REVIEW – At any time when I see the chance to assessment sub-$100 headphones, I’m all the time since I’ve what I name a collection of evaluations that focus on headphones on this worth vary. Nearly all of the headphones I’ve reviewed on this class are wi-fi or hybrid. It’s about time that I try some wired headphones in the identical class to see if I’m lacking something with out the wires. I like that I get to begin my wired testing with these Kiwi Ears Altruva Hello-Fi 50mm Dynamic Driver Headphones.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (execs/cons)
Value: $69.99
The place to purchase: Kiwi Ears website, Amazon
What’s it?
The Kiwi Ears Altruva is a full-sized, open-back headphone designed for audiophiles and studio customers, that includes a custom-developed single 50mm dynamic driver.
What’s included?

- 1 x Kiwi Ears Altruva Hello-Fi 50mm Dynamic Driver Headphones
- 1 x Further Pair of Earpads
- 1 x Audio Y-Cable
- 1 x Consumer Guide
Tech specs
• Driver Unit: Customized 50mm dynamic driver (PU+PEK composite diaphragm, neodymium magnets, copper ring)
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 98dB ±3dB
• Frequency Response: 20Hz–40kHz
• Design: Open-back structure for a large, immersive soundstage
• Construct Supplies: PVD-coated stainless-steel, actual wooden accents, vegan leather-based earpads
• Cable: 3m, removable, contains 3.5mm and 6.35mm adapter
Design and options


- 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐜:The Altruva is tuned to have a studio monitor-like sound profile. The bass hits onerous and quick for a thumpy kick that doesn’t disturb the midrange. The midrange is pure and balanced, offering full accuracy to devices and vocals of their basic ranges. The treble is obvious and clear, with glorious air. The Altruva is designed for audiophiles who search to duplicate an expert studio-like sound of their music.
- 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝟓𝟎𝐦𝐦 𝐃𝐲𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐜 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫: The all-new OEM 50mm dynamic driver has been developed particularly for the Altruva. With stronger neodymium magnets and a stronger diaphragm, the driving force performs exceptionally effectively within the mid and higher frequencies. The driving force options custom-made PU and PEK composite diaphragms with an ultra-pure copper ring.
- 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧-𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: The open-back headphone design permits uninterrupted airflow into the headphones. This function enhances the soundstage and imaging within the music, bringing your music to life. You’ll be able to expertise the life-like width of a live performance proper in your headphones.
- 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐮𝐦 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝:The Altruva is constructed from coated metal, wooden, and vegan-leather supplies to offer a premium really feel in addition to audiophile-grade sound.
The Kiwi Ears Altruva Hello-Fi 50mm Dynamic Driver Headphones are light-weight and have a modern and engaging design. The design options an open-back design with a mesh overlay. The supplies used to construct the headphones embody stainless-steel and actual wooden accents, which add to the sturdiness. The earpads are comprised of vegan leather-based and are comfortable, plush, and detachable. Connectivity is achieved by utilizing the included removable, 3-meter cable, and each 3.5mm and 6.35mm adapters are additionally included.






Efficiency


The Kiwi Ears Altruva Hello-Fi 50mm Dynamic Driver Headphones are a fantastic worth for the value. I particularly just like the open-back design, the consolation, and the match and end. They’re constructed from a light-weight alloy with accents comprised of actual wooden and earpads comprised of plush velour or vegan leather-based pads. They’re very comfy and can be utilized for prolonged listening periods. The headscarf flexes simply to accommodate varied head sizes and styles. It is very important word that whereas the design incorporates good supplies, they nonetheless really feel a bit flimsy in my palms, and the texture by itself gives the look that they’re low cost headphones. I’d inform anybody to not go by the preliminary really feel. These headphones sound remarkably good with nearly each style of music I examined, and so they work effectively if I’m enhancing movies or simply listening to YouTube media content material.
After all, to maintain the taking part in area degree for sub $100 headphones, as I did earlier than, I maintained the earlier music choice I used to check. Once more, this choice is solely primarily based on my style and preferences. I listened to tracks like “All in Love is Truthful,” “Distant Lover,” and “I Need You” by Michael McDonald, “Europa” by Gate Barbieri, “Winelight” by Grover Washington Jr., and “Angela (theme from ‘Taxi’) by Bob James. As well as, some Gregory Isaacs, Beres Hammond, Mariah Carey, and among the Flamenco style with tracks like Govi’s Andalusian Nights. My stress-free sounds additionally included Mornin’ by Al Jarreau, “The Secret Backyard” by Quincy Jones, and “Summer season Rain” by Carl Thomas.
These headphones profit from the 50mm dynamic drivers that ship bass that’s tight and supplies low distortion even into the mid-bass frequency. The midrange isn’t as current as in among the different headphones that I’ve examined, however it’s clear and easy. The highs are additionally very clear, which makes listening to music that options up-front vocals and devices fairly pleasurable.
The Y audio cable is kind of lengthy, which is nice for me when I’m rolling round in my chair in my studio. The cable is of fine high quality. This design additionally permits me to improve simply the cables if I want. I additionally examined these headphones with a desktop amp and a DAC, and so they work effectively. They’re fairly versatile.
The two points that I encountered have been that there’s a downside with the audio port on the appropriate ear cup that requires me to insert the plug with uncommon pressure to attain a secure connection. Additionally, the left ear pad retains falling off. It’s connected utilizing a twist-and-click operate, and there should be a top quality concern that’s creating this concern.

For on a regular basis use, these headphones are comfy and supply a fantastic listening expertise. Kiwi calls them audiophile headphones, however I’d not go that far. I’ve listened to superb headphones that supply a high-end listening expertise in each sound and design, and under no circumstances are they an equal comparability to those. Nonetheless, I’d in all probability concede that the Kiwi Ears Altruva Hello-Fi 50mm Dynamic Driver Headphones are entry-level audiophile headphones if there’s such a factor.
Closing ideas
The Kiwi Ears Altruva Hello-Fi 50mm Dynamic Driver Headphones are fashionable, engaging, comfy to put on all day, and sound fairly darn good. They’re versatile sufficient to be relevant for a lot of use circumstances when good, clear audio, together with consolation, are vital. My pattern does have a problem with the cable or audio port on the appropriate facet that requires me to pressure the plug in onerous to make sure steady connectivity. Additionally, the left earcup doesn’t keep in place and often falls out. Regardless, IMHO, these headphones are a fantastic bang for the buck.
What I like in regards to the Kiwi Ears Altruva Hello-Fi 50mm Dynamic Driver Headphones
- The design is elegant and classy
- The audio high quality is sweet
- The audio cable may be very lengthy, making it straightforward for me to roll round in my studio chair
- They’re very comfy
What must be improved?
- My pattern has a problem with the audio port on the appropriate facet
- The left earcup doesn’t keep in place
- Total high quality management
Value: $69.99
The place to purchase: Kiwi Ears website, Amazon
Supply: Kiwi Ears supplied a free pattern for this assessment. Kiwi Ears didn’t have a remaining say on the assessment and didn’t preview it earlier than it was printed.
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