Pineapple Audio Reviews

  Kiwi Ears Aether: A Planar That Defies Expectations Pros: ✔ Accurate, reference-style tuning with musicality ✔ Deep, controlled sub-bass with no bloat ✔ Natural, transparent midrange with excellent timbre ✔ Smooth, airy treble with great detail retrieval ✔ Expansive soundstage and pinpoint imaging ✔ Comfortable fit  Cons:  ✖ Not for bassheads—this is clean, not boomy bass ✖ Requires proper ear tip selection for the best sound The Kiwi Ears Aether is an IEM that immediately piqued my curiosity. With a 15.3mm planar magnetic driver, it features one of the largest planar diaphragms I’ve encountered in an IEM. Naturally, I expected a big, bold, bass-heavy, and colored sound a fun, V-shaped tuning with an emphasis on low-end rumble and aggressive treble. But from the moment I pressed play, it became clear that Kiwi Ears had taken a completely different approach. Instead of boosting the bass to overwhelming levels or pushing the treble into sharp, overly energetic territory, ...

  FiiO JM21 Review: Feature Packed, Budget Friendly and Shockingly Good! Pros:  Ultra-Slim & Lightweight – At just 13mm thick and 156g, it's one of the most portable DAPs out there. Clean & Transparent Sound – Dual Cirrus Logic CS43198 DACs deliver a neutral and uncolored sound, making it great for those who prefer accuracy over coloration. Powerful for Its Size – With 700mW per channel via 4.4mm balanced, it can drive most IEMs and even some full-sized headphones Smooth & Lag-Free Performance – The Snapdragon 680 processor ensures responsive navigation and app usage, unlike some sluggish Android-based DAPs. Versatile Work Modes – Offers five different playback modes, including Pure Music, USB DAC, and Bluetooth Receiver mode Excellent Wireless Connectivity – Supports LDAC, aptX HD, and AAC Sharp & Vibrant Display – The 4.7-inch HD screen is surprisingly sharp and colorful, even outshining some pricier DAPs. Great Value – Packs impressive specs, sound, and feat...

    SIMGOT ET142  12.5mm planar magnetic + multi-layer piezoelectric ceramic A Masterclass in Planar Hybrid Pros: Exceptional clarity, detail retrieval, and resolution Balanced yet energetic tuning with customizable sound via nozzles Deep, well-textured bass with fast decay Natural vocals and timbre Refined yet extended treble with excellent micro-detail Comfortable fit with a premium CNC-machined alloy shell  Simgot LC7 a $70 premium cable. Cons:  Soundstage depth is moderate rather than vast Might not suit those seeking a super-warm or laid-back tuning I'll be honest—reviewing the SIMGOT ET142 was an uphill battle, but not for the usual reasons. As a reviewer, it's my job to find both strengths and weaknesses, to offer a fair and balanced perspective. But with the ET142, I genuinely struggled to find anything to critique. Over the past few years, Chi-Fi has reached new heights in craftsmanship and innovation. Many modern IEMs not only compete with but often su...