KEFINE DELCI AE – VINTAGE TONED (Kathir’s Take)

INTRODUCTION:

The Chinese IEM manufacturer Kefine has already set its foot in the field of audio industry with its stellar products. Klean SV being my favourite, the DELCI AE with its single DLC + PU dynamic driver seems to be superior on papers. This unit was produced in collaboration with Angel Ears as an upgrade over the OG Delci. In this review let’s see what’s in it and the real use case scenario of the Kefine Delci AE.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Driver: Dynamic Driver

Diaphragm: DLC+PU Composite Diaphragm

Driver Diaphragm Size: 10mm

Connector: 0.78mm 2 Pin

Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Sensitivity: 108 dB +/- 3 dB

Impedance: 28Ω +/- 15%Plug: 3.5mm / 4.4mm

BUILD AND DESIGN:

The biggest positive of Delci is its construction. Unmatched lightness and sturdy construction give this Delci a big boost in its ergonomics. The aviation grade aluminium gives the best of both worlds!

The earpieces are small enough to provide a snug fit and sits well inside the conchae. The minimalistic branding on the faceplate and sides adds up the aesthetic look. 2 pin connectors are nicely recessed into the body with 2 pressure relief vents on the inner aspect of body for pressure equalisation.

Two different screwable tuning nozzles in silver and gold are included in the package for a versatile sound output. The gold nozzle boosts the treble to provide a more brighter presentation while the silver sticks with the subtle lift.

Plethora of accessories are included within the package! A premium stock cable with metallic terminators, good selection of ear tips and a leatherette zipper case to store the IEMs adds up the value of Delci.

DISCLAIMER:

This unit was provided to me by Delci Official in exchange for my honest opinion. The views might vary from person to person based upon pairings.

SOUND ANALYSIS:

Signature: Mild V Shape

Tonality: Warm Neutral

PAIRINGS: Delci AE + Silver Nozzle + Tanchjim Space Dongle Dac + MusicBee PC

BASS PROFILE:

Delci AE fills up the scene with enough low end to treat the ears that yearns for that. The slight V shaped signature lifts up this section giving proper fun and engagement factor. The sync between the sub and mid bass of Delci AE leaves good impression just after the initial listen. No overlapping is seen between the two frequencies, making them sound clean with dynamism in mind. The lightness in its weight provides the clarity when the tracks get busy.

This displays plenty of warmth that spread all across the board. The tactile sub bass drops add beauty to the ethereal and realistic scene of the Delci AE. Kick drums and bass guitars sounds impactful with enough room for them to shine. The warm character of the Delci AE compliments the mid bass effectively thereby showcasing a full-bodied presentation. Despite being big on bass, the speed appears to be on the precise side with fast attack and decay. The controlled response of Delci AE leaves no room for the bass bleed and that makes them stand out amidst the competition.

The scale is kept neutral with needed quantity and quality thereby showcasing no compromise in any aspects of the bass profile. No overpowering! It’s just an art of pure balance. Though it’s not a weighty bass, the balance brings the magic!

MID PROFILE:

Being a V shaped, the first and foremost aspect that one notices is its laidback vocals. It’s pretty relaxing and goes well with LO-Fi’s etc. The extra space in the AE does allows the instruments the span out widely thereby producing a holographic scene.

Tonal balance is kept neutral with hint of warmth that’s carried over from the bass profile for a dynamic listen. Lushness is clearly appreciated in the lower mid-section which enhances the richness of male vocals and instrument notes. The clean elevation of the upper mid brings life to the female vocals thereby deploying a vivid character to it.

TREBLE:

The mild V shaped does brings an elevated treble experience onto the table. The added brightness compensates the warmth that it carries. This allows the percussion instruments and trumpets to shine without getting muted out. The shimmer on the upper end gives proper bite to the sharp notes.

The sibilance is well under control with no noticeable sharp edges. They do peek up occasionally when the treble scene gets intense but for most part, they sound clean. The scene however changes with the gold filter which boosts the treble section noticeably.

TECHNICALITIES:

STAGING: The extra width in the scene helps the Delci in portraying a holographic presentation. The notes sweep clean from extreme right to the left with no stutters thereby displays a well coherent sound. Moderate stage depth is seen and all thanks to its bigger bass profile.

IMAGING AND LAYERING: Despite the extra warmth, the transient appear faster leaving enough time for the notes to appear and shine. This makes Delci more capable in replaying the busy tracks with ease. The precise placement of the notes in background gives Delci the edge in imaging aspect and leads as a good candidate for FPS gaming.

DETAIL RETRIEVAL: Though not the most detailed set, this extracts the essential nuances effectively thereby producing a clean and detailed sound.

VERDICT:

The single dynamic driver setup still tends to be on top in budget segment due to its COHERENCY, a difficult one to attain in the hybrid setups. It has the capacity to make one get addicted to its lush and dynamic sonic output. Delci AE, an offering from the house of Kefine in collaboration with Angel Ears does the same effect with its single DLC + PU Diaphragm dynamic driver.

The joy one gets out of a mild V shaped signature still remains unbeaten for me. The rich bass profile, laidback mid presentation and the lively treble uplifts one’s mood instantly. So, are they the perfect signature? No one is and its all-user preference. One common problem with heavy bass is the display of dark smudge throughout the frequency board which Delci handles elegantly. Delci AE with its strong natural tone, bigger bass and transparent background brings the added clarity without compromising the dynamism.

KEY VERDICT

BASS: Clear distinction between the sub and mid bass profile brings the added clarity to the table. The subtle sub bass touch with tactile sensation and the thicker mid bass gives best of the best in its segment. Definitely not the most bass head certified, yet with its precise weight and decay and analogue nature, this is the one that I consider as my daily beater! Quality > Quantity any day…

MID: Laidback vocals feel relaxing and being a vivid forward listener, this does feel good to listen. The natural tone and lushness give realistic outlook and an engaging overall listen. Enough warmth in the lower mid and gentle elevation in the upper mid gives Delci the best possible outcome.

TREBLE: Cleaner elevation with adequate brightness provides Delci the proper vivid character. With its precise attack and decay, the percussion instruments shines without getting muddied out.

TECHNICALITIES: Above average detail retrieval, precise imaging (gaming certified), faster transients and wide stage presence all adds up to its beauty and decorates the sound of Delci even more.

With its CNC machined Aviation grade aluminium build, this is the lightest to be felt in this segment. Kefine Delci AE with its VINTAGE-TONED sonic and utmost comfort gives the perfect listening experience to those who crave dynamism.

POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES:

Pros:

1. Analogue Warmth with Thick Bass Profile
2. Laidback Mid-Section
3. Warm Neutral Tonality
4. Precise Imaging and Faster Transients
5. Value Proposition

Cons:

1. Lacks Stage Depth