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Today’s review focuses on the Kiwi Ears x Z-Reviews Serene, a headphone model that has already attracted notable attention online. It is a collaboration between Kiwi Ears and the American audio reviewer Z-Reviews (ZEOS Pantera). The collaboration follows a typical structure: the manufacturer handled the engineering and production, while the collaborator contributed to the sound tuning, overall presentation, and evaluation process. The result is a well-executed product, though a closer examination of its characteristics is warranted.
Read also: All headphone and earbuds reviews on Root-Nation.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Kiwi Ears x Z-Reviews Serene Headphone Specifications
- Design: full-size, closed-back
- Drivers: 72×89 mm planar magnetic driver (active diaphragm area – 57.5×51.0 mm)
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Rated power: 10 mW
- Maximum power: 20 mW
- Impedance: 50 Ω ±15% (at 1 kHz)
- Microphone: none
- Sensitivity: 102 ±3 dB (at 1 kHz)
- THD (Total Harmonic Distortion): less than 3%
- Connection type: wired, detachable 3.5 mm cable
- Weight: 269 g
A brief technical note for those interested in specifications: the commonly cited “72×89 mm” dimensions refer to the entire driver assembly, including the housing. The actual active diaphragm area responsible for sound reproduction measures 57.5×51.0 mm. This distinction is stated on the product page, although it may require careful reading.
Positioning and Price
The Kiwi Ears x Z-Reviews Serene is not an entry-level model, but it does not reach the flagship segment. At the time of writing, the discounted price on the official website is $135, compared to a regular price of $159. On AliExpress, the headphones are available for approximately $139.38.
Competition in this price range is strong. However, the Serene occupies a relatively distinct position, as it is one of the few closed-back planar headphones available at this price point, which makes it a noteworthy option within its segment.
Package Contents
The headphones are shipped in a simple purple and yellow box.
The included accessories are minimal. Inside the box, the contents are limited to:
- the headphones, placed in a plastic tray
- a detachable coiled 3.5 mm cable
- basic documentation
Overall, the package can be described as highly simplified.
No additional accessories are included. There is no 6.3 mm adapter, no balanced cable, and no carrying case (unlike the Kiwi Ears Ardor). If such items are required, they will need to be purchased separately.
The included cable is of reasonably good quality, in contrast to the plastic tray. It is not suitable for storage, as it is a very thin, molded insert with limited durability. This suggests that cost prioritization was focused on the headphones themselves rather than the packaging.
Read also: Kiwi Ears Belle Wired Earphones Review: Signature Sound in Budget Segment
Design and Build of Kiwi Ears x Z-Reviews Serene
The headphones are finished in a black and purple color scheme. Build quality is solid, with no noticeable looseness, rattling, or creaking. The top features Kiwi Ears and Z-Reviews logos, while 3.5 mm mini-jack connectors are located beneath the ear cups.
The combination of an aluminum frame and polymer ear cups provides a balance between perceived build quality and weight, avoiding excessive pressure during use. The Serene weighs 269 g. Overall, the design is restrained and аккуратно executed, with a subtle retro influence.
Read also: Kiwi Ears Ardor Review: Versatile Over-Ear Headphones Focused on Sound Quality
Ergonomics
The Kiwi Ears Serene sit comfortably on the head, without exerting pressure or slipping. The ear pads feature memory foam, allowing them to adapt to the shape of the ears over time. They are soft, reasonably deep, covered in vegan leather, and pleasant to the touch. Even after several hours of use, they remain comfortable, which is a notable advantage.
The headband features a spring steel frame that can be bent to the desired shape and retains its adjustment, allowing it to fit a wide range of head sizes. The ear cups rotate up to 125°, which is convenient both for storage and for wearing the headphones around the neck.
One point to note is that the ear pads are relatively compact. Users with larger ears should try the headphones on before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit.
Connectivity
The headphones are wired. The cable is detachable and connects via dual 3.5 mm jacks – one on each ear cup.
As mentioned earlier, the included cable is of good quality: it has a fabric braid, is flexible, and does not spring or coil. The only drawback is its sensitivity to the microphonic effect – friction against clothing or a desk is audible in the headphones. While not critical, it is worth noting.
More importantly, the Serene are fairly demanding in terms of source. Using a dedicated DAC or amplifier allows them to reach their full potential. Listening directly from a smartphone via a basic USB-C to 3.5 mm dongle is technically possible, but the headphones will not perform optimally. For example, when testing with a Razr 40 and its native USB-C adapter, the volume needed to be around 70% to achieve a reasonable listening level, and the Serene’s full capabilities were not realized.
As an alternative, for those without dedicated equipment or who want to listen from a PC, a headphone stand like the ROG Throne can be useful. It includes a built-in ESS 9118 Hi-Fi amplifier and also functions as an attractive headset holder.
When I connected the Serene through the Throne, enabled Dolby Atmos on the console, selected the “Detailed” preset for music, and set the audio device on Windows to 192 kHz / 24-bit, the performance was immediately striking – delivering a level of detail and clarity that was genuinely impressive.
In some tracks, I even noticed instruments I hadn’t picked up before. So yes, ensuring a quality source is essential to fully experience what these headphones can offer.
Sound Quality of Kiwi Ears x Z-Reviews Serene
The headphones use a planar magnetic driver with an active diaphragm area of 57.5 × 51.0 mm. Compared to conventional dynamic drivers, this is a different technology: instead of a coil-driven diaphragm, a thin film is evenly pulled by magnets on both sides. In practice, this results in bass that is tight and precise rather than loose or boomy.
Bass is a standout feature – dense, deep, and controlled. Tracks with strong percussion immediately highlight what these headphones are designed to deliver.
Midrange frequencies are rich, with clear and clean vocals, and instruments are well defined. Treble is restrained and smooth, adding detail without drawing undue attention. Overall, the sound signature is balanced.
One point worth noting is that the overall sound character is warm and full-bodied, rather than neutral or “sterile.” If you’re looking for analytical precision, the Serene are not designed for that. However, if you want headphones that are simply enjoyable to listen to without overthinking detail, they deliver.
Another advantage is passive noise isolation. For a design without any active noise cancelling, it is surprisingly effective at reducing external noise. I tested this at home with my own “stress test,” involving two children – a serious challenge. The Serene handled it well.
Overall, the Kiwi Ears x Z-Reviews Serene are headphones that make listening to music enjoyable, whether in the evening after the kids are asleep or when you need to block out surrounding noise to focus on a task.
Conclusion
The Kiwi Ears x Z-Reviews Serene is a product with character and tangible strengths. This is an example where a brand-influencer collaboration has been executed successfully. For $159, you get closed-back planar headphones – a rarity at this price point – with a warm, full-bodied, balanced sound and effective passive noise isolation.
The main drawback is the minimal package contents. While not critical, the lack of accessories leaves a slight sense of incompleteness. At this price, including at least a 6.3 mm adapter would have been preferable.
If you enjoy tight, full-bodied bass and want headphones that are simply enjoyable for casual listening after a workday, the Serene deliver and are hard to regret. If you’re looking for a neutral, analytical sound for mixing or a very bright, airy signature, you may want to look elsewhere. It’s also worth noting that the source matters – these headphones perform noticeably better with a quality DAC or amplifier.
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Where to buy Kiwi Ears x Z-Reviews Serene