Kiwi Ears Forteza
1BA + 2DD In-Ear Monitor
ForStudio monitoring
Recommended products
Complete your setup. Choose your options and add without leaving this page.
Optional pairings. A cable and ear tips are already in the box.
Overview
The details behind Kiwi Ears Forteza.
The Forteza features a hybrid design utilizing 1 High-Mid balanced armature (BA) + 10mm Mid-range dynamic driver (DD) + 10mm Bass DD. This 1BA + 10mm DD + 10mm DD combination fulfills a full sound from 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
Highlights
Hybrid Sound Engineering
Rich and Lush Sound Signature
In-House Driver Expertise
Detachable Cable Convenience
Kiwi Ears
About Kiwi Ears
Driven by the pursuit of extraordinary audio reproduction, at Kiwi Ears, we create the perfect mix of technological innovations and refined tuning strategies. With musicians and studio engineers particularly in mind, we are on an uncompromising quest to produce the finest professional In-Ear Monitors that will reveal every nuance in your music and performance. Never settling for mediocrity, our small team of dedicated engineers handcrafts each unit so that you can worry less about what’s in your ears and focus more on the sounds you are making. We are Kiwi Ears, and we’re bringing you music heard like never before.
3 Hybrid Drivers for a Comprehensive Sound
The Forteza features a hybrid design utilizing 1 High-Mid balanced armature (BA) + 10mm Mid-range dynamic driver (DD) + 10mm Bass DD. This 1BA + 10mm DD + 10mm DD combination fulfills a full sound from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. Furthermore, the utilization of 2 different dynamic drivers in combination with a BA driver provides significant enhancement in the sound texture and timbre.
Rich Sound Signature
The Forteza features a three-way passive crossover system that is tuned for a rich and lush sound signature. The bass response is thick, with impactful punches. With a slower decay, the bass is more textured and rumbly, making bass guitar lines truly shine. The mids have also been tuned to be more colored and warm, providing thicker bodies to vocals and instruments. These characteristics make the Forteza excellent for people who want to enjoy a fuller sound, rather than a flat and neutral sound signature. The treble response is carefully paired to match the lows and mids, to prevent a dull or dark sound signature. The treble response closely matches target preference curvatures, with crisp articulations and full microdetail retrieval.
A closer look at Kiwi Ears Forteza.
The details, in full view.
In-House Drivers
The Forteza features our tried and true in-house drivers for a high quality sound. Using drivers that have succeeded in our previous models, the combination of these drivers ensures maximization in both efficiency and quality. For instance, our composite 10mm dynamic driver system provides excellent bass response thanks to its intricate diaphragm composition, as well as driver size. By layering the 10mm DD with an additional 10mm low-mid DD, the low frequency range is textured with excellent imaging capabilities. Additionally, our single BA driver has been tested to excel in SPL to THD ratios across its frequency range, with great tonal characteristics. By using in-house drivers, we can ensure optimal technical and tonal performance based on our direct implementation.
Detachable Cable
The Forteza comes standard with a detachable cable featuring 0.78mm 2pin connectors. The cable can be swapped with other cables to customize your experience, as well as extend the longevity of the IEM.
Sound profile
A closer look at the balance between bass, mids and treble.
- Reference
Technical details
- Drivers
- 2DD + 1BA
- Driver configuration
- Hybrid
- Driver technology
- Dynamic Driver, Balanced Armature
- Cable connector
- 0.78 mm 2-pin
- Suggested genres
- Classical & Orchestral, Jazz, Acoustic & Folk
- Sensitivity(1KHz)
- 103dBSPL/mW
- Frequency Range
- 20Hz-20KHz
- Impedance(1KHz)
- 32Ω
- Driver
- 2 x Dynamic Drivers (10mm + 10mm)+1 X Balanced Armature
- Earphone Jack
- 0.78-2PIN
Shop with Linsoul
Expert reviews
Watch the review. Read the full story.
Linsoul Audio / Audio AmigoOmar (Audio Amigo)
[Buyers Guide] I reviewed 21 Kiwi Ears IEMs. Which ones made the cut?
Customer reviews
What listeners say about sound, fit and everyday use.
Customers praised this semi-custom IEM for exceptional comfort and "great value for the price." The v-shaped sound signature delivers "rumbly bass" and "sparkly treble" with detailed mids. Shoppers noted the "gorgeous" design and spacious soundstage. Some found treble slightly elevated, but alternative ear tips can adjust this. Ideal for versatile listening.
👋 The audio company KiwiEars has released very interesting hybrid headphones with two dynamic drivers and one armature driver, and you’ll find out how they sound in the review!
🥳Enjoy watching!
🔥Available in all languages
This is definitely not a neutral pair of iems. It's a bassy, colored and energetic set.
It's also detailed and immersive. Upper regions may sound fatiguing for certain songs because my ears are sensitive to that. However, it should be fine for commute or in a noisy environment.
Fit is great. Earbuds and cable are light and they look so pretty.
There are quite a few types of ear tips to choose from but I randomly picked the black ones. I don't know if the others would make a difference in sound but I'm happy that there are many spare ones available.
There's also a small zipper case included.
As my second pair of IEMs, I couldn't be happier with them!
I am by no means an audiophile, and so I am still trying to figure out what "my sound" is, but these are very close to what I would find ideal. I mostly game with them, but every now and then I watch youtube or listen to music with them and they more than hold their own compared to my other headphones and speakers.
The main reason I picked them however is because of the fit. They are semi-custom which makes them fit really well in my ears compared to the other options at this price point that are just a round shell of plastic.
You also get a case for the IEMs which is a big plus that make bringing them on travels way easier.
For this price, 10/10 would recommend!
Kiwi Ears Forteza
I actually bought this at CanJam. It was great being able to try each one out and decide which one I liked the most. I would recommend that you do that because one of the big factors for this item was the comfort. It's by far the most comfortable IEM I have ever owned. I also like the rumbly (not boomy) bass and the sparkly treble. Honestly It's a great buy. Just know it's not neutral. It's meant to be punchy and intense in a good way. If that's what you want, it's hard to do better for the price.
The Kiwi Ears Forteza are a compelling option, particularly for listeners who are looking for something different than the usual ‘Harman’ sound and wanting to build their IEM collection. Its robust bass response, detailed yet slightly recessed mids, and treble make it a versatile choice for a variety of music genres. While the treble elevation might not suit all preferences, it contributes to the clarity and detail that many will love, using some alternative ear tips can also tame the treble for those who find it too much. The combination of sound quality, comfort, and build quality makes the Forteza a noteworthy IEM in its price range.
Check out my full review here: https://www.pragmaticaudio.com/reviews/2024/01/kiwi-ears-forteza/
The Forteza stands out with its intricate detailing, offering a delightful audio experience. Its soundstage is commendable, providing a spacious and immersive auditory environment. The imaging capabilities contribute to a precise and well-defined placement of sound elements, enhancing the overall listening experience.
One of the Forteza's notable strengths is its deeply satisfying bass. The low frequencies are rich, impactful, and add a layer of depth to the music. This aspect contributes to a well-rounded and enjoyable sound profile, making the Forteza an appealing choice for those who appreciate a robust and engaging bass performance.
In summary, the Forteza impresses with its attention to detail, expansive soundstage, precise imaging, and a particularly gratifying bass response, making it a noteworthy option for audio enthusiasts.
I already knew that Kiwi Ears worked very well, but what I didn't expect was a premium appearance of a shell so beautiful that it seemed hypnotic and such a balanced sound, with good bass, present and well-tuned mids, pronounced highs, but never fatiguing.
At an extremely affordable price (it could easily have been between $150 and $200) it is my new beloved portable Qudelix 5K set!
The sound is very comfortable, a little light at first, but as the aging process progresses, the sound settles down and the treble is clear and transparent, while the mid and bass are also firm.
It can compete well with earphones costing one or two ranks more.
Pretty good for its price and more analytical than dynamic. My actual review: https://mobileaudiophile.com/in-ear-earphones-iem-iems-reviews/kiwi-ears-forteza-review/
It's not for everybody if you like and old school tuning then it is for you probally
Graph can be found here https://riz.squig.link/
Your order
Which countries do you ship to?
We are generally able to ship to most countries via Express Shipping, and many countries via Standard Shipping. You may clarify this with our team to check whether Standard Shipping is available to your country.
We cannot ship to addresses that are "PO boxes or APO/FPO".
*Note: Generally, we can only do Selected Shipping to India and Russia. We can only do Express Shipping to Africa, Argentina, Hawaii, Kuwait, Mauritius, Montenegro and Sri Lanka, to name a few.
This may be subjected to changes due to unpredictable issues such as Covid, war, and etc.
How much does shipping cost?
We have two shipping methods - Standard Shipping and Express Shipping.
Standard Shipping is free for most countries, while Express Shipping is 15-35USD depending on your country. If your order is over 270USD, Express Shipping is free*.
*This applies for most countries. However, large items such as headphones and desktop DAC/AMPs (e.g. HarmonicDyne G200, MUSICIAN MDP-2, and etc.) are excluded.
Shipping fees exclude import taxes or processing fees that may be applicable for your country. Linsoul is not responsible for such fees. Should you refuse to pay the tax/customs fees, shipping fees will still be deducted from the amount paid for thetwo-way freightcharges. The cost of the freight charges may be more than the amount reflected on your order due to tax and other miscellaneous fees.
Some parcels claimed to be “returned to the seller” may be destroyed by the post office or customs officers when buyers refuse to accept their parcels or fail to pay for their taxes.No refundwill be processed for such cases.Standard Shipping via YunExpress is a tax-inclusive option for some countries. However, Linsoul will not be responsible for additional administrative or handling fees charged by your local courier company or customs. Please kindly check this with your local customs.For certain remote areas, there may be additional charges via Express Shipping. We will contact you if there is a need to make additional payments. Please contact us before placing an order, should you have any queries regarding shipping.
How long does it take to receive the order after it is placed?
For in-stock products, your order will be shipped within 3 working days. You may check with our staff regarding the in-stock status of any products.
Customized items will take a longer time. Please contact our staff for more information.
On normal non-sale days, once your parcel has been shipped out:
- For Standard Shipping, it takes about 2-4 weeks for items to be delivered after shipping out. For some countries, it might take up to 2-3 months, depending on your country, its customs and other factors.* The duration for transit is something beyond our control. Linsoul will not be making refunds for such cases. Please consider an upgrade to Express Shipping or keep the waiting time in mind.
- For Express Shipping, it takes about 3-7 days for items to be delivered after shipping out.
*Note: Timings might be affected due to festive seasons or other unforeseen circumstances
What happens if the parcel has been shipped but not delivered?
First, kindly contact your local courier using the local tracking number.
If your parcel were to be in transit for at least 3 months, it may have been lost in transit.
For orders below $50USD, you may either opt for a one-time reshipment of parcel OR a full refund of the amount paid in cash via PayPal/Credit/Debit card.
For orders above $50USD, we will only process a 50% refund of your order paid in cash via PayPal/Credit/Debit card. Should there be any concern about Standard Shipping, you are encouraged to opt for DHL Express Shipping instead.
Customers are to bear the consequences and fees incurred, if the parcel was undelivered due to any of the following situation:
- Wrong address or phone number provided by recipient
- Recipient was uncontactable when courier company contacted
- Refusal to sign for the package by recipient
- Lost or damaged parcel because recipient opted for “no-signature delivery”
- Refusal to pay for the local tax/processing fee by recipient
- Refusal to provide supporting documents for custom clearance by recipient
Who will pay for the import tax/custom fees
Customers have to bear any form of custom/import/processing fees that are applicable for your parcel.
Should you be unwilling to pay for the fees and reject the delivery of the parcel, you will still have to pay for the shipping cost. Linsoul will only refund the amount of your order after deducting the two-way shipping fees incurred.
What shipping companies do you use?
We collaborate with these courier companies:
- Standard Shipping: 4PX, UBI, NinjaVan, and Yun Express
- Express Shipping: DHL Express, FedEx and SF Express
How do I get help for my order?
Cancellation or/and modification of orders can only be done manually via our staff, provided that our Warehouse Team has not processed your order.
As our Support Team might not be available during non-working days and weekends, please place your order wisely.
Should you really need to cancel or/and modify your order after purchase, please contact us via our support email (Support@Linsoul.com) or website chat. We will help you with the changes if that could be done.
In general, upon receiving your parcel, please confirm the contents of the package and ensure that the package is in good condition before signing for it. All customers are strongly advised to take an unboxing video of their parcel and packaging when opening their parcels and products.
For faulty/missing items, please send an email to support@Linsoul.com for after-sale services. The following details are required.
- Send an email to support@Linsoul.com with an appropriate Subject Title
- Provide your order number and state the issue clearly
- Attach photos and videos to show that your product is faulty/missing. Shipping details on the parcel packaging have to be clearly visible.
If the photos/videos provided are insufficient to prove the stated issue, we will enquire more. Once the issue has been confirmed, we will arrange for a replacement, partial refund or a full refund (where applicable). For incorrect products, Linsoul reserves all rights in deciding whether you need to return the incorrect item or not. Please kindly contact us via email first. Our team aims to review your email within 3 working days.
For other queries, the fastest way to contact us is via our website or Discord
Linsoul Audio will not be responsible for parcels that have been damaged during the transit process.
Do I get tracking details for my order?
After placing an order, you will receive the order confirmation email. After your order has been shipped out, you will also receive a tracking email. You can track your order via the tracking number online. Should you not have received the emails or face any difficulties tracking your order, please kindly contact us for support.
For more than 1 orders placed under the same account and shipping address, Linsoul will automatically combine the orders and ship them out via one tracking number. Should you have special requests to have the orders shipped separately, please kindly contact us via Discord or our website's chat. We will do our best to help.
How do I cancel my order?
Cancellation or/and modification of orders can only be done manually via our staff, provided that our Warehouse Team has not processed your order. Orders that have been shipped cannot be cancelled and modified.
As our Support Team may not be available during non-working days and weekends, please place your order wisely as support cannot be guaranteed for such requests.
Should you really need to cancel or/and modify your order after purchase, please contact us via our support email (support@Linsoul.com) or website chat. We will help you with the changes if that could be done.
Can I return an opened item?
Request a return within 30 days of delivery while the product is factory-sealed. Contact support for instructions before returning anything.
Where should I send the product for the return process?
To initiate the return shipment, kindly send an email to support@Linsoul.com within 30 days upon receiving the sealed product(s). The RMA form and details will be provided to you via email.
When must the product be returned after receiving the RMA form and details?
After receiving the return instructions from us via email, kindly arrange the return shipment of the parcel within 5 working days, and update us with the tracking link via email again. Failure to do so will result in a cancellation of the return process.
When will I receive my refund after returning the product?
In most cases, after receiving and inspecting the returned product, your refund will be processed within 5 business days. Refunds may incur a currency exchange loss or transaction fee, depending on your source of payment (e.g. Bank or PayPal). Linsoul will not be responsible for such fees.
What warranty applies?
Most products come with a 1-year warranty; cables and accessories have shorter or separate terms.
