Intro
Contents
Until now, Kiwi Ears has sent us in-ear monitors to review. Now, the young brand has come out with open-back over-ear headphones for €70. Curious? Read on!
Even when unboxing, the Altruva feels like a product to be taken seriously. Detachable headphone cable, interchangeable ear cups. We received the version with a wood print that looks quite realistic and has a chic appearance. The headband is somewhat reminiscent of that of the Meze 99 Classics Gold: a metal frame and a second one that is made to fit the head by an elastic band. Like many over-ear headphones, a 50 mm full-range driver provides the sound. The material used for the drivers is a combination of PU (polyurethane) and PEK (polyether ketone). Just so you know.
The fit is good; the thick ear pads feel comfortable and the elastic “inner band” provides just the right amount of pressure on the head. The relatively low weight of 335 grams also contributes positively to the wearing comfort. In combination with the open character of the Altruva, it does not feel confined in any way.
The listening setup
We listened to the Astrals on the EarMen stack: PSU-3 power supply, Tradutto DAC and CH-amp headphone amplifier. For on the go, we had the EarMen Colibri portable DAC amplifier. Sources are the Macbook Pro and mobile phone. Playback applications: Audirvāna, Qubuz, Tidal and Spotify Lossless.