This in-depth review dives into the Kiwi Ears Atheia, a premium headphone boasting a unique coaxial dual-driver design. We explore its luxurious unboxing experience, examining the build quality, comfort, and included accessories. From its sleek wooden earcups to the meticulously crafted headband, we assess the Atheia's physical attributes and overall construction. The review meticulously analyzes the sound signature produced by the 50mm dynamic and 14mm planar drivers, examining its strengths and weaknesses within the context of its price point.Our comprehensive analysis delves into the comfort levels offered during extended listening sessions, evaluating the earcup design and clamping force. We objectively assess the sound quality, highlighting its impressive detail retrieval and texture, while also addressing observed inconsistencies in the frequency response. Ultimately, we determine if the Atheia's unique dual-driver configuration justifies its $350 price tag and how it stacks up against competitors in the crowded premium headphone market.
Pros And Cons
- Dual driver design (50mm dynamic and 14mm planar)
- Good sound quality, described as 'lively and deep'
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Comfortable pads
- High-quality soft/hard case
- Nice build quality
- Pads feel cheap for the price ($350)
- Can be difficult to drive
- Sound can be unbalanced at times, with some frequencies overpowering others
- The included cable is thin and light
- Planar driver may be noticeable at times
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The unboxing experience is premium, with a high-quality soft case and accessories. The Atheia's design is sleek, featuring a wood cup with a classic shape and the Kiwi Ears logo subtly displayed. The build quality feels solid and well-crafted.
Initial impressions of the headphone are positive. The earcups are comfortable and provide an excellent seal, resulting in significant noise isolation. The included cable, while decent, could be improved with thicker material and better weight distribution.
Dual-Driver Technology and Sound Performance
The Atheia utilizes a unique coaxial dual-driver design: a 50mm dynamic driver and a 14mm planar driver. This configuration aims to deliver a balanced and detailed sound profile.
While the sound quality is generally excellent, showcasing impressive texture and detail, some inconsistencies were observed. Certain frequencies, particularly in the mid-range, felt slightly recessed at times, potentially due to the tuning focusing on showcasing the dual-driver capabilities rather than pure sonic balance. This occasionally results in a slightly disjointed presentation, where different parts of the frequency spectrum seem to originate from distinct locations in the soundstage.
Comfort, Fit, and Build Quality
The Atheia's comfort is remarkable, thanks to the soft earpads and linear clamping force. The headphone's lightweight design ensures that it remains comfortable even during extended listening sessions.
The build quality complements the comfort; the metal headband and earcups appear sturdy and well-constructed. The dual adjustment system (slider and spring-loaded headband) ensures a perfect fit for various head sizes.
Overall Assessment and Conclusion
The Kiwi Ears Atheia is a compelling headphone with a unique dual-driver design, offering a refined listening experience. The comfortable fit, excellent noise isolation, and well-crafted build make it a pleasure to use.
While the sound profile is largely impressive, the focus on showcasing the dual-driver capabilities occasionally sacrifices perfect sonic balance. Minor tuning adjustments could significantly improve the overall performance. At $350, it faces stiff competition from other well-established headphones in its price range.
