The Celest Ignite X Beast and CD20 are Celest’s new products with pricetags of $49 and $89 respectively
The Ignite X Beast has a DD + BA driver configuration and is probably one of the most extravagant IEMs I’ve ever seen thanks to its funky color. Pictures online do not do justice on how good this thing actually looks.
As for the sound, the Ignite X has a slight U-Shaped sound signature with heavy emphasis on the upper frequencies. However, the most impressive aspect of this is probably that bass as the level of tactility and nuance is bar none one of the best I’ve heard in the sub $50 category. The pain point is the treble as there’s a very distinct metallic timbre in exchange for well-defined treble detail.
The CD20 on the other hand is a dongle DAC that features an ES9039Q2M DAC with an advertised output of 250mW @ 32ohms on 3.5mm and 480mW @ 32ohms on 4.4mm balanced.
This has got to be one of my favorite dongles right now as it’s one of the few dongles in this price range that has such a precise emphasis on having very well defined dynamics and transients while avoiding coloration on the sound. Many dongles in this price opt for emphasis on transients at the cost of potential sibilance some certain tracks and headphones, but the CD20 was able to minimize that while also presenting the dynamics of the set you’re listening to with such precision and fitness. I haven’t heard a dongle have this level of balance in a while and proves the CD20 is more than just another dongle in the market.
STAY TUNED FOR MY FULL IMPRESSIONS!
