Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
Norn-4BA
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Model: Kinera Imperial NORN
- Drivers: 4 Knowles Balanced Armatures + 1 Titanium Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: 110 dB
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz
- Earbud Weight: 4.3 g ± per side
- Nozzle Size: 6.1 mm
- Cable: 8-core silver-plated copper (26AWG), 0.78 mm 2-pin connectors
- Termination: 2.5 mm balanced plug (with 4.4 mm and 3.5 mm adapters)
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Kinera's IEMs have uniquely artistic, hand-painted designs, making each pair a visually distinctive piece.
- They use a variety of driver technologies (DD, BA, EST, and even bone conduction) often combined in complex hybrid configurations, striving for a specific sonic goal which varies across product lines.
Select products
QoA Aviation 3 Knowles
- Position: An entry-level hybrid driver in-ear monitor designed for affordable high fidelity.
- Description: Features a combination of Knowles balanced armature and dynamic drivers with a meticulously designed cable. Compared to the rest of the lineup, it offers decent performance at a lower price point, ideal for buyers with tight budgets and basic functionality needs.
Kinera Imperial Skuld-5BA
- Position: A mid-range professional-grade in-ear monitor focused on precision and detail.
- Description: Uses a mix of customized BA units and Knowles drivers with a hand-painted design, ensuring a smooth flat frequency response ideal for critical listening in controlled environments. In comparison to entry-level options, it delivers superior technical refinement with enhanced build quality and deeper soundstage.
Kinera Imperial Baldr 2.0
- Position: A high-end, hybrid-driven in-ear monitor aimed at enthusiasts demanding flagship-level rigour.
- Description: Integrates multiple driver types—electrostatic, balanced armature, and a dynamic unit—with custom-tuned performance and detachable cables, providing powerful bass, detailed midrange, and open treble. Relative to the lower-priced models, it offers a richer, more nuanced sound signature along with advanced functions.
Kinera Imperial Loki 6
- Position: A premium, flagship in-ear monitor with an intricate multi-driver configuration for ultimate performance.
- Description: Combines Knowles, Sonion, dynamic, and composite drivers to create a balanced and expansive soundstage with precise frequency division, making it ideal for studio monitoring and demanding listening experiences in varied environments. Against other products in the lineup, it commands a higher price with its innovative driver mix and superior build quality.
Kinera Celest Wyvern Qing
- Position: A distinct upper-tier in-ear monitor blending Celest design heritage with innovative acoustic tuning.
- Description: Incorporates advanced acoustic engineering and premium materials to deliver a refined, immersive audio performance suitable for critical monitoring in larger, acoustically challenging spaces. When contrasted with Kinera's imperial series, it emphasizes aesthetic elegance and unique tuning characteristics.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Kinera
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Non-fatiguing sound signature allows for hours of listening
- Included cable is of high quality and provides versatility, allowing for the use of 4.4mm, 3.5mm, and 2.5mm terminations, depending on the source
- Vocals are a standout, offering a natural and engaging presentation
- Resin shell is both visually appealing and comfortable for long listening sessions
Product Considerations
- High price may feel steep considering the uneven frequency response and average technical abilities
- Treble is a bit dark and uneven, which can detract from overall clarity
- Bass is not particularly distinct, with a flatter sound signature
- Soundstage depth, imaging, and detail retrieval are only average, limiting its presentation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Kinera Imperial Nanna: The Skuld falls perfectly between more budget-friendly models and higher-end selection
Takeaway: The Kinera Imperial Skuld is easy to listen to and enjoy. It has good instrument separation and layering, so all elements can be clearly heard.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Excellent fit and comfortable for many users, even for extended listening periods
- Very well-balanced and tuned sound signature, often described as a warm, mature, or safe Harman-ish tuning
- Smooth treble presentation, avoiding sibilance, sharpness, or fatigue, while still retaining detail
- Good bass performance for an all-balanced armature set, with nice punch and attack, though primarily focused on sub-bass
- Very good natural tonality and timbre, avoiding a metallic or unnatural sound often associated with balanced armatures
Product Considerations
- Soundstage and imaging could be better for the price, described as average and not particularly wide or holographic
- May lack a 'hook' or standout factor in its sound quality, some find it to be a more laid-back and less engaging sound
- The shells are quite big, which may be problematic for users with small ears
- The recessed 2-pin sockets could be designed better with a deeper fit
- May sound 'boring' at mid-to-low volumes, according to one reviewer
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Moondrop S8: RSV offers a warmer and fuller sound with a more even midrange, while the S8 is leaner and more forward, with the S8 being more engaging overall
- Vs Dunu SA6: RSV has better bass quality, while the SA6 has a slightly more pronounced treble
Takeaway: The Soft Ears RSV is a comfortable and well-tuned IEM that delivers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. It is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a smooth, natural sound with excellent vocal reproduction.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Balanced to warm sound signature with ample bass that is present without overpowering the sound
- Sublime vocals, clear with even minor voice modulations distinctly audible
- Exceptional build quality with premium materials like aircraft aluminum alloy, resulting in a durable yet lightweight design
- Comfortable fit for long listening sessions due to narrow vertical placement in the ear
Product Considerations
- Treble is slightly rolled off, which can sacrifice some airiness and detail in the highs
- Below average passive isolation, not suitable for noisy environments
- Soundstage is average to narrow
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Final A8000: The A8000 has a more natural tonality overall, more air, a wider soundstage, and better separation/layering, while Twilight has more bass with forward vocals and rolled off treble
- Vs 64 Audio Duo: Twilight offers warmth and engagement in its sound signature, especially noticeable in the midrange, while the Duo provides a sound that is rich in detail and expansive in soundstage
- Vs Meze Audio Advar: The Advar is better in critical listening and brass instruments, while the Twilight has better 3D imaging
Takeaway: The Softears Twilight is an excellent IEM that offers a very easy, likeable, and musical sound which can be enjoyed for hours. It offers a balanced to warm sound, sublime vocals, and comfortable fit, making it a solid choice for audiophiles looking for a single dynamic driver IEM.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Warm, bassy, and well-extended sound signature with a tasteful, but still aggressive, mid-bass rise
- Good treble extension that avoids sharpness and adds a nice sense of micro-contrast throughout
- Offers a 'cohesive' or 'coherent' sound presentation, creating an enveloping experience
- Significant improvement in size and fit compared to previous Symphonium IEMs like the Helios
Product Considerations
- Bass may be too prominent for those who prefer more tonal clarity and forward vocals
- Imaging is described as 'so-so' and not particularly strong in technical performance
- Some reviewers found the aesthetic or finish of the shell to be a bit 'rough around the edges'
- Security of fit can be so-so out of the box, potentially requiring aftermarket ear tips for a more secure fit
- Harder to drive than normal, requiring a decent source
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Dunu SA6: The Meteor has more bass impact and a warmer sound, while the SA6 has a cleaner midrange
- Vs. Letshuoer EJ07M: The EJ07M is more technical, with tighter bass, while the Meteor offers a unique 'cohesive' sound
- Vs. Thieaudio Oracle MKI: The Oracle MKI is more neutral
Takeaway: The Symphonium Meteor is a good IEM for those who enjoy a warm, bassy sound signature with excellent treble. Its improved fit and unique sound presentation make it stand out.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Visceral and textured bass, especially given the implementation of the bone conduction driver
- Gorgeous, eye-catching design with hand-painted faceplates
- Balanced Armature helps create forward and engaging mid-range
Product Considerations
- The bone conduction driver can be overly sensitive, causing an annoying ringing resonance, especially triggered by male voices and certain sounds
- Can have an unnatural timbre in the mids, making some instruments sound artificial
- Some reviewers found the upper mids to be aggressive or shouty
- Rolled-off treble can result in a lack of airiness, sparkle, and detail
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Plutus Beast has an unnatural presentation, while the Moondrop May or Aria 2 are praised as having a much smoother, more natural-sounding mid-range
- Celest Phoenixcall and Plutus Beast have a tangible bond, and if the reviewer loved the first ones, they would like these too, stating both have a sound that is not suitable for critical listening, but for entertainment listening
- Plutus Beast is more energetic and V-shaped in balance with greater treble boost and focus, as well as similar roll off pass 10khz when compared to the BQEYZ Wind
Takeaway: The Celest Plutus Beast is a beautiful IEM with a different sound. It has fun bass and good mids, making it a very interesting item for its price point.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Visually appealing with a beautiful design.
- Comfortable to wear, especially with specific ear tip types.
- Vocals are clear.
- Relatively easy to power with different sources.
Product Considerations
- Bass may sound thin.
- Treble can be a bit too elevated.
- Lacks accessories for the price range.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Celeste Wavern Abyss: The Ignite X Beast is brighter and more technical, with less bass punch and emphasis.
- Vs Simgott EW200 Maze: The Beast is more vocal-forward and detailed, while the Simgott is punchier in the bass.
- Vs Kinera Gumiho: A more refined version, with less recessed mids and less wonky treble.
- Vs Sonos: The Sonos is more balanced, with richer mids and better bass texture.
Takeaway: The Celest IgniteX Beast 1 is a nice-looking IEM with good vocal clarity that is comfortable to wear. It could be worth considering if a slightly brighter sound is desired.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Comfortable fit, especially for longer listening sessions.
- Visually appealing and unique design.
- Good accessory set for the price, including a useful carrying case.
- Fairly balanced and smooth sound signature, non-fatiguing to listen to.
- Good noise isolation
Product Considerations
- Mids can sound veiled or muddy, lacking clarity and detail.
- Bass impact can be soft and lacking definition, sometimes sounding "one-noted".
- Treble lacks airiness and sparkle, with limited extension.
- Technical performance is average compared to competitors in the same price range.
- Some reviewers note BA timbre, affecting the naturalness of instruments and vocals.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Moondrop Aria is considered more complete sounding and vivid.
- The SeeAudio Yume perfects the Thieaudio Legacy 2’s tuning with a cleaner midbass, more upper mids clarity, and a more realistic treble experience.
- The Thieaudio Legacy 3 outperforms the Legacy 2, doing everything better.
- The TRI Starsea has better soundstage, clarity, and microdetails
Takeaway: The Thieaudio Legacy 2 offers a smooth listening experience and a comfortable design at an affordable price. It could be a good choice for those who want something nice looking and easy to listen to, especially for acoustic music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Premium design and build quality, using materials like aluminum and glass for a luxurious feel
- Sound quality is generally praised as excellent, detailed, and balanced, especially after equalization
- Comfortable and secure fit, particularly for those with smaller ear canals
- App provides an intuitive EQ interface with customizable presets
Product Considerations
- Active noise cancellation (ANC), while solid, is not considered the best on the market compared to brands like Sony or Bose
- Some reviewers experienced connectivity issues, including problems with multipoint pairing and occasional signal dropouts
- Battery life is respectable but not outstanding, with some reviewers noting shorter-than-advertised playback times
- Responsiveness of the touch controls is sometimes too sensitive, leading to accidental pausing or track skipping
- Some users have found the default sound profile (Optimal) to be somewhat flat or boring, requiring EQ adjustments
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Apple AirPods Pro, the EX has more clarity, better soundstage and separation, but tonal balance may be preferable on the Airpods Pro
- Compared to the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3, the Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
- Compared to the Devialet Gemini II, the Gemini II offers a more neutral sound signature with advanced ANC capabilities, but Beoplay EX offers a more balanced and detailed presentation with a more luxurious build
Takeaway: The Beoplay EX offers a luxurious experience with refined sound and a stylish design. It's a good choice for those who prioritize sound quality and aesthetics, and value a premium feel.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent sound quality, potentially challenging cabled IEMs, with a dynamic and holographic rendering and beautiful mids and airy treble.
- Effective ANC, making it suitable for reducing ambient noise, even in noisy environments, with up to 35dB of noise attenuation.
- Good build quality, with the IEMs made of lightweight metal and Kevlar, and a sturdy charging case.
- Good bass performance, with texture and extension, punchy, without overpowering, and a powerful but tight impact.
- Wide soundstage, creating a spacious and immersive listening experience.
Product Considerations
- Connectivity issues with LDAC, especially outdoors or in areas with interference, leading to intermittent signal drops.
- Transparency mode might generate turbulence in windy conditions due to microphone placement.
- Limited codecs available, with no aptX support.
- Physical size of the charging case is large and might not be pocket-friendly.
- Included eartips may not be suitable for all ear sizes, with a shorter nozzle affecting fit for some users.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Final ZE8000: Svanar Wireless offers a more W-shaped and punchy signature, greater upper mids gain, more precise imaging, and a vaster sound layering capability, while the ZE8000 sound more neutral to L shape, warmer, and have more sub bass boost and warmth.
- Vs Noble FoKus Mystique: Svanar Wireless has some emphasis in the bass, but not as much, has stronger overall imaging performance—providing a wider soundstage and the best balance between the separation and cohesion in the imaging.
- Vs HIFIMAN Svanar (wired): Svanar Wireless soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more ”noisy”.
- Vs Sony WF-1000XM4: The Svanar Wireless presents a much more detailed, natural and sophisticated kind of sound, while Sony has bloated bass, that overwhelms everything else.
- Vs Apple AirPods Pro: The Svanar Wireless generally outperforms the AirPods Pro in sound quality.
Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless is a solid choice for TWS lovers, with a top-tier sound quality, effective ANC, and its convenience and comfort. It is innovative, less bass-heavy tuning, and overall a solid proposal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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