Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears Astral
82Outstanding
$300
Full review dataKiwi Ears Astral vs ThieAudio Oracle MKIII: 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
ThieAudio Oracle MKIII
69Good
$590
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Kiwi Ears Astral leads on 4 of 4 measures.
- Kiwi Ears Astral
- ThieAudio Oracle MKIII
HearWiki score
82
69
Sound
8.6
7.8
Value
8.3
6.8
Price (USD)
$300
$590
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
Kiwi Ears Astral (2025) against ThieAudio Oracle MKIII (2024). 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.
- Astral20251 yr newer
- Oracle MKIII2024
Specifications
AstralOracle MKIII
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $300
- $590
- HearWiki score
- 82
- 69
- Released
- 2025
- 2024
- Availability
- Sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 1DD + 6BA hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver type
- hybrid
- tribrid
- Driver configuration
- 1DD + 6BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 7
- -
- Impedance
- 23 Ω
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- 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
ThieAudio Oracle MKIII
The ThieAudio Oracle MKIII is a wired in-ear monitor that blends dynamic, balanced-armature, and electrostatic drivers for a hybrid sound. Its dual-dynamic subwoofer system aims to deliver deep, impactful bass, while the overall tuning leans toward a neutral, studio-monitor style that suits both critical listening and everyday enjoyment.
- Pro:Powerful, well-defined low-end from the dual-dynamic setup
- Pro:Detailed and airy treble from electrostatic drivers
- Pro:Neutral, balanced tuning ideal for monitoring
- Con:No noise cancellation, so isolation depends on ear tips
- Con:Requires a capable source or amplifier to drive electrostats
- Con:Higher price point may not suit casual listeners
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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