My initial experience with the Celest Wyvern Abyss left a mix of positive and negative impressions regarding design and sound quality. Despite being an affordable option, this IEM stands out with some of its features and performance. I was eager to conduct a detailed review, and my first impressions indicated the need for a deeper evaluation.
Disclaimers: This unit is sent from Kinera as the first part of AG Turkey tour. I wholeheartedly thank all the parties.
At first glance, the material quality and design of the Wyvern Abyss didn’t surprise me. However, I had mixed feelings about its sound performance. Let’s dive into every detail of this IEM, starting with the unboxing and moving on to its sound performance.
Unboxing
When I opened the box of the Celest Wyvern Abyss, I noticed that the packaging was simple yet functional. The contents of the box are quite basic: a few pairs of silicone tips in different sizes, a carrying case, and a user manual. The lore-inspired plate inside the box helped me understand the design’s backstory, and this little touch was pleasant.
The IEMs themselves have a lightweight and ergonomic design. The material quality was better than I expected, but the thick, textureless cables were initially off-putting. How these cables will perform over long-term use remains a question. The fact that the cables are replaceable is an advantage. The fit in the ear is comfortable and seems suitable for extended use. However, the inward protrusions in the casing might cause discomfort for some users.
Overall, the unboxing experience was basic but satisfactory. Considering the price range, the included accessories and general packaging quality are adequate. Now, let’s move on to the aspect I was most curious about: sound performance.
Sound Characteristics
The soundstage and separation offered by the Wyvern Abyss caught my attention in the first few tracks I listened to. Sounds were spread out with noticeable width and depth, but some fine details were lost. The overall tonality is dark, with prominent bass that doesn’t overwhelm other frequencies. This suggests that it can perform well across various music genres.
Transparency is also quite high for this price segment. The strong presence of bass in pop and electronic music provides a satisfying listening experience. However, a slightly larger dynamic and overall sound field would have been more impressive. That said, its performance on Natalie Merchant’s “Ophelia” shows that this IEM can be considered a budget-friendly option.
Bass
The bass frequencies are one of Wyvern Abyss’s most notable features. Deep and powerful bass, particularly in electronic and pop music, is impressive. The punchy and dynamic nature of the bass draws the listener in and adds liveliness to the music. However, in some tracks, the bass can slightly overpower other frequencies, negatively impacting the overall listening experience.
In genres like smooth jazz, the bass seems to get lost within the overall dark tonality. The depth and control of the bass in tracks like “Harper Lewis” were striking. The bass is punchy and dynamic but can occasionally interfere with other frequencies. Overall, the bass performance is satisfying but could use some improvements.
Midrange
The mid frequencies in Wyvern Abyss are clear and prominent. Vocals are upfront and detailed, but there can be a lack of naturalness at times. In vocal-centric tracks, the artist’s voice can sometimes be too forward or too recessed, which might be off-putting for some listeners.
Instrument separation and positioning can lose clarity in busy music passages. In Natalie Merchant’s “Ophelia,” the mids’ overall performance is decent but could be better. The balanced nature of the mids positively impacts the overall listening experience, but some fine details can be lost.
Treble
The treble is bright and clear without any harsh sibilance, even though the res is tad low here. This balance completes the overall tonality of the Wyvern Abyss, offering a wide frequency range. In acoustic and classical music, the smoothness and clarity of the treble are noticeable. The balanced and natural treble ensures comfort during long listening sessions.
In some tracks, the level of detail in the treble is not sufficient, and fine details can get lost. However, overall, the treble performance is acceptable for its price range. The clarity and naturalness of the treble positively affect the overall sound character of the Wyvern Abyss.
Pros
– Affordable price
– Ergonomic and lightweight design
– Powerful and deep bass
– Clear and prominent mids
– Bright and balanced treble
– High transparency
Cons
– Low-quality feeling cables
– Inward protrusions that might cause discomfort for some users
– Bass can sometimes overpower other frequencies
– Loss of mid clarity in busy music passages
– Lack of detail in the treble
Celest Wyvern Abyss Review Conclusion
Celest Wyvern Abyss stands out with its performance as an affordable IEM. My initial impressions clearly highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of this IEM. Strong bass, clear mids, and balanced treble offer a generally satisfying listening experience. However, some minor details and comfort issues might cause discomfort during long-term use. The Wyvern Abyss could be a good option for those seeking a budget-friendly and balanced IEM. This is Celest, always solid price to performance ratios.
