7HZ x Crinacle: Diablo vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears KE4 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Kiwi Ears KE4 - Outstanding overall at around $199.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 3 of 4 measures.

7HZ x Crinacle: Diablo
Kiwi Ears KE4

HearWiki score

Sound

7.1

8.6

Value

7.4

8.6

Price (USD)

$150

$200

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

7HZ x Crinacle: Diablo (2025) against Kiwi Ears KE4 (2024). These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

x Crinacle: Diablo20251 yr newer
KE42024

Specifications

x Crinacle: DiabloKE4

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $150; $200
HearWiki score: 66; 84
Released: 2025; 2024
Availability: Sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 14.5 mm planar magnetic; 2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type: planar; hybrid
Driver configuration: -; 2DD + 2BA
Driver size: 14.5 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: -; 4
Impedance: -; 28 Ω
Active noise cancelling: -; No
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; 3.5 mm

Specification comparison of 7HZ x Crinacle: Diablo vs Kiwi Ears KE4
Spec	7HZ x Crinacle: Diablo	Kiwi Ears KE4
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$150	$200
HearWiki score	66 / 100 Good	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2024
Audio
Driver	14.5 mm planar magnetic	2DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver type	planar	hybrid
Driver configuration	-	2DD + 2BA
Driver size	14.5 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	-	4
Impedance	-	28 Ω
Features
Active noise cancelling	-	No
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	3.5 mm

What reviewers said

7HZ x Crinacle: Diablo

This wired IEM, developed in collaboration with Crinacle, uses a 14.5 mm planar-magnetic driver to deliver a pronounced low-end emphasis. It's tuned specifically for bass-forward music like hip-hop, EDM, and rock, offering a lively and impactful sound signature. With a detachable 2-pin cable, it provides a solid, customizable wired listening experience.

Pro:Strong, punchy bass response
Pro:Planar-magnetic driver for low distortion
Pro:Detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin cable

Con:No active noise cancellation
Con:Wired-only design limits portability
Con:Bass boost may overwhelm neutral listeners

Kiwi Ears KE4

The Kiwi Ears KE4 is a wired hybrid IEM that offers a balanced, relaxing sound with a distinct twist on the popular 'New Meta' tuning, adding extra bass and treble sparkle. It delivers solid midrange clarity and a comfortable fit, making it a versatile choice for many genres, though its smooth presentation may not excite those seeking aggressive or highly dynamic sound.

Pro:Well-balanced hybrid tuning with rich lower mids and airy treble
Pro:Comfortable fit and broad genre versatility
Pro:Good resolution and clarity for its price

Con:Sub-bass can get overpowering at times
Con:Limited resolving power and dynamic impact
Con:Smooth tuning may feel less exciting than V-shaped alternatives

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison 7HZ x Crinacle: Diablo Kiwi Ears KE4