Kiwi Ears Forteza's Review - Fun and Dynamic

 

General/Packaging/Build/Comfort

By now, I’m sure Kiwi Ears needs no further introductions. They’re back with another budget set, namely the Forteza, which is a 1DD+2BA IEM. The build quality has been solid based on several IEMs from the brand which I have reviewed. The shell is a resin shell with a very beautiful faceplate in my opinion, no weird protruding edges and seals and fits very well in my ears. Packaging is the usual Kiwi Ears style, no changes, a simple hard carrying case, two types of eartips, wide and narrow bore, as well as the stock cable. 

Gears used for this review

• iFi Hip Dac 3

• Earmen Tradutto -> Earmen CH-Amp

• Hiby R6 2020

• Kiwi Ears Forteza with Final Type E eartips and stock cable

Foreword

My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far

Sound Impression

Upon listening, Forteza is undoubtedly a V shaped tuned IEM. It is fun and dynamic, however, not all will appreciate the energy on the top end as some might find it a little too much, i belong to the latter category, hence I'm writing this review with Forteza on Final Audio Type E’s eartip. The tonality is leaning towards slightly bright and it does have a little BA timbre. Forteza is one of the IEM where the highs are slightly tame after a burn in period for approximately 12 hours +-

Bass

• The bass is fun, good amount of bass coupled with quality and control

• Sub bass goes deep and rumble whenever the track calls for it, it doesn’t over power other frequencies

• Mid bass is punchy and tight, doesn’t sound muddy and bloated at all

• Speed is decent for the price, It handled Metallica’s Lux Aeterna’s speed drumming without sounding muddy

Mids

• Mids are slightly recessed

• Vocal positioning is slightly recessed as well, which is to be expected from a V shaped tuning

• Male and female vocal has good texture to it, doesn’t sound thin

• Upper mids on some tracks might be a little hot when you are listening at high volume

Treble

• Forteza’s treble is energetic and very dynamic

• Detail retrieval and resolution is good for the asking price

• If you are sensitive to treble, it’s best to pair the Forteza with a warmer source, such as iFi’s to tame the treble a little, or tip roll

• Average listening volume, Forteza’s treble is acceptable for me, but when pushed to higher volume, the energy might be too much for some and on certain track it is borderline sibilant

Soundstage/Imaging

Soundstage is slightly out of your head, good depth and height for the asking price.

Imaging is good with the ability to pinpoint instruments easily, further comments will just be nitpicking, so it’s best to set the right expectation as the Forteza cost only 59$

Driveability

• Forteza is very easy to drive, doesn’t need any amplification to perform at its best

• My personal preference would be to pair the Forteza with a warmer source to tame the highs a little

• It does scale with source in terms of bass control, treble, as well as soundstage

Comparison (7Hz Sonus)

• Sonus’s tonality is leaning towards neutral

• Bass quantity is not as much as the Forteza, but control and texture and quality wise, both are quite on par

• The mids on the Sonus is slightly forward compared to Forteza, Male vocal of certain artist is a little thin sounding, female vocal on the other hand is sweet and doesn’t sound thin

• Soundstage is slightly smaller compared to Forteza, imaging is on par

• Sonus has a more balanced sound profile whereas Forteza is leaning towards the fun and dynamic sound profile

Final Thoughts

Should you get the Forteza you ask me? It depends on your preference. If you are looking for a fun sounding set of IEM, by all means, go ahead. Make sure to burn them in for a little while and the highs will smooth out a little and make it better overall. Cheers and thanks for reading guys!

*Kiwi Ears Forteza is sent to me from Linsoul in exchange for this review. I am in no way under any influence nor do I receive any monetary compensation for this review. All thoughts are of my own.

Head over to their store to purchase one if you are interested
Kiwi Ears Forteza - Non affiliated