The Ellipse headphones from Kiwi Ears are a great budget-friendly option. I’ve recently looked at the Division headphones and I was impressed. Accordingly, I had high hopes for these open-back DJ/monitor headphones. They look incredibly smart and the eye for detail, metal and plastic finish, and braided cable add a professional edge. Furthermore, the ear cups are comfortable to wear.
Not only are they well built, but the audio is pretty decent as well. Though they are reasonably bass and treble-heavy, there is a nice rounded sound profile. The result is a warm soundscape that works with an array of music genres. Alongside this, they are as plug-and-play as you get. The provided cable is high quality, and you won’t be disappointed with the initial setup.
What’s in the box of the Ellipse headphones?
- The packaging is reasonably discreet. Though it won’t blow you away, it was attractive, nonetheless.
- The Ellipse headphones are lightweight. Moreover, the metal grills and laser-etched writing add a touch of flair.
- The braided cable is around 10 feet long. It has a gold-plated 3.5mm audio jack on either end. Furthermore, you can attach a quarter-inch adapter for versatility.
- Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
The Ellipse headphones incorporate 50mm drivers and an open-back design for a rich soundscape. This approach isn’t normally found in a budget-friendly device. Accordingly, Kiwi Ears breaks the mould. Though this product has no Bluetooth functionality, I didn’t care. The wired-only design is suitable for its intended audience.
A lack of Bluetooth may annoy some people, but it shouldn’t. You have no battery to worry about and no charging requirements. Subsequently, you simply connect the cables and away you go. Talking of cables, the detachable design was a great choice. The provided braided cable is useful and durable. Though it may not be top of the range, it is good enough to deliver high-quality audio.
Audio quality.
I’ve touched upon the audio. However, I want to compare it a little to the Division headphones. The open-back design delivers an immersive soundscape that its counterpart cannot compete with. Furthermore, the rich bass, punchy treble, and pleasant mid-tones create a generous and enjoyable listening platform. The Division headphones deliver comfortable audio, but there is a fuzzy edge at times. Consequently, the Ellipse headphones offer a better end product.
I tested these with an array of generic songs. Each sounded great without breaking, cracking, or struggling at any point. Furthermore, I tested the headphones via the 3.5mm and quarter-inch adapters, and both performed admirably.
Build quality.
Kiwi Ears has combined metal and plastic to great effect. The finish is striking but simple. Furthermore, the headphones are light and comfortable. The ear cups are large and have a deep recess. Consequently, your ears do not feel trapped or pinched by the pleather material.
The headband is light and flexible. Additionally, it is durable and it took some beatings through testing. I was pretty heavy-handed while using it and the headband didn’t suffer. The matte finish remained untarnished and I couldn’t damage it. This isn’t to say that it is indestructible, because it isn’t. However, it was extremely robust and the hinges, cables, and ear cups will last the test of time.
Are the Ellipse headphones worth it?
These headphones could be used while commuting or when gaming. Yet, I think there are better options. Subsequently, they excel when you use them when DJing or other audio production tasks. The sound quality is impressive and I love the durability. Moreover, they look great and they are affordable. Accordingly, I enjoyed using them and recommend buying them here!
(More information on Kiwi Ears can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
