Brutally Honest KIWIEARS KE4 ll & AVANT Review (New Benchmarks?)

Kiwi Ears KE4 II

• Sound: A bass-boosted JM1-style tuning with a balanced, full, natural, and smooth presentation. It has satisfying mid-bass slam and texture, natural note weight, and enough treble detail and air without sounding aggressive.
• Scaling and genres: Handles higher listening volumes well and becomes more immersive as vocals move forward, without the fatigue the reviewer associates with some similar sets. It is a versatile all-rounder, including for K-pop and J-pop. Male vocals, ballads, rock, and R&B also suit its full mid-bass and vocal presentation.
• Technical performance: Comparable overall to the Odyssey 2, Daybreaks, and P50, with somewhat clearer separation and layering thanks to less prominent bass. It is solid, but not especially impressive for imaging or detail retrieval.

Comparisons

• Odyssey 2: A cleaner version with more treble air, detail, and separation, at a lower starting price. The Odyssey 2 may suit listeners wanting more sub-bass extension or a metal build; otherwise, the KE4 II is the stronger value.
• Daybreaks/P50: Similar general sound, but the KE4 II supports a louder, more immersive presentation and has better bass texture.
• Original KE4: A distinctly different tuning, not a continuation of its warmer, airier, more relaxed character. The KE4 II is cleaner and more balanced, with stronger vocals and layering. Those seeking the original’s sound should look elsewhere; it can work as a contrasting sidegrade.
• Studio 4: Similar balance and tonality for roughly half the price. The Studio 4 retains an edge in vocal presence and midrange detail, while the KE4 II offers more sub-bass extension, better scaling, and vents. The reviewer still slightly prefers the Studio 4, but considers the KE4 II better value at typical prices.

Value and drawbacks

The KE4 II is fairly priced rather than a standout bargain. Around $150–170, it becomes a particularly good deal; at roughly $200, it is still considered reasonable. Its tuning is safe and capable, but familiar rather than novel, and it will not wow listeners with technicalities.

Linsoul Avant

• Sound and design: A balanced, natural-sounding set with engaging dynamics and texture. Its MEMS treble has a tactile attack followed by a brief airy decay, adding crispness without sounding excessively boosted or artificial. The bass is firm, textured, and punchy, though not the main focus.
• Listening experience: Vocals remain clear in rock mixes, drums have satisfying punch, and the reviewer found the set versatile across test tracks at about 75 dB. At around 80 dB, some tracks can make the treble feel sharp and fatiguing; keeping the volume below that avoids the main issue. It leans slightly toward the treble and particularly suits indie, vocal ballads, and slower R&B.
• Technical performance: Resolving and competitive for its price, with precise imaging, clear separation, good layering, and slightly above-average width. The reviewer places it around or slightly above the Truthear/“Dusk” reference in overall technicalities, but below the ZiiGaat Horizon and Binary EP321 for detail retrieval and separation.

Comparisons

• Miracle One: A more substantial, detailed, and resolving alternative, with fuller notes, stronger bass impact and texture, and clearer vocal presentation. It retains some treble emphasis but sounds less airy, thin, and lightweight. The reviewer describes it as an upgrade-sidegrade that addresses the Miracle One’s shortcomings.
• KE4 II: Similar balanced tuning, but the Avant is more refined and technical, with better resolution, clarity, imaging, and texture.
• Horizon and EP321: These sound lighter, brighter, and airier, with less tactile treble and mid-bass weight. The Avant is fuller and less bright, making it the safer choice for listeners sensitive to treble energy. The Horizon has a little more sub-bass rumble than the EP321.
• Astro 142 and Crescent: These are somewhat cheaper and similarly capable technically, but sound livelier and more V-shaped, with deeper sub-bass and brighter treble at the expense of some midrange balance. The Avant is the reviewer’s preference for a more immersive, midrange-focused presentation.
• Other MEMS sets: The reviewer considers the Avant one of the two strongest MEMS implementations, alongside the EP321. It is preferred over the Pure S6 and Hons, and is said to avoid the thinness sometimes heard on the Hons.

Value and verdict

The Avant is considered competitive at its price, with a sale price around $300 described as a solid offer. It is recommended for listeners wanting a balanced but engaging set with MEMS treble texture, provided they do not listen at very high volume.

Overall recommendation

Both are solid releases, but neither is presented as a game-changing new benchmark. The KE4 II is a safe, versatile, fairly priced all-rounder, especially attractive at $150–170. The Avant is the more technically capable and refined option; the reviewer recommends saving for it if the budget allows.

Ratings and speaker

• Ratings: No explicit numerical ratings or scores are given.
• Speaker perspectives: The video contains one reviewer, who gives the comparisons and recommendations above.