Kiwi Ears Aether VS DUNU x KOTO ITO
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kiwi Ears Aether and DUNU x KOTO ITO use 1Planar and 2DD+2BA driver setups respectively. Kiwi Ears Aether costs $170 while DUNU x KOTO ITO costs $199. DUNU x KOTO ITO is $29 more expensive. Kiwi Ears Aether holds a clear 0.5-point edge in reviewer scores (7.9 vs 7.4). Kiwi Ears Aether has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, Kiwi Ears Aether has significantly better treble with a 2-point edge and DUNU x KOTO ITO has significantly better dynamics with a 2-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Kiwi Ears Aether | DUNU x KOTO ITO |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 7 | 5 |
| Treble | 7 | 5 |
| Soundstage | 7.5 | 7.5 |
| Dynamics | 6 | 8 |
| Tonality | 6.9 | 6.4 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 5 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Kiwi Ears Aether reviewed by
7.9
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Kiwi Ears Aether arrives as a ~$170 planar with a classy, comfortable shell that seals well despite its larger size and visible venting. The accessories are familiar—typical Kiwi Ears case, okay tip selection—while the cable feels like a real upgrade: soft, pliable, and tidy with a solid 3.5 mm termination. Fit can be great, but smaller ears should note the chunkier housing.
Sonically, Aether leans neutral-bright with a clean midrange, airy treble, and standout micro-detail retrieval for the price. There’s adequate measured bass, yet the added brightness trims some perceived slam, so it’s not for bassheads. Compared with earlier Kiwi planars, it feels more tonally correct, carrying that planar crispness without the shout or glare that often trips sets up around the mid-treble.
In A/Bs, Aether trades blows with Aöso: the latter reads a touch better tuned, but Aether pulls ahead in technicalities—micro-nuances, textural cues, “whispers.” Melody is warmer but less accurate; S08 is darker and cheaper but less balanced; S12 variants push more 5–6 k energy; MP145 is impressive yet bulkier. Overall, Aether scores roughly an 8/10 with a clear note: choose it for a mid-focused, detailed presentation and excellent value in the planar field, skip it if the priority is big bass weight.
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DUNU x KOTO ITO reviewed by
2025-09-11
7.4
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Build & accessories land in a solid spot for the price: comfortable shells with secure nozzles, clear L/R marks, and a supple modular cable that swaps between 4.4mm and 3.5mm (no USB-C in-box). The hard case is nicely made and pocketable, and the whole package feels durable if not premium. Nothing glaring in QC—just a clean, practical presentation.
Sonically, this is a bold V-shape—huge sub-bass punch with elevated upper mids to keep things lively. The bass can turn boomy/pillowy on some tracks, and a scoop around 300–800 Hz can leave female vocals a touch recessed; treble is clean and controlled, a little dark up top with limited sparkle. Technicalities are decent rather than class-leading—separation and air trail sets like Punch Audio Martillo or Crescent, while tuning kinships show up against DUNU Glacier and even Grand Maestro-style balances. Compared to value darlings (e.g., Truth Ear Pure, Jazzer Defiant), ITO feels more audiophile-flavored fun than an all-rounder.
In DUNU’s lineup it reads as a unique basshead option: very engaging slam, thick note weight, and non-fatiguing treble, but only average mids/technicalities. Think hip-hop/EDM-friendly impact over neutral precision. Verdict: around 3–3.5 stars—competitive at $200 for those chasing thump and excitement; listeners wanting neutrality, vocal presence, or extra air may prefer other picks or a “tactful V” with less bass and less upper-mid bite.
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Kiwi Ears Aether Details
Driver Configuration: 1Planar
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $169.99
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DUNU x KOTO ITO Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+2BA
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: DUNU Top DUNU IEMs
Price (Msrp): $199
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Kiwi Ears Aether Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- A mostly enjoyable signature keeps things listenable despite a handful of quirks. It handles most playlists without major complaints.
Average Technical Grade
A-- You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
DUNU x KOTO ITO Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- The tuning leans easygoing, yet occasional unevenness nudges it away from greatness. A bit of EQ polish can smooth things nicely.
Average Technical Grade
C+- An honest, middle-of-the-road performance preserves structure without chasing micro-detail. It's respectable for everyday listening sessions.
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