QoA Mimosa

Queen of Audio (QOA) is a sub-brand from the house of Kinera. Kinera itself is a storied company with many great iem releases under its belt spanning a wide range of pricing and brand names including Celeste.

The Mimosa comes from Queen of Audio whom have garnered much praise with a few of their past releases including the Adonis. The QOA Mimosa is their latest release and a good one at that. From a visual standpoint it is a gorgeous looking iem with quality of the accessories to match.

In terms of driver compliment per side the $99 USD Mimosa boasts a single 10mm customized dynamic driver paired with a 6mm planar driver for the higher frequencies. The blending of these two driver technologies is done exceedingly well. This is made apparent due to the cohesive sound that the Mimosa produces. On tap here is a balanced signature with some emphasis at opposite ends of the frequency spectrum. I would characterize the tuning as a balanced U if that makes any sense, with a warmth that adds to the musicality that the Mimosa blesses the ears and senses with. The Mimosa walks a fine line between being fun and technical very well.

The Mimosa is not the easiest iem to drive at least when comparing it to recent earphones I have listened to. That being said it is not a difficult load and most competent sources should be more than able to drive the Mimosa to louder than needed levels. The caveat being that the Mimosa can be a surprisingly resolving set and as such I recommend that a more capable source is used. Playback quality through the Mimosa was exceptional when paired with the Topping A50s, Hiby R4, and others but the slightly warmish and open signature of the Xduoo XA-02 offered a synergy that was incredibly musical.



SPECS:

• Model: QOA Mimosa
• Material: Wood & Resin
• Driver Configuration: 1 10mm dynamic driver + 1 planar magnetic driver (6mm)
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 102 dB
• Frequency Response Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Cable: Copper with Silver Plated
• Cable Length: 1.2m
• Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin
• Plug Type: 3.5mm (standard)

BUILD AND FIT:

The QOA Mimosa is a beautiful iem. Two colours are available, brown and blue, of which I opted for the brown. It has an attractive smokey finish which is lovely. Build quality is top shelf with perfectly finished resin shells and a thicker than usual prominent nozzle.

The Mimosa is of light weight and on the small side of medium sized which I believe that most people with find achieving a good fit easy.

The included accessories are in keeping with the overall high quality of this QOA offering with the cable being a standout. The cable is beautifully made with good haptics. QOA does make available both 3.5mm SE and 4.4mm Balanced cable options at the time of order. I chose the 4.4mm balanced option. This cable is a keeper! I know of companies selling similar cables costing more than the asking price of the Mimosa itself. The included tips are also of the same quality and a carrying case is included as well.

One thing that I’ve noticed with manufacturers is that only a few consistently pay attention to their retail presentation and inclusions. Kinera and its house brands are one of those few. Well done.










SOUND:

Bass:

The bass is presented with satisfying authority while not negatively effecting the rest of the sound. From the start it was heard that the Mimosa is about achieving a balance. With the bass this balancing act was a between power and control, texture and dryness, ect. QOA have done an excellent job navigating the sonics of the Mimosa. Bass is pleasing with power when called for yet never overshadowing anything else. “Protection” by Massive Attack has an ever-present bass that was heard as a foundation to the track as opposed to the only driving element. “The same can be said of “Angel” by Massive Attack. This bassline is even more prominent than that of that on “Angel” but again was heard as an anchor, for lack of a better word, on this track complimenting the rest of the production.

The Mimosa is not a pure basshead iem, but I can’t see how all but the most hardened basshead lovers will find much fault. The bass here goes deep with enough rumble and impact to be most satisfying. It is a full sounding bass from the mid-bass on down to the sub-bass. Putting on another track “Stella” by Gerald Simpson the low end made me appreciate it even more with its meaty yet solid and controlled presentation.

Bass has good definition, snap, pacing and speed as well. Listening to “No Worries” by the Robert Glasper Trio the double bass was easy to pick out with great texturing. Switching to “Inside Job” by Wayman Tisdale I was pleased with the snap and vibrancy relayed by the bass guitar and drum on that lively track.


Midrange:

The midrange has a touch of warmth with a mix of macro and micro details. The midrange on offer here leans more towards being musical rather than being overly technical. That being said the Mimosa is capable of very good resolution. This was heard in “He’s a Caricoma” by Eden Atwood. The DSD file used and the quality of this recording is top shelf and the Mimosa stood tall on that challenge reproducing this piece with great clarity. The track playback had a level of organics that instantly was a hit to my ears and senses. Some would describe the midrange here as Lush, and while I will agree with that description this is not at the expense of resolution.

Male vocals have a warm richness to them sounding full bodied and expressive. Female vocals are slightly more forward in the mix with great clarity and presence without harshness. The Mimosoa offers a natural sounding vocal playback that heightens listener involvement by accurately relaying the emotional delivery of the vocalist. This of course goes hand in hand with good timbre. Lately this has been rare, even with some much more expensive sets. Call me jaded but when you have the opportunity listen to so many earphones this is something that will grab my attention every time, and it’s not as common as some may think.

I write this while listening to “love You to the Letter” by Anita Baker and getting distracted in a good way. I’m having this strong urge to just stop writing and just listen. This IMHO is high praise indeed.

The Mimosa does come with some emphasis or pinna gain but it is well controlled and never harsh or strained. Transients are relayed very well being firm with rapid attack and a natural decay. Layering and separation are also notable the Mimosa keeping all the elements of a busy track in their place even at moderately high-volume levels. This was heard on “Beautiful Lie” by Vick Lavander, a percussively heavy track. All the instruments were clearly heard in their own space and easily picked out from each other.

The QOA Mimosa has an engaging midrange that belies its asking price. There is a level of organic playback here that is just musical to these ears. Once again QOA has achieved with the Mimosa that delicate balance of detail versus musical and have walked that tightrope with great success. More than a few times I was pulled into the music and this by itself is again high praise indeed.


Treble:

The treble extended with ample quantities of sparkle and air. The level of detail retrieval is notable here while still staying true to that organic presentation heard with the midrange. Clean and open is how I would also describe the treble.

The treble of the Mimosa strikes a near perfect balance with the bass having also a pleasant crispness but never straying from natural. If anything, the Mimosa offers a vibrant treble that while some more treble-sensitive people may find an issue with, I for one do not and find overall that this high end really shines, pun intended.



IMAGING AND SOUNDSTAGE:

The Queen of Audio Mimosa is also above average in this price range for the soundstage that it offers. Here the listener is presented with a moderately large soundstage with ample room between instruments making their position easy to discern. When listening to “Stimela the Coal Train” an excellent live recording my Hugh Masekela, the dimensions of the venue was palpable. Each instrument was clearly defined in this space. The Mimosa excels at not just width but a good measure of height and depth as well. That in addition to its above average layering and separation add up to an unrestrained and engaging listen in particular when playing back well recorded live tracks.


CONCLUSION:

Queen Of Audio has a definite winner with the Mimosa. When looking at the price it would pain me to find even a small handful of competitors who could approach let alone match the allrounder chops of this standout iem. Here we have an iem that successfully walks that narrow boundary between being fun yet technical coming out a winner. This is what the Mimosa does so well. More often than not “fun” sets are usually not that musical in the true sense. The Mimosa has its foot in both camps and does so nicely.

Is the Mimosa for everyone? Well, no iem I have ever heard can say that. I will say this though. If you are listener that values natural and organic playback with an open and lush presentation, great technicalities and with that ability to relay the music in such a way as to easily engage the listener yet with a touch of fun thrown in, the Queen Of Audio Mimosa should be very high on your shortlist. At $99 USD I cannot give the Mimosa a high enough recommendation.

The review is over….I’m going to get back to getting lost in the music with the QOA Mimosa. Ciao!

QoA Mimosa

Disclaimer:

*As aways, with each review I try to improve and better demonstrate my experience as a regular but avid and passionate user!

*If you are looking for a super technical and in-depth analysis, please feel free to look for another review. There are many guys here who have much more knowledge than me and have been doing this for much longer.

*All products were purchased with my own money, and I have no affiliation with any brand or plataform.

*I will try to be as brief as possible, "straight to the point!" And as unbiased as possible.

Gear Used

• Celest CD-20
• EPZ - TP35
• Notebook (Windows)
• Motorola Edge 50 Pro (UAPP, TIDAL, Apple Music)
• Penon Liqueur O (best match) and B, Dunu S&S (good match), Sancai Wide, Whizzer ET100AB, Bamboo Tips, TRN T, Soundcocoon, ddHIFI ST35 and EPZ M100
• 4.4 bal. Cable, and High Gain as always

Specs

Drivers Config: 1DD (lows, mids and highs)+1Planar(ultra-highs)
Sensitivity: 102db
Impedance: 32Ω
Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz

Unboxing Experience

QoA decided to maintain its "elegant" style as in other sets previously released by the brand, with a medium-sized box with the first white and elegant sleeve and after we remove this first part, we have an all-black box with the brand's name written in gold.
Inside we see two cards, one with instructions and some specs and another with QR codes for the brand's social networks.

The iems themselves, a good-sized black case, six pairs of vocal type wide bore and a balanced medium bore tips and one of the best stock cables I've received with an iem in any price range.


Overall Build

Mimosa can be found in two colors, blue which is precisely hand painted and brown which uses pine cone stabilized wood where different patterns are formed. In either option you will have a unique item, hand painted or pine cone stabilized, no two will be exactly the same as yours. And I honestly think that is fantastic.

Both shells are made entirely of resin, using a 3D printing process. They are small, the Fit is sensational and I believe that everyone will like it.
Light and at the same time very robust.

I'm glad I chose the brown color, what a beautiful thing, the faceplate patterns are impressive, once again House Kinera managed to deliver something that impresses.
The bottom of the shell is a semi-transparent dark blue color that in good light gives an idea of the implemented drivers and tubes.

The stock 5N oxygen-free copper plated with silver cable is a highlight of this set, 2 cores of a thick white cable. It reminds me of the Sviga Que cable. And along with it, they are the only two sets in which I didn't find the need to change the cable to give a good match to the shell.

*I have a preference for two to four cores, thick and heavy cables. It's my thing, but it could be a con for others

The black case is well made and has plenty of space for the iem with the cable and a small dongle.

As for the eartips, unfortunately the tips that come with most sets, regardless of the brand, don't fit me well and regardless of that I always do tiprolling to find the perfect tip for my taste, the tip that I think sound and seal best with the iem and my tiny ears.

Sound Signature

The Mimosa is a V-Shaped or maybe U-Shaped iem with na airy and sparkling treble, Warm mids, vocals with enough eight and body and a WOW lower end, impressive punchy and tight bass.

Bass

The Mimosa's bass is a highlight but not the only one.

Warm and lush, the focus is on the sub-bass, but the mid-bass is just as prominent, punch and tight, fast enough to accompany double pedals in faster tracks but in a very natural way.

Mids

The same warm in the bass region is also present here in the mid range, very natural and organic, definitely laidback. There will certainly be people who would like it to be more forward, more energetic, but for me, this is the perfect spot for the mids.

Overall not super detailed and crispy but musical and relaxed.

The vocals have great weight and body, the male ones are excellent and the female ones, although in some songs they may be too much for some, are just as good.

Treble

The higher notes are able to counterbalance that big bold bass shelf perfectly.
Airy and bright with plenty of sparkling. Very detailed, with good extension and very fast, enough clarity without excessive harshness.

Technical Performance and Soundstage

The image and separation of each instrument is above average, you can follow each note, each string of a good guitar, with beautiful layers and an impressive holographic sensation.

This shiny with live performance and is excellent for any genre. A top performer All-rounder.

With the help of a soundstage with great height and depth, the Mimosa really impresses.

*This pretty thing likes extra power despite being quite sensitive.

Overall Verdict

Warm, Lush, Musical, holographic, technical and fun!

QoA managed to turn Mimosa with this 1DD+1Micro Planar configuration into a Musical Beast

*I would put this set as a top contender in the Sub100 USD category.

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Disclaimer
Thanks to Kinera for sending this review unit and to Sonic Mantra for allowing me to test it. I did not receive any kind of compensation from the company for this review. This review is solely my honest opinion.​

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QoA (Queen of Audio), a sister brand of Kinera, known for crafting stylish and well-tuned IEMs. The Mimosa is another attempt at creating an engaging sound signature that balances fun and musicality. Priced around $99, With its hybrid driver configuration (10mm dynamic driver with a 6mm planar magnetic driver), it aims to deliver a balanced and engaging audio experience for audiophiles and music lovers alike.
As someone who loves warm and fun-sounding IEMs, I was excited to see how the QoA Mimosa performs in real-world usage. Let's dive into the details!

Specifications:

• Model: Mimosa
• Material: Wood+Resin
• Driver Configuration: 1 dynamic driver (10mm) + 1 planar magnetic driver (6mm)
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Sensitivity: 102 dB
• Frequency Response Range: 20Hz – 20kHz
• Cable: Copper with Silver Plated
• Cable Length: 1.2m
• Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin
• Plug Type: 3.5mm (standard)

Courtesy: mars chan

Package Contents:

• Mimosa IEM Unit: Both left and right earpieces
• Detachable Cable: A high-quality 2-strand silver-plated copper cable
• Ear Tips: 2 sets, 6 pairs of ear tips: three (3) pairs of wide boar ear tips in different standard sizes(S/M/L), three (3) pairs of wide boar ear tips in different standard sizes(S/M/L)
• Carrying Case: A compact pouch to protect your IEMs on the go
• Paperwork: 2 QoA cards

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The Mimosa boasts a visually striking design with a beautiful faceplate and shell. The faceplate features silver and chrome accents, giving it an eye-catching appearance. The build quality is commendable, with a sturdy construction that feels durable in hand. The IEMs are relatively small, making them suitable for a wide range of ear sizes. The attention to detail in the design reflects QoA's commitment to both aesthetics and functionality.

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In my experience, the Mimosa offers a comfortable fit, even during extended listening sessions. The ergonomic design allows the IEMs to sit securely in the ears without causing discomfort. The lightweight nature of the IEMs adds to the overall comfort, making them suitable for prolonged use. However, as with any IEM, individual fit may vary, and experimenting with the provided eartips can help achieve the best seal and comfort.

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First, The included cable is of high quality, featuring a durable build that complements the premium feel of the IEMs. The connector pins of the cable are solid and have indicators embedded on the connector pin shells which are clearly visible, so you don't need a magnifying glass to ensure which side will go where! And speaking of the stock ear tips, they are so so, their sound performance isn’t quite up to mark with the aftermarket tips.
And lastly, the rectangular shaped pouch provides a convenient way to carry and protect the IEMs when not in use.

Tip rolling: In my testing, I found the optimal sound from Divinus Velvet Ear Tips & DUNU Candy Ear Tips

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The Mimosa is not the easiest IEM to drive because of the planar driver, which requires a bit of power to shine. While it works fine with a phone, it benefits significantly from a dedicated DAC/amp. Using a dongle DAC or a proper amplifier really brings out its full potential, improving dynamics and overall clarity.




Testing Gears:

• DAC Dongle: BQYEZ Lin (CX31993)
• DAC Dongle: Kinera Celest CD-20 (ES9039Q2M)
• DAC Dongle: NiceHCK TC3 (ALC5686)
• DAC Dongle: Jcally JM45 (ES9318)
• DAC Dongle: Jcally JM7 (CX31993)
• DSP Cable: HIDIZS ST2 Pro Nebula’s stock cable (ES9218AC Pro)
• Smartphone: Samsung Galaxy A12 (3.5mm)
• Laptop: Dell Inspiron 15 3520 (3.5mm & the above-mentioned sources through UGREEN US276 A to C Converter)

Sound​

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Overall Performance:
When it comes to sound, the Mimosa strikes a balance between warmth and technical precision. It isn’t a completely neutral IEM, nor is it an overly V-shaped tuning. Instead, it sits somewhere in between, leaning towards a musical, slightly warm signature that emphasizes a rich bass response, natural mids, and an airy treble.
While listening, the Mimosa immediately presents itself as a fun and engaging set. The dynamic driver delivers impactful low frequencies, while the planar driver ensures the mids and treble remain crisp and detailed. This creates a well-rounded listening experience that is both enjoyable and technically competent.

Bass:​

• Overall bass: The bass on the Mimosa is undeniably satisfying. It has an authoritative presence but doesn’t overwhelm the rest of the frequency range. The 10mm dynamic driver does a solid job of delivering punchy, controlled bass with enough texture to feel refined rather than bloated. The bass here is more about quality than sheer quantity, though bass lovers will still find it fulfilling.
• Sub-bass: The sub-bass extends well, providing a pleasant rumble that you can both hear and feel. Tracks with deep bass notes, such as electronic and hip-hop, sound immersive, as the sub-bass resonates nicely without muddying the mids. It’s not the most exaggerated sub-bass, but it provides just enough depth to give music a grounded, full-bodied feel.
• Mid-bass: The mid-bass is where the fun factor comes in. There’s a satisfying slam to kick drums, bass guitars have a rich presence, and percussion instruments have a weighty impact. Unlike some bass-heavy IEMs that end up sounding bloated, the Mimosa keeps things tight and well-defined. Rock and pop tracks benefit the most from this characteristic, as the bass feels energetic without overpowering the vocals or instruments.

Mids:

• Overall mids: The mids on the Mimosa are warm and lush. They don’t have that ultra-detailed, crisp character that some people love, but instead, they create a more musical and natural feel. Instruments and vocals sound full and present, making them enjoyable for relaxed listening.
• Lower-mids: The lower-mids provide a sense of body and weight to instruments and male vocals. Guitars sound full, pianos have a natural tonality, and male singers have a warm, intimate presence. Unlike some IEMs that have a recessed lower-midrange, the Mimosa ensures that these frequencies remain full and engaging without sounding muddy.
• Upper-mids: The upper-mids are slightly elevated, which helps female vocals and string instruments stand out. This elevation gives clarity to higher-pitched elements, making female voices sound expressive and emotionally engaging. However, on certain recordings with aggressive upper-mids, the Mimosa can come across as a bit energetic, though not harsh.

Vocals:

• Overall Vocals: Vocals are one of the most important parts of music, and the Kinera Celest QoA Mimosa does a fantastic job of making them sound rich, clear, and engaging. Whether you’re listening to deep male voices or high-pitched female vocals, there’s a sense of warmth and natural tonality that makes voices feel real and expressive. But some female vocals might sound a bit sharp to treble sensitive listeners.
• Male Vocals: Male vocals sound rich, thanks to the slightly warm lower mids. There’s a good sense of body, making deep voices feel full and present. Whether it's a classic jazz singer or a modern indie vocalist, the Mimosa captures the essence of male voices well without making them sound distant or thin.
• Female Vocals: Female vocals are one of the highlights of the Mimosa. The slightly forward upper-mids give them a presence that stands out in a mix without becoming shouty. Soprano voices, in particular, sound airy and expressive. However, in tracks where the recording itself is bright, the Mimosa’s upper-mid elevation can make some notes a bit intense. For example, i faced a little bit of sharpness while listening to Beth Hart

Treble:

• Overall-treble: The treble on the Mimosa is well-extended, bringing an airy openness to the sound. The inclusion of a planar driver ensures that high frequencies remain detailed and fast, preventing any unwanted sharpness. Treble-sensitive listeners might find certain peaks a bit noticeable at times, but for most people, the treble adds clarity without excessive harshness.
• Lower-treble: The lower-treble is where details shine. Cymbals, hi-hats, and string plucks all come through with crispness and energy. The attack and decay of treble elements are quick, thanks to the planar driver, making details feel lively and well-defined. But as i mentioned previously, treble sensitive listeners may find the cymbal hits shouty in certain tracks
• Upper-treble: The upper-treble helps expand the soundstage, creating an open and atmospheric sound. There’s enough air to make instruments feel separated, and the added sparkle brings excitement to the overall sound signature. This is particularly enjoyable for genres like classical and acoustic, where the sense of space is crucial.

Instruments:
Instrument reproduction is another strong point of the Mimosa. Thanks to the hybrid driver setup, different instruments have distinct textures and tonality. Guitars sound crisp and lifelike, string instruments have good vibrancy, and electronic synthesizers are presented with energy. The layering of different elements in a mix is well done, ensuring that instruments do not blend into one another.

Soundstage & Imaging:
The Mimosa offers an above-average soundstage for an IEM. It doesn’t have the vastness of open-back headphones, but for an in-ear monitor, it provides a good sense of width and depth. There’s enough room to give music a natural and immersive feel, preventing congestion in busy tracks.

Imaging is precise, making it easy to distinguish between different elements in a mix. Whether it's the positioning of instruments in a live recording or the movement of sound effects in a cinematic track, the Mimosa handles spatial cues well. This also makes it a viable option for gaming, as directional accuracy is crucial for immersive gameplay.

Dynamics & Technicalities:
The Mimosa does a great job handling changes in volume and intensity, making everything sound natural and dynamic. It reacts quickly to different sounds, so you can hear all the little details in the music. Whether it's a high-energy electronic track or a soft acoustic song, the Mimosa keeps everything clear and enjoyable.

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How much does it cost?
The QoA Mimosa IEM has been priced at about $99.00 USD

Is it good for gaming?
Yes, the Mimosa can work well for gaming, particularly for single-player story-driven games where immersion and soundstage matter. The wide soundstage and good imaging allow for decent positional audio. However, competitive FPS players who rely on ultra-precise footsteps and directional cues may prefer a more neutral or analytical IEM.

Who should buy this?

• Bass lovers – If you enjoy a warm, punchy bass response with a natural midrange, the Mimosa will suit you well.
• Casual Audiophiles – Those who want a well-tuned IEM with a balance of musicality and technical performance will appreciate the Mimosa.
• People who prefer a stylish design – The Mimosa’s premium resin shell and artistic faceplate make it a visually appealing choice.

Who should not buy this?

• Treble-sensitive listeners – If you are sensitive to treble peaks, you might find the upper frequencies a bit too energetic.
• Those who prefer a neutral sound – If you are looking for a flat, reference-like tuning, the Mimosa's warm bass and slightly lifted upper mids may not be ideal.
• Competitive gamers – While the imaging is good, some may find a more neutral tuning better suited for pinpoint accuracy in FPS games.

From where can I purchase this product?
If you’re in Bangladesh, you can purchase it from Geek Mart
or you can globally purchase it from the Kinera's official website, HiFi GO, shenzenaudio, THE HiFi CAT, AliExpress or Amazon Store.

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The QoA Mimosa is a beautifully crafted IEM with a warm, smooth, and engaging sound signature. It excels in bass, mids, and vocals, making it a fantastic choice for casual listeners, vocal lovers, and bass enthusiasts.
However, if you prefer brighter or ultra-detailed sound, this might not be the best option. For its price, though, it’s a great hybrid IEM that brings a unique planar + dynamic experience to the budget segment.

Final Rating: 8.5/10 – A solid choice for warm and lush sound lovers!

#QoA #Mimosa

An Entry-Level IEM That Suits Me? 1DD + 1 Planar!​

QoA, as one of Kinera's sister brands, brought this IEM with a driver configuration of 1DD + 1 Planar priced at approximately $110 (around 1.5 million IDR). Among several entry-level IEMs around $100 I've tried, the 1DD + 1 (BA or planar) configuration remains my favorite for delivering excellent detail and technicality while retaining the natural feel characteristic of DD. Does this IEM follow suit? Let’s dive in… QoA Mimosa.

DISCLAIMER​

All impressions are tested using my usual setup (list below). If there are differences in sound impressions, it’s likely due to subjective ear differences, defective units, or variations in the source used. My impressions and reviews are subjective, based on the principle: “Only my savings deserve to be lied to, reviews must always be honest.” Agree? Fine. Disagree? Also fine. I review because I want to and enjoy it, not because I need to.

Important!! I strongly recommend auditioning this yourself. Who knows, maybe I need to visit an ENT doctor, or perhaps you do (haha).

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MY DAILY DRIVER​

IEMs:
Nostalgia Audio Camelot; Symphonium Crimson; 634ears Loak2 TX03; EPZ P50; Softears VolumeS
DACs:
Fiio Q15; Chord Mojo 2; XDuoo XD05 Pro
DAP:
HibyDigital M300
Cables:
Effect Audio 24c; Verus Lavender 6; VJC Heirs & Black Heirs; Kinera Mia
Eartips:
Eletech Baroque; Penon Liquor; JVC Spiral Dot++, Azla Sedna Max, ASMR Kiwi Ears Flex

Unboxing​

For a price range of around $100, this IEM offers a standard box but doesn't skimp on accessories and build quality. Inside, you get:

• The IEMs themselves (available in two color options: Black or Purple)
• A 2-braid cable with a choice of 3.5mm or 4.4mm jack, 2-pin connector (similar to Sivga Que cables)
• Two types of eartips (each with three sizes). Both have wide bores, but the materials and umbrella lengths differ (high or short).
• Carrying case
• User manual

Fitting​

The 1DD + 1 Micro Planar driver configuration doesn’t make this IEM bulky. In fact, it’s much smaller than some single-DD IEMs like the thick Wyvern Abyss. The long nozzle with a standard diameter makes fitting issue-free. Its compact and slim design, combined with sturdy plastic characteristic of the Kinera family, ensures comfortable wear for me.

Sound Impression​

Bass
It’s clear this IEM has a V-shape tonal signature with punchy and well-balanced bass. The sub-bass slam is deep with a nicely extended rumble that’s immediately noticeable. I love how the sub-bass is positioned at the outermost part of the instruments, enhancing the immersive feel. The mid-bass also shines with a thick, rounded punch. While it doesn’t hit the basshead level of chest-thumping impact, it’s satisfying. The speed and impact of the mid-bass are just right for both fast and slow tracks. Absolutely no complaints here.
Mid
The slightly recessed vocals avoid shoutiness (since they’re pulled back, haha). Vocals sound natural and energetic across male and female ranges without any sibilance. Airy with well-balanced note weight—not too thin nor overly thick—the mids deliver a V-shape character while maintaining enjoyable vocal presentation.
Treble
This is where the planar character becomes apparent. The treble is fairly energetic, delivering sufficient micro-detail for its price range. Its treble extension ensures cymbals and percussions aren’t abruptly cut off. For those who dislike treble, this remains within an acceptable range, but those who nitpick may find the slightly plasticky planar timbre less appealing. Personally, it’s bearable, especially when paired with suitable tracks and eartips.
Clarity
The planar timbre’s plasticky quality might be a downside for some treble enthusiasts, but overall, the IEM delivers clear sound with micro-detail above its price bracket.
Soundstage
Above average. The soundstage is wide horizontally, with vertical depth that isn’t too pronounced but sufficient to provide a spacious and airy feel.
Imaging
At this price range, the 1DD + 1 Micro Planar configuration performs admirably. The 3D imaging is excellent, with holographic sound rotation enhancing enjoyment, especially for energetic and fast-paced tracks. Instrument layering is well-separated without any sense of overlap.

Eartips Selection​

As usual, I love Kinera’s stock eartips, especially their wide-bore ones. To reduce planar timbre or slightly offensive treble for treble-sensitive listeners, I recommend Dunu S&S or 7Hz Barrel tips—perfect for those who can’t handle planar cringes (haha).

Cable Selection​

The stock cable is great for daily use and the sound it produces. Honestly, I see no need to upgrade the cable, as it already aligns with the IEM’s tonal and technical performance.

Source Selection​

Warm or neutral sources pair well with this IEM, allowing its strengths to shine. Avoid overly detailed sources if you want to minimize the planar timbre highlight. This IEM demands slightly more power than its price-range peers, but it’s not an issue for sourcing.

Conclusion​

• My brief impression during PAPI 2024, though based on a short listen, holds true—this IEM excels in delivering energetic and fun tracks.
• The quality of its punch, rumble, and slam, combined with detailed treble, makes it a great entry-level choice.
• Unfortunately, vocal enthusiasts might find this IEM lacking due to recessed vocals and noticeable planar timbre.
• Is this IEM worth buying? For me, in the entry-level category, this configuration of 1DD + 1 Planar hits the sweet spot for tonal balance and technical performance.

That’s all.
Trust… the balance in your bank account.
Bye.

QOA Mimosa Review​

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QOA Mimosa Review ​

Intro ​

Hello, today I am featuring the latest from the audio brand QOA (Queen of Audio) named the QOA Mimosa. The Mimosa ($99) is actually a dual driver hybrid iem consisting of one dynamic driver and one micro planar magnetic driver. When I found out about this set, I was kind of stoked. When I think of solid driver pairings (most configurations can work when implemented right) this combination is one which makes sense to me. You have the organic and natural qualities of a DD and the ultra-snappy qualities of the Micro-planar. It just makes sense to me. The DD is the cake, and the micro-planar is the icing on the top. At any rate, this is one reviewer/hobbyist who enjoys any Kinera/QOA/Celest release. I haven’t heard the Mimosa yet as it’s still a couple days away, but I know that there is more to this set. Already there’s an air of something pretty solid. Before I go any further, I want to publicly thank the good people of Kinera (Kinera Thomas) for providing the Mimosa, and in return I will publish a subjective review aimed at helping you all. If it’s good, I’ll review it. If not… well… you’ll never read this.

Kinera/QOA /Celest ​

I won’t go too long here but folks, I’ve always admired Kinera. Along with Kinera’s sub-brand in Queen of Audio, and Celest Audio. You see, there’s always more to the story with them. I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt that they’ve done their homework, they’ve done the R&D, the leg work, and they are only going to put to market a product that they are proud of. This is why each of these brands rarely have any duds. If any. They are ultra-artistic, very crafty, imaginative, and aren’t scared of innovation. I love that. Kinera/QOA isn’t afraid to go unorthodox, get clever, avant-garde, and push visionary ideas. And guess what? They always seem to nail anything they put their hands, hearts, and minds to. Couple all those descriptors with the fact that they are ultra professional, they have an enormous arsenal of backing, a respected name (even their budget Celest), many highly skilled engineers, virtuosos, and specialists making darn sure that when a product is initially promoted… that it’s also very much ready, complete, and a solid product. I can see why they aren’t scared to give out review units to reviewers. The reason… because they believe in their products. As they should.

Mimosa​

Mimosa: a drink of champagne and orange juice. Of course, that’s the North American definition of “Mimosa”. It also is another name for a silk tree, or an Australian Acacia tree with soft featherlike flowers. At least that’s what the Google gods told me. Judging on QOA’s promotional material, I’m thinking they are heavily leaning on the 1st choice, the frou-frou drink, the one my wife prefers. I say all of this because Kinera, QOA, & Celest do something with every release that I admire to no end. That is, they establish a theme for every product, and they embed that theme into the design, the build, and to the tuning. They create products which embody each respective theme, and they do so in the most creative of ways. Maybe I’m easily entertained, amused, or whatever, but in a hobby that so often lacks creativity, with so many products looking more like copy-cats than anything else. I just find it cool that there are brands out there who care enough about their craft, to give “what” they craft… an identity of sorts. However, what QOA does is take it a step further and in my opinion goes to whatever length they need, to impress. That is awesome. That’s care. They care about what they are putting to market enough to impress you with it. There’s no gimmicks in that folks. That’s the furthest thing from throwing spaghetti at a wall to see what sticks. Anyways, I just felt the need to speak on that.

Competition ​

Obviously, there is a ton of competition in this range. We are talking about the “under $100” price point, which is full to the brim with solid iems vying for your attention. I find that any iem which is to succeed in this price point needs to stand out with at least some unique quality, or, it just has to sound really good. In my opinion, purely conjecture, but most folks around the globe have a spending limit within this under $100 price point. Give or take. Obviously, brands know this and so the around $100 range is always active. I’m talking $75 to $125. Absolutely loaded folks. I repeat this in many reviews because every set that I review is up against the same uphill battle. They already start out with a disadvantage, right out the gate. Usually, it takes me longer in this price range because it is such an important range, and because there are so many variables to consider. I’m beyond curious to see how well the Mimosa stacks up.

A solid set​

Well, I just got the Mimosa in and just posted some initial impressions to social media. Friends, remember how I said that any set needs to stand out in this price range to succeed? Well, I think that QOA cracked the code folks because it most certainly has enough of a distinction to make others “possibly” hit the “buy now” button? However, much remains to be seen with the Mimosa, and I’ll find out what I can. Okay, well I just put the Mimosa on the burn-in station. I’ll give it about three to five days of constant run-in using my burn-in playlist of pink and white noise, tones and sweeps, along with specific melodies aimed at certain regions. With that said, I’ll see you all in a couple weeks. Till then, the QOA Mimosa everyone….

Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links:​

-KineraAudio.com
–HiFiGo
–Shenzhen Audio
–Aliexpress

Disclaimer:​

I received the QOA Mimosa from Kinera as a review sample and in exchange I will conduct a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a review sample iem. Kinera Audio has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Kinera, and thanks for reading.

Gear used for testing​

–Ifi Go Blu

–EPZ TP50

–EPZ TP35

–Aful SnowyNight

–Shanling H0

–Fiio Q15

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2

–Shanling M6 Ultra

Packaging / Accessories ​

Unboxing​

The QOA Mimosa arrived at my door in a medium sized white box with the name “Mimosa” written elegantly in cursive lettering with the “QOA” logo in the top left of the outer sleeve. It’s a nicely designed cover sleeve, simple, not too much going on. Take off the sleeve and you’ll see an all-black box with QOA imposed in the center in gold lettering. Once you take off the box top and you’ll be met with both the carrying case as well as the Mimosa earphones sitting lovely within foam cut-outs. Take out the box and open it up and you’ll find the eartips and cable. That’s about it. Believe it or not, this is actually a fairly nice unboxing as all of the accessories make sense and are of good quality. Nothing is just randomly thrown into the packaging. Anyways, not bad QOA.

Eartips​

So, QOA provides six pairs of eartips in total. That’s two different styles of tips and three pairs each. The first set is a dark gray silicone eartips with an orange I eternal stem. These are literally the exact same as old school Fiio bass tips. Or, they are identical in size, shape, bore size, and feel to the KBear 07 tips. Really great tips for any collection folks. You get three pairs (S, M, L) of these tips. They have a firm flange; very rigid stem and they are a semi-wide bore eartip. Again, very nice tips. Next QOA added in three pairs (S, M, L) of white silicone eartips with a purple stem. These tips are equally awesome, made with a firm flange, very rigid stem and come with a wide-bore. In my opinion these tips are the best to use with the Mimosa. I feel that the wide-bore helps to add a sense of air to the sound and subtly reduce the bass veracity. Then again, I used both styles of tips and enjoyed both a lot. However, for the majority of critical listening I did decide upon the wide bores. This was nice as it was one of the few times that I didn’t need to tip roll and happily used the included eartips. Of course, there are many different 3rd party tips which work wonderfully for the Mimosa. I can tell you right now that Divinus Velvet Wide Bore tips are a great pairing. At any rate, nice work QOA once again. You added in eartips which make sense! Thank you! I was so happy to see that they didn’t add in narrow bore eartips. It shows they know exactly what they are doing.

Carrying Case​

QOA did supply a carrying case to the packaging as well. The case is a small, black, faux leather zipper case and is nice to see added in here. One thing for certain, I definitely don’t feel it’s a given to see carrying cases included under $100. So, it’s nice to see. Anyways, the carrying case is not huge. Probably big enough to fit the Mimosa and the cable. Kind of perfect actually if you like putting the case into your front pocket. I feel it’s just small enough for that. The case’s zipper actually works, imagine that! I don’t have much more to say, but it’s a nice inclusion.

Cable​

Now we get to the cable provided within the packaging and I am impressed. Really a gorgeous white (almost metallic white) cable with what appears to be high polished stainless-steel fittings (Y-split, termination housing, 2-pins) attached and very elegant, very classy, and very well paired aesthetically with the Mimosa. Whether you choose either color of the Mimosa, the white cable will pair well. As white does. To be exact, the cable is a 2-pin, 2-core,5N oxygen-free copper cable with silver-plating and a copper termination. You can pick this set up with either 3.5 or 4.4 terminations. Thankfully I have the 4.4 balanced cable with my set. Folks, for under $100, this cable is an absolute BALLER. Such a nice look with the Mimosa. So, I didn’t go crazy trying out different cables or cable materials. I’m sure I will when the review period is complete. Until then, I think this cable is a very nice accessory and certainly a “Pro” of this set. You don’t always get a good cable folks, it’s just the truth. So often I’m wondering “What these brands are doing! “. QOA knows that one of the most important aspects of every earphone is the cable. We want nice, we want pliable, plump, and we want a nice aesthetic color contrast. Also, we love when the brand thinks about the material that the cable is made of and how that material fits the overall sound. Is that too much to ask? QOA knows, nice work.

Build / Design / Internals / Fit ​

Build Quality ​

The QOA Mimosa is and all-resin iem, built by way of 3D printing and feels very solid in hand. As does any resin set. I suppose there is nothing structurally which separates the Mimosa from other resin iems other than the fact that one of the colors you can purchase (wood-brown) actually has pinecone incorporated into the build. I’ll cover that in the next section though. As far as the build is concerned, it’s very nicely done. The Mimosa has nothing but smooth and rounded corners, nothing jagged or sharp. Another nice touch is that the Mimosa is a very light iem. Not as light as something like the Kefine Delci, or the Shanling Tino, but very lightweight. I’m telling you, over long periods of listening this will make a difference. It’s also not a big iem either. Just large enough to fit both drivers and that’s about it. Now, the nozzles are roughly about 6mm in width and medium length. Maybe a titch past average. They fit very nicely. Also, the Mimosa does have one tiny rear vent. This is just another solidly built iem by QOA.

Design ​

As far as the actual look and aesthetic of the QOA Mimosa, it is simply stunning. I mean it folks. When I twirl this set around in the light it is a beautiful iem. So, the QOA Mimosa comes in two colorways, “Woodgrain Brown” and “Dusky Purple”. The woodgrain brown model is actually made using pinecone which is resin covered along with other swirling colors. The QOA Adonis New also incorporated pinecone in their shell design, and I couldn’t have been happier with the design of that set. You can see the pieces of pinecone wood intermixed with dark blue resin. Just gorgeous. Next, the Dusky Purple is a beautifully hand painted iem which has a purple undercoat and sparkling little “stars” across the faceplate area. Both sets have a very classy “Mimosa” written in cursive lettering across the center of the faceplates. Usually I wouldn’t like that, but for these designs it looks so nice. Folks, both versions are very nicely crafted with imaginative designs which could only come from people who have an artistic flair and creativity. It’s just QOA doing what QOA does. Gorgeous.

Internals ​

As far as the driver configuration of the QOA Mimosa, they added in one dynamic driver paired with one micro planar driver. To be exact, that is one full frequency 10 mm Dynamic Driver controlling the lows, mids, and highs, as well as one 6 mm micro planar covering the ultra-highs. It’s basically a single dynamic driver with a micro planar to enhance the treble bite and bring upon some good extension and air to the sound. At least, I believe this was the thought process. From what I can tell, with many hours of listening to the Mimosa, is that the drivers are very capable. Now, I don’t know what material was used for the DD, and I really don’t have many of the details about either driver other than what is in Kinera/QOA promotional material. So, if I learn more, I will certainly update this review.

Fit / Comfort ​

This is another area where the Mimosa shines. The comfort of this set is easily one of the tops within the price point for me. I have been wearing these iems for days folks. For my ear shape the Mimosa simply fits wonderfully. Of course, I say this a lot…not many earphones don’t fit nicely. However, I think the difference here is the weight. The Mimosa is a very lite earphone which is so very helpful for longer listening sessions. For what it’s worth, I always have iems in my ears and very few sets feel as nice as the Mimosa. That said, I don’t have any way of knowing how this set will fit you, but I’d be willing to bet that the great majority of people will feel the same way that I do. There’s nothing sharp, jagged, or coarse anywhere in the Shells. The nozzle isn’t too intrusive, too long, or too wide. They are simply nice.

Drivability / Pairings ​

Source Output ​

The Queen of Audio Mimosa comes in with an impedance of roughly about 32 ohms, and a sensitivity of about 102 dbs. This translates to a fairly sensitive earphone which can be used with relatively weaker sources. I was able to use a few of those no name dongle dacs that I purchased a few years ago when we were going through the whole “dongle madness”. Now, I only ever use them momentarily for testing purposes and the Mimosa passed with flying colors. The same can be said for my iPad. I had plenty of headroom in volume. So yes, the Mimosa can be used with weaker sources. Having said that, I most definitely feel that more power will do well to scale your listening experience with this set. The dynamic driver and micro planar seem to be seething for more output. Thus, I found that there was a pretty substantial difference when using weaker or more powerful sources. Now, I don’t think you need to go crazy. I’d say (best guess) that at the least it’s a good idea to provide the Mimosa with at least a reasonably powerful dongle dac with better Internals. The Mimosa will reward you.

At any rate, I’m just guessing but I’d say try to give the Mimosa with at least 75mW @32ohms. For your info, that’s about every dongle dac on the planet past $25. Using my daps (Shanling M6 Ultra, iBasso DX240) I went with medium gain and the sound really came alive. The treble gained control; the bass tightened. Now, I say this for most iems, but I do feel the difference is a hint more with the Mimosa. Although, I’d also say that even with weaker sources the Mimosa still sounds very smooth and very fun.

Source pairing​

When it comes to source tonality, I personally enjoy any source which isn’t too warm, or one which leans ultra bright. If you’ve been paying attention, not many dongle dacs hit the market with a strictly warm or strictly colder/brighter sound influence. Most dongle dacs, dac/amps, daps are right around warm/neutral to neutral. More than anything, I don’t feel that the Mimosa enjoys strictly warm devices. For instance, the Roseselsa RS9039 (RS9039 Review), is one of those sources which just didn’t seem to pair very well. This is all subjective though and truthfully, I think we make way too much of source pairing in this hobby. Still, that doesn’t mean it isn’t important. I found that any of my sources with good output and have a warm/neutral tonal color worked the best. Though, my neutral sources sounded nice too. What I really feel is that any very talented source will bring out the best in the Mimosa (yes, I am captain obvious) and will provide the best listening experience. My favorite pairing was with the Shanling M6 Ultra (warm/neutral and wholly resolving). However, even my neutral sources like the iBasso DX240 and the Fiio Q15 sounded fantastic. What you don’t want is any source device which will exaggerate the upper treble frequency. On the flipside, I also don’t like any source which will push more warmth into the sound. This adds unneeded veil (which some may enjoy) to the sound and simply makes my listening experience a bit too murky.

What do you need? ​

I’d say that if Purchasing the Mimosa puts you at the top of your budget then I would try to get a cheap dongle dac with at least marginal output that isn’t tonally too bright or overtly warm. It is extremely easy to stay within those parameters. Also, there’s too many dongle dacs which fall within those parameters out in the market. However, most certainly the Mimosa will reward you for using better sources, with better circuitry, better amping too. The nice thing is that the Mimosa is fairly sensitive and so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a device to pair with it.

Sound Impressions ​

*Note: I just want to preface the sound portion of this review with a few things. I gave the Mimosa four full days of burn in. Of course, I don’t truly know if this helped or not and I’m not comfortable enough to tell you one way or another. I would think that it did, but I just didn’t have a good enough memory pre-burn-in to say one way or the other. Full disclosure. Also, I use flac or better music files which are stored in my devices for all listening. I primarily use UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro) for my music player, yet I also use Hiby Music for some dongle dacs as well as Poweramp from time to time.

How does it sound? ​

Without question the QOA Mimosa comes across velvety warm with a smoother underbody yet a nice and tinsley upper treble influence adds slight glazing of crispness and tinsley highlights to the sound when needed. I would call this a slight V-shaped sound signature yet wouldn’t argue if you wanted to call it a U-shaped sound with a sub-bass boost. The Mimosa definitely carries a bright but not overwhelming treble and an emphasized foundational style bass region. I’d best describe the Mimosa as musical, through-and-through. The sound is slightly softer in presence yet with very good density to notes and a thick and lush note weight along with a naturally textured timbre. However, those thick and lush notes are crested with a sheen of detailed and very clean treble influence. I liken it to a warm cake just out of the oven and a slight layer of icing on the top. Again, the Mimosa is a smooth sounding iem which hugs the ear like a warm blanket while note outlines are crested with some rewarding brilliance and energy when a track calls for it (most tracks).

Condensed Sound between the 20’s ​

In my opinion the Mimosa has a very warm and full bass region with a sub-bass focus but still a very robust mid-bass. Notes aren’t too wide; there’s a certain rigidity and compactness to each bass note as well. Not the fastest bass, but not slow “per the emphasis” either. Very organic, atmospheric, yet defined fairly well. The midrange is warm/neutral, milky, syrupy, and with very nice clarity for a smoother sound. Most certainly it’s a laid-back and easy midrange which doesn’t persuade your ears to hear every last detail. Some may want a bit more energy out of the mids but I found the Mimosa to have a very pleasing tonality and timbre which isn’t so colored that they sound dull or veiled. The low mids are caked in fullness while the upper-mids bring a bit more energy and sprightliness. The treble region provides a nice contrast to the bass adding some glitter to the top end. It’s a brilliant and fairly airy treble which layers an otherwise warm sounding set. The treble is nicely detailed, has good treble bite, and is very fast in attack and decay. Like I said, “icing on the warm cake”. Generally, details aren’t going to pop out at you like an analytical style tuning, but I promise you’ll be surprised at the resolving ability of the Mimosa. Now, instrument separation is not it’s fortay but the clarity is nice, transients are somewhat compact & concentrated enough to come across clean. The soundstage is big, wide, and deep with fantastic imaging and a holographic euphonic style soundscape.

Baby Adonis-New​

Truly a cool sounding iem and a nice departure from some other sets out there. In fact, the Mimosa is very much similar in sound to QOA’s amazing QOA Adonis New (Adonis New Review). That’s a very good thing. I absolutely adore the Adonis New for its refreshing departure from the Harman onslaught that we’ve heard the last five years. While we’ve seen warmer tilted iems of late, there aren’t many which perform this tonal color well. Especially at lower prices. Thankfully, I find both set’s overall sound is very similar in almost all ways. The only thing which may catch some folks is tracks with heavy and chaotic treble emphasis as you can get some glare and sharpness at times up top with the Mimosa which you may not get from the Adonis New. Also, tracks which display a mega ton of bass activity are going to sound… well… kinda like they have a mega ton of bass activity. This tuning is one which can be very polarizing in my opinion. No doubt, you’ll either love it (like me), or not. Let’s do a deep dive into the sound shall we.

Bass Region ​

Once again, the bass region of the QOA Mimosa is its bedrock, its foundation, its fundamental cornerstone that all other areas of the mix are at least mildly influenced by. In my humble opinion, the Mimosa is just under basshead levels of intensity. I only say that because while the bass is the foundation, it isn’t the primary focus. Also, while the Mimosa can flat-out bang, that bass usually doesn’t ravel and convolute other areas of the mix, to a fault. Also, I just don’t get that sense. The other areas of the mix are too well laid-out for me to slap a label on the Mimosa and pigeonhole it as a bass monster. Yes, it can be that, but also, it’s so much more than that.

Big… yet taut​

The low-end is pretty heavily emphasized with a 12-13 dB bass shelf peaking at around the sub-bass level and immediately gliding downward through the mid-bass, finally leveling out around 700 hz. There’s some serious convexity in the shelf and a steep slope which looks like I could ski down. Bass notes generally have a full-bodied presence and enough gusto to infuse a bass heavy track with reciprocating energy. I think a key attribute of the Mimosa is that even in the face of that bigger bass energy, the Mimosa is not sloppy. The bass doesn’t have an overly wide presence and somehow isn’t always a one-noted affair. Granted, there are most certainly tracks which will make me a liar. With that much emphasis, obviously the Mimosa wasn’t tuned to be that ultra-tight, perfectly defined, quick-punchy and peppy style bass. I’d say that in general, the low-end may be big and weighted… yet it’s also fairly taut, it’s sizable… yet steely and dense. I’d agree that note edges are slightly softer, less glass lined and plusher. But they are also compacted, nicely agile, and reasonably textured. It’s a fun one, friends! QOA made sure that this “fun” Bass doesn’t wreak havoc all throughout the mix. Now, it’s certainly more atmospheric, very much hefty/organic. Yet in the same breath (depending on the track) transients aren’t super slow either. It toes-the-line, just under basshead, but shipshape for such an emphasis.

Sub-bass ​

The sub level bass is where the majority of the assertiveness comes from though the mi-bass is anything but polite, it is definitely less weighted. I’ll tell you what though, the sub-bass gets flat-out guttural, in every sense of the word. This driver is able to reach low in register with a very palpable, haptic, and vibration-laden drone when any track even hints at it. Unquestionably the sub-bass runs deep with a very fun and very satisfying rumble. This is a physical sub-bass which can be felt in a track like “Heavy is the Ocean” by Bush. This track begins with a very low droning rumble and slowly progresses to the main verse. I found that the Mimosa rewarded my ears on this one with a tangible and textured thunder down low. Having said that, you should know that on a track such as this, with a very heavy rumble you’ll notice some masking of the subtle details, to an extent. I don’t think you can get around this on a track which presents a big and physical bass when listening with a set of iems that yearns to be physical. That said, the Mimosa runs deep folks. Still, it’s taut enough, very well controlled, agile enough, and dexterous enough to maneuver around those intricate basslines fairly well. Within reason of course.

Mid-bass ​

Like I said, the mid-bass doesn’t have as heavy as a swell in emphasis as the sub-bass region. However, the mid-bass has plenty of weight for most any genre. QOA did a nice job of keeping this area relatively clean and not so overbearing. I’m quite sure they were looking out for the midrange, making sure it doesn’t come across too muddled & murky. Actually, I find the mid-bass does still provide a solid slam and enough fullness cooperating with the sub-bass to give bass guitars that heavy growl. Very satisfying. Kick-drums come across booming and with some veracity. Tracks such as “Matter of Fact” by Collective Soul have a hardy kick drum. The Mimosa has enough bullish oomph and snap on attack to make the kick-drum sound very gratifying. To be honest, there’s nothing weak about this mid-bass folks. It hits hard and fairly fast too. I find it can keep up with speedier bass passages better than I would’ve thought and does so with some intensity. Like I said, bass guitars can flat-out grumble and drone with an appropriate fullness. I also find the mid-bass is great for any hip-hop bass drops too. For instance, “WTFYM” by Future & Metro Boomin’ carries a very authoritative drop. Very heavy, whilst not completely masking the rest of the mix. No this isn’t the type of clean bass which will define every last detail. However, for a set with so much presence in this region I find that QOA did a great job of making it as tidy as possible.

Downsides to the Bass Region ​

The biggest drawback of a larger bass region is that it simply won’t come across as pristine or well defined as a more peppy and zippy bass. Bass is a very important region which can do a lot of masking with the right amount of emphasis and the right track. Without question the Mimosa can and will mask over some frequencies, at least to a degree. You can’t get around this. I will say that QOA did a marvelous job of creating distinctions between the low-end and the midrange for instance. I don’t feel that the bass encroaches to the point of mud. In truth, I find the Mimosa to be very clean per the quantity. It doesn’t have loads of floating resonances clouding the mix. It also isn’t so emphasized that it causes veil either. Folks, the bass is pretty awesome on this set. I downplayed that a little bit but there’s no denying that the low-end on the Mimosa is very well tuned, using a very solid driver. Great Job here QOA!

Midrange​

Now, the midrange is not as recessed as I would’ve thought, to the ear. It’s an organic, earthy type of midrange with a very dense and natural timbre. A lot of coloring of the mids is happening as they come across very smooth, buttery, and almost euphonic. Vocals are centered, very intimate, harmonic, lush, and has a natural texture to vocals. Of course, the Mimosa’s midrange is not the most energetic, and macro-dynamics aren’t going to jump out at you. The lower midrange especially doesn’t have loads of sprightly energy and sparkle though the upper-mids remedy that a bit with more liveliness, and vibrance. Transients aren’t too slow, perceivably swift enough, not too much harmonic/resonant lag. Really, the Mimosa certainly has some very nice redeeming qualities. I suppose it’s all about what you are looking for in an iem. For one, musicality is one of the Mimosa’s calling cards folks. Needless to say, musicality is one of the QOA Adonis New’s best features as well. You have this forward style milky sound in the mids. It’s liquid through and through, with a very fluid style. Details are probably average to above average as a whole as well with decent separation, and very good imaging and spatial cues. However, technicalities are not what the Mimosa hangs its hat on, and I don’t suspect many folks would be purchasing this set for those abilities. It’s a musicality-first iem which just so happens to be pretty nice technically in this range.

The midrange has a forward and rather rich sound, yet I find that the bass is kept enough at bay to preserve the clarity of some vocalists. To an extent as there is certainly coloration happening. Yet not to a fault. In my opinion, it’s a very nice midrange.

Instruments (heavily condensed) ​

Instruments will certainly come across a bit heavier in sound yet there is most definitely some treble energy which casts a nice tinsley touch to the crest of notes as well as some harmonics. Percussion does have some solid snap at attack which comes directly from the micro planar doing its thing up top. It’s really a cool dichotomy between the two drivers. There’s a coherent contrast between the two as both drivers work in tandem adding their own sway to the sound as a whole. Instruments are helped on many fronts. Cymbals generally have that nice “chisk” followed by a non-splashy secondary harmonic. Strings have just enough energy and edge to them. For the most part. Violin can be downright silvery, yet also with a full note weight. I could keep on going with different instruments, but I’m sure you get the picture. Obviously, there are some downsides to different instruments as well, especially in faster tracks where the sound can blend a bit. Bass heavy tracks don’t help in this regard either. However, I’m very happy with how well QOA tuned this lusher sounding set. Just enough crispness, just enough added detail at the crest of most notes too.

Lower-midrange ​

The low-mids present male vocals with a softer cadence at the crest of a note yet each note also has plenty of lushness. Again, not as pushed back or recessed as I would’ve thought. In my opinion male vocalists are generally closer to the listener than not. Males have a certain boldness to their voices provided by the warmth cast upon this region from the bass. Some may want a bit more energy out of the low-mids but I find that they fit the overall scheme of the tuning nicely. While detail retrieval is not class leading, I do find that detail retrieval is not abysmal either. It’s actually pretty nice for a thicker, smoother and warmer sound as note definition is also pretty solid. Instruments pay off for this. I find piano to come across very tuneful, full bodied too. In fact, many instruments follow this same trajectory. Fuller body, less intense but more organic. Male vocalists too. Take a singer like Zach Bryan in “Pain, Sweet, Pain”. His voice simply comes across naturally. Naturally weighted, natural in timbre too. Perhaps he could use a hint more vibrance, but all things considered I love that his vocals are somewhat forward, well highlighted against the rest of the mix with a feeling of good authority. Yes, they are a hair toned-down, but also very harmonious. I could say this about so many male singers too. Now, males who reside in a slightly higher register will have a bit more energy, like Noah Kahan in “Stick Season”.

Upper-Midrange ​

This brings us to the upper-mids where you’ll hear more of a shimmery presence, more forward, and simply more energy borrowed from the treble region. Personally, I feel the upper midrange does a wonderful job of replaying female vocalists. Very silky, fluid, and buttery, yet also just a smidgen of sparkle as well. Not as thickly weighted as the low-mids, more like lean-lush, better note separation, more resolute as well. Actually, detail retrieval is quite good around this region as the sound is pretty transparent. I really like the natural note weight here as well as the nice timbre. Females have a very clear and clean sound while displaying a very moist sound as well. You don’t hear a ton of crispness, but it is there when needed. However, I would mostly characterize the upper-mids as smoother than anything else. This really hits the sweet spot with a singer like Norah Jones and her raspy, wispy and totally feathery voice. Listening to “Come Away with Me” is a close my eyes moment. Another is Lady GaGa in “Always Remember Us This Way”. Her voice just plays right into the Mimosa’s strengths in the midrange. Such a nice pairing. Really, females come across very well on the Mimosa.

Downsides to the Midrange ​

The downsides would be that the Mimosa is not an analytical style earphone. Anyone looking for an ultra-hi-res, very resolving sound would be somewhat let down. Better said, I just don’t think those who desire a more clinical presentation would be down with the Mimosa. Granted, I also feel that most folks would know that by now (if you’ve read this far), and I’d assume anyone still reading has at least a marginal affection for a warmer, more melodic, and musical display of the mix. But you never know. So, the Mimosa is not the most detailed iem in its price point, instrument separation is not class leading, and the transient response is not to the skill of some other sets made for those purposes. Again, it also fares very well in those technical aspects for the tuning. Without question the Mimosa carries a more earthy type of organic sound. There certainly is some sprightly energy, especially in the upper midrange but for the most part you have to really enjoy this buttery style. I think it’s great and it doesn’t take me long at all to get into this style within my head space. All in all, QOA did a very nice job tuning the mids.

Treble Region ​

As far as the treble is concerned, I love the contrast between the dynamic driver and the micro-planar up top. The DD handles the highs while the micro-planar handles the ultra-highs and they do so in a very symphonious manner at times. In fact, the treble is actually very well extended and pretty brilliant as well. I’m giving you a fair warning that this is certainly a brighter treble. The wild thing is that it is never overcooked to my ears. It really all just fits, very well too. QOA tuned just the right amount of extra clarity up top without the sound coming across forced. It’s a highly resolute treble that carries a lot of good bite to notes. You have the solid and dense note body from the DD and the final touches from the planar. Again, a very nice contrast providing a talented treble region from an analytical/technical perspective. Having said that, the treble is not the most authentic as far as timbre is concerned, yet I have zero issues enjoying what I’m hearing at all. Also, it isn’t unnatural either. Certainly nothing off-putting to my ears. With that said, I easily hear nice micro details, good separation, and a very crisp and precise treble out of the Mimosa. Beyond those points, the treble is elevated enough to provide some air, some openness to the sound. It’s elevated enough to bring some levity and enough to counter the fuller style bass.

Examples​

Listening to the track “Eye of the Untold Her” by Lindsey Stirling is an experience as the entire Melody has this nicely beefy note body and fullness to the sound with a very euphonic 3d style replay. However, it’s the treble which caps it all off as each note has a very distinct outline, very clean & relatively fast too. She plays fast, very much exact as she meanders through this track and there’s a ton of treble activity. Or Jean Michel Jarre in his track “Magnetic Fields, Pt. 1”. This is another song which has loads of electric/digital treble action happening. The Mimosa hits every note very definitively, in a transparent manner, plenty of treble punch and even some haptic feel to each note. Now, I need to say that of course the Mimosa is not some treble head’s dream. Certainly, the Mimosa isn’t tuned to create a focus in this region. I find the treble region to be a good supporting actor with some nice abilities. Let’s put it this way; the treble is much better than I would’ve thought. Also, this is a $99 iem here, so, we should temper our expectations a little bit. It’s nice, but not top class. Still, for a musical sounding set to have those last little touches of treble energy providing the icing to the metaphorical cake, is pretty nice to hear.

Extension​

Like I said a little bit earlier, the extension into the upper treble is solid too. You definitely don’t miss out on any info past 8k, and you get some nicely rendered harmonics out there as well. I spoke briefly on cymbals earlier, but I’ll reemphasize that the Mimosa has a nice way of replaying them without any real splash or mashed-up treble tizz. Also, I don’t hear that metallic style timbre either, which is definitely something one should worry about with a micro-planar involved. I think that QOA did a solid job of adding enough luster to the top end without going overboard and not forcing that treble down our throats. As a whole, the treble fits the tuning well.

Downsides to the Treble Region ​

One issue that some may have is for those warm and dark lovers who enjoy a much more rolled off style treble region. I feel the Mimosa will be too bright for those types. There are instances in the treble region where they can get a hint sharp up top. Granted, those instances are few and far in between, but they exist. There is also the tiniest but if sibilance which rears its head from time to time. However, not enough for me to label it as a “con”. To be honest, it’s not easy coming up with real issues in this region as I feel that the treble only enhances this set. Like I said, maybe it’ll be a bit too bright for some. Also, treble heads probably won’t be beating down any market doors to get to this set. The treble is not one which falls into the “treble head” camp. Again, just a nice supporting actor which makes the overall sound better. My opinion of course.

Technicalities ​

Soundstage ​

The soundstage is a very nice bright spot for this set. The Mimosa carries a mostly holographic style soundstage which isn’t the norm for a $99 iem. It has very nice width of stage, with solid extension both in the sub-bass as well as the upper treble. However, the sound field in front of the listener is fairly intimate and close. Having said that, the intimate sound is pretty expansive. Again, good width, great height, and some very nice front to back depth.That depth provides some nice layering of sounds as well. It’s just a very well-drawn-out stage with some psycho-acoustically composed trickery which makes it sound almost 3D within my mindscape. For a $99 set, the Mimosa has a very nice sized and nicely devised soundstage.

Separation ​

As far as instrument separation, the Mimosa is probably what I’d call average, though there’s no quantifiable way to examine that. Other than average is what makes sense to me. It just is. You have a richer sound, fuller, lush note body, average transients, more organic, earthy sounding. This is not at all an analytically tuned iem folks. You shouldn’t expect amazing instrument separation. Furthermore, I am so glad it isn’t that. I love the musical nature of the Mimosa and would hate to see it lose its charm over a hair better note separation. We take these attributes too far anyways in this hobby. Even with what I’d call “average”, it’s still pretty damn good. Also, some tracks will replay much better than others in this regard and it’s just not an exact science how anyone determines something which can only be subjectively “perceived”. It’s all crapshoot folks. Still, in my mind the Mimosa has an average ability to sharply separate instruments and voices. Which is not a bad thing.

Imaging ​

This brings us to another solid area for the QOA Mimosa, that being imaging. This is one set which has absolutely no issue placing elements within the imaginary stage inside of my head. Especially due to the fact that the Mimosa has very nice depth of stage. This depth helps tremendously to add certain layers to my music. Of course, not every track will replay the same. That shouldn’t go unsaid. However, on average the Mimosa does a good job at distinguishing those front to back layers with rounded notes, and dimensionality. Left to right is spot on as well. Certainly, the Mimosa’s imaging capabilities are a strong “pro” in my mind. One more thing which I should also make of is that in bass heavy tracks or with very congested tracks the Mimosa’s separation and imaging may not be as easy to differentiate. This is probably obvious to many of you, but I have to at least speak on it.

Detail Retrieval​

I would probably call the Mimosa average in detail retrieval at times and above average in other times. I have a hard time saying average though, because so often the Mimosa does an effective job of bringing the subtleties to the surface. In fact, there have been many moments where the Mimosa is flat out impressive at illuminating micro details, and with other tracks it’ll go the other way. It really all depends on the track. I mean, think about it, you have a warmer, smoother style sound, pretty lush, less fine-lined note execution. However, you also have an airy style treble, a tidy treble and upper mids, very clean across the board, nice clarity as a whole. Add all of these areas up and I feel that you get about average detail retrieval when all is said and done. Which is a very good thing to be for a smoother style sound. QOA did a fine job with the Mimosa.

Is it a good purchase at its price? ​

This is a loaded question folks. It could go either way depending on your taste. I’m assuming that anyone who desires an ultra-peppy, clean, sterile, clinical, and analytically inclined sound has already stopped reading. I’m assuming that all we have left is folks who desire the heavier low-end, the musical approach, the richer sound lovers. For those people in the latter, I cannot tell you fast enough that the Mimosa is most certainly a fantastic purchase at $99. Truly a special iem for those who desire a more fun, more bass heavy, and a more musical sound. I have had a great time reviewing this set and trying not to coat this review in praise. While the Mimosa certainly has its issues, the benefits far outweigh any of the slight subjective qualms that I have. However, you have to enjoy this style of tuning (I know, I’m Captain Obvious). You have to desire something a bit more full, fun, and organic.

The Why… ​

Because the Queen of Audio Mimosa is a wonderfully built iem with an even more wonderful design. Light as can be, smooth surrounding, and two of the most unique and cool faceplates that you’ll find under $100. I mean, c’mon folks, pinecone infused wood covered faceplates in the “Woodgrain Brown” colorway. Also, the “Dusky Purple” is gorgeous in any way that you turn it. Just a slick looking iem no matter the style that you choose. Furthermore, the Mimosa is a well accessorized set which includes a very nice cable for an under $100 iem. I think QOA hit a homerun on this one for its design and build while certainly striking a powerful chord with the tuning. The deep and weighted bass is heavy, infectious in its veracity and slam while keeping tight reigns on the note definition. For a large quantity it’s a clean sound down low. Next, the midrange is so milky and dreamy, it’s forward and as musical as you can get for a $99 iem. Lastly the treble is bright, detailed, energetic, and very well extended without causing huge amounts of undue fatigue. Another key feature of the tuning is the soundstage and its 3d style holographic sound field. This leads way to very nice imaging and layering. Really nice sounding unit folks that’s easily worth the cost of ownership.

Ratings (0-10)​

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the QOA Mimosa ratings below, that would be $75-$125 earphones of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $75-$125 is a very large sized scope of iems. So, It should be noteworthy to see a rating above a “9.0”. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.

Aesthetic ​

–Build Quality: 8.7 Nice resin build, very light.

–Look: 9.6 Love the look of this set.

–Fit/Comfort: 9.2 Fit and comfort is very good for me.

–Accessories: 9.0 One of the best under $100.

–Overall: 9.1

Sound Rating ​

–Timbre: 9.4 Organic and clean.

–Bass: 9.3 Punchy, textured, very deep.

–Midrange: 8.9 Natural, nice note density, melodic.

–Treble: 8.9 Nicely detailed, good extension.

–Technicalities: 8.2 Nice per the musical tuning.

–Musicality: 9.6 Musical thru-and-thru.

–Overall: 9.0

Ratings Summary:​

I rated the QOA Mimosa against any and all iems of any driver configuration between the prices of $75 and $125. It was an easy choice and obvious range due to the $99 cost of the Mimosa. I feel it’s not out of the question for those folks looking to purchase a $100 iem to jump up to $125 or down to $75. That said, there are a multitude of iems falling into these parameters. I have about 15 in front of me and each are solid sets. Please remember that I haven’t heard (with my ears) every iem within this price range and so you may not want to put much weight to these ratings. Granted, I’ve heard a lot of them. However, I much rather would be honest with you all that these are very shaky ratings based on what I have in my collection and what I have heard well enough to know like the back of my hand. So, grains of salt. Still, at the end of the day, I don’t feel I am very far off on these ratings either. Feel free to skip past this section.

Explain Yourself!!
I gave the Mimosa a very high score of a “9.0” overall in sound ratings and I would do the same 100 times out of 100. Yes, there are higher rated sets too. However, I feel the Mimosa would be much higher rated had I rated/compared them against warm/bassy iems only. Perhaps that’s what I should’ve done. I say that because going against any and all iems within that range drastically drops stuff like “Technicalities”, “Treble”, and even the “Midrange” scores. Had I rated against only bassy and warm sets the overall sound rating would be closer to a “9.7” or “9.8”, easily. However, there are a couple ratings which may need some explanation. Namely the “Technicalities” rating. How in the world could I give the Mimosa a score of “8.2” when detail retrieval is just above average, separation is average too? Well, the saving grace of the Mimosa’s Tech scores comes from its imaging abilities as well as its wonderful soundstage.

Other than Technicalities, the “Treble” rating could go either way. I gave it a “8.9” but in all reality that could’ve been a bit higher. The only slight issue is the sharpness which occurs every so often. Other than that, the treble is very well done, great control too. At any rate, those two scores are the only somewhat questionable scores, while the rest I feel are pretty cut n’ dry. Honestly, the Mimosa is a fine set folks and deserves such high ratings, in my opinion.

Final thoughts on the QOA Mimosa before I conclude ​

This is the part of the review in which I either personally recommend the set I’m reviewing, or I don’t. However, I’m fairly positive that you all know how I feel by now. Listen folks, the Mimosa is most certainly going to serve anyone who desires that hard, strong, palpable bass yet doesn’t need any of the mudd which usually comes with a bigger bass section. I really feel that the Mimosa is almost a baby Adonis New yet with a slightly more energetic and talented treble region. I feel that for $99 you cannot go wrong here and once again QOA knocked it out of the park. Friends, I give each and every one of you my absolute honesty and I can tell you that without a shadow of a doubt, the QOA Mimosa is a very well-done hybrid iem. The driver configuration is very unique, but also very well implemented. I feel that QOA got the very most out of the dynamic driver and the micro-planar, using each driver to their strengths. In fact, I’d say that the Mimosa is a complete testament to Kinera/QOA’s expertise and knowledge. The bonus is that we reap the benefit. At the end of the day, I feel the Mimosa is great per the type of tuning. No, it won’t be for everyone, and it will be slightly polarizing for others, but if you are down with a warm, bassy set with a forward midrange and some very sprightly treble, look no further, QOA did a helluva job folks. I absolutely recommend the Mimosa.

Conclusion ​

To conclude my full written review of the QOA Mimosa, I first want to thank the awesome people of Kinera and Kinera Thomas for providing the Mimosa for review. It has been an absolute blast getting to know this set and I am more than happy to feature it at Mobileaudiophile.com. Folks, Kinera/QOA have been so very easy to work with. Never have they ever asked me to speak in any certain way of their products and never have they requested to reread any review. I love that they provide their products and live with the results. Of course, most of their products are quite good. At any rate, it has been my pleasure. Thanks again.

I also want to thank you, the reader, for clicking the link to check out my thoughts. As honest as I can be, we hope this review and any other reviews at Mobileaudiophile.com are of some help to you. This is our greatest hope folks. So, thank you, it is because of you that our website is live. Thank you.

Other perspectives ​

Please listen to, watch, or read other thoughts covering the Mimosa. It will certainly be a benefit to you. Don’t simply rely on my words and my thoughts. We (reviewers) are all so very different. The next guy may absolutely love this set, and ya know what… they’re right, and the guy next to him may totally dislike this set and also, they’re right too. This is a hobby where every opinion is always correct. It’s all subjective and personal to the person listening. So please do yourself a favor and check out other perspectives. Please don’t simply read this review and take it for gospel. Get other opinions and you’ll be better off for it. Okay, that’s about all I have. Please take good care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!

Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links:

-KineraAudio.com

–HiFiGo

–Shenzhen Audio

–Aliexpress

QoA Mimosa is an interesting IEM driven by a twin driver arrangement, consisting of a 10mm dynamic driver and a 6mm planar driver. The Mimosa will be vivid in detail with actual turns of the head regarding tone for audiophiles who enjoy bass response along with natural-sounding midrange and airy treble. So, let me now give a close look into its performance in detail

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Disclaimer:​

I received the QoA Mimosa IEM from Kinera for review purposes. All opinions expressed in this review are my own, and Kinera has no influence over my evaluation. This review is unbiased and reflects my honest experience with the product. I am not affiliated with Kinera in any way, and I have not received any compensation beyond the product itself.

Note: I am into warm, analog sound that can produce rich and cozy tones, with enhanced bass and midrange frequencies to smoothly render it full-bodied. This captures the organic warmth of music with depth and intimacy, much like the soft texture of vinyl. Natural-sounding, relaxed, and emotionally engaging, this is perfect for immersive soothing listening. Based on my sound preference, I am writing this review.

If You are willing to buy this product you can visit Kinera. If you are from Bangladesh you can visit GeekMart and make your pre-order.

Gears Used​

• Dac Dongle: ddHifi tc44c, tc44pro e2, Fosi audio Ds1,
• Phone: LG V60.
• Desktop Dac & Amp: Xduoo XD05 Basic with (BB OPA2132p, N5532p, JRC5532DD, OPA07CP) op amps, Kaei tap 2, Zen dac V2, Earman ST-Amp.
• DAP: Tempotec V3, Ibasso DX180.

Box Content​

• QoA Mimosa iems
• 2pin 3.5mm silver-plated oxygen-free copper cable
• 6 pairs, 2 types of ear tips
• Carrying box

Build and Design​

Full of taste in every bit of its sleek, premium design, the QoA Mimosa is directly a pointer to comfort during the crafting of the IEM shells for longer listening sessions. The 2-core 5N oxygen-free copper silver-plated cable is a high point, having durability with a bit of aesthetic appeal. More so, the transparent PVC outer covering, while premium in its looks, actually has another purpose-guarding the cable from oxidation for longevity.

In this regard, the detachable 0.78mm 2-pin interface makes the Mimosa compatible with several upgrade cables for flexibility with users who want to fine-tune their listening experience.

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Cable and Accessories​

Out of the box, the in-house cable with the signing of Mimosa just sounds beautiful. The design with silver-plated oxygen-free copper offers great retrieval of detail, retaining the warm tonality, while its Litz structure minimizes interference and provides clean signal transmission. Being contoured with a detachable 2-pin interface, it gives users ease if they would want an easy upgrade of cables.

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Sound Quality​

QoA Mimosa is a V-shaped like sound signature with tight, punchy bass and impressive sub-bass rumble. Mids are warm, natural, and thick, ensuring vocals shine. Also the vocals are kinda laid back. Treble is airy and extended but can occasionally feel harsh. Its wide soundstage and precise imaging deliver an engaging and immersive listening experience.

Bass​

The real highlight here is the Mimosa’s bass: a 10mm dynamic driver makes the bass tight and punchy, very well-controlled. Most impressively, sub-bass performance is great, providing a good amount of rumble without bleeding into the mids. In short, it’s on tracks with a strong, hard-hitting bassline-the electronic and hip-hop numbers-where the Mimosa really shines, able to stay clear with strong low-end energy.

Mids​

Despite carrying a V-shaped tuning, the mids are not recessed on the Mimosa. Vocals are delivered natural and thick to provide great warmth and closeness to the overall feel. Male vocals are rich and full-bodied in character with plenty of texture while female vocals remain clear and energetic. Sometimes bright-pitched female vocals can be a little harsh. Guitars and pianos are delivered quite accurately and with body. The mids are pleasant for practically every genre.

Treble​

The 6mm planar driver brings well-vented and extended treble response, providing sparkle and detail to the whole sound. Cymbals and high-frequency details are very clear, though somewhat sharp. With higher volumes or poorer recordings, the sound may be a bit sharp. Those who enjoyed bright, airy treble liked the Mimora well, but for sensitive listeners, this area gets quite fatiguing with longer listening sessions.

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Soundstage and Imaging​

The QoA Mimosa is wide and spacious sounding in soundstages, with plenty of needed depth to make the track listenable. One should also credit the separation between instruments since one can literally hear every element on really busy tracks. Be it an orchestral track or a live performance, the Mimosa makes sure every instrument finds its position without sounding cluttered.

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Gaming Performance​

With its great wide soundstage and spot-on imaging, the QoA Mimosa actually is quite a pretty competent gaming companion. The Mimosa does nail things well when it comes to pinpointing enemy footsteps and spatial cues which shall prove advantageous during gameplay in FPS titles such as CS2, Valorant, and Battlefield 2042. Explosions and gunfire do sound powerful here, without overwhelming the rest of the elements.

The Mimosa’s open soundstage is a big plus for open-world games like Once Human and GTA V. It presents environmental sounds, background music, and dialogues with incredible clarity, allowing players to enjoy all the minute details in the elaborately crafted game worlds. But, the slightly harsh treble might start to be perceived after long sessions with high-pitched sounds.

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Conclusion​

The QoA Mimosa is quite a well-rounded IEM, offering an energetic and engaging sound signature. It’s got a pretty all-encompassing genre fit with tight bass, natural mids, and an airy treble. Yes, to some ears it may sound a bit harsh in the upper treble, but otherwise, it’s very commendable considering the configuration and tuning. Add in the fact that it has great build quality and is cable-upgradeable, and it’s absolutely a great choice for an audiophile who wants both style and substance in an in-ear monitor.


Happy Listening

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You Can Read Other Reviews here.

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Queen of Audio or QoA Mimosa review.
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The QoA Mimosa (98 USD) is a fun-sounding IEM that seamlessly combines the powerful sounding bass of a 10mm dynamic driver with the finesse and speed in the treble of a 6mm microplanar driver, and the resulting sound is one of the best that I've heard in the 100 dollar price range.

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The QoA Mimosa was sent to me by Kinera/Queen of Audio for free in exchange for my honest review. It is a hybrid IEM with a 10mm dynamic driver to handle the bass, midrange, and treble and a 6mm microplanar driver to handle the upper treble for each side. Thank you, Kinera/Queen of Audio.
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From what I understood, Queen of Audio, or QoA, is a daughter brand of KINERA and a sister company to Celest. They are known to produce very good-looking and excellent-sounding IEMs, and that includes the Mimosa.
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The packaging is simple and looks elegant, but I had difficulty opening it due to the design. It includes a very nice leather carrying case that could store the IEM with the cable and a medium-sized dongle DC amp such as the Kinera Celest CD-20 comfortably. It includes 2 sets of eartips with 3 pairs of each, which I find to be very good looking and sounding; definitely check out the photos, and the excellent 2-core cable with 2.3 mm thick per core, which I find to be excellently balanced between being too thick and too thin. It's not too heavy or light; its weight is just right. The QoA Mimosa is one of those sets that you don't need to change the accessories because they are already excellent. In terms of the quality of the accessories included, I would rate this 10 out of 10.
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The IEMs themselves are small to medium in size, light in weight, good-looking resin shell material, and are very comfortable to wear. I experienced zero fatigue in my ears when I wore them for more than an hour.
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Burn-in:
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I did a total of about 50 hours of burn-in at medium volume, but I checked from time to time and think that 40 hours of burn-in should be enough for the Mimosa. I noticed a slightly longer decay of the instruments, smoother treble, and more articulate bass after the 40-hour burn-in. For potential QoA Mimosa users, you don't have to do burn-in, as it should burn in naturally with casual use over time, but due to the limit of my time for this review, I had to go through the burn-in process as fast as possible.
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Pairings:
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The QoA Mimosa is quite sensitive to the quality of the source you feed it, so be careful in choosing the source. Fortunately, it does not punish less stellar-sounding sources, but you will certainly be rewarded when you use great-sounding ones. It tends to favor warmer sounding sources; I liked it when I used it with my Fiio M15s DAP and Letshuoer DT-03, BQEYZ LIN, and QKZ TC MAX Pro dongle DAC more than when I used it with iBasso DC Elite, topping G5, Shanling M3x, and other neutral to brighter sounding sources. I used the stock cable, which has excellent quality, and the stock eartips. I use the black eartips if I like it to sound brighter and the white eartips if I want it to sound slightly darker.
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Power handling and sensitivity:
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No issues here as it can take a lot of power and go very loud without distorting. The sensetivity is average, which is a good thing in my opinion.
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Sound signature:
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It is V-shaped in sound signature, the bass is clearly boosted, punchy, and authoritative, and the treble is elevated to balance the sound. It has an energetic, fun, and musical sound presentation.
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Technicalities:
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The soundstage is spacious, the instruments are spaced out and presented with good three-dimensionality; it feels like you are in a big club. The imaging has good holography, as I can hear the vocals and other instruments float in the air in the middle of the soundstage. And because of those factors, the instrument separation and detail retrieval are also good. Overall above average in this area in its price range.
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Bass:
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Punchy and weighty. It is clean and tight for a bass that has a boost of this magnitude (please see the graph). I take it as an indication of a good quality driver being used here. The bass always has presence in songs but never drowns out the music; it sounds so separated from the midrange and vocals that it doesn't color their sound with artificial warmth.
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Midrange:
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The midrange is slightly laid back and relaxed in its presentation, but clean and clear sounding nonetheless. The pinna gain in the upper midrange is moderate and does not cause hearing fatigue on long listening sessions. I hear no colorations and peculiarities in the midrange; it sounds very natural.
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Treble:
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The treble is gently elevated to balance out the boost in the bass. I can hear a slight boost around 9 KHz, making the treble sound slightly forward and energetic. There is a good amount of details, micro details, and air coming from its microplanar driver.
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Compared to Simgot EA500 (79 USD):
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The EA500 was a very popular IEM when it was released a couple of years ago. For me, there is no contest; the Mimosa wins hands down, and the EA500 is only here to be used as a reference due to its popularity.
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The first difference I noticed was the soundstage. The Mimosa is more spacious and three-dimensional; the EA500 has a flat soundstage, like a wall in front of you. The second thing was the bass; the Mimosa has deeper bass, and then the treble; the Mimosa has more details and separation. They are about the same in energy.
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Compared to Aful Explorer (99 USD):
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The Explorer is a recently released IEM with a driver complement of 1 dynamic driver and 2 balance armature drivers and is more neutral in tuning compared to the Mimosa. The Mimosa has more subbass and seems to have more extended treble; it is slightly more laid back in the upper midrange. The Mimosa is more energetic in its presentation, but the Explorer is not far behind.
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Compared to Moondrop May (79 USD):
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The Moondrop May has a similar driver complement with the Mimosa; the difference is that the May has its microplanar mounted in front of the dynamic driver, while the Mimosa has its microplanar driver at the side of its dynamic driver. Using an analog cable instead of the DSP cable that it came with, the May is much warmer sounding than the Mimosa. They have about the same soundstage size, but the Mimosa has a more detailed sound.
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Compared to BQEYZ Frost (179 USD):
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The BQEYZ Frost has a similar driver complement with the Mimosa, but it is at a higher price bracket, presumably due to its use of metal and glass shell. Soundwise, I find the Frost to sound more neutral with lesser bass quantity. The overall sound of the Frost is smoother than the Mimosa, but the Mimosa is more energetic and fun. Both have good soundstage and imaging. Both have great value for money in their own price range, in my opinion.
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Pros:
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Good-looking design
A complete package where I didn't feel the need to change anything because the cables and the eartips included were already excellent in quality.
It is available in 3.5mm and 4.4mm cable options.
Excellent bass
Smooth and uncolored midrange
Clean, detailed, and airy highs
very good separation and imaging
Big soundstage
Very good value for money.
V-shape sound signature
Energetic sound presentation

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Cons:
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A slight elevation in the upper treble on some songs, but a warm-sounding source can fix this.
Aside from the minor cons mentioned above and considering the price, I couldn't find anything else to fault the QoA Mimosa with.
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Conclusions:
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What an excellent-sounding IEM. It is a complete package; the included accessories are so good that I did not feel inclined to change anything. I had a hard time finding anything wrong with the QoA Mimosa. I highly recommend it.
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Happy Listening! Cheers!
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Non-affiliated purchase link:
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https://kineraaudio.com/collections/qoa/products/qoa-mimosa
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https://www.facebook.com/queenofaudio