Easy To Enjoy and Love
I previously reviewed one of their IEMs, Delci, which gained a lot of popularity. Now, Kefine is back with a new release, still rocking a single DD configuration but at a more affordable price. It also features modular nozzles that can be swapped to adjust the sound to your preference. Seems like this one could be as intriguing as its predecessor.
Here it is... Kefine Klean.
All impressions in this review were tested using my usual setup (listed below). If you experience differences in sound impressions, it's likely due to subjective hearing, defective units, or differences in source gear.
All my impressions and reviews are subjective and follow my personal principle: “Only my savings get lied to; my reviews stay honest.” Agree? Cool. Disagree? Cool.
All my impressions and reviews are subjective and follow my personal principle: “Only my savings get lied to; my reviews stay honest.” Agree? Cool. Disagree? Cool.
MY DAILY DRIVERS
IEMs:
Symphonium Crimson, 634ears Loak2 TX03, Empire Ears Legend X, Ziigaat x Jay Audio Estrella
DACs:
Fiio Q15, Chord Mojo 2, XDuoo XD05 Pro
DAPs:
HibyDigital M300, Hiby R4
Cables:
Effect Audio Eros S 8W, Verus Lavender 6, VJC Heirs, Effect Audio Ares S 8W, Verus 4 Modi x 4 Magni
Ear Tips:
Eletech Baroque, Spinfit W1 Premium, Azla Sedna Crystal, Penon Liquor, JVC Spiral Dot++, Azla Sedna Max ASMR
Symphonium Crimson, 634ears Loak2 TX03, Empire Ears Legend X, Ziigaat x Jay Audio Estrella
DACs:
Fiio Q15, Chord Mojo 2, XDuoo XD05 Pro
DAPs:
HibyDigital M300, Hiby R4
Cables:
Effect Audio Eros S 8W, Verus Lavender 6, VJC Heirs, Effect Audio Ares S 8W, Verus 4 Modi x 4 Magni
Ear Tips:
Eletech Baroque, Spinfit W1 Premium, Azla Sedna Crystal, Penon Liquor, JVC Spiral Dot++, Azla Sedna Max ASMR
UNBOXING
For an entry-level IEM, the accessories are pretty standard, but given the quality build, there’s no room for complaints. Here’s what’s inside:
Bass:
This is my favorite aspect of the Klean. For a ~$45 single DD IEM, its low frequencies are incredibly satisfying. The bass has a lively energy without being overbearing. Sub-bass feels immersive, with average impact and rumble, making it enjoyable across various genres. Mid-bass is balanced—not too thick or too thin for an entry-level IEM. Its speed is impressive, capable of handling fast tracks. Most notably, the low frequencies feel open and spacious, delivering excellent texture from the sub-bass and mid-bass.
Mid:
The Klean offers effortless vocals with a natural timbre, proper weight, and minimal coloration. Vocals are airy and pleasant across most genres. Although the vocal positioning is neutral (not forward enough for vocal enthusiasts), this aspect enhances its versatility. Instruments also sound natural, with no harsh or unclear tones.
Treble:
I love how the treble is implemented here. It’s powerful, fun, and non-offensive, making it comfortable even for treble-sensitive listeners. The treble presentation complements other frequencies well, offering good extension and capturing micro-details decently for its price range. However, in the upper treble, there’s occasional static noise ("krskk") in some tracks, especially in the instrument tails, though still tolerable.
Clarity:
While the timbre is natural, the treble’s occasional static noise slightly impacts the clarity in certain tracks.
Soundstage:
Above average. The airy and wide soundstage is delightful, complemented by the quick mid-bass hits and textured sub-bass, making the experience more fun.
Imaging:
Good instrument separation for its price. Instruments are easy to pinpoint, and while the layering isn’t as refined as multi-driver IEMs, it’s commendable. The 3D imaging is decent and works well for this price point.
-
The IEMs themselves (among the best build quality in the entry-level bracket)
-
2-braid cable with a 2-pin connector and 3.5mm jack (quite good quality, comfortable for mobile use)
-
A set of ear tips in various sizes
-
1 set of black nozzles (silver nozzles are pre-installed, making it 2 sets total)
-
A carrying case
-
Documentation
FITTING
Kefine excels at creating comfortable IEMs, and the Klean is no exception. It features a single DD configuration housed in a thin yet wide metal shell. The nozzle diameter is relatively large with an average length. Despite this, finding ear tips that fit snugly and comfortably in the ear is effortless.
Bass:
This is my favorite aspect of the Klean. For a ~$45 single DD IEM, its low frequencies are incredibly satisfying. The bass has a lively energy without being overbearing. Sub-bass feels immersive, with average impact and rumble, making it enjoyable across various genres. Mid-bass is balanced—not too thick or too thin for an entry-level IEM. Its speed is impressive, capable of handling fast tracks. Most notably, the low frequencies feel open and spacious, delivering excellent texture from the sub-bass and mid-bass.
Mid:
The Klean offers effortless vocals with a natural timbre, proper weight, and minimal coloration. Vocals are airy and pleasant across most genres. Although the vocal positioning is neutral (not forward enough for vocal enthusiasts), this aspect enhances its versatility. Instruments also sound natural, with no harsh or unclear tones.
Treble:
I love how the treble is implemented here. It’s powerful, fun, and non-offensive, making it comfortable even for treble-sensitive listeners. The treble presentation complements other frequencies well, offering good extension and capturing micro-details decently for its price range. However, in the upper treble, there’s occasional static noise ("krskk") in some tracks, especially in the instrument tails, though still tolerable.
Clarity:
While the timbre is natural, the treble’s occasional static noise slightly impacts the clarity in certain tracks.
Soundstage:
Above average. The airy and wide soundstage is delightful, complemented by the quick mid-bass hits and textured sub-bass, making the experience more fun.
Imaging:
Good instrument separation for its price. Instruments are easy to pinpoint, and while the layering isn’t as refined as multi-driver IEMs, it’s commendable. The 3D imaging is decent and works well for this price point.
- Black nozzle: Instrument layering feels more dynamic and refined.
The Klean pairs well with warm or balanced sources. A warm source enhances the low frequencies, while a bright source may overemphasize the treble’s slight uncleanliness.
The stock ear tips are decent, offering a good seal while remaining breathable. For my preference, tips like Dunu S&S, Divinus Velvet, or Penon Liquor help tame the treble and enhance bass.
At this price point, upgrading the cable isn’t cost-effective. The stock cable already delivers solid performance for the budget.
- InAwaken Dawn MS:
Klean excels in technicalities with better dynamics, a cleaner sound, and more natural timbre in treble and mid-range. The Dawn MS stands out for its 3D imaging, but Klean outshines in most other areas.
- Celest IgniteX Beast (DSP Cable):
The IgniteX Beast’s additional BA driver delivers better micro-details and imaging. Its vocals feel sweeter, and its treble is more energetic. However, Klean takes the lead in low-frequency impact, quality, and power.
Klean excels in technicalities with better dynamics, a cleaner sound, and more natural timbre in treble and mid-range. The Dawn MS stands out for its 3D imaging, but Klean outshines in most other areas.
- Celest IgniteX Beast (DSP Cable):
The IgniteX Beast’s additional BA driver delivers better micro-details and imaging. Its vocals feel sweeter, and its treble is more energetic. However, Klean takes the lead in low-frequency impact, quality, and power.
-
For ~$50, the Kefine Klean offers excellent build quality, a fun and dynamic tonal balance, and technical performance suitable for its price. Its low-frequency texture, natural sound, and comfortable treble make it a great all-rounder.
-
However, its slight treble uncleanliness and preference-based mid-bass tuning might be drawbacks for some. Despite this, its single-DD configuration delivers solid performance, and the modular nozzle system adds a nice touch.
-
Should you buy it? If you’re looking for an affordable single-DD IEM with good build quality, fun tuning, and versatile performance, the Kefine Klean is definitely worth considering.