In this video I review the Kiwi Ears Ellipse, and I’ll be honest: it started as a “first look,” but I wasn’t happy with what I heard at first. So I took more time, tested more sources, and turned it into a proper review because this headphone has a unique requirement that really affects whether you’ll enjoy it or not. I also show what’s in the box (not much—paper packaging and a cable), talk about the 3.5mm connectors (nice because you’ve got cable options), and go over comfort and build. For about $75–$76, the plush headband and soft pads are genuinely comfortable for hours, clamp force is fine, and the metal hinge is a good sign for durability—even if the pad coating will probably peel over time. Sound-wise, the Ellipse is “okay balanced” but the mids can feel recessed, especially at lower volumes, and the soundstage is surprisingly narrow for an open-back. The real takeaway is source pairing: with my Shanling M9 it got boomy and muddy, and tube amps also sounded bad, but with a simple Cirrus Logic player like the SnowSky Echo Mini (or a clean solid-state chain) it clears up significantly. When you feed it the right source and listen a bit louder, it becomes energetic with decent clarity and detail for the price. If you’re stuck around $75, it’s a solid option—just know it’s picky, and $150–$200 headphones are a big step up in openness and compatibility.