Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch VS Yu9 Que
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch and Yu9 Que use 1DD+2BA+2EST and 1DD+3BA driver setups respectively. Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch costs $450 while Yu9 Que costs $409. Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch is $41 more expensive. Yu9 Que holds a decisive 1.6-point edge in reviewer scores (7.5 vs 9.1). Yu9 Que has significantly better mids with a 3-point edge, Yu9 Que has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge and Yu9 Que has significantly better soundstage with a 2.2-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch | Yu9 Que |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 6 | 9 |
| Treble | 7 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 6 | 8.2 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 7 |
| Tonality | 6.5 | 8.1 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 8 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch reviewed by
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The five-driver collab comes in at around $450 (initially closer to $400, even ~$350 with coupons) and feels thoughtfully put together: a playful, divisive faceplate, a slightly large but well-contoured shell with a nozzle that holds tips securely, and flat 2-pin connectors with proper venting. The included cable is soft and pleasant in hand with clear red/blue channel markers, though the chin slider is a bit loose; 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm terminations are available. Comfort is generally solid—there’s a hint of pointiness for sensitive ears, but overall the ergonomics and case/cable package feel right for the price.
Sonically, this is a very bassy tuning that still keeps the mids clean and defined, pulling off that tricky combo of weight and clarity. Sub-bass digs deep, mid-bass stays controlled enough to avoid bloom, and there’s a touch of upper-air “twinkle” (more evident on some rigs than others); treble extension is tasteful rather than aggressive, which some may read as slightly relaxed. It’s also one of the more affordable EST implementations, delivering a bass-forward but detailed presentation that tracks close to target without sounding sterile.
Against peers, it mirrors the HiSenior Mega 5 EST in FR but adds a bit more pizzazz off-graph, while the Mega 5 feels smoother and more polite. Compared with HBB’s own Jupiter, that set feels technically superior and more refined, but also pricier; value swings back to the Punch—especially at coupon pricing—if oodles of sub-bass are the priority. It’s not for neutral-heads, yet as an all-rounder for bass-leaning listeners it checks most boxes with few real faults, earning a confident 92 (S-) for its fun-but-balanced tonality, solid build, and compelling price-to-performance.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Yu9 Que reviewed by
2025-08-09
9.1
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The YU9 Que sports a premium, durable resin shell in pure black with a metallic-feeling faceplate and a comfortable design featuring an anti-tragus catch. While the build itself feels handsome and unique, the included cable is criticized as wimpy and unpleasant, with a strong suggestion to upgrade it. Accessories are deemed solid, including a nice selection of tips and a particularly praised case with a soft, luxurious interior.
Sonically, the YU9 Que earns immense praise for its exceptional tuning, described as clean, resolute, and non-fatiguing. It delivers strong, textured bass that avoids being overwhelming, coupled with extremely well-done upper mids. While not class-leading in technicalities like micro-detail or instrument separation, its tonal balance is considered sophisticated and reminiscent of far more expensive sets like the Annihilator, even surpassing the Monarch MKII in tuning preference. It's highlighted as a fantastic all-rounder with a smooth, agreeable signature suitable for long listening sessions.
Despite its modest single dynamic driver + 3BA configuration and $409 price point, the YU9 Que is declared a very special and unique IEM, worthy of the hype it received. The review concludes it's a price leader and a highly competent package from a small brand, offering outstanding value and a beautiful, well-executed design that makes it an easy recommendation for those seeking a smooth, non-fatiguing sound.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+2BA+2EST
Tuning Type: Basshead
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $450
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Yu9 Que Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+3BA
Tuning Type: Neutral with Bass Boost
Price (Msrp): $409
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Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
B+- It sounds pleasant overall, with some uneven spots that hint at room for refinement. Vocals remain pleasant despite the imperfections.
Average Technical Grade
A-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
Yu9 Que Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Tuning feels refined, blending frequencies with convincing realism and engagement. Transitions between registers feel effortless.
Average Technical Grade
A+- You get an articulate, polished performance with immersive stage depth and great control. There's a sense of polish across the whole spectrum.
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