I don’t read FR graphs. I only use my ears, as earphones should be used.
Kefine sent this unit to me in an exchange for an honest, independent review. Rest assured that this review will do its best to devoid from any bias/es as much as possible.
The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
No monetary compensation is/was involved before, during, and after the period of creation of this review.
Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.
Burn-in time: 4-8 hours per day, 5 days.
Source/s used:
- Non-HiFi smartphone (Infinix Note 12 G96), PC.
- Tanchjim Space DAC
- Fosi Audio SK02 USB DAC
- Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini DAC
- Aiwa XP-V710C CD Player (12 sec. EASS)
- Sony Xperia X Compact
- Local Files via Foobar, YouTube Music, Deezer, and Qobuz with UAPP.
IEM/Earbud/Setup configuration: Stock medium eartips, any form of EQ or MSEB off, 12-20% volume.
The Kefine Klean exhibits a “relatively or nearly balanced” sound signature, with a slight bias to the warmer side to my ears. If we’ll be specific, this may come across as a warm-v-shaped sounding set.
Lows:
First things first, this will not be the IEM that will make the bassheads at heart (and at ears) groove to the beat. But don’t get me wrong, this does not lack any bass presence for most people. In fact, it is well-done for its price, in terms of its overall amount, quality, and control. This characteristic is evident on Ariana Grande’s “true story”, as an example, as its bass shows only when the bass hits on the track, and does not “stick” to the other parts of the track, particularly with vocals. It is subbass-dominant, leaning to the faster side of the decay, making things rumbly and literally “Klean”. Overall, the bass quality and quantity that the Kefine Klean has to offer is excellent to my standards for its asking price. But if I were to be critical, I prefer the midbass to be a bit more present, maybe within the same level of the subbass it has, adding a bit of punch and detail to the overall lows.
Mids:
When it comes to the mids, it is again, “Klean”, literally. Like seriously, I personally love it that Kefine took the “Klean” name quite seriously and with dedication. There aren’t any perceivable midbass bleed in its lower mids despite it being slightly sounding laid-back or relaxed to my liking. Lower mids do not exhibit any form of added thickness, exhibiting a less coloured, nicely textured region. Upper mids are a bit elevated, exhibiting a very good amount of clarity, air, and sparkle. Peaks and mild harshness are a bit present on this region, and are much more audible when paired with the black tuning nozzle included. With that being said, people with ears that are very sensitive to brighter upper frequencies may want to look for something else, but I can confidently say that this isn’t a deal breaker, nor a problem for most ears.
Treble:
Proceeding to the treble, this region is decently extended on both tuning nozzle filters, exhibiting a good amount of air, clarity, and sparkle. Cymbal crashes and splashes may come across as a bit much than usual for those people with sensitive ears, so do take note of that. Detail retrieval and resolution is excellent in my book for this asking price, as I can hear nuances easier than usual. Do take note however, that this IEM will not and will never try to present itself as an IEM that can be used for analytical listening.
Soundstage, Imaging and Separation:
As for its technicalities, it is above average to my liking, if we’re talking under and within 80USD. The soundstage is decent in terms of width, height, and separation. It never came across as cramped or narrow to my ears, even on busy tracks. Separation and layering also shares the same character as it neatly presents things in a layered and clean manner. Imaging is precise and never had any problems on any scenario that I used it with, whether it be during calls or competitive gaming.
======================================================================== Kefine Klean + Black Nozzle Tuning Filter in a Nutshell
Overall, the sound became much more closer to neutral-bright to my ears. Everything sound firmer when compared, but in exchange for a brighter, more prone to fatiguing character. This also boosted the overall technical performance, particularly on its detail retrieval and soundstage.
The Celest IgniteX Beast is slightly thicker, slightly slower, “less cohesive” sounding IEM when compared to the Kefine Klean, to my ears, at least. Mild BA timber are also present on the IgniteX Beast when compared, but has a “safer” overall character, when compared to the Kefine Klean, but not by a lot, in all honesty.
Simgot EW300 (Standard, Stock)
The Simgot EW300 is a much thicker, more laidback, safer set when compared to the Kefine Klean. Some people may prefer the EW300 due to its warmer character, but some people will also find the Klean balancing the engaging and safer character, when compared to the EW300.
Simgot EW200
The EW200 is definitely bright, wider, and leaner when compared to the Kefine Klean. It is also more prone to sibilance, and is slightly better on the technical performance, but not by a lot when compared to the Klean. The Kefine Klean makes up for it by being a more suitable all-rounder when compared to the EW200.
EPZ Q1 Pro
The EPZ Q1 Pro is a more fun, Harman-sounding IEM when compared to the Klean, whereas the Kefine Klean aims for a more versatile and balanced approach. Upper frequencies are also a bit more unrefined on the Q1 Pro when compared.
Verdict Based on my personal experience, there aren't a lot of IEMs under and within the 60 USD that are as clean and as controlled as what the Kefine Klean does. Its overall firm, easy-handling yet relatively safe sound character makes it very remarkable for its asking price, not to mention its premium, durable, physical qualities. I am not overexaggerating or glazing by any means, but it is quite mind boggling to me that Kefine, a relatively new brand, achieved this level of refinement that other companies I’ve worked with, took months, or even years, to obtain. This is definitely a win for the consumers, particularly hobbyists as well, since they do not spend heaps of budget just to have a clean, mature sounding IEM. Hats off Kefine for being this Klean!
Source: The Kefine Klean is easy to drive. I do recommend any warm or neutral sounding DAC that has at least 2VRMS of output for an optimal experience.
Eartips: The eartips included pairs well with this IEM, but you may still use your preferred eartips.
Cable: The cable is simple yet elegant to my liking. You may always use your preferred eartips.
