Disclaimer:
Good morning, MBA readers! Today, we have in our hands the new model of the Kefine Klean OG, the Kefine Klean SV. The visible changes, as you can see, are minimal; the housings remain the same; it still features a single driver, but what has changed is the tuning, which is more refined and sharper, thus taking the Kefine Klean to the next level. Above all, at this price, I believe there is nothing better in terms of entry-level audiophile headphones. Seriously, less than $60 for a product like this is truly awesome.
Table Of Content
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy who 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.
Thanks to Kefine for this review unit, which also includes a balanced cable and dongle for a complete evaluation.
Tech Specs:
- Driver Type: 10 mm DLC Diaphragm Dynamic Driver.
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz.
- Sensitivity: 107 ± 3 dB.
- Process Materials: CNC-machined metallic alloy.
- Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15 %.
- Cable options: SE 3.5 mm, 4.4 balanced, USB-C.
- Connection Type: 2 Pin 0.78 mm.
- Cable materials: 2 cores, silver-plated copper wire.
- Cable length: 1.2m ± 0.2 m.
- Weight: 10 g per side.
Packaging:
The Kefine Klean SV’s packaging is well-made, especially for the price range, but it’s no different from the old one. They recycled almost everything, which is great for keeping costs down.
Inside, we find:
- 3.5mm cable
- 6 pairs of eartips divided into two models, one of which is the 07 type
- Branded hard case
- 3 pairs of tuning nozzles
Extra accessories:
- Balanced cable
- Type-C dongle
The standard features for an IEM under $60 are truly excellent; similar features are sometimes not found even on the most expensive IEMs. The eartips are fine with the model, but a more premium model is advisable. The cables, which share the same materials, are excellent, yet attractive and functional.
Design/Build Quality:
The Kefine Klean SV design follows that of the older models; the faceplates have changed in color and pattern. There are two ventilation holes before and after the driver, visible on the inside of the shells. The difference is in the nozzle: they’ve gone from one with an interchangeable ring to a completely unscrewable nozzle. A good choice, as they’re already quite small. Other obvious changes include a metal mesh protecting the driver, which you can see once the nozzle is removed. Otherwise, I haven’t noticed any differences; inside, we find a 10mm DD, which, honestly, I don’t know if it’s different (I think so) or simply tuned differently.
Initial sound impression:
From the very first moments, it’s clear that they’ve chosen a more detailed approach than their previous models. From the Delci to this model, you can see a progressive brightening of the soundstage. The Kefine Klean SV features a tuning that aims for greater sonic maturity, increasingly identifying itself in the audiophile scene as an entry-level choice for those new to this world. Details are much more pronounced, and the overall definition is improved compared to the Klean OG. In any case, the driver tolerates very heavy EQs without giving in to distortion in the slightest. In fact, with the FOsi Audio K7, it digests +12 dB of bass like a laugh, hammering your eardrums like not even the most powerful bass-head IEMs. The most impressive thing is that it maintains all frequencies very well, confirming the quality of the chosen driver. The representation is more intimate than some other IEMs; it adopts a purely monitor approach, which, honestly, I don’t despise, especially with this quality and sharpness of detail.
Equipment used for testing:
Device:
- Mac Mini
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G
Software:
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)
DAC:
- Creative X5 (added warmth)
- Fosi Audio K7 (neutral brighter)
- Kefine Dongle (pretty nice)
Kefine Dongle:
The Kefine dongle is nothing more than a TTGK dongle that uses a Conexant 31993 chip that supports up to 32-bit at 384 kHz. It’s not bad, and it’s a much better improvement than the first ones I tried. Even a budget product has become more refined these days. So, if you don’t own one, know that, in addition to being a good product, it’s also much better than using, in most cases, the internal chips of most budget smartphones. I assume you can also use the tool provided by TTGK for managing dongles, but since it’s for OSX, it doesn’t work.
Tips & Cable Rolling:
In my opinion, no upgrades are necessary in terms of cables: the included ones are more than good, in fact, very good for the price, and currently the 4.4 mm version on Hifigo even costs less than the other versions.
As for eartips, the shells are well-made and tolerate different eartips well, so depending on what you want to achieve, just choose the right eartip. The included ones, to be precise, are perfect: they are the BGVP 07 model and usually boost the low end.
Final sound impression:
After several days of testing, I tried to figure out whether a balanced power supply or a dongle was necessary, and I think they’re not too demanding, but they still need a bit of power to fully express the included driver. I preferred a warmer source like the Creative X5, which gave them a touch more warmth, which I personally like. As a general rule, I wouldn’t use a bright source for the Klean SV. Overall, they share the same DNA as their predecessors up to about the upper-mids, then have a focus on definition and detail. They also handle any kind of EQ very well, so they’re also suitable for those who like to use presets.
Tuning Nozzle:
In terms of nozzles, we have three options, although I’ll tell you right away that they don’t cause drastic changes, as they are relatively similar; only the finish of the final mesh probably changes. There are no sponges inside, which could limit and further modify the sound.
- Silver: The nozzle they come with, on paper, is the most balanced of all. I find it correct for any musical genre and keeps all frequencies in balance.
- Gold: The most open nozzle, which filters as little as possible, maintains every detail and sign of brilliance while slightly sacrificing the perception of the bass.
- Black: The warmer nozzle slightly affects the upper mids and treble, making the sound more relaxing while sacrificing some detail and slightly accentuating the bass.
Treble
To achieve greater detail and refinement, they obviously raised the treble to higher levels to make the scene brighter and richer in macro and micro details. While the previous versions were largely shielded from peaks, here, occasionally, if the track requires it, the Kefine Klean SV will become spicy, but still tolerable. If you’re sensitive, fit the black nozzle.
Mids
The mids are excellent, rich in detail and refinement, from vocals to musical instruments, and they don’t disappoint. Several aspects have been improved, making the overall tuning more mature and even closer to high fidelity. They’ve opted for a more clinical and serious sound at the expense of a hint of fun. This is a direction that, in my opinion, makes the product very interesting at this price point.
Bass
The bass is less aggressive than its predecessor, but it maintains an interesting level of detail and texture; if the track calls for it, it comes into play forcefully. Listening carefully, the subbass has excellent rumble, and I don’t detect a sharp, but rather smooth roll-off. The bass is punchy and controlled, focusing more on definition and speed than on quantity.
If you want a slightly warmer tuning, you should opt for the black nozzle, perhaps with some suitable ear tips. A slightly warm source can also help.
Soundstage and Imaging:
The soundstage isn’t particularly expansive, but more like a monitor. Personally, I don’t mind it, especially considering the tuning: it enhances detail and gives a sense of even greater high fidelity. I’m not sure how to explain it, but it gives the impression of being in front of two high-quality speakers. In any case, imaging and layering are above average for the price range, ensuring excellent directionality and spatiality between each sound, complemented by a good amount of space.
Comparison:
The biggest difference is in the tuning; to be honest, it’s not even that different, but it’s the perception that changes. The Klean OG had a noticeably warmer sound, due to non-extended treble and equal bass with greater presence. So the new Klean Klean SV is nothing more than a version that aims for greater treble extension as a trump card to bring out more detail and definition.
Conclusion:
The Kefine Klean SV can be considered both an upgrade and a variant of the original. It all depends heavily on the listener, but without a doubt, for less than $60, we have a product of unquestionable quality that confirms Kefine’s position among the best brands, especially for entry-level models like this one.
If the Delci was appreciated by bass heads, then I’d call this one appreciated by treble heads.
From what I can tell, I recommend the balanced version, especially if you have an amplifier with that output. Otherwise, the other version will also work, or even the one with the dongle if you prefer.
9.2/10
Pros:
- High Quality Build
- Alloy casting shell
- Good, simple packaging
- Good cable (4.4mm option available)
- Simple design
- More V-shaped – More mature & refined
- Speedy driver, super clean & refined
- Good musicality
- Better details and layering
- Right amount of treble
- The price is still awesome
- Easy to drive, but needs a DAC/AMP to shine
Cons:
- Nozzle changes are minimal
- Soundstage is more monitor-style than expansive (not really a con)
- Bass impact decreased from OG
Q/A:
Who is the Kefine Klean SV for?
Kefine Klean SV is an IEM suitable for anyone who wants to get to know the brand, for those who want to enter the audiophile world or for those who simply want a good product at the lowest possible price.
Who should avoid the Kefine Klean SV?
Honestly, it’s an IEM suitable for everyone. Obviously, if you have superior products, it wouldn’t be an upgrade, but simply another IEM to add to your collection. Perhaps if you’re particularly sensitive to treble and looking for a very expansive soundstage, you might want to look elsewhere.
Is the Kefine Klean SV easy to drive?
It’s easy to drive but I recommend you at least get a dongle, if you already have something with a balanced output then get the 4.4mm cable option.
Similar alternatives to consider?
While there used to be little more than KZ, CCA, and TRN in this price range, there are now several alternatives. Kefine offers several options, including some Delci models and even the Kefine OG. There are also some Simgot models that are still very good.
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