Kiwi Ears Septet vs Yu9 Audio Que: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Yu9 Audio Que comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 83. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Yu9 Audio Que - Great overall at around $399.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Yu9 Audio Que leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Kiwi Ears Septet
Yu9 Audio Que

HearWiki score

Sound

8.2

8.5

Value

7.8

8.0

Price (USD)

$270

$400

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

Both shipped in 2025. 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.

Septet2025
Que2025

Specifications

SeptetQue

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $270; $400
HearWiki score: 77; 83
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT tribrid; 1DD + 3BA hybrid
Driver type: tribrid; hybrid
Driver configuration: 1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT; 1DD + 3BA
Driver size: 10 mm; 10 mm
Drivers per side: 7; 4
Impedance: 15 Ω; -
Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Kiwi Ears Septet vs Yu9 Audio Que
Spec	Kiwi Ears Septet	Yu9 Audio Que
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$270	$400
HearWiki score	77 / 100 Great	83 / 100 Great
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT tribrid	1DD + 3BA hybrid
Driver type	tribrid	hybrid
Driver configuration	1DD + 4BA + 1PL + 1PZT	1DD + 3BA
Driver size	10 mm	10 mm
Drivers per side	7	4
Impedance	15 Ω	-
Sensitivity	95 dB/mW	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

Kiwi Ears Septet

The Kiwi Ears Septet is a wired, reference-oriented tribrid IEM that delivers impressive resolution, airy highs, and a spacious soundstage, making it a strong pick for detail-focused listeners. It leans bright and technical rather than warm, with controlled bass and clear mids, but it demands a capable source and offers limited isolation due to its open-back design. Overall, it provides solid build quality and good value for its price, though its treble can occasionally become sharp on certain tracks.

Pro:Excellent detail retrieval and treble clarity
Pro:Spacious, open soundstage with airy highs
Pro:Controlled bass and natural midrange balance

Con:Requires ample power to perform optimally
Con:Limited noise isolation due to open-back design
Con:Treble can sound sharp or sibilant on some recordings

Yu9 Audio Que

The Yu9 Audio Que is a wired hybrid IEM that delivers a refined, flagship-inspired sound for under $500, blending controlled bass, organic mids, and airy treble with impressive spatial cues. Its vented shell prevents pressure buildup and offers strong technical performance, though the wide nozzle and fit may be a consideration for some listeners. Overall, it presents excellent value as a versatile, engaging single-set option.

Pro:Organic and natural midrange presentation
Pro:Controlled bass with good punch and texture
Pro:Airy treble that adds sparkle without harshness

Con:Wide nozzle may cause fit issues for some ears
Con:No noise cancellation or wireless options
Con:Stock cable could feel stiff 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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