USB-C DAC/Amp devices vary in their shapes, sizes, and designs. Kiwi Ears has produced a unique one that stands out from the others, and it is priced much lower than the majority. Here are my Honest Audiophile impressions on the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini.
I want to thank Linsoul Audio for providing the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini for review, much appreciated.
Purchase (non-affiliate link): https://www.linsoul.com/products/kiwi-ears-allegro-mini?_pos=2&_psq=allegro&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Specifications:
The Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini will set you back $24 from your bank account. I couldn't identify the DAC chip used in the Allegro Mini by Kiwi Ears, but I managed to find the other important specifications.
Box/Contents:
Kiwi Ears kept the box and packaging very simple. A white box with a sketch of the Allegro Mini on front with some branding and the phrase "Live The Music".
The back of the box lists the contact information for Kiwi Ears.
Inside the box is a foam insert housing the Allegro Mini.
Build/Design:
The Allegro Mini is compact and neat, featuring a USB-C input on one side, an indented Kiwi Ears logo on the top, and "Allegro Mini 328 384k" engraved on the bottom. It has a 3.5mm single-ended output on the left side and a 4.4mm balanced output on the right side. The shell consists of an all-aluminum alloy body.
Speaking from my own experience, I find the design of the Allegro Mini quite appealing. The USB-C connection features a slight step, allowing the Allegro Mini to accommodate phones with a case, although very thick cases may not be compatible. I have observed that it is lightweight and does not significantly increase the overall size of my Samsung S24 Ultra with a UAG case. It conveniently fits into my back pocket without catching on my shirts while I walk around. When placed on a desk or table, the Allegro Mini aligns perfectly with my Samsung S24 Ultra when the phone is without a case. With a case on, the Allegro Mini remains within the height of the phone and case. It is worth mentioning that when using the Allegro Mini with a USB hub or a laptop with multiple USB/USB-C ports, the dongle may overlap and prevent other devices from being plugged in simultaneously, depending on the port layout.
The Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini lacks additional functions such as led lights, gain, filters, EQ, or volume control. The volume is adjusted through your audio source.
Power Output:
I was pleasantly surprised by the power output of the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini. While the specifications may not seem remarkable at first glance, in practice, the Allegro Mini performed effortlessly. It easily drove most IEMs with minimal adjustment of the volume knob, with only planar IEMs requiring a bit more power. Over-ear headphones, on the other hand, were not as easily powered, with only a few of my headphones being adequately driven, as planar headphones once again proved to be more demanding.
Some of the Gear Used to Review:
Westone Mach 60
ThieAudio Oracle mk3
Tangzu Nezha
Fat Frequency Reference Pro
SoftEars Studio 4
Sonic Impressions:
How does the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini sound?
The power output was not the only surprise; the Allegro Mini's sound quality is equally impressive. Audiophiles will appreciate the neutral and natural sound reproduction of the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini. It offers a balanced, cohesive, and engaging listening experience.
Bass:
The bass is well-extended and mostly linear, with good control. The sub-bass provides a deep response, incorporating suitable rumble and grumble. The mid-bass delivers impactful sound without being overly pronounced. The upper bass enhances the listening experience without overshadowing the lower mids. Additionally, the bass texture is well-defined.
Mids:
I particularly enjoy the midrange of the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini; it is some of the best midrange I have heard from a dongle. The bass's linear style seamlessly transitions into the midrange. The neutral delivery of the midrange, combined with its natural tone and timbre, results in unexpectedly accurate reproduction from a $24 dongle. The Allegro Mini unveils the secrets of the midrange, showcasing its cleanliness, clarity, definition, refinement, and focus. Instruments exhibit a satisfying note weight, faithfully replicating real-life sounds. Vocalists strike a balance between airy and weighty qualities, enveloping each note with richness. The midrange offers a sense of cleanliness akin to entering a welcoming and tidy home, rather than a sterile hospital environment.
Treble:
The Allegro Mini's treble strikes a delicate balance, offering just the right amount of crispness, edge, and bite. When summoned, there is a captivating liveliness that is skillfully managed.
Technical Abilities:
The Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini's technical capabilities are remarkable given its price point. Once more, I am taken aback by how its technical performance exceeds expectations for its price range.
The sound stage offers a natural width, showcasing varying venue sizes from intimate to expansive.
The stage's depth spans several rows, enabling detailed examination of layering. Layering is quite good, allowing each instrument and vocalist to have their own distinct space.
The imaging capabilities are remarkable, as they can track and lock onto details as they move across the stage. Placement is not precisely laser-focused, but it is quite near.
The retrieval of details will not disappoint you, as everything is thoroughly covered, and you may even stumble upon new findings or uncover something that is frequently overlooked.
The resolution is exceptional, with no roughness, grittiness, graininess, dirtiness, glassiness, or glaring, unless it is present in the content being reviewed.
The tone and timbre are neutral and natural, without any coloration, filtering, or alteration; this is among the finest tone and timbre I have experienced from a dongle.
vs Periodic Audio Rhodium
Is the Periodic Audio Rhodium twice as good as the Kiwi Ears Allegro since it costs twice as much at $50? I have been using the Rhodium as a key component in my review process for more than 3 years. It provides similar output power and lacks extra features, like the Allegro Mini, making it a fair comparison. The main distinction is the 4.4mm balanced output of the Allegro Mini. The Rhodium tends to be more neutral and bright, yet it still maintains a natural tone and timbre. On the other hand, the Allegro Mini has a slight advantage in tone, timbre, and note weight, giving it a slightly more natural and precise sound. Both devices offer similar detail retrieval, with the Allegro having a slight edge in resolution. While the Rhodium is an impressive dongle, the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini edges it out slightly.
vs Fosi Audio DS2
The Fosi Audio is priced ($60) at 2.5 times the cost of the Allegro Mini, but does that mean it performs 2.5 times better? Well, hold on, my audiophile friends. The Fosi Audio DS2 offers significantly more power than the Allegro Mini and includes additional features that are lacking in the Allegro Mini. In terms of sound quality, these two USB-C dongles provide a similar listening experience that is almost indistinguishable. The Fosi Audio DS2 slightly surpasses the Allegro Mini in terms of details and resolution. While the tone and timbre are very similar, some may prefer the Allegro Mini in this aspect. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on personal preference and specific usage scenarios. If you prioritize more power and enhanced details and resolution, go for the Fosi Audio DS2; if you prefer a more natural tone and timbre, opt for the Allegro Mini.
vs Hiby FC3
The Hiby FC3 is another neutral dongle worth considering, being nearly three times as expensive at $70. I have relied on the Hiby FC3 for approximately three years as a crucial benchmark in my reviews. The FC3 only supports single-ended connections and offers slightly higher output power. The Hiby FC3 leans towards an analytical presentation with a touch of naturalism but slightly lean note weight. On the other hand, the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini provides slightly more weight in notes and accurate tone and timbre. The Hiby FC3 is better in detail retrieval and resolution. Both will be kept in circulation for review purposes due to their distinct capabilities that are beneficial.
vs Aune Yuki
The Aune Yuki is priced ($170) at seven times more than the Allegro Mini, suggesting it should deliver superior performance. However, in reality, the improvement is not as significant as initially anticipated. While the Yuki boasts an attractive appearance and offers additional features not found in the Allegro Mini, it is bulkier, heavier, and it dangles. In terms of sound quality, the Yuki provides a similar presentation with a slightly warmer, tad better detailed and resolving output. Although there is an improvement, the price difference of seven times seems disproportionate considering that these two devices share more similarities in sound than differences.
Conclusion
I am absolutely smitten with the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini. Ever since I first heard the Allegro Mini play music through my ears, I have been thoroughly impressed. It's hard to believe that such exceptional sound quality can be achieved for just $24. This dongle is undoubtedly the top choice in its price range, rivaling even more expensive options. I wholeheartedly recommend the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini for IEM users, unless you require high power output for planar magnetics. For an affordable yet high-quality dongle that offers a neutral, natural, detailed, and resolving sound, the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini is a fantastic option.
I am Dave the Honest Audiophile. Thanks for reading, and I will catch you in the next one. Don't forget to enjoy the music and that honesty is the BEST policy! I am not a professional sound engineer, producer, musician, or vocalist, etc. I have not done any scientific research, measurements, or in-depth testing of any kind; just my own listening, comparing and internet reading/research. I have limited, real-life experience with recording, mixing and mastering gear. I have been involved since my teenage years with various churches as an amateur sound booth technician.
Please take these thoughts, opinions and reasonings as just that, my honest audiophile thoughts, opinions and reasonings.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TalkDbs @TalkDbs
Website: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com
YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgMj7xJ1SDxGqqxZ5l3g_jg/join
The Honest Audiophile research/review process: https://youtu.be/UkSnoZZNyYc Tierlist:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1nRHnsP_4vLg9DlD9kwJ6gQuEQFqhTR0lnrkxXo3AMG8/edit?usp=sharing
Audio Terms/Definitions: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/the-honest-audiophile-s-terms-and-definitions-guide
Test Tracks: https://www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/does-your-music-preference-impact-your-sound-impressions
Amazon playlist: https://music.amazon.com/user-playlists/afb5506483ba4ae3be17c2184797ebb6sune?ref=dm_sh_ycUHvBw1lOkeqCrwPFcc45NAl
Tidal Playlists:Jazz: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ea7f58ba-f05d-466f-9714-936d0ab7fa0f
Recommended Gear:
Audeze LCD-5: https://www.audeze.com/products/lcd-5
Rosson Audio Design RAD-0: http://www.rossonaudiodesign.com/
Meze Empyrean: https://mezeaudio.com/products/meze-empyrean
Hifiman Ananda: https://hifiman.com/products/detail/290
Sennheiser HD660s2: https://www.sennheiser-hearing.com/en-US/p/hd-660s2/clcrij55r0b570bw9bubufphu/
Austrian Audio Hi-X60: https://austrian.audio/headphones/hi-x60/
Audeze LCD 2 Closed: LCD-2 Closed Back (audeze.com)
CTM Da Vinci X: https://cleartunemonitors.com/products/da-vinci-x-universal
Westone Mach 60: https://westoneaudio.com/product/mach-60/
Tin Hifi T2: https://www.linsoul.com/products/tinhifi-t2?_pos=1&_sid=7cddd72dc&_ss=r&variant=34447375302811
Sony NW-A105: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwa105-b
Sony NW-WM-1a: https://electronics.sony.com/audio/walkman-digital-recorders/walkman-mp3-players/p/nwwm1a
Mytek Liberty DAC ii: https://mytek.audio/shop/lbrt-dac-ii-287#attr=Mytek Liberty THX HPA: https://mytek.audio/shop/liberty-thx-285#attr=
HeadAmp GSX-Mini: https://www.headamp.com/products/gs-x-mini
Tor Audio Roger: https://toraudio.com/main.html#
Schiit Audio BiFrost 2: https://schiit.com/products/bi-frost-1
Massdrop THX AAA 789:
Massdrop THX AAA One Linear: https://drop.com/buy/drop-thx-aaa-one-linear-amplifier?utm_source=linkshare&referer=FTSS2S
If you like the content of this channel and want to see more like this in the future, please consider donating. All funds donated to the channel will be used to purchase headphones and audio gear for the channel.
Paypal: https://www.paypal.me/dbsylvia
Venmo: @David-Sylvia-6
If you would like to contact the channel please send an email to: dbstechtalk@gmail.com
Affiliate links:
Apos Audio: https://apos.audio?sca_ref=45218.8XN5h6dArS
ADV-Sound: https://adv-sound.com/?mct=8ENJK5lB promo code: DavidS10
Comentarios