Wired IEMs
AudioSense AQ4
65Good
$180
Full review dataAudioSense AQ4 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
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 3 of 4 measures.
- AudioSense AQ4
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
65
84
Sound
7.6
8.6
Value
-
8.6
Price (USD)
$180
$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
The Kiwi Ears KE4 is 2 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.
- AQ42022
- KE420242 yr newer
Specifications
AQ4KE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $180
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 65
- 84
- Released
- 2022
- 2024
- Availability
- Discontinued
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 1DD + 3BA hybrid
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 3BA
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- -
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 4
- Impedance
- 10 Ω
- 28 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 101 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- MMCX
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
AudioSense AQ4
The AudioSense AQ4 is a wired in-ear monitor that pairs a single dynamic driver with three Knowles balanced-armature drivers in a hybrid configuration. Designed for audiophile listeners, it offers a detachable MMCX cable and a four-driver setup for detailed sound reproduction.
- Pro:Hybrid driver array for balanced sound
- Pro:Detachable MMCX cable for easy replacement
- Pro:Audiophile-oriented tuning
- Con:Requires a capable source due to low impedance
- Con:No active noise cancellation
- Con:May need proper amplification for best performance
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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