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...

  Kiwi Ears Septet : Open-Back Bliss in Your Ears Pros:  • Expansive open-back soundstage • Pinpoint imaging and holographic separation • Balanced, musical tuning with excellent technicals • Clean, deep bass without bloat • Airy, extended treble without harshness • Natural, organic mids Cons:  • Open-back design limits use in noisy environments • Needs a good and powerfull source to shine There are IEMs that sound good. Then there are IEMs that change how you feel about sound. The Kiwi Ears Septet is firmly in the latter category. I wasn’t ready for what this set delivered—and honestly, that’s what makes it special. Kiwi Ears has been releasing solid hits lately with the Aether, Airoso, and Astral, but the Septet? This one’s a whole different beast. Let’s start with the configuration—because honestly, it reads like something dreamed up in an audiophile wet dream: 1 Dynamic Driver, 4 Balanced Armatures, 1 Micro Planar, and 1 PZT driver, all packed into an open-back shell. ...