INTRODUCTION
The competition for high-quality IEMs at affordable prices is increasing day by day. As time goes on, budget IEMs are becoming capable of competing with more expensive ones. One such offering under $50 is the KEFINE Klean which provides excellent value at this price point.
This review unit of KEFINE Klean was sent to me by Sonic Mantra. I want to express my gratitude to KEFINE and them for providing me the opportunity to test it out.
This review unit of KEFINE Klean was sent to me by Sonic Mantra. I want to express my gratitude to KEFINE and them for providing me the opportunity to test it out.
Specifications:
•Driver Type: 10mm dynamic with DLC diaphragm with N52 neodymium magnet.
•Frequency Response: 20Hz -20kHz.
•Sensitivity: 107dB ± 3dB.
•Impedance: 32Ω.
•Jack Connector: SE 3.5mm.
•Cartridge Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm.
•Cable Length: 1.2m.
•Weight: 10g per side.
Starting price: 49$
Tuning: Mild V-shaped.
Build quality & design
The shell of the IEMs are made of metal. The white pattern on the black shell gives it a classy look. The shell itself feels strong and dense. In terms of durability, it won't disappoint and can last a long time. The 2-core cable is SPC cable (silver plated copper) of which quality is impressive for the price. Moreover, the cable has a chin slider. The chin slider here is useful as it stays in place. The 2-pin connector is firmly connected to the shell, which requires significant force to disconnect. The 3.5mm jack is straight and gold-plated.
The carrying pouch is practical, with an excellent quality zipper. It's made of denim-like material with the brand logo on top. Therefore, the carrying pouch gets a stylish look.
The carrying pouch is practical, with an excellent quality zipper. It's made of denim-like material with the brand logo on top. Therefore, the carrying pouch gets a stylish look.
SOUND
Bass: Neither mid-bass nor sub-bass is prominent in this IEM. But it doesn't disappoint even a bit when it comes to quality.
Sub-bass has good extension. It is deep-reaching, well-controlled, and has decent rumble. Although its sub-bass is clean and well-defined, bassheads who are seeking for chest-thumping feel might find it slightly subtle.
The mid-bass is impactful and very satisfying hence it's a standout feature of this IEM. It's tight, punchy, and textured, with fast note delivery. Consequently, it is very suitable for listening to rock instrumental metal kind of genres. The drum hits are satisfying. Bass guitar notes have excellent distinction and texture. However, it doesn't overshadow any other element of sound.
The bass might not give you a skull-shaking impact, but its quality will surely impress you.
Midrange: The midrange is thick, full-bodied, lush, and obviously "Klean" as its name. Everything is on point.
This IEM delivers rich, full-bodied male vocals with natural warmth and weight, has no artificial coloration. However, male vocals are positioned slightly recessed.
Female vocals are clear, energetic, and detailed, have clarity and liveliness. High-pitched voices are free from harshness or sibilance, which offers a smooth and fatigue-free experience.
Midrange instruments are detailed and natural, with a pleasant timbre and no harshness. The sound is non-fatiguing, allowing for long listening sessions without discomfort. It excels in delivering clarity and musicality at its price point.
Point to be noted, the harshness or sibilance depends on which nozzle you are using with. What I've discussed here is based on the silver nozzle. I've discussed it elaborately in the nozzle section.
Treble: The treble section of this IEM also carries the essence of its name, "Klean". It sounds natural, organic, and energetic yet non-sibilant. There is a sufficient amount of air to submit details, micro-details, and the subtle nuances. It has enough vividness, extension, and sparkle. Not to mention, the resolution is outstanding considering the price. There is no noticeable peak in both upper treble and lower treble sections. Hence, there is no touch of harshness. The black nozzle let's the treble to shine with its full potential and it becomes more sparkly. Besides, the silver nozzle tames down the treble energy a bit and makes it more relaxed. Treble-sensitive people might have some trouble with the black nozzle, although, with the silver nozzle, it's totally fine.
Sub-bass has good extension. It is deep-reaching, well-controlled, and has decent rumble. Although its sub-bass is clean and well-defined, bassheads who are seeking for chest-thumping feel might find it slightly subtle.
The mid-bass is impactful and very satisfying hence it's a standout feature of this IEM. It's tight, punchy, and textured, with fast note delivery. Consequently, it is very suitable for listening to rock instrumental metal kind of genres. The drum hits are satisfying. Bass guitar notes have excellent distinction and texture. However, it doesn't overshadow any other element of sound.
The bass might not give you a skull-shaking impact, but its quality will surely impress you.
Midrange: The midrange is thick, full-bodied, lush, and obviously "Klean" as its name. Everything is on point.
This IEM delivers rich, full-bodied male vocals with natural warmth and weight, has no artificial coloration. However, male vocals are positioned slightly recessed.
Female vocals are clear, energetic, and detailed, have clarity and liveliness. High-pitched voices are free from harshness or sibilance, which offers a smooth and fatigue-free experience.
Midrange instruments are detailed and natural, with a pleasant timbre and no harshness. The sound is non-fatiguing, allowing for long listening sessions without discomfort. It excels in delivering clarity and musicality at its price point.
Point to be noted, the harshness or sibilance depends on which nozzle you are using with. What I've discussed here is based on the silver nozzle. I've discussed it elaborately in the nozzle section.
Treble: The treble section of this IEM also carries the essence of its name, "Klean". It sounds natural, organic, and energetic yet non-sibilant. There is a sufficient amount of air to submit details, micro-details, and the subtle nuances. It has enough vividness, extension, and sparkle. Not to mention, the resolution is outstanding considering the price. There is no noticeable peak in both upper treble and lower treble sections. Hence, there is no touch of harshness. The black nozzle let's the treble to shine with its full potential and it becomes more sparkly. Besides, the silver nozzle tames down the treble energy a bit and makes it more relaxed. Treble-sensitive people might have some trouble with the black nozzle, although, with the silver nozzle, it's totally fine.
Technicalities
Soundstage & imaging: The soundstage is good enough for the price and is capable of giving you an immersive experience. It will stand above the average in this price range. No one is likely to be disappointed with the soundstage. The width and the narrowness somewhat depend on which nozzle you are using with.
The imaging is also decent within the price range. It will allow the detection of the pinpoint location of instruments on the right, left, and behind. But it's not holographic. Therefore, for those who are seeking this for gaming, it will give you moderate support. No complaints at all.
Instrument separation: Taking about the separation, this IEM is stunning. Even in some heavy tracks, where numerous instruments are positioned in various places, it has managed to make each instrument sound distinct and separate without getting messy which is exceptional in this price. The same goes for layering as well.
The imaging is also decent within the price range. It will allow the detection of the pinpoint location of instruments on the right, left, and behind. But it's not holographic. Therefore, for those who are seeking this for gaming, it will give you moderate support. No complaints at all.
Instrument separation: Taking about the separation, this IEM is stunning. Even in some heavy tracks, where numerous instruments are positioned in various places, it has managed to make each instrument sound distinct and separate without getting messy which is exceptional in this price. The same goes for layering as well.
Nozzles: This IEM comes with two types of nozzles, one is black colored mesh, and the other one is silver color. The nozzles make noticeable differences. The silver one is the default one, which tames down the upper-midrange spike a bit and adds more musicality. Although it sacrifices the soundstage a bit. Nevertheless, the black one does the opposite thing and makes the sound more livelier and energetic. In addition, it increases the soundstage. In the black nozzle, female vocals get more emotional, and the ss, sh sounds sound more sharp. Particularly in some tracks that feel shouty and sibilant. But the silver nozzle doesn't have that issue. But for gaming, the black nozzle is more appropriate.
Conclusion
The main star of this show is its cleanliness or the name "Klean". Its name describes all of it. It performed well in every sector of sound and leaves no room for complaints at this price point. It offers an excellent value proposition in this price range which is remarkable. For those who are seeking a clear-sounding well well-tuned IEM, a solid build, a good cable, a useful carrying pouch, and don't want to break their bank that much, this an outstanding option. It may not be suitable for bassheads, but treble lovers will stay happy by using the black nozzle. And if you are into neutral sound, listen to genres like jazz, classical, or progressive rock, no look further! Honestly, it deserves more higher price tag than that. To sum up, this is a market-breaking, game-changing IEM that has set up a new benchmark in this price.
Tested with:
-FiiO BTR5 DAC
-Penon Liqueur Eartips
-Final black tips
-FiiO M3K DAP
-Cayin N3 Ultra
-xDuoo X2S DAP
Tested with:
-FiiO BTR5 DAC
-Penon Liqueur Eartips
-Final black tips
-FiiO M3K DAP
-Cayin N3 Ultra
-xDuoo X2S DAP