Kinera URD Review – The Beauty & The Beast

Comparisons –

Moondrop Variations ($520): At a slightly lower asking price, the Variations provides a similar driver setup but misses out on the dual woofers of the URD. This is reflected in the sound for though both have similar sub-bass shelves, the Variations has a sharper mid-bass cut. Despite being a bit cleaner tonally, it doesn’t have as much texture and the mid-bass also lacks the same definition of the URD. The URD sounds a bit more natural in its note delivery due to its more progressive boost and it has slightly higher note definition too just at the expense of being a bit more bass-focused. The midrange performance is also surprisingly similar. Both position vocals similarly, the Variations being a touch more forward. The Variations is also notably more transparent and even errs on the side of coolness at times. However, it is also more articulate and presents notably higher definition and detail retrieval.

The URD by comparison is more musical and forgiving. It presents larger, richer vocals with a warmer hue and a smoother articulation. This makes it less fatiguing but also saps fine details from its sound.  Still, a fine alternative for those finding Harman-based IEMs too lean. The treble is more balanced on the Variations and showcases superior linearity. This manifests audibly as superior lower-treble bite and more defined percussion. The URD smooths this over. Though it is open and airy, it does miss some details in this region and can lack definition at times. Besides this, both present impressive extension and sparkle, the Variations boasting higher resolving power overall. In terms of staging, the more laid-back URD does provide greater depth while the Variations has similar width but sharper imaging.

Kinera Imperial Skuld ($550): The Skuld is a similarly stunning IEM but lacks the sophistication of the URD. Both are compact and comfortable, the Skuld being a little smaller. Sonically, both have a similar inspiration being warm and coherent. The Skuld exemplifies this more by being less sub-bassy and instead having a larger mid-bass and a more present lower midrange. Being an all-BA IEM, it is faster and offers higher definition at the expense of dynamics. The URD has better bass extension from its hybrid driver setup and has a thicker texture. Its bass is more present in the sound and has a thicker, weightier character. The midrange is clearer on the URD and more transparent while the Skuld has a more clearcut full and roomy character.

The Skuld is a little more articulate but overall is more firmly coherent. The URD presents a slightly more balanced character to my ears with a bit more separation and presence. The Skuld has higher definition to my ears despite this due to its slightly more present treble. Here, the Skuld has more bite and crispness to its lower treble alongside similar shimmer and openness. The URD extends better and has a faster transient response but lacks the same definition in its leading edge. This gives it a less focused detail delivery than the Skuld. The URD that said, has a notably larger stage and its imaging is also more involving. The Skuld has slightly sharper directional cues and better layering but is more intimate.

Oriveti OH700VB ($699): The OH700VB offers a slightly more comfortable shell design with a shallower fit and less wearing pressure but the URD has it beat on build quality and design. Sonically, both target a similar style of sound with a sub-bass focus and a slightly more relaxed midrange. The OH700 executes it in a cleaner and more energetic manner while the URD is smoother and richer. The OH700 has less bass with bass boost off and a bit more with bass boost on.  The OH700 has a cleaner voicing due its its greater sub-bass focus and sharper mid-bass cut. However, the URD does sound a bit more natural at the expense of tonal cleanliness and dynamics. The URD has a bit more definition and texture in its mid-bass but the OH700 presents a tighter and weightier sub-bass. The midrange is similar in quantity on both earphones but more progressive on the OH700 and less coloured by its bass giving it a cleaner and clearer character.

The OH700 is also more articulate overall presenting a more neutral body and tone despite similar positioning. It is more detailed and separated. The URD is more forgiving being smoother and warmer with larger vocals. It sounds richer but also skims over some fine details. The top-end tells a similar story. The OH700 has a notably crisper lower treble that brings fine details more to the fore. It has more aggression and bite but a darker, cleaner background above. The URD is the opposite, it lacks the same bite but has greater shimmer and air. This gives it a lighter, daintier note presentation. The OH700 has a bit more sparkle at the very top and a slight detail retrieval advantage overall but both are close enough that it is more up to personal preference. The URD has a slightly larger stage while the OH700 has sharper imaging.

Upgrade Cable –

Kinera was kind enough to send over the Orlog which is an exotic custom cable made in collaboration with Effect Audio. It retails for almost as much as the URD itself and sports multi-strand gold-plated copper and silver-plated copper alongside multi-stand pure copper core and pure sterling silver core conductors. The gold is fititng for the URD and it handles just as well as any high-end custom cable, an ergonomic delight. It also offers Effect Audio’s ConX connectors making it compatible with both 2-pin and MMCX IEMs, these connectors are also included with the cable and it will see a full review soon. In the interim, I will assess its pairing with the URD.

The most pronounced difference is surely within the bass, lending a slightly greater focus and slightly thicker, more structured notes. The Orlog pairing sounds more controlled, tighter and defined whilst increasing presence and warmth by one notch. The midrange is a touch drier in the lower-mids, creating a slgthly roomier sound that empahsizes layering. Upper-mids remain clearly expressed and are enriched with an even smoother articuation. Interestingly, the treble takes a step back, becoming smoother and darker. It remains just as crisp and there is a hint more sparkle but overall, the Orlog creates a more L-shaped sound. The stage becomes a touch larger due to the bump in extension and mokre laid-back positioning as well.

Verdict –

The URD is a gorgeous earphone that comes well-equipped, fits well and offers a unique yet broadly likeable sound. This is all very good yet, despite this, the market has become so competitive that it doesn’t necessarily set it apart from the crowd. The URD doesn’t define the price tier but rather presents a strong option within it. Models such as the Variations come across as better all-rounders and therefore, will appeal to a wider audience. The URD is more coloured and more niche but coloured in a pleasing manner. Specifically, it is more forgiving, has a more defined, natural bass response and a smoother treble. While the lack of lower-treble bite and midrange separation may alienate some, those sensitive to fatigue or wanting a present but still naturally expressed bass range will find a lot to like here. Similarly, the design must be applauded both for Kinera’s ambition and masterful execution. The URD is a strong overall package that isn’t perfect but has an enticing blend of qualities suiting those wanting a coherent yet dynamic sound.

The URD is available from Kinera (International) for $650 USD at the time of writing. I am not affiliated with Kinera and receive no earnings from purchases made through these links.

Track List – 

Billie Eilish – dont smile at me

Bob Seger – Night Moves

Courtney Barnett – Rae Street

Cream – Wheels of Fire

Dire Straits – Communique

Dirty Loops – Next To You

Eagles – Hotel California

Elton John – Honky Chateau

Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

H.E.R – I Used To Know Her

Jasen – BYE

John Mayer – Continuum

Kanye West – Ye

Missy Higgins – The Sound of White

Radiohead – OK Computer

TALA – ain’t leavin` without you

The Beatles – Abbey Road

The weeknd – After Hours

Vampire Weekend – Father of the Bride