Kinera Baldr 2 Review

Technical Performance and Sources

The sound stage is very impressive in width, thanks to the amazing treble response. It’s also very good in terms of depth, which Nanna lacked a bit. Layering is great with plenty of separation and resolution overall with excellent spaciousness.

The IEM has excellent separation, and I consider that as its strong suit in terms of technicalities. The level of detail is one of the best at this price for me, and the background is black and stereo imaging is impeccable. It’s certainly at around the same level as other TOTL gear.

Tonality is very successful and the Baldr 2 has excellent ability to reproduce the instruments with air. Cymbals also have a great extension and considering the overall spaciousness of the IEM, this combination is some killer material. Resolution-wise it’s also very very strong with excellent detail retrieval. Transparency is excellent too, with great dynamism and attack. So overall, the Baldr 2 doesn’t lack any technical performance in that regard. It’s very refined, coherent, and nicely balanced.

Kinera Baldr 2

For the best source matching, I would say you should try warm-sounding gear. One example is the new HiBy RS6, which I will review here very soon. The RS6 is quite a warm-sounding DAP which matches the Baldr 2 excellently. The sound becomes a bit more full-bodied with great musicality. On the other hand, the SE180, although being a very good match as well, is not the most ideal DAP for this IEM. So I say, find this IEM a warm player to make it shine more. Especially its mid-range benefits from a warm DAP.

Comparisons

Nanna was the previous flagship IEM for Kinera before the Baldr. They’re not insanely different, but the Baldr 2 has great refinement and resolution as well as better balance. The Nanna has a more impactful and stronger bass with a popular approach. The Baldr 2 has a more controlled bass with better decay, speed, and dynamism.

Mids are not far apart, but the Nanna presents this area a bit recessed. The Baldr 2, since being a better tuned and refined IEM, gives more balanced and linear mids. The treble is also more balanced and refined with the Baldr 2. The mid-range is smoother and the timbre is more realistic. So overall, the Baldr 2 is a more refined and more balanced version presentation-wise. It also has better technicalities.

Kinera Baldr 2

If you like a v-shape response, listen to popular genres, and if you’re short on budget, you can still get the Nanna. However, if you have extra budget to spare, get the Baldr 2. You won’t be disappointed.

The VE7 has a great treble response with amazing clarity. It also has great sub-bass with good slam and impact. The Baldr 2 however, is the better all-rounder with a wider and deeper stage, better-controlled treble, and better bass overall. The VE7 goes well with genres like classical and vocal-oriented music. The Baldr 2 sounds great with everything. That’s the main difference.

Aside from that, of course, there would be many scenarios that would make the VE7 suit better for your particular needs. But from being an all-rounder standpoint, the Baldr 2 is more coherent, balanced, and refined. I still would recommend the VE7 to certain people, but I would recommend the Baldr 2 to everyone.

Lastly, I have to say the VE7 has the best fit possible for a universal monitor. It’s second to none in that aspect.

Kinera Baldr 2

Summary

The Kinera Baldr 2 is a fantastic flagship IEM and I think it has one of the best bass & treble performances for this price range. Especially the treble is simply extraordinary and if you like your sound airy and spacious, this is one of the IEMs that you should check out.

The impressive bass quality, sound stage, imaging, and fluid mid reproduction are the other things that shine in this IEM. It earns a spot on our Best Universal IEMs page without the shadow of a doubt. Well, Kinera has come a long way for sure.

PAGE 1: Intro, Design, Build, Fit, and Packaging

PAGE 2: Sound Quality