Wired IEMs
CrinEar Project Monolith
76Great
Price n/a
Full review dataCrinEar Project Monolith 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 4 of 4 measures.
- CrinEar Project Monolith
- Kiwi Ears KE4
HearWiki score
76
84
Sound
8.0
8.6
Value
6.0
8.6
Price (USD)
-
$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 CrinEar Project Monolith 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.
- Project Monolith20262 yr newer
- KE42024
Specifications
Project MonolithKE4
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- -
- $200
- HearWiki score
- 76
- 84
- Released
- 2026
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Still sold new
- Driver
- 2-driver hybrid
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- hybrid
- Driver configuration
- -
- 2DD + 2BA
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- 10 mm
- Drivers per side
- 2
- 4
- Frequency response
- 2 Hz - 38 kHz
- -
- Sound signature
- bass-heavy
- -
- Impedance
- 14 Ω
- 28 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 98 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- -
- No
- Weight
- 16 g
- -
- Detachable cable
- -
- Yes
- Connector
- 4.4 mm balanced
- 3.5 mm
What reviewers said
CrinEar Project Monolith
The CrinEar Project Monolith is a limited-edition wired IEM engineered for bass enthusiasts, pairing a hybrid dual-driver setup with a brass build to deliver powerful low-end while keeping mids and highs natural. Its niche, bass-forward tuning and 999-unit production run make it a collector's piece rather than an all-rounder, though comfort is a standout strength. With a 4.4mm balanced connection and a wide frequency range, it targets listeners who prioritize sub-bass impact over neutrality.
- Pro:Deep, punchy bass with natural mids and highs
- Pro:Comfortable fit despite the bass-heavy tuning
- Pro:Innovative brass construction and driver co-design
- Con:Extreme bass tuning may overwhelm clarity for some
- Con:Limited 999-unit run restricts availability
- Con:Requires a balanced 4.4mm source for best use
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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