What is the "New Meta"? Kiwi Ears KE4 REVIEW

[@SuperReview]

If you missed it before, here's my "What is Harman?" video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJmqkKCJi7x_ecU

[@Mastermnd1]

Best meta explanation ever. Thanks!

[@521tifosi]

Great video, Super! Having someone explain the new “meta” and how it’s a response to improving on Harmon is exactly what I needed. I’m looking forward to hearing some of these new turnings at SoCal Cam Jam. 👍🏼

[@larrydunn4626]

try Oracle III, Ziigaat Arete, Juzear 61T, and Mega5EST 7th which is actually below the new meta Pinna gain in the 1.5-2.5kHz region

[@Musicophile-p5l]

I love my daily dose of bass and I have the Explorer. Excellent review as always.

[@LuckerW3]

I actually got jumpscared by your hand over the graph lmao

[@SuperReview]

LOL

[@Ave_Nu]

Nobody does better comparisons than this guy.

[@mad-cyantist3159]

These are Awesome. So far so great

[@sylvestresl]

I immediately hopped on peace to eq my IEMs to this target. Honestly at first I was like oh this is flat and less fun but after 5 minutes of listening to my usual tracks now I definitely prefer this new target now I'm gonna daily drive it for a while. The bass feels tied in with the music better. Somehow although I could definitely feel like there was less space for the bass but I was getting cleaner preciser plucks and notes. Felt like I dropped the quantity but quality gained somehow. Vocals have much clarity. I've always felt like there's a veil over kick drums and vocals on what I listen to but it's mostly gone now. Music felt fuller rounder and brighter. If I wanna pick, I'd say vocals became too forwards though. Maybe I'm just not adjusted but I think mid to low treble rise can get even smoother.

[@hkmrsrg1367]

FEIST is so underrated! You're the only audio reviewer that's ever mentioned her!

[@SuperReview]

The new album is SICK. I didn't really like Pleasure at all so she kinda fell off my radar, but I dipped back into the oldies earlier this year and realized there was an even newer album. "Hiding Out in the Open" contender for my song of the year.

[@Soundoverload]

How my heart behaves & The Water is all time favorites of mine

[@Neonmirrorblack]

Easier way to describe "meta" is just to say it's the newest, most optimized way to do a thing in a specific activity. Even though that's not really what the term originally meant until gaming co-opted it.

[@fiddlix]

Great review Mark, I have the Hexa and the Aful Explorer. I think I might skip KE4. Keep the great reviews coming. We value your opinion..!

[@SuperReview]

Good pair 🤙

[@Hijynx87]

you try the 61t yet? Super fit/tip dependant because of the pressure, but once you get it it's just fantastic. feaulle h570 tips for me.

[@fiddlix]

@@Hijynx87 That has been my experience too. Divinus Velvet has been my sweet spot with the 62Ts.

[@Hijynx87]

@@fiddlix wide or og? I tried the wide and it was good, but I think I needed to size down from M.

[@fiddlix]

@@Hijynx87 OG for me.

[@emjay9733]

First time I heard meta in a gaming context I was perplexed. Turns out it stands for Most Efficient Tactics Available. Keep up the great reviews Mark!

[@SuperReview]

Interesting, I wonder if that abbreviation is a backronym rather than an origin.

[@emjay9733]

@@SuperReview time is a flat circle lol

[@SuperReview]

@@emjay9733 True.

[@renatobdc]

After trying many iems I have realized that my favorite iems are the ones you give 5 stars. So I think I need to try the Hexa. Thanks Mark!

[@SuperReview]

Hexa is one of the greats.

[@lavatr8322]

10:58 thats a lovely sound signature.

[@PusisD]

I have DT 770 80 Ohm, and I use them as gaming headphones, and I don't really like them, sometimes I don't understand where the enemy is... and I want to replace them with kiwi ears orchestra lite, they will become my new gaming iem headphones, I hope they will be suitable for games, because I have no idea how they will sound in the game

[@kellysedor9157]

Hey Mark! Your videos have been a godsend for someone just getting into the hobby! Quick question for you. I have tried a few IEMs and landed on the Hexa as a signature I really dig. What would you recommend as something that is either a "next step up" from that or something complimentary that would be enjoyable to explore? Great vid as always!

[@BamPlan]

Great taste in music, Mark! Per typical.

[@jymylin2605]

Great review as always. thanks

[@SuperReview]

🤙

[@vael_]

Did you watch at 2x speed or something?

[@themaninironmask]

“The Harman target still has something to teach us”

[@adrianr514]

Where does this stand against the Hype 4? Is the +$200 worth it?

[@fescolfaro]

Great analysis, i sort of skipped bits, but after 5 new wired Chi-fi IEMs (2 sent back) i can super relate. Harman for over-ears is closer to ideal (have an LCD-2C and a Sundara and they open up towards it), on tuned speakers not really, but a touch more bass than "linear" and a touch more mid-highs helped me with translation (I'm a producer). Where it differs is with in-ears. The Hexa with even a touch more mid-bass (and a touch less low-mids, more highs) feels VERY close to that target, even though i know that's not what a machine would measure them.

[@ksms8]

Mark can you please advice me to choose between ke4 and orchestra lite....my preference is holographic soundstage and imaging...Thanks

[@SuperReview]

KE4 imaging is a bit clearer than Orchestra Lite, though if imaging is your focus and you want to stick to Kiwi Ears, the Quintet is a bit stronger in that regard.

[@ta114]

i hopped online to buy some glycerine soap but ended watching a review...

[@SuperReview]

Stay clean folks 🤙

[@afmo500]

Is that the soap they make out of horses?

[@doubleXnickel]

We need a good soap reviewer

[@afmo500]

@@doubleXnickel imperial leather

[@jamegumb7298]

I went for some baby oil. Can you imagine the government just released a huge supply of over 1000 bottles, sealed? Dirt cheap too.

[@GoufinAround_]

I'm very interested in this new meta of tuning. I'm not quite sure how I feel about trying to buy any sets to test it out though. I think my hesitance comes from the davinci I had. I ended up really not liking it, sold it and got the hype 4 instead which I LOVE. How do you think those two compare?

[@SuperReview]

I prefer Hype 4 to DaVinci as well.

[@javierhuertas7671]

Kiwi KE 4 vs binary Chopin? What would you choose?

[@SuperReview]

Chopin

[@studynowPH]

The new meta is the future. I think the dusk has that tuning and it has excellent sound

[@SuperReview]

Yeah Dusk DSP is the best version of it so far.

[@kona328WH]

DUSK crew checking in. Love it. Feck the DSP cable tho... Rocking the Qudelix 5K.

[@vianhoho19]

Definitely keeping your comments in mind when I'm trying them tomorrow 👀

[@SuperReview]

I'd be curious for your take!

[@vianhoho19]

@@SuperReview I'll definitely come back with my thoughts on these. Gonna try them at Hangout Audio (Crin's place) 😁

[@hunteer963]

Kiwi Ears KE4, I tried this unit briefly at a local meetup, it was decent for me. I find it a little relaxed you know. I mean it was a little laid back and overly smooth for my taste.

[@larrydunn4626]

that's a good point about relaxed... but it depends on time of day and your mood, right? If you're in a mellow mood, new META works, if you're in a party mood, 2019 Harman works great.

[@gumisupremacy]

Its ear gain rise is way later than the supposed meta tuning so its more relaxed. Combined with the lower freq tuning it will sound warmer.

[@anatol1204]

Mark one last question..Do you think if I mod the bass hole ( larger..) it will become better and the bass less prominent ??? 🧐

[@SuperReview]

No idea.

[@SyedWajahatAli-p8f]

nice review...i ma wondering if this one is better than supermix 4, by any chance??

[@SuperReview]

I prefer KE4, Supermix is a bit spicy.

[@tradehut2782]

Introduction of the term META into headphones- Just another move to make people feel that itch to buy more headphones.

[@SuperReview]

Weird conspiracy theory.

[@ralphjohnticsay8771]

someday we'll have a separate meta, one each for bass, mid, and treble

[@nguyenphan5718]

I currently have the Aful Explorer, Letshuoer S08, Pula PA02 and Hidizs MP145 which I enjoyed a lot (I typically enjoy smooth tuning), do you see KE4 offer any value to my collection? I really enjoyed the KE4 tuning when I EQ'ed my other iems to it, but i still prefer a plug and play experience as i dont have EQ when I go outside.

[@nguyenphan5718]

nevermind i bought the KE4, and yes the bass wasnt very satisfying but overall i still find this is my best relaxing iem yet, no regret lol

[@keshavpradhan9095]

Hey mark, what are those white tips on the Aful explorer? Also, would you say the explorer is a tip dependent iem?

[@SuperReview]

They're called Nuarl Block+ or something like that. I kinda like them.

[@AndrewCoreS777]

Is it worth changing Quintet to ke4? If the Quintet has too bright high midrange frequencies and not enough bass for me.

[@anatol1204]

Question: The plumpy bass is a matter of tuning or it has also to do with the quality of this particular driver ? 🧐

[@SuperReview]

I am wary of ever talking about "quality of the driver," so many IEMs use the same OEM drivers with different sonic characteristics dependent on implementation. But FR-wise, you could look at this graph and compare with Megafest and see similarities in both the shape of the bass and the subjective impression.

[@anatol1204]

@@SuperReview I could add the implementation in the question but I get your point ..thanks Mark..

[@Tssukiii]

I’m still deciding about the Explorer as I really want a chill warm set, but I’m scared of the fit I prefer small and short nozzles like the IE200/Meze Alba… Do you guys think the Explorer is way beyond that in any segment or will it be just fine?

[@SuperReview]

I think it's fine, Explorer is smaller than average.

[@Tssukiii]

@@SuperReview alright, I’ll wait for a unit on the second hand market then and pull the trigger Thank you, man 🫶

[@humanbean-f2s]

These are great IEMs. My only gripe is that they sound a lot like the Hola. It’s a shame that the new meta IEM barely anyone acknowledged as new meta was discontinued just as the new meta became popular.

[@kenjikodai]

I gotta get this at some point

[@brutus-r3w]

Would you consider the Zero RED part of the new meta category?

[@SuperReview]

No.

[@Hoods_]

Why I feel that the Truthear Zero:RED (with the 10 omhs adapter) would also fit in the comparison, considering it's based on Harman but without being 🤔

[@SuperReview]

Hmm maybe.

[@eduardobonifaz]

Whats the difference between using this IEMs or a pair of Phillips SHP 9600 with a Fiio Q3 DAC.?

[@SuperReview]

These go inside your ears.

[@eduardobonifaz]

I understand, but what about sound quality??

[@SuperReview]

I generally find it hard to compare IEMs and headphones, they have different sounds. But generally IEMs (including the KE4) are going to give you a lotttttt more sub-bass definition than open-back headphones. I haven't heard the 9600, just the 9500, which is a bit bright and grainy.

[@eduardobonifaz]

@ thanks a lot!!

[@GadZookz]

Thanks Mr. Ryan. Does the Dunu Marai mesh with the new meta?

[@SuperReview]

Mirai is its own flavor and I think its own response to Harman.

[@syanhc]

I was hoping the Aful Cantor was THE iem to beat under £1000. Would I be right in thinking yours is the Oracle MK3???

[@SuperReview]

Mmmm no, my favorites are S8, Supernova, and Dusk.

[@syanhc]

@@SuperReview thanks!

[@tan_ori]

Do you think monarch mk2 is still relevant in 2024 and competes with the metas? Does it sound a bit like a leaner version of the meta?

[@SuperReview]

Mmk2 sounds leaner than this mode of tuning, yeah. Also doesn't fit well so hard to say it's relevant.

[@CptMark]

Down with the Harman IEM! Down with the bad science! Long live the New Meta!

[@dorkydavis]

Great review, Mark! By the way, how does KE4 compare to Ziigaat Estrella? Also, Estrella review when? lol

[@SuperReview]

Estrella is next on the docket. Haven't listened much yet.

[@En_Joshi-Godrez]

0:58 yea, you just did...

[@SuperReview]

Sorry!

[@samuelljackson.]

You know what, we need an iem with new meta tunning but with sub-bass roll off a lil bit, just a lil bit. It will make it the most natural sound surely Copium

[@SuperReview]

I actually wonder if more sub-bass is the solution for a bassier flavor of this tuning without the mud -- the Dusk with DSP is the best bass so far with this tuning.

[@moloch1117]

Do you think it's better than DUSK on default dsp setting?

[@SuperReview]

No.

[@FactNight]

Epzz q1 pro vs Truthear hexa vs kiwi ( this one ) best? 👀

[@SuperReview]

Hexa is always the answer.

[@MelancholyJazz]

I've been advocating for this new target for a year now since the hexa came out. they called me a mad man.

[@SuperReview]

Hexa gud.

[@omerakgoz34]

My number 1 tip: Never ever judge uppermid and treble on a 711 measurement. Above 1 kHz on 711 sucks. Below 1 kHz on 5128 sucks For above 1 kHz use 5128, for below 1 kHz use 711.

[@jondandavekinanahan7488]

Bro do I actually need a dac to drive an Iem?Like the s12.I have a redmi note 13 pro,and will the headphone jack drive it just fine?

[@ROCKSTAR3291]

If you get enough volume, it's fine. Dongle DACs are cheap now, just get a $20-30 one and you won't have to worry about power

[@denislemieux7294]

Great answer. Thanks. I just purchased the ddHIFI TC35 Pro-(I paid 80 something dollars including tax). Wasn’t sure if the whole dongle thing was just a big $ scam. I also have the Apple dongle. The difference is EXACTLY what you said. With the Apple l have to crank the volume up all the way. Especially when I’m outdoors, in the car moving about etc. The ddHIFI changes the volume mechanism in my iPhone. No cranking it up.

[@MJ-qe4yw]

blessing 3 vs studio 4. Which do you think is better?

[@SuperReview]

I would probably take Blessing 3, but they're close. Studio4 a bit more "technical" but Blessing 3 a bit more natural sounding. Both really good.

[@MJ-qe4yw]

@@SuperReview thanks!

[@MrDomq22]

Estrella has entered the chat

[@SuperReview]

"I heard you liked Harman...."

[@MrDomq22]

@@SuperReview *stares intensely like Jack Nicholson*

[@tangtangtang1372]

how does it compare to the Orchestra Lite?

[@SuperReview]

Good question. KE4 sounds more natural, more "hifi" in the literal sense, though I'd be lying if I didn't say I still prefer the Orchestra Lite's more colored tuning and more balanced bass. I think the KE4 makes the better "only" IEM, but if you already have Hexa the Orchestra Lite is more unique and overall enjoyable for me.

[@jakefoxx7978]

So the new meta is more or less the ief 2023 target?

[@SuperReview]

Pretty much.

[@Playboicandy]

Can you review Kiwi Cadenza

[@SuperReview]

Probably not sorry

[@rogerhuston8287]

I don't like tge targets beings represented as a line. It is really a range at different frequencies. Some bigger some smaller. To me it is misleading to represent a single line target as it reduces the perception that a varient at any frequency is bad.

[@SlimAsianEntertainment]

KE4 or Hype 4 for you?

[@SuperReview]

KE4

[@KiwiNickG]

Any driver flex??

[@SuperReview]

None that I noticed.

[@larrydunn4626]

nice analysis. I don't think Hexa is even close to meta pinna... 3kHz Hexa pinna peak is at least 3db above new meta, almost to Harman.

[@AbirZenith]

Just gonna point out META means, MOST EFFECTIVE TACTICS AVAILABLE

[@SuperReview]

That's a backronym.

[@cxmxc]

The aesthetics kill it for me….

[@theonewhostonks]

Bro just git gud lol

[@Cassus123456]

isnt that what the blessing 2 dusk did?

[@SuperReview]

Blessing 2 Dusk leaned out the lower mids vs. the original Blessing 2.

[@Cassus123456]

@@SuperReview Well thank you but I still dont get it. The graph of the dusk looks almost exactly like this one in the lower mids and the base and the dusk has this thicker sound.. Am I messing smth up?

[@andif3117]

Hifiman ananda nano review or opinion ? XS Upgrade or sidegrade ?

[@SuperReview]

I only heard it briefly, was very good but not obviously different than XS apart from headband.

[@andif3117]

​@@SuperReview Thanks XS headband mod for comfy

[@John.Christopher]

Vs orchestra lite?

[@SuperReview]

I have a hard time making the argument for Orchestra Lite, except that nonetheless I would take it. If you have the same preference for alll-BA sets and slightly softer, more midsy presentation, the Orchestra Lite rocks. If you want something a bit more normal with a bit more bass and a bit of DD bounce, KE4.

[@John.Christopher]

@@SuperReview if you may, would you recommend Hype 2 for the most 3D and dynamic sound for (current offers) 200 dollars? I have many detailed pairs and I'm hoping they have the same expansive elephant 3D sound as other Thieaudio models to contrast my more analytical collection. Thank you for your time and suggestions!

[@John.Christopher]

@@SuperReview I went ahead and ordered, actually. They likely will be the contrast I'm looking for. Love your content! Cheers.

[@ELRAYYSUSTECLADOS]

ZZZZZZZZZ!!!

[@FinlayDaG33k]

5:58 Ah yes, just how I like my wires, a bit "kinky" ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

[@SuperReview]

I don't judge.

[@ReaktormanNr1]

Man I wish they had used their own Quintet shell design for this one, the matte stainless steel faceplate of that one looked so much better than this glossy finish imo 😔

[@redrich2000]

That comment about football was embarrassing.

[@SuperReview]

It was meta.

[@ChrisStoneinator]

The IEM community talking in asinine terms like "meta" like every new product release is a fucking Dota patch will never not be embarrassing. Do they give a fuck about music or using their ears at all? Last I checked it was supposed to be audiophiles using nonsense language.

[@SuperReview]

You are describing a deeper level of understanding as "asinine." GG

[@ChrisStoneinator]

@@SuperReview basing audio purchases on flippant trends is not "deeper understanding".

[@JoIhnnyRage]

thats alot of bass to be calling it “meta”. Meta doesnt look appealing to me but the KE4 tuning does look good.

[@moots27]

Kinda Lava Batch 1 is still god tier meta tuned iem. Bass is great and its tuned great

[@SuperReview]

Yeah it's definitely in line, and agreed the bass is great.

[@amirip945]

You stop reviewing camera

[@SuperReview]

Yes.

[@roadtonever]

Meta tuning is cancelled hehe

[@SuperReview]

noooooooooooo

[@G00dH0uR83]

Just wish it was manufactured by any other brand NOT affiliated with Linsoul. That company will never have my business again. Total scammers.

[@tritrinh6855]

How come? I bought my Xenns Top with Tanchjim Space from them last year without any issue.

[@SuperReview]

What's your beef?

[@jeromejamesmarzo5055]

The meta is depending on your ears when in felt good to an iem. That's the meta. Meta depends on the mood of your ears too.