Kiwi Ears Dolce IEM
$24.99
What We Dig
- Stunning Gradient Design/Good Build Quality
- Rich, Natural Sound
- Comfortable Fit
What To Think About
- Bass may be a bit too much for some people
- Mids are slightly recessed
- Soundstage is not the widest
Are you searching for the best IEM under $50? Check out this Kiwi Ears Dolce review; it’s a serious contender with decent sound quality and value.
The $24.99 Kiwi Ears Dolce is a new in-ear monitor (IEM) from a company that has been making waves in the headphone community. The Dolce is a serious contender for the best IEM under $50 with its stunning gradient design, comfortable fit, and natural sound.
What’s In The Box
- Kiwi Dolce Earpieces
- 2-Pin 0.78 MM High-Purity OCC Copper Cable with QDC connectors
- Three sets of Silicone ear tips, one pre-installed (S, M, L)
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Kiwi Ears Dolce Review: Design
Dolce’s design is one of its most striking features. The shells are made of medical-grade resin and are 3D printed, resulting in a lightweight and durable construction that fits the ear comfortably. I found the size and shape of the earpieces and the nozzles’ length to be just about perfect. This lands the Dolce pretty much in the sweet spot regarding fit depth. The faceplates also feature a gradient design that transitions from blue to black, which is stylish and eye-catching.
On the other hand, the included 2-Pin cable feels a little cheap to me, especially when compared to the competition, but it’s serviceable. It’s somewhat tangle resistant, which makes it easier to transport, and I also like that it uses a 2-pin Qdc-type connector which protects the pins for added longevity.
The Dolce also comes with a variety of ear tips to find the perfect fit for your ears. I think the tips have the right level of firmness and the proper shape to support comfort and stability. They also have a blue internal core that matches the blue on the faceplates, which adds to the chic look.
Inside the earpieces resides a 10mm diaphragm made up of an “all-new” LDP (low-density polyethylene & liquid crystal polymer) composite, which the manufacturer says provides “optimal audio resolution and tonal balance.” That’s always the goal, isn’t it?
Kiwi Ears Dolce Review: Sound
The Dolce is relatively efficient, so most portable devices can drive it. However, like most IEMs, it will sound its best when paired with a modestly priced DAC/Amp dongle. I liked it with the $49 Fiio KA1 Dac/Amp, which I used in conjunction with the iPhone XR and the Tidal App.
The Dolce has a slight V-shaped (some may say U-shaped) sound signature, with a modest emphasis on the bass and treble. The bass is quite punchy without being overwhelming. The treble/upper mids are detailed and somewhat airy without being harsh or fatiguing. The mids are slightly recessed but still present and clear.
The manufacturer describes Dolce’s sound as “delightfully sweet, with hints of warmth and richness, crisp articulation, and a complete balanced and natural tone.” I agree with this for the most part, even though complete balance may be a stretch.
That said, It does have a sweet treble with plenty of warmth through the mids and bass, which provides a smooth and natural sound that manages to provide excitement when needed. I can’t say they are completely balanced, as a fair amount of emphasis is placed on the low end, especially in the mid-bass. However, the bass isn’t boomy, nor is the high-end hard or shouty, so there is some balance, which I like. Bass articulation is also pretty good for the price point.
On the other hand, there’s a little bit of congestion or bass bloom in the lower/central mids, which impacts overall clarity somewhat. I find myself looking for a little more openness in the mids. However, the dynamics are pretty good, allowing you to get a good feel of the rhythm.
Conversely, Dolce’s soundstage is not very wide, which is not expected from a single dynamic driver IEM at this price. Still, the imaging is ok, enough to keep things from sounding two-dimensional.
Technical performance
The Dolce’s technical performance is slightly above average for an IEM under $50. The resolution and detail retrieval are good enough to provide an engaging experience. Instrument separation is there, but only somewhat present, allowing you to hear individual instruments clearly at specific points in well-recorded tracks.
Listening to Avishai Cohen’s “It’s A Man’s World” from his new IROKO release, I liked the richness and vibrancy of the upright bass and the percussion, and the organic quality of the vocal. It sat just a little too far back in the mix for me, but it was still pretty clear. While everything kind of sat on top of each other throughout the stage, you could still pick out all the singers and various instruments, and it was all quite rhythmic and engaging.
Overall, Dolce has a smooth yet lively sound that sounds good with just about any music you throw at it. While it’s not the end all be all of detail and resolution, it has enough to be entertaining, and its ability to keep pace and rhythm will keep your head nodding to the beat. If you want an affordable IEM that can get funky and still give you a little bit of refinement, all while staying smooth up top, Dolce may be the earphone for you.
Specs
| Sensitivity(1KHz) | 102±3DB |
|---|---|
| Impedance(1KHz) | 16Ω±10% |
| Driver Configuration | Kiwi Ears Customized 10mm LDP (LDPE+LCP) diaphragm |
| Cable Interface | 0.78mm-2 Pin |
| Earphone Material | Medical grade resin |
| Plug Type | 3.5mm Stereo Cable |
Kiwi Ears Dolce Review: Conclusion
The Kiwi Ears Dolce is an excellent IEM for the price. It offers a stylish design, comfortable fit, rich sound, and decent technical performance for $25. The Dolce is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable IEM that offers both excitement and refinement. If you want something that sounds a little more open and has a more neutral tonal balance, check out the Simgot EW200 IEM, which also sounds remarkable for a sub-$50 earphone.
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