The Kinera BD-005 is an IEM that I had not heard of until recently when it showed up on Massdrop a couple times. Being a dual-driver design, 1DD1BA, I was intrigued; I had to buy one on Amazon at $30. I could not find online for sure what frequencies the DD handles, and which the BA handles, but it sounds to me like the DD handles bass and midrange, and the BA handles upper mids and treble. I feel that this IEM is a strong contender at the $30 mark.

Being $30, this unit comes with minimal accessories. You get S, M, L silicone tips, and that’s it.

This IEM is decently built, with a small flat plastic housing and MMCX connector. The housing, while plastic, feels much better built than either KZ I’ve tried, those being the ATE and ZST. The cable that it comes with actually is startlingly well made considering its price, having strain reliefs at the 3.5mm jack and splitter, a one button control and mic, and memory wire at the connectors. The cable does not hold its shape, letting itself flow, and sitting nicely, unlike many cables at this price point. Honestly, the cable feels better built than the actual housings, though the housings do feel decently well built for the price.

These IEMs are also rather comfortable. With a small housing that sits nearly flush in my ear, and does not put any pressure on my ear, save one small spot if I insert it at just the wrong angle. My only complaint in comfort is the cable’s memory wire, which I personally dislike. Though, thankfully, as it has MMCX connectors, I just hooked it up to the Pinnacle P1 cable that I bought and love so much. With the upgraded cable, the Kinera’s comfort is nearly on par with the P1, which is to say, it is exceptionally comfortable.

They require very little power, and can run off anything. I could not hear much difference taking these from my iPhone 6s to my Magni 2.

The sound of these is where this gets interesting. Overall, these sound sound very bassy, with recessed highs. The bass itself is strong, and very present, having plenty of texture and slam. It can get a bit boomy, though. It can get a little overwhelming at times, and can drown out some details that show themselves only when a bass-reducing EQ is applied. The midrange is slightly choked by the bass, but holds its own, presenting warm vocals with adequate detail. Female vocals, however, can sound a bit hollow, which sounds like it is due to a severe dip in the upper mids. Instruments can sound a little fuzzy and confused, lacking some definition. Treble is recessed, nearly to the point where I would call the Kinera dark. There is some treble, and it sounds alright, having some sparkle and definition, if subdued. These really do not present much treble, though. The soundstage is narrow, though it is wide enough for nothing to sound congested or cramped. Imaging is rather hazy, leading to many instruments, especially stringed instruments, sounding like a haze making sounds at you, rather than a proper string being plucked.

All in all, despite their flaws, the Kinera BD-005 is a strong contender at $30.

-TheOmegaCarrot