Vigyata.AI
Is this your channel?

AMAZING VALUE, One Caveat... | Celest CD-2 Dongle DAC Review

1.1K views· 28 likes· 12:32· Apr 6, 2025

🛍️ Products Mentioned (7)

Obie dives into the Celest CD-2, a budget-friendly dongle DAC/AMP with a unique T-shaped design. Featuring dual output jacks—3.5mm and 4.4mm (not true balanced)—Obie explores its compact build, analytical sound, and real-world usability. Whether you're an audiophile or just curious, this review has you covered. NON-AFFILIATE PURCHASE LINKS: Official website link: https://kineraaudio.com/products/celest-cd-2-portable-type-c-to-3-5mm-4-4mm-dac-audio-hifi-earphone-decoder-headphone AliExpress link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008487749763.html Official website: https://kineraaudio.com FULL WRITTEN REVIEW HERE: 00:00 INTRO 00:28 UNBOXING, BUILD & DESIGN 02:50 SPECS 03:20 SOUND 04:16 POWER OUTPUT 05:38 NOISE 06:37 USAGE 07:45 COMPATIBILITY 08:39 COMPARISONS 11:15 CONCLUSION DISCLAIMER: All thoughts and opinions shared on this video is of mine and mine alone. I was not compensated in any way and I was not told to say anything about the product. These are all my honest observations. Audio is a very subjective hobby and as much as I try to objectively explain my thoughts and opinions, your mileage will vary. My preferences will also affect how I perceive the gear that I review. Sources and other accessories will also modify your experience. Lastly, my reviews should always be used only as a guide and not as the definitive bible. Trust your ears to know what’s good. TIERLIST: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Tg1KK7Kloo3CeKzSPJBMlYcCR4YZ8tiAclMbGB2jML0/edit?usp=sharing Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2aQOY6zGD082lDbG1yRB3f?si=c20fff5128b143a8 Follow us on our social media pages! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRv42fx1TIcEpP_QBbkhEOA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OB.ODIO Twitter: https://twitter.com/obodioreviews Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obodioreviews/ Website: audionotions.com Check out my squig: obodio.squig.link JOIN OUR DISCORD!: https://discord.gg/d9dgrjTx6B Check out AudioNotions!: https://audionotions.com/ Contact us through email for business inquiries: obodioreviews@gmail.com #celest #CD-2 #DAC #AMP #dual-interface #audio #decoding #Hifi

About This Video

I took a deep look at the Celest CD-2, a $24 dongle DAC/amp that I genuinely think has the best form factor for a smartphone setup—and you cannot convince me otherwise. The whole point here is the T-shaped, single-piece design: no cable, nothing dangling, nothing getting wrapped around in your pocket or bag. You get both 3.5mm and 4.4mm on one tiny body, with a premium-feeling zinc alloy shell that’s beefy and honestly feels way more expensive than it is (though yes, it can stick out like a sore thumb in tight pockets). Sound-wise, the CD-2 is one of the few budget dongles I can confidently call bright and analytical. It prioritizes crispness and clarity over body and “musicality,” so it’s a great match for warmer IEMs or anything that needs a tighter, cleaner low end and more energy up top. The caveat: it can push treble into sibilance on already-bright sets, and there’s an audible noise floor on some sensitive IEMs (not crazy loud, but it’s there if you listen for it). Also, that 4.4mm is not true balanced—same output as 3.5mm—but for $24, having a practical 4.4 option on the go is still a massive win in my book.

Frequently Asked Questions

🎬 More from OB ODIO Reviews (obodio)