Disclaimer
Kinera Imperial Skuld was sent to me for review, but there were no expectations for a positive or a negative review. All thoughts and impressions shared here are based on my unbiased experience with the product.
Introduction
Today, I’m taking a late look at the Kinera Skuld, an IEM featuring a full BA configuration with 3 Knowles BA drivers and 2 custom BA drivers by Kinera. Released with a price tag of around $550, the Skuld positions itself as a premium offering from Kinera. My first impressions are mixed, as the Skuld shows promise in certain areas but leaves some room for improvement in others.
Design and Comfort
The build quality of the Skuld is excellent, with a resin shell that not only looks stunning but also offers a high level of comfort during extended listening sessions. The packaging is rich with accessories, including tips from known brands, ensuring you can find the perfect fit. The included cable is of high quality and provides versatility, allowing you to use 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm terminations depending on your source.
Sound Performance
When it comes to sound, the Kinera Skuld presents a relatively flat frequency response, especially up to the ear gain area around 1kHz, making it appealing to those who prefer a more reference-like sound. However, while the mids are natural and the treble is smooth with no sibilance or harshness, the treble also comes across as a bit dark and uneven, which detracts from the overall clarity. The bass is balanced and doesn’t particularly stand out, maintaining a natural presentation that aligns with Skuld’s more relaxed tuning.
Vocals are the strong point, coming across as very natural and forward, with other elements in the mix complementing rather than competing with them. Instrument separation is also commendable, even with faster tracks, nothing feels congested. The soundstage width is above average but not spectacular, while the depth and imaging are just about average. Detail retrieval is decent, but the Skuld lacks the dynamism that might make it truly engaging.
Ease of Driving
The Skuld is relatively easy to drive and doesn’t require high-end amplification to perform well, though it does scale slightly with better sources.
Kinera Imperial Skuld Personal Comments
The Kinera Skuld is a solid IEM with good material quality and a beautiful design, tailored for those who enjoy a vocal-centric and natural listening experience. It excels up to the 1kHz mark, making it a potential candidate for those who appreciate reference-like presentations. However, its FR performance after 1kHz and its average technical capabilities don’t quite justify its $550 price tag. With a more even frequency response and improved technicalities, the Skuld could have been a standout reference IEM in my collection.
Pros and Cons
- Excellent Build Quality: The resin shell is both visually appealing and comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Natural and Forward Vocals: Vocals are a standout, offering a natural and engaging presentation.
- Versatile Cable: High-quality cable with interchangeable 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm terminations.
- Good Instrument Separation: Even in fast tracks, the Skuld maintains clear and distinct instrument separation.
- Non-Fatiguing Treble: Smooth treble with no sibilance or harshness, making it suitable for long listening sessions.
Cons
- Dark and Uneven Treble: Treble is a bit dark and uneven, which can detract from overall clarity.
- Average Technicalities: Soundstage depth, imaging, and detail retrieval are only average, limiting its presentation.
- High Price: At $550, the price may feel steep considering the uneven frequency response and average technical abilities.
