Wired IEMs
7Hz x Crinacle: Salnotes Dioko
64Average
$99
Full review data7Hz x Crinacle: Salnotes Dioko vs Kiwi Ears Aether: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Aether comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Kiwi Ears Aether - Great overall at around $170.
Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Aether
82Great
$170
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears Aether leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- 7Hz x Crinacle: Salnotes Dioko
- Kiwi Ears Aether
HearWiki score
64
82
Sound
7.0
8.5
Value
7.5
8.0
Price (USD)
$99
$170
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
The Kiwi Ears Aether is 3 years newer, but it is 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. For 3 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- x Crinacle: Salnotes Dioko2022
- Aether20253 yr newer
Specifications
x Crinacle: Salnotes DiokoAether
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $99
- $170
- HearWiki score
- 64
- 82
- Released
- 2022
- 2025
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Sold new
- Driver
- 14.6 mm planar magnetic
- 1 planar
- Driver type
- planar
- planar
- Driver configuration
- -
- 1 planar
- Driver size
- 14.6 mm
- 15.3 mm
- Drivers per side
- -
- 1
- Impedance
- 16 Ω
- 14 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 105 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- 275 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
7Hz x Crinacle: Salnotes Dioko
The 7Hz x Crinacle Salnotes Dioko is a wired planar magnetic IEM that delivers impressive clarity and detail for its price, but its bright tuning can come across as sharp or tiring to some listeners. While it offers strong technical performance and a wide soundstage, its fit may be shallow and less secure for certain ears, and the bass response is on the lighter side.
- Pro:Resolving and detailed sound with good separation
- Pro:Wide soundstage for an IEM at this price
- Pro:Solid stock cable and sturdy build quality
- Con:Treble can be peaky and fatiguing over time
- Con:Bass is light and may lack impact for some
- Con:Fit can be shallow and insecure for certain ear shapes
Kiwi Ears Aether
The Kiwi Ears Aether is a single 15.3mm planar driver IEM that delivers a punchy, well-extended bass response and a smooth, non-fatiguing treble, all wrapped in a premium, comfortable shell. Its tuning leans toward a fun yet mature presentation with precise imaging and a wide soundstage, making it a strong contender in the sub-$200 planar market. While its large housing and stock cable pose minor drawbacks, the overall sonic performance and build quality offer excellent value for wired audio enthusiasts.
- Pro:Strong, impactful bass with good depth
- Pro:Smooth and refined treble without harshness
- Pro:Excellent imaging and spacious soundstage
- Con:Recessed lower mids may lack warmth for some
- Con:Large shell size can be problematic for smaller ears
- Con:Stock cable feels below par for the price
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
Compare something else
Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.