Today’s review covers the KEFINE Klanar IEM. The Klanar is KEFINE’s debut and features a 14.5mm planar magnetic driver and CNC metal housing. It’s priced at $119.
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 Klanar Review
Specifications
- Style: In-Ear
- Driver type: Planar Driver
- Driver size: φ 14.5 mm
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 40K Hz
- Sensitivity: 105 dB +/- 3 dB
- Impedance: 16 Ω +/-15%
- Cable length: 1.2 M +/-0.2 M
- Plug size: φ 3.5mm SE
- Weight: 12.6 g


In the Box
- KEFINE Klanar IEMs
- Detachable 2-pin 0.75mm cable
- 6x pairs of silicone eartips
- Zipper carrying case


Design
The Klanar housings feature a discreet, matte black design, adorned only with the subtle KEFINE logo on the faceplates. Crafted from CNC aluminium, these shells weigh a mere 12.6g. Certain sections of Klanar’s shells boast a 0.2mm thickness, allowing for a reduction in overall size to enhance comfort during use.


Speaking of comfort, the Klanar is a comfortable IEM, thanks to its small shell size and ergonomic shape. I had no trouble wearing them for hours at a time.
The included 2-pin 0.78mm cable is a mix of SPC (silver-plated copper) and OCC (Ohno Continuous Casting) copper. It doesn’t have any microphonics issues and handles well.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the HiBy R3 II, SMSL DO300EX and Moondrop Dawn Pro. Klanar is an efficient IEM and doesn’t require any special amplification. You could even run it straight out of a smartphone.
The Klanar has a mild V-shaped sound signature with a lively bass, a boosted presence region and a vibrant yet smooth treble. It’s characterized by its impressive soundstage, resolution and detail retrieval.

Bass
The bass is boosted enough to be fun without being boisterous. It has a slight emphasis on the sub-bass and comes across as being powerful but speedy. The sub-bass can produce a hearty rumble when needed and the mid-bass has ample punch and impact. It’s well-controlled and doesn’t cause any smearing in the midrange. It has a decent amount of texture and good layering.
Midrange
The midrange is slightly recessed, however, it showcases great clarity and nimbleness. Midrange transients are snappy and the overall presentation is clean. There’s a hint of thinness to some vocals but they are upfront and vibrant, especially in the upper midrange. Vocal fans will appreciate the forwardness of the upper mids and the level of detail uncovered.

Treble
I like the Klanar’s treble tuning. There’s sufficient energy and treble notes feel light but not lacking definition. I think even treble-sensitive people shouldn’t have any problems with the treble here, assuming they get a good fit and seal with their chosen eartips. The extension is good and the treble injects spaciousness into the mix. There’s a good level of precision yet to my ears, there’s no sharpness or sibilance.
Soundstage & Technicalities
Like most planar IEMs, the Klanar’s imaging is solid, giving the listener plenty of positional cues. The soundstage is quite large with good width and depth. Instrument separation is above average and the resolution benefits as a result. The detail retrieval is good too and you won’t miss out on micro-details, despite the fullness of the bass.
Comparison
Kiwi Ears Melody
The Kiwi Ears Melody has a 12mm planar while the Klanar boasts a 14.5mm model. Melody has a warmer tuning, facilitated by more fullness in the upper bass and lower mids and a less pronounced presence region. Moreover, Melody’s fuller lows render additional low-frequency harmonics and overtones.
Melody doesn’t place vocals and brass instruments as far forward as the Klanar, which may benefit people who are sensitive to the presence region. The midrange has more warmth compared to the Klanar.
It is less detailed and has a narrower stage but slightly more depth than the Klanar. Due to having a less pronounced upper midrange and treble, Melody doesn’t reveal as many micro-details and Klanar but the difference is marginal.

Verdict
The KEFINE Klanar planar magnetic IEM impresses with its exceptional performance, showcasing a strong launch with the brand’s first product. Its emphasis on upper bass and lower midrange frequencies brings a heightened sense of texture and detail, allowing you to delve into a rich and immersive sound.
The planar magnetic technology in these IEMs elevates the level of precision and clarity in sound reproduction, setting a high standard for an entry-level IEM. Overall, the Klanar stands as an excellent IEM, particularly considering it’s the brand’s debut product, and bodes well for what’s to come in the future. Recommended.
