooth headphone that I will take for walks outside. Though the Aventus has its uses especially in that there is perfect voice synchronization when listening to movies or the news on Bluetooth from the computer. This zero lag is a first here at Redcarmoose Labs and just further shows how the Ardor and Aventus are two very different headphones from an electronics standpoint. And don’t forget the Aventus gets way, ways louder than the Ardor…..like 25%!

Still what does this all mean?
It means we have a fun headphone that has been tuned to be more careful and audiophile, the very opposite from those shelves of regular consumer “tune” headphones for sale. This sculpted bass means we have a new window into the lower realms to witness fun sub bass happening without ever mixing with the midrange. This Harman tune also guarantees us a broad midrange which, despite a little loss in density, seems enjoyable and full of imaging, never worrying about any treble heat. It’s this audiophile Kiwi ears tune that Kiwi ears are bringing to the masses. Just the other day I stopped-by my headphone shop and saw a big change.

A big change:
Yep, they took all the wired headphones and put them on the bottom shelf to make room for this new wave of wireless full-size headphones and IEMs. Take a look around………everyone has a pair of these now. While the Aventus is not perfect, it does work exactly like intended, it is built solid and can be actually used as a DJ headphone. I have done all I possibly can to be as straightforward and realistic in this review, so that you the consumer can spend your hard earned money wisely. If by chance you choose the Ardor or the Aventus…….you will find a sturdy product that is well designed and well built, but most importantly designed with reference sound quality as a first priority. If using the coaxial 10mm DD and 40mm DDs allowed Kiwi ears to gain this tone, I pretty much assume so? That we have the next generation of ANC ability to go out and have fun with, or simply staying home and enjoying what can be found there.

"The audiophile Kiwi ears "reference" tune, in a cluttered world of too thick and sloppy consumer ANC headphones."

$89.99
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-aventus

$99.99
https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-ardor

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Linsoul/page/FE950F91-E513-4749-B3ED-D1482BA9DD15

Disclaimer:
The Kiwi ears Aventus full-size headphone has had a total of 5 days of burn-in.

Disclaimer:
I want to thank Kaitlyn of Linsoul for the love and the Kiwi ears Aventus Headphone review sample.

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

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman’s Firmware 3.5mm single ended
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman’s Firmware 3.5mm single ended
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 3.5mm single ended
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 3.5mm