Kinera SEED

Introduction

Kinera is a Chinese company that specialises in making iems and earbuds. They produce hybrid iems such as the BD005E and H3. Their latest iem is the SEED. I would like to thank Kinera for the review unit of SEED. At the moment, the SEED can be purchased on https://penonaudio.com/kinera-seed.html .

Specifications

• Driver Configuration: 1 Dynamic + 1 BA
• Sensitivity : 108 ± 2 dB
• Impedance : 17 Ohm
• Frequency Range : 20 to 20000 Hz

Unboxing & Accessories

The SEED comes in a white package which sports the brand name, image of the iem and model name. The back of the package shows the specifications. After opening the package, there are social media card, iem, tips, cable, user manual and carrying pouch.

IEM Build & Design

The SEED is made of acrylic and it has a black shell with smooth surface. It utilizes 2 pins 0.78mm connectors. The faceplate on each side sports the brand logo in gold color and a vent. On the outside of the sockets, there is a L and R marking to differentiate left and right respectively. There is the brand name and model name on the inside of the iem. The nozzle is slightly angled with 2 bores. The SEED has an ergonomic design with comfortable fit.

Cable Build & Design

It has a 6 core braided design and is made of silver plated oxygen free copper (OFC). The 0.78mm 2 pins connectors on the cable has a black housing. On each of the connector, there is a blue and red ring to differentiate between left and right respectively. It is enclosed in a transparent heat shrink tube. Moving down, there is a glossy black chin slider. The y-splitter sports the brand name and model name. Lastly, the jack is 3.5mm straight gold plated and has a black housing that sports the brand name.

Sound Analysis

Lows

The SEED has little sub-bass quantity and the extension is average. The sub-bass reproduction is expressed in a reserved manner. The rumble is slightly lacking with soft impact. Bass decay is moderately quick. The bass texture is rendered smoothly. The mid-bass has sufficient quantity to aid in the slam which helps to create some punch to the overall sound. It is not the most authoritative but it ensures a fatigue-free listen.

Mids

The midrange has moderate transparency and it is rendered rather cleanly. The lower mids has quantity but not enough to create a thick and lush feeling. Male vocals are presented well without sounding dry. The upper mids is not very forward and it has moderate definition. Female vocals are expressed well. There are no signs of it being shouty.

Highs

The treble has moderate extension with no sibilance and harshness. The level of details retrieval is ordinary with crisp. The amount of air has a fair amount and helps to lighten the overall presentation. The treble is cleanly presented with politeness. It is expressed in a smooth manner and creates a relaxing feeling. There is lack of sparkle.

Soundstage

The SEED has a natural expansion in its stage width with a moderate magnitude. The depth is rather closed in. Positioning of instruments and vocals is accurate.

Comparisons

Kinera SEED vs Kinera BD005E

The BD005E has more sub-bass quantity than the SEED but the SEED is able to command a greater extension. The SEED is able to produce more impact with punch. This helps to elevate the engagement level. The bass decay on the SEED has a quicker pace while the bass texture on the BD005E is rendered with additional smoothness. Each bass note on the SEED is articulated with a cleaner hit. Rumble is more natural and bass definition is clearly better on the SEED. The mid-bass has extra body on the BD005E while the SEED is able to deliver the slam with a stronger hit. The midrange on the SEED has better definition and clarity. The lower mids on the BD005E sounds fuller than the SEED which benefits in the expression of male vocals but may sound dense at times. The upper mids on the SEED is more forward than the BD005E and female vocals are presented with a higher intimacy level. Next, the treble on the SEED has better extension and there is a greater amount of air rendered. The SEED has the edge for details retrieval. Lastly, in terms of soundstage, the SEED expands more naturally and it can tackle both the width and depth better.

Kinera SEED vs Tin Audio T2

The T2 has slightly more sub-bass quantity than the SEED with greater extension. There is more depth on the T2. The sub-bass reproduction on the T2 is fuller. Each bass note on the SEED is expressed with a smooth hit while the T2 takes on a clinical approach. The bass decay on the T2 is slightly quicker with agility while the bass texture on the SEED is smoother. The midrange on the T2 has a higher level of transparency and cleanliness is present on both. The lower mids on the SEED has a little more quantity than the T2 and male vocals benefit. The upper mids on the T2 is is more forward with extra crisp and definition. Female vocals are presented in a more organic manner on the T2. Next for the treble, the T2 has more extension with a greater amount of air rendered. There is no sibilance and harshness. The T2 is able to provide additional sparkle to inject excitement into the sound, hence creating liveliness. Lastly, in terms of soundstage, the SEED expands more naturally with a closed in depth. The T2 has greater width magnitude.

Conclusion

The SEED is a polite sounding iem that operates on a smooth approach. The bass is lacking without punch. However, the midrange and treble are presented well with an airy feeling. In addition, the SEED comes with a nicely braided cable and has an ergonomic design. The SEED is a nice successor to the BD005E.