Kinera Imperial Loki VS Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kinera Imperial Loki and Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS use 1DD+6BA+4EST+1BC and 2DD+5BA+4EST+2BC driver setups respectively. Kinera Imperial Loki costs $3,099 while Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS costs $5,000. Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS is $1,901 more expensive. Kinera Imperial Loki holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (8.5 vs 8.5). Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS has significantly better mids with a 1-point edge, Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS has significantly better treble with a 1-point edge, Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS has significantly better dynamics with a 3.5-point edge and Kinera Imperial Loki has better details with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Kinera Imperial Loki | Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9 | 9 |
| Mids | 7 | 8 |
| Treble | 7 | 8 |
| Details | 9 | 8.5 |
| Soundstage | 7 | 8.5 |
| Imaging | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 8.5 |
| Tonality | 8.3 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 8.2 | 8.5 |
Kinera Imperial Loki Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Kinera Imperial Loki Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA+4EST+1BC
Tuning Type: W-Shaped
Brand: Kinera Top Kinera IEMs
Price (Msrp): $3,099
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Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD+5BA+4EST+2BC
Tuning Type: bass-boosted neutral
Brand: Empire Ears Top Empire Ears IEMs
Price (Msrp): $5,000
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Kinera Imperial Loki User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
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Kinera Imperial Loki Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.7Gaming Grade
B+Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.9Gaming Grade
B+Kinera Imperial Loki Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
A+- Very competent with articulate presentation. Well-defined layers and precise imaging. Soundstage is immersive and handles dynamics well.
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Refined execution with coherent frequency integration. Natural timbre reproduction and engaging presentation. Strong versatility.
Average Technical Grade
S-- Excellent clarity and detail. Precise imaging and expansive soundstage. Manages complex passages with minimal smearing and good transient speed.
Kinera Imperial Loki Reviews
Reviewed by: Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: Nymz
8.7
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Jaytiss
6.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Reviewed by: IEMRanking AI
9.5
Reviewer Score
The Kinera Imperial Loki delivers a technically impressive W-shaped signature that balances sub-bass depth, vocal clarity, and sparkling treble extension. Its standout feature is the bone conduction driver, which adds palpable texture and physicality to low frequencies, creating a uniquely visceral rumble without bleeding into the mids. While the slightly scooped lower mids can thin out some male vocals or brass instruments in busy tracks, the overall presentation excels in detail retrieval and holographic imaging, offering an expansive soundstage with precise instrument placement.
Accessories elevate the experience, including 13 ear tips (Final E, AZLA Crystal, SpinFit CP145, Symbio F) for fine-tuning fit and sound, plus two quality cables—Effect Audio’s copper cable for warmth and Kinera’s hybrid cable for enhanced resolution. The lightweight resin shells ensure comfort despite the complex driver array, though fit-dependent bass response and occasional BC driver "ringing" during voice playback are minor quirks. At $3,099, it competes fiercely in the summit-fi tier, particularly for those prioritizing technical prowess and dynamic engagement over absolute neutrality.
Astell&Kern x Empire Ears NOVUS Reviews
Reviewed by: Audionotions
8.5
Reviewer Score
Reviewed by: Smirk Audio
8.4
Reviewer Score
Kinera Imperial Loki User Reviews
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