What does the manufacturer offer in Kinera Celest Relentless IEMs?
Kinera Celest Relentless In-Ear Headphones – Sound
- Overall Presentation — 8: The Kinera Celest Relentless performs best with neutral sources and quality cables. When listening to Dave Brubeck’s “Take Five” through a silver-plated cable, the sound becomes more transparent and detailed. The earphones are tuned to the Harman Target 2019 curve, giving the sound musicality and emotionality. Equipment selection is critical for achieving the best sound, especially in the high frequencies and soundstage.
- Low Frequencies — 8: Handled by a custom 8mm dynamic driver. The bass is powerful and well-controlled, but the sub-bass lacks depth. In The Weeknd’s “HEARTLESS,” the sub-bass feels less extended, although the mid-bass in R.E.M.’s “Oh My Heart” remains dense and engaging. The low frequencies seem somewhat dry. The bass sometimes bleeds into the lower mids, which can blur the overall sound, but overall, the controlled bass is suitable for those who appreciate pronounced mid-bass.
- Mid Frequencies — 7.5: Clear, but vocals sound distant. Male vocals in Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” lose richness, while female vocals in Caroline Polachek’s “Desire, I Want to Turn Into You” sound better but not perfect. Instruments like the guitars in Eagles’ “Hotel California” retain energy, but the mids feel dampened. Overall, the mids are aimed at musicality, which may not satisfy those who prefer more natural sound.
- High Frequencies — 8: Handled by four custom balanced armature drivers, adding detail and airiness. In Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” the highs may seem overly bright and fatiguing for extended listening. However, in calmer genres like classical music, this brightness can add expressiveness.
- Detail retrieval — 7.5: The detail in the Relentless is high, especially in the upper range. In Debussy’s “Clair de Lune,” all the nuances of the melody are audible. However, in the lower and mid frequencies, details lack depth, as in Norah Jones’ “Come Away with Me,” where vocals and instruments sound less refined. This could be due to the emphasis on a V-shaped signature, leaving the mids subdued. Listening to a gramophone re-recording is unpleasant due to the constant crackling of the vinyl record.
- Soundstage — 7.5: The soundstage in the Relentless is average, feeling close to the listener, and doesn’t scale well with increased volume. In complex tracks like Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the blurring of the soundstage becomes noticeable. In rock and metal, the stage isn’t clear enough, reducing the overall impression.
- Conclusion: The Relentless offers balanced sound with some drawbacks. They are suitable for those who appreciate powerful, slightly dry bass and detailed high frequencies, but they require careful equipment matching to achieve optimal sound. These earphones will appeal to fans of bright highs and expressive bass but may not satisfy those seeking a more natural and even sound.
Comparison with competitors
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- Kinera Celest Relentless
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- Simgot SuperMix 4
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- Truthear Nova
Kinera Celest Relentless come in an attractive package with high-quality printing and detailed information on the back. Removing the protective sleeve, you immediately realize that the designers put in effort to create an appealing “wrapping” for the customer. Set – 9 A commendable set: The Kinera Celest Relentless impresses with its balance and detail but isn’t without its nuances. The slightly dry low frequencies might seem less rich, but they offer good speed and control. The mid frequencies are clear but sometimes lack naturalness, especially with male vocals. The high frequencies are airy and detailed but can be sharp for long listening sessions. Overall, these headphones are suitable for those who value precision and articulation but prefer not too aggressive bass and clean, well-defined highs. The Kinera Celest Relentless offers a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to design and packaging, evident right from the unboxing. These headphones attract attention with their build quality and aesthetic design. The ergonomic design ensures comfortable wear, and the variety of eartips allows for an optimal fit for different musical preferences. However, there are drawbacks: the lack of clear side markings and the mismatch between the cable style and the faceplates. Overall, the Relentless impress not only visually but also with their functionality, offering good value for the price. The Relentless evoked mixed emotions for me. On one hand, they provide a dry sound signature in the low and some mid frequencies with a punchy bass. On the other hand, the high frequencies are bright and accentuated. Such sound may not satisfy demanding audiophiles, but those who enjoy bright, emotional highs and dry lows with prominent midbass might find them interesting. The high-quality and well-crafted package also makes them an attractive gift. If you’re a seasoned audiophile, these headphones might not be for you. But if you’re a young enthusiast or looking for a presentable gift, they are worth considering.
Design, kit and comfort – Kinera Celest Relentless
Celest 221 Vocal Eartips: Enhance high frequencies and improve vocal clarity;
Celest 608 Balanced Eartips: Provide a balanced stereo sound;
Celest Foam Eartips: Offer rich vocals and deeper bass.
The selection of eartips is quite diverse.
Design – 8
Comfort – 10Kinera Celest Relentless Features
What’s in the Kinera Celest Relentless box?
Celest 221 Vocal Eartips: Enhance high frequencies and improve vocals.
Celest 608 Balanced Eartips: Provide balanced and stereo sound.
Celest Foam Eartips: Offer rich vocals and deeper bass.Kinera Celest Relentless Conclusion
