In this article, I review the Kefine Delci AE IEM. The Delci AE is developed in collaboration with Angel Ears and features a new dynamic driver, an upgraded cable, lighter shells and tuning filters. It’s priced at $89.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Kefine for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
Kefine Delci AE
Specifications
Impedance: 28Ω±15%.
Sensitivity: 108dB±3dB.
Frequency Response Range: 20Hz-20kHz.
Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin.
Design
Not much has changed from the original shell but the AE is now slightly smaller and lighter. Internally, there’s a new high-quality Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) material diaphragm with PU suspension.
Like the original Delci, the Kefine Delci AE is well-crafted and robust. I can wear it comfortably even during prolonged listening sessions. The passive noise isolation is fairly average.
The upgraded cable is made up of a mix of OFC and SPC wires and is available with either 3.5mm or 4.4mm terminations.
Sound
Delci AE comes with 2 tuning filters, silver and gold. The silver filter (default) is warm and smoother while the gold filter is bright and transparent. My preference is for the silver filter because of its smoother treble and to my ears, it has a more natural timbre. The following description is based on the silver filter.
Compared to the original Delci, the Delci AE has a similar frequency response but it’s slightly tamer in the lower and upper treble. In addition, the Delci AE has crisper transients, a more controlled bass and improved overall resolution.
Bass notes are powerful but not overdone. The bass has clean leading edges and a speedy but natural decay with good tone and quality.
The mids are natural and slightly warm with a good mix of body and clarity. Vocals are slightly forward with male vocals sounding amply rich and female vocals sounding sweet but not shouty.
Delci AE’s treble is detailed precise. There’s no sibilance unless it is inherent in poor recordings, yet people sensitive to the 8kHz region might find it too forward. For my preferences, it’s the perfect blend of energy and smoothness.
Verdict
The Kefine Delci AE builds on the original model and makes it even better. With improved resolution, smoother highs and some subtle physical upgrades, Delci AE positions itself as one of the best sub-$100 IEMs money can buy right now. Recommended.
