Subtonic STORM VS Kinera Imperial Loki
IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side
Subtonic STORM and Kinera Imperial Loki use 5BA+2EST+2SLAM and 1DD+6BA+4EST+1BC driver setups respectively. Subtonic STORM costs $5,200 while Kinera Imperial Loki costs $3,099. Subtonic STORM is $2,101 more expensive. Subtonic STORM holds a clear 0.6-point edge in reviewer scores (9.1 vs 8.5). Kinera Imperial Loki has slightly better bass with a 0.3-point edge, Subtonic STORM has significantly better mids with a 1.4-point edge, Subtonic STORM has significantly better treble with a 1.7-point edge, Subtonic STORM has significantly better dynamics with a 4.5-point edge, Subtonic STORM has significantly better soundstage with a 2.5-point edge, Subtonic STORM has better details with a 0.7-point edge and Subtonic STORM has better imaging with a 0.5-point edge.
Insights
| Metric | Subtonic STORM | Kinera Imperial Loki |
|---|---|---|
| Bass | 8.7 | 9 |
| Mids | 8.4 | 7 |
| Treble | 8.7 | 7 |
| Details | 9.7 | 9 |
| Soundstage | 9.5 | 7 |
| Imaging | 9 | 8.5 |
| Dynamics | 9.5 | 5 |
| Tonality | 9 | 8.3 |
| Technicalities | 9.4 | 8.2 |
Subtonic STORM Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Kinera Imperial Loki Aggregated Review Score
Average Reviewer Scores
Subtonic STORM Details
Driver Configuration: 5BA+2EST+2SLAM
Tuning Type: Neutral with bass boost
Price (Msrp): $5,200
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Kinera Imperial Loki Details
Driver Configuration: 1DD+6BA+4EST+1BC
Tuning Type: W-Shaped
Price (Msrp): $3,099
Support our free service! Buying through our affiliate links costs you nothing extra:
Subtonic STORM User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Kinera Imperial Loki User Review Score
Average User Scores
Average User Score: n/a
Based on 0 user reviews
No user reviews yet. Be the first one who writes a review!
Subtonic STORM Gaming Score
Gaming Score & Grade
- The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.
Gaming Score
7.7Gaming Grade
AKinera 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+Subtonic STORM Scorings
Average Technical & Tuning Grades
Average Tunign Grade
S- Highly polished technical execution. Excellent frequency synergy creates an immersive experience. Enhances musical content.
Average Technical Grade
S- Outstanding resolution and control. Effortlessly retrieves micro-details, with holographic staging and fast transients. Handles complexity with poise.
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.
Subtonic STORM Reviews
10
Reviewer Score
The best IEM I've ever heard. Best timbre. Super natural. TOTL tech. It's just good. That's all. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
Most IEMs inevitably introduce flaws that shatter musical immersion—be it harsh treble, shouty vocals, or unbalanced bass. These imperfections act as chains, binding the listener and preventing that elusive state of pure, uninterrupted freedom within the music. While the OG EJ07 came close, even it faltered on certain tracks, its forward vocals becoming a jarring distraction when pushed hard. The Subtonic Storm, however, shatters this pattern entirely.
Contrary to its name, the Storm represents the eye of the hurricane—a sanctuary of pure, effortless sound. It liberates the music from tuning flaws, presenting it naturally and tranquilly. There are zero distractions or attachments holding the listener back, enabling deep introspection and complete immersion, as if conversing directly with the singer or instrument. This profound, intangible quality—achieving that free state—is why it's considered the best IEM, offering unmatched resolution, separation, and imaging, albeit at an astronomical $5,000 price point.
Value-wise, the Storm is undeniably terrible; the KZ ASF ($250) gets you 80% there, and the Monarch MKII ($1,000) delivers 95%. It's a luxury item, justified only by its unique, unmeasurable ability to dissolve worldly distractions and forge total oneness with the music. Crucially, it's not for everyone: Bass heads, background listeners, or those enjoying J-pop/K-pop/EDM will find far better value elsewhere under $300. Only those deeply seeking musical transcendence, with ample disposable income, should even consider it. For everyone else, stay away—you simply don’t need it.
9.3
Reviewer Score
Comment: TOTL tuning with TOTL technicalities to boot. Perfectly tuned, unparalled detail retrieval, staging, imaging, and proper holographic background as a cohesive package The price I guess
9.1
Reviewer Score
Easily at the top for resolution and dynamic contrast, accompanied by rigid transients and pinpoint layering. Precogvision Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
The most extraodinary normal sounding IEM ever. Amazing all-around big and heavy shell Tim Tuned Youtube Channel
9
Reviewer Score
The most detailed IEM I’ve ever heard. Exceptional resolution, neutral sound signature. Hard to drive.Gizaudio Axel original ranking
Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel
8.8
Reviewer Score
World-class resolution and layering. Extreme, almost exaggerated dynamics. Staging is large but not class-leading.
8.3
Reviewer Score
Technical excellence (accuracy). Near perfect tuning. Bass...great Price. Wait.Bad Guy Good Audio original ranking
Bad Guy Good Audio Youtube Channel
9.5
Reviewer Score
The Subtonic Storm delivers a balanced sound signature characterized by a generous sub-bass boost, neutral midrange, and an elevated, articulate treble response. Its standout feature is the implementation of proprietary SLAM drivers—custom balanced armatures handling separate sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies—which produce exceptional slam and texture rivaling dynamic drivers. The treble exhibits deliberate, controlled peaks between 5-15kHz, contributing to vividness without harshness, though some listeners may note a slight roll-off past 16kHz.
Technically, the Storm sets a high bar with class-leading dynamics, micro-detail resolution, and driver coherence across its hybrid array. Staging offers strong width and depth but lacks a cohesive center image. Ergonomically, the titanium shells are bulky and heavy, causing fatigue during extended use, and the stock cable is often criticized for stiffness. Additionally, its low sensitivity demands powerful amplification, limiting portability.
Kinera Imperial Loki Reviews
9
Reviewer Score
Super clean and clear sound. Beautiful vocals. Everyhting is extremely well balanced. No special sauce tho. Jays Audio Youtube Channel
8.7
Reviewer Score
Great bass texture with slightly hot upper mid-range and well extended treble. Remarkable technical performance.
6.8
Reviewer Score
Packaged well but feels like an Alien is in your ear. Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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.
Subtonic STORM User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own reviewKinera Imperial Loki User Reviews
"This is an example review"
Pros
- Example pro 1
- Example pro 2
Cons
- Example con 1
- Example con 2
Share your experience and build your personal ranking list.
You need to be signed in to write your own review