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

PHOENIXCALL: call of the Phoenix!


INTRO:

Behold the Kinera Phoenixcall: the IEM that promise an audio experience like no other. These are carefully crafted earphones, marrying new technology with elegant design in the pursuit of perfect sound. Be it a casual listener or an audiophile, the promising sound of Phoenixcall will never let your favorite tunes die. These small titans pack a strange punch, combining a dynamic driver with two balanced armature drivers and two micro-planar drivers. Attention to visual detail like this is further sweetened by the inclusion of a high-quality 8-core copper cable and a range of ear tips to fit comfortably in any user's ear.

But with so much technology crammed inside, does the Phoenixcall deliver a beautiful melody or a confusing jumble of sound? Let’s walk through …




CONTEXT:

I fall in love with it at the very first look. It’s beautiful, too beautiful. But it’s mild ‘V’ shaped tuning made me a hard stop. But I was curious and get all my courage to give it a try. After I roll the stock tips and a bit EQ (I don’t mind!) ah, it feels like a slight ‘U’ shaped sound. My unit is already fill up it’s burn in period over hundred hours. And now the drivers are in their full potential. I mostly listen to classic rock & metal with it and sometimes classic country & blues.

As usual, I swap cables but here, the stock one seems so perfect to me. And for fit and comfort (which I prefer most), I stick on the Spinfit W1. They sealed well and give me the ultimate comfort that I want on a long listening session. The following review is based on this set-up.


DISCLAIMER:

‘Kinera’ send me this IEM for review purpose. And there is no guidance by the respective company about what to write and what not. There is no monitory transaction nor any other perquisite between me and the respective company/ distributing authority. The following is my unbiased & honest opinion.

One thing more. The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different IEMs. Your experience may very due to personal preference and physical difference like the shape & depth of ear cannel.

[You can grab your copy from Geek Mart if you are in Bangladesh.
For international buying Kinera is the place for you.]


GEAR USED:

• Cowon Planue R2
• Hiby R3
• ifi Hip DAC 2
• Moondrop Dawn Pro


TECHNICAL 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


WHAT’S IN THE BOX:

• Kinera Celest Phoenixcall IEMs
• 5N copper-Silver platted 8 core cable (Red & Blue mix color)
• Two types of ear tips, six pairs (S, M, & L for each type)
• A very nice carrying pouch
• Metal Bookmark
• Story behind the design
• User manual (what this is for?)










UNBOXING EXPERIENCE:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall comes in a slick, book-style box that calls the eye immediately. Unlike most IEM packaging, opening is akin to opening a book as a beautiful inside illustration connects with the "PHOENIXCALL" name. It's a nice touch that sets up the expectation for a premium experience. First of all, when opening the box, there they are-the IEMs themselves-very nicely designed with a transparent resin shell, showing the intricate interior of the headphones.

Inside the box, one will find that there are a number of accessories included, extending the experience even further. There's a stylish gold-colored metal bookmark and a small leather, puck-shaped carrying case for easy portability. The included cable is of high quality. It’s a 5N Copper Silver plated 8 core cable, offering good flexibility and no microphonics, which means you won’t hear any annoying rustling sounds when it moves. You also will find two sets of ear tips. As per Kinera, one is Celest 221 Vocal ear tips (S, M & L) and another one is Celest C-07 Ear tips (S, M & L). They are really not usable and make upper frequencies shouty that I don’t like.








BUILD QUALITY & DESIGN:

Kinera has something to say about their design concept of Phoenixcall. As per their description the story is - "A hundred birds flock to 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."

Now, let's come to the point I wanna discuss….

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall strikes with its build quality and good looks: a couple of earphones with a see-through resin shell that allows seeing inside the inner constructions - indicative of careful craftsmanship. The faceplates have glittering designs of birds in flight, changing color depending on the light from blue and green to purple. This attention to aesthetic detail makes the Phoenixcall not just a piece of audio equipment but also an accessory visually pleasing to the onlooker's eyes.

From a technical excellence perspective, the Phoenixcall features a unique tribrid system: one dynamic driver, two balanced armature drivers, and two micro planar drivers. Rather uncommon in this budget range, it too contributes to the reasons these earphones would sound as great as they are. Added to aesthetic beauty, the clear resin shell lends to a strong and durable build for the protection of these delicate pieces. This combination of good looks with strength makes the earphones not only handsome but resistant as well. The high-quality cable has a silver plating that makes it durable and color-matching to the IEM, adding to the overall cohesiveness in looks.






FIT & COMFORT:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall fits and is so comfortable that one could enjoy a really long listening session with it. Due to the ergonomic design and lightweight IEM shell, this in-ear monitor fits snuggly but comfortably, even after several hours into use. The smooth contours and well-thought construction mean they sit well in the ears without causing any pressure or discomfort, especially after extended time.

The perfect choice of ear tips helps the users in achieving just the right fit while catering to a host of different ear sizes and preferences for utmost comfort with great sound isolation, hence total immersion into one's music. The resin material in the IEM shells is premium to the touch and adds to overall comfort, making them suitable for extended wear without irritation.




SOUND IMPRESSIONS:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is impressively engaging and technically okay. The earphones sport a rather unique tribrid driver configuration, coming with one dynamic driver, two balanced armature drivers, and two micro planar drivers. This setup results in rich and authoritative bass. It's full-bodied and quite well-extended, providing a strong and intensive listen without beating down the other frequencies.

The midrange on the Phoenixcall is clear and natural, though sometimes it tends to sound a little recessed due to the V-shaped sound signature. The vocal and instrumental elements come through with decent detail and good presence, never too harsh or muddy. This tuning makes the midrange easy and pleasant to listen to, although for some listeners, it may not be forward enough. The treble comes across smooth and crisp, with loads of brilliance and air without ever becoming sibilant or fatiguing. That would make the Phoenixcall suitable for long listening sessions.

One of the few shortcomings is that the upper mids and lower treble can be a bit intense at times, which may not be perfect for listeners sensitive to these frequencies.

Let’s dive into each section for a clearer view…


SUB-BASS:

The sub-bass performance of the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is impressive and impressive. Indeed, it yields a deep rumbling sound adding solid foundational grains to your music. Such depth and power in the sub-bass make tracks featuring kick drums and bass guitars particularly enjoyable, where this IEM shows it can indeed produce a full and rich sound.

Sub-bass performance is satisfying with the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall on Ini Kamoze's hit song "Here Comes the Hotstepper". The stuttering bassline makes its way through this track, solid in its presence, providing a deep and impactful character without over-powering the other elements of the music. Well, the technical prowess of the Celest Phoenixcall is there for all to see, handling the sub-bass with the most finesse and keeping clarity and separation when in the most intense moments of the song.


MID-BASS:

The mid-bass response of the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall isn't bad and has an overall feeling of punchiness with control, thus will remain enjoyable for the bass head. In fact, the real technical capability shows up when the bass notes are detailed with a certain texture that adds depth and richness to genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop. On mid-bass, Kinera Celest Phoenixcall does an impressive job on Dokken's "Alone Again (Without You)". The bass guitar and drumlines from this rock ballad come through satisfyingly punchy with good presence, adding in warmth and depth to the overall sound.

Overall, the mid-bass presentation of the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall strikes a good balance between technical ability and musicality that can be enjoyed; thus, it is quite compelling for any audiophile looking to get a dynamic and engaging sound signature.




MALE VOCALS:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall really nails it on how it presents male vocals-clear and intimate, capturing nuances in performance with aplomb. Its technical brilliance surfaces in articulation; male voices are spot-on, the timbre sounds natural, hence allowing the listeners to enjoy its sonorous tune and emerge from an immersive listening experience. Nick Cave's "Red Right Hand" sounds great in the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall. The deep and resonating voice of Cave rings true with amazing clarity and texture, capturing perfectly the dark and ominous tone of this song. While the Celest Phoenixcall impresses with its presentation, it sometimes is missing that hint of warmth and body, especially in the lower registers, which may affect the overall richness and depth in male voices.


FEMALE VOCALS:

Where female vocals are concerned, the Phoenixcall is a delight to listen to, with its clarity, sweetness, and perceived closeness within the music making it highly engaging. Underlying the exact reproduction of the female voice is real technical finesse that shows nuances and emotion subtlety and transparency. "Mystified" by Fleetwood Mac, as listened to on the Phoenixcall, showed just how well it does with female vocals-specifically, Christine McVie's performance. Warm, smooth, and impressively clear in detail, her voice is heard to express the gentle and soothing character of her singing.

Having said that, I should note that the treble is a touch brighter. If you are sensitive to sibilance, that extra emphasis on 's' and 'sh' sounds, you might find some female vocals with a lot of natural sharpness are a touch harsh.


INSTRUMENTS SEPARATION:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall has stunning instrument separation, allowing each to stand out uniquely in the mix for a wide and exciting listening experience. Testing the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall with the Eagles' iconic rock number "Hotel California" shows quite prominently its great instrumental separation capability. The track itself is complexly arranged, from guitars to drums to bass-all sound well-separated, articulate, and nigh to precision. The interplay of guitars between Don Felder and Joe Walsh is simply legendary on this track. You can easily discern the two guitar parts, where Felder's clean picking lines are separated from the more textured and effects-laden riffs courtesy of Walsh.

However, while the Celest Phoenixcall excels in terms of instrument separation, you find sometimes, under more complex passages or more densely laid tracks, the instruments could slightly blend together to a degree that might cost clarity and precision.




TREBLE:

The treble performance of the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is crispy and clear, with shimmering highs that add sparkle and airiness to music. One can tell from the way it delivers each note with the required amount of detail and articulation to emphasize each minute nuance of cymbals and strings that it's technically brilliant in the rendering of treble notes. Listening to Martika's hit "Toy Soldiers" with the Phoenixcall was commendable for treble performance. And high notes and synthesizer accents, in particular, are impressively clear and crispy, giving a light and sparkling character to the general sound. While the treble performance really impresses in this IEM, too often this IEM tends to incline towards brightness, which could give way to a slight hint of sharpness or sibilance at higher volumes.


SOUNDSTAGE:

The soundstage of the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is expansive and immersive, providing listeners with a spacious and lifelike listening environment. Listening to Queen's legendary rock ballad "Bohemian Rhapsody" with the Phoenixcall reveals an expansive and immersive soundstage. The intricate layers of this iconic track are presented with a sense of space and depth, allowing each element—from Freddie Mercury’s powerful vocals to the operatic harmonies and complex instrumental sections—to occupy its own distinct place. Imaging in Phoenixcall is clear, so the different instruments and vocal parts are easily discriminated across a wide, three-dimensional soundscape.

While the Celest Phoenixcall does a great job with a wide and detailed soundstage, it often tends to be somewhat wanting in terms of depth and layering of the same when the musical action becomes complicated. But minor drawbacks apart, this IEM indeed presents an engaging and attractive soundstage that further enriches one's listening experience.




TECHNICALITIES:

The technical capability of the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is impressive, sparing nothing in the way of detail, engagement, and immersion in one's listening. It does very well technically in several parameters that include instrument separation, soundstage, and treble performance, all of which let listeners discern individual elements within the music with clarity and precision.

While the Phoenixcall is, by all means, an exceptional IEM, to some, it may be bordering on brightness in the treble area, especially when a hint of sharpness or sibilant may creep in at greater volumes. Apart from this minor Achilles heel, the IEM represents one of the best options in this price bracket, offering serious audiophiles a powerfully technical and musical combination.


EQUALIZING:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall responds pretty well to equalization, making it even more versatile for audiophiles who enjoy tweaking their sound profile. When that comes down to making adjustments for equalization, an increase in most of the aspects comprising the sound signature can properly be dialed in. A boost to the bass frequencies, for instance, gives the low end more weight and punch but without distortion or muddiness. A minor boost to the midrange pushes vocals forward and gives them warmth. Treble enhances the sparkle and detail, but great care is taken not to introduce excessive brightness or sibilant.

The Phoenixcall keeps the sound coherent and detailed even with big changes in EQ-one that shows its flexibility for maintaining the capacity to adjust to personal taste and genre.




WHO SHOULD GET THIS:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is a great option for several types of listeners:

• Budget-minded audiophiles
• Fans of lively sound
• Listeners who prioritize comfort

MAY BE LOOK ELSEWHERE:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here's who might want to consider other options:

• Listeners with sensitive ears
• Lovers of warm sound
• Audiophiles seeking absolute top-tier sound

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall represents an enticing package toward musical and engaging sound for audiophiles on a budget. The technical execution is impressive, with punchy sub-bass, clear mids, and crispy treble that adds sparkle and detail. The surprisingly open soundstage places you right in it, elevating your music experience. One should, however, consider that the somewhat V-shaped signature of sound may yield the mids sounding a bit recessed to some listeners' ears. Added to which, bright treble may raise some concern for people with sensitive ears. If you are looking for warm and smooth, then the Phoenixcall may not be your ideal match.

Disclaimer:​

I bought this product with my own money and interest. Kinera did not provide me with money or any necessities to review this product.


This is my honest and unbiased opinion on Kinera Celest Phoenixcall. My likes and dislikes on this iem would be based on my own personal experience.

If you're planning to purchase it in Bangladesh https://geekmartbd.com/ is the way to go.But you're an international buyer and interested in purchasing it than check out https://hifigo.com/?rfsn=7895773.06...1XF-Yn1QDT88c0azJ3poDvq9ukHTeDxBoCkpcQAvD_BwE .

Unboxing Expirence: ​

They worked very good about attention to details . Starting from unwrapping the box looks too good that will bring smile in your face easily also they provide very beautiful carrying case at a time eye catchy cable specialy the colorful once .

Box contant:​

● IEMs

● Few generic eartips

● Cable either 3.5/4.4mm

● Carrying case

● An ornament type of thing from Celest

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

Testing Eartips :​

I tested some different ear tips for getting the best output .

● Spinfit W1

● Tanngzu tan sancai balance

● Moondrop spring

● BGVP A07

● Standard stock tips

Testing Sources:​

DAP : ​

Plenue R2 , Hiby R3 M2

Dac Dongle :​

Ddhifi tc44c , Moondrop dawn pro , EPZ tp30

Desktop Dac/Amp :​

Hipdac 2

Note : my favorite setup was Plenue R2 with Tanngzu tan sancai tips and they doesn't require cable roll of stock cable provides best output. ​

Overall Sound :​

Imagine a painter with a palette full of colors – that's the Phoenixcall. Cause they offer rich, detailed, and has a bit of everything to keep the music tasty from start to finish . At a time they vibrant and lively, making your music feel energetic.

Overall Bass: ​

The bass is like the heartbeat of the music. It's strong and present, giving you that punchy feel, especially in songs where the beat is everything.

Sub-bass: ​

Sub-bass is the favorite part for me this IEM . They are deep and Rumbly . If kick drum and bass guitar playing in the music they know there business . They offer fuller Sub-bass on top of that they have good slam to . They are gonna satisfy most of people.

Mid-bass : ​

Maybe they aren't star of the show in my perspective but they have good note weight . I expected bit thump cause on bass heavy track a bit thump can change your listening experience .

In simple terms, the Celest PhoenixCall’s bass is like a supportive friend—it’s there when you need it, adding warmth and depth to your music without stealing the spotlight. It’s great for those who appreciate a balanced sound that doesn’t overwhelm the senses.​

Overall Mid-range: ​

It's like the colors in a painting – vibrant and full of life, making sure every instrument and voice finds its place in the mix. And unfortunately they perfrom hit or miss . Sometimes vocals fell a bit let back or in other words backword for me that doesn't mean it happans everytime .

Male Vocals: ​

This thing treats male vocals with respect. They're clear and present, like having a conversation with someone right in front of you . They sounds meaty and heavy . My tracks was AC-DC 'Back in Black ' Brian Johnson's voice delivered perfectly ' rich and crisp ' I also tested some tracks from Queen , Bobby Caldwell , Jim Coroce they all sounds unless you use some poor mastering tracks

Female Vocals: ​

Female vocals soar high and clear, like a bird in the sky. There's brightness here that makes the vocals stand out . When they added extra sparkle female vocals become crisp and lively . Though I don't have too much female tracks I got some for testing Laura Branigan 'Power of Love' , Alice Merton ' No roots ' , Yeal Naim ' Daddy' , Miki Mastubara ' Stay With Me ' the sparkle and air was enough for me to enjoy them .

In simple terms, the Celest PhoenixCall's mid-range is like a cozy blanket for your ears. It wraps around the vocals nicely, giving them a comforting and substantial feel, though it might not be as crisp or as bright as some might prefer. It's great for those who love a more vintage or soulful sound.​

Overall Treble: ​

Overall, the treble of the Celest PhoenixCall is said to capture details well, allowing listeners to hear the subtle nuances in instruments like cymbals, hi-hats, and guitars. The treble avoids sibilance, which is the hissing sound that can sometimes occur with ‘s’ and ‘ss' sounds, making for a more pleasant listening experience. Though they could be a bit airy .

Lower Treble:​

The lower treble of the Celest PhoenixCall is described as smooth and non-fatiguing . It’s well-tuned to avoid any harshness, ensuring a comfortable listening experience even during extended sessions.

Upper Treble: ​

Moving to the upper treble, it provides an good extension. This means you’ll get a sense of openness and space in the music, which is great for genres that rely on high-frequency details like classical or acoustic.

In summary, the Celest PhoenixCall seems to offer a treble response that is detailed and airy without being fatiguing or harsh, making it suitable for a wide range of music genres and listening preferences. It’s designed to provide a high-resolution listening experience while maintaining a comfortable and enjoyable sound signature.​

Soundstage and Imaging:​

Soundstage: ​

Imagine you’re at a live concert. The soundstage is how wide and deep the stage feels to your ears. The Celest PhoenixCall offers a soundstage that’s like sitting in the front row of a small, intimate venue. It’s not as expansive as a large auditorium, but it’s enough to give you a sense of space and separation between instruments. They also fell a bit holographic.

Imaging:​

Imaging is about where you hear the sound coming from. With the Celest PhoenixCall, it’s like knowing exactly where each band member is standing on that stage. The vocals and instruments have their own spot, so you can close your eyes and point to where the guitar .

Fit and Comfort :​

Fit:​

The fit of the Celest PhoenixCall is like wearing a favorite cap. It's designed to sit snugly on your head without being too tight. The headphones have adjustable parts, so you can tweak them to fit just right, kind of like adjusting a baseball cap for the perfect grip. For fit and comfort my once was 'Tanngzu tan sancai balance edition '.

Comfort:​

As for comfort, think of it like a pair of comfy sneakers. If you are able to select right eartips they will just make them comfortable to wear for hours, just like how you feel in your go-to shoes after a long day. They're made with materials that feel good against your skin and don't get too hot, so you can enjoy your music marathon without any discomfort.

In easy words, the Celest PhoenixCall headphones are like that cozy spot on your couch that feels just right. They're made to fit well and stay comfortable, so you can lose yourself in your favorite tunes without any nagging pressure or heat.​

Mobile gaming Performance:​

In this days mobile gaming becomes casual casual thing also competitive gaming market is growing day by day . For having good soundstage , Imaging and fit this thing can be your next partner . Bass don't bleed that's why you can hear precise enemy foot-stape and gunshot .

Final Verdict : ​

Is this IEM worth after almost a year ? Are they competes with peerz ? Well if you need a bit u shaped fun sounding IEM you can go for them . This IEM offers many things to satisfy you . You can consider it in your choicelist .


That’s my review of Celest PhoenixCall. Let me know your thought about this IEM .

Enjoy the music listening journey...

I bought this product with my own money and interest. Kinera did not provide me with money or any necessities to review this product.


This is my honest and unbiased opinion on Kinera Celest Phoenixcall. My likes and dislikes on this iem would be based on my own personal experience.

If you're planning to purchase it in Bangladesh GEEK Mart is the way to go.But you're an international buyer and interested in purchasing it than check out HiFiGo.

As expected from Kinera, the Phoenixcall stands out from the crowd. The drivers are identical in design, differing only in color. The left driver boasts a captivating cobalt blue hue, while the right one flashes a rich boysenberry purple. These contrasting colors add a touch of elegance to the IEMs.




The faceplates contribute the most to Phoenixcall’s design. The right faceplate features an azure blue shade with subtle hints of purple, creating a dynamic color shift depending on the angle of light. On the left, the faceplate is ocean blue tones, both are glittery and shines in the presence of light. It’s a visual treat that complements the whole experience.




The drivers show a resin-like solidity, leaving no doubt about their durability.

The IEM shells are transparent. Upon closer look, you’ll notice that there are two tubes for the micro planners, each leading to separate ends of the nozzle. Two balanced armature (BA) drivers are connected by a tube, effectively functioning as one. Lastly, there’s another tube for the dynamic driver, which also terminates separately from the rest.




The 8-braided SPC cable deserves praise—it’s memory-free and has a robust splitter. Kinera attempted to match the cable color with the IEMs, although personally, I cannot see myself liking the color choice of this cable at all. Separating both blue and purple colors on both sides could potentially lead to a better result. Surprisingly, my younger sister liked it.



Kinera Celest Phoenixcall comes with six pairs of eartips (three of each type). The standard ones are decent and usable, but the other one isn't worth your attention.

If I'm not mistaken, the carrying pouch appears to be made from leather, combining sturdiness with practicality. Upon a closer look, I noticed it could even protect the IEMs from rain. However, the zipper feels tighter than it needs to be.



All in all, the packaging is truly remarkable and stands unrivaled, especially within the u
nder-$200 price range.




The inner side of the shells is made on a practical stand.


They fit securely in my ears. Even during extensive movement, there are no signs of them slipping out. If you have smaller ears, the fit of this IEM could potentially be problematic. People with average-sized ears will have zero problems regarding the fit.



However, I’ve noticed that ear ventilation can be an issue. In high-temperature and humid conditions like mine, you might need to give your ears a break in an hour or two.


On the bright side, as the cable is memory-free, it plays a major role in overall comfort.

-Acoustic Drivers: 1DD+2BA+2 Micro Planar Drivers


-Interface: 0.78 2pin

-Sensitivity: 103db

-Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-40kHz

-Impedance: 32Ω

-Weight (earbuds + cable): 9.8g + 30g (±± 0.2g)

-Plug: 3.5mm (my unit) or 4.4mm

-Cable length: 1.2m

EPZ TP30

Questyle M15

Cayin Ru7

Moondrop Dawn Pro

Hiby R3 MK2

Kinera Celest Phoenixcall's tuning is mild V-shaped to my ears. Can even be called U-shaped based on definition. As the bass is elevated along with the upper mids and lower treble section. The graph shown by below is owned by Audio Reviews News.




These tests were conducted using six different ear tips on this IEM.

1.Spinfit W1

2. Final E (black)

3.Spinfit CP100+

4.Spinfit CP145

5.BGVP A07

6. Standard stock tips



Sub-Bass

Starting with the subbass section, it's definitely a bassy iem, but it cannot be called bass heavy. The subbass rumbles enough to my liking. The separation between subbass and midbass is definitely noticeable. It doesn’t hit very deep. However, with the CP100+ ear tips, the bass tightens up a bit.




Mid-Bass

The sub-bass is often overshadowed by the midbass, but it delivers impactful slams. When using the final E-black eartips, the bass can become overwhelming. However, with the SpinFit W1 tips, I find it to my liking! Bass details are impressive.Lacks a little bit of texture. It doesn't bleed with the midsection much. Bass attacks are quite fast.

Overall, the bass section is designed for a mainstream audience while maintaining audiophile-grade sound output.


Mid-range

Thanks to the bass not bleeding into the mids, the instruments can be heard properly. This is crucial. Instruments in this region sound rich and lively. But it's recessed compared to other frequencies.

This is the most important part for me. Many instruments and vocals are presented on this spectrum. Phoenixcall tens to boost the upper mids compared to the lower mids.Both the upper and lower mids sound a tad different in liveliness and resolution. Maybe because of the different driver configuration!


Vocals

Male vocals lack sweetness. But delivers a textured and dynamic vocal.In most cases, the vocals don't sound either thick or thin; they're in between. But on certain tracks, the vocals can come across as a bit thin. Female vocals shine really well as it is boosted in this region, and sometimes they can be shouty along with some instruments. But regardless, it covers most genres as it is supposed to. Spinfit 100+ doesn't provide the best vocal output from this.

Despite being a mild V-shaped IEM, it handles the mid section better than I expected.


Treble

This is the region that Phoenixcall completely takes over. The treble section is quite sparkly and extended to the point that it doesn't come as "sibilants." A string instrument pops up from the right of the instruments. The separation between instruments is outstanding, especially the drums. Hit-between-drums slams are often unnoticeable. They're often overshadowed on metals. The attacks are fast. The details on this are impressive. The planners did their job well.

While I can sense some airiness, it ultimately lacks the full extent of airiness. The instrument's sound here is smoothed a bit to prevent sibilance in the upper region of the treble.

Crisp and clean. As I did enjoy the treble without any fatigue, it can be called the star of the show.




Technicalities

The bass and treble attacks are fast.The detail retrieval is impressive for its price. I lost count on how many times I've mentioned it, but this is the last one. The separation and layering are pretty good on this. Timbers are natural except in the upper region. Resolution shines, especially in the triple section.


The imaging is precise. Anyone can accurately locate all the instruments with focused listening. It particularly excels in battle royale games. The soundstage is better than average, leaning more toward height than width based on my listening experience.

All in all, it's a really technical IEM for both game and music lovers out there.

It was really interesting experiencing this IEM. Now it comes down to whether you should buy Phoenixcall or not. If you're using a V-shaped (which is both elevated on the bass upper mids and treble sections), you'll not regret buying it. It'll even be a really good option for most PC or mobile gamers.

However, if you're a critical listener who loves mids, vocals, or you're a bass head or treble head, my suggestion would be to look elsewhere.

As I don't have any other reviews in Head-Fi to begin with, comparing them would be pointless. Although if you want to know any comparison between this and any other IEM, you can ask me in the comments, and I'll leave a short summary for you if I've experienced it in the
past.

Thank you for reading all the way. Let me know your thoughts on this IEM.

Keep on listening!!

Having had the possibility to try so many different sets in a relatively short time I felt obliged to go ahead and express my gratitude by trying to help some lost souls out there, just as I was when I first stumbled upon this weird hobby about wired earphones – so yesteryear! … I thought. Possibilities are seemingly endless and only by getting to meet the right people did I manage to jump onboard the train heading the 'right' direction without getting off-track thousands of times along the way. Make sure to understand the helping person's preferences and you too can find your footing and hit the ground running in no time.

A Quick Intermezzo About Me

I won't bore you for too long with personal trivia, however my quick & short background resume goes as follows. Currently I am 27 years old and more in awe of sheer power of music by the day. I have always been moved by music just that slight bit more than average, I'd say. My spending started with a roughly 200€ Bose bluetooth speaker back in my first grade of highschool. What an extraterrestrial thing that was in early 2010s. And it keeps on playing to this day – a true testament of quality. Also sounded fantastic back then, nowadays … yeah, not so much. Lots of BT speakers, TWS, car audio speakers, IEMs, etc., later bring me to this day when I truly consider myself an audiophile. What brings me the most joy beside listening to music is singing, so I am currently participating in a choir and challenging myself with solo vocal covers (check the links in my signature to hear my projects). Unsure where all this leads, but the journey itself is marvelous and life is nothing but a journey.


How The Review is Structured
I will start off by mentioning the packaging and accessories, then place the showcased IEM in my special trademarked graph accompanied with other similarly priced IEMs I own and know well. Then I continue by giving it a score on certain qualities to help reach the final star score. Those that are seriously considering a beautiful looking and driver-packed set, please read the song examples below too to get as much of a feel on what one could expect. I really try my best to cover a wide variety to paint the sonic picture of the set for as many of you as possible. For this one, I will go ahead and take the liberty of comparing it directly to two other slightly lower-priced but well received single-dynamic-driver sets, so to get an idea of what this multitude of drivers of varied technologies does differently.



I will mention some songs of varied genres and try to convey what one can expect from the Kinera Celest Phoenixcall. As sources I have been using my FiiO BTR7 on high gain and Venture Electronics RA2B-FE + Prime DAC. Certainly no lack of power and quite a different taste on both. Listening was done at a volume ranging between 80-90dB. I am using the stock cable to keep it original in that regard and Divinus Velvet small-sized eartips (had to size down due to a lengthier and thicker nozzle than usual. I always review with fresh ears – no other IEM gets any ear-time while I am desperately collecting my thoughts regarding the reviewed item.



Disclaimer: I have received this unit free of charge via Kinera in exchange for a review. I am in no way incentivized to speak highly of this set. Should this review tip you over the edge and you decide on this IEM as your next purchase, I welcome you to check it out here: AliExpress Kinera official site product link


Packaging & Accessories

With stock cable and Divinus Velvet Small eartips:


Unboxing experience is pretty nice, however it is ultimately let down by rather poor eartips which means looking for an aftermarket replacement is almost a must. The stock 4.4mm cable feels good and does the job well enough. I experienced no discomfort fit-wise, but these do have a rather long and stubby nozzle, so buyer beware.



Let's Get Going!

Graph & Scores
This trademarked graph I came up with does not come with a thick user manual. All you need to know is that sets further left are warmer than sets further right, and sets higher up are better technically than sets lower down. Those little yellow lines on both axis represent where sets with average technicalities and neutral overall balance lay. I have also added two other single DD representatives to better place the perceived tuning balance of the Phoenixcall – the Simgot EA500 LM and Kiwi Ears Singolo.

Here are my scores on the Phoenixcall in individual categories. All three subcategories of each of the frequency spectrums can be rated 1-5. Keep in mind that I am scoring regardless of the price, so cheaper sets getting a 3 in any given subcategory is already good going. I had to approach this in a simplistic manner so to keep it easy to understand and compare sets. Since this is my first more complex driver setup IEM and I had nothing to really directly compare it to this was not an easy task.




3 Song Examples With Comparisons to Two Single DDs

Instead of flowing through the songs and putting down my thoughts like I did in my reviews up until now, I will try to spice it up by offering a view of how the Phoenixcall compares against three very different single DDs. This helps those of you that might own or have at least heard any of the other sets to get a better idea of the Phoenixcall. Since this is a direct A/B comparison, expect some differences to be expressed in an overemphasized fashion just to clearly depict which is better – TO MY EARS AND MY LIKING.


Song #1:
First minute of this song offers a quick sample to test piano, bass, trombone, and sax timbre as well as female vocals and the perception of stage.

Creep by Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox feat. Haley Reinhart

Just the beginning of this song shows so many differences among these three sets already that this will be an interesting challenge to attempt. I am not here to moan, though, so let's go!

This song allows me to understand lots of things about sets. First moments allow me to get to grips with set's bass balance, piano&vocal timbre, vocal placement, sibilance, spaciousness, 3D-ness, … So if I try to put some of these into context, it would read something like this. Bass on the Phoenixcall is not of basshead quantities. It prioritizes midbass over subbass and it paints a decently clean overall sonic picture. No issues of bass overflowing into low mids and messing with the piano in this instance. Bass stays in this smaller bubble which is either a good or a bad thing, depending on application. Here I am not bothered by that, since it allows for the rest of performers to take charge. Piano lacks that delicious note weight I myself am very sensitive to, but remains a piano throughout, so to say timbre is not an issue. Haley sounds very convincing and wonderful as she should, I would like to see her sonic image just a tad bit taller and further forward. Sibilance is handled very aptly and there is just the right amount of bite to instrumentation and vocals that float in that risky frequency range. Always a serious challenge not to overdampen the 6-8kHz range and end up with a thick sounding vocal and various strings. All performers have sufficient space between them to really be able to focus on either one should you wish to do so – then there is the everlasting debate about what do we listen to, a single performer or the song as a whole and in my mind a good set should be able to do both. Keep the cohesiveness and flow of the song untouched while really delivering the absolute detail of whichever single part of the arrangement. Here I feel the Phoenixcall does very well actually, but do not come in expecting endgame detail retrieval nor resolution. And about 3D-ness, I would prefer a bit more depth capabilities to really round of the images since they do sit a bit flat in a 2D scene. Talking about the whole package I would happily judge this performance as an 8/10.

In a quick A/B comparison the Singolo feels a lot more bassy which in turn means the perceived mids and highs are much calmer vs Phoenixcall. It also feels much more rounded around its edges, which manifests in lesser detail retrieval and technical prowess throughout. I do not really feel it has any serious advantage in regards to cohesiveness either, despite being a single DD. Treble is worse in just about every metric, but it luckily does not come off as sibilant either. There is still no 3D-ness so it remains a flat sounding stage. Piano has a bit better note weight, so it is a bit more pleasing to my ears on the Singolo. Stage is wider on the Singolo.

And as for the EA500 LM, the first thing I notice is the vocal placement being more to my taste in a taller and more forward manner. Piano sounds clearer and just a bit more convincing here overall. The forwardness of vocals is slightly ruined by the fact the sibilance region is not as well executed as on the Phoenixcall which means every now and then the sibilant sounds come out a bit too prominently, at least for my younger ears. I would have to say it sounds a bit better connected or flowing overall too as the Phoenixcall which might be down to the reduced mids on Phoenixcall just before the pinna gain. Treble is good on both, but I'd give it to the Phoenixcall by a hair.


Song #2:
Progressive rock in all its glory. A very good indication of detail retrieval, male vocal, guitars, drums.

Depth of Self-Delusion by Riverside

What first comes to my attention is the good placement of these little sound ornaments at the start. I do get a sense of lighter note weight immediately too, and when drums join I am lacking their elasticity and heft. Hihats though, are delicately done and very pleasing. His vocal is slightly too lightly coloured overall which is down to the midrange tuning which is bound to work with some vocals while not so much with others. Guitars are done tastefully and free of veil. This tune sounds just a bit rough around the edges on the Phoenixcall with certain qualities done tremendously well while other aspects do not work well here. It becomes a bit of a messy listen and therefore a 5/10.

Singolo immediately thereafter is an interesting change of pace. Overall balance sounds much more appropriate for this sort of genre. It adds additional warmth while carefully dealing with potentially problematic areas. It is definitely not as revealing a listen as the Phoenixcall, however. His vocal is much more singular unlike on the Phoenixcall where it feels torn to different particles. I would have to give the advantage for this sort of genre to the Singolo.

EA500 LM is the most revealing of the three which is quite a feat considering it is a single driver. Tonality-wise it is a welcome awakening of the Singolo while not being as bright as the Phoenixcall which is solely down to how well the low bass balances the otherwise very prominent treble of the LM which is not the case on the Phoenixcall. Phoenixcall does a better job of calming down the risky areas than the LM, which is a messy listen when drums and guitars get going. Not as smooth as the Singolo, so for such genres it would be quite tiring to listen to the whole album.


Song #3:
Oh, welcome crazy bass lines, please make yourselves comfortable along with tasteful drops and story-telling male vocals about an ill-intentioned lady.

Love is a Bitch by Two Feet

This song has a tendency to make the listener turn up the volume to feel those low notes. Since the subbass is greatly reduced on the Phoenixcall this will be a tough task to accomplish. Nonetheless, I am listening to the other aspects as well and lack of subbass is not necessarily the final nail in the coffin. Right from the beginning the low notes are well handled and there is no sense of distortion. They feel athletic and readily available. His voice is not too bothered by the unorthodox midrange tuning and compliments the low end very wonderfully with ample naturalness to the sound and an overall enjoyable manner. The beginning rainstorm floats around the head freely while acompanied with a sweet guitar. The circumference of the raining sounds is very healthily above average and decently detailed. With other elements joining the mix the low bass becomes insufficient to really power this song home. Still, it is a very well executed and joyous listen which earns it a score of 7/10.

Soon after switching to Singolo, I can sense the rainstorm circling in a completely different elyptical shape with ample width but less forwards and backwards sense of separation. Guitar is also not as delicate and soothing on the Singolo. Oh, but then the low rumble comes and the tube of the Singolo and its large DD are in another league in that regard. His vocals are better placed here, but a bit more dim or smoky. The hihats are just a bit too pronounced here and due to the fact I feel the Singolo's worst part is the treble they become very annoying in that main part. Bass is a totally different beast, but overall I prefer how the Phoenixcall renders this tune.

EA500 LM's rain sounds the most true to life. Guitar is very detailed too, but just a bit more digitalised than on the Phoenixcall. LM is not shy in low bass, but it does not stand out as much because of the treble being even more prominent and aggressive. I would have to EQ certain areas of the LM for this song to really gel with my ears. It comes off just a bit too sharp. Perfect combination for this tune would be the LM's bass with Singolo's vocal placement and Phoenixcall's treble.


To keep it a bit more brief and readable, this concludes my song examples and hopefully you found some information that proves useful to your decision-making in the everlasting dilemma of To Buy or Not To Buy. Should you be interested in any other songs in particular, please do not hesitate to ask!


To Sum Up The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall

Phoenixcall is a gorgeous set that packs various driver technologies in an attractive shell. It boasts a nicely balanced frequency range where in particular I would say the treble is nicely done, while mids and bass are an acquired taste and need some more understanding of your own preferences before committing to purchasing. In regards to bass, one needs to prefer a lean towards midbass over subbass while the mids are a special sort and do better with certain vocals. Do keep in mind this set fits rather deep too.

Thanks for reading and stay wonderful.

Disclaimers

I bought this iem with my own money. This review is completely subjective.



Accessories

Phoenixcall comes with carrying case, eartips, cable and iem itself. Pretty standard box content.



Build

Phoenixcall fully made out of average quality plastic. Cable quality is decent.



Sound-Tonality and Technicalities

Phoenixcall is a very thin sounding iem. Midrange sounds awful, instrument separation is really bad and note weight is non-existent but, I have some good news too (if you care ) This is iem have a really good detail production for 130 dollars. Treble range feels airy and understated. And bass range have good depth with enough mid-bass, sub-bass amount.



Conclusion

If you don’t care about midrange, phoenixcall is a pretty good sounding pair of iem’s But subjectively i hate phoenixcall and i don’t want to suggest anyone to buy this IEM.

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!

First of all, I'd like to thank Kinera for sending me this beautiful IEM earphone, in exchange for my honest thoughts and review, with the emphasis that everything I say here should be of my own volition, and to take my time in reviewing this.
My perception of Kinera as an audio company is; that they belong in the mid-range to high-end class company based in China, their products always have artful and beautiful designs with lore behind them, Celest is a daughter brand of Kinera.

The Celest PhoenixCall cost 129.99 dollars but can be bought with discounts at my local shops in Lazada and Shopee, The packaging quality of the PhoenixCall is excellent, and the included cable is very good, and better than the included cables from my Moodrop Blessing 3 which cost 320 dollars and the Hidizs MP145 which cost around 150 dollars. The included ear tips are good too and doesn't feel cheap like the included tips from the Blessing 3. The build quality of the IEM itself looks and feels the same as the Blessing 3, which is very good as they both have 3d printed resin as shells, ensuring better production accuracy and consistency.

The PhoenixCall is a tribrid IEM, meaning it uses three types of drivers, a 7mm dynamic driver, a pair of micro planar drivers, and a pair of balanced armature drivers. it uses sound tubes to direct the sound to the ear canal.



The pre-installed white ear tips are good sounding, but I like the stock black ear tips much better, I love the sound of the PhoenixCall with it, It has better bass texture and note weight, better soundstage and even more natural overall sound, the PhoenixCall seems to be tuned with those tips in mind, but even so, I still tried the other tips in my collection and found the KZ Starline tips and the Moondrop Spring tips tend to make the bass sound thicker and the high frequency reduced, the Acoustune and Kbear 07 tips tend to increase the mid-range and upper mid-range, I also like the TRN T-tips and the Acoustune AET08. I highly recommend experimenting with other tips to get the best out of it, and again, I love the sound with the stock black tips.


I mostly used the Topping G5, Moondrop Moonriver 2 and the Fiio KA11 for this review, while the PhoenixCall can be driven easily with small and less powerful dongles, it needs your best quality dac/amps for the best result, as it can easily reveal the deficiency of lesser quality dac/amps. No equalization or any sound processing was used.


The sound:

Tonality and sound signature;

This is undeniably V-shape sounding to me, But some call it W-shape, because the mid-range and vocals may sound a little recessed, but they also sound very clear. The overall sound is very natural, clear and nonfatiguing, the sound presentation is like the sound of a high-end speaker system.

Technicalities;

Simply above average, it has clear and defined images, that are presented in 3d, layered and separated manner in a big soundstage.

Bass;

There is a little warmth in the bass, but the overall presentation is natural. The bass sounds fast, fairly detailed and never lean sounding, the dynamics are also very good and sound energetic. The sub-bass is rolled off but not devoid of it, I can still hear some sub-bass.

Midrange;

A little recessed but with very good clarity, this is not like most V-shaped IEMs where the mids are recessed and muddy, this is very clear and natural, I've listened to this for many hours and went through my music library to find faults, I haven't found any, There is no honkiness, shoutiness, glare and other coloration, all I hear is natural sound.

Treble;

Detailed, airy, clean, clear, noncongested and elevated, yet still sounds natural. I find no fatiguing sharpness, unnatural sibilance and muddy distortion.

Sensitivity, Power handling and Dynamics;

Now, this is the bonus part about the PhonixCall, I never expected this and only became aware as I listened more intently, the sensitivity is just average and it is easy to drive, but the power handing is excellent, it can take more power and go louder than the Blessing 3 and MP145, without distortion, mechanical noises and obvious dynamic compression. I have only tested this for a short time though, otherwise, my hearing would have been damaged by now.


vs the Hidizs MP145 (150usd)
The MP145 sounds warmer and darker on some songs, the bass on the MP145 sounds bigger and the vocals are more forward and fuller. The PhoenixCall on the other hand has more apparent details, treble air and overall clarity, both are very musical, natural and engaging sounding they sound different enough that I cannot recommend one or the other, I recommend them both.

vs Moondrop Blessing 3 (320usd)
The technicalities of the Blessing 3 are simply a class or two above PhoenixCall's, It is more holographic in image presentation, has more separation, layering and resolution, and has a bigger soundstage, but the downside is its lean-sounding note weight, on some songs it is okay, but on some, it sounds a little cold and clinical. On the other hand, the PhoenixCall sounds warmer, more engaging, more forgiving and more pleasant to listen to, on a long listening session. In terms of technicalities, the Blessing 3 wins, But in terms of listenability, the PhonixCall wins easily. Again, I can't recommend one over the other because they sound different enough to be used on different occasions and moods.

vs Simgot EA500 (80usd)
If you like the EA500 with the black nozzle, You'll gonna love the PhoenixCall, I consider the PhoenixCall a legit upgrade to the EA500, It has similar tonality but the PhoenixCall is warmer, less shouty, smoother, has more resolution, airier, clearer and so on, there is nothing in the EA500 I could find to be better than the PhoenixCall, I highly recommend the PhonixCall as an upgrade to the EA500, or at least, that's what I feel about it.

vs Mondrop Starfield 2 (110usd)
The Moondrop Starfield 2 is within the price range of the PhoenixCall, If you are asking which one to buy, Just buy the PhoenixCall, It simply has better overall sound, The Starfield 2 sounds fatiguing at times and not as airy in the highs.

vs CCA Rhapsody (40usd)
The Rhapsody is very good for the price, but cannot compete with the PhoenixCall in every way except the price. If you are looking for an upgrade to the Rhapsody, I highly recommend the PhoenixCall.

vs Moondrop May (60usd)
The sound signature of the May sits between the MP145 and the Rhapsody, and I find it to sound a little better than the Rhapsody overall, The May sounds warm and a little dark at times, I can't say the PhoenixCall is an upgrade to the May, The MP145 is the more likely candidate for that. But in terms of overall sound quality, the PhoenixCall is simply better and more natural.


No IEM is perfect, and that includes the PhoenixCall, I spent many hours finding faults with it, I only wish it had just a little more sub-bass and this is a nitpick, I really love the sound of this IEM with the stock black tips, but in any case, the PhoenixCall sounds so good that it made me curious about other Kinera IEMs in the higher price range, including those from the sister brand of Celest, QOA, or Queen of Audio, I'm seriously thinking of getting.

Thank you for reading and Happy Chinese New Year to all. Cheers!

2-10-2024

NOTES:

Celeste is yet another sub-brand of Kinera. I have had experience with a number of the Celeste offerings including the Gumiho and Pandamon, both of which were quite good. Still, I try not to let my past experiences influence my present iem reality.

I can’t say that there is discernible house sound that defines or separates Kinera from it’s sub-brands Celeste & QoA. I do know that there have been more than a few great iems released regardless of the branding.

The Phoenixcall is a very distinctive looking iem with a sound that features a v-shaped tuning with added emphasis to the upper-midrange and lower treble. Driver compliment includes a single dynamic driver in concert with two balanced armatures and two FPD (microplanar drivers). That’s a lot of tech beautifully displayed through the semi-translucent shells. Sound tubes are used in great measure here as well. It is obvious that much attention to development was spent with respect to the Phoenixcall.

The Phoenixcall is moderately difficult to drive. Your typical cellphone I don’t believe will provide the optimal experience. In fact, I can say that this iem does like power. Good clean power is a must here but nothing over the top, just more than usual for an iem. The Phoenixcall also synergized best with a warmer source given its upper range energy.

Tip selection also is important here and was heard to perceptibly change the sound. The Phoenixcall also sounded best with a deep and secure ear insertion.

Read on to find out more.

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, FIT & QUALITY:

The Celeste Phoenixcall has looks that will be polarizing. I personally found them to be stunning. The two earpieces, left if blue/purple and right is red, are each made of a beautifully finished semi-translucent resin through which much of the inner workings can be admired. Each shell has an imbedded graphic that I also find very attractive. For better or worse, this iem is a conversation piece, at least with respect to looks.

The nozzles are formed as an extension to the shell as opposed to an addon part. They protrude enough that getting a good insertion was easy to achieve with the proper tip selection.

Retail presentation is also above board, typical of Kinera and its sub-brands. The unboxing experience is well thought out and interesting. Whoever is in charge of retail packaging at Kinera needs to be recognized for their great work.

The included accessories are all of great quality with the look and haptics of the stock cable being a standout. This cable is one most would gladly purchase third party and the fact that is comes in the box is a nice plus.

The Phoenixcall is on the large side of medium in size but its shape afforded a very comfortable fit without any fatigue, even on long listening sessions. Very nicely done.





SOUND:

BASS:

The Celeste Phoenixcall has a bass that goes deep with mid-bass more emphasized than sub-bass. Bass is punchy with good control and speed. It is a very agile low end that just misses slightly when it comes to the metric of detail. Mid-bass does not stray into the lower midrange adding only a small lift of warmth.

“Angel” by Massive Attack has a driving bassline anchoring the track. The power and drive were all there, missing was some of the finer details. Likewise in the standout track “No Worries” by the Robert Glasper Trio. The double bass was right there in the mix as distinct as ever but missing some finer detailing.

On bass heavy tracks the sub-bass prowess of the Phoenixcall did shine with great control and adequate power. At times though I felt that the upper midrange and lower treble emphasis did overstep the bass. This was heard clearly on busier tracks with lots of upper midrange energy. The bass here then took a backseat losing even more detail as the more prominent upper frequencies stood out front and center.

Still the bass is commendable when it is allowed to shine.

MIDRANGE:

The midrange of the Celeste Phoenixcall has good resolution with macro over micro details present. The lower mids are more recessed than the upper-mids which are more forward as the Phoenixcall has a substantial pinna gain that extends into the lower treble. Even with this raise in the upper midrange, I did not find the Phoenixcall shouty. In fact, it is not harsh nor grainy. The Phoenixcall has good detail retrieval but I wouldn’t call it an overly technical set. I would put forward that the Phoenixcall is more fun then technical.

Female vocals were emphasized and more forward than male, consequent to that upper midrange rise where the lower mids were more recessed than that of the upper. Clarity and detail were all on point here with all the vocal attributes easily heard.

Surprisingly, male vocals still fared well. Listening to “Tenderhearted Lover” by John Stoddart revealed a full sounding and articulate playback that was pleasing and did relay to a great extent the emotional delivery of his vocals.

Layering and separation while good, were not class leading. Still the Celeste Phoenixcall does not sound closed in at all, on the contrary it sounds reasonably open. On the track “In Passing” by the Robert Glasper Trio, all the instruments could be clearly discerned, yet not with the with that level of air around each that for example the Hisenior T4 excels at reproducing. Still the track did sound good.

Timbre was ok but sometimes did sound somewhat off. This could be due to how the upper portion of the frequency band is tuned. Dynamics were handled very well, just remember to drive it with ample power. Transients were managed well, if for a little extra lingering energy up top.

The Celeste Phoenixcall has a midrange that excels in clarity. It’s energy at times did overshadow the bass. While it was not always my cup of tea, I prefer a more balanced approach to midrange sonics, I see how may will like this vibrant and energetic approach to tuning.


TREBLE:

The treble of the Celeste Phoenixcall is fairly well extended with lots of sparkle but to a lesser degree air. It is well detailed with good clarity.

The treble here compliments the midrange though the upper-treble does fall off. Treble is actually well done without harshness.



IMAGING & SOUNDSTAGE:

The Celeste Phoenixcall throws up a moderate sized soundstage. Instrument placement is solid with it not feeling congested. This can suffer on busy tracks with lots of upper midrange energy where some finer details of air and space can get lost. That being said, this is infrequent and happens only at higher volume levels.

Width is well portrayed with height and depth relayed to a lesser degree.

VERSUS:

-Hisenior T4-

The T4 is a 4x BA per side iem with no dynamic driver in sight.

Bass power and slam are more prominent with the Phoenixcall, T4 in balanced mode, but comparative with the T4 in “Bass+” mode. The T4 is better at conveying bass details and textures.

In the midrange the T4 takes a decidedly balanced approach while the Phoenixcall offers a more energetic upper midrange. With respect to technicalities the T4 also gets the nod here as well as offering superior micro detail retrieval and timbral accuracy. Note wight is a touch better on the Phoenixcall but just.

Treble is more of the same where the T4 is more balanced with arguably better detail retrieval and air.

Overall, the Hisenior T4 is just a more musical and organic set. The Phoenixcall fails to dethrone it here.

-Hisenior T2-

Almost verbatim with respect to the T4 vs Phoenixcall. The T2 is even more relaxed in tuning vs the T4. Bass does not go a low as with the Celeste offering. Midrange is balanced on the T2 vs energetic on the Phoenixcall. Technicalities are slightly better on the T2. Treble rolls off slightly earlier on the T2 and are again more balanced.

These two do NOT sound alike at all and the decision will really be up to the buyer and their personal preferences. Forward and energetic vs balanced and controlled.



CONCLUSION:

With the Phoenixcall, Celeste have given us a beautifully built and energetic sounding iem that many will like. It is a mid forward tuning that excels in sounding detailed yet without undue harshness.

I will admit that I did not warm up to its tuning but I am just an individual with my own preferences and can see how many will like its sonics. Still at its asking price of $130usd it is definitely worthy of consideration if this type of robust and forward tuning is your preference. Hats off as well the Celeste for providing a fantastic retail package as well and quality accessories.

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

This Kinera Celest PhoenixCall IEM was originally written and posted on my website.​

About the Kinera Celest PhoenixCall​

Company Overview​

Kinera is a Chinese brand based in Dongguan that has been around since 2016 when they released their first IEM, the BD005. They are one of the older brands in this space. Over the years they have released a handful of IEMs, but I never got the chance to try out their offerings, even though I have always admired their IEM designs.

Specifications​

• 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

What’s Inside the Box​

• Celest PhoenixCall IEMs
• Celest 221 Vocal Eartips S/M/L
• Celest C-07 Eartips S/M/L
• 3.5mm 5N Copper Silver Plated Cable
• Storage Box
• Metal Bookmark
• User Manual

Review​

I have always admired the design of Kinera’s in-ear monitors including their sister brand Queen of Audio (QoA). This IEM comes in 2 color variants – transparent, which is what I have, and a two tone purple-blue.


In this review, I used my Cayin N6ii and Venture Electronics Abigail Pro amplifier with Spotify and Tidal as music sources.

Frequency Graph​

Frequency response of Celest Phoenixcall courtesy of Practiphile.

Experience​

For its looks, this is probably the most beautiful IEM I have had the pleasure of trying. From its box to its cable and IEM faceplate, it’s perfect and well-designed without being over the top, though this is what Kinera is known for – their faceplate designs are works of art.


The form factor makes the fit immaculate, and the included tips are the cherry on top. I can wear them all day working with no complaints – it’s almost like wearing custom IEMs. Comfort depends on your ear shape as the shells are on the chunky side.

One thing I want to point out is it’s pretty sensitive to improperly grounded electric circuits. You will hear buzzing or humming unless you put your feet on non-conductive materials like rubber.

Music​

After listening to the Celest PhoenixCall, I do not have many complaints. I may even consider it a budget Dunu Falcon Ultra due to its similar tuning. However, it lacks the technical capabilities of the Falcon Ultra. It somehow lacks control of the frequencies, especially on busy tracks and in chaotic games, which I will tackle more shortly.

It also lacks the 3D effect in tracks – it sounds like plain old stereo, just left and right. The PhoenixCall also lacks micro detail, which might be due to its well-controlled treble that lacks the sparkly frequencies to make micro details shine.


Enough of that comparison, let’s dive into how this IEM sounds. The Celest PhoenixCall doesn’t have any quirks or unevenness in its frequency range, at least based on my experience with headphones and IEMs.


The sub-bass and mid-bass quality is very good – full and impactful without bleeding into the mids/vocal region. This makes listening to rock or pop music make you want to tap your feet. Vocals, especially female voices, sound organic and are well-placed – not too forward but not behind the mix either. The treble is well-controlled, without piercing highs or sounding rolled off. It won’t sound lacking unless you love that sparkly Beyerdynamic-style treble.

Overall, I don’t have complaints about its tuning. It fits my preference well, which is why I loved the Falcon Ultra. It’s very versatile for any music genre, maybe a bit less on Classical which has strings.

Gaming​

When it comes to gaming, this is an area where the Celest Phoenixcall falls a bit short, at least on games with a lot going on like Overwatch. It sounded full but the imaging is below average. You would have a slightly hard time pinpointing the direction of enemies due to the frequencies being somewhat cramped – you will be overwhelmed by everything sounding all at once. However, I must say it performed exceptionally on less chaotic games like Counter Strike 2 or Valorant. You can hear footsteps very well and the directional sound is accurate and extends far.

Conclusion​

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an under $150 all-rounder IEM, I’d recommend the PhoenixCall, weighing its technical capabilities, especially for gaming use. For $129.99, it’s a great package considering the build quality, appearance, and sound.

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
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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
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