Kinera Celest Phoenixcall 1DD+2BA+2 Micro Planar Drivers IEMs

I must thank Celest/ Kinera for the unconditional trust and respect, for the opportunity to try out this exotic gem. I am always excited for this family brands' IEMs, as they strive for unique products that have their own soul, focusing on quality over quantity.

The PhoenixCall is not an easy unit to like upfront. It needs some abstraction and unbiased approach, and for that one must go through all the emotional stages: misunderstanding - hate - respect - love. Only then can one comment.
This errand took me close to 6 months of intermittent daily use, having these as my primary set, along very few IEM rotation, and even loosing IEM sound references as I dived into an audiophily hiatus.

I would describe them as a combination of fun and technical - a "V-Shaped Technical Set". It is not the most visited combination for me, thus confusing me a lot in the "first date".

Onward to what brought you here - how does it actually sound?

Sub Bass​

Clean rumble, not lean but sometimes feels like so as it recovers somewhat too quickly, with average texture. It is extended but in a song context it doesn't make a difference as it it easily overcome by the midbass.

In electronic sub genres it lacks some of the immersion factor, as synthesizers basses are not 100% represented and loose a bit of information.

In metal and rock genres, the bass instrument could use a bit more sub bass depth so that it feels more visceral. Double Basses could use a bit more reverberance/resonance.

I feel this is partially due to the thick nozzle that won't easily allow for a deeper insertion, as there seems to be a better subbass performance if I use tips that allow for a deeper insertion, however it won't keep its seal for long as the nozzle is too big for my canal. Also narrower tips tend to slip off from the nozzle, and already lead to me losing some spinfit tips.
I must note that the Sub Bass does feel natural and doesn't render songs in any way different than what I had anticipated.

MidBass​

More intense than the perceived subbass, it has average slam, the attack is fast (not super fast), it has rolled off decay and moderate depth. It behaves naturally as for a DD's job and results in an slightly boosted analogue bass response, not too colored.

I find it quite versatile between all genres, delivering impressive details and texture.
It does however sound like other DDs I have listened before.

Mids​

Oddly, the Lower and Upper Mids sound of a different resolution compared to the rest of the frequency ranges.
This is where my immersion can sometimes be broken, as instruments that come in and out of this region tend to behave inconsistently, less defined as they reach for the upper mids region. The beginning of the lower mids isn't as affected.

Lower Mids​

Slightly dipped, but as usual Celest's voodoo manages to balance it out and brings instruments out of the shadows. Even if the piano's note weight is lighter here, they don't get pushed back into the mix.

Again, similar to previous Celest iterations, percussion has a 2nd plane positioning, resembling a live gig. Congas and toms are a delight, super dynamic, textured, snappy. Drums are vivid and very holographic in presentation.

This region is spacious along with the upper mids, contributing to the sense of layering, in which there is minimal instrument convolution. This is specially important in this frequency range as a lot of instruments tend to cross this range. This is part of the reason it feels like a technical set.

Regarding Male vocals, they aren't shined upon, they're just there, not stealing the show, but don't get me wrong - they are fully rendered, there is no loss of information nor texture.

Upper Mids​

Comfortable, no shoutiness, however not lush - guitars and plucked instruments are texturally underwhelming, as if they lack resolution. I wonder if this has to do with this range's driver specs.

Female vocals not always cut through the mix, instead standing at the same tallness as other neighboring instruments.
Some of the drum set cymbals and hats feel low-res, compressed, as they are very lightly sparkly. In less convoluted songs you can notice the hi-hats are less informative than they should, and on busier songs they mush. Snares and claps sometimes feel boxy.

Piano note weight is also leaner in this region (about 20%).
This area's signature is different from what most of us have been listening to, so this can be an opportunity for savoring new waters, however I personally find it a weakness.

Treble​

Energetic, mostly non offensive and acceptably informative. Coming from the Upper Mids experience, it blends well and doesn't feel very disconnected from it, nevertheless the treble still has an higher resolution comparably.

It is interestingly sharp and crisp, however sometimes attacks can be spiky and might stimulate you into tip rolling a bit to achieve a bit more roundness. I am treble sensitive and don't feel offended nor tired by the PhoenixCall.

This treble is quite new to me, and took some time to conclude upon it. It is not a typical planar nor BA behavior, and it behaves like a mix of both.

Timbre​

On the bass domain, up to the lower mids, the timbre sounds accurate.
Not natural over the Mids, especially the upper mids into Treble region, and there is no overall timbre cohesion along the drivers/frequency range.

The Treble's timbre is interestingly unconventional - it does feel correct but not organically natural.

Soundstage​

Rather taller than wider, it is average in this sense, not bearing any surprise factor, but being up to par with the competition for this price range. As both bass and treble regions are quite intense, this leads to a good sense of soundstage. The extra information at the treble leads to a bigger sense of air.

Technicalities​

Strong in this department, however less perceivable in the sub-bass and upper mids intervals. The lower resolution on the upper mids is especially noticeable on older repertoire and consequently affects the perception of details as it feels as if this area has been compressed.

The layering and separation is the king of the show, and a Celest signature in my opinion. There is space for each instrument to breathe, except over the lower mids, where male voices and some drum elements tend to drown a bit into the mix (nitpicking). On top of that there are quite a lot of details to be appreciated.

Dynamics are inconsistent between frequency ranges and this is the main reason I say it can feel disconnected. The bass, lower end of the mids and treble are way more dynamic than the upper mids. It is not musically coherent.

Comfort​

The bigger diameter nozzle can be uncomfortable during longer sessions specially if wearing thicker silicon tips.
However, for the sub 2 hour use, it was ok for me and I have extensively used them during workouts. The longer nozzle can sometimes lead to loss of seal if not wearing tips with good traction.

Accessories​

The included cable is sturdy, 8 stranded with 2 colors, blue and magenta (in my case). It is slightly microphonic. The included jewelry chain is merely inspirational about the IEM's "tale".

Aesthetics​

I must congratulate Celest for the unique taste in making these IEMs truly feel like utopic gems from imaginary worlds. It was a bold design move, which has won my heart over and ultimately finishes full circle with the IEMs backstory and intent - somewhat of a rare and mystical event associated with a creature from folk literature - which you can feel as you open its box as if it was a book, being presented with lore and a golden chain with two phoenixes dancing in the air.

The unboxing experience is a memorable one and a lesson on how to develop a product as a whole, not only as a performing device. It tells a story, a designer's goal, which makes buyers feel closer and more in sync with the brand.

Final Words​

A keeper for sure, a must listen if you want to expand horizons and sip from the fountain of exotic IEMs. It is prone to vivid debate as it will either please or annoy you, sometimes even simultaneously. It is a joy to revisit this IEM and I do it frequently, always being surprised by new observations.

Congratulations Kinera & Celest, for your uniqueness.

Miguel Esteves

Introduction

Kinera has supplied the Celest Phoenixcall to the Australian Audio Reviews Downunder tour group for honest assessment. We would like to thank Kinera for trusting us with their creation!

Kinera has designed the Celest Phoenixcall with a 7mm Dynamic driver for the low frequencies, a customized BA driver for the mid frequencies, another customized BA driver for the mid-high frequencies, and two Micro planar drivers (Flat panel drivers) for the ultra-high frequencies. Supplied with Celest vocal ear tips in three sizes and Celest C07 tips also in three sizes. The cable is a 3.5mm 5N silver plated item with a good feel and neck slider.

Audio equipment used.

I played back music in FLAC form from my Hiby R3 Saber 2022 DAP via the balanced output on high gain. I also used a Hidizs DAC, the S9 Pro Martha with the 4.4mm balanced output which has a warmer less neutral presentation. Tips I used areTRN T which give me a deep secure insertion with good bass and also vocal and soundstage enhancement.

The sound

Firstly, can I say that I enjoy the Phoenixcall’s sound. It has clarity, energy, good bass and a spacious sound. Having said that it’s not a traditional tuning, whether V shaped or W shaped.

Kinera have produced a musical and engaging sounding IEM that does an awful lot right. When you break down the sound you might think it’s deficient and subpar, but the sum of its parts is greater than you might expect.

The Bass

I’d describe the bass as big and bold and on the warm side. Its punchy and more mid bass focussed. It does not go deep in the sub bass area, but it provided a solid bassy floor to the music. Snares hit nice and hard, bass guitar lines are deep and solid. If I had to critique the bass sound, its that it is a little unfocused. Bass does not bleed into the midrange and there is space and room for the vocals and instruments.

The Midrange

Midrange I would describe as clean and open with good transparency but not as rich or full as I have heard on other sets. Vocals cut through the mix with plenty of space and air. Detail retrieval is up there with the best.



Treble

Phoenixcall does treble just about right to my ears. Treble details cut thru nicely without any harshness. The treble does not sound boosted but rather correct, with good tone and sparkle. It compliments the rest of the frequency range nicely and never is sibilant. “Only time makes it Human” by King Princess is a great example of the Phoenixcall’s ability to present a full soundstage with richness, punch, details and a great vocal. Backing vocals and guitar at the beginning of the track are heard clearly When the track kicks in the percussion and hand claps are sharp and clear and the mix of vocals and bass guitar and toms is full and rich, with great thump and pace.



Soundstage and Imaging

I find the soundstage above average with plenty of height and depth. Kinera have tuned this mix of drivers to create a coherent and natural soundscape. Imagining is excellent as it is easy to pinpoint instruments within the stage.



Conclusion

Kinera themselves have described the tuning concept of the Phoenixcall as thus. ““Phoenixcall” has an overall bright sound with deep and elastic bass that is more gentle and relaxed. The midrange has a solid and natural sound, while the high frequencies are clear, bright, and clean. The soundstage is spacious and natural, with round and smooth vocals and strong resolution, providing you with a comfortable music experience.”

Sometimes you don’t want to analyse the sound of an IEM, especially when it sounds as good as the Phoenixcall. Obviously, it has not got the chops of some of the heavy hitters but what it does have is a great mix of different drivers tuned to work together well and presenting a very musical and enjoyable sound. I think Kinera have come close to their tuning target and now its times to settle back in a comfy chair with your best music on and enjoy.

TONALITY: 7.5/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.8/10
TIMBRE: 6.5/10
SOUNDSTAGE: 7/10
IMAGING: 8.5/10
CONSTRUCTION: 8.5/10
ACCESSORIES: 9/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.2/10

Intro

Celest is the sister company of Kinera, its aim is to offer IEM using new technology and pushing sound value boundaries.

At first it was supposed to stay in the sub-100$ price range, but it seems Hifigo influenced them to pass this price limit since they do exclusive collaboration with Kinera for IEM like the Plutus or Phoenixcall I will finally test today.

Priced 130$, the Pheonixcall is a tribrid IEM using 1 x 7mm dynamic driver+2x custom balanced armature+2 x square ‘’planar’’ driver (SPD).

It promises a bright and bassy musicality with ‘’natural’’ mids and spacious spatiality.

Let see in this review if it fulfills this promise and offers a sound value that is competitive at its price.

CONSTRUCTION&ACCESSORIES



The Pheonix are gorgeous looking, the back plate design is eye-catching with an artistic sparkly painting of flying birds. This is unexpected to get such elegant decoration at this price. The shell is made of thick resin plastic that is soft and seems durable enough.The shape is bulbous with a long thick nozzle, this might be a concern for people with small ears but I don't encounter discomfort.
On the top we have 2 pin female connector, it’s not semi recessed and this means all 2pin cable apart QDC will be compatible but that you are at risk of bending the pin if you're not careful enough too.Their 2 color choices, my pair is transparent and we can see all drivers inside, which is another captivating aspect of this IEM design.



The included cable is quite good too, another positive surprise.It’s a thick 5N silver plated cable with 8 braided cores and a total of 48 strands. You can choose it 3.5mm single ended or 4.4mm balanced.



Then when it comes to packaging, this is another overwhelming luxurious experience for a sub-200$ IEM, there is a lot to enjoy with the eyes and it feels like a treasure box.
Apart from the nice cable we have 6 pairs of silicone eartips. A nice carrying case and beautiful metal bookmark.

All in all, excellent box presentation, accessories and construction.



SOUND IMPRESSIONS



The Phoenix offers a bright balanced V shape with warm thumpy bass, open crisp mids and vivid but non sparkly treble that is the center of the show.

It’s a set that sounds both fun and technical, if not to say clinical.

Sense of transparency and its above average imaging and holographic sound layering capacity are the main highlight of the Phoenix.

The bass offers a good round slam that takes its impact energy in between sub and mid bass intersection, which densify the kick with warmth but affect definition of attack lead. The bass line are easy to find but cut short in rumble sustain, so the sub bass is slightly rolled off.
These aren’t basshead IEM and the punch isn’t very hard nor rumbly, it’s weighty and benefits more electric bass line than acoustic instruments like double bass or cello which sound more hollow and distant.
Attack control is average since we have some euphonic warmth and resonance, this means separation with mids isn’t the cleanest too. It’s a fast but exciting bass response that doesn't offer anything really special and has slight resonance and extra headroom that dirty the otherwise black background. Fast bass line can go muddy due to this resonance.

The mids are slightly lean and recessed with an emphasis on upper mids and instrument presence which are boosted in transparency. High pitch instruments and vocals are louder than other center stage and mid range instruments.
This means female vocal, saxophone and electric guitar are upfront. Brass instruments and female vocals are at risk of being shouty or fatiguing for sensitive listeners, sibilance is rare but can happen if already present in recording the Phoenix will not butter it.
These aren’t lush nor very natural sounding mids, the timbre is on the bright-dry side, it’s not sweet and the texture is a bit euphonic, not very high fidelity in fine details.
When it comes to piano or tapping instruments, the note weight is light and natural resonance cut short, as well it’s very lean in dynamic apart highest note which suddenly pop up in soundscape with more authority and attack bite.
The mids are open and airy with a near monitor like imaging but ‘’surround system’’ way in the sense the soundscape is vast in sound layers.
With vocals and most instruments, balanced armature plasticky timbre can be perceived, especially in breathy vocals or woodwinds where it gets extra noise vibration.
All in all, technical but not very musical mid range which isn’t the best for acoustic instruments and has a strange mix of boxyness and shoutyness for vocals that need more lower harmonic presence.

The treble is the main focus of the Phoenix but it’s made in a rather agressive bright way, it’s not the sharpest nor most refined highs since it lacks brilliance release and sparkle as well as proper attack edge and snap apart for very metallic sounds that will pop up more intensely in space.
While not crispest cutting in sharp attack lead, it’s still a fast and well controlled treble, sitting in between planar and BA which both lack proper brilliant snap and sparkly sustain decay.
We have micro harmonic distortion that adds euphony to micro details and percussions.
Those percussions are a mixed bag, they are well separated but roughly drawn in terms of attack sustain-release, cymbals that should sound sharp and short goes ‘’hit-hat’’ if we can say. This means ultra fast drummers will get a noisy attack timing lacking proper clean space between each hit.
Nonetheless, highs aren’t feeling compressed or muddy in macro dynamics, they have their own space and they are softened in attack release to avoid splashing.
To my ears, it’s near analytical in terms of details retrieval, but not all sound info is treated the same way, it’s more like an ‘’analytical draft’’ than fully restitute clarity. The mind knows all those sound info are there but can’t precisely represent it, it’s rough treble restitution, the SPD can’t achieve high fidelity crispness. Nor the BA used. In that regard, timbre and tone match well together.
As well, even if not the most sparkly or well defined highs, it still has air on top and adds a sense of openness to overall spatiality.

The soundstage is not bad but average, it has more talness than wideness and the depth will depend on the number of bass impact releases that slip into center stage, which can be quite deep with bass less instrumental music.

Imaging is main highlight of these IEM, it's very sharp in separation and definition and have proper transparency for multi layering. Positioning is mostly accurate and you don't struggle to pin point instrument position even in busy track.


SIDE NOTES

At 32ohm of impedance and 103db of sensitivity, the Pheonixcall benefit from some minimal amping, with lower than 100mW@32ohm source they might sound boxy and lean, to wake up dynamic and open up the spatiality it’s better to use dongle with balanced output.

The eartips is very important too, since we have a big nozzle with 4(!) hole that is tubed to each driver, it’s important to don’t block or compress the sound transmission, so the included short wide bore ear tips is best choice (or other similar wide bore).

Cable wise, no miracle will happen even if you use a Effect Audio overpriced TOTL cable with those. Stock cable is OK.


COMPARISONS



VS PENON FAN2 (280$ or more likely 140$ with ChiFI Love coupon code)

The Fan2 are warmer and more neutral, they are smoother and more cohesive in balance as well as more mid centric and natural in timbre. Technical performance is superior too, but not as boosted in clarity and bass punch.

The bass is less resonant, offers thicker kick drum punch but more mellow impact, the bass line is even warmer. Cello sounds less wonky while the rumble is more blurry but more vibrant and natural still. Both performance and tonality is superior, the Pheonix bass feels more detached and artificial.

Mids put so much to shame the Phoenix it doesn't worth lengthy analysis, simply put timbre is lusher, more natural and less unbalanced in texture, vocals are fuller and wider in presence, they fulfill the center stage without going shouty or desperate about showing off it’s presence. All instruments sound more natural and have greater note weight, BA timbre is inexistent compared to the obvious one of Phoenix too.

Treble head might prefer the Phoenix here since Fan2 is darker, still, Fan2 is cleaner and more snappy in highs attack, percussion are less boxy and dry, balance is more organic and effortless, it’s notably more refined but more delicate too, we don’t have as much extra air too.

Soundstage is wider but that's about it, the Phoenix has deeper and taller spatiality.

Imaging is less in your face and mids being denser, sense of transparency is inferior with Fan2, so for plain instrument separation and positioning the Phoenix is more capable even if layering of Fan2 is quite good.

All in all, tonality-musicality of Penon Fan2 is from another league in term of balance and timbre naturalness, i can say the same for technical performance since the 2 balanced armature used in tandem with 2 dynamic drivers are better implemented as well as superior in performance BA wise, while for bass, the DD can had too much warmth for some. At 140$.....the choice is very easy here. I don’t feel like throwing away the Fan2 after 5 min of listening, quite the opposite of Phoenix in that regard!

VS ISN NEO3 (2DD+1 micro planar)

Celest is brighter and more W shaped, dynamic is more energetic and analytical.
The bass is more rolled off in sub bass and notably more hard hitting and thumpy in mid bass, it feels faster and tighter too, less warm and mellow, it sounds more detached artificially from lower mids too. We have more resonance with Celeste and sub bass articulation is very messy compared to more tactile and chunky rumble and bass line of Neo3.
Mids are more aggressive and forwards in upper mids, lower mids is more scooped so piano and most mid range instrument sound more recessed apart high pitch saxo or female vocal which are more shouty, thinner in timbre and way less smooth, lush and dense than more mid centric Neo3.
Treble is more vivid, open and detailed, snappier and faster and more analytical with Celest, percussions are more prompt to dominate the mix and timbre is harsher. Neo3 is smoother in balance and less generous in micro details.
Soundstage is wider and taller with Neo3 but deeper and crisper with Celest.
Imaging while not very realist is still cleaner and sharper with Celest.
All in all, Neo3 is way more coherent and natural in it’s warm tonality, offers better fuller male and female vocal, has deeper and chunkier bass and has on par technicalities that feel more refined though not as boosted in energy. For treble head, the choice would be Celest Pheonixcall, even if it sounds more wonky and artificial it creates more in your face wow effect in terms of resolution and micro details.



CONCLUSION



While not the most natural sounding or pleasant in term of cohesive tonal balance, mid range body and density and timbre lushness, I was expecting way worst from the technical beast Pheonixcall.

These are energetic and technical bright sounding IEM that offer great clarity, fast thumpy bass, open transparent mids and sharp and snappy treble that sure will wake you up.

This mean the Pheonix aren’t made for treble sensitive people nor those who prefer warm and smooth musicality too.

Subjectively, i prefer smoother balance, lusher mids with less aggressive brightness and less boomy and resonant bass, but the vivid musicality is captivating still, more in a cerebral than emotional way to my ears.

Recommended for treble head, brigh V shape lover and those seeking high technical performance at affordable price.


—-------------------------------


PS: I want to thanks Kinera for sending me this review sample. This wasn’t suppose to happen due to Hifigo banning me but ‘’protector angels’’ still exist in this cynical world! You know who you are: BIG thanks for your true audio community passion Kinera matey!

Fun fact for those who don't know, Kinera and Celest are audio brands that are family businesses.
You see, Kinera is owned by the brother and Celest is owned by the sisters.
So Celest audio brand is literally Kinera’s "sister company".

BTW, thanks to Hifigo for giving me the opportunity to review this item. Everything I write is subjective and there is no interference from anyone in any form. Purely my experience.

Click to expand...

KINERA, when you heard the name, you automatically think about those beautiful looking IEM, right? Celest here is no different. In fact, they took it to another level!

Just like Kinera, whom takes inspiration from mythological creatures, Celest also take the same tradition.

Looking at the back,
The controversial nine tailed fox, Gumiho. Pandamon, well not exactly included in the mythology but it is a well made, unique IEM.
And now, Celest Phoenixcall, take it to another level with 1DD+2BA+2 micro planar for an all rounder with the beauty of the shell.

CELEST PHOENIXCALL, as the name suggests, feels like a legendary bird that rose from the ashes.
After some controversial with the Gumiho, Phoenixcall is here to make it's stand for Celest where it belong and it is right up there, I tell you!




Phoenixcall can be summed up as an all rounder, with pretty big round bass, natural vocal timbre (well, almost), and nice sparkly treble.

Mild V-shaped, I'd say.


UNBOXING:

The unboxing experience, is THE MOST SATISFYING MOMENT I EVER HAD FOR AN AUDIO PRODUCT. PERIOD.



The box is purple, you open it like how you usually open a book, and then you greeted by the Phoenix lore and the Phoenix chain with pretty paper there.

I'm sorry, I really do since I can't describe it that good. The experience itself is so good that I have to re-unbox it like at least 3 times for the thrill everytime I opened it.




Bass:
Emphasized on the mid bass, the sub bass also feels quite rumbling in some songs. But the bass level is not big enough for bassheads, if you are a basshead you have to look elsewhere.

Mostly like Harman's bass but a little bit less.
The bass speed is also fast so for double pedal songs you can really catch up even though it doesn't feel that fast with pretty big mid bass.

The impact of the drums is really good.
In the song "Versailles Silent Knight" with lots of drums and double pedals, the bass feels separated from other freqs which makes the bass articulation feel clear...
Unfortunately, the bass feels less textured and a bit awkward in songs with big bass.

Midrange:
The vocals have a natural weight, neither thin nor thick.
Both have good transparency without being overpowered by the bass.
For someone who always being nitpick about the vocal, I can say I'm pretty satisfied.

Vocals are the smooth type that is more laid back than defined or energetic. Feels a bit blunt for male vocal who screamed at the mic such as the late Chester Bennington, from Linkin Park.

Unfortunately the artificiality is quite obvious, probably from the BA tuning here which sounds a bit strange or off.
Not a vocal tuning that goes towards sweet presentation, but also not the most natural either.

Occasionally sibilance is heard but not to the point that it's really annoying. It's quite okay.

With a pretty big body, makes the whole instrument feels thick and popped up.
It's not your everyday thin tuning of moondrop, Phoenixcall takes on the more thick bodied instrument especially for acoustic music. It sounds heavenly, as the name itself.

Treble:
This is the frequency that I think I like the most, the treble is more towards quantity but also safe with any peak.

Rather than a treble that soars upwards, it's more like a lot of sparkling shiny shimmering splendid (get it?).

Cymbal sound with realistic decay.
The treble is more towards smooth, a bit less crisp actually,
The smooth treble also makes me comfortable for longer use.
To be honest, a bit lacking in the airiness.

For those treblehead, I am sorry to say you will find the treble a bit lacking.
It's not dark, at all.
It is simply too smooth for you guys!

Technicalities:
The soundstage is average without being anything special, not spacious but not cramped either.
I think the size of a studio would describe it the best.

Separation is very good, but not the spotlight of this IEM. I think there are IEMs at this price with better separation.

Detail retrieval is great, because there is a mini Planar configuration here (which I don't want to debate whether the Planar is real or not) I think it really helps here.

Like Hans Zimmer's orchestral song Pirates of the carribean live at Prague at the 08.20 minute mark which really made the backing vocal more defined and popped up in my ear.

One term to describe this IEM is “Jack of all trades”, in terms of tunings it feels quite consumer friendly so for those who are interested in physically beautiful IEM and good packaging, simply buy it. You will not regret it.

FINAL VERDICT
Overall, this IEM is a very suitable IEM for gifts, as well as personal use, especially if you listen to songs with a lot of backing vocals, depth, and female voices.
This sets excellently provide good amount of detail in the background even with busier song like hard rock or classical with lots of instrument.

However, It's less suitable if you're sensitive to timbre and coherence though, because those who being nitpick about it's timbre might find it quite unnatural.

Don't get me wrong, I enjoy this sets as always , but I have to say it's not exactly my cup of tea.

That's it for the Phoenixcall, thanks for reading till the end!
Please enjoy the beautiful Phoenixcall!




USED GEAR SETUP:
CELEST PHOENIXCALL
Acoustune AEX70
Moondrop Springtips
Questyle QP1R

Songs used:
• Wonder girls-Nobody
• Kyouran Hey Kids
• Canon rock
• Hans Zimmer – Pirates of the carribean
• Blackpink – Typa Girl
• 50 Cent – In da Club
• Nao Touyama – off
• Utada Hikaru – Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence
• AoT OST. – Call your name
• Eminem – Till I collapse
• Versailles – Philharmonic Quintet – Silent Knight
• And many more…

Disclaimer:​

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall was sent to me as a review sample from Hifigo, for which I thank them!

I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with this store. I must admit that they are another important contributor to my hobby. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to have all these opportunities to try out so many headphones.

This IEM is my third true hybrid, but definitely the first to integrate so many different types of drivers and technologies, and above all, the first headphones I received from Kinera.

However, the review will still be 100% honest and in no way biased.

I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.

So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.

Tech Specs:​

• Acoustic Drivers：1DD+2BA+2 Micro Planar drivers（FPD）
• Interface: 0.78 2pin
• Sensitivity: 103db
• Wearing Type: In-Ear
• Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40kHz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Weight (earbuds+cable): 9.8g+30g ( ± 0.2g )
• Plug: 3.5mm / 4.4mm
• Cable length: 1.2m

Packaging:​

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall packaging is of very good quality and fascinating.


The box is particularly luxurious considering its cost and rich of accessories such as:

• Hard case
• 5N copper silver plating 8-core cable
• 6 pairs of tips
• A sort of pendant with phoenixes
• Manual and Warranty

The pendant would certainly have saved the customer a few dollars, but it’s also true that I personally love gadgets, so despite everything, it’s very nice. The hard case is perhaps one of the cheapest I’ve ever seen. Personally, seeing how beautiful the IEMs are, I would have preferred a higher quality case. The tips are of good quality, and I don’t think you will need to change them. Reading the technical specifications, the cable is not bad at all; it just lacks a bit of flexibility.

Design/Build quality:​

Holy crap! Such a well-designed and constructed shell must surely cost something! The resin is crystal clear and allows a perfect view of the interior, where you can see the tubes connected to each individual driver. Seeing them for the first time is definitely surprising! A set of just over $100 with similar workmanship is decidedly rare. The faceplates are glittery with some birds in flight. Depending on the angle of the sun, the shades vary from blue, green and purple.

Reflection
The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall shell is excellent; it has a ventilation hole at the top near the pin attachment; the wiring is hidden under the faceplate; and then we see the single 7MM DD, which seems to be the only one connected to a tube that vents the pressure in excess in the rear part, while the other drivers all vent into the nozzle all through filters on the nozzle.

In this case, I believe my detailed photos will give you a better idea of the construction and qualities contained in its shell.

BAs detailsCelest 10012Microplanar + DDVenting hole0.78 connector
Starting from the nozzle we see how there are 4 holes with damping filters near the exit. One appears to be free and is the one connected to the 7mm DD. The DD driver is also the only one that is actually connected to the pressure relief hole at the top of the IEM. All other drivers seem to fire directly into the ear canal.

In the part near the nozzle we find the two Celest branded BAs while in the rear part we also find the two microplanars, all connected via tubes which in the transparent resin are really beautiful to look at.

Comfort/Fit:​

The dimensions of the shell seemed chunky to me at first glance. I thought they were uncomfortable, but that’s not the case! I took the medium-wide bore tips, and on the first try, I immediately found the perfect seal. Very high insulation from external noises and excellent comfort.

Divinus Velvet Tips​

Hifigo, together with the IEMs, also sent me a pair of Divinus Velvet tips in size M to try. Seeing the nozzle of the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall, I wouldn’t have even thought about using them; however, they fit perfectly, and I even got the correct size. So lucky!

Perfect result
If you notice on the back that they have a step that reduces the hole, it practically serves to make them more stable on the nozzle. The shape differs from most tips, while the material is silicone with a velvet-like finish that retains significantly less dirt. Theoretically, it should also guarantee low pressure inside the ear canal, but as regards this characteristic, I cannot confirm it. However, the theory is that the velvety or rough material allows the excess pressure to transpire. In any case, tips remain the accessory that is most worth investing money in.

In any case, don’t worry; those included in the package are good tips, namely the Celest C-07 Balanced Tips and Celest 221 Vocal Tips.

Initial sound impression:​

The first impression here is already super positive. The sound is neutral, crystal clear, and balanced, with a clearly audible frequency separation. Every sound hits the spot precisely, and you can clearly hear every single instrument or nuance of the track.

Final sound impression:​

Equipment used for testing above.

Device:

• iMac
• Redmi Note 7 Snapdragon

Software:

• Foobar2000 24bit 192khz (iMac)
• Amazon music UHD 24bit 96khz (Both)

DAC:

• Less Da1 (AK)
• Less Da2 (AK)
• F.audio KS01 (ESS)
• EPZ TP20 3.5 mm (Dual Cirrus)
• Hidizs XO (Dual ESS)
• EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)

I performed a few hours of burn-in, even if for many it is just a myth. When in doubt, why not?

The incredibly accurate layering of the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is what hits you right away. It is much simpler to follow the tracks and their details because of the extremely high separation of frequencies and sounds. Every musical instrument is represented with clarity and a true tone.

Despite the presence of multiple drivers, their design succeeded perfectly; in this case, I congratulate Kinera Celest. I haven’t had many opportunities to hear good-sounding multi-drivers, but this set rightfully ends up in my favorites.

Without being harsh or overbearing, the treble region gives the music vitality and sparkle and is rich in resolution, a little bright, and energizing. It’s a perfect blend, providing me with just enough knowledge to keep me engaged and calming enough to listen to for a long amount of time. More specifically, Celest achieved a tuning that works with a wide range of musical genres.

Treble​

Without being harsh or overbearing, the treble region gives the music vitality and sparkle and is quite rich in resolution, a little bright, and energizing. It’s a perfect blend, providing me with just enough knowledge to keep me engaged and calming enough to listen to for a long amount of time. More specifically, Celest achieved a tuning that works with a wide range of musical genres. However, for my personal taste, I would have dared to give it even more sparkle and airiness.

Mids​

Let’s get to the mid-frequency! Celest PhoenixCall do a decidedly excellent job; the coherence that is maintained across all the drivers is striking; the mids are not completely recessed; on the contrary, the voices are in the foreground, making the majority of the artists seem in front of you. Both male and female voices have the correct tone and silkiness necessary to convey realism. Even the musical instruments have the right energy, but above all, the precise positioning on the soundstage

Bass​

The bass does not overpower the other frequencies; it is represented more than correctly without overdoing it. Celest has focused on emphasis but also on the correct quantity. Describing them is not easy, but I would say that they have a fair depth and warmth. Their speed is excellent, even on fast tracks. They are definitely not for bassheads, as they lack a bit of punch, but they remain a more than correct representation of them.

Separation/Imaging/Soundstage​

As previously mentioned, the Celest Phoenixcall boast above average separation and image, the credit definitely goes to their expert construction and tuning which has no equals in this price range. As for the soundstage, it is not gigantic, I would say average and overall it gives a realistic sensation of space.

Comparison:​

vs MS3


The Hidizs MS3 build quality is really high. The materials change, but both show off an enviable quality.

If you prefer neutral-sounding IEMs, this is absolutely for you. Obviously, the bass is much more natural (just a hint of sub-bass in the background), but what amazes me is the absurd level of detail. The highs are extremely polished, and the female vocals have that silkiness. Wider than average soundstage and precise imaging The MS3 is more harmonized, brighter, and has some more detail in the treble region.

vs DZ4


The Letshourer DZ4 adopts a 3-driver, passive radiator configuration. With their W-shaped sound, they stand out from the crowd with an atypical sound. You may or may not like it, so I highly recommend you read the full review to get a clear idea.

vs MP145


The Hidizs MP145 is in the same price range as the MS3, fits a planar driver, and is currently my favorite in the 100–200 price range. Also, in this case, I recommend the full review. In terms of sound, the MP145 is warmer but at the same time rich in macro and micro details. The soundstage is really wide, typical of planars. The bass, on the other hand, has a notable impact, but thanks to the innovative damping system, the pressure releases outside and not into the ear canal.

Conclusion:​

I thank Hifigo again for the numerous opportunities it offers me to try so many headphones and IEMs.

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is a marvel in terms of value for money. They are definitely worth more than the asking price! In this price range, it is rare to see such a set, like seeing a living phoenix! Their detailed, properly separated sound brings your favorite songs to life. Personally, I place them at the same level as the MS3. They are both sets that I would listen to for hours without losing enthusiasm, track after track. Furthermore, I go well with any musical genre, so it’s really difficult not to love them.

Their representation of music is “luxurious” and fun at the same time, and I would spend hours with them; in fact, I will definitely spend them, as their comfort and isolation from noise are also absolute. At this price, I’m speechless!

Where to buy:​

• Hifigo Official Website
• Hifigo Aliexpress Store

Introduction :-


Phoenixcall is an iem by Celest. Celest is a sister company to Kinera. Kinera and their may companies make beautiful looking iems.

I have also shared a video version of the review at YouTube any support there in form of a view, like or subscribe is greatly appreciated. But if you so wish to read the written version you can read this.



Although I haven't reviewed many iems, but the moment I saw phoenixcall I fell in love with the design of their iem. I am so glad I am getting to review them. And I want to give a big thanks to HIFIGO for sending this review unit. You can check HIFIGO out as they have everything for you audio needs.

You can buy the Phoenixcall at these places -

Hifigo Website

Amazon US

Aliexpress

All the thoughts and opinions you are about to read are my own and Hifigo has had no input for this review, nor are they having a copy of approval for this review.

I will be as usual following my bullet style format for better readability for those who are dyslexic and in general find it hard to read long paragraphs. I follow this guide in general from the British Dyslexia Association.

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Build quality, Comfort and Accessories :-


- Absolutely stunningly beautiful!! Love the look of the iem!

- Has two fantastic design one is this purple and pink and other one is transparent.

- The cable is a bit stiff and might have kinks over the period of use

- The shells are a big in size but they are quite comfortable to wear. I will suggest wearing tips below one size than you generally wear for better fit.

- The nozzle size is a bit large and people with smaller ears will have issues.

- Great compact case! Although not much space to put a dongle dac. The case included with the BGVP P05 still stays the best iem case I have tried overall.

- Modular cable would have been nice. A nitpick obviously for the price

- Quite easy to drive although more power does benefit them so a small dongle dac is recommended

- The tips included in the box could be a bit anemic for the price. A pair for foam tips would have been nice as many people have had issues with silicon tips in general and also with the phoenixcall. I personally was fine with the included white tips.

- The name phoenixcall is derived from the Chinese myth “Shan-hai Jing” or also known as “Classic of mountain of seas” the plot involves detailed descriptions of locations in the cardinal directions of the Mountains, Regions Beyond Seas, Regions Within Seas, and Wilderness. The descriptions are usually of medicines, animals, and geological features.

In the above book there is a story about the phoenixcall from which the name has been taken.

- I personally love the lore Celest includes with their iem along with their iem. I know it might seem tacky but it does add a character to to the iem in my personal opinion.

- Love the phoenixcall bookmark they included fantastic touch!

- Fantastic packaging! Could be a packaging for $300-500 iems

- Great build quality of the iems, they feel very solid for daily use. Although be a bit careful as that beautiful faceplate might get scratched easily.

- They have a 1DD – 2BA – 2FPD configuration.

It has a 7mm DD for the low frequencies, a customised BA driver for the mid frequencies another customised BA driver for the mid-high frequencies and finally 2 FPD (Flat planar driver) for the ultra high frequencies.

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Sound Signature :-


- The overall sound signature of the well musical. The iem is fantastic when I talk it in terms of musicality. It just lets you enjoy the music!

- A fantastic iem for low volume listening, as someone who loves to listen on low volumes I love this iem!

- To be more precise the overall sound signature is very v-shaped.

- There is slight BA timbre I hear, but its nothing glaringly obvious which will hinder


My overall sound impressions are based on the white tips provided inside the box.


Bass -

- The bass is very punchy and dynamic. I love the sub bass it gives out.

- It does fail my hollow (16 bit remix) by Bjork test. When the bass drops I don’t feel the same skull shaking rumble as I would like. But then again this is a nitpick as this is a very hard thing to do. And only few expensive iems has given this sensation and rather budget iems failing at this.

- I wouldn't describe the bass as bass head nor bass lacking, it is very happy middle ground where everyone will enjoy the bass.

- Baring my hollow test in every other song the sub bass was fantastic and I loved it! It has the dynamic ness I was searching for and also the detail in the bass region I want.

- Mid bass isn't muddy either and it works well in tandem with the sub bass

- It does a great job in the rap. Hip-hop genre

- The bass doesn't feel muddy and has very good tactility


Midrange -

- The midrange is bit scooped out.

- Surprisingly the male vocals sound quite good for the price despite of the scooped midrange.

- Although Chris Cornell’s and Bill Withers vocals don’t sound as velvety I would have liked here but they sound good. Again this mid range scoop is expected because of the v-shape tuning and also the price of $130.

- The female vocals is where this iems shine at! I absolutely adore Kiyoe Yoshioka’s Vocal in hanawa skaura and sakura by Ikkimonogakari and Hano Yamasaki’s Ano yumi ni. They sound like you are at private jazz bar and they are performing for you.

- For the folks who are sensitive to piercy vocals and shouty vocals this might get a bit shouty for you at higher volumes.


Treble -

- The treble is really good

- Might be a tad shouty for some folks.

- The treble extension is quite decent too.

- A bit smoother lower treble and a good treble extension would have made these really good at these price range, this is probably a nitpick for the price.

- The timbre of the treble is a bit of where in it does sound a bit artificial sometimes when there is lot of happening in the song. Again for the price I would consider these as nitpick.


Technicalities :- They are very good for the technicalities for the price. Instrument separation is quite good and I really like them. Despite of them being a V-shape iem they technicalities are quite good.


Soundstage :- The soundstage is quite average for this price. It isn't congested neither it is expansive, it has average height of the soundstage and average width of the soundstage too.


Imaging :- The imaging I would say is really good, sometimes it fascinated me as to how good the imaging was. This is more apparent when watching some media like a movie or tv show. Sometimes the transitioning from left to right or vice versa was a bit too much for the driver but then again this is nitpicking.


Gaming Test :-

- These are quite good for gaming

- The average soundstage and the good imaging really works in its favour.

- although when there is lot happening in the game or there are lot of gunshots it might become too much to handle treble wise

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Recommendation & Final Thoughts :-


- To be utterly honest even if you don’t like the sound signature of the phoenixcall and have the extra money to burn I highly suggest getting them just for the looks as they are that beautiful. I am in love with how the look!

- Jokes apart if you like a v-sounding iem and want a really good imaging and an iem which looks good I don’t think so you can go wrong with it.

- Even if you are not a basshead or not a fan of V shape iems you will enjoy them musicality this iem offers.

---

If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and also if you have any issues regarding this format of review please do comment I will try to mend it. Also sorry to those who are used to reading long paragraphs of review in headfi. I hope my review was upto the mark, I appreciate any feedback.

Again a big thanks to HIFIGO for making this review possible.

Have a great day ahead

kinera has been one of the company i always trust when it comes to aesthetic reasons but not tuning and it still applies to this product

this iem feels like an experimental product rather than a fully matured one (just like celest gumiho) unique driver configuration using 1dd+2ba+2microplanar

build : very beautiful looking faceplate, feels like thick high quality resin, and nice flexible cable

fit : unfortunately more driver more crossover more holes happen here... making the nozzle a bit large and as a person with small ear canal i couldn't wear them for long (not as uncomfortable as og B2 though)

tonal balance : i categorize this kind of sound as somehow warm sounding iem with elevated mid bass and midrange and some extra sparkle on high frequency

bass is thick and punchy, but doesn't really rumble, lacking sub bass extension

midrange sounds also quite thick but uneven in around lower midrange area giving a drastic contrast around 500hz dip to 1,5khz rise with another dip at 2khz some lower human vocal and lower piano and guitar notes sounds uneven...
even though this doesn't really happen in upper midrange... upper mid sounds balance i have no complain here

treble sound smooth with some sudden extra incoherent sparkle im guessing this is due to the microplanar treble? not sure but for me sounds "sudden" with different thin timbre in contrast with the whole bass and midrange thickness...

technical here is quite good, but not class leading simply okay, nice detail retrieval and separation with some caveats in bass and midrange blunted transient that could sound mushy in certain song

as an overall this product does feels unique but not matured at least for me... worth for collecting but not for listening

“Be yourself! Be unique! Dare to be different!”

Our era seems to revolve around those ethos and reward those who live according to them. Yet, as participants in society, we distinctively know that being different does not guarantee a good outcome. Sometimes, it brings the opposite. Occasionally, we, ourselves, punish those who dare to be different. If that is not the case, why do our IEMs gradually converge to a few sound signatures?

In this context, let’s discuss the latest IEM from Kinera and Celest, the Phoenixcall. One dynamic driver, two balanced armature drivers, and two 6mm micro planar drivers. It’s certainly different. Can Phoenixcall make use of such an unusual driver configuration?

Forewords​

• What I look for in an IEM is immersion. I want to feel the orchestra around me, track individual instruments, and hear their textures and details. I’m not picky about tonality as long as it does not get in the way of immersion.
• I rate IEMs with a consistent scale from 1 (poor) to 3 (good) to 5 (outstanding). Ratings are assigned by A/B tests against benchmark IEMs, regardless of the retail price.
• The ranking list and measurement database are on my IEM review blog.
• Terms used in my reviews are consistent with the glossary by Headphonesty
• I purchased this unit at a discount from Hifigo for this review. I have no affiliation with or financial interest in Kinera, Celest, or Hifigo. The unit retails for $129 at the time this review was published.

Sources for listening tests:

• iBasso DX300 (for all A/B tests)
• FiiO K7
• Hidizs XO

Local FLAC files ripped from CDs or bought from Qobuz were used for most casual listening and A/B tests. My playlist for A/B tests can be found on Apple Music here.

All my listening was done with the reverse stock silicone tips. I listen at a medium volume. I usually turn up the volume until the midrange is entirely audible and detailed unless a treble peak or overwhelming bass prevents me from doing so.

Specs​

• Acoustic Drivers：1DD+2BA+2 Micro Planar drivers（FPD）
• Interface: 0.78 2pin
• Sensitivity: 103db
• Wearing Type: In-Ear
• Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40kHz
• Impedance: 32Ω
• Weight (earbuds+cable): 9.8g+30g ( ± 0.2g )
• Plug: 3.5mm / 4.4mm
• Cable length: 1.2m

Build and Comfort​

Without a doubt, the packaging and presentation are highlights of the Phoenixcall. Everything about the presentation of this IEM, from the artwork to the cardboard box to the presentation of the content, shows elegance and deliberation. Everything is tied together by the consistent theme of “a hundred birds flock to Phoenixcall.”

Of course, you listen to the IEMs rather than the box. However, in a market where good IEMs are more and more accessible, I appreciate the effort and thought manufacturers put into their products to form a complete experience rather than a utilitarian approach. So, kudos to Kinera and Celest.





The earpieces of Phoenixcall are also nicely designed. The phoenixcall design motif continues with the faceplates, whose colours can shift depending on the viewing angle. The earpieces themselves are 3D printed similarly to Moondrop Blessing 2 and 3. Aesthetic-wise, I have but one complaint: the plastic part carrying the drivers has a different level of transparency than the rest of the earpieces, disrupting the cohesiveness of the design.

Moving away from aesthetics, I have another issue with Phoenixcall’s earpieces: they are not entirely comfortable. The earpieces are shaped for a deeper fit, yet the nozzles are too chunky to make such a fit possible. Phoenixcall is one of those IEMs that you need to experiment with various types of tips for the best sound and comfort. Personally, I reversed the stock silicone tips to use with Phoenixcall. (Refer to the article by Slater on Audioreviews for more information about flip tips.)







The rest of the accessory pack of Phoenixcall does not quite catch up to the show put up by the box and the earpieces. The cable looks and feels good, but unfortunately, my unit had a 3.5mm connector. The ear tips are old-school and somewhat generic silicone tips, not the grippy variants that are more common nowadays. The case looks good but is too small for the IEM and the cable. My case has a very tight zipper, which, unfortunately, broke within the first two weeks.

Tonality​

Frequency response of Phoenixcall against Harman target and Moondrop Variations. Measurements were done with an IEC-711-compliant coupler and might only be compared with other measurements from this same coupler. Visit my graph database for more comparisons.



It is helpful to think of an IEM as a filter that highlights or subdues different parts of the incoming audio signal. This effect can be measured objectively by the squiggly lines above, called Frequency Response (FR) graphs, which measure how loud an IEM is at different frequencies from 20Hz (bass) to 20kHz (upper treble). Subjectivity is how your ears and brain interpret the effect of that filter on your music and decide whether it is “enjoyable.” Some “rules of thumb” regarding tonality exist, but most interesting IEMs usually bend the rules masterfully.

One of my favourite ways to talk about the tonality of IEM nowadays is starting from the vision statement of the tuner. Kinera describes the intended tonality of Phoenixcall as follows: “an overall bright sound with deep and elastic bass that is gentler and more relaxed. The midrange has a solid and natural sound, while the high frequencies are clear, bright, and clean. The soundstage is spacious and natural, with round and smooth vocals and strong resolution, providing you with a comfortable music experience.”

Phoenixcall mostly achieves the described tonal vision. To me, the tonality of Phoenixcall is quite unusual and hard to classify. Phoenixcall has a V-shaped tuning since it has a boost in the midbass and lower midrange and another increase in the upper midrange region. However, the presentation of Phoenixcall is not aggressive enough to sound like a fully V-shaped IEM. To me, Phoenixcall sounds more like a neutral-ish IEM with a dip in the midrange before 1kHz to increase the perception of the soundstage.

From an objective point of view, I find Phoenixcall very interesting because its tonality does not align with anything, from the thick and warm sound of the Western boutique to the old-school KZ V-shaped to the modern Harman-inspired tuning. To illustrate this point, I put Phoenixcall next to Variations in the graph above.



Let’s talk about the midrange. To me, there are two approaches. The first one is to tune the midrange close to a reference target (mostly flat from 250Hz to around 1kHz, boosting the upper midrange starting from 1kHz and peaking around 3kHz for ear-gain compensation). The tuner can impose its character on the tuning by changing the slope of the ear gain boost, the amount of ear gain boost, and perhaps a touch more energy below 500Hz. The second approach is to push and pull different parts between 250Hz and 4kHz away from the reference target to achieve a particular vision.

Phoenixcall follows the second approach. The lower midrange has a lot of extra energy to provide some “oomph” to lower vocals, cellos, contrabass, and bass guitars. The mid-midrange from around 500Hz to 1kHz stays relatively flat. To prevent vocals and midrange instruments from being too buried under the bass and lower mid, the upper midrange of Phoenixcall has a substantial boost that peaks early at 1.5khz rather than the usual 3kHz. The energy is sustained from 1.5kHz to 4-5kHz, with only a slight dip around 3kHz, further enhancing the perception of clarity of the midrange.

All of these tuning choices described above produce a rather unusual midrange presentation. With the right songs, Phoenixcall sounds natural and spacious. Vocals and instruments are clearly presented in the mix and have proper note weight. However, with some other songs, such as from Ed Sheeran’s “=” album, vocals sound somewhat hollow and nasally, the side effect of the peak at 1.5kHz and the concave slope of the response between 1kHz to 1.5kHz.



The treble is a strength of Phoenixcall. Cymbals, hats, and chimes are present without overpowering the rest of the band. The treble tuning of Phoenixcall is smooth, meaning it does not have random treble spikes that stab your ears with sharpness. Sibilance is also well controlled because Phoenixcall does not add more to a recording. Because the treble is less emphasised than the upper midrange, vocals and midrange instruments would become too loud before treble cymbals and hats become problematic.

At the same time, the sense of space and reverberation is adequately conveyed, which indicates an acceptable treble extension. The quality of the treble is also high. I can hear nuances and textures in cymbals and hats rather than bright splashes. The details in reverberations and “air” of the recordings are also good.

Bass and Dynamic​

A good pair of IEMs/earbuds/headphones should be able to convey, even emphasise, the sense of rhythm and the ebbs and flows of music. In general, this energy requires IEMs to express rapid volume swings on the downbeat of an orchestra or the leading edge of a bass note. It also requires the tactile physical sensation of the bass and the sense of rumble and texture accompanying the bass drops. An IEM can have loud bass but still fail to convey energy should it lack the other features above.

Click to expand...

The bassline of Phoenixcall is thick and chunky. I can easily follow the notes played by bass guitars. The bassline of “The Second Waltz” performance by Andre Rieu and his orchestra is more straightforward to detect and follow compared to most neutral-tuned IEMs with less midbass. At the same time, the bassline does not lack control nor appear muddy or blurry.

It should be noted that the bass presentation of Phoenixcall focuses on the body and physical impact of the bass notes rather than the leading edge of transients. It means Phoenixcall does not have an uber-energetic and explosive presentation with clear contrast at the beginning of each bass note. Instead, it opts for a calmer presentation and relies on the physical “slam” sensation of the bass kicks to convey a sense of rhythm and energy. Whether this is a “good” presentation depends greatly on your taste. I prefer the clean, razor-sharp, and explosive transients, so I sometimes feel that Phoenixcall is too tame. But I’m nitpicking at this point.

Soundstage Imaging​

Stereo imaging or “soundstage” is a psychoacoustic illusion that different recording elements appear at various locations inside and around your head. Your brain creates based on the cues in the recording, which are enhanced or diminished by your IEMs, your DAC, and your amplifier. Some IEMs present a wide but flat soundstage. Some present a “3D” soundstage with layering, depth, and height. In rare cases, with some specific songs, some IEMs can trick you into thinking that the sound comes from the environment (a.k.a., “holographic”)

The way Phoenixcall presents the soundstage is a bit different from the norm, likely due to the idiocrasies in its tonality. The foreground of the soundstage, where main vocals and midrange instruments exist, is pushed towards the listener and mostly stays inside the head, like most IEMs. Interestingly, choral sections that usually remain in the background are also highlighted, possibly due to the peak at 1.5kHz.

At the same time, Phoenixcall has a slight “hollowness” sensation in the soundstage imaging, reminiscent of the tuning trick applied by 64 Audio Trio and Fourte. With the right recordings, this hollowness can create the illusion that the soundstage is more spread out and thus feels larger.



The soundstage width of Phoenixcall is similar to most IEMs, meaning it rarely expands beyond the shells. However, the sense of depth is commendable. For instance, when I listen to “The Last Samurai Suite” in Hans Zimmer’s Live album, Phoenixcall created a clear separation between closer and further away instruments. The background is not simply quieter. It is convincingly distant. The illusion of depth of Phoenixcall is a few steps away from Andromeda 2020 or U12T in a direct A/B test. Still, I enjoy the extra depth that Phoenixcall brings compared to my Blessing 2. I suspect the detailed upper treble provided by the two micro planar drives in Phoenixcall contributes to this positive illusion of space.

Resolution​

Resolution is a fascinating subject due to the difficulty of pinning down what it really is. To me, “resolution” can be broken down into three components: (1) Sharpness, incisiveness, or “definition” of note attacks (see the figure above). (2) The separation of instruments and vocals, especially when they overlap on the soundstage. (3) The texture and details in the decay side of the notes. The first two give music clarity and make it easy to track individual elements of a mix. The last provides music details and nuances. Smooth and well-extended treble response plays a crucial role.

The resolution is another area where the two micro planar drivers of Phoenixcall shine. When I listen to a complex orchestral piece, such as Imperial March, performed by the Berliner Philharmoniker, I find the separation between instruments relatively clean, making it easy to follow individual instruments even in dense music sections. Whilst the separation and note definition does not have a laser focus, I find these characteristics of Phoenixcall slightly better than the venerable Moondrop Blessing 2, the representative of a reasonably resolving IEM. Still, this difference is practically negligible, as a simple swap of ear tips might tip the scale.

The detail retrieval of Phoenixcall is also decent, evidenced by the texture and micro detail from the violin of Kavakos in his performance of Bach’s violin sonatas and partitas. Again, the difference in detail retrieval between Phoenixcall and Blessing 2 is practically negligible.

Rating and Conclusion​

In a market where manufacturers try to get close to a “scientifically correct” tonality, Kinera has tuned Phoenixcall with a disregard for convention as if it is a boutique tuning a new multi-kilobuck IEM for their loyal fanbase. I find such an approach interesting. Luckily, the IEM mostly sounds like the vision of its tuner. The unusual driver configuration of Phoenixcall also provides adequate technical performance to let the tuning fly. The packaging and build quality also punch above the price point, giving Phoenixcall a compelling value proposition.

Should you get Phoenixcall? It depends on the kind of tonality you want. If anything that deviates from neutrality is a no-no to you, then no, you shouldn’t get Phoenixcall. But if you already have your fair share of neutral-with-bass-boost IEMs, Phoenixcall is worth an audition.

Absolute Sonic Quality Rating: 3.5/5 - Good (Tonality 3/5, Resolution 3/5, Bass and Dynamic 4/5, Imaging 3/5).

Bias Score: 3/5 - I’m lukewarm about this IEM

Pros:

• Packaging and presentation
• Build quality
• A different sound signature
• Resolving and well-controlled treble
• Commendable sense of depth
• Commendable resolution

Cons:

• Midrange can be wonky with some recordings
• Fit can be tricky
• Nitpicking: an IEM that invokes ethereal imagery such as “Phoenix call” should have a lighter and more open tuning and presentation

Updated: October 8, 2023

MatAudiophiles​

Celest phoenixcall​

Celest phoenixcall
instagram: LINK

Prelude:
Celest delights again, literally presenting something that I did not expect at all. Belonging to one of the best Asian brands in the field of IEM, the young Celest brand stands for innovative solutions and timeless elegant design. Initial models such as gumitcho and pandamoon were of great quality and very affordable prices. Finally, the celest brand managed to popularize their proprietary F.P.D. transducer. In the PHOENIXCALL model, however, it was decided to completely revolutionize the approach to this solution by creating a tribride with the following configuration. A dynamic driver is responsible for low frequencies, another armature driver for mid-range frequencies, and another armature driver for high frequencies, while two separate dedicated F.P.D. technology drivers with double magnets are responsible for ultra-high frequencies. Additionally, four separate sound tubes and an advanced active and passive crossover system are used. We also took care of beautiful acrylic housings made using 3D printing technology. All in all, there would be nothing extraordinary about it if it weren’t for the price, because this model was valued at only USD 129, which in Poland translates to approximately PLN 599 and can also be purchased in Polish distribution for that amount.


Unboxing:
So let’s take a look at what we get for this amount. The set impresses right from the box stage, unpacking Celest products is always a pleasant experience. This packaging opens like a book, and on the front we are greeted by a beautiful legend and a bookmark with a phoenix motif. Then we have our headphones and solid thick SPC cable. Then we find a leather case made of ecological leather, it is small but very capacious. We also have two sets of tips at our disposal: vocal and balanced.


Ergonomics:
The headphones themselves are not the smallest, but considering the number of transducers they are relatively comfortable, thanks to their excellent profiling. Their weight is really light and I have no problems with using them for a long time. I must admit that they are really well made and very comfortable. I chose the clear variant and what I really liked was the fact that depending on the selected color variant, and we have two of them, the color of the cable itself also changes. The case itself is also interesting because it is very small and fits perfectly in a pocket or a small backpack, thus taking up little space and is made of safe and high-quality materials. The cable itself is one of the best I’ve ever seen in IEM headphones, the only thing missing was replaceable plugs.

Sound:
Now that we know what Celest phoenixcalls look like, it’s time to describe their most important aspect, which is the sound itself. First of all, I would like to start here with a small introduction. It is not easy to make headphones for little money and also surprise the audio world with something. Phoenixcall undoubtedly belongs to innovative headphones, not only taking into account the complicated system inside, but also taking into account tuning.


Bass: Low frequencies are based primarily on a really large amount of high-quality mid-bass. There’s a lot of it and you can hear the rumble of the bass notes. At the same time, it is not aggressive and obtrusive, although there is less lower bass, it is still present, and although I would not call these headphones strictly bass-oriented, the presence of bass and, in particular, its boost in the mid-range is noticeable. We can observe this in many songs based on a stronger bottom end and it is a desired effect, but if there is no such need, the bass is not present and can perfectly convey the field to other sounds. I missed a bit more variety here, but comparing its quality to the price, for USD 129 it is really very good.


Midrange: Despite tuning with a slight U-plane and a slight recess in the midrange, I didn’t notice anything missing, especially the vocals are beautiful, thick and clear. Their color is pure and natural. They are not muddy or overly insulated. What is really impressive is the amount of detail, details are practically everywhere, and individual instruments are perfectly separated from each other, the headphones play on a wide plane with good depth, there are separated layers and a strong technical side. Thanks to proper tuning, the whole thing is not tiring or discouraging. Details are necessary, but their excessive exposure may have the opposite effect to that intended. That’s why I’m glad that celest took this aspect into account and made sure to turn it into an advantage rather than a disadvantage. All in all, when it comes to the midrange, I have no reason to miss anything at this price, ballads and jazz are really impressive.

High tones: High frequencies are what I really like in Celest phoenixcall because they are saturated with information, resolution and have a natural timbre, of course not as natural as more expensive models, but it really is a pleasant presentation, it is not overly boosted, instead it presents a calm character, full of information and details, but not a headache. Try it yourself, especially on songs with many instruments, and you will definitely notice the difference.


Comparisons:

Celest phoenixcall (129USD) VS BQEYZ ATUMN (199USD)
Overall, Atumn is probably the best product BQEYZ has released so far, with an excellent filter system providing three completely different sound signatures. However, when it comes to smoothness of presentation and isolation, the Celest definitely wins here, and the same is true when it comes to the amount of information. Atumn, on the other hand, provide more air and a much wider stage. Both pairs are excellent, Atumn is a great single dynamics, while Celest is a great example of entertaining and smooth playing.

Celest phoenixcall (129USD) VS IBASSO IT01X (129USD)
iBasso is a great company that creates amazing products, they really know how to create great equipment. In the lower frequencies, Celest focuses mainly on mid-bass, while the amount of sub-bass in the IT01X is much greater, the bass in it01X is more punctate, and the bass in the phoenixcalls is more analog. The midrange of the IT01X is the icing on the cake, much more forward than that of the Celesta, while both headphones are remarkably good in midrange, but in a different presentation. Overall, I can’t pick a favorite here, it all depends on our personal preferences.


Summary:
Celest phoenixcall are headphones that are excellent in terms of resolution and amount of detail, you will feel literally enchanted by the amount of information you receive, and nothing will be tiring. Great bass, focusing on the mid-low range. At a price of USD 129, these are excellent headphones not only in terms of sound, but also in terms of the quality of workmanship and the accessories we receive with them. These are headphones that I fully recommend and it is very difficult for me to find any points where I could criticize or question them. If you like details and a natural presentation, you can definitely try Celest phoenixcall.

Disclaimer

I received the Celest Phoenix Call as part of a review tour in my country organized by Hifigo.com. I am not associated with either Hifigo or Kinera / Celest in any way and have no incentive whatsoever to write anything positive or negative about the IEM. The impressions shared in this write-up are based on my usage of the IEM over a week or so. The Celest Phoenix Call is available for purchase from Hifigo.com at the following link:

https://hifigo.com/products/kinera-celest-phoenixcall



Introduction

Celest is a sub-brand of Kinera, which is quite a popular Chi-Fi brand. Just like Kinera, Celest too is focused on making high-quality IEMs albeit at an affordable price. Phoenix Call is the latest offering from Celest, and it has a lot to offer, especially given the $129.99 price tag.



Packaging and Accessories:

The Celest Phoenix Call has one of the best packaging I’ve come across for an IEM. The box has some “Gyaan” aka trivia about the name “Phoenix Call” along with a gorgeous embellishment glued to the box. Very premium-looking. The earpieces are gorgeous too. Blue and Light Red (maybe pink) earpieces which are semi-transparent with some birds printed on the faceplate, the earpieces, although made of resin, look, and feel premium in every way. The cable too, is good-looking and feels every bit premium. Celest has left no stone unturned to make the Phoenix call look and feel premium and worth a lot more than the price tag it is being sold at. The IEM is great in terms of “fit” too. It shouldn’t be a problem for smaller ears either. The choice of ear tips is basic, but nothing that one can complain about given the price tag. The IEM comes with 3 pairs of the following ear tips:

• Celest 221 Vocal Ear tips: enhance the treble, pleasing vocal.
• Celest C-07 Balanced Ear tips: Sound-balanced and holographic

I personally preferred using the Phoenix call with Dekoni Mercury memory foam tips.




Sound Quality:

Alas, all the gorgeousness in terms of look and feel is kind of let down by the rather mediocre sound of the Celest Phoenix call. What matters most to me in an IEM is tonality and this is where, IMO, the Phoenix call misfired. The tonality is wonky, with the IEM having very light bass, recessed mids, and somewhat rolled-off treble. Perhaps, someone who’s looking for a flat-sounding piece might appreciate the soft and tender sound of the Phoenix call, but for someone like me who likes his bass to pack a punch and his mids to evoke emotion, the Phoenix call just doesn’t strike the right chord. The bass has decent texture but not enough punch or weight as such. The mids are recessed and lean, again lacking weight. The treble is kind of the saving grace of this IEM, with the treble being crisp but not too crisp and having sufficient detail, it makes it a pleasant listening experience.

In terms of technicalities, the soundstage is average, although the good amount of detail in treble, makes it sound somewhat holographic. Imaging is good and separation is acceptable.




Conclusion:

The Phoenix call is a gorgeous-looking IEM with an excellent cable and has a lot going in its favor given the 129.99 USD price tag. It has one of the best unboxing experiences I’ve come across for an IEM. In terms of SQ, perhaps, someone who’s looking for a flat-sounding piece might appreciate the soft and tender sound of the Phoenix call. I personally prefer something with harder-hitting bass and emotional mids.

Introduction!
Today we’ll talk about an unusual new product from Kinera, or to be more precise, their Celest division released a very peculiar new product with a bunch of installed drivers, and this model was called PhoenixCall.
And they come in a really very beautifully designed box on the front there is the name of the model and a large number of soaring birds.

And at the back, as always, the technical characteristics of the headphones are indicated, and a fairly large 5-driver bundle is responsible for the sound here, from one dynamic emitter responsible for low frequencies, two reinforcement emitters for medium frequencies and the upper middle, and two planar microdynamics for high and ultrahigh frequencies complement all this.Well, the sensitivity of the headphones is very low, only 103 db, keep this in mind, and a fairly standard 32 ohm impedance, and it also indicates which accessories are included in the kit and there is a qr code to verify the authenticity of the product.

Let's take a look at what's included!
And now let's see what is included in the package in more detail, the box opens literally like a book that immerses you in this story of legends of mountains and seas dedicated to the mythical Phoenix birds.
And first of all, there is a piece of paper where this story is told, there are also all the manufacturer's social networks, the production address and various QR codes that can be scanned.

And next to it there is such a beautiful metal bookmark for books, which looks quite interesting!

Well, here we are immediately greeted by headphones that are very well fixed here.

And they look really fresh, the front panel has several such flying birds, and everything here shimmers so beautifully changing its palette in different shades from blue with turquoise to purple.

Their case is completely transparent, so you can see the entire stuffing of the headphones, and it's worth saying that they are quite light and have a standard 2pin connector in the case next to which there is a single and very small acoustic hole, well, their nozzle is quite elongated and not the widest and has 4 holes, and a barely noticeable protrusion, so the ear pads cling well but not everyone will fit here.

Ergonomics and convenience.
With the fit of the headphones, everything is in order, but it's worth saying that the case is quite massive now you rarely see conditionally small cases, but despite this, they sit in the ears very well and tightly, and they have no problems with the flex driver.
Accessories.
Well, the complete cable here turned out to be excellent, it is 8-core has standard 2 pin connectors and a 3.5 mm jack plug, it is not very light, and the earplugs are formed correctly, so you can use it without problems!


And of course, where without accessories, they are in this box, in which we are greeted by such a comfortable round and leather blue case with the inscription Celest.

And there are exactly two sets of silicone ear pads in it, the first look like this: these are gray nozzles with a wider hole, and the second are white nozzles with a narrower hole with an emphasis on bass, ear pads are high-quality and comfortable and you can use them without problems.


And there is also such a large and sooo detailed manual where everything is written about the headphone setup and there is a frequency response schedule and everything like that.



How do these headphones sound?
Well, now friends, let's talk about the most important thing, namely the sound of this model!
Low Frequencies :
The sub bass area occupies an almost dominant position in these headphones, the bass itself is voluminous, powerful, assertive, and quite rounded, the attack is quite pronounced and emphasized, and the punch of the mid bass clearly makes itself felt, textural elaboration is surprisingly at a good level, as well as fairly long attenuations.
And it is worth saying that yes, there is a small approach to the middle, which added a little more weight to the lower middle, but it is not as scary as on many bass headphones that I have met, it is not so pretentious and does not particularly interfere.
Mid Frequencies :
But the midrange frequencies here are of course atypically so served, they are a little detached, the instruments and the vocal part have moved away in space and do not try to take on a lot of attention, the vocals do not sound somehow deaf and unnecessarily annoying, but it feels like he is in such a small neat space, I would even say easier a small room with a vocalist,and percussion and instruments somewhere nearby complement the vocals with their weight and filling of the space.
But the upper middle here is slightly pushed forward as compensation for the pits in the middle, but the percussion and female vocals do not sound too loud and do not have a metallic embellishment, the transitional percussion processes are well emphasized and perfectly complement the space with their quite long loops from reverberation.
High Frequencies :
Well, in my opinion, the high frequencies are much more interesting here, and the way they are disclosed is of greater interest.
The supply of this area is quite technical, there is an optimal amount of air, that is, the range does not sound clamped and muffled, so yes, the cymbals and various percussions are slightly pushed forward and accentuated and try to take on more attention than the average range, they do not go much into some fierce and aggressive brightness, but at least obvious sibilant screams I I have not met, although due to the analytics of this area, headphones are demanding on the quality of recording, keep this in mind, so yes there are some limitations when playing some genres of music like heavy metal or Roca, I think I should tell you about it.
Stage and stereo panorama :
Well, the sound stage in the headphones of Kinera Celest PhoenixCall turned out not to be the widest, but the headphones are noticeably so cheerfully digging into the depth, so the images of the instruments are drawn quite deeply and far away in space, although not as wide as.
My conclusion on these headphones :
Kinera Celest PhoenixCall,turned out to be very unusual-sounding headphones with excellent appearance and equipment, yes, this is not the most typical tuned veshka that I have met recently, that is, these headphones have their own specific character and sound delivery, which in principle is rarely found anywhere now, it certainly will not be understood by everyone, since it is not typical mass harman tuning of which there are really a lot now, but a completely different and different own view of the sound of headphones.
Link where you can buy them!
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oky8iLH
Icygenius was with you, I will be glad if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and watch this full review on Kinera Celest PhoenixCall
Review:

Celest Phoenixcall Review​

Celest Phoenixcall ​

Hello, this is my full written review of Celest Audio‘s latest Hybrid iem, the Celest Phoenixcall. Celest is actually a sub-brand of the popular audio company “Kinera” and please trust me; the quality is evident from the moment you pick this set up. Basically, you can spot the lineage right away. There is a certain distinction of virtue, or class in a Kinera set. Almost like a foregone conclusion that the product as a whole carries a level of prestige, without being unaffordable I should add. That’s Kinera to me and thus, this is also what Celest represents to the more affordable branch of Kinera’s lineups. At least this is how I see it. It goes without saying that I was more than happy to receive the Phoenixcall and will do my best to explain this set to the reader today.

Kinera​

The great audio company “Kinera Audio” was established in 2011 and entered the audio world first as a manufacturer of Drivers for Military Hearing Aids. Kinera holds many patents for different drivers such as Balanced Armatures, Bone Conduction etc. It wasn’t until 2016 that this storied company actually created their first iem, the Kinera BD005. Since then, it has been a constant churning of well-crafted iems. Slowly but surely, Kinera worked their way up to better and better gear to be sold to the audio community. Quickly Kinera gained respect within the field of audio, and I’d say that we are still seeing the same respect throughout the community even today.

That quick rise began with the BD005 and then eventually we saw the likes of the Kinera Seeds, Idun, Odin and since that time…the rest is history. In fact, I reviewed the Kinera Hodur recently (Hodur Review) and absolutely enjoyed that set. There have been countless iterations of each set as well as many new iems that topped charts in the audio community since those early days. Within time Kinera became a name synonymous with quality and price to performance. Kinera will always craft a product with a story and a definitive purpose, and every product will be released when it’s ready. Truly I am confident to say that Kinera is one of the better brands of personal audio.

Sub-Brands​

During this time of expansion Kinera split off into some very successful sub-brands like Queen of Audio (QOA) & Celest. QOA has had a number of successful sets over the years as well. Now, Celeste (new to the game) has already done very well to make its mark within the hobby, by starting out with the wildly popular Celest Gumiho and one of my absolute favorite iems under $100 the Celest Pandamon (Pandamon Review HERE) which I reviewed last year and gave it very high marks for its beautifully neutral and wholly clean sound. That leads us to the set I am reviewing today.

The Phoenixcall came along with some nice buzz in the community, and I have to say that I was more than thrilled to receive this set from the good people of HiFiGo. So, let me quickly say thank you to Lvy as well as HiFiGo for providing the Phoenixcall in exchange for a feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. Thank you.

The Phoenixcall is actually more than just a hybrid set, as it’s actually a “tribrid” iem consisting of one Dynamic Driver, two Balanced Armatures and two Micro-Planar Drivers. I have been taken aback by many factors regarding this gorgeous iem. The look, sound, packaging, the whole nine yards to be honest. However, one of my most favorite aspects of a Kinera/QOA/Celest iem is in their naming schemes…

Phoenixcall ​

One aspect of a Kinera, QOA, or “Celest” product is that they actually take the time to give their products a certain “theme” if you will. I remember a Facebook message throughout some audio groups in which representatives from Kinera were asking about a name to give this beautiful tribrid. They asked for a name that is associated with hundreds of birds coming home. “Phoenixcall” was obviously the name they chose but it was the sentiment which was refreshing to see. Not only does Kinera give their iems a “personality” or “theme” to align to, but they also tune their iems to this “personality” or “theme”. I absolutely love this. Kinera puts a ton of expertise, knowledge and artistry into their products, to where they aren’t simply audio devices… but functional works of art.

Shanhai Jing​

Phoenixcall is actually derived from an ancient Chinese myth “The Legends of the Mountain and Seas” aka “Shanhai Jing”. Hopefully I don’t butcher this too badly. This myth is actually a sort-of “encyclopedia” of geographical knowledge as well as a book of short myths, strange creatures, and of medicine etc. It is an ancient book that doesn’t seem to have a reason for its existence. A strange book no doubt.
One story within this strange book is actually a scene which Celest describes as a “destined force lurking in the dark” of the forest which called home the families of divine birds. These birds filled the skies all at once as they made their way back to the forest. Quite a grand scene if you use your imagination a bit. Picture a harmonious meeting in the sky. Hear the sounds, the songs, the foreboding grandeur of a momentous convergence such as this. What are the colors? What is the mood? Think of all the variables. Now, bottle that all up and create an iem in the likeness of this mythical occasion. PHEW!! After you are done doing that, tip your hat to the people behind this set…Truly a job well done!

Maybe I’m romanticizing but…​

I would hope that other companies would put the same level of care and thought into their audio devices. I would hope that the days of simply assigning some random numbers and letters and then slapping that on a cardboard box and then calling it a name are behind us, but of course that’s unlikely. With that said, I think the consumer should cheer on a company which strives to be more than a quick cash grab. With Kinera, there seems to be a sense of real thought, purpose and care put into not just the name but also the unifying idea and concepts behind the art that they create.

Maybe I’m romanticizing this a bit much as that has always been my biggest problem in some people’s eyes. Who knows, maybe it’s one of my best strengths. At any rate, let’s at least recognize the respect and regard that the team behind a set like the Phoenixcall gives to their craft. If it’s me, I’d much rather purchase something that means something to not only the buyer, but to the person who made it as well. So, without further ado…the Celest Phoenixcall…

Purchase Links:​

• Amazon US
• Amazon Japan
• Aliexpress
• HiFiGo

Full Review can also be found here: Celest Phoenixcall

Gear used for testing​

–Ifi Go Blu

–Hidizs S9 Pro

–Moondrop Dawn 4.4

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2

–Shanling M6 Ultra

Phoenixcall Background:
A hundred birds flock to Phoenixcall was a legendary scene inspired by the ancient Chinese myth “The Legends of Mountains and Seas”. Heaven and earth stood solemnly, day and night interchange, seasons reincarnate. Mountains, rivers, lakes, seas, winds, blizzards, rain and snow, a destined force lurks in the dark, calling for the families of divine birds, appearing out of nowhere together filling the skies, filling with birds singing, flocks and flocks of them throwing themselves into the deep forest, meeting each other, depicting a harmonic grand scene of a hundred of birds flocking back to their southern home.
Celest Promotional​

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Packaging / Accessories​

Quick Unboxing​

Upon receiving the Phoenixcall I have to say that I was not expecting so much effort and intricate details placed upon the packaging of this set. I suppose I forgot how well the Gumiho or the Pandamon were meticulously and artistically boxed up. Come to think of it, I should probably involve any other Kinera set that I’ve purchased over the years too. It’s hard not to be at least marginally impressed.

First off, the box is gorgeous. Colored in a beautiful purple color with the scene of the birds gathering in the skies on the front cover. A white silhouette outlines the birds in flight with depictions of swirling wind gusts and clouds above. A very serene looking and whimsical type scene which is a giant departure from what us hobbyists are used to. Not that it matters at all as far as the sound (the real reason we purchase) is concerned, but I have to at least respect the effort.

Inside​

The box opens up with an elegant magnetic flap. As you Peek into the box, on the left side you’ll find a small rectangular leaflet which describes the story behind the Phoenixcall. Also, right next to that is a sort of a metal charm which Celest calls a “Bookmark” which you can see in the pictures. The bookmark has a scene which embodies the entire theme of the Phoenixcall with a metal cut and hand painted top view of birds flying in a circle pattern.

Friends… what level of care and thought does it take to include such additions (beautiful bookmark, gorgeous packaging, leaflet, artistic design etc.), which, are totally impertinent to the actual sound, yet are delicately and skillfully applied to the packaging? Celest didn’t have to add anything. They could’ve simply done what so many audio companies do… Simple box, tips, cable and maybe a carrying case. Celest put care and great thought into something that is completely irrelevant to the audio capabilities of the Phoenixcall. However, I would argue that these touches aren’t irrelevant at all and in my opinion serve the overall aesthetic. In fact, I’d say that these small artistic decorative & ornamental additions are an integral part of the overall theme, and by the way… Celest does a masterful job of presenting that theme.

Moving on, as you look into the contents of the box, you’ll see the gorgeous Phoenixcall earphones presented in all their glory already attached to the cable which wraps underneath and is tucked away in a small black box. Next to that you’ll find a box containing the carrying case as well as the eartips. Really a beautiful packaging and for what it’s worth, great job to the designers and artisans who took part in the whole motif and end result.

​

Eartips ​

Celest provides a total of six pairs of quality eartips inside of the packaging, neatly wrapped in those ridiculously annoying plastic bags that we see so often. They include one set (S, M, L) of “Celest C-07 Balanced Tips” which are white silicone tips with a medium-wide bore which are slightly longer for a deeper fit. I think these are comparable in bore size & feel to the KBear 07 tips, not exact but comparable. The other tips (S, M, L) are a gray pair of “Celeste 221 Vocal Tips” which are silicone with a wide-bore and a firm flange and have a shallower fit.

Both sets are very usable for the Phoenixcall and both sets actually make sense and aren’t just random tips thrown into the package for the sake of adding tips. Nice work Celest. Both sets of tips slightly alter the sound. I chose the wide-bore pair as I feel the sound opens up, the treble feels snappier too. This is one of the first times I didn’t have to spend an hour tip rolling. So, for me personally, I do enjoy the Phoenixcall with wide bore tips so not to block any of the nozzle holes at the tip. Obviously, this is just my preference, and I don’t think a smaller bore tip reduces the sound quality, but they do shift the tonality to a degree.

Carrying case​

Celest includes a lovely little blue carrying case with the package. It’s rather small. The case is a round case which opens and closes by way of an easy-to-use zipper. Probably just large enough to snuggly fit your precious earphones and cable. That said, it is a very classy case with what feels like faux leather and nice stitching.

I actually think the size is quite nice if you are one to carry your earphones with you in your pocket. I never do this but I’m sure many of you do. The truth is, it’s a nice case that Celest didn’t have to include. I would have been just as wowed without it, but they did the right thing and included one. It is a very nice little addition that fits the overall motif and aesthetic of the package and the utter class of the earphones.

Cable ​

Oh, the cable! Friends, please trust me when I say that I would never in a million years want any cable with “pink” in it. That is… Until now! The cable is so freaking dope! Just sick! That blue and pink braid fits the earphones to the tee! I really mean every word when I say, “Fantastic job Celest! ”. The included cable is pliable, easy to use, not stiff, not microphonic and completely durable feeling. The cable itself is a 2-Pin, 8-Core, 5N Silver Plated Copper cable which terminates with a 3.5 single ended jack and adorned with stainless steel fittings. Folks, the braiding is so nice as the pink and blue are starkly distinct from each other which to me is very appealing and a perfect addition to the pink and blue earphones. The whole design language has a very trendy yet very ornamental feel to it.

I did have to use a balanced cable for my balanced sources and so I went through many different cables looking for the best pairing. What I landed on was the KBear Chord 4.4. To me it fits the silver lettering of the earphones as it matches the accent colors decently. However, all I really needed was to do its job and that it did. Also, the Phoenixcall does seem to scale to the source as well as additional source power (I’ll cover that later).

Build / Design / Internals / Fit / Drivability ​

Build ​

I have to say, I’m normally not taken aback or surprised too often. Much of the time we get run ‘o the mill builds and I’m usually perfectly happy with most any earphone. However, Celest went and totally knocked this build out of the park! Truly! What a nice form, body, and architecture. I haven’t even gotten to the design yet. We are talking about “build quality”. What we have is a completely transparent shell which easily shows the working contents of the Phoenixcall. The build is a beautiful all resin makeup with a durable and solid feel to the. The faceplate is oval shaped, and the shell cavity is a very ergonomically printed structure with deep fitting nozzles. You can easily spot the tube exits at the nozzle as well with four separate holes. Truly a remarkable build and one of my favorites at any price.

​

Design ​

This brings me to the actual look of the Phoenixcall. Celest made two different colorways for the Phoenixcall as they decided upon a “Clear” version and a “Reddish/Pink & Blue” version. What a beauty of an iem with a wispy yet resplendent, almost delicately ornate charm. I don’t mean delicate in the build either, more like in the way Celeste conveyed the art depicted on the faceplates. As you can easily see in my pictures, the Phoenixcall is a true piece of art. Meaning, a human or humans, designed this set in an attempt to evoke some sort of emotional response. This set was obviously designed to leave an impression or to wow the consumer. Also, nobody goes to these lengths to create something as lavish in intricate details as the Phoenixcall without taking serious pride in the end result and to how people will react.

Shell Design:
“Phoenixcall” uses the phoenix pattern, which has traditional significance, as the main element for the design. The phoenix pattern is combined with other bird and flower patterns, and the wild and bold lines of the phoenix pattern are refined and transformed with geometric elements, using a painting style to give it a full and unique shape. The design combines traditional patterns with modern design, showcasing people’s vision for a happy, prosperous, and peaceful life, as well as the moral of carrying great virtues and embracing all rivers.
Celest Promotional​

Click to expand...

​

Faceplates ​

I think you have to start with the shining star of the design and that’s the faceplates. They are stunning friends. Underneath a coat of crystal-clear resin, you can see the scene of the divine birds making their way back. There’s a handful of silver silhouette birds appearing in “mid-flight” with miniscule specks of bunched up bluish & purple colored glitter paint which serves as the backdrop. At the top corner of the faceplate is a seemingly deep black void (I’m assuming it is supposed to represent the dark forest) which seems to be where these birds are traveling to.

As I twirl the Phoenixcall in my hands the faceplates will catch the light and with every movement the faceplates light up with different hues of refracted shades of blue. This may not be for everyone; it isn’t the most masculine looking set in the world but for the work and imagination that went into the appearance… I can’t help but think “Job well done”.

Wonderful mistake​

Again, the Phoenixcall actually comes in two different colorways. One is the “clear version” and the other is the “reddish pink & blue” set you can see in my pictures. Much to my chagrin, I actually thought I was receiving the clear model, but the pink and blue model showed up at my house. I have to admit I was immediately a bit sour about it until I actually took the earpeices out of the box and looked at them with fresh eyes.

Not only is the faceplate awesome looking but the shells are just as great. You can see the neatly laid out drivers inside and clearly see the tubes and the entire inside cavity which is a very cool touch. The design is very creative and different from any set I’ve ever seen, which makes this design kind of bold in a sense. Not everyone will be a fan, for that I’m sure. But for those who can appreciate the creativity I think I can speak for those people and say to Celest… Again, job well done!

Internals ​

Celest decided to go with a tribrid setup for the Phoenixcall which is not something we often see under $200, let alone under $130. In total the Phoenixcall actually has five drivers per earphone. Celest went with a 7mm strong magnetic coil Dynamic Driver for the low-end, one customized Balanced Armature Driver (10012) for the mid frequencies, one customized Balanced Armature Driver (10021) for the mid-highs and two 6mm flat panel Micro-Planars Drivers to take on the ultra-high areas of the treble. To say that this was an ambitious effort is an understatement. Folks, look at what you are getting for the price, it’s getting ridiculous. The problem with ambitious driver configurations such as this is trying to gather and maintain some sort of coherence between the drivers. As you can plainly see each driver is set with its own sound tube and by all accounts, these are good drivers.

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Fit / Isolation ​

The fit of any earphone is always a very personal & subjective matter. I have zero idea how well the Phoenixcall is going to sit in your ears, but I can tell you how they fit in mine. Perhaps I’m not the best person to relay this info as most earphones fit me, but the Phoenixcall fits me like a glove. In all honesty I don’t know how they wouldn’t fit nicely for the majority of hobbyists either. Celest created a very ergonomic shell design with no rough spots, sharp edges and the Phoenixcall are also very light on the ear so to help with extended listening sessions without any crazy ear fatigue due to weight. One of the benefits of a design such as this is getting very nice isolation as well without much sound leakage too.

Drivability ​

From what I can see the Phoenixcall are pretty easy to drive. Now, I don’t have a smartphone with a 3.5 single ended jack so I can’t tell you how the Phoenixcall will sound with a lower powered device. I can tell you that the Phoenixcall are rated at 32 ohms with a sensitivity of 103 db’s and a supposed frequency response ranging from 20hz-40khz. Using a Bluetooth Dac/Amp such as the IFi Go Blu (CS43131 dac chip) with its very dynamic and slightly warmer tonality worked nicely with the Phoenixcall. Especially when I switched to 4.4 balanced and gave it more juice.

Dongle Dacs​

Using my Hidizs S9 Pro (ES9038Q2M dac chip), I found it to have plenty of power for the Phoenixcall as they really aren’t difficult to drive to good volume. The pairing was pretty nice between these two as well. The S9 Pro is a warm/neutral sounding dac which is snappy enough to play well attached to the Phoenixcall. However, switching to one of my all-time favorite Dongle Dacs, the Moondrop Dawn 4.4 (also uses a CS43131 dac chip) I truly found an awesome sound and synergy with the Phoenixcall attached. The neutral sounding Dawn, the big power, the dynamic sound was dancing with the Phoenixcall.

DAPs​

During most critical listening I chose to use the Daps in my possession. That is the more neutral-ish and spirited sound of the iBasso DX240 (ES9038PRO Dac chip, basically eight ES9038Q2M chips) and the warmer, more colored and very resolving Shanling M6 Ultra (AK4493SEQ Flagship). To be honest, the Phoenixcall didn’t exactly sound better with either dap in particular but really does sound great on both. One thing is clear, the Phoenixcall does seem to tighten up with more power and a better skilled source. I think it’s a little more of the latter actually. The Phoenixcall is right at that point where you can either go with a warm source or an analytical source and it won’t hurt you either way. The “Bird” adapts. However, the higher fidelity of your source and the Phoenixcall will reciprocate.

The least you need… ​

At the end of the day, to operate the Phoenixcall it doesn’t take much at all to drive. All you probably need is a decently powered dongle dac at the least. Now, I’m quite positive you’d be able to drive this set off of most smartphones as well. However, you may not get the best sound quality. I would assume if you can afford the Phoenixcall than a cheap and decently powered dongle dac isn’t out of the question.


Full Review can also be found here: Celest Phoenixcall

Tuning Concept:
“Phoenixcall” has an overall bright sound with deep and elastic bass that is gentler and more relaxed. The midrange has a solid and natural sound, while the high frequencies are clear, bright, and clean. The soundstage is spacious and natural, with round and smooth vocals and strong resolution, providing you with a comfortable music experience.
Celest Promotional​

Click to expand...

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Sound Impressions ​

Note: I want to quickly note that I did give the Phoenixcall about 50 hours of burn in and it actually didn’t do much for the sound except some peaks in the upper treble. They don’t come across nearly as sharp or tinsley as they did prior to burn-in. I went back and forth between devices, single ended and balanced and all my thoughts are my own which were taken from actual hours of listening.

Let me begin by saying that the Phoenixcall has impressed me quite a bit. I don’t want to keep my joy over the sound to myself. I was thoroughly curious as to how well Celest/Kinera was going to implement these five drivers. This can go only one of two ways folks and by the language of my first sentence, I think you can imagine my thoughts. I was able to check out both the Gumiho as well as the Pandamon and was truly impressed by both. However, to all of a sudden skip to a five driver tribrid was pretty ambitious. Of course, Kinera has been at this audio game for quite some time.

Musicality​

Musical…the Celest Phoenixcall is simply musical. There it is, nuff said, everyone can go home now. In all seriousness, this is what the Phoenixcall is to me, if I were to break this set down into one word. “Musical” covers quite a lot and is a very broad word. This must mean that the Phoenixcall has a nice low-end, an energetic and cohesive midrange with some decent note weight and shimmer. This should also mean that the Phoenixcall has a nice treble region which uplifts the spectrum. Musical can mean a lot of things but what it means to me is this… The Phoenixcall sounds very nice to my ears.

Milky transparent ​

This set is definitely a V-shaped set with a warm tonality and organic type timbre. It’s a rich sound, it’s lush, yet the Phoenixcall also has an almost milky transparency. This is a wholly unique tuning from what we hear in most times today with a larger mid-bass hump among other things I’ll explain later. The sound is anything but laid back yet it’s not ultra energetic either. A happy middle ground that has a very nice tonality and timbre with enough vibrance and musicality to keep things interesting. The sound does have some low-end coloration, recessed low-mids, as well as some upper-midrange color. Is it completely natural? Eh, not perfect. Is it really nice to listen to music with? You betcha!

The Phoenixcall is both dynamic and technically sound with some good macro-dynamics as well as nice details for the type of tuning it has. Of course, the Phoenixcall is right smack-dab in the middle of an ocean of good to great iems within the $100 to $150 price point. Like usual, this is the biggest hurdle the Phoenixcall has from being considered a very successful iem, as far as sales goes. There are subjective quarks and supposed issues but that goes without saying. Despite that and probably in spite of that fact, the Phoenixcall is one helluva set with a wonderfully emotionally charged and auditorily expressive sound.

Between the 20’s​

The bass is beefed up with nice density that can really slam when it needs to. The Phoenixcall is not for bassheads though, not completely anyways. Not fast like BA bass but pretty compact for its size. The midrange has nice note weight and good presence even though there is a scoop in the mids which dials back male vocals. The mids are actually quite clean and songfully harmonious with a nice spritz of sheen in the upper mids. Listening to the treble I find it has good energy but isn’t the most elevated or forward. It’s nicely detailed but also pretty safe apart from some upper treble energy that can get a bit spicy. The sound in general is easy to digest with rich tones, nice vibrancy and technically the sound doesn’t disappoint. In my opinion of course

Bass Region​

The bass region has a very respectable and perfectly cohesive emphasis that doesn’t help in the Phoenixcall’s quest to sound “Gentle & relaxed” like they promoted. Actually, this set BANGS! The Phoenixcall is tuned with a larger emphasis, primarily in the mid-bass, but there’s still plenty of sub-rumble. Now, it isn’t that ultra punchy or snappy type bass, and it isn’t the hardest edged, but it is transient tight for the tuning and the amount of emphasis. I really enjoy how the bass melts into the rest of the mix.

Nice for the tuning​

It certainly won’t be perfect for everyone as it isn’t the most concrete at note edges, but I’d think most people would love that the bass is very nicely defined and clean with good texture. What I really enjoy is that the bass is really just a nice part of a great whole on this set and not the focal point, apart from bass heavy tracks of course. There is nice note definition and the Phoenixcall hits HARD when the right track comes on. Another thing, it isn’t at all a one noted low end. There is a distinction between sub and mid bass. So, no it isn’t perfect but, it’s kinda perfect for the tuning.

Sub-bass ​

The sub-bass has a nicely deep and resonant growl on a track like “What Happened to Virgil” by Lil Durk. The sub-bass has good mass and is quite solid with a satisfying haptic feel. Like I mentioned earlier, the bass isn’t the type which carries a hard edge or a wet edge, but it is certainly robust and sonorous. I liken it more to a hammer wrapped in cotton. Transient attack-to-release is rapid enough, keeping good control with plenty of tactile energy that adds some nice dimension and structure to the sound.

Another track is “Home Sweet Highway” by Ashley Mcbryde. The Phoenixcall provides a ton of authority as the bassline drops yet stays completely distinct from the rest of the melody surrounding it. Like I said, control is good, and the sub-bass stays in its own lane without overtaking anything else in the spectrum.

Mid-bass ​

The greatest emphasis down low most definitely sounds like it resides in the mid-bass. This is without question. The Phoenixcall offers a good amount of slam yet does so in a very clean manner and never seems to disrupt the integrity of the midrange, but instead impacts it in a positive way. For instance, if you put on the right track like “Andromeda” by The Gorillaz which is a melting pot of other frequencies taking part in the song, I found the bass didn’t muddy up the sound at all. All I heard was clean and heavy bass rhythms that I could feel as well as gear and clean instruments and vocals surrounding that bass.

“Mammamia” by Måneskin has some heavy mid bass kick drum activity surrounded by hard metal with very swift and precise conjunctions of different instrumentation and the bass hits fast. I noticed the deftness and dexterity that the 7mm DD was able to attack and release with, all the while there is this sense of solid and bulbous immediacy to the sound. The thing is, it isn’t at all overdone and I don’t hear any distortion or anything flabby or soft. Bass guitar has a deep and meaty drone as seen in “Groove” by Ray Wylie Hubbard. This song rattles with a tight haptic buzz but also has some meat to the sound which is obviously helped by the mid-bass rise.

Downsides to the bass region ​

As far as issues pertaining to the low-end. There are surely going to be plenty of people who do not enjoy the hefty low-end that the Phoenixcall has. I likened the bass to a hammer wrapped in cotton as it isn’t the most solid at the note outline (at times) and actually is slightly flattened out and not as forward as you’d think. I suppose this has to do with the 7mm driver. One thing I will say is that with more power and at louder volumes I find the 7mm driver comes alive and almost tighten up a bit. Also, bassheads will likely want even more oomph down low.

Midrange ​

The midrange is a harmonious effort by Celest to create a fun V-shaped set that doesn’t lose out in the midrange. What I don’t hear is some ultra recessed and dull midrange either, even though there is certainly a recession in the low-mids to mid-mids. Due to the mid-bass shelf, we do see a very slight warming of the lower midrange which in my opinion only benefitted male vocals as well as instrumentation, but I’ll get further into that next. The mids are very well separated with very good placement or imaging. The mids have nice coherency between all the different drivers without any glaring tonal shifts. Celest actually provided nice coherency as there is a fairly natural Blanding of the frequency.

I think that Celest took a V-shaped sound that has a colored type of approach and made it relatively organic and clean in its timbre. Some areas in the upper-mids come across slightly less natural but I’m not complaining. Transients are swift enough to not feel congested and the sound as a whole is very lush and somehow also pretty transparent. The midrange is also better detailed than most, but I’ll explain that more in a bit. Males sing with authority and gravitas while females are captured very well replaying the breathy nature of some or the powerful ballad of another. Is it perfect? No, it isn’t. There are some sets born and bred for the midrange. Is it very good for a V-shaped set? Yes, it is.

Lower-midrange ​

Males have the benefit of some added warmth from the low end, yet without the veil which sometimes can be associated with extra warmth. I believe they needed this extra body as there is a recession which pulls back this area of the mix. However, I don’t find the recession here to be much of an issue. In fact, males come across very well bodied with great note definition and actually sound pretty natural to life, in my opinion. Perhaps a hint held back but not attenuated or dull and not misrepresented.

“Where I Find God” by Larry Fleet found a home with the Phoenixcall. His voice is naturally edgy with his sharp southern drawl yet stentorian sound. Concurrently, this is exactly how the Phoenixcall renders the sound of his voice. There’s a certain measure of ductile solidity and control as Larry hits those higher chords and his voice doesn’t come across metallic or coarse as with most iems. The extra body and cleanliness help to distinguish the low-mids to where any recession isn’t really a problem at all. Still, if possible, it would be nice if Larry’s voice was a hair more forward.

Low-mids cont.​

Dermot Kennedy in the song “Rome” is emotionally gripping and it’s a requirement of an earphone to be able to capture this. You need some weight, you need some warmth, you need a crisp note edge, you need some good presence in the mix, some shimmer for the instrumentation and it’d also be nice to have good separation. The Phoenixcall does a decent enough job of nailing all of those prerequisites but adds some extra depth to the sound as well. It’s very easy to see that the Phoenixcall does pretty nice with male vocalists, whether bass, baritone, tenor and every type in between they really aren’t bad for a V-shaped set.

I also love the Phoenixcall on the track “On My Way to You (Live)” by Cody Johnson. His vocal inflections are highlighted with a certain gravity that you can somehow feel. Perhaps in the bass of his undertones. Yet the intonations and cadence in his voice sound naturally structured to me.

Upper-Midrange ​

Females sound more forward and more vibrant than males. They are uplifted and carry some good energy. Not perfectly natural but very captivating. The Phoenixcall has this cultivated ability to take a breathy singer like Gabrielle Aplin in “Half In Half Out” and replicate it well. She comes across very cleanly and vividly. The Phoenixcall is able to highlight the sensuality or sweetness of a female voice very well.

The track “Sensitive” by Megan Trainor can be a hint sharp during the chorus but there is some great and illuminated shimmer, almost a luster to this track. Certainly, there are sets in the price point that specialize in vocals which in my opinion nail down a female voice a bit better, but the Phoenixcall has this all-around ability to represent each area of the mix well while doing a damn fine job of replaying most any female voice.

One thing the Phoenixcall also adds is some spice in the upper midrange that some may be turned off by. For me personally, I don’t find it a problem, but it can sound a bit abrasive on some instruments and voices that hit those ear gain peaks. There is a give and take with any set and this is one area that some may be more susceptible to wincing. Again, I honestly don’t find it too sharp, I feel the Phoenixcall goes right to the ceiling of what is tolerable and stops short of breaking through that floor.

Instruments ​

As far as instrumentation, these thoughts are greatly generalized. Keep that in mind. A lot of how a set sounds has to do with the actual recording or track, and also what source one is using makes a large difference too. That said, Instruments come across with nice note weight. This helps for piano to sound tuneful and bodied. Strings, for the most part, are actually nicely detailed with good harmonics. Percussion, like snares have a nicely sharp “pang” while the fundamental body of cymbal strikes are nicely rounded on most tracks. Again, these can change track to track, I am generalizing. Anyways, there are some instruments which partake in the upper areas of the midrange which can begin to sound less natural but for the most part I have nothing bad to say.

Downsides to the Midrange ​

In my mind, I think the biggest drawback of the mids would be the upper mid glare. Now, this will not be a problem for many hobbyists, and I only bring it up because it can occur in certain situations and some folks are very sensitive to it. Certainly not the norm. If you fancy a more neutrally tuned midrange than you may have issues with the Phoenixcall. Also, there is a recession in the midrange which effects the low-mids the most but honestly, I didn’t find issue with it. Still, some may think this is a bigger issue. I can tell you that with my library of test tracks it was almost a benefit.

Truthfully, I think Celest did a fantastic job with the Phoenixcall midrange. I hear no sibilance at all, nothing at all metallic, without any BA timbre showing up. The sound is lush, weighted and smooth yet decently detailed, resolute and very musical.

Treble Region ​

The treble region is well executed, and one thing is for sure, Celest did great in blending the customized Balanced Armature with the two Micro-Planars Drivers. Another thing is for sure…those Planars are putting in work! Now, before I go further, I just want to say that the treble is not boosted to the max. There isn’t any forced resolution from any arbitrary lift in this region. The treble actually sounds pretty true to life. For the most part. There is almost a laid-back quality to the treble that I find non-offensive to my ears, all the while representing this region with enough of a lift to bring up the entire spectrum to a degree. Not too boosted and not too boring and dull. Celest did a nice job here folks.

Examples…​

The treble has a nice crispness to the leading edge at attack when needed and is very well detailed for not being overly boosted. Listening to Billy Strings “Ice Bridges” I am impressed at how speedy the Planar treble can be and how well they keep up. However, they don’t just keep up, they sound good in the process. Billy plays his banjo at breakneck speeds at times and not every set can complete every note and separate those notes, the Phoenixcall can. There is a roundness and punch that the Phoenixcall has up top which really ties a whole track together.

In the track “Don’t Say it’s Over” by Gaz Coombes the treble notes have a nicely bodied sound that doesn’t come across unnatural or tizzy at all. I don’t hear any sibilance either. There is a nice sparkle in this track which didn’t require an unnecessary boost. Also, I found the sound to be very melodic to my ears rather than processed sounding. More smooth than crisp but still very well defined on each and every treble note.

Another quality trait up top is the Phoenixcall’s ability to render details and all the micro-minutiae that really can take a track over the top. The resolution up top is very nice mixed with the speed of the drivers definitely helps to boost the macro and micro-details within the treble. Not class leading but very nice, nonetheless.

Downsides of the Treble Region​

The treble is, in my humble opinion one of the better aspects of the Celest Phoenixcall. However, nothing in this audio game reaches perfection and thus…there are some subtle subjective issues. First off, there are some timbral issues on some instrumentation in this area. Granted it would take a keen ear to really hear such a thing, especially when casually listening. Also, the Treble could actually use a bit more roundness and structure. Again, these are things that most won’t even think to look for and it is a very picky thing on my part.

Technicalities ​

Soundstage ​

The soundstage is well laid out and pretty vast. It certainly isn’t congested or small at all. I found that width is above average as well as height, and the depth of field that the Phoenixcall has is actually quite nice too. There is definitely depth there. Obviously, depth isn’t the easiest thing to figure out all the time. I listen for layering and try to imagine where instruments and elements of a stage are positioned. Going through my tracks I’d say that the Phoenixcall is tuned to have a nice sized stage that won’t disappoint. This is evidenced in the song “Hook” by Blues Traveler. The song fills my entire mindscape from ear to ear with just as good volume at the outstretch of the field of sound as I hear in the center of it.

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Separation / Imaging ​

As far as the ability of the Phoenixcall to separate elements of the stage, such as instrumentation and vocals; the Phoenixcall is very well done within the price point. At least from the sets that I’ve had the pleasure of listening to. I find it very easy to discern every distinct instrument providing the recording I’m listening to is halfway decent. Imaging is the same, very well laid out. Right to left and front to back seems spot-on with nice layering of sounds. There are multiple likely reasons for the Phoenixcall to excel in these areas and part of those reasons is the highly resolving sound, the nice transients and the drivers working so well in tandem to create a well laid out imaginary scene. The only time things begin to blend even slightly is in bass heavy tracks, but even then, it’s rare.

Details ​

Detail retrieval is fantastic in the upper portions of the mix and quite nice in the rest. The sound is clean, separated, open, and pretty quick for having such a warm and smooth V-shaped tuning. Truthfully, so long as you aren’t listening to some bass heavy track then I think you’ll really be impressed with the Phoenixcall and its ability to draw the small stuff to the surface. I pick up tiny details that get missed on other sets. Thumbs up here for sure.

Comparisons​

Letshuoer X-Gizaudio Galileo ($109)​

Oh, the Galileo! How I have enjoyed you. Truly a wonderful iem at an awesome price which is so very competitive on the market. The Galileo comes equipped with a hybrid setup of 1DD & 1BA. Built decently yet absolutely gorgeous the faceplates on the Galileo are very striking. Yet the build may leave a bit to be desired. Not bad though and good for the price. The Galileo is actually the lovechild of a collaboration effort between Letshuoer and Timmy Vangtan of Gizaudio (YouTube channel). It’s a great set with a more neutral and smoother take on tuning which is very nice to hear.

Differences

Let’s begin with build quality. This is a pretty easy thing to spot, the Phoenixcall is surely the better and more premium built iem of the two. I also happen to think the Phoenixcall is the better-looking set, but it could go either way. Certainly, the Phoenixcall is the more artistically inspired iem. Both sets offer great comfort, and both can be worn for hours with no issue. Now, the Phoenixcall has the warmer yet more resolving sound while the Galileo is less dynamic and closer to neutral.

Bass Region​

As we look at the bass region it is pretty evident that the Phoenixcall has much more of a haptic rumble and bass slam. The Phoenixcall simply was tuned with a greater emphasis. The Galileo has a softer note edge and a smoother low end to the Phoenixcall’s robust and decisive low end. The Phoenixcall flat-out hits harder and has a lot better authority to its sound next to the Galileo. Better textured and cleaner.

Midrange​

The Galileo begins to show it’s worth in this area where the midrange sits more forward as the Galileo almost specializes in vocal delivery. One thing is for sure the Phoenixcall can’t pull off the natural sounding and smooth vocals like Galileo. Galileo is certainly more forward in the low-mids yet with a thinner note body to a degree. The Phoenixcall on the other hand is warmer, thicker and certainly has better note definition. The upper mids have a relaxed sound on the Galileo whereas there is a touch more energy with a more vivacious sound for the Phoenixcall. The Phoenixcall also has a more technical sound in this area. Though, I would say the Galileo has a more tonally accurate upper-midrange.

Treble Region​

The treble region of both sets is nicely done. Both are more laid back but out of the two the Phoenixcall has the better detailed experience. The Galileo has a smooth treble which glides over the intricate details in my music. This doesn’t make it worse either. It’s just tuned for ease of listening over everything else. The Phoenixcall is snappy, has a bite to it up top and has better definition to notes.

Technicalities​

As far as stage size I’d give the nod to the Phoenixcall. Slightly wider (but that’s up for debate) about the same in height but the Phoenixcall has the upper hand in depth of field. Separation is better in the Phoenixcall as well with superior imaging. Of course, details also go to the Phoenixcall.

In the end​

looking at these two iems I find they are very different from each other. I find the Phoenixcall a bit more musical and dynamically charged with larger macro-dynamics, bigger bass, snappier treble. The Galileo is the carefree Sunday morning type listen with vocals that will melt in your mind and nothing overdone. Both are tuned very well but both are also tuned very much different which should attract a different style listener. For me personally,

Hidizs MS3 ($169)​

The Hidizs MS3 is surely one of the best iems in its price point so long as the tuning fits your preferences. I for one adore this set. I actually reviewed it a couple months ago HERE. However, it is certainly an iem that anyone who is thinking of picking up the Phoenixcall should probably also take a look at. The MS3 is a three driver Hybrid with 1DD & 2BA’s and is an absolute overachiever. The MS3 comes equipped with three different tuning nozzles to change up the sound to your liking. Truly an awesome set.

Differences

As far as build quality is concerned, both sets are built quite differently, and both are equally as impressive. The MS3 has an all-metal design and is built like a tank while the Phoenixcall is all-resin and absolutely solid. Both are fantastic. It all comes down to preferences really. Obviously the Phoenixcall is a bit lighter and the MS3 is a bit heftier. Both sets offer a premium design, premium accessories and both are contenders for anyone’s interest in the price point. Now, the MS3 is about $40 more but close, nonetheless. The MS3 is more Harman tuned while the Phoenixcall is more V-shaped. MS3 is not as warm in tonal color as the Phoenixcall.

Bass Region​

Beginning with the bass region I find the Phoenixcall to have more sub-bass rumble & slightly more mid-bass impact and slam. Both sets offer a nicely dense rumble for different genres. Honestly neither are better than the other as both sets offer a clean and dynamic bass. Probably the Phoenixcall has a slight bit less clarity, but it is marginal at best. Phoenixcall certainly is closer to basshead than the MS3. However, both sets can bang, both are rather detailed, and both are not simply “one-noted” affairs.

Midrange​

The lower mids of the MS3 are more forward compared to the Phoenixcall yet for whatever reason both flavors the sound nicely. I truly don’t know which I like better. The MS3 may be more forward but also, they are thinner here. This flips when speaking of the upper-mids and female vocals which come across a hint more forward on the Phoenixcall. What we have is two different approaches and coincidentally both are truly wonderful tuning options. I’d say the MS3 is a bit more linear across the midrange while the Phoenixcall has a bit more dynamism as well as a thicker note weight. Both are rather well detailed in the mids.

Treble Region​

The treble of both sets is nicely accentuated and, but the Phoenixcall has the snappier treble with a bit better treble bite. I think the difference between the Planars of the Phoenixcall, and the BAs of the MS3 begins to show its face when a/b comparing them. The Planars are simply faster it seems with a tighter transient attack. The MS3 is smoother up top and a hint less fatiguing. Both have their ways of depicting the upper regions and again, I like em both. I will say that the Phoenixcall has better detail retrieval and is a bit more technically sound. However, the MS3 probably has the more natural timbre.

Technicalities​

As far as detail retrieval I would hand that to the Celeste Phoenixcall. It simply resolves some of the subtle little things better. Not by some monumental amount though. The Phoenixcall separates elements within the stage better and imaging in my opinion is a bit better on the Phoenixcall. However, I feel both sets offer a more holographic stage that is above average in size.

In the end​

These are two dope sets friends. If you asked me, I couldn’t tell you which I like better. The Phoenixcall is a bit more auditorily expressive with bigger dynamism and the MS3 is a bit better balanced across the mix. Both sets are very musical. Honestly if you told me that you liked the MS3 better I would understand why. In the same breath, if you told me that you enjoyed the Phoenixcall more… I’d get it. Both are fantastic.

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Is it worth the asking price?​

This is probably one of the easier questions to answer for me because I believe the Phoenixcall is very much worth the asking price. I’m not saying it’s a kilo-buck buster, but the Phoenixcall is easily worth the $129 that Celest is asking for it. I wouldn’t necessarily say it should compete much higher price points either as it is priced fairly as far as sound is concerned. Still, even with all the competition in the price point… the Phoenixcall seems to excel.

Folks, think of all the tribrid iems that sit pretty under $150…I’m waiting. “Surely there are loads of DD/BA/Planar sets that will rival the Phoenixcall”? The truth is, the Phoenixcall is a unique iem that is very good for the price. Yet there are certainly issues with the tuning as it isn’t exactly balanced across the mix and will likely be at least somewhat polarizing to the community. Despite that, it sounds great in my opinion.

The Why​

The Phoenixcall is an ultra-unique iem that looks like nothing else in the Audioverse. The theme is genius, along with a design language that is completely fresh, unbelievably dope, and totally clean looking. You get a nice set of accessories with nice tips, a case that is pocketable and one of the better-looking cables in the price range. Really though, my friends…it’s the sound which I feel truly puts this $129 iem within the top heap of its class of competitors. Of course, this is a wholly subjective opinion and statement. Like I said earlier in the review, the Phoenixcall is simply musical, and every other benefit of the tuning is simply icing on the cake. I truly don’t think that you can go wrong with this set for the asking price.

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Ratings (0-10)​

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Celest Phoenixcall ratings below, that would be $100-$150 iems in any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5” is exactly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $100 – $150 US is a HUGE scope of iems. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings it will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.

Aesthetic ​

-Build Quality: 9.0

-Look: 9.9

-Accessories: 9.9

–Overall: 9.6

Sound Rating​

-Timbre: 8.5

-Bass: 8.9

-Midrange: 8.9

-Treble: 9.5

-Technicalities: 9.5

–Overall: 9.1

Ratings Summary:​

To receive a 9.1 overall in sound quality in this loaded price bracket of $100 – $150 US is a pretty big deal. If you read my little note before this section than you know that these ratings are garnered against any iem type or any driver configuration. Obviously, I feel that the Phoenixcall is at the top of the heap as far as iems go in this range. However, there are some questionable judgments on my part. That just goes with the territory though. However, I stand by my ratings as I deliberate for way too long on them. If any of you have read any of my reviews, then you know I hate ratings. They tell nothing of nuance and simply judge portions of a “thing”. But you all seem to like them, I certainly hope you read my “Notes”.

Questionable calls…​

So, the questionable calls on my part begin with “Timbre”. There are some subtle timbre issues in the upper midrange and parts of the treble. Perhaps they will get worked out with further tips changes or more play time (burn-in/listen-in)? Still, I say that timbre is an 8.5 but in reality, I like the timbre as it is. I would give it a 9.7 for me personally! I like the color; I like the added emphasis. Still, it isn’t completely natural so…8.5.

Also “Midrange” gets a lower rating than what I would personally give the Phoenixcall. If this was ‘to me‘ and ‘for me‘, I would give the Phoenixcall a score of over 9.5. I like the middrange and feel that Celest did a remarkable job, but if I’m judging in an audiophile and bland way, I have to give it a lower rating for the recession in the lower Mids. There are sets that specialize in this region that do definitely do it better, so I dropped the midrange score down to 8.9. Folks, I sit for way too long thinking about this mindless stuff and it’s all for you. I hope you feel special! There are other very debatable scores, so I don’t have an issue with anyone who disagrees. In fact, it’d be odd if everyone did agree.

​

Conclusion​

To conclude my full written review of the Celest Phoenixcall I want to thank the store HiFiGo who are so great to work with. They have awesome people, and their catalogue of products is freaking huge! Anyways, thank you to them and thank you to Lvy as well. Also, thank you to anyone who chooses to read any word that I write. You put your trust in me to tell you exactly what I think, and you put your faith in me that I am being honest with my thoughts. This mean a lot to me, and I take pride in keeping my integrity in-tact. So, thanks.

However, if you’ve read my words than please get right back on the web and read other thoughts as well. Don’t just stop at me. We are all so very much different friends. We all have different likes and dislikes, different music libraries, different gear (important), different hearing, and we all haven’t been down the same audio journey (most important). What one person thinks and feels is only correct to them, please remember this!! We are individual and human and not even one of us are correct across the board. Even those that you’ve placed on an audio pedestal, they are only correct as far as their own ears and how it’s perceived into their own unique temporal lobe. Thats just the truth.

Take care, stay safe, God Bless​

I love to write; it is a fantastic escape for me to spill my thoughts out to you people and with all my heart I simply want to help you out in a purchasing decision. Besides a review unit (sometimes), I get nothing for these reviews’ friends, I am paid nothing as well and wouldn’t accept if I was offered. I do have a good day job and a couple measly dollars isn’t worth my integrity…ever! Well, that’s all that I have to say, please take care, stay safe and always…God Bless!

Introduction​

After the Pandamon, which showed noticeable improvements from the previous Gumiho, Celest is back with another product, even though this time the price range is slightly higher and the driver configuration is different. In fact, the Phoenixcall are the first tribrid from Celest and represent a further step forward from their previous sets that adopted their Square Planar Driver technology (here called Flat Panel Driver).
Let’s dive into these new babies!

Disclaimer: the Celest Phoenixcall were provided by HiFiGO free of charge as a review sample in order to write some impressions. I do not represent Celest or HiFiGO in any way and this is not promotional content.
At the time of the review, the Celest Phoenixcall were on sale for 129$ at HiFiGO.

Technical Specifications​

• Configuration → 1 DD + 2 BA + 2 Micro Planar Drivers (FPD: Flat Panel Driver)
• Sensitivity → 103 dB
• Impedance → 32 Ω
• Frequency Response → 20 Hz – 40000 Hz
• Cable → 1,2m 8-core 5N copper silver-plated cable with 0.78mm 2-PIN connector
• Plug Type → Straight gold plated 3,5mm jack

Packaging​

The box shows a lot of care from the designers and the brand, as you can see from the photos, and it contains:

• The Celest Phoenixcall
• The cable
• 6 pairs of tips: 3 pairs of Celest 221 and 3 pairs of Celest C-07 tip, of which the 221 are the ones with the widest bore
• The carrying case (even if Celest could have included a slightly bigger case)
• User manual

Design and Build Quality​

The Phoenixcall are probably the most stunning IEMs I’ve come across in the last years: they don’t only look very good, they are also built extremely well with a lot of care and no imperfections.



The shell is transparent with a faceplate that shows a lot of birds flock to the phoenixcall: this comes from the ancient Chinese myth “The Legends of Mountain and Seas” and it’s always interesting to see companies referring their IEMs to a sort of “lore” of their mythology.
The faceplate itself appears in different tonalities of blue, purple and aqua-green depending on the point of view, and the fact that everything is smooth and rounded with no sharp edges makes the Phoenixcall even better to the touch.
Celest has done a crazy job with these, really.

Cable​

The cable is pretty good even though not the most lightweight. It’s sturdy and stiff (not as stiff as Vesper 2’s cable though) and seems like it will last a long time.
The presence of a 2-PIN connector instead of a MMCX connector is also a big thumbs up from me.

Comfort and Isolation​

Comfort is awesome: the absence of sharp edges and the well rounded shape make the Phoenixcall very comfortable to wear for long listening sessions. They are not very small, but the way the fit in the ears should bring no issues for most people.
Isolation is nothing to write home about but let's say that they are just slightly above average due to the great fit and the fully closed design.

Sound​

GEAR USED FOR THE TEST
DAC: Topping E30
AMP: Topping L30
Mobile phones: Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge
Dongle: Apple Type-C dongle, Truthear SHIO
Portable DAPs: Benjie S8/AGPTEK M30B
Other sources: Presonus AudioBox iONE

Do they need an amplifier?
The Phoenixcall don’t strictly need an amplifier, but they definitely benefit if amped as they show slightly improved dynamics.

Sound signature
The Phoenixcall are a well tuned V-shaped set with non-fatiguing highs and punchy low-end.
They are very musical and fun oriented and not a neutral set, so be aware of it.

Lows: the lows are boosted but there’s more focus on midbass than on sub-bass. Bass is tight, textures are good and the overall punch and body are satisfying, even though the sub-bass could use a tad more viscerality. They don’t lack sub-bass but sometimes I wish the lowest octaves sounded a very tad louder.
In any case, the technical performance of the bass is no joke: it’s pretty speedy even though textures are portrayed very well and this isn’t something you find everywhere.

Mids: the midrange is recessed, with instruments taking a step back from bass and treble, even though female vocals are still forward thanks to the upper-midrange boost. In fact, the latter come out with a lot of energy and intimacy even though a bit more extension in the upper treble would have made them a bit more natural. Be sure to watch out for the volume, though, since the upper midrange could also become hot for some as far as the volume increases (not for me).
The lower mids are thinner instead, and the direct consequence is that male vocals sound a bit less deep and prominent than female vocals. Acoustic instruments, for the same reason, could lack a bit of naturalness in the lower octaves (i.e. piano and acoustic guitars), while electric guitars and other instruments that usually tend to occupy slightly higher frequencies sound very good.
Last but not least, the layering is very good, and even in tracks with lots of instruments the Phoenixcall are able to portray any layer of instruments and vocals with no particular issues.

Highs: the highs are slightly spicy, but the focus is more on the lower treble than on the upper treble. The treble extension, in fact, could have been slightly better, but I don’t think it’s a bad tuning choice and I still think the treble tuning is actually quite good. In fact, there are lots of details and enough air to keep instruments separated from each other and to give a good rendition of the space.
I don’t think treble sensitive people are gonna have issues with these since it’s the upper midrange that occasionally becomes hot and not really the treble.

Soundstage is spacious even though not the most spacious I have heard on a V-shaped set and it has pretty good depth for the price which is usually something that many IEMs struggle to have. Height and width are also pretty good, I’d say on par with the expectations.
Imaging is very good with precise instrument and vocal positioning on the stage.

Some comparisons​

Celest Phoenixcall vs Celest Pandamon​

One would think this comparison does not make any sense because of the price difference, but in fact, I’d like to point out a few things about the performance of both products and if it’s worth adding money for the more expensive ones.
The two are very different already starting with the design: open back, plastic and cheap shells for the Pandamon, closed back, 3D printed and stunningly designed shells on the Phoenixcall. It’s very clear which one is the more premium set and also the touch and feel of the Phoenixcall would make you pick them as the best ones even while being blindfolded.
The sound is also very different: the Pandamon are neutral with a slightly warm tinge and polite treble, the Phoenixcall are V-shaped, more musical and warmer with more forward bass and upper midrange.
From a technical standpoint, the Pandamon are seriously competitive in their price bracket with great separation and imaging and a pretty speedy bass, but the Phoenixcall are more competent, they have more stage depth and layering and the resolution and detail retrieval capabilities are noticeably superior. From a timbrical perspective, though, one could also prefer the more neutral, linear and more natural response of the Pandamon, but this is very subjective.
Build quality, design, cable, comfort and isolation are better on the Phoenixcall.
The price is way higher but you get a product that competes in a higher bracket and has better technical performance.

Celest Phoenixcall vs KBEAR Aurora​

Why the Aurora? Well: the Aurora are comfortable, they have a mild V-shaped signature just like the Pandamon, and they are also very comfortable. Plus, their price was similar to the launch price of the Pheonixcall but has dropped to around $80.
To be very brief, the tonality and timbre are more natural on the Aurora, especially when it comes to vocals and acoustic instruments, but the technical performance is way superior on the Phoenixcall: the bass is faster, the layering and separation are better, the soundstage is deeper and the imaging is more precise. I think the driver used in the Aurora is very competent and that is limited by an overly safe tuning, but the Phoenixcall hybrid configuration is giving them an edge that no EQ can compensate for.
Build quality is on a similar level of refinement even though materials are different but the design of the Phoenixcall is truly amazing. Cable and isolation are better on the Phoenixcall whereas comfort is great on both.

Celest Phoenixcall vs KBEAR Believe​

The KBEAR Believe are the most technical IEMs I own under 200$, and even though I don’t own many mid-fi IEMs, I have tried some in this bracket and none matches the technical performance of the Believe (when properly amped, for sure).
The signature is warmer, more musical on the Phoenixcall with a definitely more tolerable upper midrange. Technical performance, instead, once properly amped, goes to the Believe, which have better resolution and speed other than having more details. The Phoenixcall, however, win when it comes to the overall body and bass punch (not in sub-bass extension as the Believe have better sub-bass extension) since the Believe needed a lot of power and volume to reproduce a fuller bass, and even then the upper midrange is too forward and hot and it’s not counterbalanced by enough bass. This is not to say that the Believe are bad (because they are not, it’s just another kind of signature) but they are definitely less “easy” to keep in the ears for long listening sessions due to the more fatiguing tuning. The Phoenixcall also need less power to shine, and although they benefit from some proper amping they don’t strictly need it.
Build quality and comfort are top notch on both, but the Phoenixcall win when it comes to stock cable, isolation and design.

Final Thoughts​

The Phoenixcall are a very good set if we look at the big picture: very good technicalities, a fun and musical tuning and crazy build quality along with a truly unique design.
The timbre of some acoustic instruments and vocals could be improved, and the midrange could have been slightly fuller, but if a V-shaped set is what you search for, then these are a very interesting product that I am sure many will like having as a daily driver, especially because they are also easy to drive and extremely comfortable.
I am very happy to see Celest constantly releasing bangers and I cannot wait to try new stuff from them.

Avian migration is one of nature's wonderful phenomena as some species of migratory birds are doing some long distance flyway by following some specific travel path either in regular and irregular patterns due to seasonal changes as it is also their indicator for breeding and finding new feeding grounds. The scene of flocks of divine birds that are heeding the call of Fenghuang, the divine nine-headed Phoenix is quite astonishing to visualise on how these birds were doing while they are migrating towards the deep forests of southern mountains. This scene was inscribed in The Classic of Mountains and Seas which was an ancient Chinese myth composed of 18 sections which was allegedly written around the early Han dynasty era.


This is actually my third review on a Celest Audio product, I already introduced the Celest Audio from my previous reviews as they are known to be Kinera and QoA's sister company. Celest Audio takes some inspiration from Chinese mythology as their thematic concept of their products.



Celest Phoenixcall is their latest product as they try to enter the hybrid driver configuration segment. Its transducers consist of three types of drivers; dynamic drivers, balanced armature driver and a newer type of driver, flat panel drivers that simulates the capabilities of a planar without needing more power.



Here's the breakdown on how drivers were implemented. The new generation 7mm dynamic driver will solely handle the low frequencies, the two balanced armature drivers (probably a new generation of Bellsings) handles the midrange up to some parts of the treble region and then a dual flat panel drivers for the ultra-high frequencies. The said configuration of three types of drivers will produce a very potent bass, tonally accurate midrange and then, a smooth and cleae treble response to give an overall natural yet bright sound. These drivers are also connected to acoustic tubes for better passive frequency response.



The drivers are encapsulated in a high quality acrylic resin and it takes a modified UIEM-style shape as its form factor. It has beautifully crafted faceplates with a design of flock of birds on the horizon. It uses a proven 0.78mm 2-pin connector for its detachable mechanism just like all Celest and Kinera products.



Celest also included a good quality cable as its stock part. This cable is an 8-core, 5N silver-plated copper with a metal alloy on its plug jacket with 3.5mm SE termination plug. It's bright colourway seems to match the colours of the shells.



Celest Phoenixcall is quite comfortable to wear into my lugholes as I didn't experience any discomfort issues as it also seals and isolates well from outside noises. I can even use it for long listening sessions.



Like its sister Kinera, Celest Phoenixcall has a remarkable product presentation as it is one of these brands strongest assets. The included accessories were well-organised and some of them are compartmentalised inside the packaging box. The physical packaging box are incredibly gorgeous as it purple-coloured accent is really an eye catcher that could be a good display centrepiece.



Here are the following accessories inside:

■ a pair of Celest Phoenixcall IEM.

■ 8-core stock cable.

■ a circular shape, PU-leather zippered storage case.

■ Three (3) pairs of Celest vocal ear tips in different standard sizes.

■ Three (3) pairs of Celest balanced ear tips in different standard sizes.

■ Metal alloy bookmark/pendant with Fenghuang design.

■ Paperwork like instruction manual and a pamphlet about the product.



Despite the multi-driver layout of the Phoenixcall, this set is actually so easy to amplify that even a smartphone or tablet can give a sufficient power output for fuller and lively sound.



Celest Phoenixcall has a V-shaped sound signature with ample warmth on its tonality. It has elevated lows, a notch midrange and inflated highs.


(This graph was provided by @baskingshark, credits to him)




LOWS/BASS:

Even with elevation on the low frequencies, I don't still consider it as a basshead's preferred bass quantity. It has a very tactile, incisive and thumpy bass response which I consider it as satisfying in my cup of tea. It appears that it is more focused on mid-bass rather than sub-bass as it gives more texture and emphasis on certain bass instruments like viola, bass guitars, bass trumpets and bass kick drums. It also gives some darker pitch on bass-baritone vocals. It also important to share that it has a slight bass smearing across the midrange frequency.

Sub-bass presence is somehow decent as I fairly feel those faint rumbling coming from instruments like synthesisers, octabasses and drum machines. On the mid-bass part, it gives a firmer resolution on some instruments and vocals. Violas have full and rounded sound while bass guitars have earthy and rasping sound from them, and then on bass trumpets have a fuller and somewhat a "chocolate-y" timbre. Then on bass kick drums, it has a menacing and thudding sound for I also tested some extreme metal tracks with insanely fast double bass kicks. On bass-baritones, it has an adequate depth just to give that dusky and dark tone nature of these particular vocals but I feel that it needs more heft and depth to project it in a natural way.


MIDRANGE:

The initial impression when I'm listening to this set, I instantly noticed the recess presentation of its midrange as some instruments and vocals are a bit behind on the audio mix. But due to a tad bass bleeding from the low frequencies, it added some inherent warmth to affect the timbre of some vocals, especially on male vocals like baritones and tenors, female vocals like contralto and low register mezzo-sopranos, and other instruments like strings and brasses.

On male vocals, baritones have a warm and lush tone from them, especially from Eddie Vedder, Rob Halford and Jimi Hendrix, while a steeler and richer tone of a Kavilierbariton vocal like Dmitri Hvorostovsky. Tenors have brassy and ringing ambient from their vocals as l listen to the great three tenors (Pavarotti. Carreras, Domingo). Same with other tenors in modern music genres like Little Richard, Prince and Freddie Mercury. Countertenors have a rather agile and smooth vocal quality. On female vocal types, Contraltos have a sufficient rich but I observe that it has a lack in both dark and deep as they sound a bit lean as I'm particularly familiar with the vocal tone and texture of singers in this vocal category with the likes of Annie Lennox, Anggun and Toni Braxton. Mezzo-sopranos have a velvety and smooth but they have this transparent and hollowness that I noticed it gives less dynamic and engaging sound from the singers like Andrea Corr, Alanis Morisette, Sharon Den Adel and even operatic types like Cecilia Bartoli and Elena Obraztsova. Sopranos somehow fares better on this one as it is very flexible to all soprano types from dramatic to coloratura as they sound pretty energetic and spacious to have that gleaming and silky tone.

On instruments, especially on strings like acoustic guitars, violins and even harp. Guitars have a rather "buttery" tone and lots of overtone which doesn't give that crisp and lingering bright tone that a guitar should sound like as I listen to Scorpion's guitarists, Rudolf Schencker and Matthias Jabs on their respective guitar lines on their seminal tracks like "When The Smoke Is Going Down and "Still Loving You. Violins seem to have a warmer and austere sound as I prefer lively and vibrant sounding ones. Then on the harps, they sound mellow and blurring at the same time. Brass instruments sound quite excellent as trumpets sound full and brilliant, while horns have a warm and velvety sound then on trombones have this intensity and powerful tone. Percussive instruments with the likes of toms, field drums, marimbas and snares, toms have its punchiness and resonant sound, then on field drums, thet have these warm and sombre sound while marimbas have velvety although a bit hollow sounding, and then on snare drums, it has hard and rustling sound from them. On woodwinds, instruments like flutes, saxophones and clarinets, a wafting and mellow tone on the flutes while saxophones and clarinets have these melancholic and soft sounds from them even on different registers. Then on chordophones like pianos, they have a warmer to balanced tone from it.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble response of Phoenixcall is definitely on a brighter side. It has some emphasis and observable boost at the upper midrange to give a definition on percussive attacks and vocal emphasis albeit there are some instances that it might be a little bit discordant and a tad shrilly to the point fatiguing to some treble-sensitives folk. It has a capable presence treble that is able to project some sense of clarity and crispness.

Cymbals have a good amount of glistening and resonant sound of itnwhile the hi-hats have that life-like sound reproduction as they have those those shortened buzzing sound. And Celestas have mellow to bell-like tone from them. It has an ample amount of sparkle and a moderate brilliance airy extension.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

As I estimate its overall sound field dimensions, it has average to above average lateral size while it has a good height reach and depth that gives me a reasonable moderate spatial headroom within my aural sphere.

On imaging projection, it presents me a concave-like, stereo panning as I was able pinpoint the exact location of instruments and vocals with noticeable gaps and spacing and and fairly decent layering as I noticed some layers of instruments tonal dynamics within its sonic canvas.

Cohesiveness of multi-drivers set-up appears to perform pretty well as it micro dynamic driver able to deliver a faster transient response while the other drivers performs pretty well too as it manages to give a tonal detail and harmonics.

It has a competent resolution capabilities as it has quite solid fundamental on notation attacks on macro-dynamics with decently good micro-detail retrieval on how it contrasts the perceived noises from other dynamics to extract some details and nuances from an audio track.



PEER COMPARISONS:

HIDIZS MS3

● This is hybrid driver IEM in a very competitive pricing just like the Phoenixcall. While it takes a more convention hybrid configuration as it has typical 1 dynamic driver and dual balanced armature drivers but it uses a more premium balanced armature drivers which is Knowles and all metal construction for better durabilty. Both have excellent product packaging and quality and quantity amount of inclusions but MS3 take a more utilitarian approach in its overall product presentation.

● As for tonality, MS3 is more versatile due to its detachable nozzles system that you can choose a certain type of sonic profiles from V-shaped to a bright U-shaped. In general it has a more robust and solid bass response, a more natural and tonally correct midrange and a brighter and airier treble (silver filter). Both have similar technical performance but MS3 edges a bit on resolution capabilities.


KIWIEARS QUARTET

● Another comparable set to the Phoenixcall, it has typical hybrid driver set-up as it has dual dynamic driver and dual balanced armature drivers of similar design (I speculate that both BAs of these sets are of Bellsing). But the difference is that it has a tuning switches which I will elaborate it later. Both have similar materials on their shell chassis but QUARTET takes a more traditional UIEM form factor. It also has fairly good product presentation but its stock cable is somewhat a less premium one compare to Phoenixcall's cable.

● As for tonality, despite of its tuning switches, it still has a warmer U-shaped sound signature. It has a more authoritative bass response but an untidy one, too warm midrange that affects the tonal qualities of some vocals and instruments and then, a darker and dull treble response with meagre treble air and sparkle. As for technicalities, it has inferior sound/speaker stage sizes, poor layering capabilities and blunted note definition on micro-details.



This is definitely an innovative approach from Celest Audio as they try to implement new technologies from the advances to technological innovation in portable audio industry and it looks that they aren't afraid to take a risk that they are venture out from their bubble. They want to prove that you can have a tri-brid set-up IEM with impressive product packaging and good quality inclusions at reasonable price.

Despite of some minor issues like inaccuracies on the tonal aspects on instruments and vocals as it sounds either too much and in sparse quality, its competent technical performance will be its leverage and counterweight of those some tonal insufficiencies that the Phoenixcall have. If you want a fun, engaging and relatable sound with gorgeous shells that you can proudly display it, then this is it.


Celest Phoenixcall is now available at HIFIGO, you can check out the provided unaffiliated link down below:

★★CELEST PHOENIXCALL - HIFIGO★★


And also, here's my review on other Celest products:


● CELEST GUMIHO

● CELEST PANDAMON

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: CELEST PHOENIXCALL
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 103dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTOR (0.78mm)
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER + (2) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVERS + (2) FLAT PANEL DRIVERS



Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)


Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to CELEST AUDIO nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to LVY YAN of HIFIGO for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate her generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

“New Flow”





I’m happy to be giving you this review today of a beautiful iem. I’m currently awaiting a new iems and it’s been a while since I’ve had the opportunity to review something.

First off, this is a review sample that has been sent to me by Hifigo. You can buy it here. This is a non-affiliated link, but I do recommend buying from Hifigo. I’ve bought many things from them and they have treated me very well and kindly. This will not affect my opinion as I will strive to give you a fair and honest review. These words are mine.


Kinera Celest PhoenixCall
Amazon US:

Amazon JP:

aliexpress:


I haven’t listened to anything from Celest but do have their new $3099 Kinera Loki in as of yesterday, and it is magnificent. But the brand has been on my radar for a long time. The Pandamon is one of the most unique iems that I’ve ever seen. So what do I say here, this iem has spice and it has flair. This isn’t neutral in presentation iem, so if you want a neutral iem this isn’t the one that I’d recommend. This is an iem that is special, in that it is the single most badass iem ever. A skull bear with red eyes…. Or whatever that thing is.






I am going to share a larger list that I have of songs that I like in this review. 61+ songs Here
This list is my go to test songs for the first go.
Top 10 Tidal list here:
I listen to a wide variety of music. I pick the songs because of various reasons. But I picture myself locked away like Andy Dufresne from Shawshank blasting music and shut off from the world. It’s a blissful image.

I’m including listening notes here with no EQ to try to get information.
The Marriage of Figaro -The opera song from Shawshank Redemption, terrible recording but fun and gets me in the mood to listen to music. The Celestee pulls this off extremely well, sounds fun and engaging when it usually sounds a bit boring and flat.
O mio Babino caro -This is a modern less operatic version but a song with great female vocals. Female vocals are fantastic on this set. I can’t describe it, but very enjoyable. In shock right now listening to this.
Video Rigoletto - “La donna e mobile” Sung by one of the three Tenors, great song for high-performing male vocals. Pavarotti is the greatest classic singer maybe ever. Fight me! This song with Male vocals sounds pretty good. Not perfect but fun and good.
Iron man - The sound at the beginning is hard to make sound great, great drums, and cymbals, and if done right it feels like an old-school band. Technicals are very strong here and it’s a good sounding iem for this song. The treble is incredible here.
I Will Survive (1981 recording, I like her voice, and the old vocals, the drums, and various natural instruments really make this a favorite for me. Gloria sounds fantastic here, lush and amazing.
There is a light That never goes out - Smiths A classic, I just love it. It’s mellow, and I can tell a lot of the tuning if this song is done right. The lush sound of this song comes out very well on this track. Great space.
Jump I like how the sound effects are in this! This iem sounds fantastic on this track. Holographic and fun. It pops and the technicals really sing here.
Star Child Someone recommended this song to me, and I like how funky it sounds and has nice vocals and a mix of music and things going on. The funk is here on this track, it sounds great and feels great.
Dicke Titten Ramstein The beginning is amazing and the bass hits hard. Great song. I love
rock and metal. The base is a little weak on this set, but still strong. It’s nice but not as great as some other sets that I’ve heard.
Master of Puppets: Very fast song. Helps me determine if the driver can keep up. This is a fast iem, and sounds great. But base drivers are good, but this set isn’t as great as some more expensive sets.

Specification:-
Acoustic Drivers：1DD+2BA+2 Micro Planar drivers（FPD）
Interface: 0.78 2pin
Sensitivity: 103db
Wearing Type: In-Ear
Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40kHz
Impedance: 32Ω
Weight (earbuds+cable): 9.8g+30g ( ± 0.2g )
Plug: 3.5mm / 4.4mm
Cable length: 1.2m

Shell -
The shells are pretty amazing. They are comfortable and fit easily in my ears. They aren’t too large that they cause pain or too small that I feel they might fall out. Very nice and easy to listent to. They have no major discomfort and look really amazing in Purple and Blue. To be honest, it looks more of dark pink rather than royal purple. But it is very pretty to look at.


Case- This has a normal iem case and it is very nice. I personally use cases often as I want my iems to last longer and this case fits the mold. My only complaint is that it is a little small, but overall it’s fine. Many iems near this price point lack a case or just have a pouch, so It’s solid despite being somewhat small.


Cable- The cable is a bit gaudy but looks beautiful and feels nice in the hand. I personally don’t need a 4.4 mm connection for how I listen to music, so the cable is great and feels premium.


Tip Selection - The iem comes with 6 tips 3 grey and 3 white. I think they add value to it and it is a great presentation.

The Tip selection is also strong. I enjoy it.

Quick-Fire Comparisons

In this section, I'll quickly compare the

Kinera Celest Phoenixcall VS. Hexa ($80)
Overall Tuning: Slight Edge to Hexa
Details: Kinera Celest Phoenixcall

Kinera Celest Phoenixcall VS. Kiwi Ears Quartet ($109)
Overall Tuning: Kinera Celest Phoenixcall
Details: Kinera Celest Phoenixcall

Kinera Celest Phoenixcall VS. Dunu Kima ($109)
Overall Tuning: Tied
Details: Kinera Celest Phoenixcall

Kinera Celest Phoenixcall VS. Rinko ($100)
Overall Tuning: Kinera Celest Phoenixcall
Details: Kinera Celest Phoenixcall

Graph: First let’s get the obvious out of the way.
Look at the birds! I’m going to name you a bunch of birds… and just tell me what these bird names have in common: Verdin, Veery, Varied Thrush, Vermilion Flycatcher, Virginia Rail, Variable Sunbir,, Variegated Fairy-wren, Vaux’s Swift, Velvet Scoter, Venezuelan Flowerpiercer, Verreaux’s Eagle, Village Weaver, Violet-Capped Hummingbird, Volcano Junco, Violet Cuckoo, Varied bunting, Violet-green, Vesper sparrow and Verreaux’s eagle owl. Do you see it, do you get it… it’s a V-Shapped iem! What does that mean, it means that it will have an exaggerated treble and base. I mean look at the design, think of a flock of birds, wouldn’t it make sense this would be a v-shaped iem and not a neutral iem?


Does this fit how I like to listen to music? Not exactly, but I always eq well at least 90% of the time I do. I love my Aful Performer 8, and I EQ it 90% of the time for music. The stock tuning of the Phoenixcall while not my ideal tune, is very good and enjoyable for all the music that I tried for it.

Sound - Final Impressions

This is a very technically sounding iem. Note weight is very good as I listen to songs, and it just sparkles to me. Woa, this is how much keeps coming to me as I listen. I think this is a very strong iem for this price. There isn’t too much at this price point exactly to compare it to. But for it’s price it’s a really like listen. The treble is lush and adds details to things, with technicals being strong in what I listen to.

Recommended EQ: I’ve been messing around with Peace APO as I further level up my audio game. I’ve been enjoying my time with it. This is my current eq for the Phoenixcall. It doesn’t really need EQ, but I definitely would recommend a slight bump to the 400-800 hz range for most listeners.


Preamp: -6.9 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 20 Hz Gain 1.3 dB Q 2.000
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 54 Hz Gain -0.8 dB Q 1.200
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 170 Hz Gain -4.3 dB Q 0.500
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 670 Hz Gain 7.3 dB Q 0.700
Filter 5: ON PK Fc 1500 Hz Gain -5.7 dB Q 2.000
Filter 6: ON PK Fc 4300 Hz Gain -3.5 dB Q 2.000
Filter 7: ON PK Fc 6600 Hz Gain 3.8 dB Q 2.000
Filter 8: ON PK Fc 8500 Hz Gain -8.6 dB Q 2.000
Filter 9: ON PK Fc 12000 Hz Gain 8.5 dB Q 2.000
Filter 10: OFF PK Fc 0 Hz Gain 0.0 dB Q 0.000




Gifting/who is it for: I think this is a nice beautiful iem to gift to someone. This iem sings to me for the design and I love using it on a daily basis. I find it fun and easy to use, and great for many genres of music. The shells are smaller for those who might not like the larger shells. They are beautiful. This also comes in clear and in 4.4mm connections as well for those who want it.


Pairing: I used a Quidelix 5k for mobile, my dongle dac iBasso DC04 for my laptop, and my JDS labs Element III MK2 Boosted for my Desktop PC. Most of my listening was done on my JDS labs Element III MK2 for this particular review.

Summary-

The look and appearance of an iem are important. It can’t be understated that appearance and look is vital to some people. Hifi is somewhat dead as we argue about the lame latest KZ/Headphones.com guys drama (Crin and DMS), the fact is not everyone cares and people just want a cool-looking product. This product also sounds fantastic and is extremely enjoyable, especially at the price. It's not just about a frequency response graph, there are many factors to a great iem.

Having your iems go with your outfit is important to people, and this iem is fire in that regard. Fun is a weird thing. Do you want something fun and unique, or do you want something technical and perfect? This is a piece of art, this is a fantastic iem. This is different as not only is it unique and technical, but has a strong overall sound signature.

As far as sound it is very enjoyable and hit the mark in most songs. I can’t find much at the price range that competes with this iem, but it is very strong overall. I eq a lot and I find this iem has great technicals and is just fantastic. The packaging feel like a 500-dollar plus iem, the cable is supple and nice, and the sound is very enjoyable and competitive for the price.

To quote a friend “We need a new inflow to the hobby, and that’s only attainable by easing/lowering the bars.” Unique iems can interest those who might not be interested by the hobby and this is a fantastic choice. It looks like I’m buying a second one, the wife has stolen my set. XD It is just gorgeous for the price. We need a new flow to the hobby, and an iem maker like this that looks at other factors like style, and presentation is impressive. Not everything has to be brooding and dark. Things can be cute, fun, and colorful.

The Price is $130. It’s strong for this level. It’s packaged like a champion, go buy it. It’s also in the Amazon proper stores so it’ll ship in one or two days to most of the US!

Tuning A
Technical Ability A+
Value Stars ️️️

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Kinera/HIFIGO for furnishing this unit.
The Celest Phoenix Call can be gotten here (no affiliate links): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDGLZKKK/kinera+celest+phoenixcall/ or https://hifigo.com/products/kinera-celest-phoenixcall




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 1 x 7 mm DD + 2 x 10021 and 10012 BA + 2 x 6 mm flat panel driver (FPD)
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 40 kHz
• Sensitivity: 103
• Cable: 0.78 mm, 2-pin, 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination available. 8-core 5N copper silver-plated cable
• Tested at $129.99 USD

ACCESSORIES


Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of white Celest 221 "vocal" silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of grey Celest C-07 silicone ear tips (S/M/L)
- cable
- semi-rigid carrying case
- metal bookmark and poem





The packaging is really polished and elegant. We have some poetry, and even a metal bookmark of phoenixes. Waifus are so yesterday!!



The Phoenix Call takes its inspiration from an ancient Chinese folklore book titled the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Classic_of_Mountains_and_Seas). In one of the stories inside this tome, there is a scene where hundreds of mythical birds flocked together to fly home.

Indeed, we see this avian motif on the packaging and bookmark, within the poetry, and even on the shell of the IEMs.




Back on point, the array of accessories are pretty generous, perhaps other than the lack of foam tips or a modular cable, but that is nitpicking.



We have 2 variants of silicone tips. The Celest 221 "vocal" tips - in white - boost treble and upper mids. The C-07 grey tips are more balanced, with less treble emphasis and a bigger and deeper bass. Do tip-roll to see what suits your sonic preferences.




A psychedelically coloured 8-core 5N copper silver-plated cable is included. During ordering, one can opt for a 3.5 mm or 4.4 mm termination. This cable is not just a pretty thing, it is very practical - being well-braided with minimal microphonics. There's a chin cinch for added grip. 2-pin cables are always favoured in my book, as MMCX ones may fail with repeated cable swaps.

Lastly, we have a round semi-rigid zipper case. It is quite tough externally, but lined internally with a soft material and some webbing, to protect the contents.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock grey tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT



Fashioned from resin, the left earpiece is coloured blue, whereas the right side is coloured red. The faceplates feature the aforementioned flock of birds motif flying back to their nest. They are a real looker, and my wife who usually hates IEMs actually came to take a look, and said she "wouldn't mind trying it". Actually, after she did, I had difficulty claiming the IEM back to do this review haha.



The shells are quite light and the inner aspects of the chassis do not have any weird protrusions to poke the ears. Initially, I had a bit of discomfort due to the longer nozzle with smaller eartips, but once I used a size larger tip, ergonomics seemed quite decent for longer listening sessions. So tip-rolling is once again essential for fit.

I did not find any driver flex on my pair. As per most vented IEMs, isolation is average, but this IEM should still be usable outdoors.


INTERNALS

The Phoenix Call sports an uncommon 1 DD + 2 BA + 2 FPD setup.

One can see the various drivers in all their glory through the transparent resin shells. I'm also glad to report that the BAs are not just dumped in the nozzle, but Kinera has specially designed them to be linked to the nozzles via acoustic tubes. This definitely aids in the sonics, and as we will read later below, this IEM is quite good in soundstage for this reason.



The 7 mm DD settles the bass, while the 2 BAs handle the midrange and lower treble respectively. Lastly, we have a FPD (flat planar driver) for the upper treble. This FPD is similar in concept to a microplanar driver, but is not a real larger planar driver.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the Phoenix Call with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is relatively easy to drive. Amplification is not 100% required, but it will scale better with juice.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES


Graph of the Celest Phoenix Call via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

Tonally, the Celest Phoenix Call is V-shaped, and this is quite consumer friendly in tuning.

This IEM is mid-bass focused. The mid-bass hits with a big thump in bassy tracks, and is just a level or two shy of true basshead badness. There's some sub-bass roll-off and just a slight tickle of rumble. In terms of quality, bass speed is fast, with good texturing. There's some slight mid-bass bleed, but this is inevitable with the huge bass on tap.

As per the V-shaped profile, the lower midrange is recessed and thin, mid-lovers might seek more heft in this region. The upper mids have about 8 - 9 dB ear gain, and vocals are definitely forwards in the mix. I am quite sensitive to this region, and I would say the upper mids are not too overzealous, but are at the edge of spiciness. At louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve), this region can get hot, but at low to moderate volumes, it is quite okay. The upper mids can also be tamed with eartip rolling, in addition to different sources, not to mention hearing health/ear anatomy may play a part in how this region is perceived.

The Phoenix Call's lower treble continues on from the boosted upper midrange. Extension of treble is quite decent, with moderate air and sparkle. Sibilance is quite controlled, and nothing sounds splashy or majorly fatiguing here.



When it comes to technicalities, the Phoenix Call performs very well. Soundstage is deep and high, with above average width. We have good micro-detailing and resolution, with instrument separation and imaging done well.

Unfortunately, timbral accuracy is an area of weakness in the treble and midrange (probably the regions handled by the BAs and microplanar driver). Vocals are a bit thin, and acoustic instruments like brass and woodwinds lack heft and natural note weight - so this IEM may not be the best option for timbre freaks or those that listen to predominantly jazz or classical genres.


COMPARISONS

I currently only have a similar priced IEM in the TRI I3 that has a kindred config with a DD + BA + microplanar setup to the Phoenix Call.



The original TRI I3 is a 1 DD + 1 BA + 1 planar/microplanar, that has very huge shells. The shells are heavy and this may cause discomfort with longer listening sessions. It also has MMCX connectors, and on one side of my TRI I3, the MMCX is a bit loose. The I3 is also harder to drive.

The TRI I3 has a taller and deeper soundstage, but has inferior soundstage width. The I3 is also weaker in instrument separation and imaging. Tonally, the I3 has more sub-bass, but the bass isn't as tight as on the Phoenix Call. There is some sibilance and splashiness in the lower treble on the I3 too, though it has a tinge better timbre.


CONCLUSIONS



The Phoenix Call sports a unique DD + BA + microplanar/FPD configuration. The packaging and aesthetics are truly breathtaking, with robust build and decent fit. Additionally, this IEM is easy to drive, and amplification is not really required. In a sea of over-used waifus, Kinera has thoughtfully utilized a sophisticated bird motif packaging to reflect on its ancient Chinese roots, incorporating a fabled poem from ancient texts.

Tonally, the Phoenix Call has a V-shaped consumer friendly signature, with a huge mid-bass thump to bring a lot of "fun" to the table. Technically, this IEM is no slouch too, with soundstage and resolution being a highlight.

Nothing is perfect though, the timbre and midrange has flaws, and folks who prioritize these areas should look elsewhere. Having said that, this IEM does well in most other departments, and may even make a nice gift in view of the alluring design and consumer friendly signature.