KINERA VERDANDI

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




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

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




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

Thanks to Kinera & "Gadget Generations" on YouTube for loaning me the IEM. All thoughts and opinions are mine.

Kinera Verdandi Review​

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

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First Impression​

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

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Tuning Philosophy​

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

Bass​

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

Midrange​

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

Treble​

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

Technicalities​

Soundstage​

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

Imaging​

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

Resolution​

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

Conclusion​

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

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Cable Rolling​

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

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