Kiwi Ears ETUDE and Tipsy M1 are in-ear monitors. Kiwi Ears ETUDE costs $119 while Tipsy M1 costs $99. Kiwi Ears ETUDE is $20 more expensive. Tipsy M1 holds a slight 0.2-point edge in reviewer scores (7 vs 7.2). Tipsy M1 has better soundstage with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
Metric | Kiwi Ears ETUDE | Tipsy M1 |
---|---|---|
Mids | 6 | 6 |
Treble | 5 | 5 |
Soundstage | 6 | 6.8 |
Dynamics | 7 | 7 |
Tonality | 6 | 6.2 |
Technicalities | 5 | 5 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Kiwi Ears ETUDE reviewed by
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Tipsy M1 reviewed by
2025-09-03Youtube Video Summary
Tipsy M1 brings a novel bamboo-fiber diaphragm to the ~$99 bracket, wrapped in a tiny, lightweight shell with a metal nozzle, QDC connectors, venting, and a tidy accessory set (puck case, 6.3 mm adapter, labeled cable with a firm chin slider). The petite housing is a double-edged sword: comfort for small-ear fits, but seal and stability can be finicky and demand tip-rolling—sticky tips help. Build and finish are attractive (notably the green and the red/orange colorways), and the cable feels good if not “hyper-premium.”
Sonically, M1 leans into a thick, rich bass with a downward-sloping balance and agreeable mids; it benefits from being cranked and carefully dialed in. The FR shows a small dip around ~500 Hz, a solid bass shelf, and a fair amount of upper mids; while treble extension and micro-detail aren’t the star, the overall tonality is pleasant and cohesive. Versus its stablemates, it’s judged better than Star One, preferred over SPA 260 and Drummer (those trend hotter up top), and competitive against a crowded ~$100 field: sets like the Pula/Pool Unic trade comfort and accessories, Defiant offers a touch more mid-treble air, planars like S08 push detail and sparkle, while something “lean-clean” like Truthear Pure dials back bass/upper-mids.
What emerges is a fun, bass-forward single-DD with good dynamics, surprisingly tidy FR for its price, and a cautious recommendation for listeners who value warmth and musicality over ultimate air and incisive technicalities. It’s described as Tipsy’s strongest recent effort—a set that can occasionally underwhelm in treble finesse but, when the fit and power are right, delivers a sweet, engaging tonality and even a hint of soundstage expansion. Call it a competitive <$100 option that would shine even brighter with a more secure shell and a touch more top-end refinement.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA+1VT
Tuning Type: V-Shaped
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $119
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Tipsy M1 Details
Driver Configuration:
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $99
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Kiwi Ears ETUDE 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
C+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
Tipsy M1 Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B- Tonality is generally agreeable, though a few bumps remind you of its limits. Certain tracks spotlight its tonal quirks.
Average Technical Grade
C+- The presentation is steady if unspectacular, holding onto essential details when the music stays simple. Fine details occasionally slip through the cracks.
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