Kinera Imperial Verdandi

Sifxt

500+ Head-Fier
Pros: Impeccable Build & Design
Excellent Bass performance
Lively Vocals
Very smooth treble
Packed with all the necessary accessories
Pretty good stage and solid layering
Lightning fast transient response
Cons: Vocals might be too forward for some
Kinera Imperial Verdandi: ‘BASSY’ IN DISGUISE!

“Verdandi” one of the three norns! said by Kinera. But in simple terms Verdandi is one of Kinera's higher end offerings. Priced at 1200$ it features a quadbrid driver configuration which are 1 Bone conductor ,1 Dynamic driver , 2 Knowles Balanced armature and lastly 2 Sonion Est’s . Quite an interesting setup to say the least and it sounds very fun as well but in a mature way!

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NOTE

Kinera sent this to my friends at Sonicmantra.org for review purposes. Huge thanks to Kinera and the Sonic Mantra team. However, these are my honest opinions; I am not being paid or influenced in any way to say anything good or bad.
If you want to purchase this product you can order directly from Kinera themselves


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("Even in the fog of war, a tank is visible")

TESTED WITH

• Cayin N3 Ultra
• Cayin RU7
• ddHiFi TC44Pro E2
• Onix Alpha XI1
• iFi Hip Dac 2
• Fiio Btr7


SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver: 1 BC, 1DD, 2 BA, 2 EST
• Frequency response: 20Hz- 50kHz
• Impedance: 14Ω
• Sensitivity: 105db
• Cable: Monocrystallin Copper + High purity 4N Silver
• Pin Type: 2 pin, 0.78mm
• Cable Length: 1.2m
• Plug Type: 4pin ditacheble (4.4mm & 3.5mm)


WHAT'S IN THE BOX

• Kinera Imperial Verdandi
• Eartips 12 sets :
Final Type E x 5 (SS/S/M/L/LL)
Foam Eartips x 1 (L)
Kinera K-07 Balanced Eartips x 3 (S/M/L)
AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal Eartips x 3 (SS/MS/ML)
• Monocrystalline Copper + High Purity 4N Silver Cable
• Storage Bag
• Cleaning Brush
• Dusting Cloth
• User Manual


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UNBOXING EXPERIENCE & CONTEXT

The Verdandi comes in Kinera’s signature hexagonal shaped box and in short it's PACKED! I really like the graphics on the front of the box and the card inside which has some sayings from the artistic design lead at Kinera and what these designs mean to them. And as I said it's packed, it really is lifting off that card. You'll be greeted with a microfiber cloth and then everything else beneath it placed in a neat manner. All in all, Kinera has nailed it in terms of unboxing experience yet again, I don't think anybody would be disappointed by this.

Remember, I mentioned something about Verdandi being one of the three norns at the very beginning , well this is what Kinera has to say about it : “Kinera deepens its roots into the Norse Mythology with the Verdandi. Previously, Kinera has presented us with different characters from the Norse myths. Verdandi is said to be one of the Three Norns, the three sisters of fate. She is the one who presides over the “Present”. Her elder sister Urd presents the Past and her younger sister Skuld represents the future. Verdandi has an easy and gentle character. She is lively and brave, she along with her sisters controls the fate of humans and gods and warns them to cherish the present. Her appearance is beautifully depicted by Kinera in its latest high-end IEM!!” Well I don't know about fate and all but two things I can highly agree on are the liveliness of it in terms of sound and how beautifully it's designed , really a looker!


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BUILD & DESIGN

Build of the Verdandi is nothing short but Solid, made fully out of resin. Feels quite premium and sturdy on hand. Only gripe I’ll have about the build is not using a metal nozzle , as smoothen out resin nozzles tend to make the ear tip slip out of it. Other than that I think this is the peak of resin built iems , absolute 10/10 from me!

Design wise Kinera has gone all out again, I personally really like the look of the Black cosmos variant of the Verdandi. The inclusion of those gold flakes not only on the shell of the iems themselves but throughout the cable is also a very neat touch in my opinion. Also under light the white swirls and green crystal like shapes look really stunning.


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FIT & COMFORT

Fit of it is a bit tricky due to its shell and nozzle size , also the nozzle length. This is not suitable at all for people who have small ears , people with medium to large ears will fit it properly. Also in my medium shaped ear, the shell tends to stick out of the ear a bit and I mentioned something about not having a metal nozzle before , this will affect the fit as well, as very few ear tips stay secured on it , you might face some issues with tip rolling it.

Comfort wise, simply put It's not the best nor the worst out there. It simply doesn't give you a fading away feeling after some time , rather you constantly feel it. Maybe that's just me and my medium sized ear, maybe a larger ear won't face this.


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SOUND

Coming on to the main part of this iem , its phenomenal Sound! This has a V-shaped tuning but I feel like it's way more than that , it's very mature and refined. Especially the bass section! More on that a bit later on

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(courtesy: tonedeafmonk)

SUB-BASS

This is where the Verdandi really shines , even though Kinera doesn't market it as a Bassy performer but DAMN! This is something. It goes super deep and heavy and still somehow manages to maintain a clean presentation. By no means it's just about quantity here , people who seek an insane amount of sub-bass might find it lacking , but the overall balance between the quality and quantity is just perfect in my opinion.

In the track “Playing God” by “Polyphia” you can really hear how well it reproduces the super low frequencies and presents them in a textured manner , only one nitpick I have about this is that it slightly lacks the body that’s all. It's really hard to put in words what kind of magic the bone conduction is doing here , but I'd say if anyone wants an iem in this price bracket and has a very good sub-bass section but doesn't want themselves to be overboard with excessive amount, then Verdandi it is!


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MID-BASS

By this time you can already guess what kind of mid-bass it can provide with that Bone Conductor paired along with Dynamic Driver. The punches and slams are bold and deep but are very very clean. They have a slight warmth to them , they don't feel dry or lacking in any way. Also one of the stand out characteristics of its mid-bass is the speed of it , no matter what i threw at it , it kept on slamming with no issues!

At the starting of the track “Nightmare” by “Avenged Sevenfold” the drums sound very impactful and rapid fast , also quite textured. Another highlight is its body , it has a great body overall. This type of rapid mid-bass performance reminds me of Softears Volume but taken some notches up. But then again this again doesn't prioritize on the amount of quality just like the sub-bass section. So, people who are more into extreme amounts of mid-bass , should stay away.


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MIDRANGE

MALE VOCALS

As a V-shaped tuning , naturally you'd expect its male vocals to sound laid back and relaxed and overall take a step back in the mix but here's that's not the case at all. Rather Male vocals are much more forward. I personally enjoy a vocal forward presentation but this might not be everyone's cup of tea. And moreover nitpick wise I’d say this lacks warmth by a smitch. Overall has a great body and tonality but with a bit more warmth this would've been perfect!

This iem really made me fall in love with the track “Suddenly” by "Billy Ocean". His voice came out smooth and forward , something I personally really dig. Despite being this smooth , you can still hear the textures in his vocals.


FEMALE VOCALS

The vocal forwardness gets carried over here as well but with not some caveats. Yes, they are quite forward and energetic but I feel like it's a bit less for some particular artists. They have the tonality on point but where it lacks the most in my opinion is the texture. I missed the texture quite a lot in some of my favorite artists and I think people who like such textured and energetic vocals will feel the same.

In one of my favorite track “Heaven,wait” by “Ghostly Kisses”(MotherX1's imaginary wife), her voice seems a bit tamed off but still still very melodic and smooth. So smooth to the point you can even fall asleep to it. Overall the way it handles the female vocals are for people who are a bit sensitive or want a safe, smooth and relaxed sound.


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INSTRUMENTS

Instrumentals are an absolute joy to listen to on these. They are very smooth and to be honest to my ears it felt like sometimes they were just a bit too smooth. Anyways, other than that instrument separation is absolutely top notch , no complaints at all regarding that. Also one more thing, which they did really well is that there are not any “metallic” ness , everything just sounds tonally correct!

In one of my favorite instrumental track “Silk way” by “Kitaro” , everything sounds so smooth and pleasant that it makes me feel like I'm rediscovering this track and slowly makes me fall asleep to it. Every instrument sounds precise and clear , no complaints at all here.


TREBLE

This is where many people just made up their mind and get this iem. The treble section is just heaven for people who are treble sensitive and are always in a look out for smooth treble without sacrificing the overall energy of it. It's sparkly and airy but in a non disturbing manner.
This is what quality treble is like , no harshness at all but rather something that's full of life and very enjoyable.

Usually I don't listen to “Megadeth” much due to poor mastering quality but on this iem , their “Tornado Of Souls” sounded smooth and lively. I absolutely loved listening to tracks which have similar issues and enjoy a fatigue free listening session.


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TECHNICALITIES

This iem isn't targeted to be a technicality monster in any way , this is where it performs average or not so impressive for the price as there are other iems which really excel at this category but lack the musicality or have some issues regarding the tuning. Considering the musicality it offers , I think the overall technical performance is alright but nothing to write home about.

SOUNDSTAGE & IMAGING

Soundstage is pretty big but not the widest I've experienced. It's pretty wide , also height wise it does pretty good but it's the depth it's able to portray which takes the crown. Really good depth, makes you feel you're wrapped around by it.

Imaging is very well, very precise. But for the price it doesn't have that “tack sharp” thing going on with it , rather more of a subtle but clean approach. By no means this is bad , you can pinpoint every instruments and what not with ease but it just doesn't feel something truly extraordinary.


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DETAIL RETRIEVAL & LAYERING

Detail retrieval is pretty good as well but as i mentioned at the very beginning it doesn't excel the most at anything , same here as well. Even though its quite a lot , it's still not as much as some other sets such as the Aful Cantor which was basically targeted to be a Detail monster!

Layering is a very strong aspect of this iem , no matter how complex the track was. It never failed at portraying those intricate layers, not even once!


DYNAMICS & TRANSIENT RESPONSE

Dynamics are another highlight of this iem , everything sounded very dynamic and smooth. Again, it's really to actually put into words what these are capable of doing , but be assured you won't be disappointed by its dynamics at all.

Transient response is just the cherry on top, listening to it for the first time made me go wow by two things , one is how it handles the Sub-bass section and the second one is how good the transient response is! Rapid quick , no sluggishness at all. I tried throwing all sorts of fast tracks I had laying around and guess what , it didn't flinch! NOT EVEN A BIT!


SOURCE

POWER & PAIRING

Powering up this Quadbrid is no issue at all , even though it houses drivers like Est's. Somehow Kinera still managed to make it pretty efficient. You can run it on even most of the Dongle dacs out there and shoudlnt face an issue regarding powering it up. But something to keep it mind that it scales quite a bit with a good source.

Pairing is no big deal for this sort of tuning in my opinion , you pair with the type of source you wanna its sound to lean on to. Due to the extra smoothness on the upper midrange and treble section , i don't think you'll have issues with even sources like Questyle M15! Not that I'll recommend that but in my opinion it pairs best with a warm neutral-ish source.


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CABLE & TIP ROLLING


Come-on do i have to say it with a brand like Kinera? As always they dominated this section with inclusion of Final E Black & not only that but Azla Crystal and few other types of ear tip as well . Basically all you need to do is buy this , pick whatever ear tip suits you the most and good to go!

And DAMN the cable! Looks super fancy and an eye candy. The attention to detail is just outstanding , the gold flakes you see on the iem itself are on the cable all through out. And the overall quality of the cable and the connectors , Y split whatever you mention is just top notch. But importantly its sound , as a "Cable Believer" to me it sounded pretty decent and there's no need to buy an aftermarket one.


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CONCLUSION

All in all , I think that the Kinera Imperial Verdandi is nothing short but an excellent and complete package. If your into this sort of fun and smooth type of sound then hands down this is the best you can get around this price point. Also if you wanna explore what an expensive Bone conductor is capable of , its a must! Further more the accessories and easy to pair with sources characteristics are just the cherry on top.
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kvt0012

New Head-Fier
The Beauty of the Sky
Pros: - The transparent shell showcases the internal components, providing a visually stunning aesthetic that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike.
- The balance between bass, mids, and treble is well-crafted, offering a rich and immersive audio experience.
- The expansive soundstage offers excellent spatial imaging, making it easy to discern the placement of instruments and creating an immersive environment.
- The braided cable is not only stylish but also robust, reducing the risk of tangling and wear over time.
Cons: - While the quality justifies the cost for many, it may be considered expensive for budget-conscious consumers.
- Despite the ergonomic design, some users with specific ear shapes may still experience fit challenges, affecting sound isolation and comfort.
In the realm of audio excellence, Kinera Verdandi stands as a beacon of artistry and sound engineering, a true embodiment of its name, which draws inspiration from Norse mythology. This in-ear monitor is not merely a listening device; it is a meticulously crafted piece of art that captures the essence of the sky’s beauty and translates it into an auditory experience that resonates deeply with the soul.
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Design​

At first glance, the Kinera Verdandi enchants with its exquisite design. The transparent shell, artfully showcasing its internal components, invites curiosity and admiration. The delicate interplay of colors, reminiscent of a serene twilight sky, adds an ethereal quality to the overall aesthetic. Every detail, from the graceful curves to the precision of the craftsmanship, reflects a commitment to elegance and sophistication.

Sound Quality​

Bass​

The bass response of the Kinera Verdandi is both powerful and well-controlled. It provides a deep, resonant foundation that enriches the overall sound without overwhelming other frequencies. Whether listening to electronic music or orchestral pieces, the bass is impactful and textured, offering a sense of weight that is satisfying yet balanced.

Midrange​

The midrange is where the Verdandi truly excels, showcasing a lush, detailed presentation that brings vocals and instruments to life. Vocals are rendered with clarity and warmth, making them feel intimate and present. Instruments are well-separated, allowing listeners to appreciate the nuances of each note. This section of the frequency range strikes a beautiful balance, ensuring that neither the bass nor treble overshadows the midrange, creating a harmonious sound profile.

Treble​

The treble is crisp and airy, adding brilliance to the overall sound without introducing any harshness. High notes are articulated with precision, providing a sense of clarity that enhances the listening experience. The treble extends gracefully, offering a sense of openness that complements the lush mids and powerful bass. It captures the sparkle in cymbals and the delicate nuances in acoustic music beautifully.

Soundstage​

One of the standout features of the Kinera Verdandi is its impressive soundstage. The spatial imaging is remarkably expansive, creating a three-dimensional listening environment that immerses the listener in the music. Instruments are distinctly placed, allowing you to discern their positions within the soundstage effortlessly. Whether in a crowded orchestral piece or a simple acoustic arrangement, the Verdandi provides a sense of depth and width that enhances the overall experience, making you feel as if you are part of the performance.

User Experience​

Comfort is paramount in any listening experience, and the Verdandi does not disappoint. Its ergonomic design allows for hours of wear without discomfort, making it an ideal companion for long journeys or extended listening sessions. The inclusion of multiple ear tip sizes ensures a snug fit for every user, enhancing both comfort and sound isolation.

Conclusion​

In conclusion, the Kinera Verdandi transcends the conventional boundaries of in-ear monitors. It is a harmonious blend of artistry and technology, offering a listening experience that is as visually stunning as it is sonically rewarding. For those seeking a device that captures the beauty of sound with the elegance of design, the Verdandi stands as a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets precision.

JQuB3

New Head-Fier
Kinera Verdandi - Unique Bass Response
Pros: Excellent Bass Response
Lightweight Earpieces
Non-fatiguing tuning / good tonality.
Cons: Huge Earpieces might be a problem for smaller ears
Kinera Verdandi

Disclaimer:


I received the Kinera Verdandi as part of a review tour in my country organized by Kinera. I am not associated with Kinera in any way and have no incentive whatsoever to write anything positive or negative about the IEM. The impressions shared in this write-up are based on my usage of the IEM over a week or so. The Kinera Verdandi is available for purchase from their website at the following link:

https://www.kineraaudio.com/product/kinera-imperial-verdandi

I’d also like to thank Gadgetgod for including me on this tour.

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Introduction:

Kinera as a brand needs no introduction. The ChiFi manufacturer makes some of the most gorgeous-looking IEMs. The Verdandi is their latest offering consisting of 2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST + 1 DD + 1 Bone Conduction Driver with an impedance of 14 ohms and sensitivity of 105dB. The IEM costs a whopping 1200 USD, making it one of their premium offerings. For the cable, this time around, they’ve partnered with Flash Acoustics and the IEM comes with a Monocrystalline Copper + High Purity 4N Silver cable with modular 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm BAL termination plugs. The earpieces weigh 7g each, hence they’re surprisingly lightweight in spite of being so huge in size. The IEM comes with a variety of ear tips including Final Type E ear tips, AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal ear tips, Kinera K-07 Balanced ear tips and a pair of Foam ear tips. Since I received an unboxed unit, I won’t be able to talk about the remaining accessories or the unboxing experience.

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Given how gorgeous their previous IEMs look, the Verdandi is no exception. The custom-designed resin faceplates are gorgeous and breath taking. I received the black unit and the black earpieces with the contrasting silver cable looked stunning and grabbed my partner’s attention, who is otherwise indifferent to my “toys”. Verdandi is sure to make heads turn should one carry these beauties outdoors. The cable is soft and free of microphonics and complements the IEM both in terms of sound and aesthetics.

For the purpose of this review, I used the Verdandi with the stock cable and Azla Sedna Earfit Crystal eartips. Apart from the Crystal eartips, I liked the IEM with SpinFit Omni eartips. Putting on the Omni eartips was a bit of a challenge though. I also tried the IEM with a few other cables (Dunu Hulk. Effect Audio Code 24, Code 24C, EVO10, Eros S 8W) and liked the pairing with Code 24 the best. My impressions in this review are based on using the IEM with the stock cable and SpinFit Omni eartips. In terms of sources, I tried the IEM with Sony WM1AM2, Questyle CMA18 Portable, Xduoo XD05 Pro (AKM DAC card and Sparkos SS3602 opamps).

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Sound Quality:

Although I have tried bone conduction before, the Verdandi has a distinct sound. Perhaps the combination of BCD + DD makes it sound so unique. The bass response is excellent in terms of quality. One can feel the attack here. There is good quantity too, but not the boomy kind that is typically associated with DDs. I can best describe the bass as deep, fast, and crisp. There is terrific rumble and great speed providing a visceral effect and an immersive listening experience. Thankfully there is no bass bleed or muddiness.

Mids are rich and detailed. There is good note weight, and everything sounds natural. There is a sense of richness in the male and female vocals. The mids are extremely clear and even the slightest nuances are conveyed beautifully.

The treble is airy and has some shimmer. There is good sparkle and there is a sense of openness which helps bring out the slightest of details rather beautifully. There is no shout or sibilance in the upper mids / lower treble region and the transition from the midrange to the highs is rather smooth. The treble is crispy yet not so sharp as to pierce through the ears. Overall, there is very good coherence across frequencies and the tonal balance is very good. The tuning is very pleasing and non-fatiguing allowing for long listening sessions.

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Soundstage is wide and deep with excellent layering and separation. Complex tracks are rendered rather beautifully. I’d like to share the example of “Maahi Ve (Kaante)” where the synth wave and percussions are beautifully layered and given the distinct bass response of the Verdandi, the track sounds surreal on this IEM. I was able to appreciate the nuances in the vocals while grooving to the hypnotic synth wave. Imaging is precise with good detail retrieval/resolution. The dynamic range is impressive, and the IEM excels in terms of technicalities.


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Conclusion:

The Kinera Verdandi has a distinct sound with a rather unique bass response. The IEM excels in terms of technicalities and the tonal balance is very good. The earpieces while being somewhat huge are surprisingly lightweight. This allows for long listening sessions without any fatigue, be it sound-wise or ergonomically.
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SHOOTINGTECHIE

100+ Head-Fier
The best of the three norns - KINERA VERDANDI !
Pros: Subbass rumble
Bass impact
Wonderful Mids
Fast Attack
Great separation
Warm tonality
Great energy
Good cohesion among the instruments
No ssss in voices at all
Cons: Sub-bass needs to linger a bit more
Headstage could be taller
Treble though energetic might not be for treble lovers
KINERA VERDANDI- Did she write my fate to get a chance to write about this beauty?
The story of Kinera starts from 2011, when the YuTai Electronic Acoustics was officially established in Dongguan, China. The most notable was their Kinera Nanna in 2019 which got very good reviews everywhere. Now, they have improved upon it and delivered a Nanna 2.0 with great reviews. They now have three lineups under the umbrella- Kinera, Celest, and QOA items. But today, I am getting to review another IEM of theirs due to my fate being decided by one of the Norns - THE KINERA VERDANDI. VERDANDI makes up a trio of Norns (ahem!!! Kinera URD, SKULD) that are described as deciding the fates of people, with my fate being decided by the goddess of the present (aka Verdandi).

KINERA VERDANDI (link embedded to their site for more details)

TECH SPECS
2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST + 1 DD + 1 Bone Conduction Driver

Impedance: 14 ohm
Sensitivity: 105 dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz-50kHz

Since i got this unit with a cable and case and the iems, i can't say much about the packaging. Please check other reviews for the same.
But i can mention what was present in the box as extras:
  • Flash Acoustics Monocrystalline Copper + High Purity 4N Silver Cable
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  • Plug with 3.5mm and 4.4mm
  • AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal Eartips
  • Final Type E Eartips
  • Kinera K-07 Balanced Eartips
  • Foam Eartips
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DISCLAIMER-

The Kinera Verdandi is part of a review tour organized by A.G., @gadgetgod, and Kinera in my country. The sample belongs to the brand. I had the opportunity to listen to it for 7 days for this review. This review is completely based on my experience with it, and all opinions, positive or negative, are my own and no one else’s. No external factors influence my review; only internal factors like my brain and heart influence it 😜. Please try it yourself, if possible, since we all hear things differently. If you want to purchase it, you can buy it from the official product website from the link- KINERA VERDANDI

SOME CONSIDERATIONS-

SOURCE-
laptop on battery with the Qobuz beta app, WASPI exclusive and direct mode being used, and my phone with the Qobuz app set to High Res.
DAC used - PAW S1, no Efx Mode and 4.4 pentaconn cable being used to power them.
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AMP – Topping A30s (Burson v5i added) and Xduoo mt 602 with Sylvania 1954 tubes were used to test out whether it was being underpowered and what interactions do I see.
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EAR TIPS- used are as follows: I don't remember their other 2 names but if I do I will add them here. But I settled on the CP 100 (red stem) ones as they were the best sounding and fit my ears perfectly.

BUILD-
It feels like a resin build with gold leaf into the shell. These are sturdy but i would avoid falls as much as possible.
One more thing the nozzle is quite big, so be careful while putting eartips.
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REVIEW-

Unlike other reviews that I wrote, feedback told me I had been having an exhausting effect. So, taking this feedback in mind, I will try (really try) to keep my review short yet effective at giving you a description of what I am trying to find and portray.
Thus, writing a review pattern will help me be consistent with the reviews and ultimately make them precise.

SUB-BASS AND BASS (brothers)
Angel – Massive attack-
This song begins with rumbles; given a good subwoofer, this would cause earthquakes. Two things to note from this song, the interaction with vocals and other instruments and notes decay and attack.

The notes are precise, and the bass hit is impactful, but the rumble is controlled, and each rumble is felt. There is great attack speed and swift decay; it’s not lingering at all, maintaining the clarity of other instruments. The rumble is epic. You would not call this a rumble heavy, but this much is enough to rumble your ears.
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Iron- Woodkid- Who isn’t a fan of the Ezio De Auditore, Tunnel – Polo and Pan- Those synth bass hits are something to take care of in the new digital world.

Notes are quite fast and accurate with their delivery and no decay at all. Extensions are subdued a bit to maintain a crisp bass. The individual hits are quite great, they are separate and easily noticeable. The tonality is classic when needed and digital when required. It helps to identify the difference between the bass instruments pretty easily. They don’t invade the mids and reach enough width in the headspace to show their presence.


MIDS, SEPARATION AND LAYERING-

Dream a little Dream of Me- Louis Armstrong-
Hear him, you will know why I put it here
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Riverside- Agnes Obel- The voice is breathtaking, and there are two vocalists (one is better than two), which also shows the clarity between the voices. Plus, the ending of her words has sssss.

Vocals make or break an iem for me. Without vocals the music isn’t alive (extraordinary music are there). The vocals are quite rich and they reach their height easily in the notes. The vocals are identified easily between both the instruments and the vocalists. The male vocalists have good depth and roughed-up voices are not smoothened. The ssss is suppressed quite a lot. The small nuances are also heard properly without any issues.

Paranoid Android—Radiohead—This involves many instruments, and they are quite different from each other. The mixture lets you check separation, string pulls, tonality, and the interaction between the vocalist's voice and the instruments.

Bohemian Rhapsody- Queen- The piano and the interaction between the strings and the keys are important, given that we have both an electric guitar and a piano going with it.

Notes of the string instruments are quite vibrant and really show the individual plucks of the strings. They reach quite high in the soundstage and have good presence. They have a fast attack, and the extensions don’t linger much in the head-stage. Musical in nature focuses on individuality but coherence is maintained to help with the other instruments. Tonality is very easy to focus on, and it's quite sweet. You won’t find any glare whatsoever, even in the upper-mid range. The energy of the songs is really portrayed well.

Key instruments like grand pianos, etc., are quite grand and have a slightly thicker presentation than the strings, and I Love that. Presence is much bigger on the head stage, with more presence in the width of the stage. Tonality is spot on, and the sweet nature is focused on more. Extensions are more fervent, and this presents the grandeur of the piano.

Separation and layering are really good. The height difference between the notes on the instruments are present but they need to have a bit more room at the top for the notes to expand. It has good depth and also good presence along the front and back of head.
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HIGHS-

The Mandalorian—Ludwig Goransson (May be the force be with you)—Focus on the instruments here. They
feel like a good orchestra. Even the trumpets feel great.

Sigh- Praful- The usual beginning of the song sets you up instantly with the range of notes and the extension. Then, the drums help with the presence. Wait for the trumpets, and then you will feel it blowing for you.

Notes are reaching good height on the headspace with great separation even within themselves. Tonality is quite good with no harshness of the treble section. The height difference on the notes can be better but I like the musicality maintained. Although the attack is quite fast, the extensions are present, so is the decay. Even trumpets are quite sweet and not a hint of harshness at all. But everything maintains its coherence altogether.

VERDICT-
This is a wonderful set, and i like this the most out of the three norns of Kinera. Its engaging, sweet, and still energetic sound captures the essence of the song. I highly recommend a listen and try out my songs and maybe leave a comment on how to improve.

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Kinera
Kinera
Awesome to hear that you’re loving your IEMs! We appreciate your kind words and support. Enjoy the music!

mRaaghava

100+ Head-Fier
Kinera Imperial Verdandi Review

Disclaimer


Kinera Imperial Verdandi IEM was provided to me by Kinera, as part of their review tour. I thank them for this opportunity to try and evaluate this beautiful IEM from their stable. I am in no way related to them nor influenced by them. All my impressions are based on my own listening capabilities and the gear used. Imperial Verdandi is priced at 1199$.

https://www.kineraaudio.com/product/kinera-imperial-verdandi

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About

Imperial Verdandi uses a single 6mm dynamic driver for lows, two Knowles BA for mids and highs, two Sonion ESTs for highs and ultra-highs and a single bone conduction driver. It’s rated at 14 ohms and 105db sensitivity. Verdandi comes in two beautiful designs, one in Halo(blue) and the other in Cosmos(black), which is what I got for review. Both look stunning in real life. Photos often don’t do justice to how beautiful and seamless they are made by Kinera. Shells are on the larger side of things, hence fit may be dependent on each person, for me it was good. Fit is very important for the bone conduction driver to do its magic here. Included cable is of very good quality and is made by Flash Acoustics in monocrystalline copper + 4N high purity silver configuration.

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Sources Used

I have used my DAP, Cayin N7 as my sole source for the review purposes. Verdandi is a relatively easy to drive IEM, and my N7 had no problem in doing so.

Sound Impressions

Pros

  • Excellent Bass, made addictive courtesy the 6mm single dynamic driver and bone conduction driver combo
  • Excellent Coherency
  • Excellent W-shaped Tuning
  • Clear and Natural Mids
  • Sparkly and yet non-fatiguing Treble
  • Wide Sound Stage
  • Excellent Technicalities
Cons
  • Shell Size on larger side and fit will be an issue for some, negating BCD’s magic
  • Slight Ringing Noise From BCD whenever shells are touched or moved
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Bass, is simply superb, visceral and star of the show. Sub bass rumble and feel are excellent. Bass goes very deep and one can feel it all through without any bleed. Verdandi’s mid bass slams harder, making it pure joy to listen to tunes that enjoy such a slam and punch in bass. It’s a mixture of high quality and quantity. Verdandi’s bone conduction driver does an excellent job here in making bass very very addictive. Slight issue with this is that there’s small ringing noises whenever IEM is touched or moved. Nothing major to distract from its excellent bass response.

Mids are very clear, detailed, spacious and natural in its presentation. There’s clear transition from bass to mids without any bleed. Mids are energetic with great extensions. Male vocals sound natural, same goes for female vocals, which sound natural and energetic. Upper mids are very energetic and may sound shouty on some tracks.

The sound stage has very good width and depth. Found no congestion at upper frequencies in complex tracks. Instrument separation is very good, with clear space between each instrument played. Imaging is very good and precise. Technicalities are excellent with very good detail retrieval. Resolution and dynamics are very good for the price. Instrument tone is very natural. Flutes are nicely played with good emotions. Treble has very good extensions. It’s very sparkly and airy. Cymbal strikes are crispy. It’s not fatiguing by any measure. Treble has good details and carry good air all through.

Verdict

Overall, Verdandi is an exceptionally made w-shaped IEM from Kinera. It’s bone conduction driver works perfectly and brings some of the best bass implementations in its price range. Its slam and rumble are top notch and very enjoyable. Verdandi carries its good performance over to mids and treble too. Mids sound lush, energetic and natural. Treble has very good extensions too, making it an airy and spacious listening experience. I fully recommend this IEM to anyone who are interested in an IEM, which performs exceptional in almost all areas.

RemedyMusic

100+ Head-Fier
As good as it looks...
Pros: Gorgeous shells
Efficient BC implementation
Well controlled bass with nice weight and thickness
Sound stage
Timbre
Balanced tuning
Detailed yet inoffensive treble
Coherent performance of drivers
Speedy DD driver
Cons: Rather large shells that might be too big for some
Price might not be for everyone
INTRODUCTION:
A big thanks to Sandeep Agarwal of Audio Geek for lending me the stunning Kinera Verdandi. Having admired Kinera's exquisite designs since their Idun two years ago, I was eager to see if the Verdandi's sound lives up to its breathtaking looks.
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FOREWORD:

  • The gear on hand has undergone at least 10-15 hours of use before it was assessed.
  • No EQ is ever applied in my reviews.
  • For the sake of convenience, I try my best to use a stock setup. Not everyone has access to personal ear tips or cables. If personal ear tips, cables, or accessories are used, you will be notified.
  • As I try to be objective, my claims inevitably will be subjective and biased to my personal preference. I cannot stress more that you should take this with a grain of salt for we have different perceptions to sound and what we hear.
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SPECIFICATIONS:
Maker: Kinera Imperial
Model: Verdandi
Drivers:
1* 6mm DD driver for the lows
2* Knowles BA for mids and highs
2* Sonion EST for highs and ultra highs
1* BC driver to assist the low frequencies
Impedance: 14 ohms
Sensitivity: 105db
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PACKAGING & DETAILS:
Since this was a personal unit loaned by Sandeep Agarwal of Audio Geek, it arrived without the official retail packaging. However, the review included all the essential elements: the Verdandi IEMs themselves, the stock cable, and a pair of Azla Max eartips. It's important to remember that ear tips play a crucial role in shaping the sound signature of any IEM. Their size, material, and seal can significantly influence the listening experience. By providing my impressions with the included Azla Max eartips, I aim to establish a foundation for your own exploration with different tip options to achieve your desired sound.
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APPEARANCE:
Kinera lives up to its reputation as the "jeweler of IEMs" with the Verdandi's mesmerizing design. The IEMs resemble a luxurious marble floor, adorned with a captivating interplay of blue hues and gold flakes. The design evokes images of opulent Italian museums, making a bold statement.
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While the shells are slightly larger than some IEMs, they fit comfortably on my average-sized Asian ears. However, those with very small ears might find them cumbersome.
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COMFORT:
Despite their larger size, the Verdandi's ergonomic design ensures a surprisingly comfortable and secure fit. The ample surface area of the shells provides a good grip, eliminating any worries about them slipping out during use.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
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SOURCES:
  • Fiio M11 plus Ltd
  • Centrance Dacport HD
  • Ovidius B1
  • VE Odo
  • VE Abigail
  • EPZ TP50
  • Hiby FC6

TECHNICALITIES:
The Verdandi's soundstage truly impresses. It's expansive and wide, creating a listening experience that evokes the feeling of being right there at a live performance. Instruments and vocals are meticulously arranged within this spacious environment, ensuring they remain clear and distinct. This presentation is particularly well-suited for orchestral tracks by composers like Hans Zimmer, faithfully conveying the full depth and breadth of the music.

Imaging is also a strong suit of the Verdandi. It delivers pinpoint accuracy, revealing subtle details and the precise placement of instruments even in tracks you know by heart. You might even discover new sonic nuances in familiar songs. Separation of instruments is commendable, striking a perfect balance between clarity and natural cohesion. This results in a realistic presentation that avoids sounding overly analytical or sterile.

Timbre is another area where the Verdandi excels. It leans towards a very organic and musical sound. The overall texture is smooth and relaxed, creating a comfortable listening experience that prioritizes enjoyment over analytical sharpness.

Finally, the coherence between drivers is outstanding. Everything works seamlessly in unison, ensuring a cohesive and fatigue-free listening experience.

BASS:
The Verdandi's bass performance deserves special recognition. It leverages the Bone Conduction (BC) driver exceptionally well, resulting in bass that's not just heard, but physically felt, especially on bass-heavy tracks. The immersion factor is undeniable, delivering top-notch quality. While the quantity steers clear of extreme bass-head territory, it remains present and impactful, keeping the music dynamic and engaging. The 6mm dynamic drivers complement the BC driver beautifully, ensuring the bass is both punchy and agile, avoiding any sluggishness.
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MIDRANGE:
The Verdandi's midrange strikes a balance between transparency and subtle warmth. It avoids overly lush or colored presentations, but maintains a pleasant fullness that prevents it from sounding thin or sterile. This neutral character complements the impactful bass nicely. Vocals and instruments occupy a central position in the mix, neither forward nor recessed, ensuring clarity and focus. However, a hint of brightness emerges in the upper mids, particularly noticeable with trumpets at higher volumes. Despite this, discerning listeners who appreciate a neutral sound signature will find much to praise in the Verdandi's midrange presentation.
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TREBLE:
The Verdandi's treble performance leans towards controlled and refined. While a touch of warmth is present, the EST drivers take center stage, delivering an airy and spacious presentation that extends effortlessly into the ultra-high frequencies. This combination might seem unusual, as EST drivers are often associated with brightness. However, in the Verdandi, the warmth seems to temper any potential harshness, resulting in a non-fatiguing and sibilance-free treble. This is a boon for listeners sensitive to treble peaks. That said, the airy nature doesn't preclude further customization. Experimenting with different ear tips can help unlock even more brilliance if you desire a brighter or more aggressive treble response.
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VERDICT:
The Verdandi serves as a testament to Kinera's ability to deliver not just stunning aesthetics but also exceptional sound quality. It achieves a remarkable balance between tonal beauty and technical prowess, resulting in a truly immersive listening experience. The price tag reflects its high-end caliber, making it a compelling option for audiophiles seeking an IEM in the kilobuck range. But the Verdandi's appeal extends beyond its price. Its elegant, sophisticated design exudes luxury, and thankfully, the sound lives up to the visuals. It's a feast for the eyes and ears, both beautiful and technically accomplished.

A sincere thanks once again to Sandeep Agarwal of Audio Geek for allowing me to be the first in the Philippines to experience the Verdandi. I have no doubt that thos
e who follow in my footsteps will be equally mesmerized.

iampidugu

100+ Head-Fier
A Symphony of Sound?
Pros: Powerful Bass
Clear Mids
Cons: Fit Issues
Disclaimer: This review is a reflection of my personal, subjective preferences and is solely based on my authentic experiences with the product. It's crucial to note that Kinera has had no influence on this review, and I have not received any compensation. I always advocate for testing the product yourself before making a purchase. I extend my gratitude to @gadgetgod for organizing this review tour and giving me the opportunity to share my genuine thoughts on the product.

Chain used for this review: MacBook Pro > iPurifier > Chord M Scaler > Chord Hugo TT2 > Cayin iHA-6 Amplifier > Kinera Imperial Verdandi

Get yours from here!

The first thing you'll notice about the Kinera Verdandi is its stunning design. The custom-crafted resin shells are visually appealing and beautiful. The build quality is impressive, providing excellent noise isolation. However, I noticed a couple of pain points for my small ears.

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Bass:
The bass is not just powerful, but fast, detailed, and tactile, providing a thrilling experience that remains controlled and precise. The sub-bass, in particular, stands out with a majestic and deep rumble that creates a holographic, 3D imaging impression and a wider soundstage. This richness and texture in the sub-bass are unparalleled in this price range. The mid-bass is equally impressive, delivering a good slam without overpowering the rest of the frequency spectrum. The bass remains clean and does not bleed into the mids, preserving clarity and definition across all genres. The Verdandi handles it with finesse, whether it's the tight punch of EDM tracks or the natural sound of kick drums in rock. Some listeners may find the bass lacking a bit of body, but it's a minor trade-off for its precision and control.

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Mids:
The mids are smooth and precise. The lower mids are nuanced and never muddy, making male vocals and instruments sound natural and detailed. The upper mids are forward and lively, bringing female vocals and higher-pitched instruments to the forefront with clarity and brightness. This forwardness can sometimes make the mids lean for specific genres like heavy metal or soul, but it provides a lively and engaging listening experience. There is a slight recession in the lower mids, which may occasionally push male vocals to the background, but this can be adjusted with proper source and cable pairing. The mids strike a perfect balance between neutrality and excitement, ensuring that all instruments and vocals are faithfully reproduced without being overly coloured.

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Highs:
The treble is detailed and crisp, with a soft touch that prevents harshness and listening fatigue. The treble extends well, providing air and space that enhances the soundstage. High-frequency instruments like cymbals are reproduced with clarity and realism without becoming piercing or sibilant. This laid-back treble tuning ensures a pleasant listening experience, although treble enthusiasts might desire more sparkle and energy. Despite being polite, the treble maintains enough power to complement the bass and mids effectively. The treble's smoothness and refinement make even poorly recorded tracks enjoyable, although those sensitive to treble peaks might find certain moments slightly sharp (rarely).

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Conclusion:
It delivers a sound signature that is not just balanced, but also versatile, excelling in bass depth and texture, midrange clarity and energy, and treble detail and smoothness. With its impressive sound quality, comfortable fit, and stylish design, the Verdandi is a fantastic option for audiophiles and musicians alike. Whether you're into bass-heavy genres or vocal-centric music, the Verdandi offers a well-rounded performance that is sure to please a wide range of listeners.

Sonic Sleuth

500+ Head-Fier
Kinera Verdandi: Marrying Beauty with High-Performance Sound
Pros: Exceptional bass quality and quantity, especially considering the 6mm driver size.
Beautifully designed shell, showcasing Kinera's renowned craftsmanship.
Comfortable fit, despite the slightly protruding design, with effective isolation.
Versatile sound signature suitable for various music genres, delivering a balanced and engaging listening experience.
Well-executed tuning, providing a smooth and musical presentation across the frequency range.
Cons: The included case is too small, making it challenging to store the earphones and accessories comfortably.
The price point may be considered high compared to some competitors, despite the impressive performance.
Source and tip dependent, requiring careful matching to achieve the best sound quality.
Treble may come across as slightly subdued for listeners seeking a brighter presentation.
Preface:
I would like to thank @gadgetgod and Kinera for sending this unit as part of the review tour.

You can purchase it from Kinera at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://www.kineraaudio.com/product/kinera-imperial-verdandi

Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer or a seasoned audiophile, so whatever I say is purely my observations and your results may vary.

I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Sources used:

  • Questyle M15i
  • Lotoo Paw 6000
  • Lotoo Paw 6000 + Aroma a100TB
  • Qudelix T-71
  • Quloos MUB1
  • Questyle CMA18p

Introduction:
In this review, we dive into the latest offering from Kinera: the Verdandi. This IEM boasts an impressive configuration, including two balanced armature drivers, two electrostatic drivers, a bone conduction driver, and a dynamic driver. Essentially, it's a mini version of its sibling, the Loki, but at a more accessible price point. Let's break down the Kinera Verdandi in detail.
Box and contents:
The Verdandi comes in the typical Kinera packaging—classy, well-executed, and aesthetically pleasing. Inside, you’ll find informative leaflets in both Chinese and English, certification paperwork, and the IEMs themselves nestled in a case. The case, however, is a bit too small, which is a slight disappointment given the IEM's price point. It’s a tight fit for both the cable and the IEMs, and a larger, more luxurious case would have been more fitting for a product costing around $1,200. That said, the cable is modular, and the package includes a variety of tips (standard Kinera tips, foam tips, AAS, and final audio tips).

Design:

The shell of Verdandi is a breathtaking masterpiece, an epitome of elegance and sophistication. It transcends mere aesthetics, captivating the beholder with its unparalleled beauty and exquisite craftsmanship. Kinera's prowess in crafting such immaculate designs sets them apart as visionaries in the realm of IEMs.

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Fit and Comfort:
Despite the large shell size, the Verdandi fits surprisingly well. It does protrude slightly from the ears but not in an uncomfortable way. The isolation is quite good, especially with the AAS tips, which I found to offer better isolation and sound quality than the final audio tips. I did however use JVC's mushroom tips for the best insertion and comfort for longer listening sessions. For those who are particular about fit, the Verdandi should pose no major issues.

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Sound:
The Verdandi delivers an impressive sound profile that balances quality and quantity. The inclusion of a bone conduction driver enhances the lower frequencies, giving a rich and detailed bass response. The mids are well-represented, offering a warm and organic tonality without any harshness or sibilance. Treble is handled delicately, providing plenty of detail and sparkle without becoming overly aggressive.

Bass:
The bass on the Verdandi is particularly notable. The 6mm dynamic driver, combined with the bone conduction driver, delivers a bass that is both punchy and textured. Whether you’re listening to EDM tracks, the bass provides ample energy and engagement. It’s not a bass-heavy IEM, but it offers a satisfying low-end that complements a wide range of genres.

Mid Range:
The midrange on the Verdandi is smooth and detailed. Vocals and instruments are presented with clarity and warmth, making for an engaging listening experience. The mids maintain a good balance, never overshadowed by the bass or treble.

Treble:
The treble on the Verdandi is crisp and clear, providing excellent detail retrieval without becoming harsh. It offers a level of sparkle that enhances the overall sound signature, making high-frequency instruments and vocals shine. The treble extension is commendable, adding air and space to the music, which contributes to a more open and detailed soundstage.

Conclusion:
The Kinera Verdandi is a well-rounded IEM that offers exceptional sound quality across the spectrum. If budget is a consideration, the Verdandi stands out as a highly capable and versatile IEM that won't disappoint. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality audio experience.
Syan25
Syan25
Thanks. Great review

machinegod

New Head-Fier
Pros: Good take on an analytical tuning.
Satisfying bass response.
Cons: Size too big for me personally.
Price is quite high.
Build Quality and Fit
I had forgotten just how pretty kinera iems look like as I'm reviewing their product after a long time. The design is a bit understated compared to their previous offerings. The cable quality is good and pretty to look at as expected. But this time however I had trouble with the fit. While the shell girth isn't that big and neither is the stem thickness, the sheer height of the shell posed an issue for me. I switched to TangZu Tang Sancai tips which were at hand as they are more flexible and softer. Even then, I did find discomfort after around 15 minutes of use. Your mileage may vary, given that my ears aren't particularly big.

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Amp Needs
At 14 ohm, 105dB/mW these are indeed quite low impedance, but the high sensitivity makes it easy to drive. No dedicated amplifier needed for these. However, a good dac is most for headroom.

Sound Quality
These have all possible kinds of drivers inside: DD, BA, Estat, bone conduction. However, the proof is in the pudding. My previous experience with bone conduction drivers have been really negative. And moreover, their efficacy is debatable. I was pleasantly surprised when I tried the verdandi. It is definitely a flavored tuning but it is tuned with intention. Let's tackle the bass first and explore whether the bone conduction driver does anything or not. The answer is, I don't know. The bass quality is really good. It has good quality bass and so is the quantity which is very satisfying. Compared to some other iems that do bass very well, the bass of verdandi has a satisfying enveloping quality to it which increases immersiveness. As if your head is in between a bubble of deep bass. Although I've heard sharper attack from other iems like the IE900. Mids do not draw attention in any way, it feels neutral in terms of presentation and tone. Up until you get to the upper midrange. No this is not the usual Harman target shout fest but there is a peak in the later portion of the upper midrange and lower treble, and it's tastefully done. Surprisingly tastefully done. It reminds me of the Sennheiser HD560s which also had a boost in the same region. It helps unveil the sound more by unmasking the details and overall resolution. It also adds a nice shimmering quality to the sound, but to my ears it's not over done, which is key. I know many people are sensitive to peaks in this region but I'm not one of them, in fact I quite like it.
There is a nice coherence between the mids and treble which feels smooth. There is no lack of air and space in the treble, and it manages to do so without any fatigue or splashiness to it. I would categorize this as an analytical type of sound but without any major flaws in the tuning. Very similar to the HD560s in terms of style.

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Conclusion
Looks? Check. Sound? Check. However, given the price is 1200 USD, competition is very stiff!
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Argha

100+ Head-Fier
Jack of all trades, master of none
Pros: Bass Delivery
Soundstage Presentation
Treble Characteristics
Cons: Detail Retrieval
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Thanks to Kinera & "Gadget Generations" on YouTube for loaning me the IEM. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Kinera Verdandi Review​

Kinera IEMs never fail to catch my eye with their stunning design. However, this is the first time I've had the chance to use them extensively. Now, it's time to put them to the test and see how they fare in the long run.

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First Impression​

This IEM truly embodies balance. To me, balance is the perfect word to describe this IEM. It excels in both technical aspects and tuning, ensuring a balanced sound from genre compatibility to instrument-specific timber throughout my listening experience.

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Tuning Philosophy​

The IEM's balanced sound signature allows for a wide range of music genres to be enjoyed with equal clarity and detail. Whether I'm listening to classical music with its intricate instrument separation or bass-heavy electronic music with its deep, punchy lows, this IEM delivers a cohesive and harmonious sound that never feels overwhelming or lacking in any frequency range. Furthermore, the tuning of this IEM is meticulously crafted to ensure that each instrument and vocal is reproduced with accuracy and realism. The midrange is full-bodied, the highs are crisp and detailed, and the lows are controlled. This attention to detail in tuning results in a sound that is both engaging and natural, making every listening session a truly immersive experience. Overall, this IEM's balance extends beyond just its sound signature. Its build quality, comfort, and overall performance all come together to create a well-rounded and versatile audio companion that is sure to please even the most discerning audiophiles.

Bass​

The bass in these IEMs is far from being modest. It possesses an ethereal quality that is truly captivating. Specifically, the subbass is incredibly controlled, never unnecessarily flaunting itself. However, when a song demands a powerful bassline, these IEMs plunge into the depths and extract every ounce of detail. It provides that beloved subwoofer sensation, as if the subbass is handled by a separate driver and the resulting air is unleashed by these IEMs. Yet, it never becomes excessive or overwhelming. The bass region exudes confidence, and although it has the potential to shake your brain, it doesn't always exhibit that intensity. This is where the balance is restored, showcasing the exceptional attributes of these IEMs. Furthermore, there is not even the slightest hint of bleed in the mids. In summary, the bass is deep, authoritative, and immense. It handles HipHop with finesse and perfectly portrays EDM. Lowend is also full with details with avid texture to offer.
There is an almost 5db bass boost which adds a whole balanced flavour to the sound. The midbass is slightly elevated which is somewhat noticeable and gives the thump everyone loves. The bass blends into the IEF2023 neutral target at 175hz, leaving no trace of bloatedness in the mids, making the bass very well separated.

Midrange​

Overall, the midrange of this IEM is well-balanced, with a slight tilt towards neutral tuning. This results in a sound that is pleasing to the ears and suitable for a wide range of genres. While some listeners may find the lower mids to be slightly recessed, this actually works well with certain types of music, adding depth and allowing other elements to take the spotlight.
One minor drawback is that male vocals may occasionally get mixed in the background, but this issue is quickly resolved when the cables or source gears are rolled. Speaking of instruments, their timber is vibrant and lively, adding a touch of excitement to the overall sound. The IEM manages to strike a perfect balance between being neutral and dull, ensuring that the listener is engaged and captivated by the music.
On the other hand, female singers sound absolutely fantastic on this IEM. The extension in the upper mids allows their voices to shine, creating a sense of flow, airiness, and agility. The IEM truly brings out the best in female vocals, allowing the listener to fully appreciate the nuances and emotions conveyed by the singer.
The same can be said for instruments that possess energy in the upper register. Whether it's the crispness of a violin or the shimmering of cymbals, the IEM accurately reproduces the energy and sparkle in the upper mids, adding a layer of excitement and liveliness to the music. This ensures that every note and detail in this frequency range is faithfully reproduced, enhancing the overall listening experience.
In conclusion, the midrange of this IEM strikes a delicate balance between neutrality and excitement. While some may find the lower mids to be slightly recessed, this works well with certain genres. Female vocals and instruments with energy in the upper register truly shine on this IEM, creating a sense of flow, airiness, and beauty. Overall, the midrange of this IEM is well-tuned and capable of delivering an enjoyable and immersive listening experience.

Treble​

The treble on this IEM is truly a standout feature. It possesses a delicate quality of subtle refinements through its peaks and dips. The notes seem to effortlessly emerge from a deep, dark background, creating a sense of depth and airyness. The speed at which the treble is delivered is truly remarkable, almost surpassing the capacity of my brain to keep up with its rapid pace. It flows smoothly, akin to a gentle breeze, gracefully navigating any obstacles in its path.
One of the most impressive aspects of this IEM's treble is its ability to handle any genre or style of music with finesse. I never once worried about songs sounding harsh or unrefined, as the treble seemed to effortlessly adapt to the nuances of each track. Even poorly recorded tracks were transformed into more enjoyable listening experiences, thanks to the perfectly placed dips in the treble. These dips not only mitigate any potential harshness but also enhance the overall musicality.
The extension of the treble is above average. It effortlessly reaches the highest highs, capturing intricate detail and nuance. The treble's ability to effortlessly soar to these heights adds a sense of brilliance and sparkle to the overall sound signature. It truly brings out the best in the tracks with good enough recording.
While it is worth noting that those who are sensitive to treble might find certain moments a bit sharp, it is important to emphasize that this is not due to an overall elevation in the treble but rather the presence of specific peaks. These peaks, located at 5, 8, 11.5, and 18.5 kHz, add volume and these peaks will become more and more evident in nature. They serve as focal points, highlighting the intricacies and subtleties that might otherwise go unnoticed.

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Technicalities​

Soundstage​

This IEM creates an enveloping soundstage that is anything but intimate. The bass fills the room, while the instruments sound like they are echoing from a faraway place. The circular nature of the soundstage avoids any unnatural stretching from left to right.

Imaging​

Each instrument maintains its localized place throughout the entire stage, with a distinct black border separating them from one another. However, Imaging is not incredibly precise to pinpoint any specific instrument in the mix. The panning and swipes are more than sufficient for a casual listening experience. Additionally, Orchestra and Classical music are both incredibly enjoyable to listen to.

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Resolution​

The resolution is above average for the price. It won’t feel underdetailed, nor it will feel too blunt. It is transparent enough to not have any problem while listening.

Conclusion​

This IEM is true testament for delicacy. The design of this one of the most beautiful thing in the audio. The earshell while being slightly bigger than the norm fits my small ears with no problem whatsoever. It is so balanced that I can throw any music to it and confidently say that it will handle it out of care. This IEM depicts only one word and that is BALANCE.

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Cable Rolling​

Testing the Effect Audio Eros S on this Set was a game-changer for me. The soundstage expanded, the treble became silkier, and the midrange detail was exceptional. In summary, I believe that the tonal quality significantly improved with this cable.

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Attachments

Last edited:
ILuvAudio
ILuvAudio
Good one Argha
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taeyeong
taeyeong
Does change of cable really changes the treble. Just curious since I am looking to buy one.
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Argha
Argha
Yes! I reviewed it 8 months ago and it still holds it place after these months. Changing the cable will take this to another level. Do checkout my Eros S cable review

BonGoBiLai

100+ Head-Fier
VERDANT
Pros: Enveloping, tactile bass response

Pleasant tonality

No odd spikes or dips

Beautiful shells

Generous accessorisation

Expansive Soundstage
Cons: No noteworthy cons in my book; tough competition, perhaps?
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Founded in 2011, Kinera is an IEM manufacturer from China known for its exquisite, beautifully designed shells and a broad spectrum of sound signatures offered through IEMs at varying price points. Their sister concern, Queen of Audio (QoA for short), has also been quite consistent and successful in the budget audio scene. Kinera generally uses different characters from Norse Mythology to name their IEMs. Their current flagship, “Imperial Loki,” is named after the big bad antagonist of Asgard. Kinera is yet to name an IEM after Thor, though, probably preserved for their ultimate flagship sometime in the future.

Kinera Imperial Verdandi is named after, well, Verðandi. The name “Verðandi” is derived from Old Norse and possibly means “happening” or “present.” It is literally the present participle of the Old Norse verb “verða,” which translates to “to become.” In other words, Verðandi signifies “that which is happening” or “in the making.” Verðandi embodies the present moment and the ongoing process of change. She is associated with the unfolding events and the choices made by individuals. Together with her fellow Norns, she weaves the threads of destiny that shape the lives of mortals. Verðandi’s sphere of influence lies in the present, emphasizing the importance of living consciously and making deliberate decisions

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Disclaimer: I am an audiophile and a reviewer who works with Mr. @Sajid Amit of Amplify Audio Reviews. Amplify generally covers high-end IEMs, Accessories, DAC Amps, and Headphones, with occasional reviews of some budget products. Check out our video reviews at: https://www.youtube.com/@amplifyaudioreviews

Price:

$1199

Specifications:

Driver array:

2 Knowles balanced armature (BA) drivers

2 Sonion electrostatic (EST) drivers

1 dynamic driver (DD)

1 bone conduction driver (BC) for low frequencies

Impedance: 14 ohms

Sensitivity: 105 dB

Frequency Response: 20Hz-50kHz


Unboxing, Build, Comfort:

Kinera Verdandi comes packaged in a hexagonal box resembling a box of premium sweets or chocolate truffles. This hexagonal packaging has become a Kinera signature already. I received my Norn in a similar-looking package as well. Kinera is one of the few Chinese manufacturers alongside Dunu, who always go overboard with accessorisation. Even their ultra-budget Tyr IEM came with a set of Final E-type tips. Kinera is extremely generous with the extras they provide with the Verdandi. Alongside the stock “vocal” tips and the teal carrying pouch, Kinera also provides a set of Final E Type and AZLA Sednaearfit Crystal silicone tips. The stock cable is no slouch, either. It is a Flash Acoustics Monocrystalline copper cable featuring modular terminations.

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The Verdandi has two different color schemes. Mine is the Holo version, which showcases a combination of transparent resin, Dark marine blue, and splotches of orange-ish gold. It looks absolutely stunning, especially in daylight. It is one of the prettiest IEMs I have laid my eyes upon, regardless of price. I have a minor complaint, though, and that is the size of the carry case. It is functional and very pretty, but I wish there was more space inside.

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The Verdandi veers on the larger side, but it is not as large as some ToTL IEMs can be, the Elysian Annihilator, for example. There is no driver flex or air pressure build-up. I had zero comfort issues with the Kinera Verdandi in long listening sessions. One interesting thing to note, though. The Verdandi does this “twang” thing when the shells are lightly tapped. This twang is from the bone conduction driver, which I found quite fascinating, stress relieving even, like a fidget spinner.

Sound:

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FR Graph by Timmy Vangtang of GizAudio

Verdandi has the most balanced, “right” sounding tuning Kinera has achieved yet in the kilobuck range. I especially liked how linear it sounds throughout the entire frequency without any sudden spike of suck-out. Tonality-wise, Verdandi is a warm-neutral monitor with some extra emphasis on bass and lower treble.

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The bass response of the Verdandi is my favorite aspect of this IEM. Verdandi is not particularly a basshead IEM, but the texture and layering are easily among the absolute best under $1500. I specifically loved how natural the kick drums sound on the Verdandi, making hard rock and fast-paced metal an absolute joy. There is this sensation of sub-bass enveloping around the skull, which is quite unique for an IEM in this price range. The sheer capability of the bone conduction driver on the Verdandi is no joke.

The midrange is smooth, warm-leaning, and uncolored with a slight recess. I found nothing fundamentally wrong with the mids here. I will not necessarily coin the term “lush” for Verdandi’s midrange, as Kinera did not opt for a velvety warm presentation. The vocals are crystalline, have enough heft to not sound thin, and are never harsh or shouty. The midrange execution is fantastic here and gets a solid thumbs up from me.

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Verdandi’s treble is rather interesting. It is not hard-edged or shimmery, especially when paired with slightly warm/Smooth sources like the Cayin RU7 and Questyle CMA 18 Portable. It is not elevated in the upper treble, especially past the 12-13k region. I think it was a conscious tuning choice and the right one; otherwise, Verdandi would have lost its natural,warm-neutral underpinnings. Trailing edges of notes in the treble region are sharp and well-defined but do not cause fatigue, especially when the seal Is deep and secure. With wrong tips and shallow fit, the lower treble energy can go slightly haywire, though fortunately, kinera already provides a generous selection of tips with the Verdandi. Proper fit is absolutely crucial to tap the full potential of this IEM.

Verdandi is among the absolute bests under $1500 as far as soundstage and separation are concerned. It even trades blows with the legendary Sony IER Z1R in this regard. Goodbye to Romance by Ozzy Osbourne was a mesmerizing experience for me with the Verdandi, and so were 80’s funk and disco tracks, which are often mastered to be very wide. The resolution is decent. I personally have no qualms regarding the detail level of the Verdandi. It is comparable to the Sennheiser IE900 and IER Z1R in terms of raw detail, which is more than good enough in my book. Imaging is above average for the price and on par with its fantastic staging capabilities.

Comparisons:

Sennheiser IE900:

The IE900 is more V-shaped and shimmery in the treble. I find the Verdandi to be a better all-rounder than the IE900. I am not too keen on the IE900’s imaging capability, either. Bass quality is about equal on both, though the presentation is slightly different. IE900 focuses on tactile, sharp punch, while the Verdandi has an enveloping, rumbly sub-bass. IE 900 is very comfortable thanks to its ultra-small footprint,, but it is not that ideal for noisy environments as bass attenuation from outside noise sort of alters the IE900's signature. Verdandi isolates and performs well in noisy environments just fine.

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Symphonium Helios:
Helios is a bit of an anomaly as it can push ToTL-level detail and technicalities. It is brighter in the upper treble and has a leaner midrange compared to the Verdandi. Thanks to its unconventional shape and large footprint, Helios is also less comfortable than the Verdandi, especially for those with small ears. Helios is even more sub-bass tilted than the Verdandi, while the Verdandi has more balance between sub-bass and mid-bass. Helios is also very hard to drive and source picky. Without high end sources, Helios will noticeably underperform while the Verdandi has no such prerequisites.

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Sony IER Z1R:
The Z1R is still the champion of old school bass. It punches harder than the Verdandi though the decay is noticeably slower on the Z1R. Z1R has a drier midrange which is more recessed than the Verdandi. Detail and soundstage capability is about equal on both. Z1R has very large Zirconium shells and comfort is a common grip for a lot of audiophiles with them. Verdandi on the other hand, is quite comfortable with the right tips.

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Last edited:
V
vanalles
My IER-Z1R is by far a better iem ... Bass is superior also...
vikinguy
vikinguy
I have to disagree with you. Z1r is an ancient Titanic anchor in the ear
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Reactions: Chunsu

SamTan

Head-Fier
Energy for the full day!
Pros: Bass; both sub-bass and mid-bass are very well done!
Likeable mids
Wide soundstage with great imaging and layering
Cons: Treble spike at times
Large shell
Large nozzle
21-Apr-24

Kinera Verdandi – brief sound impressions, by Sameer Tangri



Chain: HiBy R8 à Kinera Verdandi stock cable (4.4 mm) à Kinera Verdandi à Azla SednaEarfit Max ear tips

Introduction: The Verdandi was loaned to me by my good friend Sandeep Agrawal from the Audio Geek group. The Verdandi is an IEM with 2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST + 1 DD + 1 Bone Conduction Driver. As per the information on Kinera’s website, the 2 Knowles BA Drivers take charge of the for mid & high frequencies while the 6mm DD does the heavy lifting for the bass and low frequencies. The 2 Sonion EST Drivers are responsible for the high and ultra-high frequencies. The 1 Bone Conduction Driver works with the DD driver to further enhance the low-frequency performance, resulting in fuller and deeper bass, providing an immersive music experience.

Here are my brief listening impressions of the Verdandi.

First, a little about me- I prefer a balanced to warm sound for enjoying my music. I own sets like the 64 Audio Trio, Final A8000, and Thieaudio Monarch MKII. I dislike any one frequency overpowering or dominating all others, be it bass, mids, or the treble. Occasionally, I do also listen to reference/analytical sets with a flat sound signature. I very rarely prefer all-BA setups, no matter how high-end they are. Technicalities and capabilities aside, I always look for an IEM/HP that grabs my attention the moment it starts playing (trust me, IEMs/HPs that really connect with me always grab my attention the moment they start playing). It should sound clear, fun, musical, draw me into the song, and most importantly make me feel the emotions! If a Rs. 1,500/- (USD 18) IEM does this, I buy it too.

Design and Build Quality: The Verdandi is a well-made IEM that feels good in-hand and looks very attractive with its bright blue colors and a little bit of glitter throw in. The stock cable is also blue in color and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of this set. It is one of a kind, that’s for sure. The earpieces are very light but quite big. I found the nozzle to be quite large too.

Comfort, and fit: Despite its large size, I found the Verdandi to be very lightweight with a deep in-ear fit. They are big chunky boys but very light in my view. They did not feel obvious or present in my ear most of the time. The isolation with the Azla Max ear tips was nice. Due to a lack of time I did not get a chance to tip-roll but given below is what the good folks at Kinera have to say about using the Verdandi with different ear tips. I would definitely recommend trying these out!
  • AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal Eartips- balanced sound, comfortable listening, superior vocal texture, the bass is well-defined, and the high-end is transparent, making it extremely adaptable to music.
  • Final Type-E Eartips- enhanced bass response, minimize sibilance.
  • Kinera K-07 Balanced Eartips- more balanced sound.
  • Foam Eartips- rich vocals and deeper bass.

Brief impressions on the sound quality: I found the Verdandi to have a bold, in your face, and energetic sound with a balanced and energetic tuning. It is detailed with an airy and refined treble that does get slightly bright at times. Tip rolling would definitely help here.

Bass: The DD driver coupled with the Bone Conduction Driver work together very cohesively to give out a very present, authoritative, and clean bass that does not bleed into the mids at all. It is extremely enjoyable! The Verdandi has the right amount of bass and the right quality too. I’d say that the sub-bass and mid-bass are both done very tastefully. The bone conduction driver definitely makes its presence felt. Very nice! I’m smiling. 😊

Mids: Mids are smooth. I liked how the male and female vocals sounded on the Verdandi with good weight almost all time. They’re quite present in the mix, maybe slightly forward at times, and this coupled with the Verdandi’s energy did cause some sibilance in the female vocals at times. While the midrange is excellent, I do also think that they’re not the most natural sounding. This is partly because I am spoilt by sets like the Thieaudio Monarch MKII (MMKII) that have stunning and sublime tone and timbre. But for anyone who has not heard IEMs like the MMKII, the Verdandi will be very likeable.

Treble: It is all very fun, airy, and energetic here. I am treble-sensitive and thus, at times, the treble did get a little too bright. I am very confident that tip-rolling would’ve helped but unfortunately, I did not have the time for experimenting on this front.

Layering, imaging, and soundstage: The layering is as expected, which is excellent. All instruments are heard clearly, nothing steps on the others’ toes, and yet it all sounds musical and cohesive. The imaging is good, and I was able to pin-point the location of the instruments in the mix easily. The soundstage is very wide. In fact, it’s amongst the widest I have heard in a while. It is a flawless delivery on these three fronts!

Conclusion: The Verdandi is a fun set! It drew me in with its energy and made me want to get up and dance! Yes, the treble spike rears its head at times but yet, I would definitely recommend this set to anyone looking to add an IEM with a musical, fun, and energetic sound to their IEM collection. This is the set that I would put on in the mornings to charge me up for the day ahead!

briantbrain

New Head-Fier
Blue Sky with Sparks of Glitter Gold
Pros: - Comprehensive accessories
- The most beautiful IEM and Cable (IMO)
- Soundstage is very wide. One of the widest soundstage I've tried.
- Top-notch Bass texture, quantity, and quality.
- Musical Mid and Treble
- Suitable for all-around use
Cons: - Carrying case is of the wrong size (IMO)
- One of the biggest and longest nozzles I've tried
- One of the biggest IEM shells
- No other issues, it's just great!!
Impulsive buying seems to describe my purchase of this IEM perfectly. How so? While spending a week in the hospital, instead of focusing on rest, I couldn't help but notice how stunning this IEM looked. Without much thought, I impulsively checked out for $1199, haha.
Turns out, my impulsive buying decision turned out to be the best purchase I made in Q1 2024.
Let's dive into it. Here is the Kinera Verdandi.
It seems that in Indonesia, there hasn't been much talk about this IEM, probably because the brand isn't as "loud" as others when it comes to marketing, and the price isn't exactly cheap. Hopefully, someone will introduce this excellent IEM into the market soon.

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==DISCLAIMER==​

All impressions and reviews provided here are subjective and follow the belief that "I'll only deceive my own wallet; my reviews are always honest." Agree? Great. Disagree? That's fine too. I review because I want to and enjoy doing so, not because I need to, haha.
  • But if you think this review is biased because I'm just using it, oh no, that's not the case. I'm a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don't believe me? Read on, and let's dissect the pros and cons.
  • But you might think this is just because it's new and I'm in the "honeymoon" phase? In this hobby, which is truly "dark and full of venom," things will always remain the same until the end of time. Human desires are endless, haha.
But let's cut to the chase, shall we? You're right.
IMPORTANT!! I highly recommend auditioning them yourself. Who knows, maybe it's my ears that need a visit to the ENT specialist, or maybe you do, haha.

==THIS POST IS FOR==​

- Anyone looking for a good IEM with a Bone Conductor driver.
- Those searching for an IEM with the widest soundstage.
- Anyone looking for an IEM with good Bass, musical Mids, and Treble with excellent extension but not piercing.
- Those who just want to read a review.

==SOUND PROFILE SOUGHT==​

- Crisp treble, if slightly spicy.
- Good quality and quantity of bass, but not for bassheads.
- Exceptional technicality, imaging, and clarity.
- Wide soundstage.

==TESTED WITH==​

- YouTube Music
- Tidal
- Hiby M300
- Fiio Q15
- Lenovo Office Laptop (Which series?)
- Kinera Verdandi

==STRAIGHT TO THE POINT==​

**Unboxing:**
Kinera's high-end series boxes always seem to be hexagonal with cool midnight-like images. Opening it gives off an aura of "damn, my wallet is dry." Besides being presented with a gorgeous IEM right away, the accessories are quite generous:
  • The IEM itself
  • Carrying case (I'm annoyed by this case. The material is good but it's quite narrow. I prefer a hard case that's sturdy enough to hold and carry an IEM of this price range)
  • Cable (the most beautiful cable I've ever seen!! (IMO) Teal blue with gold specks throughout the cable)
  • Modular jacks 3.5mm and 4.4mm
  • A variety of eartips (all kinds of eartips are available. Azla Crystal? Check. Final Type E? Check. Kinera eartips? Check. Foam eartips? Check)
  • Cleaning brush
  • Instruction manual
A quite luxurious unboxing experience.

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**Fitting:**
I'll warn you from the start, if you have small ears, it's better not to buy it as it'll be very difficult to fit. Why? The nozzles on this IEM are not only HUGE but also VERY LONG. Besides, the shell is large too. Fortunately, my earholes are large and the canals are long, so it's extremely comfortable for me to wear for long periods.
Oh, because of this unique nozzle design, putting on the eartips is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT!!, especially with Azla's hard eartips. So, I switched to using Spinfit W1 Premium. It seals well, perfect.

**Bass:**
Rich, that's the word that best describes the bass on the Verdandi. Of all the IEMs I've tried, this one gives off the most WOW factor because of its Sub-bass. The bass is deep but not excessive, but what really shines is its sub-bass, which isn't just rumble but majestic and royal rumble.
Thanks to this sub-bass, the holographic 3D imaging impression and the even wider soundstage are created. Top quality and quantity of bass. For those who have never experienced a good Bone Conductor (BC) Driver, you must try this.
Note: Don't compare it to Plutus Beast's BC, it's heaven and hell.

**Mids:**
For this price range, the mids produced are perfectly in line with its price. Musical and smooth vocals. The elevation in the upper mids makes the vocals lively without any hint of sibilance. Male or female vocals sound great, no matter what. The vocal presentation is spot on.
**Treble:**
As a treble head, I was hoping Verdandi would have sparkling-shimmering-splendid treble like Symphonium Crimson, but it doesn't. The elevation from the upper mids to the treble falls into the polite category, not piercing. The treble is tuned to be laid back with perfect extension and doesn't lack power.
I thought the bass would overshadow the treble, but it didn't. The Bone Conductor bass creates a spacious and airy soundstage, allowing the treble to perform well.

**Clarity, Soundstage, Imaging:**
  • Clarity: Clear, no sibilance, not muddy. Crystal clear from bass to treble.
  • Soundstage: The widest soundstage I've ever experienced in an IEM (by far)
  • Imaging: 3D holographic, making the sound feel like it's rotating perfectly in the head. Instruments are separated well with power that doesn't overlap.
**Specs:**
- 2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST + 1 DD 6mm + 1 Bone Conduction Driver
- Impedance: 14 ohms
- Sensitivity: 105 dB
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-50kHz
- Flash Acoustics Monocrystalline Copper + High Purity 4N Silver Cable
- Nozzle size is 6.5mm
- Quite lightweight and easy to drive IEM.

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=CONCLUSION=​

  • The resulting soundstage is as wide as the blue sky with sprinkles of gold from the texture, quality, and quantity of the bass.
  • Unfortunately, beauty is pain (for some people) due to its large size.
  • I'm not going to scoring Verdandi as B- unless someone pay me big money, conflict of interest or maybe they need to see an ENT specialist.
That's all.
Trust your own ears.
Bye.

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Leonarfd

Headphoneus Supremus
The Beautiful Kinera Verdandi
Pros: Beautiful design
Tight and tactile low end
Energetic and clear midrange
Extended but relaxed treble
Holographic 3D soundstage
Top notch accessories
Ergonomic design
Cons: Large shell and nozzle
Stock cable a little bright
Price on the higher side
Brighter upper midrange
Not the best technicalities
DSCF4517 (Large).jpg


The Beautiful Kinera Verdandi

Disclaimer

The Kinera Verdandi was bought with a discount in return for a review, I am free to say whatever I want.

All impressions are my own subjective thoughts after having used them for a good time. These are my thoughts at this moment, and as time moves I might change my opinion.
This is also a very subjective hobby where everything from experience, anatomy or age will affect what we hear. Also keep in mind that it is easy to use bold words when talking about differences, while it may be perceived as a small change for you.
While I can perceive something as natural sounding, I do believe we can never get a perfect performance similar to what is achieved live.

Ranking System:
1 Very bad or unlistenable
2 Listenable but not good
3 Average
4 Very good
5 Exceptional or having a special sauce

My rating system highly values what is musical, so my rating will always be a subjective opinion.

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About me and my gear used for the review

My audio preference is neutral with increased low end, mids can be forward if not shouty. I can also handle forward treble if it is not excessive. I am a believer in having different tuned IEMs for different genres or moods instead of chasing the single perfect one.
Main music genres I listen to are metal, electronica, jazz, indie rock/metal, r&b, and pop. I am a music lover, and can also listen to almost all the genres out there. I have been into music gear since the mid 90s, gifted some big speakers at an early age. Then moved more and more into headphones with the Koss Porta Pro and a Sony Discman.
I have also tried playing many instruments over the years from piano to sax and have a feel for what's a natural tone, but not the biggest patience in learning to play. My wife has also played many instruments from string to wind instruments.

My current standard in Headphones is ZMF Verite Open and Beyerdynamic T1 G2.

My current favorites in IEMs are AüR Audio Ascension and Campfire Audio Bonneville.
The AüR Audio Ascension is a tribrid with 1DD 5BA and 2EST, that is tuned to be warm and natural. The Bonneville is hybrid with 1DD and 3BA, tuned to be a colorful and fun IEM with heavy note weight.
Gear used in the main rig is Topping E70 DAC together with the Topping A90 Discrete headphone Amp. I also have a Schiit Lokuis I can swap in if I want to do a little analogue EQ.
I have a few DAPs and dongles to change up the sound, my favorite being HIBY R8 II.
I have a good range of cables from Clan Audio, Penon, NiceHCK, XINHS, DUNU, Effect Audio and Gladiator Cables.

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Who is Kinera

Copied from the About Us Page on:

The story began in 2011, YuTai Electronic Acoustics was officially established in Dongguan, China. A year ago, we developed the world’s first high resistance 5mm micro dynamic speaker for military hearing aids. In 2013, we began mass manufacturing balanced armature drivers and became an internationally and locally renowned supplier of drivers. In 2014 till 2015, Yutai Electronic Acoustics has developed a number of patents for various driver technologies such as bone conduction. In 2016 released the first hybrid driver IEM BD005 by the “ Kinera “ brand, which became the most competitive entry- level hybrid driver IEM after launch. In 2017, released the second hybrid driver IEM H3, which is based on the sound of the BD005 proofing further refined, with a more outstanding sound and sense of hearing. At the same time, BD005 was awarded the runner-up in the headphone market of the year by Japan’s leading headphone retailer E-earphone. In 2018, Kinera released a series of product with a symbolic meaning: SEED, IDUN and ODIN were born one after another, and at the end of the year, we launched the IDUN special limited edition 500 sets during the Christmas season, which were sold out within a month before they were launched. In 2019, Kinera released its latest single dynamic driver in-ear monitor, the Kinera Sif. Afterward, later the first EST IEM, the Kinera Nanna was released.

Over the past few years the main focus was on the overseas market, only in recent years we formally put resources in our domestic market including HK & China, YuTai has been focusing on developing Hybrid BA & Dynamic Earphones. Over the past few years released Odin, Idun, Seed, BD005, Idun Deluxe and single dynamic driver SIF. In 2018 our 4mm micro dynamic research success and planned to apply in the future on the brand’s earphone business, this year with more partners to launch a cooperation plan, is committed to bringing our customers cost-effective and diversified products.

We have a specialized R&D and design team, from new product development, material selection, parts production, the final product assembly, all are responsible for strict control, product quality is guaranteed to meet the requirements of direct OEM clients, and enjoy a good reputation in the industry. In the past few years, we have assisted our clients of different scales to successfully push out the earphones they requested and received market approvals.

Our company has the development ability of the core technology of dynamic drivers. Now we have achieved dynamic driver self-sufficient, and in the new dynamic driver structure, diaphragm design, new materials and customisation has the core competitive ability for the earphone sound quality escort.


https://www.kineraaudio.com/about-us

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So what is the Verdandi

Kinera Imperial Verdandi is an Quadbrid IEM costing $1199, using 2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST + 1 DD + 1 Bone Conduction Driver. The most interesting and special about the configuration is the inclusion of a bone conductor for the low frequencies. The name Verdandi comes from some old lore about the Norn Gods, this is the god of present and suits the more clear and present sound of the Verdandi.

The version I have here is the Cosmos editions and has elements of black and blue with gold parts, there is also a lot of detail goin with both the faceplate and the shell. Real piece of IEM art, perhaps the most beautiful one I have seen. The IEM itself is hand painted and all the Verdandi pairs should be slightly different due to this, unless my inside info is wrong here. There is also a light blue edition that is also beautiful and elegant.

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The comfort is surprisingly good for such a large IEM, the nozzle has good length and is positioned excellently for me. Easy to get a deep and good seal, that is also needed for the bone conduction to work its best. I do have to use one size smaller tip than usual, this should be a consideration if you're already one who uses small tips as standard.

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The packaging is premium and suits the price of Verdandi, the same can be said for the excellent amount of accessories. You get a high quality modular cable, many premium tips etc.

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Specs:
Impedance: 14 ohm
Sensitivity: 105 dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz-50kHz
Flash Acoustics Monocrystalline Copper + High Purity 4N Silver Cable
Plug with 3.5mm and 4.4mm
AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal Eartips
Final Type E Eartips
Kinera K-07 Balanced Eartips
Foam Eartips
Eartips
AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal Eartips
Final Type E Eartips
Kinera K-07 Balanced Eartips
Foam Eartips
Weight Of Earbuds


The weight of the earbud is only 7.0± g, comfortable for wearing for a long time.
Nozzle size


Nozzle size is 6.5mm, select different eartips to hear more possible sound.
Package Contents


One pair of Kinera Imperial Verdandi In-ear monitors.
One Flash Acoustics Monocrystalline Copper + High Purity 4N Silver Cable.
Plug with 3.5mm and 4.4mm.
Final Type E Eartips x 5 sets (SS/S/M/L/LL)
AZLA SednaEarfit Crystal Eartips x 3 sets (SS/MS/ML)
Kinera K-07 Balanced Eartips x 3 sets (S/M/L)
Foam Tips x 1 sets (L)
Storage Bag.
Cleaning Brush.
Dusting Cloth.
User Manual.


-Gb1H03E8onJ0ysvs7E6_yFbcoAyIZIn03zFxWwrcOdOC94qoMFo4Y7yHiuMBM4tRaY25BdOKehjY8dOpDq-ThjY4p8yHz79SLkqPjABUw0G66oTM6RgWy3Jp5MbIE_xTmnoETOG_F7uiaii7Js6Np0


VssRuY2zY5yDD04FWGU8wCCTyFnwnjtiF7UUB3-xHJSdqIjQanKU6GLEBCcghvaUh3g0_cnsoUSDWXEtPxw1bSzVH6cLa26ysUJ529Zb68h0tFsHh7NiKQJCSmK4eMX6O7tBZkMDGb-rHlu9cwesM4U


Timbre

First off, what is Timbre?
From the Wikipedia:
The Acoustical Society of America (ASA) Acoustical Terminology definition 12.09 of timbre describes it as "that attribute of auditory sensation which enables a listener to judge that two nonidentical sounds, similarly presented and having the same loudness and pitch, are dissimilar", adding, "Timbre depends primarily upon the frequency spectrum, although it also depends upon the sound pressure and the temporal characteristics of the sound"

First minutes of trying a new set of gear, what I always listen to is how natural and musical it sounds. Much of this goes down to how I perceive the Timbre.

The sound is very clear and energetic, with a W shaped sound signature.
Has some nice warmth paired with a lot of clarity in the midrange, and a gentle but nicely extended treble. Can sound more bright than warm due to the tonality, but in return being very transparent sounding.

Going to use the ranges here in review:

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Details and soundstage

The Verdandi is quite technical and has a good amount of clarity, some of it due to tuning but also since the drivers seem to be good in themself also.
Soundstage is very dynamic and 3D, and has very good separation and imaging capability. While not being that large it's very spherical and surrounds you more in the sound, very captivating and fun. Live recordings sound spectacular and awesome due to this soundstage.

Bass

The bass of the Verdandi is fast and detailed, and has a tactile feel that is due to the bone conductor. It is a very fun and a good experience, it's also not overdone. Tasteful amount of boost to the bass from the BC, that more often appears when you play music loud or on bassy music.
The bass is quite fast and reaches low without any drop off, and even with its small 6mm driver can sound good while maybe not as visceral. Has also quite a good mid bass slam, but lacks a little body.
I do believe the bass would have felt more solid overall if a larger driver was used.

Mids

The low midrange is clear and nuanced without being thick or muddy, the upper midrange is much more forward and energetic. This means that most vocals are very clear and at times can be a little focused in on with a brighter presence. This also goes for instruments that are already more bright, they have plenty of energy with Verdandi. While I personally find it a little to lean in the low mids for some music like heavy metal or soul, but that is back to my preference for thicker low mids.

Treble

The treble is detailed and crisp, and also a little soft. Makes it a pleasant experience where it's not too bright or tiresome, might lack some energy for folks who are used to a brighter and elevated treble range. Cymbals as example have good amount of clarity and sound realistic, but this without being sharp and tiresome.

I find that it might lack a little air, and this is also maybe why some call the Verdandi relaxed sounding.

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Synergies

A small part about what gear I have been enjoying the most with the Verdandi, starting with cables. The stock cable is good to get you going, and sounds decent. Some said to me it's bright, and it might be true to a small degree.
I have paired it with a Clan Audio Graphene SPC cable, as it's a more warm and not as bright cable.

TctDwaYfLTTwkh9kcm4VOdxjCGiNy5-EzXaWJsd9yb3SXrZi_DbqidgsTWrDhLr5RyF2bzAffvejEzU-1Ga43pcIiVsZkG4gg5_dHBRGXPLDK1j8o1IPyA65iGkp95Ez8gKJTSDP2pIlVSm2K3T_rSs


Tips have been interesting, the stock tips are good as you get Type-E tips that work excellent for me to get a deep seal. This is needed for a fuller sound and to get the BC working, the Kbear 07 also works. The Xelastec tips in the accessories didn't work for me, due the stiffness of the material. Another very good tips has been the Eletech Baroque tips, they are better than the Final E tips as they sound more spacious with a similar amount of fullness of sound.

Hiby FC6 is an excellent dongle for the Verdandi, it has a good way of making it less bright and more fun and organic. And an even smoother and more forgiving sound with the Colorfly CDA M1P dongle.
HIBY R8 II DAP is also excellent, especially with the Dynamic plugin to boost the bass. It's not needed with it, but it can make it more suitable for my taste this way.


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Comparisons

When evaluating the sets I use each of them over longer periods and also some shorter sessions swapping back and forth, it takes a long time and is not done in one sitting. The most critical comparison is done on my desktop setup that is highly resolving, with volume matching through a microphone to take away loudness variance.

The spider chart is slightly exaggerated on some points to show differences.

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KmT1uBN2FwpSyj6h9B7V75bhuPYML9AAYmimSz6C6JOBFjCH6754eRzV3vT615kb_mej4KqIVfdKQ05ohj1Q9H0_5XjH9on9Rz1pva-7_QFu-mGDpJs9P7GSo6-3C3nE2uQCPUHjzi1-PBYMd_7geTY


Hisenior Mega5EST

A really good tribrid with 1 DD 2 BA and 2 EST, tuned warm neutral with decent technicalities looking at price range and spec.

Soundstage is slightly above average with a good amount of separation and imaging capabilities, projection is more traditional instead of the more holographic Verdandi but in return is larger than Verdandi.

Bass is more elastic and organic, with slightly slower decay. It also sounds more sub bass focused than Verdandi, while the Verdandi perhaps has more tactility in the mid bass.

Low mids are more thick and vibrant than Verdandi, so both vocals and instruments have more soul to them. While the upper midrange is slightly relaxed and less bright than the Verdandi, it makes more music palatable without fatigue.

Treble is more elevated and better extended than Verdandi, and due to this also sounds more airy and open in the treble.

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/hisenior-mega5est.26822/review/33101/

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AüR Audio Aure

An older hybrid 1DD 6BA that is now discounted, I have it with me in the review as Verdandi and Aure measure almost the same. Biggest change is that Aure doesn't have a crossover for the DD, this means it works full range and gives you a mix of DD and BA for mids and treble.

The resolution is a step below the Verdandi, and that goes for all the spectrum. Soundstage is very similar in how holographic and 3D it is, just that it's even more intimate.

Bass is much softer and has a longer decay than the Verdandi, but it sounds thicker. Just lacks a little of the kick that Verdandi has on the mid bass due to the fast driver and the BC.

Star of the Aure is the midrange, being very detailed on vocals while having both nice body to them and clarity. Very similar to Verdandi overall in the midrange, except also being more full bodied.

Treble is less refined than Verdandi, but has a similar amount of treble and air. It's just that it lacks something that I think is due to the EST drivers of Verdandi, due to this it sounds more blunted and the least shimmery.

Quite old review, and maybe a little outdated:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/aür-audio-aure.26139/review/30836/

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Music

https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/ad7bbfa3-2067-4235-b2ed-f5a3fb53ff28

When comparing Kinera Verdandi to other sets I have used the tracks listed here and more.
The link is to a playlist consisting of some tracks I have saved for testing, it's still a work in progress.

I will also do it a little differently than what I usually do, I'll mention a small part under each track with how each IEM sounds like compared to the Verdandi. I will provide a link to each track for you to test out, my own listening being with my FLAC files or Tidal streaming.

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The Hanging Stars Golden Shore

https://songwhip.com/thehangingstars/golden-shore

Verdandi
Would have liked some extra warmth personally, but the balance is really good and might be more to some preference here. Very resolving, except for maybe a little in the bass being less dynamic. Very holographic staging, just a Little on the intimate side.

Mega5EST
Has the best tonality for me on this, natural amount of fullness and not too bright. Sounds more engaging and fun, the set I want to lay down with and listen to on repeat. Also sound the largest and most spacious on the stage.

Aure
Most intimate sounding, everything sounds closer and more in my head but with exceptionally good 3D imaging. His voice is the least detailed, same for the instruments.

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Norah Jones - Don’t Know Why

https://songwhip.com/norah-jones/dontknowwhy

Verdandi
This pushes her voice more forward, has plenty of resolving nature to show every nuance in her vocal. Verdandi has more breathiness and a shimmery voice presentation, but also means that the more intense parts are quite intense.
The instruments are already a little in the back, but are perhaps even more pushed back here due to the upper mids pushing the vocal forth.

Mega5EST
Sounds the most balanced and relaxed here, lacking some bite to her vocals that both Verdandi and Aure have. I prefer less presence so this is more pleasing for me, while people who like their female vocals forward and nuanced would not like this as much. She also without sounding more forward has thicker sound to her darker parts, and same can be said for the instruments in the back.

Aure
Very similar to Verdandi overall, and has actually even more bite to her sharper moments. But also have a thicker and less open timbre than Verdandi. She also sounds even more close and intimate, very emotional as he sings to your face.

-5n1QufI4FuoGV0EanxwLdsw-Q_WGBLeRU31hzxZw8R-f9IKvnTLzE2gAQmFfcwLaRETwsaxY43exl7mMISQ1MlohP2KWnECdSp3LRHQZFcIO5DLIyR_SoMIB34nSrMOMMZZm_Vi42wrmTJvV81mj8U


Ben Howard - Small Things

https://songwhip.com/ben-howard/small-things

Verdandi
Has a very resolving sound here, it sounds the most delicate and clean. Just sounds a little thinner than I prefer, the cymbals have less bite than the other two sets. Quite interesting it has the most punchy kick on the drums, even if Verdandi is the least bassy. An Exceptionally good 3D soundstage, sounds good in all directions.

Mega5EST
Sound more full and has more body to his voice and drums, this also goes for the cymbals having more bite. But overall sound less technical and open sounding than Verdandi, but more fun and pleasing. Sound the most balanced of the 3.

Aure
Quite interesting as this is more like I'm listening to a hybrid of the other two, this sounds the fullest of them. His vocal is denser like Mega5est but as detailed as Verdandi, and same as Verdandi do not have as crisp cymbals. Drums are a little softer than the other two, but his vocals are the lushest.

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Laslo - Dorkmeister

https://songwhip.com/laslo/dorkmeister

Verdandi
The deep bass elements make the bone conductor of Verdandi show its magic. The bass has this extra tactile vibrating feel and sound, and the amount of detail is quite good.

Mega5EST
Sounds the most deep and sub bassy, with a very nuanced and awesome bass performance. Less tactile but even so sound fuller than Verdandi.

Aure
The most intense of the three with more of a wall of sound, and is the least open and clear sounding. Also the least amount of detail in the bass nuances.

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Lianne La Havas - Paper Thin

https://songwhip.com/lianne-la-havas/paper-thin

Verdandi
Very nuanced and emotional presentation of her voice, and the drums for that sake. Sounds very crisp and open, super black image behind the instruments making it all sound dynamic and separated.

Mega5EST
Lack some of the emotion and bite to her voice that the other two have, but in return sound more lush and thick. And is close to the same resolution as Verdandi, perhaps just a step behind and I think this is more due to tuning than the drivers themselves.

Aure
Emotional and resolving on her vocal similar to Verdandi, but sound thicker at the same time.
Little less open sounding, but it suits the music track more. Personally love the Aure for female vocals, as it has a mix of DD and BA for the midrange.

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Intronaut - Cubensis

https://songwhip.com/intronaut/cubensis

Verdandi
Due to the less warmth the Verdandi has the most clarity and open sound, can also help everything sound less busy. But at the same time it sounds overly thin and soulless for rock and metal music, and it's very clear here on both the instruments and the vocal.

Mega5EST
I find Mega5EST neutral and slightly warm IEM, but compared to the Verdandi it sounds more like a rich sounding bass set. Especially noticeable on the music here, as it's much less aggressive and fatiguing. And can keep up with the technicalities and speed as good as Verdandi without being bright, perhaps with a little less separation.

Aure
A very intense listen, but due to the bass having a good enough amount of bass it doesn't sound overly bright. Still what I consider to energetic for metal like this, and it also sound the least open and clear of them.

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Charlie Haden, Antonio Forcione - La Pasionaria

https://songwhip.com/charlie-haden/la-pasionaria

Verdandi
Double bass and guitar duo, since there are so few instruments it's easy to listen to the bass or guitar parts alone. The double bass sound detailed only lacked a little density, as in each note being a little too fast and light. The guitar on the other hand is resolving and nuanced, with high amount of clarity where you hear everything from the buzz to the fingers hitting the strings to dampen.

Mega5EST
Sound fuller and more detailed on the bass, with a more natural amount of decay. Guitar also has more thickness and soul, but in return lacks some of the bite from the Verdandi. And even if Mega5EST has less bite it is as resolving as Verdandi, just a small step behind as it has less clarity and also less energetic sound for this.

Aure
Again very similar to being a hybrid of the other two, similar thickness and Mega5EST on the bass and guitar. But have the clarity on the guitar similar to Verdandi, sound perhaps the most full of all of them due to this mix. Just at times the bass can sound a little woolly compared to the others.

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Sylvaine - Fortapt

https://songwhip.com/sylvaine/fortapt

Verdandi
Beautiful kind of atmospheric dark metal, her voice is angelic and nice on Verdandi. But when the intense parts happen it sounds too thin and energetic, and doesn't have enough fullness to the guitar drums or even the cymbal strikes.
If it was music with just the softer parts Verdandi would have been really good.

Mega5EST
At once sound fuller and more to my liking, even if this sounds a little too neutral also for this music.
Little less resolving than Verdandi on her voice, but sound more technical on the drumming and guitars.

Aure
Very similar to Verdandi, is also maybe the most congested during the busy parts. They measure almost the same, and its quite clear here except for Verdandi being more open and resolving.

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Adam Baldych, Leszek Mozdzer - Passacaglia

https://songwhip.com/adam-baldych/passacaglia

Verdandi
Resolving, the sound is really crisp and nuanced on both the grand piano and the violin.
Lack a little airiness to some of the piano overtones, but overall sound very pleasing and bright without being tiresome. The Violin also sounded very emotional and detailed on both the staccato and bowing.

Mega5EST
The most spacious soundstage of them, with the most realistic stage. The most airy also and sound due to this the most natural, specially when paired with the dense and emotionally violin and grand piano parts.

Aure
The Aure can have a little more bite to the brighter parts of the piano, and also sound fuller on the violin bowing than the Verdandi. While also being a little less technical and open sounding, everything is closer in the soundstage and more intimate.

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Conclusion

This is a very good and engaging set, it doesn't hit my exact preference in tuning. I can still love the sound but it depends on the music playing, this is because of the more energetic upper midrange.

When it is matching my music I get a holographic and emotional presentation, for me it's a master of brighter vocalists and instruments like piano that make good use of the upper midrange clarity.
I prefer it more with acoustic music where the delicate and energetic notes can shine, also due to how clean and separated the Verdandi is.

You also get a bone conductor for the low end that is implemented well without being overdone, this will also depend on how good fit you get. This gives bassy music like techno a visceral and enjoyable low end, very fun experience and adds an extra element into the music.

From a subjective sound preference the Verdandi is a 4 star, that is very good according to my ranking system. But if I add in the luxurious design, accessories and adding equalization it’s a solid 4.5 star release.
Last edited:
ahammedsojib
ahammedsojib
Excellent review 💖
Nulliverse
Nulliverse
Best review with the most relevant comparisons. Thank you for your contribution 👍🏻
K
Kordonrules
Excellent review! Where did you purchase the Clan Audio cable? I can't seem to get there sight up.

PROblemdetected

Previously known as sakt1moko
no*SOUND presents... a KINERA VERDANDI review
Pros: .
✔️ Extensive, immense, airy
✔️ High-flying bass, texture, definition and musicality
✔️ Sublime & relaxed treble
✔️ Incredible in harmonics and definition
Cons: .
❌ Overpriced
❌ Huge capsule & tubillon
READY FOR SUCCESS
Kinera Verdandi
🔈 SETUP. 2 Knowles BA + 2 Sonion EST + 1 DD 6mm + 1 Bone Conduction Driver
✨SEN & IMP. 105dB/mW | 14Ω
💰 PRICE. 1200€ at kineraaudio.com
1000027654-01.jpeg

RATING S
Before getting into the price, it is very clear that this is KINERA's best launch in recent months. The build quality, the sound level, the accessories... everything makes headphones that cost much more money pale...

From the deepest bass to the furthest treble, everything has an extension and depth that allows me to compare it with my everyday headphone (the ANANDA NANO). A very long scene, which can only be attributed to the lack of height; a texture and details that rarely match musicality of this level. It reminds me at times of the MANGIRD TOP, but with a much more refined character, without being overloaded, simply being natural. I loved them... but not everything can be perfect.

First, the price; As I also criticized in the FiiO FX15, I do not understand the need to put it in the €1000 segment. Dont give me fancy cables, remove some eartips and sell it for €800, It would not have any competitor. It will become the first iEM that would compete with headphones in price and performance, something that to this day I believe has not been seen.
Second, the size of the capsule & tubillon. It can be problematic, and will not work for all ears. As I try more equipment, the comfort, weight and size of a headset has become a basic factor when it comes to recommending it, and the size of this VERDANDI prevent me from doing so calmly. I don't know why KINERA has not chosen to place the same nozzle as in the LOKI, but it would have solved this problem for sure.


1000027647-01.jpeg
1000027648-01.jpeg
1000027649-01.jpeg


In any case, having some problems, which once "paid" and with the headphones in your ears they magical disappear. Saying that this iem is the best thing I have put in my ears since 64AUDIO 12T already gives you an idea that we are facing a titan of sound. If you want to beat the game, this is without a doubt a candidate to take into account.

✔️ Extensive, immense, airy
✔️ High-flying bass, texture, definition and musicality
✔️ Sublime & relaxed treble

✔️ Incredible in harmonics and definition
🟡 Male voices sounds a little bit thiner
❌ Overpriced
❌ Huge capsule & tubillon


1000027655-01.jpeg



Last edited:
vikinguy
vikinguy
Thank you!
benjifx19
benjifx19
if the MEST MKIII and Thieaudio Monarch MKIII were too big of a shell for my ears will these be a problem also? because i really want them
PROblemdetected
PROblemdetected
@benjifx19 the problem is not only the size of the shell. Also the tubillon is huge.

I dont try the MESTMK3, but the VERDANDI is bigger than the MONARCH.

Sorry for you, because this iem, is probably the best (not counting 12t)
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