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INTRODUCTION
Reviewing is often a double edged sword. It can be exciting trying something new, and the advantage of being sent a sample is that if you don't like it – it really doesn't matter. I guess my single mission statement (which is quite often hard to stick to) is “be completely honest”. That can be hard when you're first starting out reviewing, trying to break through with manufacturers, and worried that if you're negative, they may cut you off further samples. The problem of course is that if you're overly positive, real buyers will soon find out the truth, and your reputation as a reviewer is over anyway. So for those newer reviewers my advice is – don't hold anything back. You can be critical without being nasty. And manufacturers need to know the bad as well as the good. Its the only way they can become great.
So why am I going through this big spiel? Its simple really – Penon Audio approached me recently to ask if I'd be interested in reviewing some of the brands they are selling. I said sure – why not – it would give me access to a couple of products I'd read about, but hadn't had the opportunity of reviewing. And I like dealing with Penon – they are a really good store with really good service. I've purchased a few items off them, and they're always a pleasure to deal with.
They asked me which IEM(s) I'd like to start with, and so I suggested the Kinera H3. It has a pretty good following on head-Fi, with a lot of very positive reviews. I was simply keen to try it out.
Well it arrived a couple of weeks ago, and let me just say the experience I've had with the H3 doesn't quite match the hype that surrounded this ear-phone. So lets get an alternative view, and hopefully this is accepted in the manner its intended – to simply give a manufacturer some feedback on what is good and what isn't (in my humble opinion of course).
ABOUT KINERA
From what I can find on the net, Kinera is the primary brand of DongguanYu Tai Electronics. The company was formed in 2010 and their research center has just over a dozen employees. In 2012 they started research into personal audio, and the Kinera brand slowly started to form a product range.
In their own words:
Yu Tai has a pragmatic, innovative professional R & D team. They are the production strength and are committed to bring to the world the most beautiful sound quality, the most enjoyable listening experience, by virtue of "quality, integrity, innovation and win-win" business philosophy and high-tech R & D team.
They can be found at Facebook here
ABOUT PENON AUDIO
Penon Audio's on-line store was established in 2013, and their main goal is to sell the best selection of audio products at the most affordable prices for both audiophiles and business users. They combine an extensive range of products with very good service – and can be found on-line HERE
DISCLAIMER
The Kinera H3 that I’m reviewing today was provided to me gratis as a review sample by Pennon Audio. I have made it clear to Penon that I still regard any product they send me as their sole property and available for return any time at their request. But I thank them for the ability to continue use of the Kinera H3 for follow up comparisons. I do not make any financial gain from this review – it is has been written simply as my way of providing feedback both to the Head-Fi community and also Penon and Kinera.
I have now had the Kinera H3 almost 2 weeks. The retail price at time of review is USD 99.
PREAMBLE - 'ABOUT ME'. (or a base-line for interpreting my thoughts and bias)
I'm a 50 year old music lover. I don't say audiophile – I just love my music. Over the last few years, I have slowly changed from cheaper listening set-ups to my current set-up. I vary my listening from portables (mostly now from the FiiO X5iii, X7ii and iPhone SE) to my desk-top's set-up (PC > USB > iFi iDSD). My main full sized headphones at the time of writing are the Sennheiser HD800S, Sennheiser HD600 & HD630VB, MS Pro and AKG K553. Most of my portable listening is done with IEMs, and lately it has mainly been with the Jays q-Jays, Alclair Curve2, and LZ Big Dipper. A full list of the gear I have owned (past and present – although needs updating) is listed in my Head-Fi profile.
I have very eclectic music tastes listening to a variety from classical/opera and jazz, to grunge and general rock. I listen to a lot of blues, jazz, folk music, classic rock, indie and alternative rock. I am particularly fond of female vocals. I generally tend toward cans that are relatively neutral/balanced, but I do have a fondness for clarity, and suspect I might have slight ‘treble-head’ preferences. I am not treble sensitive (at all), and in the past have really enjoyed headphones like the K701, SR325i, and of course the T1 and DT880. I have a specific sensitivity to the 2-3 kHz frequency area (most humans do) but my sensitivity is particularly strong, and I tend to like a relatively flat mid-range with slight elevation in the upper-mids around this area.
I have extensively tested myself (ABX) and I find aac256 or higher to be completely transparent. I do use exclusively red-book 16/44.1 if space is not an issue. All of my music is legally purchased (mostly CD – the rest FLAC purchased on-line). I tend to be sceptical about audiophile ‘claims’, don’t generally believe in burn-in, have never heard a difference with different cables (unless impedance related etc), and would rather test myself blind on perceived differences. I am not a ‘golden eared listener’. I suffer from mild tinnitus, and at 50, my hearing is less than perfect (it only extends to around 14 kHz nowadays). My usual listening level is around 65-75 dB.
I have very eclectic music tastes listening to a variety from classical/opera and jazz, to grunge and general rock. I listen to a lot of blues, jazz, folk music, classic rock, indie and alternative rock. I am particularly fond of female vocals. I generally tend toward cans that are relatively neutral/balanced, but I do have a fondness for clarity, and suspect I might have slight ‘treble-head’ preferences. I am not treble sensitive (at all), and in the past have really enjoyed headphones like the K701, SR325i, and of course the T1 and DT880. I have a specific sensitivity to the 2-3 kHz frequency area (most humans do) but my sensitivity is particularly strong, and I tend to like a relatively flat mid-range with slight elevation in the upper-mids around this area.
I have extensively tested myself (ABX) and I find aac256 or higher to be completely transparent. I do use exclusively red-book 16/44.1 if space is not an issue. All of my music is legally purchased (mostly CD – the rest FLAC purchased on-line). I tend to be sceptical about audiophile ‘claims’, don’t generally believe in burn-in, have never heard a difference with different cables (unless impedance related etc), and would rather test myself blind on perceived differences. I am not a ‘golden eared listener’. I suffer from mild tinnitus, and at 50, my hearing is less than perfect (it only extends to around 14 kHz nowadays). My usual listening level is around 65-75 dB.
For the purposes of this review - I used the Kinera H3 straight from the headphone-out socket of most of my portables. I did not generally further amp them (I did test them with my E17K, Q1ii and IMS HVA), as IMO they do not benefit greatly from additional amplification (YMMV and it may depend on your source). In the time I have spent with the Kinera H3, I have noticed no change to the overall sonic presentation (break-in). Time spent now with the Kinera H3 is around 20-30 hours.
This is a purely subjective review - my gear, my ears, and my experience. Please take it all with a grain of salt - especially if it does not match your own experience.
THE REVIEW
PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES
The Kinera H3 arrived in a rectangular retail box with a fold out front opening lid. The box measures approx 180 x 120 x 50mm, is matt black , and has a simple “Kinera H3” embossed on the lid.
Opening the lid reveals a carry case, and a couple of adaptors. Inside the carry case is the Kinera H3, replaceable cable, and the tip selection. Underneath the top tray is a further cut-out, and this houses a business card and the manual. One thing to note about the manual – it includes a frequency response graph, and it is quite different to mine (and a few other people I know who have good reliable rigs). Kinera did release an updated graph which is somewhat closer to my measurements.
Outer box | Inner box | Full package contents |
- 3 pairs of silicone tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of silicone tips (S/M/L) – similar Sony hybrids
- 3.5 to 6.3mm adaptor
- Airline adaptor
- Soft shell storage case (large)
- Cable tie
- Warranty and manual.
- 1 x 3.5 mm single ended two pin earphone cable
- Kinera H3 IEMs
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
(From the Kinera documentation)
Model | Kinera H3 |
Approx price | $99 USD (Penon Audio) |
Type | Triple hybrid IEM |
Driver set-up | Single dynamic with dual BA |
Freq Range | 20Hz – 20 kHz |
Impedance | 48Ω |
Sensitivity | 101 dB (at 1 kHz) |
Cable | 1.25, replaceable 2 pin (0.78) |
Jack | 3.5mm gold plated straight |
Weight | 23g with default cable and tips |
Casing material | Acrylic |
FREQUENCY GRAPH
The graph below is generated using the Vibro Veritas coupler and ARTA software. Ken Ball (ALO/Campfire) graciously provided me with measurement data which I have used to recalibrate my Veritas so that it mimics an IEC 711 measurement standard (Ken uses two separate BK ear simulators, we measured the same set of IEMs, and I built my calibration curve from shared data). I do not claim that this data is 100% accurate, but it is very consistent, and is as close as I can get to the IEC 711 standard on my budget.
I do not claim that the measurements are in any way more accurate than anyone else's, but they have been proven to be consistent and I think they should be enough to give a reasonable idea of response - especially if you've followed any of my other reviews. When measuring I always use crystal foam tips (so medium bore opening) - and the reason I use them is for very consistent seal and placement depth in the coupler. I use the same amp (E11K) for all my measurements - and output is under 1 ohm.
Any graphs are provided merely as a point of discussion, and later in the review I've included comparisons to other IEMs for similar reference.
My sonic impressions of the Kinera H3 – written well before I measured:
- Bass is nicely presented with a little more sub than mid-bass emphasis. It seems well extended and is elevated compared to the mid-range. Rumble is clearly audible.
- Lower mid-range is kind of weird. It sounds both a little recessed and can be somewhat distant with male vocals (and can be a little thin and nasal as well with some recordings). Female vocals are quite forward though and can be strident depending on the singer and the recording.
- Upper mid-range seems to be emphasised. Female vocals have a sense of euphony, but again with some artists (London Grammar, Agnes Obel) there is almost a sense of brittleness – almost like the usual peak in the vocal fundamental is too early and there is a gap in the presence area.
- Lower treble extension is good – but it is hot (very hot). Cymbals are quite splashy and there is a lot of sibilance.
- Overall I can see what they've tried to do with the tuning, and it is very, very clear. Its just been overdone though, and the attempt to bring added clarity in the mid-range has caused some coherency issues.
- Channel matching is excellent
BUILD
The first time I saw photos of the Kinera H3, I thought they were gorgeous, and having a very ergonomic acrylic build at this price point was a real surprise. The Kinera H3 has a traditional custom monitor shape (classic peanut shape) and is entirely made of acrylic. I'm sure there must be a join somewhere, but for the life of me I can't find one. The body measures approx 22mm across and 16mm in height, with a depth of approx 12-14mm. The internal face is extremely smooth and well polished, and contoured to the shape of your ears. The acrylic in the main body is also translucent, and I can clearly see the DD and dual BA drivers.
External face plate | Internal face | Well contoured smooth surfaces |
From the front | From the rear (note vents) | 0.78mm 2 pin connectors |
Preformed earloops | Y-split and cinch | 3.5mm jack |
Overall the build quality is quite impressive for this price point with the only real issue being the lipless nozzle, and some minor driver flax when first inserting them in your ear (the flex is really minimal).
FIT / COMFORT / ISOLATION
I'll start with the easy one (isolation), and we can then look at fit and comfort. Isolation is dependent on tip selection, and if you get a good seal, it is actually pretty good (above average for a vented dynamic IMO), but will not ultimately reach the high isolation of sealed BA IEMs. It would still be reasonably good for a busy street, or some forms of public transport – although wouldn't be my personal choice for long haul flights.
As I said mentioned earlier, the Kinera H3 has a very ergonomic body shape, with a good length of slightly angled nozzle, and for me personally they are extremely easy to fit. They are designed for over-ear use. Anyone used to ergonomic over-ear designs should have no issues. They are extremely comfortable for everyday use.
Lipless nozzle = tip limitations | My stretched Olives | Fit and comfort is sublime |
The Kinera H3 sits nicely flush with my outer ear, and are comfortable to lie down with. I've slept with them a couple of times, and have no discomfort on waking. So how do they sound?
SOUND QUALITY
The following is what I hear from the Kinera H3. YMMV – and probably will – as my tastes are likely different to yours (read the preamble I gave earlier for a baseline). Most of the testing at this point (unless otherwise stated) was done with my FiiO X7ii (single ended), no EQ, and stretched Shure Olives. I used the X7ii simply because it gives me a very transparent window to the music with low impedance, and more than enough power. There was no DSP engaged.
For the record – on most tracks, the volume level on the X7ii (AM3A amplifier module) was around 45/120 (on low gain) which was giving me an average SPL around 65-75 dB. Tracks used were across a variety of genres – and can be viewed in this list http://www.head-fi.org/a/brookos-test-tracks.
Relativities
- Sub-bass – has really good extension and even at my lower listening levels is clearly audible. I would call it slightly boosted above what I would term normal or in balance. There is some really good rumble to give presence but it stops just short of overshadowing vocals. I'm detecting no bleed into lower mid-range (masking of frequencies).
- Mid-bass – sloping downward compared to sub-bass and elevated compared to lower mid-range. Has reasonable impact.
- Lower mid-range – quite recessed compared to bass and mid-range, and can sound thin and unnatural, especially with male vocals. Has a funny little dip immediately before a sharp rise just before 1 kHz and EQing this out really helps with coherency.
- Upper mid-range – elevated compared to lower mid-range, and there is a sharp rise and hump from 1-2 kHz followed by a recession at 3 kHz. The result is a very forward vocal range which unfortunately can sound quite strident and brittle. Its simply peaked far too early, and coupled with the drop just before 1 kHz can be very unnatural depending on the music you're listening to. Unfortunately this is not an upper mid-range tuning which resonates with me.
- Lower treble is fine at around 5 kHz then builds rapidly to a wide peak in the 6-8 kHz area 20 dB above the low point of the vocals, and just under 10 dB above the already high sub-bass. In short, there is simply too much of it. It's sharp, etched, and gives unnatural glare to cymbals, and also ruins any natural decay in this area.
Resolution / Detail / Clarity
- Clarity is good, as is resolution, but its just too much in your face. With warmer tracks its not too bad, but as soon as you get something with a lot of upper frequency energy it really triggers my “wince-meter”.
- Cymbal hits are overemphasised turning a “tish” into a “tizzz”, and decay is a blob rather than a trailing shimmer.
- Directional queues are very good – quite precise, and presentation of stage with the binaural track “Tundra” is definitely just beyond the of my head space (is this the recess in the lower mid-range?) – so pretty good sense of width and depth.
- Loreena McKennitt's “Dante's Prayer” was next and unfortunately both the cello and piano were tonally incorrect (didn't have the depth or timbre I know is in the track). McKennitt also had slight signs of sibilance, and I've never noticed this with any other IEM. Imaging was pretty good overall though. The main reason I use this track is for the applause at the end – it can be quite 3 dimensional and flow around you with the right earphone. The Kinera H3 struggled because of the tonality. No sense of realism.
- Amanda Marshall's “Let it Rain” was my next track and I couldn't finish it. There was massive amounts of sibilance with Amanda's vocal – its the way it is recorded – so not unexpected. What was unfortunate was that the sibilance was definitely enhanced.
- Overall bass presentation
- Reasonable sense of stage and imaging
- Detailed at low listening levels
- Mid-range is recessed and thin with some vocals (male), strident and brittle with others (mainly female) and does not sound natural
- Lower treble is far too etched and unpleasant to listen to with anything involving cymbals
- Sibilance can be a real issue
I had to continually rest and reset my ears when I was doing this review. The problem was that it was easy for my brain to put its normal filter over the sound and try to compensate for the brightness (brain burn-in). By going back to a reference regularly (HD600) I could keep my impressions on track.
AMPLIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Despite the 48 ohm impedance and 101 dB SPL sensitivity, the H3 is actually really easy to drive and most portable sources will have no issues. I tried it with the X7ii, X3iii, and my iPhone and there were no issues. With my iPhone SE around 30-35% volume is more than enough with most tracks. I also tried the H3 with the FiiO A5, Q1ii and IMS HVA. They didn't seem to add anything – although the HVA's natural warmth did soften the H3's peakiness just a little.
Easy to drive from most sources | Additional amping not really necessary | IMO parametric EQ is essential |
RESPONSE TO EQ?
Thank goodness for this section! The basic EQ on the X7ii wasn't going to be enough and I'm not as proficient with EQ on Neutron as I am with the parametric equaliser on the Equaliser app on my iPhone. I still don't have this right, but basically I applied the following parametric settings, and its amazing how much the H3 improved:
400 Hz > Q=0.5 > +1.0 dB
800 Hz > Q=2.0 > +3.0 dB
1.5 kHz > Q=0.5 > -2.0 dB
3.0 kHz > Q=1.0 > +3.0 dB
7.0 kHz > Q=1.0 > -6.0 dB
Even going back to Amanda Marshall's “Let it Rain” was a vast improvement (still minor sibilance, but no more than usual). It would be fair to say that if this was the default signature, the H3 would be getting genuine high marks – especially at its price point.
COMPARISON WITH OTHER IEMS
I was left with an impossible task in this section, and no easy solution. Do you compare the H3 un-EQ'd with other IEM's in a similar price range, and because of its default tonality and sonic flaws, give unfavourable comparisons? Or do you apply the EQ and show people it's potential?
To be fair to the readers of this review and also Kinera and Penon, I had to do both. So I've taken the cream of some $50-$150 IEMs I have available now, and compared both EQ'd and un-EQ'd. The graph shows the un-EQ'd H3 though.
For this test I used my iPhone SE and the Equaliser app – which I could turn on and off to make easy and quick comparisons. So I could volume match a lot easier, I used the FiiO E17K rather than the iPhones stepped volume control. For volume matching, I used test tones and an SPL meter.
For the comparison I used the $59 FiiO F5, $79 Meze 12 Classic, $99 Oriveti Basic, $100 FiiO F9, and $150 Simgot EN700 Pro
Kinera H3 (~USD 100) vs FiiO F5 (~USD 59)
Kinera H3 vs FiiO F5 | Frequency comparisons |
Without EQ, the Kinera H3 has deeper bass and a lot more treble energy. There is also something funky about the mid-range causing some tracks to be quite strident and brittle. The F5 is a lot more balanced, a lot smoother, and more natural, but does have an overly strong upper mid-range peak around 2.5 kHz which if corrected makes it overall a far better IEM. On pure default OOTB performance – the choice is easy – the FiiO F5 is much better overall value sonically.
If I use my WIP EQ though the Kinera H3 surpasses the F5 and if this adjusted tonality would be default, my recommendation would change.
Kinera H3 (~USD 100) vs Meze 12 Classic (~USD 79)
Kinera H3 vs Meze 12 Classic | Frequency comparisons |
Without EQ, the Kinera H3 has much stronger bass and a lot more treble energy. Mid-range strength is similar, but tonally the Meze 12 Classic is a lot more balanced and realistic sounding. If anything the Meze probably needs a little more bass, but apart form that, it really is a fantastically voiced IEM. OOTB there is no question, the default tonality of the Meze 12 Classic is much better.
Again if I use my WIP EQ though the Kinera H3 at least equals the Meze 12 Classic and with the superior fit and overall build, would surpass it.
Kinera H3 (~USD 100) vs Oriveti Basic (~USD 99)
Kinera H3 vs Oriveti Basic | Frequency comparisons |
Without EQ, both have similar bass strength but the Basic appears much warmer because of a lower mid-range emphasis, and much lower treble energy. One is warm smooth and overly bassy (the Oriveti Basic). The other is V shaped, but also overly bright, and uneven in the mid-range with a tendency toward brittleness and stridency. TBH without EQ I wouldn't buy either (personal preference).
If I EQ both (my WIP EQ for the Kinera H3 and a simple bass cut on the Oriveti Basic) both are transformed into something I'd pay money for. As far as my preference goes EQ'd, I'd probably take the Basic though – the EQ is far simpler and the end result is a far more balanced IEM.
Kinera H3 (~USD 100) vs FiiO F9 (~USD 99)
Kinera H3 vs FiiO F9 | Frequency comparisons |
Without EQ, the F9 is a lot leaner in the sub-bass but the first thing that strikes me is how much more natural the FiiO sounds. Its not subtle either. Despite the H3's extra sub-bass, the F9 actually sounds warmer a lot of the time, and that’s simply because of the etched upper end of the N3. The FiiO can have a few issues at times as well with a quite narrow peak between 7-8 kHz, but it only really gets annoying with some tracks, where the H3's default signature annoys me the majority of the time with its hazy upper end energy.
If I EQ both (my WIP EQ for the Kinera H3 and a simple 8 kHz cut on the F9) the H3 is transformed and the FiiO is simply improved (it was already very, very good). Again for my preference (after EQing both), I'd stay with the F9 – again the EQ is far simpler and the end result is a far more balanced IEM.
Kinera H3 (~USD 100) vs Simgot EN700 Pro (~USD 150)
Kinera H3 vs Simgot EN700 Pro | Frequency comparisons |
Without EQ, both have similar bass quantity – the EN700 Pros is less on the graph, but sounds the same because it has a better balanced mid-range and lower treble. The EN700 Pro's mid-range sounds a lot more natural and coherent (slow rise to 3 kHz), and does sound very good OOTB but it is a vibrant and coloured sound (albeit one I quite like). The H3 in comparison is definitely also vivid, but its like it has a haze across everything.
If I EQ with my WIP EQ for the Kinera H3, the haze disappears, and it becomes a really enjoyable and dynamic IEM. Again though when put up against an IEM which is excellent OOTB already there is really no choice (for me anyway). The EN700 Pro is going to sound great with any source, and if you're like me and have 2-3 sources you use, then the EQing of a $100 IEM (Kinera H3) is just going to be a hassle.
VALUE
Boy this is tough. If you look at the potential, and you don't mind tinkering with EQ, for $100 you can get an extremely good sounding, looking and fitting IEM in the Kinera H3. But its a labour of love, and without EQ for me the overall SQ becomes grating and quite quickly objectionable. Given that I know how many people avoid EQ, and especially if its even mildly complex, then OOTB the potential value of the Kinera H3 unfortunately diminishes quite quickly.
KINERA H3 – SUMMARY
I actually dislike these sort of reviews, but sometimes you have to grit your teeth and get through it. The temptation is always there to gloss over the faults (something I try to avoid), and with the Kinera H3 if they aren't highlighted now, they (Kinera) won't fulfil their potential.
I do want to take the time to say sorry to Amy from Penon. They gave me a choice of monitors to review, and I specifically asked for the Kinera H3 because of the glowing praise they had received from a number of reviewers. If I'd known the reality, I would have chosen something else.
On the plus side, the Kinera H3 has fantastic build quality, an extremely well designed ergonomic shell, and a really nice cable, You simply don't find this sort of quality on a $100 IEM most of the time. They also look fantastic. One issue they do have though is the lipless nozzle (which limits tip choices) – please Kinera fix this on your next model.
But if I'm talking default package, that's pretty much where the good stuff ends. The tuning on these is really a work in progress. For starters the lower mid-range dip is quite recessed, but what makes it worse is the early rise to accentuate the vocals, and then a dip in the presence area at 3 kHz. In my experience if you make the rise to sharp and too early you get coherency issues, and unfortunately the H3 has a few. Combine this with the sudden dip at 3 kHz and you can get some dissonance. But the really big problem is the wide-band peak in the upper treble. It is over-accentuated, splashy, and casts a real haze over any music with natural treble energy. Without EQ – I really don't enjoy using these.
The good news is that with the parametric EQ I've provided in the review (and it is by no means a perfect EQ – I'd love it if someone tweaks it further), the Kinera H3 responds brilliantly, and becomes a much better IEM. If this was the default tuning I'd likely be lauding it – especially at this price.
So how do you rate an IEM with so much potential, but so many faults sonically? It becomes really hard because you don't want to destroy it, but you do want to be honest. You have practically perfect fit and build with minor points off for the nozzle issue. But sonically they just don't sound great without some reasonably complex EQ (in my humble opinion anyway). Add a small amount for the response you get with EQ, and you end up with a 50% score. Overall a 2.5/5 from me, and probably testament to the potential more than anything. I couldn't honestly recommend these to anyone unless they were prepared to use EQ.
To Kinera I would say you are actually on the right track. Get yourself a really natural headphone to use as comparative reference (e.g. HD600) and use that to reset your expectations when you are tuning. If you get the tuning right on your next release, you have the potential to be a leader in this price range.
To Amy and the team from Penon Audio – thanks so much for the review sample, and I think I'll let your team choose next time.