Short answer: the FiiO FA9, though neither ranks well in its class. It ranks #1033 of 1291 in-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 2.8/5, at $499.99. The Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch ranks #1084, rated 2.6/5, at $449, $50.99 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap. Both are rated below 3.0/5 among the 1291 in-ear headphones, and the Truthear Nova, ranked #2 at $169.99, is a better place to start if sound quality matters.
What the FiiO FA9 does well: Six balanced armatures per side and sensitivity of 110 to 113 dB/mW make it easy to drive from a phone, with an impedance switch between 16 and 32 ohms to tune the match with a source. Watch for: oratory1990’s measurement shows presence averaging 6.8 dB below target with a 9.6 dB dip near 3.4 kHz, so vocals and lead instruments sound pushed back and lack clarity.
Why pick the Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch: Bass is lifted about 2.6 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight. The catch: Presence sits about 4.1 dB low with a 5.8 dB dip near 6.5 kHz, so vocals and instruments lose some bite.
Buy the FiiO FA9. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $50.99 saving on the Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch is not enough to make up the difference.
Still deciding? The full Headphones rankings cover every ranked option.
Six balanced armatures per side and sensitivity of 110 to 113 dB/mW make it easy to drive from a phone, with an impedance switch between 16 and 32 ohms to tune the match with a source.
Amazon $499.99 eBay
Bass is lifted about 2.6 dB with extension to 20 Hz, giving kick drums and bass lines extra weight.
Linsoul $449.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 16, 2026 at 5:46 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO FA9 | Kiwi Ears x HBB Punch | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 | $449.00 |
| Ranked | #1033 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones | #1084 of 1291 in In-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | In-ear | In-ear |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Harman Preference Score | 59 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 56 (median of 12 squig.link measurements, calibrated to AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 3.22 dB standard deviation | 2.93 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.61 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.53 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-4.8 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+4.2 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Driver Type | Balanced armature | Tribrid |
| Drivers | 6 x balanced armature | 1 x dynamic + 2 x balanced armature + 2 x electrostatic |
| Sensitivity | 110/113 dB/mW | - |
| Weight | 0 lbs (6.2 g) per earpiece | - |
| Frequency Response | 15Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 44kHz |
| Impedance | 16 ohms (switchable to 32 ohms) | 12 ohms |
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