Antlion Audio Kimura In-Ear Headset review – Ear candy for work and play?

REVIEW – I’ve been a fan of Antlion Audio since their first Modmic.  I’ve had a few over the years and currently have the Modmic USB which is a few years old now but still works great. So, when I heard they not only had a mic for IEMs but also their own line of IEMs, I said yes, please, and thank you.  I’m always chasing that set of IEMs that I can afford, sound great, and stay put in my ears. How could I not like the Antlion Kimura collection? Luckily, I got to test Antlion Audio’s Kimura Solo and Duo.

What is it?

The Antlion Audio Kimura microphone cable is a system that can attach to standard MMCX or 2-pin detachable cable in-ear monitors.  The Kimura Solo is a set of IEMs with the Kimura mic and Antlion Audio’s signature dynamic driver.  The Kimura duo is all that plus an additional balanced armature.

What’s in the box?

• The Antlion Audio Kimura Solo or Duo IEMs
• Kimura microphone and cable with MMCX connectors
• One set of memory foam ear tips
• Small, medium, and large silicon ear tips
• Y adapter
• Hard shell carrying case
• Manual

Hardware specs

Kimura Microphone Cable:

• Frequency Response: 100Hz – 10kHz
• Sensitivity:-42±3 dB
• Impedance: 2.2(Max) kΩ
• S/N Ratio: 60(Min) dB
• Maximum Input Sound Pressure Level: 115(Max) dB
• Standard Operating Voltage: 2.0 Vdc
• Operating Voltage Range: 1.0~10 Vdc

Kimura Solo IEM:

• Single Dynamic Driver
• Sensitivity:125dB
• Impedance:8Ω
• Frequency Response Range:10Hz-20kHz
• Connector: MMCX

Kimura Duo IEM:

• One Dynamic Driver
• One Balanced Armature
• Sensitivity:125dB
• Impedance:24Ω
• Frequency Response Range:10Hz-30kHz
• Connector: MMCX

Design and features

The first thing I noticed about both the Kimura Solo and Duo was the solid resin bodies of the IEMs themselves. I usually attribute that to brands that are far out of my comfort zone when it comes to price. They look like candy. So sweet!  I can’t say if the resin build actually adds anything to the sound quality but it certainly makes the build robust. They feel like they could withstand the commute back and forth from work to home with no issues.

The next feature I noticed was the flexible, bendable, over-the-ear design of the cable.  I like that you can form them around your ear.  I have some earbuds that go over the ear as well but they are just wires.  You can’t shape or form them to your ear, meaning they can slip off depending on your movement.  I had no issues with Antlion’s Kimura design at all.

The mic boom is also bendable so you can get it in just the right spot for you. And it’s built to last.  It’s not some flimsy plastic. The mic body is actually metal. So, again, robust build.

The cable is 2 meters long, so plenty of length to allow movement while in a meeting or a Modern Warfare firefight with your squad. Much appreciated is the alligator clip so you can keep it from getting tangled. It’s terminated in 2 – 3.5 mm TRS jacks, one for voice and one for audio. Included with the Solo or Duo is an Antline Audio Y adapter so you can go from your PC or laptop to a console controller with ease.

Performance

Ok, so how do they sound? Concerning my vocals, everything was great.  No one I spoke with while using either the Kimura Solo or Duo complained.  Everyone heard me just fine with no issues.  No one said a word about any background noise from my family or my dogs who love to sit outside my office window and bark at the neighbors whenever I’m in a meeting. So the mic is spot on just like I expected it to be.

Now, when I talk about the audio experience I had, let me preface this with the fact I could never get a good seal with the included ear tips.  I even used some third-party ear tips and couldn’t get a good seal which was a shame.  My experience with both the Antlion Audio Kimura Solo and Duo was disappointing.  Both had a very thin sound.  The Solos were mainly Mid heavy with barely noticeable bass or highs.  The Duos were a little better with the addition of the balanced armature.  Highs were noticeably crisper.  Again, I couldn’t get a proper seal.  If I took my fingers and pressed them into my ears, the sound dramatically changed, especially the Duos.  Bass was deeper, more resonant. The highs were even crisper and more defined.  If I could get that sound all the time at Antlion’s price, man, would I be happy. I really can’t fault Antlion though.  They aren’t the first company I’ve tried and couldn’t get a good seal with the included ear tips.

Another thing to note is comfort. I would say for the most part I had no issues with the comfort of the Kimura line unless I wore them for more than about 6 or 7 hours. I’d pop them in when I logged into my laptop for work and wear them the rest of the day. By the end of the day, my left ear would be hurting. My right ear was fine.  I can’t explain why one hurt and not the other.  I’m weird. I know it. I just want to make you aware.  That my ear hurt. Not that I’m weird.  I’m sure you knew that already.

What I like

• Mic performance
• Build quality
• Y adapter and numerous ear tips included

What I’d change

• Some way to make them fit in my weird ears

Final thoughts

I really wanted to like the Antlion Audio Kimura IEMs. I’ve used their Modmic for years and like their products.  Through no fault of their own, I couldn’t get a good seal in my ears, so I missed out on what they wanted me to hear.  If you have a similar problem with getting IEMs to fit you then steer clear.  If not, then consider Antlion Audio’s Kimura line.  When you get the proper seal they sound great whether you’re in a meeting, listening to music, or watching a movie. I just couldn’t sit there with my fingers pressing them in the whole time.

Price: Kimura Microphone Cable: $59.95  Kimura Solo: $99.95 Kimura Duos: $149.95
Where to buy: Antlion Audio
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Antlion Audio.