Kiwi Ears has teamed up with Z Reviews to announce the launch of their latest over-ear headphones, the Kiwi Ears x Z Reviews: Serene. Designed to bring high-end audio fidelity to on-the-go listening, the Serene boasts a unique, fully enclosed planar magnetic driver and an accessible price point.
Serene: A Closer Look at the Tech
The biggest selling point of the Serene is its planar magnetic driver technology. This type of driver is renowned for its exceptional resolution, sound stage, and imaging, offering a step up from traditional dynamic drivers.
Kiwi Ears state that the Serene has been meticulously tuned for an optimal tonal balance, aiming to deliver the full frequency spectrum without any noticeable dips or peaks. They highlight:
- Extended bass shelf and flat midrange for a natural, “studio-accurate” sound.
- A precisely shaped treble for clear highs and smooth vocals without any harshness.
A key innovation in the Serene is the design of its closed-back system. Standard open-back planar drivers can suffer from audio degradation due to sound wave reflections when placed in a closed housing. To combat this, Kiwi Ears developed a “fully enclosed planar driver with a custom refractory filter and damping system.” This engineering is designed to minimise rear reflections and sound diffraction within the driver itself, resulting in cleaner audio and enhanced isolation.
Uncompromised Wired Performance
The Serene is designed exclusively as a wired headphone. The reasoning behind this is simple: to deliver the highest possible audio fidelity without the compromises of Bluetooth compression. This means you’ll need to plug it into your preferred DAC, amplifier, phone, or tablet, but the trade-off is superior resolution.
The detachable cable design also adds flexibility, allowing for easy customisation or future upgrades.
Lightweight Comfort and Build
Despite its advanced audio technology, the Serene hasn’t skimped on comfort. The design features a fully lined soft vegan leather headband and medium-tension vegan leather earcups, promising long-lasting ease for commutes and extended listening sessions.
The build uses an ultra-lightweight composite polymer and aluminium, striking a balance between durability and low weight. For a perfect fit, the earcups utilise dual pivot joints that allow them to adjust naturally to the listener’s head.
Serene Product Specifications
- Impedance: 50 ohms ±15% at 1 kHz (DC)
- Sensitivity: 102dB ±3dB (at 1 kHz, Test Voltage: 0.179 V)
- Rated Power: 10 mW
- Maximum Power: 20 mW
- Test Frequency Range: 20 Hz-20 kHz
What We Think
The Serene looks like an exciting proposition for audiophiles who need high-quality sound in a portable, closed-back design. Planar magnetic drivers at this price point are always welcome, and Kiwi Ears’ specific engineering to mitigate the issues of placing them in a closed housing suggests a commitment to acoustic quality. While some listeners may miss a wireless option, the focus on a purely wired connection underscores the priority placed on audio resolution above all else.
Where to Buy
The Kiwi Ears x Z Reviews: Serene is currently available for purchase for $159 (approximately £128), though regional pricing may differ. You can buy it directly from the official Kiwi Ears website or through authorised retailers worldwide. For more details, visit the official Kiwi Ears product page.
