Kiwi Ears KE4 VS DUNU x KOTO ITO

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Build & accessories: understated box, a surprisingly nice cable with a “juicy” feel and flat 2-pin connectors, plus extra filters. The stock tips are the weak link—thin out note weight and feel downright horrific, so a tip swap is recommended. The medium-to-large shell is a highlight: secure fit, comfy nozzle size, and a handsome faceplate that looks premium in ear. Overall ergonomics and finish scream daily-driver friendly.

Sound: impactful, well-judged bass, lively upper mids, and a touch of upper-air jank; for $200 it’s a strong value with a clean, modern JM1-style tuning. Easily the most convincing Kiwi Ears to date: more balanced and natural than Quintet (which pushes upper mids/10 kHz energy), far more sensible than the treble-shouty Forteza, a clear upgrade over budget options like DLS and the tiny, poorly packaged Singolo, and less fatiguing than the bass-and-upper-mid heavy Melody. Against $200 benchmarks, KE4 becomes a new reference—cleaner male vocals and better build than “Chopin,” and a tighter low end plus tidier mids than AFUL Performer 5. Trades blows with Hype 4 at a fraction of the price; those craving a pricier step-up in the same vein can eye HiSenior Mega5EST. Measured verdict: Tier A, 3-star, 8.8 for tone—good imaging, solid soundstage, gamer-friendly, not flawless but genuinely excellent once re-tipped. A handsome, comfortable set that delivers outstanding value for newcomers and gift-givers alike.

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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.