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Overall Tonality
If you visit one of the more reliable measurement databases and compare popular planar magnetic IEMs, you’ll see an unmistakable resemblance between them. Does that mean they all sound the same? Not necessarily. Same goes for the Kiwi Ears Aether, it’s a familiar planar sound.
The main objections of the previous gen planar magnetic IEMs were mainly peaky highs and the occasional case of “planar bass” – all speed and no impact. Here, I feel like these have been addressed largely. Of course, there still is some planar timbre, but it’s quite benign. The overall tuning is quite safe with a slight U-curve.
Bass
There’s a quite tasteful bass boost present in the Kiwi Ears Aether. The intrinsically clean rendition of low notes that’s characteristic of orthodynamic drivers allows for bottomless yet effortless bass. Decay is faster than what I’m used to from most dynamic drivers, but not as dry as with balanced armature drivers.
The ultra clean planar low-end works wonders for electronic genres, where sub-bass layering needs to be preserved. With rock, metal, and funk, which are more midbass-based, the Aether works fine, but a warmer tuning might have worked even better. Overall, it’s still the case with planar bass – maximum speed but softer impact.
Midrange
Thanks to the low-distortion characteristics of the large-format planar driver, the midrange on the Kiwi Ears Aether is rather clean. At the same time, after listening to some classical rock and metal, it became evident that it’s not entirely neutral.
Midrange-proper is a bit recessed and the ear-gain hump at 3kHz seem a bit pulled back as it peaks at around 2kHz instead. The extra gain at the 2kHz adds extra presence to vocals and strings, but the recession at 3kHz pushes higher notes a bit further into the mix. The coloration isn’t gross or unpleasant, but it’s a coloration nonetheless.
Treble
Planar IEMs have been plagued with peaky treble since their inception. It was a common complaint for the first wave of affordable chi-fi planars, and it made 7Hz pull out its Timeless II release to fix the highs. I’m happy to report that the Kiwi Ears Aether is largely free from treble nasties.
There is some peakiness over 5kHz, but they’re quite benign and rarely stand out. With that said, the treble is colored, but not to a point that it’s a problem. There are multi-driver designs at this price point that are cleaner, but they can’t nail the cohesiveness of a single-driver IEM.
Soundstage and Imaging
All single-driver IEMs have a leg up on multi-driver IEMs when it comes to soundstage and imaging. Having a single sound source and no electronic crossovers maintains wavefront coherence across the working frequency range. This means that fundamentals and their overtones arrive at the same time, and usually translates into more precise and immersive imaging.
The Kiwi Ears Aether has decent side-to-side imaging but less depth than I’ve heard in better IEMs. Of course, deeper imaging usually comes with more expensive models, but for the price, Aether manages to convey recording ambiance and instrument placement rather convincingly.
Comparisons
7Hz Timeless II
After a bit of a rocky start, 7Hz released a revised and improved version of their second edition large-format planar magnetic IEM. With a 14.8mm diaphragm, it’s a hair smaller than what’s in the Aether. Despite the similar driver tech, the shells between the two are very different, with the knurled texture metal faceplate on the Timeless II.
When it comes to sound, both are more similar than different. The Kiwi Aether can sound smoother in the treble than the Timeless II, which gives it an edge in overall sound quality. The problem is that the Timeless II is miles better ergonomically and requires less fiddling to get a good fit.
ZiiGaat Lush
The newest hybrid from another Linsoul buddy company is largely nothing unexpected if you’re familiar with ZiiGaat. A single 10mm dynamic driver and a bunch of balanced armature drivers. As always, the ear shells are well-constructed, feature nice faceplate art, and fit extremely well. The price is also right.
In terms of sound, the Lush is a smoother operator than the Aether. On the other hand, it doesn’t have the single-driver cohesiveness or the vanishingly low distortion, which makes everything sound extremely clean. Due to the warmer tuning, the Lush sounds more natural, and for most listening, I’d choose it over the Aether.
Simgot EA1000
Simgot’s superstar single-DD IEMs took the audio community by storm. The EA1000 combines superb technicalities and that elusive single-driver magic where everything sounds more “right”. Its downside is the slightly bright tuning that can bring about ear fatigue. It’s also very nicely made and accessorized.
The Kiwi Ears Aether is more technically capable than the EA1000, and the tuning is less abrasive, so longer listening sessions are more pleasant. The area where it falters is ergonomics, as the EA1000 is smaller and fits well for most listeners. The Simgot also manages to bring a bit of midbass warmth that makes the overall tuning more natural.
Pairing notes
First off, I’d urge you to look into pairing the Kiwi Ears Aether with longer stem tips that facilitate a deeper insertion. The stock tips often gave me a sensation that I needed to adjust the fit by pushing the earshells deeper in. My Spinfit CP145 did a much better job than the stock tips.
As for the electronics, it really depends on what kind of tone you are looking for. I’d steer clear of anything that’s remotely cold or analytical. Warmer setups work fine as well because adding extra oomph in the lower mids is just what the doctor ordered. It makes rock and other traditional genres more pleasant.
Conclusion
The second-generation chi-fi large-format planar wars are upon us, and so far, I like what I’m seeing. Initially, the main draw of the Kiwi Ears Aether was the accessible price, which undercuts the 7Hz Timeless II. But does it bring the goods when it comes to sound? Yes, as long as the fit works for you.
Ergonomically, the Aether is a hit or miss, depending on how your ears are shaped. Luckily, mine are large enough, and I got to enjoy the supremely clean sound of the newest planar on the block. Like the Timeless II, it’s a feast for bassheads and electronica fans, but the tuning leaves more traditional genre enjoyers a bit wanting.
If you are known to be aurally endowed and wear tribrid flagships without problem, then the Kiwi Ears Aether is a great deal. I know that many will have to choose between the ergonomics of the 7Hz Timeless II and the sound of the Aether. The Timeless II is a safer purchase, especially when you take into account that the sound is extremely close.
I can’t wait for a second-generation Aether because Kiwi Ears are THAT close to greatness!
Summary
Pros:
- Great technicalities for the price
- Superb bass extension and resolution
- Unfussy treble for a planar
- The faceplate art looks great
- Great coherence
Cons:
- The earshells are huge
- Fits very shallow in the ear canal
- The mid coloration limits the genre bandwidth
- Many will yearn for more warmth
