Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Astral
82Outstanding
$300
Full review dataKiwi Ears Astral vs NF ACOUS NA2+: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Kiwi Ears Astral 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 Astral - Outstanding overall at around $299.
Wired IEMs
NF ACOUS NA2+
60Average
$170
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears Astral leads on 3 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears Astral
- NF ACOUS NA2+
HearWiki score
82
60
Sound
8.6
7.0
Value
8.3
6.4
Price (USD)
$300
$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 Astral is 4 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 4 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.
- Astral20254 yr newer
- NA2+2021
Specifications
AstralNA2+
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $170
- HearWiki score
- 82
- 60
- Released
- 2025
- 2021
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 6BA hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver type
- hybrid
- dynamic
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 6BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 7
- -
- Impedance
- 23 Ω
- 32 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 107 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Water resistance
- IPX4
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- -
- Connector
- -
- 2-pin 0.78 mm
What reviewers said
Kiwi Ears Astral
The Kiwi Ears Astral is a hybrid wired IEM that blends a dynamic driver with six balanced armatures, delivering a bass-forward yet detailed sound with smooth highs and a natural midrange. While it offers strong clarity, good instrument separation, and a comfortable fit for many, its large shells may cause fatigue over long sessions, and the mid-bass and lower midrange could feel leaner than some listeners prefer. Overall, it's a well-rounded performer in the $300 range, though not perfectly neutral due to its elevated low end and relaxed treble.
- Pro:Deep, impactful sub-bass with good control
- Pro:Clear and detailed treble without harshness
- Pro:Natural midrange with good instrument separation
- Con:Large shells may reduce comfort during extended listening
- Con:Limited included eartip selection
- Con:Mid-bass punch and lower midrange can seem thin
NF ACOUS NA2+
The NF Audio NA2+ is a wired dynamic IEM that delivers crisp detail and precise imaging with a bright-neutral signature. It shines for treble-focused genres like rock and metal, offering clean bass and transparent mids, but its top-end emphasis makes it less ideal for those seeking a warm, all-around tuning. Priced around $169, it remains a technically capable choice for listeners prioritizing clarity and soundstage over a forgiving sound.
- Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and imaging
- Pro:Clean, transparent mids and solid bass
- Pro:Wide soundstage for an IEM at this price
- Con:Bright treble can be sibilant or metallic
- Con:Not a balanced all-rounder; leans bright
- Con:Fit may be loose for some users
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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