introduction
Kinera has been steadily making its mark in the audio world, particularly with its unique, high-quality IEMs. Known for combining excellent sound performance with beautiful craftsmanship, Kinera is constantly pushing the boundaries in delivering accessible yet impressive audio experiences.
Since getting into audio as a hobby, I’ve tried plenty of IEMs under $50—some have been hits, while others didn’t quite make the cut. Today, I’m excited to introduce you to the Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast. I’ve been using this IEM daily for the past 10–15 days, and there are some standout qualities that really set it apart. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience with the IgniteX Beast, covering the good, the bad, and everything in between. Hopefully, this gives you a clear idea of what kind of sound quality and value you can expect from it in this price range.
Disclaimer:
Thank you to Kinera for providing this IEM for review purposes. I received this product directly from Kinera, and as always, I strive to offer an honest review, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses based on my personal experience. My goal is to share my insights with you to assist in your purchasing decisions.
If you wish to purchase this, you can visit their AliExpress store directly. Alternatively, if you’re in Bangladesh, you can find it available at Geek Mart.
Build Quality & Design
The build quality of the Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast is pretty impressive. It’s full resin build that really feels premium. There’s good weight in the resin shell, which makes it feel very solid and strong and far from being cheap. I had it with me for daily usage, and I had thrown it here and there, but still did not catch up any visible scratches.
Now, that is where Kinera truly shines: the design. This beautiful mix of reds and purples on the faceplate, looking more like a piece of abstract art, gave it that very unique look that made it pop in the eyes. Kinera was known for its design work, and this was easily among the best-looking pieces they had done at this price point .
Fit & Comfort
I’ve been using the Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast for extended periods, and honestly, I haven’t had any issues with the fit. Even after 5-6 hours straight, I don’t feel any discomfort or soreness in my ears, which is a big plus. It sits comfortably, and I think most people won’t face any fitting problems with it.
The weight distribution is also well-balanced, so it doesn’t feel heavy or bulky, even after wearing it for hours. It’s not a particularly heavy IEM, but it still feels solid and secure in the ear. The nozzle size is also just right—fits comfortably without any pressure, so it doesn’t feel intrusive. Overall, I’d say Kinera did a great job making this IEM comfortable for long listening sessions.
Dsp cable and Tips
DSP Cable
I have the DSP version of the Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast, and honestly, I haven’t felt the need to switch out the cable. The DSP cable already delivers such satisfying sound quality that I don’t feel any urge to experiment with other cables. It provides good loudness and brings out the full performance of the IEM, so it’s more than enough for my needs. Plus, I haven’t noticed any background noise with this DSP cable, which is a huge bonus.The cable also comes with a 3-button remote (volume +/-, play/pause) along with a mute/unmute switch and a decent microphone.
This setup has been quite handy for me, especially when I need to take calls or just use it as a daily driver.
Tips
The IEM comes with two types of tips, but personally, I found the C-07 tips to provide the best fit and noise isolation. They offer a snug fit and decent isolation right out of the box. If you have other high-quality tips lying around, I’d recommend trying them too, as they can elevate the sound even further. For example, I’m currently using Penon Liqueur black tips with this IEM, and they’ve taken the sound quality to another level for me.
The sound performance
Tonality
In my opinion, the Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast has a neutral tonality with a subtle bass boost that adds a bit of warmth without overpowering the rest of the frequencies. It’s smooth and clear across the board, making it easy to listen to for extended sessions. The bass boost gives a bit of body to the sound, making it enjoyable for genres that need a bit of low-end presence, but it doesn’t muddy the mids or interfere with the treble. Overall, it’s a well-balanced tuning that feels natural and refined, which I think a lot of listeners will appreciate.
The Bass
Sub-bass:
Honestly, the sub-bass on these IEMs is impressive. It digs deep enough to give you that satisfying rumble without becoming overbearing. You really feel it when listening to tracks like Angel by Massive Attack—the sub-bass doesn’t just sit there; it actually resonates. There’s enough body in the low end that it feels impactful but never muddy. For anyone who enjoys that physical quality in the sub-bass without it intruding into the mids, the IgniteX Beast delivers excellent performance.
Mid-bass:
The mid-bass has this great punchiness that makes drums sound lively and real. When I play Ticks & Leeches by TOOL, the mid-bass comes in strong, hitting just right without any bloat. It’s quick and has that “kick” you want from a track like this, keeping things energetic and exciting. I’m a fan of bass that knows when to be punchy without smearing into the vocals or instruments, and this IEM nails that balance.
General Bass Response:
the bass on the IgniteX Beast feels well-rounded. There is a substantial feel to the bass, but by no means does it overshadow the mids or highs. I listen to everything from hip-hop to classics like Poem of Chinese Drum by Hok-man Yim, and the bass adapts beautifully. Those drums on the classic tracks have such depth that feels organic and genuinely satisfying, making the IEM much more versatile than I expected.
It’s refreshing to have bass that feels deep and well-contained while keeping everything clear and enjoyable. The Beast truly lives up to its name, and if you’re a bass lover who wants clarity in other frequencies too, I feel this could be a great fit.
Mid-Range
Male Vocals:
As a male vocali enthusiast, I was really impressed. His voice on Liquid Spirit by Gregory Porter comes across so smooth and rich, with a weight that gives it an almost physical quality. Do you know that feeling when you listen to a song and it seems like the singer is actually sitting in the room with you? This is exactly what I experienced with this recording. There’s a three-dimensional quality to the vocals, and they sit just right in the center without feeling too forward or too laid-back. It’s surprising how “real” and grounded his voice sounds through these IEMs—it makes you feel like you’re using something far more high-end.
Female vocal
Female vocals are where this IEM really shines. I tried Adia by Sarah McLachlan, and her voice had the perfect balance of energy and smoothness. There’s no harshness or sibilance, which can often be a deal-breaker for those sensitive to the “S” and “sh” sounds. Here, everything’s smooth, musical, and easy on the ears. It feels like you can just sit back and enjoy her voice without any fatigue, which is honestly rare to find in this price range.
Middle-Range Instruments:
In terms of instruments, the mid-range is where the Beast excels. The piano notes in Clair de Lune by Debussy sound incredibly clean; you get this resonance without any weird colorations. Now, shift to Hotel California by The Eagles, and the guitars just hit differently. They have that gritty texture, and the strums come through distinctly. It adds a layer of realism, making you feel like you’re right there listening to the guitars being played. It truly draws you into the song.
In short, mid-range on the IgniteX Beast has a clean, almost effortless quality. It’s slightly forward, which aids imaging, but never feels forced. If you’re into vocals and mids, this set does a fantastic job of keeping everything musical and engaging without going overboard. I’d definitely recommend giving it a shot if you’re looking for smooth, realistic midrange that feels sophisticated.
The Treble
The treble on the IgniteX Beast is honestly one of my favorite parts of this IEM. It’s got this excellent extension that doesn’t feel forced—there’s a smoothness to it, but it still comes through with great detail. I noticed it right away when listening to Clair de Lune by Debussy. The higher notes feel open and airy, giving the track that spacious feeling where each note has room to breathe. You can hear the delicacy in every piano keystroke without it sounding harsh or piercing, which is a big plus if you’re sensitive to treble.
What I really appreciate is how natural it sounds. Sometimes with balanced armature drivers, you get this metallic or unnatural “BA timbre” that can throw you off, but there’s none of that here. The treble just flows naturally, feeling both smooth and detailed at the same time. String instruments, for instance, sound lively but stay neutral, so there’s no overemphasis that would make them sound too bright or shrill. It’s honestly hard to find this kind of balance where you get detail without sacrificing smoothness.
Overall, I’d say the treble brings a nice bit of air and sparkle to the sound, making it feel more expansive and engaging. If you enjoy a treble that’s refined, airy, and realistic, this set delivers in a way that feels effortless and natural. It’s detailed without pushing too hard, which makes it super easy to listen to, especially for long sessions.
Technicalities
One thing that stands out with the IgniteX Beast is its separation. For the price, the way it handles instruments and vocals is impressive. Everything feels distinctly placed without any clutter, which keeps the sound clean and easy to follow.
Soundstage & Imaging
The soundstage on the Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast is notably wide, with good height that gives the music a spacious, open feel. While the depth doesn’t extend as much as the width, it still creates a satisfying, immersive soundscape that pulls you into the music.
Imaging
Instrument placement is handled very well. You can clearly sense where each instrument is positioned, making it easy to follow different elements in the track. While it’s not pinpoint accurate, the overall imaging feels natural and solid, especially considering the price. It adds a sense of realism to the listening experience that makes it engaging and enjoyable.
Who Should Buy the Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast
If you’re in search of a neutral and smooth-sounding IEM with impressive build quality, comfort, and secure fit, the Kinera Celest IgniteX Beast could be a perfect choice for you. It’s designed for daily use without hassle, making it a reliable companion. I personally use it in my regular life with its DSP cable, and whenever I don’t feel like handling heavier setups, this IEM provides me with a satisfying sound quality and a convenient plug-and-play experience.
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