Introduction
The Kinera Celest Plutus Beast is an affordable in-ear monitor featuring a unique tribrid driver configuration of a bone conduction driver, balanced armature, and planar magnetic driver. At just $89, it packs impressive technology into a beautiful resin shell. In this review, I’ll evaluate the Plutus Beast’s design, comfort, sound quality, and overall performance to help you determine if it’s the right IEM for you.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review. Please note that the individual ratings provided for each product are given in the context of the product’s price.
Celest Plutus Beast
Specifications
- Three-Driver Tribrid Configuration:
- 1BC+1BA+1SPD (Patented Planar Driver) Acoustic Structure.
- Impedance: 8Ω.
- Sensitivity: 108dB.
- Frequency Response Range: 20 Hz–20 kHz.
- Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-pin.
- Termination Plug: 3.5mm or 4.4mm.
Individual ratings
The deep, powerful, and textured bass is a major strength.
The midrange leans full-bodied and intimate. Lower mids are rich, and upper mids are energetic. However, it can sound "shouty" on busier tracks.
The treble has an early roll-off starting at 8 kHz, sacrificing extension and airiness for non-fatiguing listening. Lacks sparkle and microdetail retrieval.
Soundstage has good width but just average depth. Imaging is more diffuse, with general left and right cues, but lacks fine-tuning.
Details take a hit due to the treble roll-off. Technical performance is just average.
Good dynamic range, but the bone conduction driver lacks speed and causes congestion at times. Note attack and decay could be more agile.
Average resolution that falls short of neutral, analytical sets. Bass bloats out some nuances. Not ideal for critical listening.
Great build with excellent fit and finish, especially considering the price.
Very comfortable once you find the right eartips to fit the unique shell shape.
Overall Rating
Bottom Line
The Kinera Celest Plutus Beast brings a unique flavour to the budget IEM market. While not technically proficient, it provides an immensely fun basshead sound and premium unboxing experience at an affordable $89.
Pros
- Deep, textured sub-bass rumble
- Engaging, forward upper mids
- Smooth treble, fatigue-free listen
- Good instrument separation for a V-shape
- excellent build and accessories for the price.
- Fun, energetic musical tuning
Cons
- Bass decay is slightly unnatural.
- Upper mids are prone to shouting on some tracks.
- Lacking treble extension and sparkle
- Average technical performance for price
- odd shell shape and long nozzle
Gaming Performance
The Plutus Beast's warm, bassy sound doesn't lend itself optimally to competitive gaming but works well for immersive single-player gaming. The large bass helps explosions pack a punch, and gunshots feel impactful. The soundstage is intimate, somewhat hurting spatial awareness, but side-to-side imaging allows decent left/right enemy localization in FPS titles. Overall, it's great for laid-back gaming rather than tournament-style play.
Music Genres
Suitable
- EDM, Hip Hop, Pop, Rock, Metal, and R&B
Not Suitable
- Classical, Jazz, and Acoustic
Equalization Tips
- Preamp: -3 dB
- 100 Hz: +2 dB
- 1 kHz: -2 dB
- 6 kHz: +3 dB
- 10 kHz: +1 dB
- (Brings down mid-bass warmth, reduces upper mid-shout, and adds treble presence and air.)
1. Packaging
- Celest Plutus Beast
- 6 pairs of eartips
- cable
- case
- metal bookmark
- paperworks
2. Design And Build Quality
The Plutus Beast has a sleek resin shell constructed via 3D printing for a seamless, high-precision fit. The faceplate has an elegant hand-painted design with a sparkling starry backdrop meant to evoke a sense of divinity. The build quality is excellent, with no rough edges or imperfections. The 2-pin detachable cable is made from high-purity silver-plated copper and feels supple and durable.
The included cable is a 5N silver-plated copper cable terminated in a 3.5mm or 4.4mm plug with 0.78mm 2-pin connectors. It looks nice, aesthetically matches the black shells, and is sufficiently lightweight and flexible. The chin slider is just average but does its job. Overall, the build quality is great considering the price point.
3. Comfort
Despite the triple-driver setup, the Plutus Beast has a surprisingly compact and lightweight resin shell. I found it very comfortable to wear for extended listening sessions. The nozzle size is average and compatible with most standard eartips. Getting a proper seal and fit may require some tip rolling, but once adjusted, the ergonomics are great. There is minimal ear fatigue, and the isolation is reasonably good for an IEM at this price point.
4. Sound Quality Of The Celest Plutus Beast
I. Tonality
The Plutus Beast has a warm, bassy sound with a forward, lower midrange and a relaxed treble. The bass and upper mids are emphasised, giving it a fun V-shaped signature, while the treble takes a laidback approach. Overall, the tonality is musical and engaging rather than analytical and revealing. It's an atypical tuning aimed at enjoyment over neutrality.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of The Celest Plutus Beast
III. Bass Response
The star of the show is the bass, courtesy of the 10mm bone conduction driver. It produces enormous rumble and slam in the sub-bass, matched with a solid mid-bass punch. The bass texture is unique; you can feel the visceral vibrations and resonance. It's a basshead's delight, though it could use a touch more speed and control. The low-end warmth does bleed into the lower midrange a bit, but not egregiously so. If you like deep, impactful bass, you'll love the Plutus Beast.
IV. Midrange Performance
The midrange is intimate and full-bodied. Lower mids are pleasantly rich, and male vocals have weight and depth. Upper mids are energetic and pushed forward, putting female vocals right in the spotlight. This makes tracks with female vocalists shine. However, on busier tracks, the prominence can cause bloat and a "shouty" tonality. The upper mid-emphasis combined with the relaxed treble makes the timbre slightly unnatural but nonetheless engaging.
V. Treble Response
In keeping with its overall musicality, the Plutus Beast takes it easy in the treble department. It has an early roll-off starting at 8 kHz to curtail harshness and sibilance, sacrificing extension for listenability. The treble is non-fatiguing, even at high volumes. However, the smoothness comes at the cost of sparkle, air, and microdetail retrieval. Trebleheads may be underwhelmed, but this makes the Plutus very forgiving of poorer quality recordings.
5. Technicalities Of The Celest Plutus Beast
I. Soundstage And Imaging
The stage size is decent, with good width and average depth. The imaging is more on the diffuse side; you get a general sense of left and right positioning, but fine-tuning is lacking. The laidback treble likely contributes to this. Instrument separation falls a bit short due to the warmth and mid-bass bleed. The stage doesn't impress in technical ability but provides a cosy musical space.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
Even on busy tracks, instruments never sound congested, which is impressive considering the price point and tuning. The V-shape gives vocals and instruments their own space in the mix. But micro-detail retrieval takes a hit, again owing to the treble roll-off. The tuning prioritises timbre over technicalities. Those looking for the most detailed set for the price may be disappointed.
III. Dynamics And Speed
The bone-conduction driver provides excellent dynamics and speed in the bass region. Attack and decay are both quick, providing tight, punchy bass notes with great texture. But this speed doesn't fully extend into the mids, which sound comparatively more laid-back. Still, the dynamic bass does help inject energy into the sound, preventing it from sounding dull or constrained.
IV. Resolution
With its shelved treble and intimate staging, the Plutus Beast predictably falls short in resolution compared to neutral sets. It doesn't retrieve microdetails well, and the bass bloats out lower-level nuances. The musical tonality simply doesn't lend itself to critical listening. For acoustic subtleties and analysing recording quality, you'll need to look elsewhere. But for casual listening, the resolution is very respectable at this price.
6. Comparisons
Celest Plutus Beast vs. Moondrop Aria
The Aria provides a more balanced Harman-ish tuning compared to the V-shaped Beast. It has tighter, faster bass with better mid-bass control. Mids are more linear on the Aria, with better lower mid presence and a less shouty upper midrange. Treble has more extension and air on the Aria. The soundstage is wider on the Aria, with better imaging. Overall, the Aria is more natural-sounding, while the Beast is more colourful and fun.
Celest Plutus Beast vs. Tin HiFi T3 Plus
The T3 Plus is another V-shaped set with its own flavor. It has similar sub-bass extension but a bit more mid-bass bloat than the clean Beast. Mids are more recessed on the T3 Plus, with no upper mid shout. Treble has more presence on the T3 Plus with better extension, while the Beast smooths it out. The soundstage is wider on the Beast, with better depth. Overall, the T3 Plus is darker, while the Beast is more engaging.
Celest Plutus Beast vs. Celest Gumiho
The older Gumiho is more balanced compared to the V-shaped Beast, with less bass emphasis and more linear mids. It has quicker decay and better technical performance thanks to the single-SPD driver. But the Beast has better bass extension and a more spacious presentation. Overall, the Gumiho leans more neutral compared to the bassy, musical Beast.
Celest Plutus Beast vs. 7Hz Timeless
Against the 7Hz Timeless, the Plutus Beast brings more bass rumble and midrange engagement, while the Timeless boasts superior resolution, speed, imaging, and soundstage expansion. The Timeless has greater versatility, while the Plutus Beast appeals more from an enjoyment standpoint.
Dive deeper with more comparisons.
7. FAQs
Q. Who should buy the Celest Plutus Beast?
Bassheads looking for a deep, powerful sub-bass
Those who prefer a musical V-shaped sound
Casual listeners who enjoy energetic tracks
Treble-sensitive people looking for a smooth IEM
Q. Who should avoid the Celest Plutus Beast?
Those looking for a neutral, balanced sound
Detail lovers demand technical brilliance.
Classical music enthusiasts
Someone needing a single all-rounder IEM
Q. Is Celest Plutus Beast suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
Yes, the Plutus Beast is suitable for treble-sensitive listeners. Its relaxed treble is non-fatiguing, with no spikes or harshness. Those sensitive to shouted or bright vocals may still find the upper mids potentially problematic, however.
Q. Is the Plutus Beast easy to drive?
Yes, with a sensitivity of 108 dB and just 8 ohms of impedance, the Plutus Beast can be easily driven from any portable device.
Q. How is the noise isolation?
Noise isolation is quite good thanks to the ergonomic shape and deep fit. It provides above-average isolation for an IEM.
Q. Does the Plutus Beast need an amp?
No, an external amp is not required. But it does scale nicely with more power, tightening up the bass further.
Q. What cable does the Plutus Beast come with?
It includes a 5N silver-plated copper cable with a 3.5mm or 4.4mm termination. The cable looks nice and performs adequately.
Q. Are there any fit issues with the Plutus Beast?
The unique teardrop shell shape and long nozzle do mean you have to find the right eartips for a proper fit and seal. Foam or wide-bore tips are recommended. People with very small ears may struggle.
Conclusion
The Celest Plutus Beast carves its own path with an unconventional triple-driver setup centred around a bone-conduction bass. It succeeds in delivering huge bass rumble and intimate vocals all while maintaining a non-fatiguing treble. However, technical performance takes a backseat to enjoyability in most areas. For those looking for resolution, soundstage expansion, and neutrality, this isn't the IEM for you. But if you want big bass in a small package coupled with smooth, lively tuning, the Plutus Beast is easy to recommend.
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