Celest Plutus Beast (Pavan’s take)

Introduction

Hello everyone!! I have with me the Celest Plutus Beast. As you may have already known, Celest is a subsidiary brand under the Kinera umbrella and Plutus Beast is one of their early releases of 2024. The IEM has a tribrid configuration equipped with 1 Bone Conduction Driver (BC), 1 Balanced Armature (BA), and 1 Square Planar Driver (SPD). The excerpt from the Kineraaudio website regarding the driver configuration is as follows: 

• The 10mm SPD is a full-range driver primarily responsible for low, mid, and high frequencies ensuring balanced distribution across the three frequency ranges and avoiding distortion. 
• The BC is a customized contact-type driver that works in synergy with the BA driver, to further enhance low frequencies and overall ambiance.
• The BA driver mainly assists in reproducing the high frequencies.

We will see later how the configuration materializes into sound quality but first onto the general stuff – The unboxing experience was great for an IEM priced below 100 USD. Two varieties of tips included – Vocal and Balanced of 3 sizes. The bore size of the Divinus velvet resembles that of the stock tips and I had a much tighter seal with velvet tips. Sound-wise I did not notice a big difference. The carry case was good, adequate, and functional for the IEM, cable, and tips.

The cable is of decent build, and I should say the cable is great considering the price point. The cable comes in single-ended and balanced termination and I was provided with a Balanced termination (4.4mm). Coming to the IEM itself, they look beautiful. They are a bit bulky and protrude outside the ear but the face plate with 3D printed glossy design is out-right gorgeous – The IEM Comes in 2 color options Gold and Blue. I had no issues wearing them during the day hours, however, I had some discomfort lying down to the sides as the IEM protruded a little outside the ear. At this writing, the IEM has undergone 100 to 110 hours of listening/ burn-in time.  

Finally, I am thankful to Jin Goh from Kinera for arranging the review sample which I highly appreciate. The IEM has been reviewed at MBA by Pietro. As always, with the best of my intentions and abilities, here we go: 

Specifications

1 BC + 1 BA + 1SPD

Impedance – 8 Ohm

Sensitivity – 108 dB

Frequency Response – 20Hz – 20kHz

5N Copper Silver plated cable

Celest 221 Vocal Eartips

Celest 608 Balanced Eartips

Disclaimer

• The review is based on my extensive and critical listening and was not influenced by any written or video review. 
• The review is subject to unit variance and my personal listening preferences.
• The review is subject to the gears I used for testing DAC/ DAP/ Tips/ quality of the track  
• Last but not least, I have no affiliation with the supplier of the IEM.

Gears/ Audio used for testing

• S24 Ultra
• Tempotec V6, V6 + NX7
• Cayin RU7
• Aful Snowy Night
• Spotify Premium

Test Tracks

This is a representative sample of my favorites – An inclusive list and not exhaustive. There are a lot more.

• Here We Divide – Dead Letters Circus
• Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
• Make My Move – Oliver Micheal
• Astronaut In The Ocean – Alok Remix
• Code Name Vivaldi – The Piano Guys
• Shout – Tears For Fears
• Sandusky – Uncle Tupelo
• Cornflake Girl – Tori Amos
• Ice House – Ray Montford
• Dandelions – Ruth B
• Champion – Bishop Briggs
• Psychofreak – Camila Cabello
• Can You Hear The Music – Ludwig Goransson
• Beat – Tingvall Trio
• Strict Machine – Goldfrapp
• Fountain – Iamamiwhoami
• You Broke Me First – Tate McRae
• Titanium – Sia
• You Need To Calm Down – Taylor Swift
• Vachindha Megham – A R Rahman
• Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
• Rihaayi De – A R Rahman
• Megham Karukatha – Anirudh Ravichandran
• Udi – Sanjay Leela Bhansali
• Danga Maari Oodhari – Harris Jayaraj
• Nan Pogiren (James Vasanthan)
• Naatu Naatu (RRR) – Keeravani 
• Kurchi Madathapetti (S S Thaman)
• Agar Tum Saath Ho (A R Rahman)
• Caribbean Blue – Enya
• Roygbiv – Boards of Canada
• Electric Love – Borns
• Take Five – The Dave Brubeck Quartet
• Rapid As Wildfire – Genshin Impact
• Battlefield 4 Warsaw theme – Rami
• At The Speed Of Force – Junkie XL
• Back In Black – AC/DC
• Becoming Insane – Infected Mushroom
• Chain Reaction – Cloud Cult
• Hot Girl Bummer – Blackbear
• Memories Of Dust – Nier Automata
• Ona/ 1154 – Plini
• Stress – Pain Of Salvation
• Love Is Gone – Slander
• You Don’t Own Me – Saygrace
• Angel Of Death – Slayer
• Somebody I used to know (Gotye, Kimbra)
• Leave Them All Behind – 2001 Remaster (Ride)
• Unity – Royksopp
• Unfinished Sympathy – Massive Attack

Driveability/ Scalability

The IEM is easier to drive, and I didn’t notice any issues running on my 4.4mm DACs and Tempotec V6. I didn’t even care to try with Topping NX7 except for the comparisons. However, I have some interesting observations regarding the volume management from the different sources.

I noticed this IEM scales better in terms of volume management with both the Cayin RU7 and Aful Snowy Night. The IEM is smooth sounding without unnatural elevation including the ear gain region, within the decent volume ranges of both the DACs. However, with Tempotec V6, triangulating optimal volume level is very important as the tonal balance can take you for a toss. The elevation in the upper mids is practically shown here that just an incremental increase in volume by one on my Tempotec V6 can sound harsh and overly energetic which deviates from the acceptable tone of this IEM. However, finding the optimal balance in such cases comes with its cons as follows:  

• It may not be the desired volume level considering certain tracks and ambiance surrounding you. 
• The jump in volume level vis-a-vis energy/ harshness is on the higher side – either the volume can become too high or too low which is again dependent on the tracks. 
• Possessing a DAC with no independent volume controls and depending on the source for volume adjustment can be daunting and may not be an enjoyable experience which I could not test. 

Now that I am used to one fixed volume level with V6, the seal of the tips plays a major role here for good isolation. Divinus Velvet tips provide me with that comfort just fine. The loudness is just fine for me at the fixed volume.

Sound-wise I liked RU7 paired well with this IEM more than the other 2. The note weight, vocal placement, and clarity are subtle but more pleasing to my ears. Tonally it is subtle but more pleasing on RU7 overall.

The Sound Impressions

Bass

BC driver is responsible for the bass conjunction with the full-frequency SPD driver. I should say the implementation is a masterstroke in a way the driver sets the tone of this IEM. It took me time to get grooved into it but once I was in, I loved the bass performance of this IEM. It is different and sets itself apart from the regular DD or Planar Bass – The reverb that is more distinctly noticeable, however, the execution and decay are still quick, natural, and neat offering good dynamics in the bass region. The vocals are well separated from the bass making the bass distinctly audible.

Sub-bass over mid-bass with an excellent depth and a decent texture. It has a satisfying rumble that is impactful. Mid-bass is solid and authoritative, both in terms of body and slam it provides for a fairly neutral-sounding IEM. A little boomy at times but is very controlled. Both the basses are resolving but I wish the resolution could have been a tad better at times – A nitpick considering the price point – that has to do with the overall timbre of this IEM. The quantity is bigger, and quality goes in sync with it for the most part. Both the basses have a focused approach and do not linger around more than required. At the price point, I would say the bass performance is excellent and POP/EDM tracks truly shine here. The Jazz is beautiful too due to the overall speed of the execution and decay. Overall, I am extremely pleased with the way the bass is presented here, especially the reverb the driver produces that is addictive and fun sounding especially with the bass-heavy genres. 

Sample test tracks – Stars Align (R3HAB), Space Between (Matt Lange).

Mids

Instrumentals

Bass decays faster and the impact on the lower mids is minimal here. The mids are transparent and clean sounding. The lower mids appear slightly recessed and the instrumentals have decent depth. There is a balancing act with a decent hint of warmth providing the needed weight to the instrumentation. The instrumentation has a crispy note weight definition and is not thin-sounding. I find the note weight adequate and balanced. The details in the mid-region are great and are not overshadowed by the energetic nature at times with optimal volume levels. Otherwise, I find the resolution to take a step back which can sound harsh. Overall, I loved listening to instrumental tracks with the right volume levels and technicalities such as soundstage and imaging that play their part in creating an engaging and immersive experience. The timbre of the instrumentals is sometimes effective and not so much the other times – it sounds a little off/ veiled to my ears, probably due to the upper mids elevation. 

Vocals

Male vocals are a bit forward and sound with the right energy and warmth without sounding dry. They do not sound distant or recessed and I particularly enjoyed listening to vocals using Cayin RU7. I find the RU7 has overall good clarity among all. The placement of lead and background singers is very identifiable. At the right volume levels, female vocals sound excellent with the right energy. Both vocals maintain great clarity and are not impacted by unneeded warmth or harshness.

Sample test tracks – Stronger (Oliver Micheal), Askava (A R Rahman), Nowhere Now (Water Strider)

Treble

BA driver is responsible for the highs. The presence and upper treble are less boosted compared to the lower treble resulting in smoother treble for the most part. The treble is well-defined and balanced without being sibilant when volume levels are set right. There is clarity and openness to the treble without sounding subdued or dampened. The timbre due to over-boosting the lower treble has an effect here and at times I find them off-sounding with rough texture combined with an energetic sound. In most such cases, the roughness is not very distracting, however the timbre is, which does not appear very natural and is slightly metallic. The extension is decent and spaciousness among the treble notes is adequate for the most part and sometimes left to be desired for more. The airiness and extension are still limited; however, they are not missing at the cost of clarity here. Clarity and openness are still present, and I should say burn-in played a good role here – as my initial impressions of the treble were not that great especially the timbre and resolution aspects. There is a subtle improvement at the time of this writing. After 100 hours or so, the treble performance is satisfactory suiting my tastes that is detailed, clear, and open sounding. Still, the treble is far from perfect. 

Sample test tracks – Leave Them All Behind (Ride), Back In Black (AC/DC).

Technicalities

Except for the tone and timbre of this IEM, other technicalities are impressive considering the price point. The only issue with the tone is that it does not sound very natural and, in a way, affects the musicality of this IEM. By this, I don’t mean this IEM is sterile or cold sounding as the lower mids provide a good body to the overall sound. Only the tone has an impact on the overall musicality of this IEM. It is different and some may love it as well. Timbre varies with the tracks and as was discussed earlier, I liked it at times and not so much the other times. Soundstage is wide enough and spatial cues come far across the sides. Has a decent depth to the stage but not the best. However, the height is good. Imaging has pin-point accuracy with a crispy sound and stereo separation is done well. The resolution is overall great and at times affected due to the timbre of the instrumentals. Layering is again very well done considering the price point. The overall dynamics are great with a good micro-detail retrieval. Technically, the IEM is impressive.

Sample test tracks – Vachindha Megham (A R Rahman), Rapid As Wildfires (Yu-Peng Chen), Bubbles (Yosi Horikawa).

Comparisons

The IEMs for comparison here are the Letshuoer DZ4 and Aful MagicOne. I used Tempotec V6 + Topping NX7 for the below comparisons.

Celest Plutus Beast (89 USD) vs Letshuoer DZ4 (3 DD – 89 USD)

Build and Fit

Both are built attractive in their way and the fit of the DZ4 is comfortable for me without any issues. Seal is great on both. My only con in terms of fit with the Plutus Beast is that it protrudes a little outside the ear and since I generally go to bed with IEMs, it was a discomfort to me sometimes.  

Sound

Sub-bass 

Although both the IEMs are sub-bass focused, sub-bass on the Plutus Beast goes much deeper, stronger, and more impactful. The resolution is the same among the two except that the quantity is more on Beast.

Mid-bass 

Mid-bass is slightly tamed on the DZ4 and does not provide an impactful slam at times. Bass is on the neutral side and does not show authority in the overall scheme of things. Bass on the Plutus Beast pleases everyone including the bass heads in my opinion – the slam is hard, and authoritative and there is a controlled boominess to the sound which does not get muddier either. Better dynamics are perceived from the Plutus Beast as the quantity it offers is fuller and with good speed and reverb. Overall, Plutus Beast is more pleasurable in general and preferable for bass heads.

Instrumentals 

The weight of the mid-bass gives a hint of warmth to the Plutus Beast whereas it is more clean sounding on DZ4. Hence, the note weight is slightly better on the Plutus Beast and gives more roundedness to the instruments like a Piano when compared. However, the tone and timbre are better on DZ4 in comparison. There is a slight metallic timbre present on the Plutus Beast which is forgiving for the most part but not the most natural sounding either. In terms of details and resolution, I don’t notice much difference between the two. However, due to the good stereo separation, more accurate pin-point imaging, wider stage, and good depth to instrumentals on Plutus Beast, I perceive details a little better on Beast. At times, the resolution is better on DZ4 when compared to Plutus Beast – mainly it has to do with the timbre on Beast which can sound slightly metallic at times. Upper mids are elevated on Beast and could sound harsh if the right volume levels are not set. DZ4 is more musical sounding overall. There’s a trade-off between the two, and they are not perfect, and in a way, they complement each other.

Vocals

Male vocals are not recessed in both the IEMs. Both have exceptional clarity at the price point. Little forward on DZ4 in comparison.

Female vocals sound more energetic on the Beast and the volume management can get tricky. Sound more manageable and balanced on the DZ4. However, the clarity is great on both sets. For vocals, both are great sets, and it depends on how well you can cope with the excess energy and volume management with Beast. It is manageable based on my experience.

Treble

Both the trebles roll off after the presence region and don’t expect much sparkle/airiness from the upper regions from both of them. However, the DZ4 has a little more openness, and airiness to the sound and is a little more detailed in busier tracks, especially with hi-hat cymbals and splashes. Tonally DZ4 is better here, and it sounds more natural to my ears. Treble is more soothing on DZ4 compared to Plutus Beast. DZ4 is the right choice for treble lovers in my opinion.

Technicalities

The soundstage is wider on the Plutus Beast in comparison. Height and depth are better as well. Imaging has more pin-point accuracy on the Plutus Beast. Dynamics are slightly better on the Plutus Beast. Resolution and details complement each other. Layering is a tad better on the Plutus Beast. Overall, among the two, Beast is a more technically competent IEM.

Comparison Conclusion

At the same price point, DZ4 stands ahead for its musicality (tone/ timbre), vocals, and overall treble performance whereas Plutus Beast stands out for its impressive Bass and technical performance. The resolution and details in the mid-range are great on both sets. They both complement each other and are suited for different tastes.

Celest Plutus Beast (89 USD) vs Aful Magic One (1 BA – 109 USD)

Build and Fit

Aful MO has the best fit among the 3 IEMs here. Build appears similar between the two with different design considerations. Looks wise I would go with the Plutus Beast. It is a very attractive IEM in the first place.

Sound

Sub-bass

Both the sub-bass profiles are great in terms of depth, however, the physicality and rumble are better with the Plutus Beast which makes its presence more felt. With MO, you will hear more than you feel the rumble. The texture is a little better with MO.

Mid-bass

The quantity of the bass is slightly better on Plutus Beast over MO; however, MO creates a better distinction and clear separation between the bass lines, vocals, and other instruments – noticeable in busier/ complex tracks. I find the quality slightly better with MO. Both have good control over the bleeding and do a good job. The tone is better with MO and sounds more natural. Also, MO sounds closer to neutral. However, to me, both are very impactful in their way.

Instrumentals

Plutus Beast sounds a little warmer as MO sounds closer to neutral with an even lesser bass impact on lower mids. The lower mids are slightly elevated on MO bringing you closer to the sound than the Plutus Beast. Tone and timbre appear more natural on MO. The timbre on Plutus Beast is not very distracting in the first place but becomes more obvious when listening side by side. Instrumentals sound more realistic on the MO. The tonal balance is excellent, which can even be considered a highlight of MO. In comparison, the upper mids are too elevated on the Plutus Beast making it more sensitive to volume changes and can sound harsh at times. Technicalities impart a great deal while listening to instrumentals and Plutus Beast shines here. MO is no slouch either and both operate neck-on-neck here. Resolution and details are again the same across the two, and the timbre on the Plutus Beast sometimes has a downside effect. I find the MO more musical overall due to the strong cohesiveness across the board, natural tone, and timbre.

Vocals

Male vocals are a little forward, have more clarity, and are resolute on MO and I consider MO a reference level here. Plutus Beast is no slouch here but I would say the male vocals are slightly recessed in comparison. Female vocals tend to be the same. More energetic based on volume levels on Plutus Beast but the clarity again goes to MO. It is a subtle difference, but I prefer the MO here for its more accurate tonal balance.

Treble

Treble is more soothing on the MO compared to Plutus Beast. There is roughness in the way the Plutus Beast presents the treble in the presence region affecting the clarity at times which is not very soothing to listen. Both maintain very good energy, are detailed and are open-sounding. Both are decently extended. What sets the MO from Beast is the overall soothing texture that is missing from Beast at times.

Technicalities

The soundstage is a little wider on the Plutus Beast compared to MO. Although imaging is great on MO, Plutus Beast makes use of the spacious width furthermore creating a better pin-point accuracy and is slightly better perceived. Stage depth is slightly better on MO. Height appears to be the same. Layering is better on MO. The tone and timbre contribute to the more natural and musical sound of MO. Resolution is more consistent with MO.

Comparison Conclusion

Overall, for me, MO is a better IEM compared to Plutus Beast especially the musicality, tonal balance, and soothing treble performance the MO offers exceeding what Plutus Beast has to offer. However, the bass is more enjoyable on the Beast and is the more fun-sounding IEM of the two. It all boils down to the listener’s preferences.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sub-bass depth and authority
• Impactful and full-bodied mid-bass with nice reverb
• Excellent vocal clarity and placement
• Resolution and details in the mid-range are excellent
• Decently extended treble – detailed and open-sounding
• Spacious stage width and pin-point imaging
• Dynamics and layering are very good at the price point.
• Versatile across various genres
• Beautiful overall design of the IEM
• The cable is of excellent build considering the price point

Cons

• Tonality appears not so musical
• Timbre doesn’t appear natural at times
• Upper mids are elevated and could sound harsh and overly energetic – this can be mitigated with proper volume management
• The treble sounds unrefined and not so clean at times
• The upper treble could use more airiness
• IEM protrudes outside the ear – and can get difficult especially while lying down on the sides

Review Closing Thoughts

The Celest Plutus Beast is a very good IEM to listen to, passing your free time. It has an excellent bass profile where the EDM/ POP genres truly shine. Vocals and details in the mid-region are excellent. A good-sounding treble that is detailed and open-sounding. I find them versatile across various genres and the technicalities are impressive too especially the spacious stage width and the imaging it offers. However, the IEM is not without its cons. The most impactful I would say are the tone that appears not very musical to my ears and the timbre that is not very natural sounding at times. The pros outweigh the cons if you seek a great technical IEM with excellent-sounding bass and details. If musicality is the criteria, Plutus Beast may not be the right set for you. There are better musical sets in and around the price point. Finally, I enjoyed listening to this set, which has a distinct bass profile different from the regular DD and planar driver configurations that set this IEM apart. This IEM is fun-sounding regardless.

As always, thanks for reading through, and cheers!!!

You may buy the IEM from the below non-affiliated link

https://www.kineraaudio.com/product/celest-plutus-beast