Kinera has long been a standout in the ChiFi scene, known for its stunningly designed IEMs like the Loki, Baldr, and Freya – each sporting price tags as eye-catching as their aesthetics. However, the luxury of these high-end models isn’t accessible to everyone, which is probably why Kinera launched the Celest sub-brand – it aims to bring high-quality sound to a more budget-conscious audience.

There are a number of notable models under the Celest brand, including the Gumiho, Pandamon, and Wyvern Abyss (also known as the Wyvern Black). Today, we’ll be diving into the Wyvern Qing, an IEM that’s essentially an alternate version of the Wyvern Abyss. Both IEMs share the same driver setup, and aside from the faceplate and shell design, are practically identical.

What It Is

The Celest Wyvern Qing uses 10mm LCP diaphragm dynamic driver, and it is tuned based on the 2019 Harman target response curve. It also has “high-precision” DLP 3D-printed resin shells with a PVC decorated faceplate, lending a rather sleek aesthetic to the IEM. As for pricing, it’s currently going for $25 (about RM110) on HiFiGo, which also sent us this review unit of the Wyvern Qing.

It’s worth noting that the Wyvern Qing moniker is actually taken from the Azure Dragon of Chinese mythology, which carries a backstory that promises grandeur. However, the packaging is rather…standard, lacking the elaborate presentation one might expect from its mythological namesake. Heck, there isn’t even a carrying case or pouch bundled with the IEM.

Anyway, the stock cable of the Wyvern Qing is a 0.78mm 2-pin high-purity OFC silver-plated cable. However, it’s worth noting that this review unit is the microphone version, which uses a black oxygen-free copper cable instead. If you need the convenience of a microphone, this version of the Qing costs only $1 more.

Interestingly, the Wyvern Qing comes with a stock set of ear tips which is dubbed “Celest Custom 221 Vocal Tips” that supposedly emphasise higher frequencies for better vocal performance. Basically, these are wide bore ear tips which should lift up the highs.

For those who are curious, I did some tip rolling with the Wyvern Qing, and I will leave a comparison of three ear tips – Final Audio Type E, Tangzu Sancai, and 7Hz Barrel – further down the review.

How Does It Sound?

Naturally, as advertised, the Wyvern Qing adheres closely to the well-known Harman target curve. It has rumbly low-end, a warm and pleasant tonality in general, as well as average soundstage and detail retrieval; more than good enough for a budget IEM at this price point.

Bass

With a pronounced sub-bass, the Wyvern Qing has a good amount of depth and rumble in the low-end. The mid-bass also contributes to a warm and punchy sound, adding fullness without bleeding into the mids, which is great.

Mids

The tuning signature of the Wyvern Qing brings clarity and forwardness to female vocals, making them crisp and pronounced. However, this emphasis on the upper-mids can result in female vocals sounding a bit thin and dry. The mid-range is well-isolated, but the lack of warmth and body might not fully satisfy listeners who prefer a richer, more textured vocal experience.

Highs

The treble response of the Wyvern Qing can be characterised by a rolled-off upper end. This helps to create a smooth and fatigue-free listening experience, though it also means that the treble lacks some of the crispness and sparkle found in other IEMs. The highs are present and adequately detailed, but the roll-off can result in less energetic and airy sound.

Notes on Tip Rolling

As mentioned, I did some tip rolling with the Wyvern Qing, and the Final Audio Type E ear tip improves the fit of the IEM – at least, for my particular ears – and helps to moderate the elevated pinna gain. This tip also brings vocals more forward and slightly enhance the low-end, resulting in a more cohesive overall sound.

Next, there’s the Tangzu Sancai tip, which is able to provide a good balance between bass and mids with the Wyvern Qing. On top of that, the tip enhances the bass impact and adds more body to vocals, resulting in a fuller and more engaging sound.

Last but not least is the 7Hz Barrel ear tip; it proved to be effective in restoring some of the missing air and clarity in the treble of the Wyvern Qing. This addresses the IEM’s roll-off while adding a touch more crispness and sparkle.

Is It Worth It?

At $25, the Kinera Celest Wyvern Qing is a strong contender for those who are looking to dip their feet in the ChiFi hobby without breaking the bank. The aesthetics and build quality of the IEM are commendable, though the lack of a carrying pouch or case may be a downside to some folks. With that in mind, while I personally find the Wyvern Qing’s sound signature more appealing than, say, the Truthear Gate’s, the latter actually includes a carrying pouch, so it gets extra points in terms of practicality.

In summary, the Wyvern Qing is a visually striking and sonically competent IEM that stands out in the budget segment. If you highly value design and build quality in an IEM, the Wyvern Qing will not disappoint. The only downside to the Qing, for myself, is the lack of a carrying case or pouch. Yes, I can easily buy a third-party one myself, but it would’ve been better if I don’t have to do that in the first place.

Li Jin Soh contributed to this review.