Budget IEM That Refuses to Sound Cheap

Kiwi Ears is back once again and with another ultra budget IEM, introducing the all new Chorus but this time with a first collaboration with B_Media AKA Axel Bostrom, a reviewer that made its presence on TikTok and Discord. The Chorus is a single DLC diaphragm dynamic driver that is priced at a friendly $39 and is tuned specifically for a balanced performance to suit various usage scenarios. The ultra budget scene is getting more and more saturated, so how will the Kiwi Ears x B_Media Chorus stand? We shall find out here.

A huge shout-out to Rosie and Linsoul for the sample pair of the all new Kiwi Ears x B_Media Chorus for us to have an honest take. We are not affiliated nor taken any form of monetary exchange for this review and this review is solely an honest view of the product.

Functions & Specifications

Before we start the review, here are the specifications of the new ZiiGaat x Fresh Reviews Arete 2 taken from their site;

• Drivers: Single DLC Dynamic Driver
• Sensitivity: <103dB (±1dB) @ 1kHz
• Impedance: 32Ω (±1Ω)
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Cable Connectors: 0.78mm/2PIN
• Cable Length: 1.2 Meters

The Kiwi Ears x B_Media can be purchased directly from their website or at Linsoul as well as many other platforms worldwide

Kiwi Ears x B_Media: Chorus

Kiwi Ears x B_Media: Chorus

Packaging & Accessories

Priced at just $39, the packaging here is basic and simple as most of the funds are funneled towards the product itself and it is acceptable.

Here’s a list of the included accessories;

• 1x Pair of Kiwi Ears x B_Media
• 6x Pairs of Silicone Eartips (S/M/L)
• 1x Silver-Plated OFC Cable
• 1 × Warranty card
• 1 × User instruction card

Design

The design here is the usual small shaped CIEM style that has similarities to the Kiwi Ears Belle in shape but in a black shell with CNC aluminum alloy faceplates and with gold metal parts. It is a comfortable fit with a lightweight body and they are well put together in a seamless shell. The quality here is actually really good and they do feel robust on hand. The faceplates have a unique B_Media design around the metal vents that gives the Chorus a more premium look.

Now into the heart of the Chorus. Similar to the Belle, the Chorus is driven by a single 10mm Diamond-like Carbon diaphragm dynamic driver that is specifically tuned alongside B_Media for a warm and balanced tone with a powerful 10dB sub-bass impact that mimics sub-woofers, complimented by a precise 3kHz pinna peak for a more natural yet energetic overall sound.

There are a total of 2 vents here where a rather large circular back vent is adorned with a gold metal mesh on the back providing breathing room for the dynamic driver as well as giving a more open sound. Another pinhole vent is situated near the nozzle and that provides pressure relief for a more comfy fit. No driver flex is present here and they are a well vented IEM.

The nozzle has a maximum of 5mm at the tip with a medium length nozzle and they are fitted with a Fibonacci style, gold coloured metal mesh to prevent dust and moisture from entering. The whole theme of black and gold here looks great and complete.

The Chorus has the standard flush 0.78mm 2 pin connection that is slightly tight.

Cable here is a 2 core oxygen free copper cable and there are choices of 3.5mm($39.99), 3.5mm with microphone($41.99) and USB C with microphone($44.99).

Gears Used for Comparisons

Songs list

Tone and Presentation

The overall sound presentation of the Chorus here is a neutral to warm sound that has mildly boosted lows giving a L shaped sound signature. The tonality here is leaning towards a brighter side and they have a full-bodied, dynamic sound that possesses good clarity and details across the whole spectrum. Their midrange possesses a good amount of warmth that gives the Chorus an intimate and immersive type of sound that is highly enjoyable Technicalities here are great especially with their imaging, dynamic range and they do have an organic sound that is natural while also accurate. These Chorus actually balanced well between being highly musical while having some clinicalities to them and they indeed perform above their $39 price tag.

Soundstage

The soundstage here is decent with good width and height that is competent in their price range. The Chorus possesses an accurate 3D holographic spatial soundstage which makes it perfect for gaming and movies as the sound placements are accurate and sound directions are easy to distinguish. Immersion here is great with a minor diffuse sound field that gives a well balanced sound of being intimate while still having an open sound signature with a decent headroom that isn’t boxy by any means.

Separation and Timbre

Separation here is decent and they have a stereo sound that gives a wide stereo sound with no crosstalk issues and they have the ability to scale up better with a balanced setup. The tuning here is actually spot on with a cohesive sound that has no gaps which is typical of a good single dynamic driver setup. Timbre here is rich, organic and punchy which has a natural sound and although it is a little bassy, they have a rather accurate sound that is energetic and lively.

Drivability

Rated at 32 ohms with a 103db sensitivity, they are easily driven by any source as they don’t need much power to sound great with adequate amount of loudness. They do not tend to pick up noise for their lower sensitivity making them a good pair for casual usage like streaming or gaming. Scalability here is average but they do perform better with a good matching especially with a neutral bright source but not so much for warmer, bassier source as this will actually make the bass a little too aggressive that gives fatigue in the long run. The Chorus strength here isn’t revealingness but they are able to show some flaws in the recording, thus a good mastered track or higher bitrates files will actually give a cleaner sound but marginally. They are able to pass as a light monitoring IEM but there are better options that are specifically tuned for these purposes.

The Bass (Low)

The bass has a mildly boosted signature and they are a little north of neutral and they are accurate while still having the authority when called upon staying true to a dynamic driver bass. The mid bass here is lifted and they are able to give out a punchy, meaty and clean slam that has some tightness to them and they are suited for most modern genres like EDM . The bass here is actually well in control with a fast and nimble bass that is able to keep up with busy tracks with no issues. Details and clarity here is decent with good texture and layers of bass are well defined, free of bloat and bleed. The bass is resolving with a clean, vivid bass decay that has a slow roll off that extends with a good amount of air. Sub-bass here is lifted as well and as advertised having a 10db bass shelf that gives a deep, hard hitting rumble and the immersion here is superb. The big bass amount here actually may suit some light bassheads but not for those who seek an earth shattering amount as the bass here is boosted mildly.

The Mids

Midrange here has a mostly neutral sound with a mild forwardness that gives a tad of intimacy that has a good amount of space while also gives a warm-ish sound that is lush and full. Clarity here is superb as they are able to give a clean and clear sound that is resolvingly vivid. Details here perform well in macro details as they are clean and clear sounding but with a rather average micro details retrieval. The body here is slightly thick with a full-bodied sound that sounds rich with a touch of colouration present. The upper midrange peak is mild but has the brilliance presence that gives vocals some life and energy without being too bright and depth are good making a well balanced midrange for vocals. Instruments are leaning more towards the lower notes ones like drums, cello and some woodwinds but on some strings like electric guitar or violins they tend to lack bite marginally.

The Highs

The high range here is a neutral flat presentation apart with a healthy lifted peak in the 8 KHz region that gives a slightly piercing high range and having an energetic high range without any major harshness or sibilance. Extension here is rather average with a slightly fast roll off that may sound unenergetic but they do possess a good amount of air. The sparkle amount here is present with a mild crisp decay signature that makes the overall sound more fun and exciting but preferentially I would prefer a crisper sound. Details here are decent with high nuances well portrayed and they do have clean, clear highs that are highly resolving. Timbre here does sound a tad unnatural in the decay and may need some refinement but these are rather minor and can be mitigated by a clean, neutral source. Treble here is well balanced with an extended treble that gives a boost in their overall clarity while also able to be smooth and inoffensive.

Comparisons

VS Kefine Klean SV

The revamped entry IEM from Kefine is a similar DLC dynamic driver but with tuning nozzles and they are slightly pricier with a $50 price tag. Built here on the Klean SV is more robust with a full metal design but the Chorus is more ergonomic.

• Bass amount on the Chorus is bigger and more immersive
• Bass texture on Chorus is slightly better but accuracy is better on Klean SV
• Midrange on Chorus is warmer, thicker and lusher while upper mids brilliance is better on Klean SV
• Chorus is more resolving while Klean SV has better transparency
• High range of the Klean SV has more energy and they do sparkle better and crisper
• High range on Chorus is more forgiving and less fatiguing
• Soundstage on both are pretty similar in width and height but the Chorus does sound a tad airier

Vs Twistura Delta

The recent entry level IEM that has a similar low price of $39 and they are a zinc alloy shell that is solid and has some heft to them. It sports a single Liquid Crystal Polymer diaphragm (LCP) dynamic driver. The tonality of the Delta is slightly darker and has a bigger amount in the low range giving an immersive sound presentation.

• Bass amount is bigger on the Delta with a higher mid-bass lift and a more rumbly sub-bass
• Accuracy on bass is better on the Chorus albeit still a strong bass amount
• Midrange on both are similarly thick, warm and lush but a little more on the Delta
• Details and clarity is slightly better on the Chorus
• Colouration is more evident on the Delta
• High range on the Delta is smoother but a tad polite versus the Chorus
• Treble on the Delta is laid-back while the Chorus is more balanced
• Soundstage on Chorus is a touch wider and airier

Synergy

Recommended matching with neutral bright sources and some slightly warm sources. Power requirements are low and any source will give ample loudness and be driven properly.

Good source examples;

IFI Diablo, 7HZ Artemis39, Qudelix T71, Hiby FC6, Cayin RU7, Questyle M15, Hidizs S8 Pro.

Not so good sources examples;

O

EPZ TP35, EPZ TP30, FiiO Q15

Who Is It For?

Suitable genres: EDM, jazz, hip-hop, classicals, pop, rock, acoustics, metal

Suitable usage: Mainstream users, casual audiophiles, gaming, movies

Not suitable genres: Jpop, ACG

Not so suitable usage: Neutralist, critical listeners, on stage, monitoring

Final words

The Kiwi Ears x B_Media Chorus is a $39 performer with a well tuned neutral-to-warm, L-shaped sound that punches well above its price. It delivers punchy, clean bass with satisfying sub-bass rumble alongside a lush and intimate mids with solid clarity and an energetic yet non-fatiguing treble. The strong dynamics make it great for gaming and movies, while the black and gold aluminum faceplate feels premium for the price. Micro-details and treble extension are just average, and it’s not ideal for critical listening or Jpop/ACG, but as a fun, musical all-rounder for rock, EDM, pop, and casual use, the Chorus easily rivals or beats many $50 competitors.

4½ stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Pros

• Superb technicalities for the price
• Great build, design, fit and finishing
• Neutral bass boost tuning done well
• Great separation, imaging with a wide dynamic range
• Highly musical
• Natural, organic, breathy timbre
• Decent width, height and an airy soundstage with great accuracy
• Good overall clarity and details
• Resolving and transparent sound
• Deep, textured and clean bass with good sub-bass presence
• Thick, mild warm, accurate mids
• Extended, lively yet inoffensive high
• Balanced treble
• Easy to drive
• Sound value

Cons

• Bordering safe tuning/high range a tad polite (nit-pick)
• Mids mild colouration
• Bass and sub-bass north of neutral (subjective)
• Highs can be crisper and more refined
• Barebone accessories (nit-pick)