Kinera Celest CD10 Review: An Affordable Portable DAC/Amp

Kinera’s Celest CD-10 is one of those cool, small, portable DACs that are all about stepping up your game, mainly for people that like compact but high-quality sound gear. It features dual CS43198 DAC chips, which means it can handle high-resolution audio formats such as PCM and DSD; thus, a very detailed sound while remaining neutral. It also comes with both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs to hook up all kinds of headphones and IEMs. The CD-10 is super lightweight at about 16 grams and this really makes it great for on-the-go use. In fact, it does a good balance between portability and sound quality, giving enough juice to power most in-ear monitors though might have a tough time with big headphones. First I plugged it with my favorite Dunu Falcon ultra and got a very balanced output from it with fantastic details and a moderate soudstage. If I compare it with my Fosi Audio DS1, it is not as open as DS1 but separation is better in CD-10 with slight thin note. And with Hidizs S8 Pro Robin, CD-10 better in every way. I tested it with various IEMs from my collection for the last two months and found that it’s really a ‘limited edition’ to keep.

TESTED WITH

Sources:
POCO X3, Xiami MiPad 5Pro, PC

Files:
Spotify, local Hi-Res DSD & FLAC files

Pairings:
ɸ Hidizs MP145
ɸ Hidizs MP143
ɸ AFUL MagicOne
ɸ AFUL Performer 5
ɸ AFUL Explorer
ɸ Dunu Falcon Ultra (MT)
ɸ Dunu Titan S2
ɸ Ikko OH10
ɸ Ikko OH10S
ɸ Sivga Que
ɸ Meier Audio Slivo
ɸ SeeAudio Rinko
ɸ QoA Gimlet
ɸ QoA Adonis New
ɸ Aria 2
ɸ Moondrop LAN
ɸ BQEYZ Winter (modified with dense filter)
ɸ Tanzchim One
ɸ Tanzchim Zero

DISCLAIMER

This is not a review unit and I purchased the Celest CD-10 with my own money and own interest. There is no monitory transaction between me & the respective company. And this review is totally unbiased and upon my listening experience.    

One thing more: The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different sources. Your experience may vary due to personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.

For your personal purchase, checkout Kinera for their products and special offers. (Non-affiliated Link)

TECHINICAL DETAILS

● DAC Chip: Dual CS43198
● Hi-Res support: PCM Supports Up to 32bit/768kHz & Native DSD 64/128/256
● Audio Output: 4.4mm Balanced & 3.5mm Single-ended
● Power output: 140mW (32Ω) Single-ended, 300mW (32Ω) Balanced
● Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 125dB Single-ended / 130dB Balanced
● Dynamic Range: 125dB Single-ended / 130dB Balanced
● Frequency Response Range: 20Hz ~ 80KHz
● Frequency Response Range: 20Hz ~ 80KHz
● Background Noise: <1uV (Single-ended), <1.5uV (Balanced)
● Weight: 16.2g
● power-off memory function
● CNC Metal Unibody
● Compatible with All platforms: Windows/Mac OS/iPad OS/Android/iOS/Harmony OS
● UAC 1.0 Optimized for gaming

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

● CD-10 DAC
● Type-C to Type-C cable
● Some official papers

UNBOXING & BUILT

Very small foot print. The Celest CD-10 comes in a small card board pack and everything is there inside. Nothing fancy, nothing extra. The CD-10 and a USB C to C cable that’s all you will get. No USB A to C converter or USB C to lightening converter. If you are an apple user, you need to buy it separately. I don’t think it’s a good move. At least, apple users are real and they need to enjoy Hi-Res audio, right?

Now let’s talk about it’s built quality. Inside its CNC-machined metal case, the CD-10 is not only smoothly finished and well-crafted but it is also built to withstand daily use; ideal for on-the-go audiophiles. It’s construction provides isolative interference which improves sound clarity by reducing electromagnetic noise. The DAC’s buttons/connection ports are sturdy and responsive. It’s independent volume control buttons for fine adjustments are a must feature for people who care about the nuanced control of perfect volume levels. It’s light, at just 16.2 grams, making it easy for users not worried about durability to carry around without feeling weighed down like they’re dragging along a sack of bricks. With a sturdy, compact design that rocks durability and portability, the CD-10 is up for anything.

DAC CHIP & ARCHITECTURE

The CS43198 is a high-performance, 32-bit stereo DAC supporting the playback of PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256 (Direct Stream Digital) audio. Architecture includes on-chip 32-bit Oversampling with Mismatch Shaping Technology for optimal component distortion reduction on chip for precision audio. This chip boasts an excellent dynamic range of as high as 130 dB in balanced mode, which helps the CD-10 reproduce a wide array of frequencies with only limited amounts of noise. The THD+N at -115dB is very low, and that is the reason it will handle the audio in such a way that the minimum distortion of the signal is guaranteed and distortion will almost be inaudible, hence more natural and immersive. The CS43198 use pseudo-differential analog outputs, which afford better noise rejection and provide higher resistance to electromagnetic interference in mobile environments. Offering both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced outputs, the CD-10 can take full advantage of these high-quality DAC chips to provide a maximum power output of 300mW on the balanced output-a welcome feature when driving more demanding headphones-and still perform decently for IEMs. The chip architecture of the CS43198, as implemented in the Celest CD-10, unites high-resolution playback with low noise and is highly competitive in both portable and high-fidelity audio contexts.

COMPATIBILITY

The Celest CD-10 is a cross platform DAC dongle which supports devices with Android, iOS, and Windows. When you plug it with Android or iOS, the DAC will take over the device’s volume control, as it has a physical volume up-down button. With Windows (I use Win 11), just plug it in, and the operating system will automatically recognize it without any driver installation. There is no app for Android or iOS to operate it. Some users may disappoint, who love to control their DAC dongle through an app.

SOUND SIGNATURE ANALYSIS

The Celest CD-10 bears an articulate and neutral sound signature, just as a listener would want for those seeking balance and precision rather than over-emphasized bass and enhanced coloration. The dual CS43198 chips bring in a lot of detail and cleanliness in the audio reproduction, with great emphasis on midrange clarity and well-defined highs. The bass is firm and controlled, providing depth that brings fullness to the low end without dominating other frequencies. At its price, the instrument separation impresses, each standing in its own place. That makes it good to go, especially for complicated tracks or acoustic genres in general. The 3.5mm SE outputs have adequate power to drive IEMs with clarity and depth, without any audible compression. And the 4.4mm balanced brings in a bit more depth and power, adding volume and dynamics to more power hungry headphones. Overall, the sound performance of the CD-10 has a good balance between precision and versatility.

OK, let’s dive into the analysis. Here’s a breakdown of its sonic characteristics:

LOW FREQUENCIES

The Celest CD10 is rather a well-controlled, precise low-end, though wanting in either depth or punch for the dedicated bass fan. The bass is clear and well-defined with a more neutral presentation versus one that leans towards warmth or richness. While this makes the CD10 suitable for listeners looking at good accuracy in the reproduction of lower frequencies, it feels somewhat lacking in impact for those enjoying bass-heavy genres-such as hip-hop or electronic music. Though articulate and detailed, the bass response doesn’t have that powerful or immersive thump that would satisfy users looking at more dynamic, booming low-end.

Technically speaking, the tuning for Celest CD10 weighs a little more toward finding a balance and not going too heavy-handed with the enthusiasm for bass. The other frequencies, the mids and highs, can cut through cleaner, making it way better suited to acoustic, classical, or jazz where clarity and separation are important. However, for those listeners who may hope for a little more powerful or rounded bass response, especially with today’s genres, the CD10 will not deliver the kind of low-end impact to really elevate the overall listening experience.

MIDRANGE

Without question, one of the real strong points of the performance of the Celest CD10 is its midrange, which gives a very clear, natural sound. Vocals, plus instruments such as guitars and pianos, sound supremely clear and detailed, making them very easy to hear nice and clean without any muddiness. So, there’s this little boost in the upper midrange that just gives female vocals and higher-pitched instruments that fantastic sense of presence and brightness. It just makes vocal-heavy and acoustic tracks so much better. The clarity in the midrange lets you catch all those little details in the recordings, and the balanced sound keeps everything nice and crisp.

But to some people, the midrange may sound a bit too neutral or even clinical. Mids can sometimes come out on the cooler side, and this may make certain songs a little less exciting or emotionally captivating, particularly if you are used to a richer and fuller kind of sound. Of course, this exact tuning is great for audiophiles who want more accurate sound signatures, but others might think the mids lack warmth or intimacy-making some recordings seem sort of cold or remote. That is to say, the midrange of the Celest CD10 is super transparent and detailed. But if you’re looking for richness in that area of the sound spectrum with more coloration, then it is not your pick.

HIGH FREQUENCIES

Handling the treble range with good precision, the Celest CD10 presents high frequencies with clarity and sufficient detail. The treble is tuned to a correct level without at all being harsh or excessively bright, featuring smooth and soft transitions on the ears in extended listening or higher volumes. With this restrained approach, listener fatigue can be avoided, which is often the bane of headphones with overly sharp or piercing highs.

To those who would want a more airy or sparkly treble response, the CD10 may feel a bit limited in terms of treble extension. Though the highs are correct and integrate well into the general sound signature, they do not possess that sense of openness or “air” that some treble-forward models can provide. The treble also is neutral and never tries to dominate other frequencies, so that generally makes for a well-tuned balance in the CD10. Still, it features a well-controlled and natural treble presentation that should please listeners who value smooth and non-fatiguing highs.

INSTRUMENT SEPARATION

This is impressively unlike any other, especially for its price range. It does a great job with the tricky balance of complicated arrangements, keeping those different instruments distinct from each other. Whether that is a layered orchestral or an overproduced rock track, the CD10 did an absolutely excellent job of separating various elements of the mix while allowing listeners to pick out subtleties without any sense of muddiness or congestion.

In busy musical passages, the DAC keeps track such that the sound is neither cluttered down nor overwhelmed. There is space between the instruments in the soundstage, adding to the general listening experience with a sense of direction and placement. The only downside is that separation is very class-leading on this CD10, but it does not scale to higher-end refinements in more costly DACs. The difference between instruments can be more defined with an even wider soundstage, but in more subtle separations for more premium models. For now, the CD10 has done exceedingly well-baring good clarity and control over others that blew the competition away in its price range.

DYNAMICS & SPEED

Speaking to the dynamics, it would be quite commendable for a compact DAC. The Celest CD10 carries its weight with a well-balanced and neutral sound signature, with a decent amount of punch and impact, especially in the midrange and treble. It doesn’t color the sound with an overdosing color to let the natural dynamics of the music come through. It had been placed as average, considering that it didn’t greatly affect the changes in volume nor the contrast between quiet and loud passages. As such, this would fit well with acoustic, vocal, and classical music that has subtle nuances but is less ideal for genres needing more dynamic punch, such as heavy rock or electronic music.​

Speaking of speed, the Celest CD10 does fast transient responses accordingly. It keeps up with fast music changes and provides clear and clean sound devoid of noticeable lag or smearing, especially at the higher frequencies. This is good for genres that require such separation, like jazz or classical. The treble does remain smooth and well-controlled, while the bass is accurate sans the same speed and impact as more powerful DACs, but isn’t hurt-the fact that it’s a budget DAC.

SOUNDSTAGE

While the soundstage of the Celest’ CD10 is modest and respectable, naturally conveying a sense of space, it is intimate rather than expansive. You don’t get wide, open presentation, as you could on higher-end or larger DACs, yet still manage to create a cohesive and well-rounded soundstage that works effectively across various genres of music. The soundstage of the CD10 is decently deep and high, affording the listener a good sense of layering within it. However, its width is somewhat limited laterally, and that means it’s often going to result in a narrower sense of stage than some might wish for, particularly those accustomed with wide or immersive sounding DACs. Inspite of this, however, it manages to hold coherence in the soundstage of the CD10, tucking instruments and vocals well in place.

For this price, the soundstage performance of a DAC is indeed more than satisfactory, giving a tight and engaging listening experience. It is not the grand, cinematic presentation offered by the high-end model, yet it offers an intimate yet focused sound that complements a lot of music, be it vocal-centric tracks, acoustic, or instrumentation.

POWER CAPABILITIES

The Hidizs S8 Pro Robin punches above its class given its small size, making it a solid choice for most IEMs and a bunch of headphones. It’s fitted with two output options:

● 3.5mm Single-Ended (SE): The single-ended 3.5mm output, for instance, is good for 140mW at 32 ohms, which should be good enough juice for most IEMs and lower impedance headphones. Power delivery will suffice for casual listening; it provides a clean signal devoid of distortion at normal listening levels. The output will struggle with the more power-hungry over-ear headphones, especially those with higher impedance, since it doesn’t allow the required headroom to fully drive such devices.

● 4.4mm Balanced (BAL): The power is vastly increased to 300mW into 32 ohms from the 4.4mm balanced output, which yields lots of headroom and dynamic range. Thus, it is going to be a better driving solution for most demanding headphones, including planar magnetic or higher impedance headphones. The bass goes deeper, overall volume increases, and separation and clarity get bigger, especially at higher volumes. Another good feature of the balanced output is that it offers more fine control with complicated musical passages, thereby helping the CD10 deliver a cleaner sound with better instrument separation.

The CD10 may lacks the brute power of high-end DACs, but given the price, this small device returns clean and neutral sound with efficiency that will be sufficient for the majority of casual and intermediate audiophiles.

COMPARISON

I will compare this Celest CD-10 with Moondrop Dawn Pro, Fosi Audio DS1, Hidizs S8 Pro Robin, Dunu DTC480 & iBasso DC04 Pro. Though Dawn Pro & DC04 Pro doesn’t fall in the same budget segment of Celest CD-10, but I am comparing them due to their popularity in portable DAC section. Scroll left to right to read the comparison.

RECOMMENDED FOR

1. Portable Audio Enthusiasts
2. Budget-Conscious Audiophiles
3. Bright-neutral Sound Lovers
4. Shiny female vocal lovers
5. Limited edition gadget collectors
6. Shiny female vocal lovers

NOT FOR

1. Power-Hungry Headphone Users
2. Warm Sound Lovers
3. Those Seeking App Control

FINAL THOUGHTS

As I have mentioned before the little Celest can play with the big kids on power scales of performance. Fast poise of CD-10 allows for ease and comfort but not in the cost about great sound, which makes it truly a pocket device with good style. It results a sound signature of the DAC is considered clear, more balanced and natural output in many genres with just enough warm to make you engage in playback without losing details.

So, to cut a long story short; the Celest CD-10 -really does feel like an old mate you keep in your back pocket and reach for when things get horrid. It is not showy, nor even stacked with the more professional features and facilities but it does what you need to. Simple and affordable, the CD-10 is a great place to start if you’re new to the world of DACs or want an instant upgrade for your portable audio rig that won’t bruise too many wallets but will add new life into some tired tracks.

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