Wired IEMs
Kiwi Ears KE4
84Outstanding
$200
Full review dataKiwi Ears KE4 vs TRN BA15: 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
TRN BA15
57Average
$250
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.
- Kiwi Ears KE4
- TRN BA15
HearWiki score
84
57
Sound
8.6
7.1
Value
8.6
4.5
Price (USD)
$200
$250
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.
- KE420242 yr newer
- BA152022
Specifications
KE4BA15
- Type
- Wired IEMs
- Wired IEMs
- Price (USD)
- $200
- $250
- HearWiki score
- 84
- 57
- Released
- 2024
- 2022
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 2DD + 2BA hybrid
- 15× balanced armature
- Driver type
- hybrid
- balanced-armature
- Driver configuration
- 2DD + 2BA
- -
- Driver size
- 10 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 4
- 15
- Frequency response
- -
- 10 Hz - 40 kHz
- Impedance
- 28 Ω
- 30 Ω
- Sensitivity
- -
- 100 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- -
- 15 g
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- Connector
- 3.5 mm
- 4.4 mm balanced
What reviewers said
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
TRN BA15
The TRN BA15 is a wired, 15-driver balanced-armature IEM designed for listeners seeking a technically capable and balanced sound. It features a three-way crossover and a detachable 4.4mm balanced cable, with a lightweight 15g build. Its performance is best realized with a capable source, and its tuning responds well to EQ for personalized adjustment.
- Pro:Detailed and technically capable sound
- Pro:Fast, strong bass response
- Pro:Highly adjustable via EQ
- Con:Requires a capable source to perform fully
- Con:Slightly elevated upper mids may not suit all
- Con:No active noise cancellation
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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