INTRODUCTION:
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Kefine, has consistently impressed with their innovative audio solutions. Having personally experienced their products, from the esteemed Klanar onward, I eagerly anticipate diving into the sonic depths of their latest offering, the Klean. Now, Kefine has extended its reach to a more budget-conscious audience. Priced at an affordable $49, the question arises: Can such a modest price tag deliver a truly satisfying audio experience? Let us embark on this auditory journey to uncover the answer.
INCLUSIONS:
CABLE:
The included cable, while functional, is rather generic and lacks any notable frills. For those who believe in the significance of cable quality, the Klean offers the flexibility to accommodate third-party cables. The stock cable, though lightweight and discreet, is presented in a simple white color. Termination is only available on 3.5mm.
EARTIPS:
The Klean comes with a single eartip option, a necessary cost-cutting measure at this price point. While these tips are functional, audiophiles may wish to experiment with different eartip configurations to further refine the sound signature.
CASE:
Kefine's inclusion of a carrying case at this price point is a commendable gesture. While a pouch might have been a more cost-effective solution, the brand's decision to provide a full-fledged case is certainly appreciated.
TUNING NOZZLES:
The Klean offers a customizable listening experience with two interchangeable tuning nozzles. The silver nozzle provides a warmer, more relaxed sound signature, while the black nozzle delivers a brighter, more forward-leaning sound with a focus on midrange and treble. As a fan of a brighter sound profile and enhanced technical detail, I opted for the black nozzle.
COMFORT AND WEAR:
The Klean offers a comfortable and secure fit, easily forming a tight seal. While lightweight, it remains substantial enough to provide adequate grip and isolation. Extended wear, including during naps, proved to be entirely comfortable, making it suitable for both casual listening and professional applications such as recording and stage performances.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
SOURCES:
1. Ovidius B1
2. Centrance Dacport HD
3. Hiby FC6
4. Fiio M11 Plus Ltd
5. VE Odo
6. VE Abigail
7. Apple music subscription
8. Qobuz Studio subscription
9. EPZ TP50
10. EPZ TP35
TECHNICAL SIDE:
The Klean boasts an above-average soundstage, with a respectable width but less pronounced height and depth. This is expected for an IEM at this price point.
The Klean's sound signature leans towards a smoother, less analytical presentation. Bass guitar and percussive instruments are rendered with a reduced level of grit, resulting in a more relaxed listening experience.
The dynamic driver employed in the Klean offers adequate speed, capable of handling fast-paced tracks with aplomb. It may struggle slightly with highly complex musical passages, with a rather soft attack compared to some sets I have around the $200 bracket.
One of the Klean's standout features is its imaging capabilities. At this price point, it excels in instrument placement and vocal separation, creating a sense of 3D sound that belies its relatively modest stage depth.
The Klean's accurate timbre further enhances the listening experience. Instruments and vocals sound natural, organic, and realistic, adding to the overall authenticity of the sound.
SOUND PROFILE:
The Klean's bass performance is characterized by its emphasis on punch and mid-bass, rather than sub-bass rumble. While it can deliver some low-end impact, the decay is relatively quick, resulting in a balanced and cleaner overall sound. The bass quantity is sufficient to induce head-nodding, but it lacks the chest-thumping intensity of more bass-oriented IEMs. Additionally, the smooth presentation of the bass contributes to the Klean's less analytical character.
The midrange is undoubtedly the Klean's forte. A forward and present midrange allows for a clear and detailed presentation of instruments and vocals. This characteristic is particularly appealing to midrange enthusiasts, as it prioritizes the core elements of the music. Jazz and vocal tracks benefit significantly from this tuning, as the relevant instruments and vocal performances take center stage. The midrange is not thin or anemic, possessing a satisfying weight and thickness.
The Klean strikes a balance between energy and smoothness, avoiding excessive brightness or sibilance. The treble offers a suitable amount of shimmer and detail without becoming fatiguing. While treble-heads may yearn for a slightly more aggressive presentation, the Klean's treble tuning is likely to appeal to a wider audience, especially those sensitive to high frequencies.
VERDICT:
Kefine deserves commendation for delivering a high-quality audio experience at a more accessible price point. The Klean punches well above its weight, rivaling its more expensive Delci siblings in terms of musicality, timbre, and technical prowess. Kefine has once again demonstrated their mastery of sonic balance, ticking all the right boxes for discerning audiophiles. Looking ahead, I'm eager to see Kefine explore more complex driver configurations, perhaps incorporating balanced armatures. They have earned my recommendation as a brand to watch, and I anti
cipate their continued rise to prominence in 2025.