In late 2004, I purchased my Taylor 814CE, fresh from Taylor. It was soooo bright, I felt it was unplayable and I kept thinking about returning it. Slowly, it started opening-up and developing a little warmth. Todate, the white spruce top is now a darker brown, approaching the look of a cedar top. 6 years later and it is still opening-up. Give the Kanilea time, it's a solid wood instrument that was recently assembled. The Kani should open-up with time.
About 3-1/2 months ago I purchased a new Epi Les Paul concert uke. With the stock black strings, the uke sounded dead and the C string off, although it was in tune. Put some Aquila strings on it and it improved, but it still sucked. Earlier this week I ordered some ProArte J92 strings to try on it this long weekend. Low and behold, when I went to play it Thursday, before changing the strings, it sounds better: and the Les Paul uke is a laminate, which I didn't think would ever change and especially after only 3-1/2 months. Give the Kani time to open-up
You might also try some D'Addario J71 ukulele strings on it, which are actually classical guitar strings. Jake, Aldrine, & other Pro's use the individually selected/purchased classical guitar strings, so D'Addario put this packaged set together so that it would be easier on us consumers. I'll try them on my custom after it gets built, delivered, & warms-up a little.
Just curious, Is your kani wood lite, medium, or very dark. It seems to me that the darker koa kani's are more muted. I'm ordering my custom tenor with a lighter honey colored curly koa, hope it works out.