Kinera Imperial Loki VS Nightjar Duality
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Kinera Imperial Loki and Nightjar Duality use 1DD+6BA+4EST+1BC and 2DD driver setups respectively. Kinera Imperial Loki costs $3,099 while Nightjar Duality costs $3,000. Kinera Imperial Loki is $99 more expensive. Kinera Imperial Loki holds a slight 0.4-point edge in reviewer scores (8.6 vs 8.1). Nightjar Duality has slightly better mids with a 0.3-point edge, Nightjar Duality has slightly better treble with a 0.3-point edge, Nightjar Duality has significantly better dynamics with a 4.3-point edge, Nightjar Duality has better soundstage with a 0.5-point edge, Kinera Imperial Loki has significantly better details with a 1-point edge and Kinera Imperial Loki has better imaging with a 0.8-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Kinera Imperial Loki | Nightjar Duality |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 9 | 9 |
| Mids | 7 | 7.3 |
| Treble | 7 | 7.3 |
| Details | 9 | 8 |
| Soundstage | 7 | 7.5 |
| Imaging | 8.5 | 7.8 |
| Dynamics | 5 | 9.3 |
| Tonality | 8.3 | 8.1 |
| Technicalities | 8.2 | 7.5 |
Kinera Imperial Loki Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.6Excellent
Nightjar Duality Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Average Reviewer Score:
8.1Very Positive
Reviews Comparison
Kinera Imperial Loki reviewed by Jaytiss
6.8
Reviewer Score
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Nightjar Duality reviewed by Jaytiss
8.5
Reviewer Score
Youtube Video Summary
Nightjar Duality presents as a $3,000 dual-dynamic IEM with a focus on premium build and ergonomics: a bespoke shell that seats comfortably, a recessed 2-pin, and user-tunable hardware via onboard switches and an included impedance adapter that can push bass even further. Packaging includes multiple thin, lightweight cables and even a powered dongle option. The craftsmanship feels boutique, and the faceplate aesthetic underscores its luxury positioning.
Tonally, this is a bass-forward set with two personalities: a “normal bass” configuration that retains balance and a “crazy bass” mode that becomes emphatically sub-heavy. Treble carries air and decent detail without chasing a hyper-analytical edge; mids are serviceable but a touch off, responding well to a bit of EQ. Overall dynamics hit hard, staging and clarity remain clean enough for the tuning goal, and the tuning reads as an enjoyable, romantic DD presentation—just not the final word in microdetail at this price.
In context, alternatives frame the value conversation: Grand Maestro is cited for stronger detail/air and driver refinement (though Duality fits better), while options like the Origin, Zen Magrid T Pro (~$500), Effect Audio Quantum, and even the budget Aether planar show that similar or complementary traits exist at lower brackets. Compared with sets such as Scarlet Mini or Maestro Mini, Duality’s bass shelf and presence balance feel more considered. Verdict: a unique, fun bass-head flagship with excellent design and ergonomics; the price is the hurdle, so demoing at events like CanJam is strongly advised before committing.
Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Kinera Imperial Loki reviewed by Head-Fi.org
8.8
* score rescaled + normalized
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Head-Fi.org
7.5
* score rescaled + normalized
Kinera Imperial Loki (more reviews)
Kinera Imperial Loki reviewed by Jays Audio
9
Reviewer Score
Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Kinera Imperial Loki reviewed by Nymz
8.7
Reviewer Score
Kinera Imperial Loki reviewed by Web Search
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.
Nightjar Duality (more reviews)
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Yifang
8.5
Reviewer Score
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Smirk Audio
8.3
Reviewer Score
Nightjar Duality reviewed by Shuwa-T
7.8
Reviewer Score
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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Nightjar Duality Details
Driver Configuration: 2DD
Tuning Type: Basshead
Price (Msrp): $3,000
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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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Nightjar Duality 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+Nightjar Duality Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
6.2Gaming Grade
BKinera Imperial Loki Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- Expect a tasteful, well-judged response that feels both musical and true to the source. Great synergy with a wide range of genres.
Average Technical Grade
A+- The tuning feels expertly organized, marrying agile dynamics with well-defined spatial cues. Technical listeners will appreciate the poise.
Nightjar Duality Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
A+- The tonal balance is polished and expressive, highlighting emotion without sacrificing accuracy. It keeps emotional weight without sacrificing accuracy.
Average Technical Grade
A- It delivers a confident technical showing with defined layers and satisfying clarity. You can follow backing vocals with relative ease.
Kinera Imperial Loki User Reviews
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