Kinera H3 IEMs Discussions | Drop

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Kinera H3 IEMs

Audiophile

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NielJM

Mar 9, 2018

depending on preferences... if you're looking for a tuning that's high on clarity and want to pick up the subtle nuances of hi-res audio files, then at $74, this is a definite steal.
i have the Fiio F5, F9, F9 Pro, FH1, TFZ Series 5 and 5S, Nuforce EDC to name a few... run them either straight off an LG V20, or sometimes with an amp... but this beats them all in terms of clarity on the high end treble registers.
Bought my H3 (red) at Aliexpress for $ 99 but they are well worth it.
After 150 hrs of burn-in... the trebles tamed at bit, and the bass has its slam but controlled in a way that doesn't muddy the mids. But its characteristic is the clarity which cuts through the mix like butter.
Matter of preference at the end of the day but its well worth it being part of anybody's collection.
Cheers!

Mar 9, 2018

phaysaal

Mar 9, 2018

NielJMHow is it compared to F9 Pro in overall sound quality? Specially with the balanced cable (if you tried already)?

Mar 9, 2018

OrvilleRedenbacher

Mar 9, 2018

NielJMI also would like to know how these compare to f9pro. I have the f9pro and fh1, as well as the 1more collection. The pros seem extremely clear, almost unnaturally clear. How are these in comparison?

Mar 9, 2018

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NielJM

Mar 9, 2018

phaysaalcompared to the F9 Pro (balanced to balanced, i.e. using an LG V20 as a dap, and using a Fiio Q1 Mkii as an amp only), both seems to have the same output power, to my ears that is. F9 Pro seems to be more balanced across all frequencies, meaning the upper, mids, and lows doesn't seem to over power one another, while the Kinera H3 seems to be more treble forward which gives any music more details and more 'air'. Not that the 2x Knowles BA doesn't have them. The H3 seems to have more, as perceived by my ears at least.

Mar 9, 2018

NielJM

Mar 9, 2018

OrvilleRedenbacherThe Kinera H3, as I've mentioned seems to have this "in your face" highs, which might be perceived as "too much" for some.
Listening to Metallica's 'Sad But True' for example, using the H3, from a Q1 Mkii (balanced, as amp only) through an LG V20, using Jet Audio Plus, with EQ set to Heavy Metal, all other setting having a more than 50% on the bass and less than 50% on the treble... right our of the box, the H3 seems to slap me in the face with Lars' cymbal crashes to the point that it was a bit fatiguing. But after a 150 hrs burn-in, these tamed a bit but without loosing any detail on said upper registers. The F9 Pro on the other hand, right out of the box was an overall pleasing listen. With enough detail high up enough to be resolving, mids are present but not overbearing and a good thump with control. Both have good control over the bass without muddying up the mids, both are fast and resolving. But again, these are my opinion based on my 43 year old ears, and a lifetime of private listening and playing on portable monitors.

Mar 9, 2018

OrvilleRedenbacher

Mar 9, 2018

NielJMThanks for the timely response. Although this seems like a great deal on a nice set, I think I'll stick with the f9ps for now, as to me and my ears they are pretty natural sounding with just a bit of an emphasis in the highs. Anything more may be a bit much for me. These do seem tempting though...

Mar 9, 2018

NielJM

Mar 9, 2018

NielJMIf you have the F9 Pros and FH1, this will be a good addition to your collection, imho. My only comment on the H3 is the lack of a balanced cable, as this has only a single end TRS 3.5 cable. But then there are some 2 pin, 0.78mm cable on Aliexpress also from Venture Electronics cables which was also featured here in MD.

Mar 9, 2018

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NielJM

Mar 9, 2018

OrvilleRedenbacherThe Fiio F9 Pros are formidable iems for its price, both on its audio presentation as well as its accessories set. I'd say its unbeatable for the price. Hope your enjoying them as much as I do.
Cheers!

Mar 9, 2018

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phaysaal

Mar 10, 2018

NielJMThanks so much, that is what I wanted to know.

Mar 10, 2018

wes.bass

Mar 10, 2018

NielJMExcellent review - thanks. Would you say the FH1s have a good balance with better bass output? Love my H3s but wanted more bottom end. Thanks!

Mar 10, 2018

NielJM

Mar 10, 2018

wes.bassFrom my "old ears", I think the FH1 is more bass forward like TFZs Series 5 and 5S... but the single knowles BA on the FH1 does its job on detail retrieval. If you already have the H3s, then an FH1 will complement it on times you need some slammin' bass. But that's not to say the H3's doesn't have it. The FH1 simply brings out more of the rumble on any track. As a comparison, I'd listen to the Eagle's Hell Freezes Over Album, specifically Hotel California, where after a short guitar adlib at the beginning, it was followed by a steady, rumbling kick drum... on the H3's, its there, confident, fast decaying and controlled. But on the FH1, there is more of it, with a hint of reverb, still fast and controlled, but it resonates from the inside of your head going out. Both (H3 & FH1) would be a good combination as you can enjoy the best both worlds of detail and rumble respectively depending on your mood at times you want to get lost in the music.
Cheers!

Mar 10, 2018

wes.bass

Mar 10, 2018

NielJMWell as I’m a big Eagles fan that a great way to describe it. I get it! My 50yo ears appreciate such an apt description - very well put - thank you! Off to get some FH1s! Cheers!

Mar 10, 2018

OrvilleRedenbacher

Mar 10, 2018

wes.bassI think that's a .very accurate description, but wesbass: If you're a Prime member, I would suggest ordering both the FH1 and the 1MORE Dual driver. They have a similar sound signature, though the 1More feels just a little more controlled. I would admit that the FH1 does have slightly clearer highs, a little more forward, but the 1More is equally natural in that department while also have a more natural, yet present and slightly heavy-hitting bass. I will be returning my FH1's and keeping the 1More.

Mar 10, 2018

nalixor

Mar 13, 2018

NielJMI'm new to IEMs, and previously I've just used shitty headphones when listening to Spotify on my phone. But these look great, and my B&O ones just broke (I rolled over them with my computer chair ;_;). Would these be a good replacement for my old B&O H3s?

Mar 13, 2018

NielJM

Mar 13, 2018

nalixorI honestly can't comment as I have not tried any of the B&O line. But for casual listening purposes, I don't think I would recommend these as the Kinera H3 is leaning towards a more treble forward presentation, which a casual listener might find fatuiging. But then again, it all boils down to personal preference.

Mar 13, 2018

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