In this article, I review the Kefine Klean IEM. The Klean features a 10mm DLC diaphragm dynamic driver and 2 sets of tuning filters. It’s priced at $49.
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 KLEAN
Design
The KEFINE Klean has the best shells of all the KEFINE IEMs so far (in my opinion). They’re all metal with a low-key design and comfortable enough to wear all day long. Standard 0.78mm 2-pin sockets sit flush with the surface and there are 2 pinhole vents on the inner side of the shell.
The included silver-plated copper cable handles well and has metal components. It’s fairly generic but good quality for an IEM at this price.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the FiiO KA17, iBasso DX180 and SMSL RAW-MDA1. The Kefine Klean is an efficient IEM and can be used with any audio source. It has a slightly V-shaped sound signature with a smooth yet detailed presentation.
The Klean delivers some good sub-bass rumble and has a satisfying mid-bass punch. Its midrange is clear and has a warm, natural tone. Klean’s treble is detailed but smooth and it facilitates a fairly spacious soundstage with a reasonably strong technical performance.
Klean’s 2 sound profiles are similar but I slightly prefer the black filter because it adds extra presence and air to the presentation. People who are sensitive to the upper midrange and/or lower treble regions will probably prefer the silver filter but it will come down to personal preference.
Following the success of the Kefine Delci and Delci AE, it’s no surprise that the Klean offers a similar sound signature. It has a dynamic, clean character and a blend of musicality and technical performance.
The sub-bass has a satisfying rumble that’s perfect for hip-hop, EDM, games and movie soundtracks. The mid-bass is punchy albeit a little woolly and undefined but it doesn’t compromise the clarity of the midrange.
Male and female vocals have good timbre and are fairly forward in the mix. Midrange detail is good and there’s ample spacing between instruments to prevent sounding congested.
The treble is detailed yet smooth, although some listeners might prefer the more subdued silver filter if they find the highs too sharp.
The soundstage has average dimensions but never feels cramped. Instrument separation is good and imaging is fairly precise for a warm-toned budget IEM.
Comparisons
The Kefine Delci AE‘s bass notes have better definition. Delci AE has less lift in the pinna gain and presence region but more core treble energy. This gives it slightly more clarity and cleaner percussion attacks. Detail retrieval is similar but the Delci AE has a slightly wider soundstage.
The ARTTI T10 has plastic shells that feel less premium than the Klean. It has more sub-bass rumble which is great for engagement and the fun factor. The T10 has tamer upper mids yet somehow still brings vocals more forward in the mix compared to the Klean. The overall resolution is better on the T10 whereas the Klean has a more natural timbre.
Verdict
The Kefine Klean delivers a similar sound signature and performance nearly on par with the Kefine Delci AE but at roughly half the price. It has (arguably) better shells and a stealthy low-key design. This is a great budget IEM and I highly recommend it. It also gets a spot on our Best IEMs List.
