Kiwi Ears Astral VS Xenns Tea Pro
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kiwi Ears Astral and Xenns Tea Pro use 1DD+6BA and 2DD+6BA driver setups respectively. Kiwi Ears Astral costs $299 while Xenns Tea Pro costs $359. Xenns Tea Pro is $60 more expensive. Kiwi Ears Astral holds a decisive 1-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 7.5). User ratings place Kiwi Ears Astral at 8.3 and Xenns Tea Pro at 8. Kiwi Ears Astral has significantly better mids with a 2-point edge, Kiwi Ears Astral has significantly better dynamics with a 1-point edge and Kiwi Ears Astral has significantly better soundstage with a 1-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Kiwi Ears Astral | Xenns Tea Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Mids | 8 | 6 |
| Treble | 7 | 7 |
| Soundstage | 8 | 7 |
| Dynamics | 7 | 6 |
| Tonality | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| Technicalities | 7 | 7 |
Jaytiss Reviews Comparison
Kiwi Ears Astral reviewed by
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Kiwi Ears Astral offers a solid build quality with comfortable shells that fit well, featuring a practical nozzle design that holds ear tips securely. The included cable is notably high-quality, featuring a functional chin slider, a sleek bluish-purplish-gray hue, and connectors that are exceptionally easy to swap. While the case is utilitarian and similar to other Kiwi Ears offerings, the overall package is practical and well-appointed.
Sonically, the Astral stands out as a special and highly competitive set at its $299 price point. It delivers a beautifully tuned, balanced tonality that hugs the target curve closely, offering a satisfying amount of bass, well-executed upper mids, and a generally pleasing, non-fatiguing sound. While it may occasionally lean slightly shouty or risk sounding dull on certain tracks compared to more aggressively tuned alternatives, it excels as a refined all-rounder. Its technical performance – including spaciousness, detail retrieval, and rich bass texturing – is impressive for the price, though micro-details and ultimate pristine clarity aren't class-leading.
The Astral trades blows with top competitors like the Performer 7 (slightly darker/richer) and the Volume S (better dynamics but less sub-bass), often coming out ahead for its cohesive balance. It significantly improves upon predecessors like the Kiwi Ears Quartet or Singolo, offering better upper-mid presence and technicalities. Ultimately, it represents a fantastic option for those seeking a well-tuned, balanced IEM, delivering a highly enjoyable and versatile listening experience with minimal faults. For its price, it's exceptionally hard to beat, earning strong marks across the board.
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Xenns Tea Pro reviewed by
7.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
The Xenns Tea Pro impresses most with its exceptional build quality and aesthetics. The metallic shell feels substantial and premium in the ear, featuring a comfortable wing design and a nice metal nozzle. While slightly larger than its predecessors like the Tea and Tea2, the Pro's shell represents an upgrade in feel and technology, boasting a prettier faceplate. The included cable is thick, braided, and features a swappable termination (4.4mm or 3.5mm), contributing to an overall solid package that feels like a significant step up from previous models.
Sonically, the Tea Pro offers a bassy but clean signature with strong, impactful low end. However, it presents some key drawbacks: the bass can feel slightly boomy or distorted rather than pristine, and the overall presentation leans dark and rich. This comes at the expense of upper treble sparkle, air, and micro-details, resulting in a narrow soundstage and less impressive instrument separation than expected at its price point. While extremely pleasant and engaging for music listening, it feels slightly muffled and lacks the clarity and detail retrieval of many competitors.
When stacked against rivals like the Dunu Da Vinci, Kiwi Ears Quintet, EM10, DUNU DaVinci, Hype 4, or CCA CA4, the Tea Pro often falls short sonically. Competitors generally offer better air, treble extension, cleaner bass, or superior detail. Its own predecessor, the Tea2, is considered more neutral and relaxed. Consequently, while the Tea Pro is a contender with its fantastic build and fun tuning, it might be skippable for those prioritizing pure sound quality. It earns a recommendation for newcomers or those valuing premium construction, but audiophiles seeking the best sound may find better options elsewhere.
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Kiwi Ears Astral Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA
Tuning Type: U-Shaped
Brand: Kiwi Ears Top Kiwi Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $299
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Xenns Tea Pro Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+6BA
Tuning Type: Neutral, Warm
Brand: XENNS Top XENNS IEMs
Price (Msrp): $359
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Kiwi Ears Astral Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A- It presents a smooth, well-integrated tonal balance that plays nicely with many styles. It maintains natural timbre across the range.
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.
Xenns Tea Pro 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-- The presentation feels orderly, balancing workable detail retrieval with acceptable imaging cues. It keeps momentum without smearing transients.
Kiwi Ears Astral User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewImaging and separation performance on this IEM gives a holographic nature to tracks of all genres. Extremely versatile. Technical performance competes with many higher-priced sets.
Pros
Extremely clean separation and technical performance. Treble is very clean at price point. Mids are clear and transparent, and are simply good with little to no coloration. Forward vocal region, but does so in a way that should be great for all.Cons
Midbass could be raised slightly, and sub bass can be too forward at times. Treble clarity only slightly behind much more expensive sets. Raised 7-9khz region, but not peaky.A technically adept IEM with a balanced, engaging U-shaped signature that excels in bass texture, vocal clarity, and spatial presentation—offering exceptional value despite sparse accessories.
Pros
Powerful, textured sub-bass with deep rumble; natural vocals with excellent clarity; airy, non-fatiguing treble with strong extension; and outstanding imaging/soundstage for the price.Cons
Limited eartip selection affects fit optimization; bulky shells may cause discomfort during extended use; mids occasionally lack warmth and can feel slightly recessed.Xenns Tea Pro User Reviews
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewA great IEM that punches above its price with strong technical ability and tonal balance.
Pros
Balanced and engaging signature with excellent imaging and bass texture.Cons
Treble may be slightly fatiguing to sensitive ears.Find your next IEM:
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