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 shit! 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.
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.
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!
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!
9/10
Pros:
- Fascinating Tubing work
- High quality shell
- Nice comfort and fit
- One of the most intriguing packaging
- Removable cable
- Hybrid drivers
- Nice quality tips
- Good and natural Bass or Sub-bass rumble
- Good details and no harshness
- Price/quality ratio
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Cable seems a little bit too stiff
- Quite big nozzle
- Could be more airy
- Not for bassheads
- Not extremely analytical or neutral