Kiwi Ears made its name with their Orchestra IEM, and their new Orchestra Lite is built with the foundation featuring the same 8 balanced armature driver configuration. The Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite retails for US$249 and is available on Linsoul.
Tech specs
| Drivers | Kiwi Ears Customized HI*2 + Kiwi Ears Customized MID*4 + Knowles LOW*2 |
| Sensitivity | 112dB |
| Impedance | 16Ω |
| Earphone material | Medical grade resin |
| Cable material | High-quality oxygen-free silver-plated copper cable |
| Cable interface | 0.78mm 2-pin |
| Removable cable | Yes |
Unboxing
In the box you will find the follwing:
- Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite IEM
- Oxygen-free Silver-plated copper cable (2-pin)
- Silicone ear tips x3 – S/M/L (3 types)
- Hard shell carrying case
Kiwi Ears provided three types of ear tips, all in S/M/L sizes. The overall size of the ear tips feel similar, and the only difference I felt was the texture and firmness of the silicone. Black seems to be the softest, while white feels the firmest.
Design and build quality
Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite is handcrafted from medical grade resin, and is available in five colours – (1) green, (2) blue, (3) purple, (4) orange, and (5) clear. The unit I have the green colour. The design of the faceplate has a liquid marble-like swirls, accompanied by a transparent bottom housing. The transparent housing offers an interesting look into the internals components.
Construction of the Orchestra Lite feels very solid. The stock oxygen-free copper cable uses a 2-pin connector. The cable is thick, has good flexibility and weight to it, untangles easily during daily use. Out of the Quartet and Cadenza, the cable of the Orchestra Lite is the easiest to manage, expeceted as well from its price point.
Comfort and fit
Despite the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite being a large IEM, I found the fit to be snug and comfortable in my ears. The shape of the housing is more ergonomically designed, allowing the Orchestra Lite to sit better my my ears than the Quartet. I got a very good seal with the white ear tips as well.
Eartips isn’t as important this time since the shape allowed for a natural fit in my case. Kiwi Ears as usual provided 3 types of ear tips with different softness so you should be able to find one that can provide good isolation.
Sound quality
The low end of the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite is immediately noticed with the sub-bass having a boost to it, giving you a solid thump and rumble. Mid-bass packs a decent punch to it and offers a nice body to the sound. There is excellent texture with fast and tight response.
Midrange performance is the standout of the Orchestra Lite. Tone is neutral, voices and instruments are lush and clean. Vocals sound rich and detailed with natural warmness that creates an engaging and intimate listening experience. Imaging is great, with instruments and vocals clearly positioned for easy telling of where they are coming from.
Treble is tuned rather safely, nothing too exciting to shout about. It has a smooth sound with decent extension for a slight sparkle. Reproduction is clean and clear without any sibilance. Those who prefer a brighter sheen to it may find it a little dull.
Conclusion
The Orchestra Lite is another solid hit from Kiwi Ears. Lush and smooth midrange delivery, warm tonality combined with a solid build quality pretty much sums it up. If you enjoy a thick bass with bodied vocal, I think you’ll enjoy the sound of the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite.