Kinera Idun

Kinera Idun Golden in Snowy White color.

I would like to start my review with why I purchased these headphones - this is the appearance. I often walk and with these headphones I began to notice people's attention - many people even compliment and ask what kind of headphones I have because they really look unusual.

Speaking of the kit:

it is extensive and rather rich compared to other manufacturers, let's look at the basics:
1) ear pads, there are 3 types of them: foam, and two types of silicone. Transparent-colored ear cushions suited me the most, because with them sound insulation and landing comfort are higher, cream ear cushions are softer and a little shorter - and they will suit lovers of soft ear cushions. And yes, the higher the sound insulation, the more accurate the sound transmission will be, so, I repeat, my choice is transparent-colored.
2) cable: quite soft, looks to match the color of the headphones. Of the pluses, I can single out interchangeable connectors that hold tightly in the connector. By the way, you can also buy other connectors, for example, from TRN - one connector and one. As a minus(in my case), I can write down the fact that the cable was badly twisted and the heat shrink on the ears turned over, but I quickly fixed it by heating them with a hairdryer.
As for the sound, this cable gives massiveness to the headphones, it is of average quality, and if you need to squeeze the sound out of the headphones, you can buy a graphene cable.
3) the case is compact, but due to the thick cable, the headphones will have to be twisted more carefully, otherwise they will not fit completely. Inside, the case is upholstered with soft fleecy fabric - I have only seen this in expensive headphones.

First sound impressions after unboxing:

From the first seconds, the sound seemed quite bright and light to me: the upper middle was highlighted, which exposed the vocals to be rather rough and sharp. After that, I spent about 30 minutes selecting ear cups and cable to adjust the sound for me. From all my selection, I found out that:
1) headphones are sensitive to ear pads - choose them carefully (in my case, the transparent-colored "M" ones from the kit came up);
2) A standard cable will give you a thicker and richer sound, and if you need to make the sound more sophisticated, then use graphene.



I found the perfect sound balance:

As I said above, be more careful about accessories when setting up headphones, as this will affect (in this case a lot) the sound.
So, my impressions after a long listening:
The sound of the headphones is tuned rather to most genres, because I don’t hear a specific emphasis on any part of the frequencies, which means that the headphones have a near-neutral sound, although the manufacturer himself writes in the booklet for these headphones that the tuning (tuning) is more suitable for popular genres (i.e., this is partly true).

We proceed to each section of the frequency response:

1) Low frequencies are supplied neutrally and dosed, the depth is at an average level, as is the control. The impact is somewhat softened, but on the other hand, it does not pull the accent. Perfect for classic instrumental genres, trance, swing and the like. For electronic genres, the bass might be enough, but I'm sure you'd like a little more.
2) MIDs - they can be from "incredibly transparent and lively" to "horror, turn off the saw!", why? As I said above - the ear pads greatly affect the sound and the first thing that suffers is the mids. With the ideal sound isolation for you, the mid frequencies will also be supplied in a metered amount, they balance between intimacy and a little distance, so you feel good depth of the stage, and the vocals and all the accompaniment will surround you. I repeat the main thing - the mids are very transparent, they also balance in terms of the amount of mass, there is no excessive assertiveness or subtlety, just balance.
3) High frequencies - a custom emitter from an unknown manufacturer is responsible for them, but it does its job well. I'll tell you straight: these high frequencies are not for HF-phobes, because there is a slight accent, no, it is not screaming, not streaking, but it may seem like a lot of them, which will create tiring for some. Also, importantly, the quality of the source will affect the high frequencies, for example, with the QLS361, the high frequencies are gorgeous, I really enjoyed the attenuation and airiness in them, with more affordable players(Cayin N5, Zishan Z4 mod), the high frequencies could slightly rattle and give out small sibilants.

Am I satisfied?!

yes, in addition to good sound, I got aesthetic pleasure from the beauty of the headphones. As for the comparison, most of the headphones will give tuning with an emphasis on some part of the range, right there everything is very neutral and I would even say, neat.
Why didn't I give 5 stars? - headphones have some dependence on the source and I would recommend taking either a slightly dimmed source or a source that controls high frequencies well.
And here is my video - review with detail macro visible the appearance of the headphones

INTRODUCTION:

Kinera, one of the highly praised audio brands based out of China is known for its great craftsmanship in its product lineup and for their unique sound quality. The Norn is the most favourite IEM that i have tried and it belongs to the house Kinera. The Idun being their hybrid IEM with 1 DD (Titanium Composite) and 2 BA has entered the market to increase the competition in the price segment of under 200 USD and let's check out does this really fare in this competition.



DISCLAIMER:

This unit has been provided to me as a part of a review circle organised by HiFiGo. The whole views are based on my observation with this product and based on my pairings with it hence it might differ from person to person.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Kinera 7mm Titanium Plated Dome PU + 1 Knowles BA + 1 Kinera Customize BA

Impedance: 32 Ohms.

Sensitivity: 112+/- 2 dB.

Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz.

8 Cores OFC with Silver Plated Modular Cable

Plug with 3.5mm , 4.4mm and 6.35mm

DESIGN AND FIT:

The Idun has that unique looking faceplate where it has that golden branches with that colourful gem in the center with branding running along the side with that unique white, blue colour tint combining all those details gives this earpiece a sexy and attractive design ever in an earpiece.

The whole construction is made out of hard resin and is based on a semi custom shell design. The connector is a 2 pin which is good and nicely recessed. The nozzle doesn't have any lips for securing the eartips but thankfully the provided eartips are tight enough to seat in the nozzle area and does provide excellent seal and fit.



The stock cable is one of the best in terms of looks and in hand feel. They have that nice bi coloured braided cable with metal connector area and a metal splitter and chin slider. The case provided along with the package looks gorgeous too where it's a hard shell case with wood texture on the outside and soft lining on the inside.

SOUND:

The sound profile of the Idun is more on a neutral to flat side. The main focus here is the upper midrange and treble section, the bass here is more on an analytical side rather than fun aspect. Technicalities are pretty great in the Idun and in this dissection of audio aspects you will see them in detail.

BASS:

The bass in the Idun is pretty flat to neutral. Here the bass is tuned to focus more on a technical aspect by compromising the fun factor. Both the sub and the mid bass are not emphasised at all hence they are portrayed out flat.

SUB BASS: The extension is poor hence the rumble can't be experienced here. The reach is poor and the weight is on the thinner side. The bass has excellent control and speed thus the separation and clarity in the bass region feels excellent in the Idun. Heavy bassheads out there should stay away from this since it lacks the rumble completely in trade off for the excellent separation and clarity.

MID BASS: The mid bass follows the same trend as that of the sub bass. Lacks the weight and attacks. The body in the bass region feels pretty lighter hence the fullness can't be seen here. Rather the bass feels more controlled and well separated. In common both the sub and the mid bass region possess excellent technicalities by compromising the fun.

Overall the bass is flat, controlled, no bloat, clean and well clarity oriented. The attack, weight, and fullness are lacking in the Idun even though a single DD is present in the Idun. Even though the Idun is pretty strong in the technical aspect of the bass the added fun could have brought some life to the Idun and hope in the next iteration they solve it.

1. Bigfoot – Malfnktion
2. Mountains – Hans Zimmer

MID RANGE:

The mid range is tuned pretty well here and since the mid bass is lean the midrange feels more open and the mid bass bloat is completely absent here. The lower mid however suffers due to that leaner mid bass hence the lower mid has that thinner notes and lacks the body. The lower mid range in the Idun doesn't feel like there is a presence of a dynamic driver. The upper midrange has that slight more emphasis hence the vocals might sound hotter occasionally and that too with some specific tracks.

The piano notes and the kick drums have that nice presentation and in whole the instruments in the track are cleanly portrayed out without any sort of compression. The staging being very good in terms of size the presentation feels grand enough. The separation, clarity and separation in the midrange feels very transparent.

Overall the mid range in the Idun is more on a transparent side with excellent resolution, clarity, detail retrieval and separation while compromising on the lower mid weight, upper mid occasional hotness.

The tonality of the Idun is more on a neutral side with no added colouration and while timbre remains to be natural too without any sort of metallic taste even though there is the presence of BA which is quite interesting.

1. Blowers Daughter – Damien Rice
2. Sexual Healing – Marvin Gaye

TREBLE:

The treble in the Idun is very nicely executed, same as that of the mid range. The extension of the top end is neatly done without any early roll off. The air it possesses is huge hence the separation and presentation feels grand enough in the treble section.

The brilliance and shimmer in the top end feels top of the line. With bright flavour on the top the Idun still manages to avoid the sibilance at all cost yet by delivering some impressive detail retrieval and resolution. The percussion instruments sound very natural and the whole frequency section feels combined and delivers a nice coherent sound even though they have that BA in them.

The cymbal crashes and the electric guitar strings have that natural strike and the decay is very precise. The splash of the percussion instruments do sound more realistic and natural.

The sibilance is not observed in the treble section and they are kept under control even while replaying sibilant prone tracks.

1. Sultans of Swing – Dire Straits
2. Something Happened On The Way To Heaven – Phil Collins

TECHNICALITIES:

STAGING: The staging is pretty good in the Idun where the width and the height correlated with each other. They are not the biggest in terms of stage but the presentation feels grand and spacious overall. The intimate sensation is not felt here thus the staging feels wide enough to create a lively experience.

IMAGING AND LAYERING: The imaging is pretty good here where the instruments placement is more or less precise with excellent layering capability. The channel sweep felt nice and smooth. Even while replaying some of the complex tracks the Idun was capable of portraying out nice imaging and layering and this is due to that nice clean bass response and lesser mid bass bloat.

Detail retrieval, resolution and track separation are above average for the price and it's pretty impressive in fact. The Multi BA does play a nice role in bringing out some excellent technical aspects out of the Idun.

VERDICT:

Idun, the latest offering from the house of Kinera is a well rounded neutral package. The neutral heads out there! Its your item to be picked up! The Idun has that nice neutral sound profile yet with that engaging and lively sound experience and also don’t forget that this has one of the best designed faceplates!

The bass being on the neutral side thus provides some excellent clarity, separation and technical aspect. The mid range is another string aspect of this earphone where it has that unique natural tonality with precise timbre. The staging being wide enough does provide that spacious and grand presentation. The treble has a very good extension thus providing some great shimmer and brilliance in the top end.

The design is very gorgeous where that faceplate looks stunning and it's definitely an eye -catching figure for sure. The golden coloured tree branches alongside that colourful gem in the center with cool white and blue tint gives the earpiece a stunning look overall.

Overall the Idun is a neutral masterpiece with striking design language and TRANSPARENT SOUND out there in the market!

Hello friends, today I come to bring a Review of kinera idun.
The Idun kinera is a hybrid in ear composed of a dynamic driver of 7mm + 2ba with 1 knowles balanced armor 32873 and the other from the kinera itself with the reference 30095 (this is apparently the one who treats the treble on this phone)
The phone has two "tubes" to direct the sound to where the tips are fitted, one outlet for the dynamic driver and the other for the two balanced armatures with a filter installed inside the tube.

Unboxing

It is a pleasant experience, I would say the best item I have ever bought.
The metal case is very well made and finished although it does not fit you to carry the phone around for obvious reasons.
A good variety of tips to choose from.
The warranty card and manual.
The cable is very good, has good quality and is soft in the right measure, his Achilles heel for me is not having a "guard" as soon as the cable comes out of the p2 connector.

Build quality

The evaluation model has the transparent Shell and the face plate imitating (I think) white mother-of-pearl, like the manufacturer's logo.
The construction quality is very good, with no burrs or sharp corners in the fit between the Shell and the faceplate, the internal part also has no details to mention.

Comfort and isolation

It is important to mention that the Shell is made of resin but the interior is not filled with resin, only what is necessary (very little) to hold the components together which makes it very light, but also prone to cracking depending on the fall.
The Idun is a semi custom, and the fit is very good combined with the lightness that I mentioned before makes it almost imperceptible in use.
In my experience, his size is medium, people with small ears, I think they will have no difficulty in fitting.
The insulation is very good although it is not filled with resin.

Stage and image

His stage is not so deep, but it does not feel artificial.
It has good width and the position of the instruments on the side is clear.
It has a good separation of instruments for that price.

Now for the main thing, the sound.

Low

Idun's bass is not overwhelming (but far from small) but he is there, it is more focused on the bass attack (for me the term that best suits this characteristic) than the sub bass (if you are a music lover) focused on that part may lack quantity)
But the bass is very well controlled, it has good speed, it leaves nothing to the speed of a BA for example.
The bass tone (the instrument) is very good and easy to notice (unlike the zsx for example)

Medium

Well, Idun's lower midfielders don't suffer from bleeding from the dynamic driver.
But I notice a decrease in quantity in relation to the bass (as you can see in this frequency response), which makes male voices not as heavy and full as I would like and is a portrait in my senior T4 (see that this is a phone that costs a little more than double, this is not demerit of idun) for example, and as in the **** h5 also that at the time I acquired it it was about 100 reais more than Idun.
The female voices have a good presentation.
The instruments have really high clarity on this phone.

Treble

The trebles on this phone are controlled, there is no sign of simbilancia.
It has an increase in the transition between mid / high and high that brings the clarity that I said before but if you are sensitive to "high" you may feel tired after 2 hours for example.
The treble sounds coherent, not too muffled or too airy.
It brings a certain shine, but it is not exaggerated.

Conclusion
For $ 100 there is no way not to recommend.
It's a great phone in this price range.
The sound in general I would define as fun, neither lacking nor remaining (too much) no frequency
In summary a good option for a hybrid phone for an update to the in ear data as "input"
Note: for the purpose of better understanding I will post the photo of the frequency response I took using a smartphone and the Dayton audio calibrated microphone, imm6 (with the Dayton calibration file inserted)
It is worth remembering that the frequency response is not exactly linked to the loudness, however when you listen to a phone and take your impressions and have the RF in hand, it is clearer the understanding of what you heard, and even without hearing a phone depending on your experience of to get a sense of what to expect.
And it becomes clearer to choose a phone when you already know the subscription you like and see the response graph before buying.
As I said about the weight in the middleweight, see that this small valley that has 125 to 1300 more or less is not so insignificant, there is at least about 4 dbs less.
And in the transition from mid / treble to treble you can see the small peak that I mentioned before

Several days ago we were closely examining Kinera Seed hybrid IEMs while trying to understand brand philosophy, their approach towards sound and input they make to this market. This was the first experience for us with Kinera which showed the maturity of their product and potentially one of the best market options to choose from. Their approach to design interations, invitations to aftersales engagement, careful adoption of the best fit, own R&D for drivers and final audio tuning differ much from many other brands playing on the same ground…



It wouldn’t be a confession to say that we would expect the next level of positive impressions from Kinera more expensive product like IDUN IEMs. Additional 90 bucks — that’s a lot for in-ear headphones taking into consideration all competitive advantages their cheaper model has to offer… So, let’s jump into the world of mid-budget hybrid IEMs in a sturggle to justify such additional expenses!

Kinera IDUN technical specifications:

• Driver type: 2 balanced armature (Kinera) +1 dynamic (Kinera)
• Dynamic driver: 7mm dia., N50 magnet
• Sensitivity: 112 ± 2dB
• Impedance: 32ohm
• Frequency Response Range: 20 — 20000Hz
• Plug Type: 3,5mm, gold-plated, TRS jack
• Cable connection: 2-Pin, 0.78mm
• Shell options: transparent white / Abalone Turquoise

Kinera IDUN cable:

• Wire material: 8 core single crystal copper & silver-plated cable, mixed, twisted
• Plug material: 3.5mm, gold-plated, TRS jack / 2.5mm, gold-plated, balanced, TRRS jack
• Earphone interface: 2-Pin, 0.78mm
• Cable Length: 1.2M

We’ve got the full set of IDUN — IEMs with the corresponding cable. Hope that such pairing would disclose the full sound quality potential. By the way, this is not the most expensive cable in their current lineup — one that is dedicated for Odin model cost a fraction more but not proportionally higher if to compare the cost of IDUN V/S ODIN IEMs. Oh my god… Each audiophile is crazy to only certain extent and each has his personal extreme price limit…. We don’t even try to wonder how $799 ODIN IEMs should sound like… At least we can afford to buy its cable )))

BTW: did you know that IDUN in Norse mythology is a goddess associated with apples and youth and ODIN is the god of wisdom, poetry, war, death, divination, and magic…? Interesting why Kinera has chosen Norse mythology as a source for product names…

AFR graph:



According to this AFR graph we should have more or less evenly distributed gain across the entire range with slight emphasis on bass and treble portions. Our previous try with Kinera Seed showed more curved graph resulting to the corresponding final impressions that we’ve obtained during our tests… Therefore, judging upon this graph, we tend to believe that IDUN would demonstrate more monitor-like behavior.

Driver elements:



Packaging and box contents:

Best packing we’ve ever seen. PERIOD.



Just look at this beautiful box — excellent in terms of design, printing quality, amount of details, shape and size. Very different to many boring options of other class rivals. Love it!



Box contents don’t disappoint either:

• IDUN IEMs
• 8 pairs of silicone eartips
• cable
• social pages invitation leaflet
• user manual
• aluminum storage case

Adding such aluminum storage case to the bundle was another surprise for us. Top and bottom parts of the case are covered with soft material from inside.



Very good accessory for storing and protecting IEMs from dust and accidental damage.

Design, materials and build quality:

Despite the fact that IDUN IEMs are fully made of plastic — they look gorgeous indeed. Our Abalone Turquoise version has green transparent base with nacre top where color is shimmering from deep blue to shiny gold. Very hard to describe and even to recreate by the means of a single camera shot. Moreover, top side is covered by thick glossy plastic layer with Kinera brand logo inprint. Everything together creates a spectacular and eye-catching ensemble…



The build quality is so good that we couldn’t even identify separate shell parts if there are such. Looks as if shells are monolithic, molded as a single piece. Output nozzles are protruding directly from the base and do not have any detachable elements. The only openings in the shell are compensation and coupled sound output holes and base for cable pins.



IDUN cable is another piece of art — transparent earguides, black Y-splitter, cable retainer, gold-plated jack with black housing and Kinera logo. It is a mix of crystal and silver-plated copper, twisted throughout the whole length and with 2-Pin, 0.78mm connectors. Besides, despite the absence of left|right indicators it has red|blue pin base that correspond to right|left channels which is clearly stated in the manual. It is a pity that we couldn’t locate the same on the shell of IEMs… This is virtually the only point for improvement. Cable might come in two version — with 2.5mm balanced or 3.5mm standard plug.



IDUN makes a first impression of being large and heavy IEMs in comparison to Seed for instance. But this is only true until trying to wear it — the fit is so great that it is hard to tell which ones are currently in use.



IDUN remind us about some custom made IEMs with perfect fit that might stay almost insensible. Neither they aim to fall out if the appropriate eartips are chosen. Moreover, seems like the first IEMs that would find the best position inside the ears from the first attempt. Five stars here!!!

Sound quality test:

Testing equipment — Hidizs AP200 DAP, Hidizs AP80 DAP, Hidizs Sonata DH1000 DAC&AMP



Lows and bass:

Deep bass has a good and precise outlines, good amount of details, fast decay and moderate presence. It is located slightly behind but still able to gently envelop the rest of the instruments. Definitely, we wouldn’t claim that IDUN sound bassy, instead they are a bit lacking deep bass amount but this is somewhere on the edge of personal perception and preferences.

Midbass articulation, speed and tightness are at sweet spot. Nothing to complain about here except for a little more sparkling sound peaks due to overall tendency to bright side of tonality. Amount of air seems to be enough to deliver proper expression for drums and layering is perfect to avoid the interference with other sounds. Maybe, larger diameter of dynamic driver or more shell cavity volume responsible for bass portion would provide some additional low notes and hit strength to drum sessions… but again — in case of IDUN this is more about personal perception and choice of eartips rather than tuning of IEMs.



Mids and vocals:

Everything from mids and up really shines here. Details and resolution are on very high level and could be a new benchmark for other IEMs. But not only that… Small recession of mids on the AFR graph is not affecting mids presence or position. We would say that mids are neither brought to front or placed back. Just right where they should be. Voices are clear, very natural, exuberate with details and perceived as a central part of composition. Despite hybrid IEMs nature — no lisping or sibilances are spotted.

Of course, the tonality of IDUN in mids obviously shows that balanced armature drivers are used due to enourmous amount of details and cool tonality coloring but this is inevitable and treated as strength of the corresponding technology.



Treble:

If you want to astonish some newbe with BA or hybrid IEMs sound at its best — let him try Kinera IDUN and put something like Jean Michaelle Jarre — Oxigen II, III, IV on play. Overwhelming amount of resolution and details on treble and upper mids! In opposite to many other less experienced rivals in class — Kinera managed to tune treble so that excess of sharpness doesn’t evolve into unpleasant sparkles. Very crisp and sharp but on the other hand — perfectly controlled and gently served. We didn’t hear a single harsh or annoying peak, just enourmous amount of details and afterglows of each single sound. Finally, yes, we can say that treble tends to prevail a bit in the whole picture.



Stage and channel separation:

We’ve already mentioned very good layering of all the sounds and separation of instruments. Multiple drivers in gybrid IEMs and their crossovers would extend their ability to spread different frequencies and their desynchronization helps to achieve a good feel of channel separation. Therefore, scene becomes wide, instruments find their right place in the mix… Our beloved binaural recordings show large vertical and horizontal distance between instrument locations mostly typical for full-size headphones.



Sound in overall:

Kinera IDUN IEMs have very good monitor-like sound with even distribution of gain throughout the entire frequency range. Slight elevation is present at treble portion which adds bright and cool nature to the overall tonality. There is not apparent V-shape or other uneven peaks that makes these IEMs vitrually universal for any music genre or audio source. The strogest side is the capability to deliver very high resolution and amount of details, especially in mids and treble.

Compared to Magaosi K3HD:



Magaosi K3HD are bit less pricy and have only 1 BA driver in addition to 1 dynamic driver. Despite that K3HD compete on par with IDUN in terms of detail and resolution. Magaosi IEMs have more apparent V-shaped tinning, more pronounced deep bass and lows and a bit recessed vocals and mids. They sound a bit warmer and more suitable for slower music genres. Anyway, Kinera IDUN definitely win in terms of treble control, absence of sibilance, more gentle treble delivery and more even AFR characteristics.

Compared to EARNINE EN1J:



EARNINE EN1J are based on a single BA driver. Their sound is mids-oriented and tuned to leave out deep bass and treble. IDUN is a better performer in terms of clarity, brightness and resolution but might learn from EN1J how to incorporate the additional warmth and intimacy of mids while keeping reasonable amount of details compared to many dynamic driver rivals.

Conclusion:



Kinera IDUN already became our favorite hybrid IEMs. Equal gain across AFR and astinishing detail resolution with perfect control in delivery make them a new benchmark for other competitors. Adding here their perfect packing, pleasing design and attaractive finish — what other characteristics of the best product you can think of? Finally, we’ve prooved ourselves that IEMs in a higher price segment do bring obvious advatages that are worthy to pay for… Anyway, we are about to open the whole new world of tiny details in our beloved audio compositions, thanks to Kinera IDUN abilities… Wishing you the same!

You can purchase Kinera IDUN in PenonAudio

Kinera iDun: So What of this IEM?...An Ode to Rejuvenation



Kinera iDun: Retail price $139USD. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kinera2017/

Dongguan Yutai Electronics Co, Ltd; parent company.



Idun, also spelled Idunn, or Iduna in Norse mythology is the goddess of spring or rejuvenation and the wife of Bragi, the god of poetry. She was the keeper of the magic apples of immortality, which the gods must eat to preserve their youth.


Some have questioned Kinera’s naming theme, especially on the follow of the SEED, which promoted a beginning for the company. Or at least planting the SEED of change…a new direction where they hoped growth would prosper. On the heels of the H3 (to mixed reviews, see my SEED review for more: https://ngoshawksounds.blog/2018/04/26/kinera-seed-yin-the-set-you-take-out-for-coffee/), I understand completely from where Kinera is coming. They needed a sure-fire hit to keep the world outside of China interested and involved while needing the help of the Norse gods in order to thrive. Hoping to add in immortality for the company, the iDun had to be a hit. The BD005 came in with good reviews, as did the SEED, so things were and are looking up. With the ODin on the horizon (exhibited at the Shenzen Expo), Kinera is trying to close the deal with the Odin flagship using their wisdom and sorcery along the way. I will admit, that since I have been associated (through reviews) pretty much from the beginning (short of the BD005, OK), watching the progress of the company has been interesting and not without trials and tribulations. The naming is Kinera’s take (and I think with a hint of bravado, self-awareness and confidence) on how they would like to proceed as a company. It usually takes something different to set some of the Ch-Fi apart, and I do believe Kinera has succeeded. As a testament, I still use my SEED as workout walking IEM’s. Mind you, this is not fanboy-ism. This is wanting a company to succeed, while providing said company with regular criticism in which to make them better.


I want to thank Steve and @Kinera for the continued support, and faith in my feeble review skills, with the giving of the iDun. All they asked in return was an honest assessment. And per usual, I would not have it any other way. The edition I have on hand is a limited edition (like the earbud I really liked), but the main ingredients will remain the same for the retail version. Changes in face plates and color options will take the place of the wood plates seen here. That said, early pre-order on AliExpress did get the same looking plates, albeit with different patterns (GOOD! I like mine to be unique…).





Kinera lately is focused on making hybrid in-ears and their first effort was the H3. It was possibly their first hit to the market, making a name for itself in social media especially. The configuration was a 1D + 2BA design and it overall got a nice reception among the crowd, although having some problems in its sound in terms of control. Then came the “Seed” model, which was even more affordable, and it was also a hybrid (1D+1BA).



Specs:

Sensitivity: 112 +/- 2db
Impedance: 32Ω

Configuration: Hybrid

1 Dynamic Driver @ 7mm
1 Mid Frequency BA
1 High Frequency BA

Cable: 8-core Hybrid
4 Core Copper
4 Core Silver

Interface: 2-Pin 0.78mm
Length: 1.2m
Plug Type: Straight 3.5mm Gold Plated



Comparisons:



FLC8S
Simgot EM5
Kinera SEED

Shanling M5
Shanling M3s
Opus #2
MacBookPro w/ Burson Play & iFi xDSD


Songs used:

Too bloody many to list all, but you want songs, so there you go:

Coldplay-All I Can think About Is You
Coldplay-A Message
Coldplay-White Shadows
Dona Onete-Sonos de Adolescente
Los Lonely Boys- Heaven (en Espanol)
twenty one pilots-Trees
twenty one pilots-Car Radio
twenty one pilots-Heathens
Damian Marley-Everybody Wants To Be Somebody
Damian Marley-So A Child May Follow
Damian Marley-The Struggle Discontinues
Ziggy Marley-Lighthouse
Ziggy Marely-See Dem Fake Leaders
Mark Knopfler-Laughs And Jokes And Drinks And Smokes
Santana w/ Mana- Corazon Espinado


Unboxing:


Well, since this was a pre-production model, we were asked how we would like to receive the unit: with only the case and tips sans box or wait for the unique octagonal box. Most of us opted for case/tips only so we would be able to receive the iDun sooner and hence review sooner. Well, best laid plans “allowed” me to be the last on the planet to receive the critter, but I did not mind. Things happen, and we roll with it. So, in order to fulfill a paragraph on the unboxing, the iDun came with cable, tips and case. The case is identical to the one I received with the VE Biggies/Smalls, clamping closed with good fit and plenty of room. So there.






Fit-n-Finish:



Watching a company grow into a new market, one is parcel to seeing the company wares go from “inexpensive” to mid-line to very well finished products. While the SEED was decent, the iDun is built quite well. Made of an acrylic, some small (tiny) bubbles are present in the pouring. The wood plate of stabilized wood (https://stabilizedwoods.com) is however, melded in a near flawless manner to the housing. Varying of color between the units, the patterns are well on stunning. Upon arrival, I sat and looked at the plates even before plugging the unit in for “burn in.” A nice feature is that one can see the growth rings from the side (at least on mine) so not only do they look stunning, one can imagine the history of the wood.







Sticking out slightly from my medium-sized ear, the iDun is not obtrusive in any manner. I will say that the “bump” on the shell does take a bit to fit properly in-ear. Rubbing slightly against my antihelix, I do have to adjust fit in my right ear more. I do get why the knob is there, to aid in ear retention, but it can get bothersome. This also may be to keep the bass port open as well.







With a recessed 2-pin connection and exposed pins, one need be very careful with the on/off of the excellent cable. I found myself being much more careful than I have with other 2-pin connections. Just be careful. Borrowing the connections from the SEED, including the sleeves over the wiring at the IEM end, as well as cable jack, y-splitter and chin cinch; the iDun utilizes an 8-core hybrid cable four each of copper and silver. Wound in a rectangular pattern (unique in my findings), one can pinch the cable together to show the individual wrapped strands. Not bad mind you, but something to think about as while the cable itself is smooth, something could still snag if not careful. Meh, seems more fuss than not, but it is a good cable so no worries.







Using the near-standard blue is left, red is right color on the cable sleeves makes for easy identification as well, but there is no memory wire, or sleeve in which to use in forming over your ear. And for one of the first times, it did not matter to me. I had no problem keeping the cables snug and behind my glasses-laden ears. Supple and workable, the cable fits well.

Finishing the cable at the Kinera-labeled jack, there is but a small amount of plastic “sheath” to protect the cable. Many have mentioned they would have liked to see a sturdier cable extension from the jack for protection, but I find there to be enough, so the weight of the fairly light cable provides no strain as it dangles in various situations. Again, not a problem, but a bit more work could afford more protection.




What of this IEM?



Harkening back to simpler times, with only three drivers (one DD and 2 BA’s), the iDun eschews the current trend of MOAR DRIVERS! Utilizing a 7mm dynamic driver for mids and bass, and one BA each for mid and high frequency, the Kinera is a refreshing change.

Utilizing a near-flat frequency curve, there is no bump at 4-5kHz typically associated with IEM’s of this price. A change in which I do applaud, as that bump can sometimes lend to an artificial sounding vocal tone. More on that later. I will also readily admit that I am not the one in which you should gauge listening frequencies. Overall, the three drivers work together in good harmony providing a pretty solid bassline of sound. More on that later, too.

As per Kinera’s request, the critter was left to “burn in” for over 50 hours. Playing continuously at night with shuffled tracks on my Shanling M5. I did give a listen every now and then and currently listen with less than 30 hours. An easy to drive unit, I was becoming enamored with the iDun…







Da good stuff:

When one approaches reviews, you are held to a certain standard (at least I hope). A standard of being honest, but not too harsh. This seems to be the unwritten rule and can turn some readers and reviewers off. There are some who state that there is no harm in doing so. I respectfully disagree, and Kinera is a company that thrives on the criticisms. They openly ask us for improvements, almost like being “beta testers.” Almost. Again, certain numbers in the audio community balk at being those beta testers, eschewing those units, until the “finished” product is out. They look with disdain at a company asking to test a near-finished product and thusly providing the free labor for said company. While I do agree, this is not the case with Kinera.

They have had their growth problems. I will call them “teething” problems for the company is fast growing out of that mode. From the early Kinera products to the iDun, a logical progression of finished and “near” finished products has been the result. To date, the iDun is their peak, scooping up all of the criticisms and plaudits while taking those into their next product(s). Already the ODun is close to being out, what one could consider a true flagship. And thankfully, if it sounds as good or better than the iDun, it will be very good. So, to those who balk at being beta testers, this would not be the case. The iDun is finished through and through. You need not worry. And I do eagerly anticipate the ODun.









One cannot start the iDun listening without looking at that stabilized wood pattern. Made of a Maple/Buckeye magic concoction, the iDun is simply stunning at which to look. It is one of the best-looking IEM’s of which I have had the honor of mine eyes gracing. Changing the angle, the colors vibrate between each other almost jockeying for space. Wanting to be seen, but in a respectful way, think of the cacophony of color in a field of prairie wildflowers. There is more there than meets the eye, unless you look closely.







Using some UM foam tips I have (not without listening to both included silicon types first), I nestle the iDun gently into my ear and listen. Gregg Allman’s craggy voice struts through One Way Out, as Dicky Betts supports with a down low, down home guitar line, which draws you in. You cannot help but tap your feet, or bob your head, with the iDun along for the ride. This is a raucous good time so far. With those foams, the deep reaching bass is very adequate for this level, and this type of IEM. Something refreshing to see, as many of the Ch-Fi “mid-priced” IEM’s eschew bass almost completely (from my experience). This is a good bass sound, and one as a bass lover I can live with. While I would like more, there is a nice amount of bass to keep me interested.


With the silicons, the treble is good. Not sparkly good, but still good. As @Kervs said, there is good air here, and what he calls an almost perfect treble. I would agree that I like the treble very much especially with the separation that airy sound provides. Good detail is something that many of those Chi-Fi IEM’s lack, and Kinera cannot be included with that lot when considering the iDun. It isn’t lacking in detail, it is good. Not muddied about, the treble is clearly present and adds that top end quite nicely.


With some IEM’s in the past, I have mentioned how they “tie both ends together.” That would not be the case here. With the iDun, the mids are definitely present, as Robert Cray’s excellent vocals on Holdin’ Court attest. But it is of a different note. It is almost Unique Melody-laid back of type. Perfectly content to allow the bass and treble to strut their stuff, the mids come along happily, looking like that cool cousin who is there but doesn’t say much. She doesn’t have to. And that is good. The Kinera mids are definitely heard, and sometimes forward as in song-dependent forward; but they do not shout at you like some I have heard. Perfectly content to be a solid foundation on which the bass and treble rest, the mids are almost luscious. Not gooey luscious, but solid and flowing. This is a mid-tone of which I can happily listen for long periods. A very good compliment to the others. On 10,000 Maniacs Candy Everybody Wants, Natalie’s voice is just sumptuous. A very good complimentary tonality to the staccato-like snare and acoustic guitar. Man, I love this song, and the iDun is a very good complimentary listen.



More please:



With good sound stage width, depth and height, the overall shape is a very good near equal cube. This is among the wider sound stages of recent memory, but the slightly forward center of the sound brings you back nicely. Good separation of layers is fairly predictable as that acoustic guitar melds well with the applause and Natalie’s voice. Bass guitar is where it should be, underlying the sound, with drums pushed to the back in harmonious support. As such Timbre is well above anything of Kinera’s line to date. Instruments sound as they should. To date, this is Kinera’s top, and it should be. Nothing seems to be out of place, or encumbered by muddiness, or thin brittleness. All is as it should be, without fuss, but not of more than it should.



Comparo du jour:



A clear step up overall from their own SEED, the iDun bests the SEED in all manner. Better control of the midrange without losing steam up top like the SEED, the iDun does not shy away from that upper end presentation. Mind you, I use the SEED almost every day on my runs, but with the iDun, I am seriously considering a switch. But, one does not want to ruin that fantastic look. The iDun is a step up in build quality and quality control as well. Without too much detail, QC has “been taken care of,” by Kinera nicely. As it should…Slight glue marks on the two halves of the SEED have been taken care of on the iDun. Seamless connection between stabilized wood and the shell is a result of this.



Even though the FLC8S is at a much higher price, the comparison is valid, in my opinion. First, I do not have anything close to the iDun price point, and second I like the FLC8S (I had forgotten how much until I plugged them back in for this test). With multiple filters, you can tailor the sound quite a bit. Prefer bright and airy? Switch to the treble-oriented filters. Prefer more punch? Switch to the bass-oriented filters. As I prefer a bass slant, this does provide a good look into both. The mids of the FLC8S are about as good as it gets at this price. I still believe that. Crystal clear, with good air between the notes, it is very easy to pick out where everything lies. And utilizing the filter, which provides the most bass gives a decent enough reach, with good punch. Fast decay allows the bass to be taught and heard immediately. My only fault with the FLC8S is that even with the bassiest filters, it is still a bit bright for me. This was at one time my workout pair, but I have since some to my senses and use a cheaper pair. For working out, that brightness cuts through the background noise of a run, or gym quite nicely. And without too much pain to the ears, since you can lower the volume. Where the iDun can almost keep up is with the treble and airiness. They are again quite good. Overall, the iDun competes nicely, and does not make one want for a higher price IEM, at least in this comparison.



I am currently also testing the excellent Simgot EM5. And for review purposes, felt the need to include both here (and when I finish the EM5). I do believe that the iDun has more bass than the Simgot, but less controlled. I also think there is a bit more air between the notes than the EM5. Where the Simgot shines is in the midrange, and detail. Here, the iDun falls behind. And when you consider that the EM5 is almost 4x the price, you begin to appreciate what Kinera has done to the iDun. Again, if I had to choose, the EM5 would win, but the iDun has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, it is still quite good. This would harken back to what Road & Track used to do in their car comparison tests…they always included an overall considering price, and a “price independent” choice. As in, regardless of price what would you choose. Based upon what I wrote above, you should get the gist of the meaning.



Utlizing the iDun with a variety of sources, I found it competed well without complaint. My favorite pairing was with the Shanling M3s. Adding that extra warmth of which I covet, the pair sang along well to Tom Perrty’s A Face In The Crowd. Vocals were sublime. Guitar chords, clean and clear. Bass guitar support quite nice. This is a good pairing and one of my favorite pairings to date (but behind the Simgot EM5/M3s). Moving the sound a bit more forward too, the pair do well in public or noisy situations, as (to me) it is that midrange, which suffers in noisy areas. An excellent case is Tom Petty’s Wildflowers. Almost delicate of sound, until the acoustic guitar and piano come together, the spacious sound of this song is met oh so well with the pair. Wonderful it is.



Moving up the food chain, the Opus #2 provides the iDun with a mature reference-like attitude. One that doesn’t really mess around. Sometimes almost sterile, but then you realize that this is quite a pure pairing. The cleanliness of sound the Opus provides really compliments the iDun nicely. I could hardly find fault, except for a dearth of deep reaching bass, and for this I blame the Opus as much as the iDun. What might be congested on the Shanling/Kinera pair is not on the Opus/Kinera. The pluck of harp on Joe Satriani’s Cherry Blossoms is clear and distinct. And this sound compliments the iDun very well.



As a fun aside, I hooked the iDun to the Han Sound Audio Venom cable ($1615USD), just for giggles. As expected the iDun sounded about as good as it could. The Venom is an incredible cable, to which it will be covered in another; but one could appreciate that the price difference could make the iDun sound almost remarkable. Almost. It was a wonderful way to end the review, and one in which I value having the liberty of such products.



Final driveling:


So, what of this IEM? Well, as a next step in the evolution of Kinera, the iDun is an excellent step forward. And I do really like the overall sound of the iDun. It is quite good. To offer the look, feel and sound such as this at this level is thankfully becoming more the norm, as opposed to 3-4 short years ago. As I write, I think back to when I had my MEE Audio Pinnacle P1. At the time it was lauded for exceptional clarity, detail and a wonderful tonality. It is still quite good and deserved all the accolades thrown its way. But I sold mine for lack of bass and the high end was simply not for me. The iDun is not of that same vein. It will be good tomorrow, instead of relegated to the drawer, or shelf to which it would gather dust. It has all of the right aspects to be well regarded at the sub-$150 price point. It is a worthy audition, and a worthy parting of your hard-earned monies. At minimum, find someone who has a pair, and “borrow” them…long term.

If I had to quibble about anything, it would be to provide a deeper reaching bass, and to rid the shell of that knobby-thing. While it does provide for stability in-ear, to me it becomes something of which I need to adjust from time-to-time. But do not, dear reader dissuade you from giving a listen (or the borrow of which I mentioned…)

I want to thank Steve and Kinera profusely for giving me the honor of reviewing the iDun LE. It really is a grand step forward, and I for one (amongst others!!) are very much looking forward to the upcoming ODun.

Introduction

Kinera is a Chinese company that specialises in making iems and earbuds. They produce hybrid iems such as the BD005E and H3. After the recent release of SEED, they have released a new iem in the IDUN. I would like to thank Kinera for the review unit of IDUN. At the moment, the IDUN can be purchased on Aliexpress .



Specifications

• Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic + 2 BA
• Sensitivity : 110 ± 3dB
• Impedance : 32 Ohm
• Frequency Range : 10 to 20000 Hz

Unboxing & Accessories

The IDUN comes in a black circular case which sports the brand logo. After opening the case, there are the iem, detachable cable, cable wrap and 2 packs of tips.



IEM Build & Design

The IDUN is made of acrylic and it has a translucent black shell with smooth surface. It utilizes 2 pins 0.78mm connectors. For both the faceplates, there is a wood grain finish with the Kinera brand name in gold color. There is a vent at the back of the iem. The nozzle is slightly angled with 2 bores. The IDUN has an ergonomic design.









Cable Design & Build

The 2 pins 0.78mm connectors on the cable have a black housing. There is indication of left and right through the blue and red stripe on the surface of the housing respectively. There is memory wire section. Moving down, there are matte black chin slider and y-splitter. Lastly, the jack is 3.5mm straight gold plated and has a black housing that sports the brand name. There is strain relief.



Sound Analysis

Lows

The IDUN has moderate sub-bass quantity and the sub-bass is extended fairly. The sub-bass reproduction takes on a pacey manner. Bass decay is rather quick and the agility contributes to the engagement level. The bass texture is rendered with moderate smoothness. The mid-bass has average quantity and the slam does not have a weighted feel. Each bass note is articulated well and there is precision. There is warmth that aids in the overall bass reproduction. The punch is rather sufficient and provides the necessary impact without hitting hard.

Mids

The IDUN has a lively midrange that helps to captivate listeners. The midrange showcases its flair well and vocals benefit greatly. There is a moderate amount of body and it does not sound thick. The midrange has good details retrieval. The lower mids has sufficient quantity to tackle male vocals and there are no signs of dryness or hollowness. The upper mids has extra forwardness for female vocals to sound intimate. There is slight harshness which provides a teasing bite. The crisp is good.

Highs

The treble has good extension and it is articulated in a precise manner. The clarity is good and there is no sibilance. The treble presentation is on the brighter side of things with an energetic nature. There is sparkle to inject excitement into the sound. The presentation has a good amount of air rendered. The treble showcases great definition.

Soundstage

The IDUN has a natural expansion for its soundstage and the width magnitude is good. The depth is slightly closed in. There is an open feeling. Positioning of vocals and instruments is rather precise.



Comparisons

Kinera IDUN vs Kinera H3

The IDUN has slightly less sub-bass quantity than the H3 but it is able to extend better. The sub-bass reproduction on the IDUN has the better balance. Bass decay on the IDUN is quicker with agility and it elevates the engagement level. The bass texture on the H3 is slightly smoother. Each bass note on the IDUN is articulated with a quicker attack and stronger hit. The mid-bass on the IDUN has extra body and the slam is delivered with weight. It sounds more satisfying. The bass performance on the IDUN has greater finesse and control. The midrange of the IDUN commands better details retrieval and it is presented in a cleaner manner. The IDUN has higher transparency level. The lower mids on the IDUN has more quantity than the H3 and it adds body to male vocals. The upper mids on the IDUN has extra forwardness which helps to liven up female vocals. For the treble section, the IDUN has better extension. It is able to demonstrate nice crisp and sparkle is more apparent. There is a more organic performance with the IDUN. The amount of air rendered on the IDUN is slightly more and it gives an airy feeling. The H3 feels more congested. Treble articulation on the IDUN has better precision. In terms of soundstage, the IDUN expands in a natural manner. The width magnitude on the IDUN is greater and the depth is less closed in.

Kinera IDUN vs HiFi Boy OS V3

The IDUN has less sub-bass quantity than the OS V3. The OS V3 has the better extension and the depth reached is greater. The rumble on the OS V3 is expressed in a more natural manner. The sub-bass reproduction on the OS V3 has good punch and impact is brought out well. Bass decay on the IDUN is quicker than the OS V3 and the agility helps to increase the engagement level. The bass texture on the OS V3 is rendered with more smoothness which gives a musical feeling. The mid-bass on the IDUN has more quantity and the slam is delivered with a weighted feeling. The midrange on the IDUN has more energy than the OS V3 and the definition is slightly better. On the other hand, OS V3 presents a lusher feeling. The lower mids on the OS V3 has more body than the IDUN and male vocals are presented in a thicker manner. The upper mids on the IDUN has extra forwardness and the boost improves the intimacy of female vocals. Moving on to the treble section, the IDUN is significantly brighter with a greater amount of air rendered. Crisp and sparkle are showcased better on the IDUN. The OS V3 has the control and it sounds smoother. Finesse shown on the OS V3 has the edge. Lastly, in terms of soundstage, the OS V3 is able to create a natural expansion. The IDUN has the greater width magnitude while the OS V3 has the better depth.

Conclusion

The IDUN is an energetic iem that is capable of agile bass presentation, lively midrange and sparkly treble. It is filled with effervescence which helps to captivate listeners. The top end has a teasing bite. In addition, the IDUN is constructed well with a gorgeous design and it comes with a hybrid cable. The Kinera IDUN is the latest addition to the lineup and its introduction represents Kinera’s effort in the hybrid iem market.



For more reviews, visit https://audio123blog.wordpress.com/ .

Greetings Head-fi,

Today we’re taking a look at Kinera’s newest hybrid earphone, the IDUN Limited Edition (LE).

In Norse mythology, Idun was the goddess of rejuvenation, dispensing fruit that sustained immortality among the gods and goddesses of Asgard. While not clear on what kind of fruit it was, apples seem to be the popular consensus which makes “Idun’s Apple” a fitting subtitle for Kinera’s release of this limited edition model.

The IDUN uses the same general setup of the popular but divisive H3. It’s a triple driver unit with two balanced armatures and a single dynamic per side. The IDUN ditches the H3’s 2-in-1 armature for two individual armatures which cover the mids and highs. Like the SEED, their most recent release prior to the IDUN, the balanced armatures and dynamic drivers each have their own individual sound tubes which are clearly visible within the acrylic shells. The Limited Edition version of the IDUN being reviewed today will sound the same as the standard, mass produced model. What makes this version special is the use of stabilized wood for the faceplate. This gives each of the 40 or so examples released their own unique patterns. I happen to think the one I was sent looks quite fetching, though the standard pearlescent blue model has some serious appeal too.


None of this matters if the IDUN doesn’t deliver on the most important front, sound. You needn’t worry, because it does. The IDUN delivers an awesome auditory experience. Let’s take a closer look.

Disclaimer:

A massive thanks to Steve at Kinera for reaching out to see if I would be interested in reviewing the IDUN and for sending over a complimentary sample of the Limited Edition version for this purpose. This earphone is still considered the property of Kinera and will be returned immediately if requested. The thoughts within this review are my own. They do not represent Kinera or any other entity. No financial incentive was provided to write a positive response or otherwise.

At the time of this review the IDUN retailed for 139.00 USD / 185.46 CAD and could be ordered here through Kinera’s official store on AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/pr...239.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.ff87485dNlQSvv

Source:

For at home use the IDUN was powered by a TEAC HA-501 desktop amp or straight out of my Asus FX53V laptop. For portable use it was paired with an LG G5, F.Audio S1, Shanling M1, or HiFi E.T. MA8 all of which brought it up to listening volume without any effort. The IDUN is easy to drive and does not need to be amped.

Personal Preferences:

I listen primarily to various EDM sub-genres (liquid drum and bass, breakbeat, drumstep, etc.), hip hop, and classic rock. While I enjoy a variety of signatures in my headphones I generally lean towards slightly warm with elevated treble and sub-bass, an even and natural mid-range response, with reduced mid-bass. The HiFiMan RE800, Brainwavz B400, and thinksound On2 offer examples of signatures I enjoy.

Specifications:

• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 110dB+/- 3dB
• Frequency Response: 10-20,000Hz

Packaging and Accessories:

Since this sample was a pre-release limited edition model, it did not come with any packaging. It did come with the full accessory kit though. In all I received;

• IDUN earphones
• Kinera-branded metal storage puck
• Silver-copper hybrid 8-core braided cable with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors
• Three pairs of Sony-hybrid style silicone eartips (s/m/l)
• Three pairs of medium bore single flange tips (s/m/l)
• Velcro cable tie

The storage puck is a nice edition being the same as that provided with much pricier earphones like the HiFiMan RE2000 and LZ A5. The Kinera branding and slogan (Make it Clear – Make it Real) are neatly lazer etched into the lid and look great. There is plenty of space inside for the earphones and accessories, maybe even a tiny DAP like the Shanling M0, though I don’t have one on hand to check. The Sony-hybrid style tips will be familiar to anyone that picked up Kinera’s H3 and are very soft and comfortable. The other set of tips will be familiar to SEED owners and use a stiffer, more textured material with a slightly wider bore.


Build, Comfort, and Isolation:

The IDUN LE features custom-style, transparent black acrylic ear pieces that are nearly identical in dimension to the H3. The stabilized wood face plates are flawlessly integrated, as are the slightly recessed 2-pin connectors. Within the ear pieces you can see the tidy wiring leading to each driver, as well as the individual sound tubes for the balanced armatures and dynamic driver. The nozzle has a well-defined lip that does a great job holding tips on, addressing one of the criticisms users levied at the H3.

The cable is absolutely gorgeous, just as all of Kinera’s cables seem to be, looking and feeling very similar to those used on the Astrotec Lyra Collection and Penon BS1 ear buds. The braid isn’t as tight as you’ll find some some competitors cables, falling somewhere between tight braid on the Simgot EN700 Pro’s cable and overly loose braid of the cable found on TFZ’s Series 2. Strain relief at the Kinera-branded, compact straight jack looks to be a simple piece of shrink wrap, but it works well. The y-split does not have any strain relief, though you do find a handy bead acting as a chin chin present. Leading up to the ear pieces you find some preformed ear guide that works well at keeping the cable securely held behind the ear. The plugs are the same as those used on the SEED and while they work well, I have some issues with them. Aesthetically they don’t match the rest of the design as they do not sit flush with the earpieces. There is about a 2 or 3mm gap that takes away from the sleek design Kinera applied everywhere else. The glossy black paint is also at odds with the matte black used on the y-split, chin cinch, and jack. The red and blue rings which indicate right and left channels are welcome though. I suppose it’s possible the full release will see these connectors replaced with something more fitting, but I doubt it given they’re already in use on the SEED.

When it comes to fit and comfort, the IDUN is phenomenal. The smooth, edge-free shells comform to your outer ear without causing hot spots. The extremely low weight helps too. As with the H3, I found getting the best fit was as a simple as inserting them, then giving a quick twist backwards to “lock” them in place. Once set, the IDUN never moved around or broke seal and I didn’t have to fiddle around to get them back into the perfect spot after a length of time.

As with the H3, the IDUN is one of the most well-isolating earphones I’ve come across. The pinhole vent in the back of the housing does let in some outside noise, but it is very minimal. Toss on some foam tips or Sony isolating hybrids with the foam inserts and you’ve got yourself a great way to block out the world around you. That said, both set of stock tips isolated more than well enough for use in noisy shops, transit, walking around the city, etc.

Overall the IDUN is beautiful to look at, to touch, and to wear. I also sounds pretty good too as we’ll see in a second.


Sound:

Tips: While I like the Sony tips for comfort, the other included tips sounded better. The slightly wider bore seemed to balance out the mid-/sub-bass balance a bit which was skewed more towards mid-bass with the Sony tips. Tossing on something with a wide bore, like those from JVC, reduced treble and bass presence but made the mid-range shouty. Comply Comfort tips (rounded ones) were my favorite of the bunch. They seemed to reduce bass and treble presence without gaining the shouty mids of the JVC silicone tip.

The IDUN comes out swinging with a very well-tuned, u-shaped signature. Treble is emphasized most in the presence region just above 5k with emphasis dropping sharply from 8k on. This gives the IDUN a lot of clarity with just enough sparkle in cymbals, chimes, etc. to keep it interesting. It’s not a dry sound, or overly sharp. Some will surely find it bright, especially if sensitive to peaks where the IDUN’s are, but for me it’s done just right. Listening to Grand Funk Railroad’s “Inside Looking Out” the prominent cymbal work has just enough presence and is near perfectly balanced with Mark Farner’s distinctive vocal performance and Mel Schacher’s relentless bass.

The mid-range sees a slow rise from the lower to the upper mids. They come out sounding well balanced on tracks with varying vocal ranges, such as Jessie J’s “Bang Bang” and Big Gram’s “Run for Your Life” and “Fell in the Sun”. There is no lack of micro-detail either. The IDUN lets K.A.A.N’s impressive articulation and subtle intakes of breath hidden within his insanely complex and accelerated rapping come through clearly on “KAANCEPTS” and other tracks where other less accomplished earphones trip up. Timbre is also improved over the rest of Kinera’s recent lineup, especially the H3, with instruments sounding like they should. They’re not quite as accurate here as the JVC HA-FXT90, but they’re not far off.


Where measurements show the IDUN having a strong sub-bass presence, I hear a clear mid-bass focus with an even roll off as you head into the sub-bass regions. This is quite evident on Kavinski’s “Solli” where the opening bass line comes across shy and is missing presence and visceral feedback. For bass freaks the IDUN is not. The presentation is punchy and articulate though, with a realistic decay on drums. Deep cuts don’t linger too long, dropping off when they should. Texturing is also good, but I would like a little more. Grungy stuff like The Prodigy’s “Nasty” feels a little smoother than it should. Their tunes are low-fi and gritty, and I just don’t get that from the IDUN. It’s too polite.

Sound stage on the IDUN is spacious and open thanks to a slightly lean note presentation and the airy upper ranges. Imaging is excellent with the numerous drivers working well together to smoothly move sound from channel to channel with clear distinction. Layering and separation are also handled well, keeping the IDUN from sounding congested even on tracks like King Crimson’s “Starless and Bible Black” where the jazz session in the final few minutes tends to stress many earphones.


Select Comparisons: Volume matching completed with a Dayton Audio iMM-6

Kinera SEED: The SEED with it’s two driver hybrid setup has a less balanced sound with a focus on mids and treble. It has a colder presentation with less bass, particularly mid-bass emphasis. The IDUN has more upper treble emphasis giving it a more natural sparkle and air to it’s presentation. The SEED seems to toss sounds further away from the head in my experience. Sound is noticeably more layered and instruments better separated on the IDUN, though the SEED is no slouch. Even though the SEED was a noticeable improvement over the H3, timbre on the IDUN sounds more natural yet. Overall the IDUN simply sounds more refined and mature, effortless in places where the SEED sounds like it’s trying too hard.

In terms of build, the SEED is nicely constructed. The IDUN’s acrylic housings are significantly more upscale though. The SEED’s beefy braided cable is fantastic but again, the IDUN’s looks and feels more premium with it’s two tone color scheme, plushness, and flexibility. I also find the IDUN’s ear hugging shape more comfortable, though without a doubt there will be many out there that find the SEED’s more traditional shape more fitting for them.

Kinera H3: The IDUN fixes all the H3’s issues; no extreme lower mid recession, vastly improved tone and timbre, less sharp and overly emphasized treble. I love the H3 and find it’s unique and high energy sound extremely fun to listen to, but there is no doubt the IDUN is in another league. I personally prefer the H3’s low end though. It has a lot less mid-bass than the IDUN which lets the sub-bass shine. I also find it slightly more detailed in the lower mids and more textured in the bass. Sound stage is pretty similar, as are layering, separation and imaging qualities with the IDUN showing minor improvements.

Despite the similarities in build, the IDUN sclearly shows improvements. Coloring is uniform throughout the housing whereas there were some areas on the H3 where the red coloring was absent. The acrylic surrounding the 2-pin receptacle is neater and more tidy. The H3 gets points for the metal nozzles grill preventing dust, sweat, etc., from reaching the drivers, absent on the IDUN. The IDUN one ups the H3 with a proper nozzle lip.

TFZ King Pro: The IDUN and King Pro make for great competitors despite their differing driver configurations; 3-driver hybrid vs. single dynamic. When it comes to bass, the King Pro’s is better extended with greater sub-bass emphasis giving listeners a more visceral experience than what you’ll get from the IDUN. The IDUN’s mid-range is clearer and more even to my ears with better lower and upper mid-range balance. The King Pro’s mids are a little thicker and more weighty though, giving up little in terms of clarity. Mid-bass bleed is more of an issue though, lacking in the IDUN. The IDUN is slightly brighter with more shimmer and sparkle on cymbals. Sound stage on the King Pro is more expansive but is lacking the same imaging precision and depth. Overall I find the IDUN the more analytic of the two. The King Pro’s bass and fuller mids make for a more entertaining, though less technically impressive sound.

The King Pro is wonderfully built and while certainly more durable long term through the use of metal shells, it lacks the upscale look and feel of the IDUN’s acrylic shells. I appreciate TFZ’s smooth integration of their 2-pin connectors which are more cohesive and fitting to the overall aesthetic than Kinera’s. In terms of comfort, both are excellent though the IDUN’s light more form fitting shells take the cake. They also isolate much better.

Simgot EN700 Pro: The EN700 Pro is one of my favorite earphones under 200 USD and makes for a great competitor to the IDUN. The EN700 Pro’s low end is skewed towards sub-bass vs. the mid-bassy IDUN. As a result, I found that the EN700’s low end seemed less prominent on tracks where bass is supposed to be downplayed. Mids are slightly less forward on the Simgot, but have a thicker presence and carry more weight. Micro-detail isn’t quite as impressive as the IDUN. Treble on the Simgot is notable less emphasized and has a more mellow, drier presentation to it. Detail is similar. Sound stage goes to the Simgot with similar imaging quality as the IDUN. Layering and separation gets a slight edge on the IDUN. The EN700 Pro find a good middle ground between the warm, bassy King Pro and brighter, more analytic IDUN.

The EN700 Pro has a very cool and distinctive design reminiscent of planar magnetic headphones. Both are equally interesting to look at in my eyes. As with the King Pro, the Simgot’s metal shells have the long term durability down. Fit and finish goes to the IDUN due to a minor QC issue with the grills that I outlined in my review of the EN700 Pro. I adore Simgot’s integration of their cable and 2-pin connectors which is so well done, you can hardly tell they’re removable. Comfort is great for me on both with the Simgot taking a slight edge, though it isolates nowhere near as well as the IDUN.

Campfire Audio Comet: The Comet and it’s single balanced armature has a more linear tune than the IDUN. It’s more as bright but lacks the IDUN’s treble roll off and as such shows greater extension. Bass isn’t as prominent nor does it dig as deep, though mid-bass and sub-bass balance is more even. Mids are more consistent too. Sound stage on the IDUN is much better with improved layering and separation, though similar imaging accuracy. Another area where the IDUN is superior is in micro-detail where the Comet feels smoothed over and lacking.

As is the case with all Campfire’s products, the Comet oozes unique style and class, though it is definitely not for everyone. It’s stainless steel housings are flawlessly crafted with great fit and finish, though like with the IDUN the cable doesn’t integrate as well with the design as it otherwise could. As much as I like the Comet’s cable, the IDUN’s is much more premium looking and feeling, with a more plush and flexible sheath. Comfort goes to the IDUN without question. The Comet is fine, but utilizes a more traditional barrel shaped housing that sticks out a fair bit.


Final Thoughts:

Kinera nailed aesthetics with the H3 and made great steps in the right direction with the tuning of the SEED. The IDUN is the cumulation of this experience, improving on the build and design of the H3 and the somewhat limited sonic focus of the SEED. It’s energetic yet smooth with engaging mids and punchy bass. Detail is impressive, as are it’s imaging qualities. Comfort and isolation are outstanding too. If I were to change anything, I would like to see the bass re-tuned slightly to show a more linear mid/sub-bass balance, and some additional texture couldn’t hurt. Connectors leading up to earpieces that better meshed with the IDUN’s slick looks would be nice too, but what they’re using here works fine.

Overall this is an excellent entry into the market, well worth consideration if you’re looking to secure something under 150 USD. IDUN has got the looks and sound to match and shouldn’t leave you wanting much more.

Thanks for reading!

– B9Scrambler

*If you enjoyed this review, head over to The Contraptionist for more just like it.*


Some Test Tunes:

Aesop Rock – The Impossible Kid (Album)
Hail Mary Mallon – Are You Going to Eat That? (Album)
King Crimson – Lark’s Tongues in Aspic (Album)
King Crimson – Starless and Bible Black (Track)
Supertramp – Crime of the Century (Album)
Infected Mushroom – Legend of the Black Shawarma (Album)
Gorillaz – Plastic Beach (Album)
Massive Attack – Mezzanine (Album)
Fleetwood Mac – Rumors (Album)
Run the Jewels – Run the Jewels (Album)
The Prodigy – The Day is My Enemy (Album)
Tobacco – screw*d Up Friends (Album)
Felt – Felt 2 (A Tribute to Lisa Bonet) (Album)
Michael Jackson – Thriller (Album)
The Crystal Method – Grace (feat. LeAnn Rimes) (Track)
Jidenna – Long Live the Chief (Track)
Skrillex – Ragga Bomb (Track)
Big Grams – Run for Your Life (Track)
Funkadelic – Maggot Brain (Track)
Aesop Rock – Fishtales (Track)

Introduction: Kinera a relatively new company in the audio scene has been steadily releasing new products ever since their initial big offering the H3 came out. I have experienced the H3 and lauded the build, fit, and clarity but did note the somewhat unnatural timbre and hot treble. Moving on to the middle of 2018 and now we have the Idun; A model that Kinera slates as a step up, a step forward, continually building and applying what they’ve gleaned on their past models and has culminated here. The Idun utilizes a very similar shell to the H3, and the same driver configuration, the ever growing in popularity 1DD+2BA hybrid, with the dynamic and one balanced armature, the one handling the treble, being in house proprietary models, and the balanced armature handling the midrange is a Knowles 32873. All of it seems promising at $140, so for my full thoughts continue reading down below.

Specifications:

Sensitivity: 112 +/- 2db
Impedance: 32ΩConfiguration: Hybrid
1 Dynamic Driver @ 7mm
1 Mid Frequency BA
1 High Frequency BA
Cable: Hybrid
4 Core Copper
4 Core Silver
Interface: 2-Pin 0.78mm
Length: 1.2m
Plug Type: Straight 3.5mm Gold Plated



Packaging and Accessories: The unit sent to me by Kinera is a limited promotional unit and therefore does not come with final retail packaging, which seems to be a unique looking hexagonal box. What I did receive was a round aluminium case, it came in black with the Kinera logo and slogan printed in white. Inside there was the Idun and 2 sets of tips. A pair of Sony hybrid type tips and some non-descript plain silicone tips. The tips are about par for the course in quality, though maybe in the full retail release they could increase the variety of tips to include foams or double flange tips. As for the case, it’s of a similar build to the one provided by iBasso and the interior is lined with a soft fabric to minimize scratches or other wear on the IEMs, furthermore it offers good impact protection however since this is simply and aluminium build it is not crush proof and may be prone to dents or small nicks. It is, however still a step above the soft cases and pouches other IEMs offer.





Build Quality: The Idun sports a semi-custom type shell made from acrylic and a stabilized wood faceplate stained in red for the limited-edition units, while the regular retail version while have a blue abalone face plate and a white pearl type face plate. Back to the unit at hand, the acrylic that comprises most of the shell is a smoked-out finish allowing most of the light to come through and revealing the internals of the IEM. The shell is free of bubbles and the point where the shell meets the faceplate is smooth, likewise the faceplate is stained red revealing the nuance of the grain on both the top and sides with a gold Kinera logo set on top of the wood covered in acrylic. The included cable meanwhile is something that shouts premium, 8 cores 4 copper and 4 silver braided together, with soft and pliable sheathing that is just a pleasure to hold and touch, the splitter is matte black metal and the 3.5mm plug is also metal and has the Kinera logo printed on it, overall the cable is of a calibre that is rarely seen even at this price point and is definitely great value. The only issue I can find is the ridge that holds the tips in place is slightly uneven in the left vs the right, otherwise a solidly built IEM, that has an overall attractive aesthetic exuding a premium vibe without going over the top and garish.



Fit: As I previously mentioned the shell of the Idun is very similar to the H3 shell, and this is one retention that is in fact a very good thing. The shell while being slightly on the larger side is shaped in such a way that for most ears it will lead to a nice snug fit offering very good isolation especially when the correct tip is paired. While the silicone tips provided were good pairings, my favourite pairing was using double flanged tips, these lent to really highlight the semi-custom fit and increased the isolation levels just above what other tips provided. Overall the fit is great and one of the best at this range, so long as you don’t have ears that are quite small.

Sound: All sound impressions were taken using a variety of sources, from an LG G6, Hiby R6, iFi xDSD, FiiO Q1 mk II and stock output of a laptop. The Idun can be easily driven by phones though it seems to appreciate the increase in power amps or DAPs can provide. The Idun presents another Japanese type tuning that is mostly balanced in tonality with slight tinge of brightness on the top end with a surprising amount of technical proficiency.

Bass: The sub bass of the Idun is good presenting a good amount of rumble that is always there when needed but restrained enough that it doesn’t overtake the entirety of the sound signature. The dynamic driver is obviously pulling it weight here because the delivery of the sub bass is made with the natural tone that only a dynamic driver can deliver with a decay that I can only describe as organic, not sluggish or dragging but not quick, in Closure by Maroon 5 the bass drum hits have that satisfying impact rumble that has the visceral impact that you want to have in this region. In fact, while not to a level that would appease bassheads the sub bass of the Idun will surely fit the needs of most everyone else. Moving on to the mid bass here is where the first sign of the Japanese-esque tuning rears itself, as the midbass heads towards the midrange there is a definitive recession that only begins to rise only as it approaches the 1k frequency, this results in a tamed midbass response that spaces out the bass and mids preventing bloom and congestion at the expense of some mid bass punch, this is quite apparent in the upper end of bass instruments like in Blame It On The Boogie the difference between the sub and midbass is quite apparent and while not anaemic at all, it is something to take note of, though again this is more a characteristic of the tuning identity. Overall it presents a moderate amount of well textured bass that is controlled and is enough for most tastes.

Mids: The tuning characteristics return for the mid-range with the previously mentioned recess affecting the lower mids, they are set behind a touch and are presented drier and while still there contrast the upper mids which are set more forward, so instruments and vocals comprising the upper spectrum of midrange frequencies are presented to be fuller sounding. Vocals like John Mayer in All We Ever Do Is Say Goodbye just has a different feel, it’s not really recessed but you do feel it is noticeably thinner versus Sam Smith Not in That Way. Instrument wise guitars are generally well rendered and higher register instruments like piano have good definition along with the rest of the mid-range. There is an overall crispness to the mids and it is pleasant, not fuzzy or hazy, if not as lush as some might like for their tastes.

Treble: Moving on to the treble, the Idun, thankfully unlike the H3 is not something I found to exhibit sibilance in normal circumstances, and the treble had a good amount of air and sparkle, rendering overall treble performance to be good if on the bright side as there is a good amount of energy present. Cymbal crashes likewise are crisp and have a pleasant amount crunch that just feels right and instruments at this end of the spectrum come off free from harsh peaks that would make one wince. Listening to Feel So Good by Chuck Mangione the trumpet is full and not shrill and the violin from Lindsey Stirling’s Crystallize has that attack in the busy sections that exhibit the positives of the energetic treble and toe the line very well in terms of not going overboard with the energy.

Presentation: This I where I personally feel the Idun shines, not necessarily in the quantity of certain frequencies but rather the quality. The detail retrieval and clarity for an IEM of this level is top notch especially in the mids and treble even when songs get busy you can still point to details. The layering and separation is likewise a cut above most at this price point even during passages of songs that skew towards congestion. Soundstage is average if a little bit wide, and depth is quite good. 3D presentation I found for the most part accurate without anything sounding unnatural or out of place. It is hard to argue that the tuning direction and implementation here work hand in hand to produce the technical level that the Idun presents.

Conclusion: Overall the Idun presents a true maturity for Kinera, without it leaving the identity it has forged, instead it builds upon it and refines it. Holistically from the improvements made in the quality of the case, the cable, the tuning it’s a major step forward. The Idun presents the Kinera flavour of the Japanese tuning (a similar style to the one utilized on the Campfire Polaris) presenting an overall balanced tonality, with enough bass to keep you satisfied, wonderfully detailed midrange, and an energetic airy treble that is miles better than the H3 before it. Aside from the lack of tips, and recessed bass to mid area, that is expected from this style, and the energetic treble, which aren’t really faults on their own but merely someone with certain preferences might want to account for, it’s hard to fault the Idun. It puts together a wonderful package, and something that looks like it may want to challenge the current stalwarts at its price range, and definitely a good option for the budding audiophile looking to finally breach and go beyond the $100 barrier.

Introduction: Kinera is an audio company that has been around for quite some time, producing eye catching products from the most recent Seed to the well known BD005 (there are more I know), teased a month earlier, the triple hybrid Idun is their latest addition to their growing collection of IEMs. Idun in Norse Mythology (who is also known as Idunn or Iduna) is the goddess of spring or renewal and the keeper of the golden apples of immortality. And as some have stated before, this is a bit lofty in terms of naming hierarchy, from the Kinera Seed to a deity, but I get what Kinera is aiming for with the Idun and maybe this is what it will take to revitalize Kinera as a serious contender for your audiophile money.

The Idun I have is the limited edition version, and while a regular version will be released soon after, both limited and regular will have the same configuration, internal parts, cables and tuning so this review will still hold for the regular version. The only difference with the regular is the face plate design and shell color, possibly more and/or different accessories as well as the spiffy packaging box, all for $139 USD. I would like to thank Kinera for the Idun which was provided as a sample for an honest and unbiased review.


Borrowed from the Kinera Telegram group

Specifications:
Sensitivity: 112 +/- 2db
Impedance: 32Ω
Configuration: Hybrid
1 Dynamic Driver @ 7mm
1 Mid Frequency BA
1 High Frequency BA
Cable: Hybrid
4 Core Copper
4 Core Silver
Interface: 2-Pin 0.78mm
Length: 1.2m
Plug Type: Straight 3.5mm Gold Plated

By the above graph, there is a small scoop in the 500-800Hz and a rise in the 2,000-3,000 Hz frequency which may hint at a V or U shaped signature but we'll see later in the Sound Stuff section if this holds true. The Idun can be driven rather easily and loud enough with it's 112 sensitivity (give or take 2 decibels) and at 32Ω, the Idun is within threshold for mobile use (remember those old iPod earphones? They were 32Ω! ) Though from a bit of experience and literature I've read through the years, at around 32Ω (generally from 25Ω upwards) some ear gear may need better powered sources to give it's best performance.


Artsy


And Not So Artsy

Unboxing: The Idun came in an aluminum and plastic case that contained the 3 pairs of standard silicone tips and 3 pairs of colored core hybrid tips, the cable and the Idun IEMs. The case is a nice container for the Idun as it's spacious and feels able to protect the contents from knocks and scratches which is a welcome change from the typical zippered rigid pouches. The tip selection is a bit underwhelming (thanks to Ibasso's stellar tip selection in the IT01) though the two types of tips are both good for variety and fit, something like foam and/or double flanges would help round up fitting the IEM in most ears. Also, as this isn't the complete retail package, Kinera has a chance to add or keep the existing accessories for their retail release, I'll update this section when the time comes



Cable: The hybrid 8 core copper and silver cable is a very pleasant surprise and though the construction is a bit loose (No strain relief at the plug or interface plugs) it seems sturdy on my copy as I've already removed, re-attached and used the cable on different IEMs and DAPs. The cable is light at 22 grams, very flexible and is covered by an almost matte texture jacket that is not sticky. I've wondered how Kinera could afford to put this type of cable on the Idun at this price range but that's a mystery for another time. The 2-pin interface plug is (I believe) the same one on the Seed, a metallic screw on cover and plastic core with the pins made of gold plated copper with a red and blue ring to easily identify left and right plugs. The flat oblong cable splitter and bead like chin adjuster is made of matte plastic that is unbranded (which may or may not carry branding like the Seed on the regular release.) The 3.5mm jack is again, similar to the Seed cable jack, a metal jacket with the Kinera branding and gold plated plug. Note that there is a light plastic sleeve at the opposite end of the jack which covers part of the the wire and provides a bit of rigidity at the jack end.



The Idun limited edition IEMs have stabilized wood face plates that are tinted like the color of a ripe apple skin, and you can easily tell it's wood with all the grain and ring details that is unique with each set. This is my first IEM with a stabilized wood plate and they look really gorgeous (specially under the right lighting conditions) though the standard edition will have a beautiful look all their own once it's released, you can check Kinera's sample pictures on Facebook HERE.





The smooth smokey translucent underside of the Idun is similar to the Kinera H3 shell where it's a near custom fit design that's very comfortable to wear and with no part poking painfully in my ear. It's comfortable enough for me to actually sleep with it in my ear or wear it for long periods of time. There is a single exhaust hole near the rear side of the IEM and internally, you can see that the wires used we're either SPC or silver. The nozzle tip has a good sized lip that helps keep various tips in place on the IEM and not in your ear (if properly attached), there are two sound holes for the 3 drivers inside and it's not protected by a screen so be careful with having stuff go in. The 2-pin receptacle in the shell is two halves of a circle and in my experience, is better at retaining it's grip through time than a single cut receptacle.



Sound Stuff: The first time I tried the Idun, the mids were practically screaming "I am here! Notice me!" while the bass took a bit of a back seat in the awe department as the treble took second place; clear and present mids, sparkly highs, and good fast bass is what I'd describe it. Overall it sounded pretty good with a rather balanced tonality that seemed eager to show you every detail in the song without your ears bleeding in the process, and that's always a plus. To satisfy the believers, I've used (sometimes read as burned in) the Idun for 150+ hours on various music and evaluate them using Symbio W tips as I find them pretty balanced in it's all around enhancement of sound.

Bass: Sub-Bass extension on the Idun is pretty good with a little above average depth that can be felt and heard well, the moderately quick decay helps clear up the bass and present a good resolution of tracks like The Day the World Went Away/Lithium and still give a nice amount of rumble. Mid bass is good and clear with a moderate punch that sounds natural and satisfying with tracks like A Foggy Day/My Curse. Overall, the Bass of the Idun has speed and good control that prevent's the bass from muddying the mids and has enough bass reach, impact and rumble to please listeners who aren't too fond of strong bass presence.



Mids: Like I mentioned earlier, the mids are the main attraction on the Idun (for me), and at the same time, the most responsive frequency to the source of the IEM. On balanced to neutral DAPs like the R6, male vocals are neutrally placed, sound good and meaty with strong presence on rock/classic rock tracks and on tracks like Photograph, there is a warmth and body that gives Ed's voice a more intimate measure. On Dap's like the Zishan Z1 and my Huawei P9, male vocals can sound a bit less thick that they sound average to sometimes thin (on the iPod Touch 4th gen, it's almost really thin). Female vocals have a slight forwardness and enough warmth to sound intimate and natural with tracks from the likes of Adele or Sia, maidens with thicker vocals naturally sound even better on the Idun.

Instruments sound good and crisp on the Idun, layering and separation here lends to really good transparency in any track played. This clarity can make you feel that the mids are a bit more forward as they have a higher than average reach, and resist congestion to deliver a well spaced and engaging experience.



Highs: There is air and clarity with the treble of the Idun, and a good amount of extension that makes instruments sound natural, specially cymbals which bloom in their sound without sounding harsh in the process. This control extends to sibilance as there is no distraction on even the most sibilance prone songs. Strings, whistles, harmonics are crisp and sparkly in this area and provide an energetic accent to the music. With the R6 (and devices that have similarly high output impedance) on the Idun, the BAs shift a bit forward and can induce a little bit of sibilance while harsh highs are still controlled.

Soundstage: The Idun has a wide and natural sounding stage that is horizontally wider than it is vertically deep, this reduces congestion by a good degree. Positioning of sounds, instruments and voices is accurate; overall, the Idun's soundstage is pretty good.



Comparisons
HiFi Boy OS V3 vs Kinera Idun
(Both are using their stock cable and Symbio W tips)
The V3 and Idun have similar tonalities and hybrid configurations but vary in reach and quantity. Bass extension on the V3 is nearly the same with an advantage with the V3 being a bit deeper but also a little slower in decay that lets rumbles last a bit longer and with more feeling. Trade-off is that the Idun has better clarity, and separation specially factoring in the faster decay that lets the bass stand clear of the mids. The V3 bass hits harder than the Idun at nearly the same speed with the Idun still being faster and a little bit more natural sounding.

The V3 has an overall more restrained mid section than the Idun, where the Idun's tonally reaches higher and with more clarity than the V3, it can make the Idun sound almost more forward though the V3 has a more forward position vs the Idun's. The V3 has a bit more warmth and thickness than the Idun but there is more crispness on the Idun, and though both are able to retrieve a good amount detail, the separation and clarity on the Idun lends to a more spacious listening experience and a more intimate presentation on the V3.

Kinera's Idun has higher reaching treble areas with a bit more air and separation which gives it more sparkle and clarity than the V3 which has a more restrained treble area which will benefit very treble sensitive people. Both are able to retrieve a good amount of detail and can aid in providing an energetic listening session. Sibilance and harshness control is similar thought he V3 is naturally better due to the more restrained treble area.

Soundstage is horizontally wider on the Idun but vertically deeper on the V3. Both have accurate positioning and are good at reducing sound compression with the Idun a little bit better in layering.

Ibasso IT01 vs Kinera Idun
(IT01 is using the ALO Copper Litz and Spiral Dots tips, my stock IT01 is being re-terminated)
The IT01 has a bit more difference in tone and ability than the V3 and Idun, for one, the IT01 being a large single DD, it can dish out more bass with deeper sub-bass extension and a slower decay for that sweet lingering rumble than the Idun, even with that, the IT01 isn't that far behind in articulation of details or bass clarity vs the Idun. Mid bass still finds the IT01 punching harder than the Idun though both are good at controlling the bass for accurate presentation and so it doesn't bleed into the mids, there is a bit more control with the Idun.

With the mids, both the Idun and IT01 have a neutral positioning of vocals and sound with the IT01 being a tiny bit recessed with male vocals and a bit more neutral forward for females vs the Idun. The Idun has less restrained reach for the mids and offers a bit more clarity and detail retrieval than the IT01, crispness is similar with the Idun edging the IT01 by a fair bit.

Highs on both the Idun and IT01 reach further up (higher than the V3 at least) with the Idun edging the IT01 by a bit more. The IT01 displays more control with regards to sibilance and harshness though both are able to portray sounds in this area as naturally as possible (ex. cymbal crashes bloom out vs cut off.) The Idun has more sparkle and crisp, and a little more clarity than the IT01 though both are able to provide a lot of excitement.

Soundstage on both are good and wide, though the IT01 edges the Idun on horizontal width while the Idun edges the IT01 on vertical depth and their difference is rather small. Both are able to accurately place the locations of instruments, voices and sound though the Idun edges the IT01 in layering and air by a fair bit.



Conclusion: The Idun is a comfortable, good looking and moderately balanced IEM that provides a good amount of bass, satisfying mids, crisp highs, and have a good level of staging and transparency at a good price, there's little to not like (unless you're really a basshead or anything above moderately rolled off highs annoys you.) This is definitely a positive departure from the Seed and H3 in terms of sound, quality and overall value.

Additional Notes: The Idun though easy to drive, scales well with adequately powered devices and may sound thin with under powered ones, while devices with high output impedance (of around 10 ohms or higher) can induce very slight sibilance. Nozzle tips also help better shape the sound of the Idun, with the Acoustune AET-07 being the best for my ears with "Sound focusing on wide-range clarity" and (compared to Symbio W tips which enhance overall frequencies nearly equally) bump up the bass without sacrificing the mids and enhancing the staging and clarity.

Pros: Balanced sounding, good clarity and detail, good fit, very nice cable, beautiful design, scales well.

Cons: Could have a bit more warmth specially in the mids and a bit more bass impact.

Nitpicks: Cable could have strain relief for better durability, more tips, balanced cable option.



Sound testing was done using a Sony WM1a (Primarily), a Hiby R6 and Zishan Z1(for comparison) and a phone (for checking driveability) volume matched to 90.X db of max volume for safe hearing below 8 hours of use and calibrated using a 1kh tone on a dedicated DB Meter, all sources patched through a switcher. More information will be available on the About Me page (once I find the time to write it up.)

A Preface:
This Review is a representation of my humble opinion. YMMV!



How I found the Brand:


Kinera has been frequently featured on Massdrop and I soon discovered the brand through it's first offering; the Kinera H3. Considered as one of Chi-fi's greatest, the Kinera H3 was considered a competent contender in the already saturated market of Budget Hi-fi. At 100 USD for a triple-driver IEM, specs alone were enough for them to sell like hotcakes.

Apart from a few hiccups in the sound signature (Thinny-sound, scooped mids), Kinera showed enough potential to be considered a serious brand that's out to capture some serious market share.

A few months after my first encounter with them, Kinera made a surprise announcement on their official Facebook Page. In come the Kinera Iduns, a fully fledged upgrade to the Kinera H3; everything the H3 was supposed to be. Sporting a 8-Core, Silver-Copper Hybrid Cable and a Similar 2 BA + 1 DD Configuration, The Iduns are probably the spiritual successor to the already aging H3. The name alone had place cells in my brain firing up with majestic imagery of "Yggdrasil birthing the Apples of Idun; the fruits of Immortality" (probably due to my God of War binge on the ps4 prior to this discovery!) Naming Conventions and the Stunning Stabilized Wood faceplates alone had me sold. Did I mention that it only costs $129 USD?

In the weeks prior to the Idun's arrival, I pre-ordered the package following the instructions provided to me through Kinera's official Whatsapp Group. A special thanks to Steve Tong of Kinera for being so amicable; your patience is fully appreciated.



Specs:
Driver Config: 2ba + 1dd
Connector: 2-pin Connector
Sensitivity: 112+2db
Impedance: 32ohms
Frequency Respone: 20hz- 20,000hz



Packaging:
Do take note that there were only 25 pieces of the Kinera Idun Special Editions open for public pre-order (apart from the units manufactured for reviewing purposes).

The unit that I recieved is considered "incomplete", without the official printed Kinera box as the customers involved with the pre-order process opted for faster shipment vs waiting for the paper boxes to be printed. With respect to the given conditions, the packaging segment of this review should not in any way detract from the quality of the entire product experience.



Accessories:
1 X Kinera Themed Metal Case
6 X Pairs of Silicon Tips (S,M,L)


Not the most flashy package, but it certainly has more than enough to get you started. The Kinera Themed Metal Case is a notable upgrade from the regular rectangular clam-shell zippered case provided with the Kinera H3. The Metal Tin case shares some remarkable similiarities to the CIEM Cases offered by Ultimate Ears (UE), an area worthy of praise considering the 129 USD price point.



Build Quality:


The smokey acrylic shells finished with the "stabilized wood faceplates" are aesthetically comparable to the likes of expensive CIEMS offered by Top of the Line brands such as Ultimate Ears or Vision Ears. A commendable effort on Kinera's part. Do take note that this wooden variant is no longer available. The mass-market versions of the Idun will instead, feature a translucent blue/oyster and transparent/ pearl white design (refer to the image below).

As far as acrylic shells go, it is beautifully finished, with no noticeable jagged/sharp edges. The lacquer applied is evenly layered across the shell's contours. Like all other acrylic shells, the material itself is semi-brittle and is prone to shattering if battered around like Thor's hammer. While it is not the most durable earphone around, it is more than substantial for daily usage.


My only gripe about the shell is the placement of a pin-sized vent near the back of the shells (near the placement of the dynamic drivers) looks like a potential point of failure or sediment buildup (ear wax or dust) in the long term.



The cable itself is incredibly supple and lacks any sort of memory. Very impressive for an 8-braid cable. The 2-pin connectors however, do look tacky and cheap. The "Red and Blue strips " on the left and ride connectors do not match the Idun's "rustic" theme that it has going for it. The 3.5mm Termination lacks a lengthier strain relief apart from a tiny bit of heat shrink. The metal Y-split/Choker could've featured an Idun-themed logo for added brand identity. With the price point in consideration, the minor complaints that I've had can be easily overlooked.



Comfort:

The Kinera Idun's use an almost identical shell structure to the Kinera H3 and other Chi-fi "Psuedo" Customs offered on Ali-Express. I am highly suspect that the schematics used to produce shells like the Idun's are openly shared online for IEM Manufacturers to use freely.

The fit of the Kinera Idun is more than perfect, with the nozzle fitting snugly in the Ear Canal with the right tips while the shell sits comfortably on the Concha. The lightweight nature of acrylic also aids in long-term wearability. The cables are feather-light and is barely noticeable. The Idun's are easily one of the most comfortable IEM's I've ever heard the pleasure of owning.



Sound Description:
Gear used: Aune X1S 32bit DAC/Amp
Spotify Premium (320 kbp/s)
LG G6 (ESS Quad DAC)
Shanling M0

Tracklist:



Lows:
The Dynamic Driver is definitely doing its job in the sub-bass department. The lows are delicately balanced; offsetting the unatural timbre of the balanced armatures being used. However, the mid-bass punch decays almost rapidly in an inoffensive manner, utilizing more sub-bass to create a more pronounced low end without overstaying its welcome. This will certainly miss the mark for bassheads but as far as balance goes, the Lows are adequately full.

Mids:
Unlike the H3's with it's paper thin mid-range, the Idun features a mid-range that is rich in tonality but is as equally inoffensive as its low end. It is present and ever forward but it isn't emphasized in any way. In line with "Kinera's" dedication to balance, the mids are just there. One thing to note is the speed to which the mids decay; they attack and decay rapidly with little sustain thanks to the forward nature of "balanced armatures".

Highs:
This is the star of the show. The Idun's are not afraid to push the highs to soaring heights. The highs are wonderfully extended, with crisp "s" notes heard clearly without ringing too loudly to be considered sibilant. There is alot of air and sparkle in the highs to create the illusion of increased separation between the vocals and the instruments. Despite it's forward nature, the lows and the mids somehow coalesce to form a very realistic/coherent soundscape.

Treble:
Treble tends to be a bit of a sore spot for me. I tend to react to forward treble negatively no thanks to its nature to resonate poorly in my ears. This is one area that the Idun has nailed. Treble response has a "wet quality" in opposition to cheap chi-fi earphones that tend to be "brittle and inflexible". It captures the fundamental snap of most intruments and pitchy female vocals without the gharrish ringing effect that occurs when it decays too slowly.

Soundstage and Imaging:
I have to laud the Idun for it's soundstaging and imaging capabilities. L-R seperation is wide and expansive, featuring reference level seperation among different instruments without the need to be hyper-focused. Height is a notch above average and fares considerably well. Thanks to the unrestrained highs and sparkley treble, separation between each characteristic instrument is remarkable.



Scalability:


On the Shanling M0: With the ultra-low output impedance of 0.7 ohms, the Idun's paired with it just nicely, achieving a stable damping factor. The Noise-floor is silent as it should be. If the highs or treble are too strident for you, the Shanling's more mellow nature helps to smooth out the peaks that may seem too "shouty" for some.


On the LG G6: The LG G6 features an incredibly clean sound section that emphasizes a neutral tuning with precision imaging. As per usual, the noise floor is non-existant. Unfortunately, the Iduns have a nominal impedance of 32 ohms, which isn't enough to trigger the "High Gain" output setting of the LG G6. Nevertheless, the LG G6's more realistic presentation complements the airy nature of the Iduns. This is by far my favorite combination for long bus rides!



On the Aune X1s: For obvious reasons, the Kinera Iduns sound the greatest with dedicated headphone amplifier/DAC Combo. Surprisingly, the 10 ohm output impedance didn't seem to affect the Iduns that much apart from a slightly flabbier bass response. The Kinera's sound alittle cleaner than the LG G6 or the Shanling with the Aune but there really isn't much need for the Idun's to undergo amplification considering the diminishing returns when it comes to scalebility.



Comparisons:


Idun vs IMR R1: The IMR R1 is my TOTL, flagship pair of Dynamic Open-back earphones, Currently, I'm rocking the Blue filters (Airy Treble, Balanced) on my pair.

The IMR R1 is more resolving in its presentation. The decay isn't as snappy as the Kinera Idun. It lacks the speed and verve that the Kinera Idun has brought to the table. The highs are more analytical on the Idun. Isolation on the Idun's is noticeably better than the open back IMR R1's (I refuse to use them in the closed configuration as it changes the tonality too greatly).

However, the IMR R1 is more coherent and it has soundstage that is far too massive to be compared to the likes of the Kinera Idun when its vents are fully open. Instruments and vocals are seperated with an almost speaker like quality in comparison to the Kinera Idun. Timbre representation is uncanny and hyper-realistic.

Do take note that this is not exactly a fair comparison considering the IMR1 is easily 4-5 times the price of the Idun. The Idun's still put up an admirable fight. A shame that I have to sell them soon to make way for more earphones!


TLDR:
The Kinera Iduns are a phenomenal piece of Chinese Hi-fi. This is most definitely a step in the right direction for Kinera. I believe Steve has nailed down the "fundamental" Kinera house sound; an engaging, balanced signature. I look forward to Kinera's future offerings (particularly their new flagship 8-BA IEM, the Odins!)