Kefine Klean IEM Review – Trimming The Fat
INTRO
Kefine offered up their latest model named the Kefine Klean, and the first thing I asked was how are these different from the Kefine Delci? The recipe looked similar, a 10 mm DLC dynamic driver, a metal shell, changeable nozzle filters and a modest price tag of $45.
I was informed they used a different shell to make them even more affordable while sticking to a similar tuning as the Delci series. The Kefine Klean follows the consumer favorite 2019 Harman target as opposed to the more diffuse tuning of the Delci/Delci AE. It is a storyline we have read before, and executed well with no major drawbacks.
PHYSICAL DESIGN
The Kefine Klean uses a CNC metal shell that feels hefty even in comparison to the Delci/Klanar design. CNC machining is currently cheaper according to Kefine than 3D printed shells and manages to knock about $10-15 off the price of their nicely done Delci. Fitment is slightly better for me, as the Delci floated a bit causing some angle issues with the nozzle on my troublesome right ear. Due to the more vertical orientation of shape, this provides a better anchor for my ear.
The cable feels robust and with the twist is fairly simple to produce. It resists tangling and keeps microphonics low. The 2 pin connection feels solid and tight. Nothing new to report on the ear-tips, however the case was a little problematic with the zipper getting caught in the inner fabric. At $40 it is nice to have a case though, and they probably source the case from a supplier.
Filters are included, the silver ones tailor it to a Harman curve, whereas the black filters offer a less restrained lower treble and a more forward sound. Kefine should include some o-rings on the nozzle to lock down the filters, they tend to unscrew over time. Think about adding some of your own.
PACKAGE CONTENTS
SOUND
Tested with SMSL DO400, LG G8 , FiiO KA15 and HIDIZS S8 Pro
The happy spot for bass in the Kefine Klean resides in the mid-bass region with some extension into lower sub-bass frequencies. I find them to be well balanced and punchy to a degree. Flight of the Cosmic Hippo reveals it can resolve those lower notes, and I am happy to report those bass grunts come through cleanly. Bass hits do sound a bit soft at times, but I have to keep in mind the price tag while critiquing these.
Vocals have a studio flat quality with not a ton of space around them. Female vocals sound softened and with a bit of spice in the upper registers. Another area that gets a different treatment than before involves shaving off some brilliance creating an over-damped quality with cymbals shakers and anything that needs a bit of shimmer to sound lifelike. The black filters improve it slightly in quantity, but over-damped quality remains. If you are the type that prefers this style, the Kefine Klean could be the budget pick for you.
Soundstage skews wider than deep, everything sounds rather forward with the Kefine Klean. Separation is average and in a vacuum feels fine, but compared to mid-tier offerings like the Sennheiser IE200 the flatness of it becomes more apparent. Certain busy tracks will cause the Klean to trip over itself, but in context it is a $45 earphone, not a $450+ earphone.
FINAL CUT
While I do not believe the Kefine Klean to be an outright cheaper version of the Delci or Delci AE, they are a different flavor for sure. I prefer the fitment of these, but the sound of the Delci AE. I believe there should exist different flavors, Delci for warmer jazzy types, Delci AE for extra spicy yet clean top end, or the Klean for more of a cheese and crackers appetizer. It’s not a bad choice, I tend to not get too excited over these lower tiers, but it is a safe choice if not chasing your tail.
Disclaimer: Tis the season to be grateful and I extend thanks to Kefine for providing the Kefine Klean for no charge.
GRAPHS
- Left vs Right Silver Filter
- Left vs Right Black Filter
- Silver vs Black Filters
DISCLAIMER
Get it from any number of Stores like Linsoul, Hifigo, Aliexpress, etc
Our generic standard disclaimer.
