Hello everyone!
Weâre excited to share a new review of the Kinera Verdandi from 3E Studio. Theyâve taken a deep dive into the features, design, and sound quality of this IEM. Whether youâre curious about Verdandi or already a fan, this review is a must-read.
3E Studio, Kinera Verdandi
Every time Kinera launches a new product, itâs like diving into a chapter of Norse mythology. Verdandi, the newest addition, is inspired by the second of the three Norn sisters, who governs the "present" and is known as the "Goddess of the Present." With Kinera already having models named after Norn, Urd, and Skuld, itâs likely that Verdandi will complete this mythological series.
Therefore, Verdandi comes with a completely new driver configuration, featuring 1 dynamic driver, 2 balanced armatures, 2 electrostatic drivers, and 1 bone conduction driver- bringing together all the best audio technologies in one design. Despite its complex setup, Kineraâs design team has crafted Verdandi to ensure a stable and comfortable fit. Whatâs more, Verdandi introduces two fresh color options, "Halo"(blue) and "Cosmos" (black), a first in this series, all while maintaining the beautiful hand-painted craftsmanship that Kinera is known for. If youâre torn between these stunning color choices, we invite you to explore the following insights to help make your decision a little easier.
Unpacking & IEM introduction
I received the Verdandi in the "Cosmos" colorway, featuring a dark tone accented with gold details. Upon opening the iconic hexagonal packaging, I was greeted with a thoughtful introduction to the product, accompanied by a photograph of the Kinera owner's wife, adding a personal touch. As I explored further, I found a finely crafted leather carrying case and a high-quality copper silver-plated cable with interchangeable plugs, provided in collaboration with Flash Acoustics. The ear tip selection is on par with the flagship Loki, including Final Type E, memory foam, K-07 balanced tips, and AZLA Crystal LSR silicone tips. This comprehensive setup ensures that audiophiles have everything they need from the start, ready for a pleasant listening experience.
I also compared the "Cosmos" version with the "Halo" colorway shared online and noticed some differences in both the earphoneâs appearance and the cable color. The "Cosmos" version comes with a pure silver-white cable, which offers a slightly understated aesthetic. The only shared element between the two versions is the light blue splitter. Verdandi comes standard with interchangeable 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, designed with specific grooves to ensure easy and secure connections when swapping between them.
Flagship-Level Driver Configuration
It's no wonder that audiophiles refer to Verdandi as Loki's little brother, given that both models feature a combination of dynamic, balanced armature, electrostatic, and bone conduction drivers. The 6mm liquid diaphragm handles the low frequencies, working in tandem with the contact-type bone conduction driver to further optimize the bass. This results in a rich, deep sound with swift, responsive bass and a satisfying rebound.
While the dynamic and bone conduction drivers are dedicated solely to the low frequencies, the balanced armature and electrostatic drivers have more complex roles to play. Two Knowles balanced armature drivers seamlessly handle the mid and high frequencies, thanks to Kineraâs years of research and experimentation with crossover circuits. This expertise has given Verdandi a natural, transparent, and highly detailed sound signature. Additionally, the dual Sonion electrostatic drivers extend the high and ultra-high frequencies even further, providing rapid response and lending the sound a glass-like purity and clarity.
Kinera has infused Verdandi with a unique tuning philosophy-balanced sound, excellent adaptability, and a clear sense of spatial distance. This precise and intentional sound signature makes it easy to appreciate the overall performance of the IEMs without much need for further contemplation. From the first listen, I immediately noticed a subtle sense of distance, akin to sitting in a VIP seat right below the stage. When listening to pure music, live recordings, or high-fidelity audio that prioritizes realism, Verdandi has the power to make you lose track of time, so immersive is the experience.
Combining aesthetics, philosophy, and listening experience
Personal Listening Impressions
In terms of both technical specifications and hands-on experience, Verdandi doesnât demand much power from the source, making it easy to drive even with a simple dongle connected to your phone. However, if you choose to pair it with a dedicated player, Iâd recommend one with minimal coloration and a focus on accurate sound reproduction.
One particular piece that stands out is an instrumental composition created by the renowned composer Mr. Zhang Jiacheng in 2019, known for his work with TVB. This piece, rich in rhythm and emotion, requires audio equipment that can handle dynamic detail and soundstage with precision. Verdandi excels in these areas. From the moment the pianoâs crisp, elegant notes begin, Verdandi captures the instrumentâs transparency and clarity beautifully. As the strings join in and the piece swells with emotion, Verdandi maintains a clear, layered sound, faithfully reproducing every detail and allowing the listener to fully immerse in the musicâs intended sentiment. I found Verdandi to be a perfect match for this composition. If youâre curious, I suggest looking up related reviews and trying Verdandi with this track at a store - you might be pleasantly surprised.
A Standout Track for Testing Audio Equipment
Thereâs no doubt that âKeith Donât Goâ from this album is a go-to choice for testing audio equipment. The simple strumming and vocal delivery in the first half already reveal Verdandiâs clear midrange imaging, excellent high-frequency extension, and impressive harmonic detail. As the track progresses, and Nils Lofgren closes his mouth and grips his acoustic guitar for a truly explosive performance, Verdandiâs outstanding dynamic capabilities add an extra layer of punch and excitement to the experience.
Earlier, I mentioned âhigh-fidelity recordings that seek realism,â and this album is a prime example. The strong sense of layering and rich vocals is rendered even more soul-stirring when heard through Verdandiâs clean and precise sound signature. Special mention must be made of Verdandiâs exceptional soundstage and imaging, particularly evident in the track âBirds.â In the first half, the male vocals are centered, while the female vocals in the latter half surround from both sides. Verdandi captures this detail with remarkable accuracy, deserving high praise for its performance.
Kessoku Band LIVE - Kosei â
I donât often choose ACG (Anime, Comics, Games) related music, mainly because itâs hard to find good recordings. However, I made an exception for the live album Kessoku Band LIVE - Kosei - at Zepp Haneda, based on the popular IP Bocchi the Rock! for two reasons. First, Verdandiâs ability to reproduce a near-live stage effect is genuinely impressive. Second, one of the lead vocalists for this live album, Ikumi Hasegawa, also appeared on The First Take project, which is a personal favorite of mine. In fact, the track âăŠăă˝ăłă°ăćăăŞăâ ("Canât Sing a Love Song") stands out as one of the most stable performances on the album, closely matching studio album quality. Setting aside personal biases, I recommend listening to this song several times with Verdandi to fully appreciate the collaboration between the lead vocalist and the band.
Itâs also worth mentioning that this song is a great track for testing how different ear tips affect Verdandiâs sound signature. In my experience, the most noticeable differences came with the Final Type E and AZLA tips. When you listen carefully to the powerful and rapid bass drum in the intro, followed by the bass guitar, youâll notice that the Final Type E tips make the low frequencies more solid and impactful. On the other hand, the AZLA tips reduce the bass quantity, allowing for better high and low-frequency extension, resulting in a more balanced sound overall.
Conclusion
Verdandi, with its flagship-level technology inherited from the Loki model, is not picky about the source or music genre. While it may not quite reach the exceptional technical performance of its flagship sibling, its ability to masterfully present the excitement of live recordings speaks to its excellent balance and versatility. The lively, dynamic musicality it offers is another aspect that many will find appealing. With two exquisite color options to choose from, Verdandi combines aesthetic beauty with impressive sound quality, all without the hefty price tag of higher-end models. Whether youâre a Kinera fan or not, itâs hard to resist the allure of this well-rounded package.
If youâre someone who has a collection of live music on streaming platforms like Apple Music, I believe Verdandi is a strong contender within its price range, delivering a performance thatâs hard to ignore. The popularity it has garnered since its release is a testament to its capabilities.
You can find us at booth A6, where weâre showcasing our latest and greatest IEMs. Itâs been an amazing event so far, and weâre happy to share some photos from the show with you all.
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