The Kiwi Ears Forteza review sample was kindly provided free of charge. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the Forteza is $59 and it can be ordered by Linsoul.
Kiwi Ears Forteza Review
The Kiwi Ears Forteza is an in-ear monitor that stands out with its hybrid design, featuring one balanced armature and two dynamic drivers. Unlike the conventional setup, this model incorporates one high-mid balanced armature and two dynamic drivers – a 10mm mid-range and a 10mm bass driver. This combination ensures a comprehensive sound reproduction across the frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz. To achieve a rich and immersive sound signature, Kiwi Ears has meticulously implemented a three-way passive crossover system. It is worth noting that all three drivers in the Forteza have been developed in-house by Kiwi Ears, further emphasizing their commitment to delivering exceptional audio quality. With a retail price of $59, the Forteza offers an enticing blend of performance and affordability.
Aesthetics and comfort
The 3D printed ear-shells are made from a skin-friendly resin compound and feature a semi-custom anatomical shape. These earphones are lightweight, compact, and extremely comfortable to wear. With excellent isolation, they are perfect for all-day use without any discomfort. The Kiwi Ears Forteza comes in blue, black, and purple color options.
Cable and accessories
The Forteza utilizes a detachable cable with 2 pins, featuring top-notch aluminum plugs. This cable is designed to be soft and lightweight, minimizing friction noise. However, it is worth noting that the cable is relatively thin, making it prone to tangling and giving it a delicate appearance. Additionally, the package includes a convenient carrying case with a side zipper, along with three sets of silicone ear-tips in varying sizes for optimal comfort.
Power requirements
The Kiwi Ears Forteza (32Ω – 103 dB/mW) can be driven with moderate ease and does not require special amplification. However, for optimal performance and to fully utilize the potential of its two dynamic drivers, it is strongly recommended to use a powerful USB DAC dongle. The FiiO KA1 is a suitable option, but for even better and more effective results, the iBasso DC03 Pro and the Shanling UA1 Plus are highly recommended.
Listening impressions
Low-end
The Kiwi Ears Forteza boasts a pronounced “V” shaped tuning that accentuates the bass and treble, while pushing the mid-range to the background. The low-end is extended with a punchy sub-bass and emphasized bass, creating a fun and warm sound signature that pairs well with various modern electronic music genres. The Forteza excels in reproducing deep bass notes with a rich and textured feel. The dynamic and explosive bass is impactful, although it lacks tight control and has a longer decay time. Additionally, there is noticeable cup reverb, making it challenging for the driver to maintain timing and definition during busier passages. Despite the emphasized bass, it does not overpower the overall sound, and the bleed into the mid-range is minimal, preserving clarity and transparency.
Mid-range
When it comes to the mid-range, despite the majority of emphasis being on the upper mid-range, the overall tonal balance remains acceptable, and the Forteza does not come across as excessively loud or piercing unless played at high volumes. The clarity and separation are commendable for this category, with above-average resolution. However, while the timbre does not sound artificial, there are instances where it lacks tonal accuracy and realism. The decision to use a dynamic driver for the mids contributes to a cohesive texture, resulting in a full and weighty sound similar to the lower frequencies. Additionally, the Forteza offers an open presentation that avoids feeling confined.
Higher frequencies
The high frequencies in the treble are not as robust as the mid and lower ranges, affecting the overall texture integrity. The treble is purposely accentuated to balance out the bass, bringing energy, airiness, and sparkle to the audio. The Forteza leans towards a bright sound, but it’s not overly harsh or piercing. The main drawback of the treble in the Kiwi Ears Forteza lies in its textural and timbral qualities. The treble quality falls below average, presenting an artificial and metallic sound with a thin texture and poor tonal accuracy. As a result, higher-pitched instruments may sound artificial and off-key. While electronic music may still sound enjoyable, the Forteza struggles with acoustic music.
In the end
The Kiwi Ears Forteza stands out as an exceptionally comfortable and lightweight IEM. Its tuning, however, may divide opinions, as it can be captivating and enjoyable for certain genres of music, while lacking inspiration for others. If you prioritize tonal accuracy less and prefer a generous dose of sub-bass, complemented by clear mid-range and vibrant treble, then the Kiwi Ears Forteza could be the ideal option for you.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Sub-bass extension + Plenty of impactful bass + Mid-range is clean and resolving + Treble extension + Open soundstage + Comfortable and lightweight + Beautiful looking and well made + Accessories - Weird tuning balance - Bass is not that controlled and textured - Metallic and artificial treble - Could use more tonal accuracy - Lean treble texture - Cable doesn't look robust
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