Over the years, I’ve spent a lot of time with in-ear monitors—reviewing, comparing, and chasing that elusive blend of tuning, comfort, and performance. Kiwi Ears has consistently impressed me, and with their growing and actually affordable lineup, I’ve come to expect innovation and refinement in just about every release. In this review, I’m diving into two of their most ambitious models to date: the Astral and the Septet. While they share some DNA in their multi-driver hybrid designs, each takes a very different approach to how they deliver sound. Buy them here!
This isn’t a shootout. Instead, I wanted to spend time with both sets individually, give each its own space to shine, and see which one truly resonates with me. Spoiler alert: while I think both are great, one clearly fits my preferences better, however your choice maybe different.
Let’s start with the Septet. It’s a model that immediately grabbed my attention—not just for its looks, but for what’s inside. Kiwi Ears packed seven drivers into each shell using four different types: dynamic, balanced armature, micro planar, and piezoelectric. That kind of configuration isn’t something you see often, especially at this price point.
| Listener Type | Choose the Kiwi Ears Astral if… | Choose the Kiwi Ears Septet if… |
|---|---|---|
| You value natural sound | You want a neutral, clear presentation with a hint of sub-bass warmth. | You prefer a more technical, reference-leaning sound signature. |
| You listen for enjoyment, not just detail | You love immersive sound that “disappears” into the music. | You love hearing every micro-detail in your mix. |
| Your gear is modest or portable | You want an IEM that performs well from most sources. | You have a powerful DAP or DAC/AMP to fully unlock its potential. |
| You want long-session comfort | You need a comfortable IEM with a snug, deeper fit. | You’re fine experimenting with ear tips to dial in the right fit. |
| You’re upgrading from budget IEMs | You want a natural upgrade with balanced tuning. | You’re seeking a more advanced, expansive listening experience. |
| Your music tastes are varied | You want a versatile IEM that works across genres. | You primarily enjoy instrumental, acoustic, or vocal-heavy tracks. |
The all-metal matte black shell has a premium feel. It’s light, smooth to the touch, and shaped to fit comfortably, though the short nozzles did make tip matching a bit more work. The standout feature, visually and functionally, is the open-back faceplate. With gold mesh showing through eight vent-like slits and a tastefully placed logo, it’s both stylish and purposeful. That open design contributes to one of the most spacious soundstages I’ve heard in an IEM.
Internally, you’re getting:
Technical Specs – Kiwi Ears Septet
I tested the Septet (and Astral) primarily through my SMSL DO400 which is an excellent DAC/AMP combo for IEMs.
The Septet has a very technical, neutral-bright signature. The bass is clean and extends deep, but it doesn’t have the kind of weight or body that hits you in the chest. It’s more about finesse than impact. Where it really shines is in the midrange and treble. The clarity, layering, and holographic staging are impressive. Vocals have space to breathe, and instruments pop with air and precision. Despite the complexity of the driver array, the integration is seamless. There’s no hint of crossover weirdness or mismatch in tonality.
This is a sound designed for critical listening—analytical but not cold. It feels like something a mixing engineer would appreciate, or anyone who wants their music to feel meticulously rendered.
The Septet is clearly an IEM aimed at audiophiles who love detail and space. The open-back design isn’t just for show—it dramatically increases the perceived width and depth of the soundstage. The tuning is clean and spacious, and while the bass could use a bit more meat for my taste, I can’t deny the level of resolution and refinement on display here.
It does require power and benefits from careful tip rolling, but if you’ve got the right setup, the Septet can deliver a stunning level of technical performance.
Now to the Astral—an IEM that’s become a bit of a personal favorite. It doesn’t scream innovation in the same way the Septet does, but after hours of listening, I kept coming back to it. There’s something honest about how the Astral presents music. It’s clear, it’s immersive, and most importantly—it feels natural.
| Feature | Kiwi Ears Astral | Kiwi Ears Septet |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Configuration | 1DD + 6BA (7 drivers total) | 1DD + 4BA + 1MPT + 1PZT (7 drivers total) |
| Crossover Network | 3-way | 5-way |
| Sound Profile | Neutral with sub-bass lift | Neutral-bright with extended treble |
| Bass Character | Deep and textured sub-bass, slightly light mids | Fast, linear, detailed but lean |
| Mids | Clear, balanced, smooth | Open, detailed, very expressive |
| Treble | Smooth, non-fatiguing, natural | Bright, extended, highly detailed |
| Soundstage | Spacious and natural | Extremely wide and holographic (open-back) |
| Fit & Comfort | Deep nozzle, snug fit, comfortable long-term | Lightweight metal shell, tip-sensitive |
| Build Material | High-quality resin with gold sparkle | Matte black aluminum, open-back design |
| Preferred Use Case | Daily listening, long sessions, neutral tuning | Critical listening, detail-oriented sessions |
| My Preference | ✅ Astral – more natural and immersive feel |
The resin shell is familiar if you’ve used other Kiwi Ears models, but this one has a deeper nozzle and a slightly more sculpted fit. I had to go with smaller ear tips to get the right seal, but once I found the sweet spot, the fit was exceptional. The finish is also gorgeous—a black base with a gold dust sparkle effect that catches light just enough to look high-end without being flashy. Buy them here!
It’s packed with:
Technical Specs – Kiwi Ears Astral
Right out of the gate, the Astral feels more musical and less analytical. The tuning is neutral with a tasteful sub-bass boost that adds some energy and depth. The bass doesn’t dominate, but it definitely brings the rumble when called upon. Mid-bass is dialed back a bit, which does reduce some warmth—but it keeps the mids clean and lets vocals shine through with real texture and body.
The midrange is where this set lives. Instruments sound organic, voices are smooth and centered, and everything just feels cohesive. Treble is controlled and slightly rolled off in the uppermost range—no peaks or fatigue to speak of. Yet, detail retrieval is still excellent.
What really surprised me was how open and clear everything sounded. Despite not having the open-back design of the Septet, the Astral gives me a sense of space and realism that’s honestly rare in this price range. It never feels boxed-in or congested. I often forgot I was wearing IEMs—it felt more like the music was just there, pure and unfiltered.
The Astral feels like a culmination of everything Kiwi Ears has been aiming for: a balanced, clean, and spacious sound with enough musicality to keep you listening for hours. It doesn’t chase trends or overdo anything. It just delivers music the way I want to hear it—clear, immersive, and natural.
Between the two, this is the one I personally prefer. There’s a fluidity to the Astral’s presentation that feels effortless. I’m not listening to drivers or dissecting frequencies—I’m just experiencing the music. It hits that sweet spot between technical performance and emotional connection, and for me, that’s what great audio gear should do.
Both the Septet and the Astral are excellent in their own right. The Septet is a showcase of technical prowess with its unique driver blend and expansive, open-back staging. It's a detail monster that rewards focused listening and proper amplification.
The Astral, on the other hand, is what I find myself reaching for day after day. It offers a cleaner, more effortless experience. The tuning just works—it's neutral with soul. The sub-bass adds just enough weight, the mids are expressive, and the treble stays refined. Most of all, it gives me that rare sensation of not listening to something, but simply hearing the music as it is. That’s what sealed the deal for me.
If you're choosing between them, it really comes down to what kind of listener you are. If you crave resolution and headroom, the Septet is for you. But if you're after a sound that disappears and leaves you with nothing but the music, the Astral is an absolute gem. Buy them here!
