Kinera Celest Wyvern Qing

Kinera Celest Wyvern Qing



Disclaimer:

*I am not a "Pro Reviewer", and I will not pretend to be one here.
*I'm just a regular guy who loves and enjoys music and mobile audio devices.
*If you are looking for a super technical and in-depth analysis, please feel free to look for another review. There are many guys here who have much more knowledge than me and have been doing this for much longer.

*All products were purchased with my own money, and I have no affiliation with any brand or platform.

*I will try to be as brief as possible, "straight to the point". And as unbiased as possible, totaly no one can be.
*And remember, this is my take on things. Just one more opinion among many that you may have.
*I hope you enjoy the reading, and I hope I'm helping someone.
Gear Used

• Celest CD-20
• Akiliam PD5
• FiiO KA15
• Notebook (Windows)
• Motorola Edge 50 Pro (UAPP, TIDAL, Apple Music)
• Penon Liqueur O and B, Dunu S&S, Sancai Wide, Whizzer ET100AB (best match) and TRN T tips
• Balanced 4.4 Cable, and High Gain as always

Unboxing Experience

Just like they did with the Wyvern Abyss/Black, Kinera cut some corners to lower the price and focus more on the iem itself, but in this version, they cut even more corners, swapping the cable for one that isn't as good as the one on the Wyvern Abyss/Black. This cable is definitely a con in this version.
There was also a change with the eartips, instead of the same black wide bore eartips, this time they came in white and despite claiming to be the same, it seems this white version has a slightly thinner material.

So, inside the box, that is exactly the same size as other versions of the Wyvern, we have here the same modest and minimalist unboxing experience.



Overall Build

Producing a shell more impressive than the Abyss/Black would be a challenging task.
So, I don't think that was Kinera Celest's intention here.
They gave us something equally well-made and detailed, with the same semi-custom format but in a less bold way, trying to please everyone.
The Qing is sold in green or blue color. The faceplate has distinct types of patterns for each of the colors.

This time a semi-transparent shell, allowing us to see what was done inside it.



The build quality is the same, with its shell all in resin, produced by a 3D printing process.

The finish is perfect and no less impressive than in models well above this price tag.



Sound Signature

The overall sound signature of the Wyvern Qing is based on the Harman curve as well as its other variants.

Despite using the same drive and following the same FR curve, in this version there is some difference in terms of sound signature, it's not like night and day, but it's noticeable.

While the Wyvern Abyss/Black has a warmer, almost dark, and laid-back sound, The Qing is a bit more energetic than its sibling, with a bit less sub and mid bass, and mids more forward, making it seem more neutral or balanced perhaps.



Bass

We still have great bass, but in the Qing the bass is slightly less accentuated, especially the subbass, but we can still feel the rumble and a good punch.

A good transition and extension that doesn't overwhelm the mids.

Mids

Less warm mids, also less smooth. On the other hand, the mids seem to be clearer.

The vocals have lost a bit of body and are more forward and energetic. Overall, great vocals, yes, they are thinner but also more natural.

Treble

In the Wyvern Qing we have a little more brightness and extension in the highs, but they are still smooth and non-fatiguing highs.

Technical Performance

Here it will be a copy and paste.

We have a solid technical performance, the soundstage is Ok, the image and separation are very satisfactory.
Everything is average maybe better than others iem's in this price range. (AVERAGE=GOOD)

Overall Verdict

Even though it's notan evolution of its predecessor, I see myself having both and being able to enjoy both on different occasions and even if they were exactly the same, my collector side would speak louder.

But I still find the Wyvern Abyss/Black more interesting, whether because of its Beauty or its tuning.


House Kinera (Kinera, Celest and QoA) gives us once again a great entry-level IEM, with a perfect finish, a beautiful shell and a tuning that tends to please everyone.

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Introduction
I want to start off this review by thanking @DestinoAzell for making this review possible. The Celest Wyvern Qing is a budget IEM by Kinera mostly made out of resin shell, It comes in 2 colors, green and blue. The one I have for this review is the green color variant. The green color variant has a silver-plated copper cable and the blue variant comes with a black color oxygen-free copper cable. It is also available with or without a microphone.

Sound signature
Neutral with upper mid boost
The sound can be said as a balanced sound with a slight boost in the bass and upper mids, but not in a shouty way.



Fit and comfort
Fit and comfort can be personal, one might find this IEM to fit great but unfortunately for me, this IEM creates a pressure point from the shape of the resin shell behind the nozzle. To help with this I chose a larger tip Spinfit CP145 for a shallower fit which helps with the issue. I also encounter slight pressure build-up over an extended period of using the IEM.

Sound Impression

Bass
Quantity(5 means neutral): 6/10
Quality: 6/10 (7/10 accounted for it’s price)

The bass is quite nice for a single DD for it’s price. It is non-overpowering and has a good control for midbass bleed. It has enough quantity to make most music sound satisfying and full. however, I find it is a little less punchy and on the softer side. At this price point what I expect is tuning and not the technical aspect of the bass and this IEM truly delivers in the tuning aspect.

For example, HoneyComeBear - 夏の魔法 The bass is quite meaty here yet does not bloat up the mids to a point that it sounds muddy, It just carries over a hint of warmth for more satisfying listening. For more punchy music example Bocchi the rock “If I could be a constellation” I can hear the drum clearly but the subtle vibration of the drum is lost.

Mids
Lower Mids
Quantity(5 means neutral): 6/10
Quality: 7/10 (7.5/10 accounted for it’s price)

Upper Mids
Quantity(5 means neutral): 6/10
Quality: 7/10 (7.5/10 accounted for it’s price)

The midrange of the Celest Wyvern Qing is truly enjoyable. Guess what, the way the tone and timber of this IEM is tuned is so versatile I find myself enjoying almost the majority of my playlist (80% anime songs - 30% male vocals 70% female vocals) on it. I don’t find the Wyvern Qing to be shouty it just sounds less rounded (synonym: less smoothen) and more angelic in female vocals. Sometimes I enjoy a more fun/angelic-sounding set so much that I am willing to ignore the technical performance of my own Aria 2 and just enjoy the tuning of this Wyvern Qing.

For example, in Door by Song by Emilia and Rie Takahashi in this song Wyvern Qing draws out how sweet her voice is and the best part is it doesn’t sound like something is overemphasized, and also nothing is underemphasized either.

Treble
Lower Treble
Quantity(5 means neutral): 4.5/10
Quality: 7/10

Upper Treble
Quantity(5 means neutral): 4.5/10
Quality: 6.5/10 (7/10 accounted for it’s price)

The treble is one that I call a non-intrusive well-tuned treble. It does not exhibit any strangeness or wrongness in it’s timber, I find this trait to be excellent for a budget IEM. Treble is an important component that contributes to how the vocals will sound for an IEM. The treble of the Wyvern Qing is certainly on the relaxed side of things. For the treble extension, I think it is well done for the price however I still would like a more extended treble.

For example in the song Hoshi Ni Naru (feat. isui) - a song by Islet, Isui I can hear no obvious treble artifact (good timber) and decent openness. However, due to the treble extension, some of the finer details are less audible.

Technicalities
Separation (how the vocalist and also various instrument has its own placement)
Rating: 6.5/10 (7/10 accounted for it’s price)

I find the separation on the Wyvern Qing to be very good for the price. The separation is better than I expected for this price point. It does not pluck out more macro and micro detail than it can handle, this trait prevents it from being overwhelmed by detail and not being able to separate them.

Soundstage (how much width and depth is perceived by the listener)
Rating: 6/10 (7/10 accounted for it’s price)

Width: Average, decent width, It is enough to avoid the sensation of claustrophobic headstage.
Depth: Average, decent depth, the music did not sound one-dimensional and is able to properly compliment the width to create a natural stage.

Resolution (how much fine detail I can perceive in the music):
Rating: 6/10 (6.5/10 accounted for it’s price)

I find the resolution to be good enough to make the vocal sound incisive without creating a sensation of dullness. However, I think that the macro and micro detail is less audible In this IEM but, it does not give any sensation of dullness. I think not giving a sensation of dullness is an excellent trait to have since my Moondrop Aria 2 does have a slight sensation of dullness despite having better macro and micro detail. Sometimes I prefer the Wyvern Qing over the Aria 2.

Average score: 6.5 (7.06 accounted for it’s price)

Conclusion
It is a great IEM for it’s price. Especially someone who wants a more fun-sounding IEM on a budget. I highly recommend trying the Celest Wyvern Qing. For beginners, this is a no-brainer value IEM.

Huge thanks to Kinera/Celest for sending this review unit and to my friends at Sonic Mantra for giving me the opportunity to test it out. This review reflects my honest opinions. I didn’t get influenced or paid by anyone for this review.


The Celest Wyvern Qing comes at $29 and $31 for mic version. It features a single 10mm LCP dynamic driver. This is an upgrade from the Celest Wyvern Abyss with more refined sound.


Package Contents:

• Earpieces
• Cable
• Three pairs of white, wide-bore ear tips
• Paperwork

The Unboxing is pretty simple. The shells come in a poly, cable comes in a zipper poly. After opening the sliding cover, There’s a dragon artwork and a brief explanation from Chinese mythology about the dragon after which the IEM’s are named.


Aesthetically this earphone is beautiful. With transparent shell, beautiful faceplate with ‘Celest’ written at the center with golden letters. With the shiny blue design illuminating light at certain angle, the earphone looks gorgeous. The driver itself and tubing is visible through the transparent blue shell. It comes in two colors- blue and green. I got the blue one for this review.


The build quality feels solid in hand. The cable could’ve been better but nothing to complain about for the price. The cable is easily manageable but gets tangled at times. The ear tips are flimsy and with short stem and wide bore. Although the stock ear tips are usable, I highly recommend getting an aftermarket ear tips for improved sound experience.


The shells are medium sized with good ergonomic design that fits in ear comfortably. It’s the same size and shape as the Wyvern Abyss and IgniteX Beast, even the vent hole is located at the exact same spot. It has a semi-custom look to it. The nozzles are medium to narrow sized where inserting different ear tips is fairly easy. The shells are lightweight and can be worn for hours without any discomfort. The cable doesn’t have a chin slider but is comfortable to wear. The ear hooks are a bit firm but doesn’t create discomfort or irritating when wearing the earphone. Overall it wins big in this category.


The Celest Wyvern Qing is tuned after a variation of the Harman 2019 target. The stock ear tips do not give the best sound, Penon Liqour Black ear tips paired better for me. Sound impressions are based on the mentioned ear tip and stock cable:

• Bass
  The bass is well extended with good definition. The sub-bass is deep and rumbly and decay is moderately fast. Mid-bass has good punch with decent tactile feedback. Bass notes do not roll of early or too slow, feels just about right. There’s a hint of warmth in the mid-bass. The overall bass presentation sounds big with deep rumble and impactful slams while retaining clarity.
• Midrange
  The mid-range is neutral. Male vocals have good body and note weight. But they sound a bit recessed in the mix. Sometimes male vocals sound a bit timid or dry but that’s track specific. Female vocals on the other hand sound clean, has good energy, sounds smooth without any upper mids harshness. Female vocals also sound a bit backward but a step or two forward from male vocals. Overall the mid-range sounds natural.
• Treble
  Treble is smooth in this one with moderate amount of details. While the lower treble is smooth with natural tone, the upper treble is airy with sparkle where needed, especially with some female vocalist and cymbals and similar instruments. There’s some sibilance but that’s track and source dependent as far as I can tell. Electric guitars sound enough energetic but would’ve liked a bit more sparkle there. Acoustic guitars and other string instruments sound smooth with good extension. Source affects treble sparkle which I will talk about in the source and ear tips section.
• Technical Performance
  The Celest Wyvern Qing has wide spacious stage with good depth for the price. It makes the overall mix sound immersive and expansive. Imaging is good with good instrument placement but that’s not pin-point or precise, but that’s just me nitpicking. Instrument separation is decent. Detail retrieval and resolution is average to above average depending on source.

Source and Tip-rolling:

I found this IEM to change sound quite noticeably depending on cable and ear tips. As for source, The earphone sound Natural with good upper midrange energy and sparkly treble with neutral to slightly bright sources. It may exhibit some sibilance in the upper mid-range female vocals and with some string instruments and snares. I didn’t face any sibilance issue with warm to source. I would recommend neutral to warmish source with the Wyvern Qing. You can also power this directly from your Phone’s 3.5mm port without missing out much.

I tried the Wyvern Qing with the stock cable of my daily driver Letshouer Galileo. The tonality slightly changed with this SPC cable. But I preferred the sound of the stock OFC cable better.

As for ear tips, I tried my small collection and found the Nf Audio MS42 and Penon Liquor Blacks to pair the best with this one. MS42 makes the overall sound smooth with good body and ever so slight warmth in the mids and other regions neutral. Penon Liqour Blacks improve bass and mids while retaining clarity throughout the whole frequency range. Bass sound more controlled with more impactful slams, Vocals come a bit forward and sounds lively with Blacks. It tames down some harshness and treble sound enough detailed. I would recommend Penon Liqour Blacks for this one if you care about your vocals.


The Celest Wyvern Qing is Quite the appeal for the price. It easily sounds better than some of the more expensive IEMs. The Aesthetically beautiful design, build quality, top notch comfort and most importantly superb sound makes it one of the best at this price bracket. As this has Harman tuning which is favored by many people, the Celest Wyvern Qing can potentially be a king at this price point.