KINERA CELEST IGNITEX BEAST
Budget Hybrid Optimized !
Pros:
- Tight and punchy bassline.
- Treble clarity. Clean and clear.
- Great technicalities for the price.
- Easy to drive.
- Performs better on higher volume.
- Great value.
- Sounds good out the box.
Cons: (Nit-picks)
- Lacks sub-bass pressure and sustain.
- Vocal rendition is on the smooth and safe side
- Potential mid-treble splash on percussions (higher volume).
- Not the most engaging set.
[MY PERSONAL HEAD-FI GRADING]
1 ★ - Appalling! please avoid this!
2 ★★ Subpar offering, there are better options out there!
3 ★★★ Decent with some caveats! Not a bad pick!
4 ★★★★ Not perfect but solid choice ! This should be in your shortlist. A nice addition to your collection.
5 ★★★★★ One the best in class! You should go right ahead & buy one! A must have!
KINERA CELEST IGNITEX BEAST 4½★★★★
▓▒░ SOUND-SIGNATURE ░▒▓
The tuning profile of the IgniteX lies in the form of a mild-v shaped sound. It has greater emphasis on the upper-mids with an elevated mid-treble zing. The bass has a slight boost, but it is a sub-bass biased. It is not a bass-head set, it is by no means a treble set and it is not a vocal specialist set either which makes its one of the more all-rounders set in its class.
▓▒░ PRE-BURN IN EXPERIENCE ░▒▓
It sounds great out of the box. Perhaps after a week of usage, the bass gets tighter and the treble seems a smidge clearer.
▓▒░ BASS/LOW-ENDSOUND ░▒▓
With just a slight bass-boost, it keeps the low-end clean without overpowering the upper registry. Overall, the low-end is rather assertive but it is never domineering. It is well-controlled and smoothly textured.
The low-end extension is not much. The sub-bass attack is rather polite with a moderately fast decay rate. As a result, those rumbling, droning and booming sensation may not be the most satisfying to listen. It’s there but there is no pressure built up to it to keep it atmospheric. Thankfully, the sub-bass kicks are punchy giving a satisfactory level of tactile boom.
Ghetto bass elements have good bound and rebound rate while bass-drop is kept clean and clear. As for the bass distortion elements, they are well retrieved.
On paper, the mid-bass is seemingly less but for some reason they sound more impactful than the subs. They have good amplitude of attack and hit quite deep to leave an impression. Instrument like drum hits or percussions seems to hit, slam, punch and kick harder than expected.
The notes are nicely weighted and offers a more precise decay unlike the sub-bass which tend to linger a tad longer than it should on a fast bass tracks. Thankfully there is no spill over of mid-bass onto the lower mid-range which can be a good or bad thing depending on your library.
All being said, the bass performance is definitely one of its strength. The layering and detailing is very good for the price. It offers a good balance between quality and quantity but ultimately, it is by no means for bass-head.
▓▒░ MID-RANGE /VOCAL ░▒▓
Overall, the mid-range/vocal took a more neutral approach in its positioning, it is neither too forward nor recessed.
Both male and female seems to offer equal level of performance on stage. They sound smooth, clean and clear. There hasn't been any shouty, graininess or dryness situation as far as the assessment goes. And that’s about it.
Unfortunately, the vocal rendition could use some work. The vocal texturing is definitely on the smooth side. It is not very good at retrieving those micro-nuances on those voices. The elements of breath, hoarse or coarse don't really standout that much.
It would have been better if the vocals fundamental body were denser. There are times when there is a slight hollowness to the voice especially with male vocals.
The vocal can sound a tad too safe for some, lacking that crescendo on transient. It sounds as if the singers are holding back their emotions.
On top of that, the vocal reverb is not that prominent which is not ideal on an acoustic track.
The same can be said with its instrument replay. The attack definition are just lacking (piano, violin, strings, guitar, flute).
At the very least, despite the nit-picks, they still sound natural in its own way. It's just that from a vocal attribute standpoint, it is missing some of that finesse that can makes vocal and instrument sound great.
▓▒░ TREBLE/HIGHS ░▒▓
The treble extension is quite good. It doesn't sound too dark nor too bright. The response is fairly smooth.
There is no unwanted resonance that could irks your experience. There is a good amount of crispiness, brightness and clarity to them. They sounded clean and clear most of the time. None of that graininess or haziness that would normally associate with a BA driver.
The treble elements are mostly well laid-out without sounding forced or too aggressive in its demeanour.
However, it is not all perfect. On some occasions, that mid-treble emphasis can make highs region percussions like drum-hits can sound a tad peaky. Noticeably, on higher volumes.
And if I were to nitpicks, constant hi-hats and cymbals have a more rounded-edge to them and the shimmering effect is not quite there on the overrun. As for e-guitars, it could use with abit more bite for added grunt. Meanwhile when it comes to electronics or synthetic noise, it rings, zings, buzzes and rattles just fine .
Regardless, this level of treble performance may not be the most detailed but its level of refinement carries this set, giving the quality it needs.
✧ ════ •TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE• ════ ✧
- As for the STAGE, it is very wide, good depth but there is not much height to the dimension. The vocals are dead-centred surrounded by images of instruments.
- When it comes to its IMAGING PROWESS, is quite impressive. The SOUND LOCALIZATION from left to right is not the most razor sharp but it is very accurate. Thanks to provided depth, front to back layering is not bad either.
- SEPARATION level is one of its strong points. Although the gap between each element of sound isn’t generous. The borders of separated elements are highly maintained with great consistent thru-out the test.
- Having a clear and clean sound does help with its clarity. DETAIL-RETRIEVAL never seems to be lacking, providing your music with sufficient amount of macro and micro detail.
- TIMBRE wise, vocals and instrument are far from sounding unnatural. But it is not the most accurate I've heard. There are times when the vocals and instrument sounds abit weightless/lack body and the texturing could use with more bite or attack definition. The same can be said with instrument like piano, guitar plucks, violin or strings, they can sound abit light and smoothed over. Which is good for laid-back sessions but not so much if you're looking for realism. The other aspect that is affecting its timbre accuracy is probably the overtone or the reverberation level. I find the trailing of reverb is missing a touch on vocals and instrument. Having said that, being hybrid, these issues are quite common. At the very least, there is no annoying BA grains or sharpness is heard.
- For a safe tuning like this one, the DYNAMIC RANGE is not going to be that wide but elements of loud and soft can still be distinguish when your ears are focused.
- It does VOLUME SCALING quite well. In fact, you really need to dial up the volume to get the most out of it. Otherwise, it can sound too relax and get bored pretty quickly.
- As for the DRIVER QUALITY. Its more than capable to achieve its goal. There is no driver-flex issue, and it is not that hard to drive to listenable volume.
✧ ════ •POTENTIAL SYNERGY TWEAKS• ════ ✧
- EARTIPS: I’d recommend using the SPINFIT CP100 if you want to improve the bass tactile and mid-range body and intimacy.
- DAC/AMP: I’d suggest using something brighter, cleaner, less coloured and more technical source like the Tanchjim SPACE, it does help to improve its technical aspect. But it does works well with a neutral-warm signature like the CELEST CD-20 or XDUOO LINK2BAL. It helps the lower-mids to sound fuller and richer while taming down those mid-treble energy.
✧ ════ •BUILD/ PACKAGING/COMFORT• ════ ✧
- Like most Kineras/Celest, its built quality is top-notch. It is lightweight, not too big and beautifully finished.
- Its packaging is small and reasonable for the price. There is a mic option as well, but it would be great if can they provide it with a 4.4 BAL cable option. While the stock cable could be better as they are very memory prone and too thin.
- Comfort wise, it has this semi-custom-like resin shell which really helps in its ear-gonomics. There is not protruding cleave or bulge that can cause discomfort.
SHORT COMPARISON
vs CELEST WYVERN QING (Stock)
- IgniteX has tighter bass control. Punchier and hit deeper.
- Qing has greater sub-bass pressure and sustain. And boomier
- Qing slightly better at capturing reverb on vocals and instruments.
- Qing has fuller and richer mid-range vocals.
- Qing is vocals sounds slightly more emotional/euphonic.
- IgniteX has slightly better micro-contrast on vocals.
- IgniteX has airier treble response. More sparkling up top.
- Qing is darker but void of spiciness or hotness.
- IgniteX has better treble-detail.
- IgniteX has wider and deeper stage while Qing is slightly taller.
- IgniteX stereo-imaging is sharper and more accurate.
- IgniteX separation prowess is a notch better.
- IgniteX detail retrieval is smidge better.
- IgniteX clarity is a notch higher.
- Qing has greater advantage on capturing music ambience.
- Qing timbre sounds ever so slightly more natural. It has better note weight and decay.
- Both are equally easy to drive.
- Both are equally as comfortable to wear.
- IgniteX is prettier and better built.
" When it comes to technical performance, the IgniteX is clearly a notch above the Qing. However, the Qing still has the upper hand ever so slightly in terms of tone and timbre. It sounds a tad more natural and euphonic to my ears. In other words, the IgniteX is not the direct upgrade to the Qing. They sounded different enough to complement each other. If you already have the Qing, and you’re looking for something different I’d definitely recommend you try and get the IgniteX for a different set of flavor."
◤FINAL THOUGHTS◢
Celest has managed to cook something solid yet again. It is truly shocking to see how far a budget segment has grown today. If I were to get similar hybrid setup from 2-3 years ago, we would probably have to pay around 200-300$ for this level of sound quality and refinement. And most of the flaws are mostly nit-picks.
Yes, it is not perfect. But what you get for the price is nothing short of impressive. And bear in mind I've been gauging it by using sets that cost way higher than it does which says alot. I can definitely see myself recommending this set to my fellow audiophiles in the future that wants a laid-back sound that isn't too boring without breaking the wallet.
[IEM-SCORING-BOARD]
RATING
1: Trash (F)
2: Horrible (E)
3: Bad (D)
4: Subpar (C)
5: Decent/Average (B)
6: Good (A-)
7: Great (A)
8: Superb. (A+)
9: Masterclass/Top-Drawer (S)
10: Perfection (P)
CELEST IGNITEX BEAST (KUNO) [1-DD-1-BA]
(10MM LCP DIAPHRAGM DYNAMIC DRIVER)
(CELEST 10012 BALANCED ARMATURE)
MSRP : 49$ USD
Tuning : Mild V-shaped/Slight W-shaped.
= Quality =
Bass: 6.0/10 Mids: 5.0/10 Treble: 5.5/10
Male/Female: 5.0/5.0
= Technicalities =
Detail & Resolve: 6.0/6.0
Instrument Replay/Timbre : 5.5/10
Dynamic-Range/Transient : 5.0/10
Head-stage [W-H-D]: 7.0-4.5-7.0
Layering & Separation: 6.5/10
Stereo Imaging 6.0/10
Ambience : 5/10
Clarity : 6.5/10
Build/Comfort: 8/8
Value: 9/10 [AS TESTED]
Personal Enjoyment: 5.5/10
SETUP (As tested)
Stock 4Core OFC Cable 3.5 SE PLUG (No Mic)
Spinfit CP100 (M) (Non-Plus)
Tanchjim SPACE/Celest CD-20
CELEST WYVERN QING (GREEN) [1-DD]
(10MM LCP DIAPHRAGM DYNAMIC DRIVER)
MSRP : 29$ USD
Tuning : Mild V-shaped/ Bassy-Harman.
= Quality =
Bass: 5.5/10 Mids: 5.5/10 Treble: 5.0/10
Male/Female: 5.0/5.5
= Technicalities =
Detail & Resolve: 5.5/5.0
Instrument Replay/Timbre : 7.0/10
Dynamic-Range/Transient : 5.5/10
Head-stage [W-H-D]: 5.5-5.0-6.0
Layering & Separation: 5.0/10
Stereo Imaging 5.5/10
Ambience : 6/10
Clarity : 5.5/10
Build/Comfort: 7/8
Value: 9/10 [AS TESTED]
Personal Enjoyment: 6/10
SETUP (As tested)
Stock Silver-plated OFC Cable 3.5 SE PLUG (No Mic)
Spinfit CP100 (M) (Non-Plus)
Tanchjim SPACE
========================================================================
【SOURCE & GEARS】
● Native FLAC Files [44.1Khz 16bits-96Khz 24bits]
● Foobar2000 [ROG G18] [USB C Thunderbolt]
● Huawei P20 PRO [Phone][ App- Foobar2000]
========================================================================
【PLAYLIST／TEST-TRACKS】
1977 Fleetwood Mac - Dreams ★1982 Chicago – Hard to say I'm sorry. ★
2003 NARUTO Original Soundtrack I – Wakiagaru Toushi ★
2008 K.will (케이윌) – 소원 (Great King Sejong OST Part.1)
2009 Maksim – Exodus
2010 Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou (OST) – Kokoro no Oku De Ha
2014 Grabbitz – Here with you now. ★
2014 BoA – MASAYUME CHASING
2014 Hyolyn – 안녕 Good bye ★
2015 KOKIA – I Found You ★
2015 K MISSING KINGS (OST) - New Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - Return of Kings
2016 K RETURN OF KINGS (OST) - If you die.
2017 Berry Goodman – Zutto (ずっと) ★
2017 SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:mizuki – ViEW
2017 Namie Amuro – Hope
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - In Pursuit Of
2019 K SEVEN STORIES (OST) - Lost Small World
2019 Blade & Soul (OST) – Half-Moon Lake
2019 CAROLE & TUESDAY VOCAL COLLECTION Vol.1 – Light a Fire ★
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – BAE – BaNG!!! ★
2020 Paradox Live Opening Show (1st E.P) – cozmez – Where They At ★
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – GET NAKED (Kiyoshi Sugo Remix)
2020 倖田來未 (Kumi Koda) – again (MATZ Remix)
2020 premiere fleurs – プリンシパル
2020 Love Live! Nijigasaki – 朝香果林 (Karin Asaka) – VIVID WORLD ★
2020 Fujii Kaze – へでもねーよ”／Hedemo Ne-YoSeishun Sick
2020 King Gnu – 三文小説 ／Sanmon Shosetsu ★
2021 OWV – Fifth Season ★
2021 加藤 ミリヤ (Miliyah) feat. Yoshida Brothers – この夢が醒めるまで ★
2021 Aoi Teshima – ただいま★
2021 Official髭男dism – Cry Baby
2021 Chanmin BIJIN 美人 – Morning Mood
2021 門脇更紗 (Sarasa Kadowaki) – きれいだ
2021 Mirei Touyama – 美忘録
2021 SELECTION PROJECT Vol.1 – Only one yell -天沢灯ソロver.- ★
2022 Belle (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Million Miles Away (ENG vers.)
2022 rei (E-girls) – Dark Hero.
2022 rei (E-girls) – IDNY
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – Bleecker Chrome - You will shine ★
2022 I can fly (Special Edition) – YOSHIKI EZAKI x Bleecker Chrome - UP ★
2022 BEAST TAMER (OST) – じんわり感じている幸せ
2022 Ado – 会いたくて
2022 Ado – 踊
2023 La prière – Sweet Dreams ★
2023 Bungou Stray Dogs 4th Season ED – Luck Life – しるし★
2023 UMAMUSUME PRETTY DERBY - Hat on your Head!
2023 Anna – 花のように (Hana no You ni)
2023 riria. – 貴方の側に (Anata no Soba ni)
2024 Dungeon Meshi OP – BUMP OF CHICKEN – Sleep Walking Orchestra
2024 Ernie Zakri, Ade Govinda - Masing Masing ★
2024 Paradox Live THE ANIMATION OST – 25 幻影武雷管 - Trauma ★
2024 Bartender Kami no Glass OP – Takaya Kawasaki – Stardust Memory ★
2024 Maou no Ore ga Dorei Elf ED – Sayaka Yamamoto – Blue Star
2024 Spice and Wolf Merchant Meets the Wise Wolf OP – Hana Hope – Tabi no Yukue/ Destination of the journey
2024 Tonari no Youkai-san ED – Aoi Kubo – Iro no Naka (風媒花)
★ Main-Test-Tracks/ A glimpse of what listen to 90% of the of time.
Do take my words for what it’s worth. Afterall, I am just one man. ╮(╯▽╰)╭
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING! HAVE A GOOD DAY WHEREVER YOU ARE! TAKE CARE!
Disclaimer:
- This is a review unit sent by Kinera/Celest (Kinera Thomas,Facebook). Million thanks for making this possible.
- If you like to purchase this, please click the link below (non-affiliated)
EXTRA PHOTOS
