Disclaimer:
Good morning, MBA readers! Two new Kefine products arrived today: the Kefine Quatio, which we’ll be reviewing, and the Kefine Peng (coming soon).
Kefine (a Sivga sub-brand) has finally decided to produce a hybrid IEM with a truly praiseworthy build and overall quality.
Like their previously launched products, the quality of their products is immediately recognizable. The CNC-machined aluminum shells are truly superior to molded shells. Kefine has therefore tried its hand at its first hybrid IEM, obtaining from my point of view a particular result, different from what I would have expected.
The selection of components and accessories is also remarkable.
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.
Tech Specs:
- 2DD+2BA Hybrid IEMs.
- Physical+Electronic Dual-Way Frequency Crossover.
- Adjustable Tuning With Replaceable Nozzles.
- CNC-Machined Aluminium Alloy Ear Cavities.
- High-Purity Silver-Plated Copper Cable Modular Plug System(3.5mm+4.4mm).
- Impedance: 32Ω.
- Sensitivity: 107dB±3dB.
- Frequency Response Range: 20Hz~20kHz.
- Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin Connectors.
Packaging:
The Kefine Quatio comes in a decidedly minimalist yet high-quality package. The packaging is standard, but the accessories are excellent:
- 3 pairs of tuning nozzles
- Modular cable
- 2 sets with a case of 12 pairs of eartips
- Nice hard case.
Of course, the box also includes various instructions and warranty sheets, including those dedicated to the nozzles. The attention to the included accessories is remarkable. No upgrades are needed; if you were to be picky, perhaps a variety of different-shaped Eartips would have been appreciated. But otherwise, everything is perfect.
Design/Build Quality:
The Kefine Quatio follows in the footsteps of Delci and Klean, maintaining high-quality CNC-machined aluminum casings. The design is minimalist, with a teardrop shape and all-black. The logo is prominently displayed on the front, and the rest of the casing is unremarkable. On the back of the IEM is a single ventilation hole, likely connected to the nozzle where all the drivers are connected. The IEM is quite thick, but considering the presence of two dynamic drivers and two balanced armatures, such a development seems more than normal. The nozzles are interchangeable and can be identified by the main grille that changes color. Unscrewing them reveals that Kefine has placed a mesh to protect the drivers. The included cable is modular and quite thick, so I don’t think it needs any quality upgrades. It lacks a plastic case to keep the nozzles safe.
First sound impression:
For a first attempt from the brand, there’s a certain air of tuning experience. They’ve managed to create an extremely musical, rich, fun, and fatigue-free hybrid IEM. Checking the curves in the graphs on squiglink, you’ll notice how the Kefine Quatio’s curves are particularly smooth, with no peaks or dips, a sign of well-thought-out tuning. Their sonic signature is warm but not lacking in detail, and all the drivers work harmoniously together, delivering a satisfying experience from several perspectives. It’s not like most balanced armature hybrids, but it stands out for its poise, suitable for everyone.
Equipment used for testing:
Device:
- iMac
- Poco M4 Pro
Software:
Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)
DAC:
- Fosi Audio K7 (More bass control)
- Muse HIFI M4 (More treble)
Tips Rolling:
If I had to criticize them, I’d say there are so many different Eartips, but the only difference is the color. In my opinion, variety is important. I’ve tried a few of my models. The Divinus Velvet Prism tips are excellent, but perhaps a size smaller, as are the EPZ M100 Eartips. My final choice is the classic Divinus Velvet, which offers excellent comfort and isolation.
I can say that the nozzle is by no means the smallest, so you might want to use slightly smaller tips. I should point out that my ears aren’t small, so they could tolerate larger nozzles, but I thought it was worth mentioning.
Final sound impression:
The Kefine Quatio breaks the mold of hybrid IEMs a bit, especially given the configuration chosen. They’re among the IEMs with a warm yet detailed sound. They’ve found a balance that makes everything extremely fluid and warm, without sacrificing detail. It often happens that limiting the treble can result in the loss of some macro and micro details, but in this case, everything is preserved and represented correctly. Kefine’s tuners have somehow achieved a very smooth frequency response, free of dips or peaks, which is very pleasant. Typically, other IEMs that feature BAs in their configuration have poorly refined peaks.
Overall, the result is a rich, energetic IEM with a sound that’s not overly expansive but more of an intimate monitor.
Anyone who, like me, has tried the previous models will surely appreciate the improvements made to Quatio. Considering the relatively low price, they’ve managed to create another great product. The Delci and Klean undoubtedly remain two truly competitive products and, above all, two very pleasant IEMs to listen to.
Treble
As for the treble, Kefine has opted for a soft approach. Let’s just say that trebleheads won’t be satisfied, as this decision pushes the Kefine Quatio into the realm of warm sound signatures. Despite this choice, the BAs are carefully tuned and pair well with the dynamic drivers, delivering all the necessary detail. Air is present but not overemphasized, but for a superior result, the amount of treble would have had to be increased, thus distorting the resulting sound.
Mids
The mids have just the right amount of depth, thanks in part to the full-bodied, thick bass. Vocals have just the right amount of weight and richness, but if you switch to the brighter gold nozzle, you’ll get that extra touch of sparkle and bite they need. Vocals have the right tone (warm base) and aren’t recessed. The bass is a bit overbearing, but overall, the mids hold their own, easily emerging from the mix. The mids have remarkable richness and density, and are truly pleasant and highly adaptable.
Bass
The bass and sub-bass are very pronounced, even with the brightest nozzle. The bass dominates the scene; if the track calls for it, then an invasion is guaranteed. Meaty, powerful bass with an absurd rumble. One of the juiciest basses of recent times. The two dynamic drivers work perfectly, in symbiosis, giving me a very full bass, a joy for bassheads (even if there are more suitable IEMs). I noticed that there is a slight bleed (which at a price is an almost tangible additional boost from the sub-bass rumble) in almost all configurations, which in my opinion further emphasizes its already perfect bass. This characteristic is what makes the IEM special and warm compared to the competitors. The bassline is represented at its best, without sacrifices, rather full, powerful, with a strong punch and a rumble that opens up the soundstage on its own.
Soundstage and Imaging:
As for the soundstage, the Kefine Quatio has a soundstage that at times seems expansive, but in reality, that sensation is given by the depth of the bass. In fact, in my opinion, if you concentrate, you’ll notice that the sound is intimate. This is absolutely not a con in my opinion, but I think it’s fair to highlight the sensations I had. The image is warm but well-defined, precise, and detailed, with good layering. An excellent hybrid IEM.
Comparison:
vs Kefine Delci
The Delci is what practically started the brand, and as the first model, it was already particularly well made. To this day, the Delci remains an excellent IEM, but obviously, the Quatio improves on practically every aspect. Considering the price of 129 USD, the result achieved is more in the 200 USD segment. The Quatio has an overall warmer tone, but at the same time, more detail with better frequency separation.
vs Kefine Klean
The Klean is even cheaper, but in terms of performance, the difference isn’t huge. It’s perhaps slightly more balanced than the Delci and more linear, but obviously, in terms of sound quality, it can’t compare to the Quatio. It’s still an excellent entry-level model.
Conclusion:
Kefine, Sivga’s second brand, is proving to be a successful brand with a growing market share. Although their products are affordable, they focus heavily on all-around quality. I’m confident this strategy will yield noticeable results. The Kefine Quatio, too, is priced at $130, which is truly exceptional. Considering the materials and four drivers, it’s barely more than double the price of the Delci. It has a unique sound signature for a hybrid, particularly warm yet very fluid, making for a very relaxed listening experience without sacrificing too much detail. Perhaps a little more expansiveness could have been achieved.
You don’t need a high-performance DAC/dongle, but I highly recommend it. With the ESS chip on the Muse Hifi M4, I noticed a better treble expression, so if you have some slightly bright sources, it’s definitely a good choice.
9.1/10
Pros:
- High Quality Build
- alloy casting shell
- Good, simple packaging
- Quality Modular cable
- Simple and clean design
- Tuning nozzle
- Warm tuning, rich, and no fatigue listening
- Great bass slam and nice sub-bass
- Good musicality
- Good details and layering
- Well-tuned BAs
- Price/quality ratio
Cons:
- Soundstage is more on the intimate side
- More air, maybe?
- Eartips look all the same (more options should be added)
