Wired IEMs
AKG N30
Not yet scored
$300
Full review dataAKG N30 vs Kiwi Ears KE4: which should you buy?
Specs, scores and condensed review verdicts for the AKG N30 vs Kiwi Ears KE4, side by side. Where a product has no HearWiki score yet, not enough reviews have been aggregated to rate it.
Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears KE4 leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- AKG N30
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
-
84
Sound
-
8.6
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$300
$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
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.
- N30Year unknown
- KE42024
Specifications
N30KE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $200
- HearWiki score
- Not scored
- 84
- Released
- -
- 2024
- Availability
- Availability unknown
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2-driver hybrid
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 4
- Impedance
- 32 Ω
- 28 Ω
- Sensitivity (dB/Vrms)
- 101
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- 19.5 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- MMCX
- 3.5 mm
- Microphones
- 1
- -
- Microphone type
- electret
- -
What reviewers said
AKG N30
The AKG N30 are wired in-ear monitors that blend a balanced armature and dynamic driver for detailed, high-resolution sound. They offer customizable tuning through swappable filters and a detachable MMCX cable with an inline microphone, all in a light, comfortable shell. Priced around $299, they suit audiophiles who prefer a wired, adjustable listening experience without noise cancellation.
- Pro:Hybrid driver setup delivers clear, detailed audio
- Pro:Interchangeable filters let you tweak the sound signature
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cable adds durability and upgrade options
- Con:No active noise cancellation for noisy environments
- Con:Wired-only design limits wireless convenience
- Con:Sound tuning may require experimentation to find your preference
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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