Kinera Celest Phoenixcall
A visually striking 5-driver tribrid IEM. Third-party measurements confirm a V-shaped tuning; real value depends on taste. Current US street price about 120 USD.
Overview
The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall is a tribrid in-ear monitor with five drivers per side: one 7 mm dynamic, two balanced armatures, and two micro planar “flat panel” drivers for ultra-highs. Official specs list 20 Hz–40 kHz response, 103 dB sensitivity, 32 Ω impedance, and a 0.78 mm 2-pin detachable cable [1]. Originally 129 USD MSRP, it is currently listed at 119.99 USD on Kinera’s store (rounded here to 120 USD) [2]. Compatibility note: shells are on the larger side; shallow insertion can tilt treble—narrow-bore or foam tips often help maintain balance.
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]Independent frequency-response measurements show a mild V-shape (elevated bass and treble, recessed mids) consistent across third-party rigs, aligning with the product’s “bright with deep bass” positioning [1][3][7]. That tuning is not transparent to the source but is acceptable for general listening. No reliable third-party THD dataset for Phoenixcall was found; absent contrary data, we do not assume inaudible distortion. Overall, measured FR behavior supports a mid-pack fidelity score at this price.
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.6}\]A 5-driver tribrid at this price demonstrates moderate sophistication. The inclusion of dedicated micro planar super-tweeters (marketed as SPD 3.0/FPD) is uncommon under ~150 USD, though audible benefit above 20 kHz is doubtful. Execution relies on standard parts; crossover/phase integration quality is undocumented. Materials and modular 2-pin cabling are conventional but practical. Net: some novelty in topology, otherwise typical implementation. [1][7]
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.2}\]Cheapest equal-or-better comparator: 7HZ x Crinacle Zero:2 at 24.99 USD (regular price; detachable 0.78 mm 2-pin). It offers equivalent user-facing functions (wired IEM, detachable cable) and equal-or-better measured performance in key axes: (a) FR alignment to modern targets is closer than Phoenixcall per public overlays [4], and (b) independent lab testing reports negligible distortion even at 114 dB SPL, indicating very low THD in practical use [5]. Price basis: Linsoul regular price 24.99 USD [6]. CP calculation: 24.99 USD ÷ 120 USD = 0.208 → 0.2 (rounded to one decimal).
Result: Phoenixcall’s CP is poor against today’s best budget performers.
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.4}\]One-year warranty is typical via dealers; no published MTBF/failure-rate data. Resin shells and standard 0.78 mm 2-pin cabling aid repairability, but multi-driver complexity adds potential failure points vs single-DD designs. Support quality varies by region. [1]
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.3}\]Marketing emphasis on response to 40 kHz and super-tweeter drivers does not map to audible improvements for human listeners. Complexity (five drivers, multi-way crossover) lacks publicly shown benefits over simpler designs that measure closer to neutral. Investment appears directed to cosmetics/theme and driver count rather than verified audible transparency. [1][7]
Advice
If you enjoy an energetic V-shape with strong bass sparkle and appreciate the aesthetics, Phoenixcall can be satisfying at around 120 USD. If you prioritize fidelity per measurements, start with 7HZ Zero:2 (~25 USD) for greater accuracy per dollar, or consider Truthear Zero:RED (~55 USD) if you prefer a slightly warmer, target-centric tuning with abundant third-party data. [4][5][6][8]
References
[1] Kinera — Phoenixcall official specifications (sensitivity/impedance/cable specifications, etc.). Confirmed 2025-08-19.
https://kineraaudio.com/products/kinera-celest-phoenixcall-1dd-2ba-2-micro-planar-drivers-iems
[2] Kinera Store Listing — Phoenixcall current price (119.99 USD). Accessed 2025-08-19.
https://kineraaudio.com/collections/vendors?q=kinera (scroll to Phoenixcall)
[3] HobbyTalk Squiglink — Phoenixcall frequency response (interactive). Accessed 2025-08-19.
https://hobbytalk.squig.link/?share=Kinera_Celest_PhoenixCall
[4] PW Squiglink — 7HZ Zero:2 frequency response (interactive). Accessed 2025-08-19.
https://pw.squig.link/?share=7Hz_Salnotes_Zero_2,7Hz_Salnotes_Zero,Salnotes_Zero_2,Olina-SE,Olina,Olina-Lite
[5] Audio Science Review — 7HZ Zero:2 measurement review (shows minimal distortion even at 114 dB SPL). Accessed 2025-08-19.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2-iem-review.50534/
[6] Linsoul — 7HZ Zero:2 product page (normal price 24.99 USD, 0.78 mm 2-pin). Accessed 2025-08-19.
https://www.linsoul.com/products/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2
[7] HiFiGo News — Phoenixcall SPD 3.0/FPD driver explanation. Published 2023-08-16, accessed 2025-08-19.
https://hifigo.com/blogs/news/celest-phoenixcall-1dd-2ba-2fpd-multi-driver-hybrid-iems
[8] Amazon.co.jp — Phoenixcall domestic price example (approximately 131 USD). Accessed 2025-08-19.
https://www.amazon.co.jp/Kinera-Celest-PhoenixCall-2FPD/dp/B0DHRMRHGQ
[9] Shenzhenaudio — Truthear Zero:RED price reference (approximately 55 USD). Accessed 2025-08-19.
https://shenzhenaudio.com/products/truthear-x-crinacle-zero-red-dual-dynamic-drivers-in-ear-headphone
(2025.8.19)