Pineapple Audio Reviews

  Roseselsa Aurora Ultra: Small Package, Big Surprise Pros: .  Big, bold sound in a tiny package and surprisingly immersive for its size  Punchy, controlled bass that doesn’t muddy up the mids  Vibrant, clear midrange with a touch of warmth  Crisp, sparkly treble that avoids harshness  Spacious soundstage with precise imaging  Comfortable fit  accessories, including a genuinely nice case  Included dongle actually sounds good and complements the IEM Cons: . Vocals sit a step behind the instruments, some may want more forwardness Needs some tip-rolling to get the best seal and comfort The Roseselsa Aurora Ultra is a perfect example of why you shouldn’t let appearances fool you. Despite their pint-sized footprint—seriously, these things are so tiny that I had to break out my large-size Divinus Velvet tips just to get a snug, secure fit—they punch way above their weight when it comes to sound. The Divinus Velvet tips ended up working even better ...

  The Kiwi Ears Étude : Vibes, Clarity, and Pure Fun Pros:  * Tight, punchy bass with a satisfying tactile sensation from the KVT driver. * Lush, natural mids with great vocal and instrument presence. * Sparkling treble that’s detailed and smooth, never harsh. * Excellent separation and imaging, with a spacious, natural soundstage. * Unique and comfortable build, with eye-catching faceplates. * Scales well with different sources. Cons:  *Chunky shell design may not fit smaller ears perfectly. *Upper midbass resonance (artifact) may be noticeable in some tracks. *Soundstage isn’t as expansive as some might prefer. Kiwi Ears has been on a roll lately, cranking out new IEMs as if they’re trying to set a world record. When Astral and Septet are still stuck somewhere in the postal limbo, yet Kiwi Ears has already dropped the Étude, a tribrid set that’s part of their relentless march forward. Fittingly named, “Étude” is a term for a musical study piece designed to sharpen skill...

  Kiwi Ears Astral Review – the Fun, Fast, and Forward Pros:  • Forward, natural-sounding mids with great vocal clarity • Deep subbass with satisfying physicality • Sparkly, extended treble without fatigue • Clean, fast transients and excellent imaging • Clever modular cable design. Cons:  • Midbass lacks weight and impact • Bass can feel a little loose or uncontrolled • Can sound a bit clinical with dry sources • Not for those seeking a warm or lush signature T he Kiwi Ears Astral is what happens when a brand says, “Let’s stop playing it safe and just have some fun.” And fun is exactly what you get. With its 7-driver hybrid setup—one dynamic driver and six balanced armatures—the Astral doesn’t tiptoe around polite tuning choices or try to blend in with the crowd. Instead, it charges in with a bold, energetic sound that’s designed to grab your attention from the very first note. It shares some genetic material with the Septet, sure—but this isn’t just a sequel or a gentle...