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Kefine Klean Review: New Budget King—Pietro’s Take

Kindlefirehditaly

Disclaimer:

Good morning, readers! The new Kefine model has finally arrived. The Kefine Klean is the successor to the beloved Delci. Like the previous ones, the quality for the price is impressive! Many brands in this price range do not even come close to a metal alloy shell. One thing I really appreciate about this brand is that up until now it has always produced IEMs with metal shells. I must say, however, that for the moment the best shell is the Delci one in light alloy machined by CNC.

I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.

So I’m not going to use super technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.

Tech Specs:

Packaging:

The packaging of Kefine Klean is anything but classic; it is not a standard box to lower costs but a custom-made one. Inside the equipment for the price is always really excellent.

If we consider that it costs 10 USD less than the Delci but brings such a sound and construction quality, it is truly a miracle. Kefine is doing very well and their products are proof of it. The only thing I would like to see in the future is the possibility of choosing a balanced cable even for a few dollars more.

Design/Build quality:

Kefine Klean Faceplates
Back & front
Pretty nice minimal desing
Details

The Kefine Klean, in my opinion, is a reference point for those who enter this hobby. At 49 USD, you have a complete IEM with impeccable construction and finishing. The metal shells are simple in design with faceplates designed but very nice aesthetically. In the internal part of the shell we find a screw that presumably holds the IEM together. There are also two ventilation holes both before and after the DD. The nozzles are interchangeable and it is another added value if we consider their price range. The cable is the classic one that we have already seen and in my opinion, it is very good. As for the included tips, they are fine but as always, an upgrade is recommended.

Kefine Klean Beauty
Internal side
Nozzle magic
DD inside the nozzle

As you can see from the macro photos, the build quality is really high. I think you can feel the quality and beauty. They are heavier than the Delci because they are two different types of shells but I don’t find them too heavy and annoying in any way.

With a nozzle like this, the grip on any kind of eartips is assured. I think it is excellent to have opted for such an edgy finish.

Initial sound impression:

I start from the assumption that it’s been a while since I listened to the Kefine Delci so I absolutely have to listen to them again. At first glance, I immediately noticed the connection between them due to the chosen tuning. In terms of sound clarity, I seemed to be more surprised with the Delci but I could easily be wrong. The Kefine Klean certainly has predominant low frequencies, with mids that are all in all recessed but not veiled. At the first change of DAC from the Fosi SK02 to the Fosi DS2, I immediately noticed how it is very influenced by the source and therefore I assume from now on that a balanced cable is the best thing. I can’t tell you the reason but somehow the bass on the DS2 is rounder and cleaner and immediately benefits in sound clarity. As a first sensation, I immediately felt the need to try other tips with something more premium and performing.

Equipment used for testing:

Device:

Software:

Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)

DAC:

Tips & Cable Rolling:

The Kefine Klean can undoubtedly sound better through upgrades that do not necessarily have to be expensive. The tips that you can try without exaggerating the cost are undoubtedly the SS20 that often adapts to all IEMs, while if your budget is slightly higher, you can opt for Divinus Velvet or even the EPZ M100.

For the choice of cable, a copper Kbear is more than fine. In my case, I used ARES S II by Effect Audio but only because it just arrived. In terms of perceived quality, the difference is more in the greater dynamics that the driver acquires from the better power supply of the balanced cable. The biggest differences are heard from source to source. It seems to me that the Kefine Klean behaves particularly well with Cirrus Logic chips that can provide fuller bass.

Comfort & fit:

In terms of comfort, the Delci were slightly superior but the shapes remain compact and easily adaptable, even to small ears. The shapes of the shells are less rounded and more angular.

Kefine Klean 360° Reel

Final sound impression:

In the meantime, I also started listening to the Kefine Delci again. Regarding the shells, I can tell you that I think they are slightly superior. The sound itself is very similar but Delci seems to do better with the soundstage. With a test with my eyes closed, I think it would be difficult to distinguish them from the sound. In any case, the Kefine Klean is excellent in several aspects. Its 10 mm DD is not bad at all and the tuning, although U-shaped and warm, is pleasant and suitable for the genres I listen to. Once I defined the source in the Simgot DEW4X, the sound seemed cleaner than it was initially.

It seems to me that with the Cirrus logic dongle it can bring out its full potential. If you do not want to upgrade the cable, the Fiio KA11 is a great choice to keep the budget low.

The bass has a good extension, the rumble is marked and the texture is very good. Honestly, Kefine knows how to return full-bodied and rich bass; I love this brand for this. But do not think that it is only bass and no details; the mids are recessed but not hidden and the voices and instruments mix well. The tone reflects the voices quite naturally, while as for the treble, in my opinion it could have maintained more sparkle that is partially recovered using the black nozzle that I recommend. Even with the black nozzle, the trebles are never harsh and it is impossible for them to become sibilant.

Treble

Kefine keeps the treble at a level that the mass of users will certainly not have problems with. The Klean fortunately has tuning nozzles and if you aspire to more fizziness, just mount the ones with the black grill. In my opinion, the sound is also more precise. The details can be picked up easily; it adds a bit of spice but I was not able to pick up real sibilance. Using this nozzle, the resolution benefits with a good increase in macro and micro details.

Mids

The mids are very nice and smooth, in my opinion. Female voices have better fidelity than male ones but their presentation has the right amount of thickness and weight. They are not completely devoid of nuance, as purists might like but overall I can’t complain. They allow you to enjoy your favorite songs with a certain musicality and energy that keeps you with the Klean in your ears even for several hours without any annoyance or fatigue.

Bass

The subbass seemed somehow less recessed on the Delci but even here the bass control allows you to follow the rumble precisely. The texture is detailed enough (considering the price range, it is above average). Even if they are definitely ahead and protagonists of this set, I would not call the Kefine Klean an IEM Basshead but a set on the threshold of that territory. Those who love bass will find them absolutely very pleasant.

Soundstage and Imaging:

The soundstage is excellent; it has the right width and depth, but in terms of precision, the Delci seem slightly more precise in positioning and separation. The image is clear and the layering is quite precise in all situations. It loses a bit of cleanliness in very pushed and elaborate tracks.

Fast Comparison:

vs Kefine Delci

Kefine Delci

Nobody could tell the difference if you closed your eyes. I can say that we are on the same level of quality but the differences are in the soundstage and in its precision. The Delci does better in these two aspects but the Klean recovers with a more balanced tuning. They are not so different as to justify owning both.

vs Sivga Que

SIVGA Que

There is definitely more difference here. The Sivga Que is more mid-centric and performs better on voices but the bass extension is limited. On the treble, I would say that more or less they have a similar overall result. Which ones are more entertaining? Definitely the Kefine Klean, which in my ears is more energetic and musical. The Sivga Que has better standard accessories.

Conclusion:

Kefine is doing a great job. They understood that most enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts can only afford to buy in a certain price range. Focusing on 50 USD IEMs to establish the brand and later release more important sets makes perfect sense. The Kefine Delci is well known. It has marked a small milestone in its price range. The same will happen with the Kefine Klean for the sub-50 USD range. I think anyone who is not too purist will be able to appreciate the tuning of the Klean without any problems. Their musicality and energy make them sincere companions in your music listening sessions. 

In conclusion, I recommend you at least change the original tips, while for the balanced cable it is not strictly necessary. What you really need is a good dongle with 3.5mm SE output, such as the Fiio Ka11.

Besides that, it’s really hard to find any cons for just $49, so taking into account the quality/price ratio, my rating is objectively high.

9/10

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Pros: 

Cons: 

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