KEFINE Delci AE Edition
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Preface:
I would like to thank HiFiGo for sending this unit as part of the review tour.
You can purchase Delci AE at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-...TsqmsPtHxfsO9YqQh6vl766Qw2zUkQQ4-rFEV3gP91ov3
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Disclaimer: All impressions and opinions in this review are my own. I have not been paid or compensated by Kefine, HiFiGo or any other entity for this review. My assessment is based solely on my personal experience with the product.
Sources used:
Kefine, a rising audio brand from China, has quickly gained recognition for offering exceptional sound quality at affordable prices. Their debut IEM, the Kefine Delci, showcased a warm and engaging sound, exceeding expectations for its price. While Kefine has experienced some growing pains, their commitment to innovation and customer feedback is evident. The Delci AE Edition represents a culmination of their efforts, combining an appealing design, comfortable fit, and refined sound. Kefine's journey exemplifies ambition, innovation, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of affordable audio.
Box Contents
Design and Build:
The Kefine Delci AE Edition exudes a premium feel, thanks to its CNC machined aviation-grade aluminum shells. The pearlescent faceplates add a touch of elegance, and the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit. The included cable, while functional, is a bit prone to tangling and microphonics, though the standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors make upgrading easy. All in all, the Delci AE is a well-built IEM that feels solid and looks stylish, with only the stock cable leaving a little room for improvement.
Sound Analysis (Used silver nozzle as it came installed out of the box)
Tonality:
The Delci AE, much like its predecessor, delivers a sound signature that has warmth weaved into its fabric, though some might argue it leans closer to a warm-neutral territory. It's a presentation that avoids harshness and instead offers a smooth and inviting listen, where each note carries a satisfying weight and richness.
Sub-Bass:
Dive into the depths of "Limit to Your Love" by James Blake, and the Delci AE doesn't just reproduce the sub-bass, it lets you experience it. The rumble is palpable, not just a sound but a sensation, giving a physicality to the low frequencies that many IEMs in this price range struggle to capture. Switch over to something faster, like "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish, and the sub-bass remains controlled, never muddying the waters, proving its agility as well as its depth.
Mid-Bass:
The mid-bass is where the Delci AE truly shines. Listen to the kick drum in "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, and it hits with a visceral impact that makes you want to tap your feet. There's a satisfying punchiness, without ever veering into bloat, ensuring the rhythm section retains its drive and energy. On "Royals" by Lorde, the bassline has a pleasing texture, neither overly dry nor too wet, just the right amount of tactility to keep you engaged.
Lower Mid-Range:
The lower mid-range is where the AE reveals its warmer side. Male vocals, like those in "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, are presented with a subtle richness that adds a layer of intimacy. The same warmth extends to instruments like cellos and acoustic guitars, lending them a naturalness that's easy on the ears. It's worth noting that while this warmth is enjoyable, it does mean the lower mid-range isn't the most transparent out there.
Upper Mid-Range:
The upper mid-range is where the AE walks a fine line between smoothness and detail retrieval. Female vocals, such as those in "Someone Like You" by Adele, are presented with enough presence to be emotive, but they're not pushed forward to the point of sounding shouty. Similarly, instruments like violins and pianos have a clarity that lets you appreciate their nuances, but they're not etched with an artificial sharpness.
Lower Treble:
The lower treble is crucial for giving instruments like cymbals and hi-hats their shimmer, and the AE handles this region deftly. In "Hotel California" by The Eagles, the guitar solo sparkles without ever becoming piercing. There's a sense of control here, ensuring that even with complex mixes, the lower treble never becomes fatiguing.
Upper Treble:
The upper treble extends well, contributing to a sense of airiness and openness. In "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, the piano's upper register has a delicate shimmer that adds to the ethereal quality of the piece. However, the upper treble isn't overly emphasized, so those sensitive to high frequencies needn't worry.
Staging (Width, Depth, and Height):
The AE crafts a soundstage that's notably wider than many IEMs at its price point. Listening to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, the various vocal and instrumental layers are spread out convincingly, creating a sense of space that's immersive. There's also a decent sense of depth, with instruments placed further back sounding appropriately distant. While the height isn't as pronounced as the width and depth, it's still present, contributing to a three-dimensional soundstage.
Layering and Separation:
Even with busy orchestral pieces, the AE keeps its composure. Each instrument retains its own space, and you can easily follow individual melodic lines. In "Jupiter" from Holst's The Planets, the brass section doesn't overwhelm the strings, and the woodwinds have their own distinct presence. This separation allows you to appreciate the complexity of the composition without feeling overwhelmed.
Timbre:
The AE favors a natural timbre that makes instruments sound believable. The violins in "Vivaldi's Four Seasons" have a warmth and resonance that's reminiscent of the real thing. Similarly, the vocals in "Yesterday" by The Beatles have an organic quality that makes them easy to connect with. This natural timbre contributes to the overall musicality of these IEMs.
Detail Retrieval:
While the AE prioritizes a smooth and enjoyable listen, it doesn't skimp on details. In "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, the subtle nuances of the acoustic guitar work are readily apparent. Similarly, the delicate cymbal work in "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis is faithfully reproduced. The Delci AE Edition doesn't throw details in your face, but it provides enough to satisfy you.
Silver vs Gold Nozzle:
Silver Nozzle:
The choice between the Silver and Gold nozzle ultimately boils down to personal preference and the music you listen to. If you favor a warmer, smoother, and more forgiving sound, the Silver nozzle is the way to go. If you crave clarity, detail, and a more energetic presentation, even at the risk of occasional sibilance, the Gold nozzle will be more to your liking.
Comparisons:
Delci AE vs Dunu Titan S2
The Delci AE and the Dunu Titan S2 are both popular IEMs in the sub-$100 price range. The Delci AE has a warmer and more V-shaped sound signature, while the Titan S2 has a more neutral and balanced sound signature. The Delci AE also has a wider soundstage and better imaging than the Titan S2.
Delci AE vs Simgot EA500LM
The Delci AE has a warmer and more V-shaped sound signature, while the EA500LM has a brighter and more analytical sound signature. The Delci AE also has a wider soundstage and better imaging than the EA500LM.
Conclusion:
The Kefine Delci AE Edition is an evolution, not a revolution. It takes the solid foundation of the original Delci and polishes it further, adding tuning options and refining the sound. If you loved the original, the AE Edition will likely delight you even more. If you're new to the Kefine world, this is a fantastic entry point, offering a musical and engaging sound that's easy to love, even if it might not be the most technically proficient IEM in its price range.
I would like to thank HiFiGo for sending this unit as part of the review tour.
You can purchase Delci AE at the following link (not an affiliate link):
https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-...TsqmsPtHxfsO9YqQh6vl766Qw2zUkQQ4-rFEV3gP91ov3
Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer, so whatever I say are purely my observations and your results may vary.
I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.
Disclaimer: All impressions and opinions in this review are my own. I have not been paid or compensated by Kefine, HiFiGo or any other entity for this review. My assessment is based solely on my personal experience with the product.
Sources used:
- Dita Navigator
- D16 Taipan
- L&P W2 Ultra
- Hiby R8 II
- RME ADI-2 Pro FS R
- XI Audio Broadway S
Kefine, a rising audio brand from China, has quickly gained recognition for offering exceptional sound quality at affordable prices. Their debut IEM, the Kefine Delci, showcased a warm and engaging sound, exceeding expectations for its price. While Kefine has experienced some growing pains, their commitment to innovation and customer feedback is evident. The Delci AE Edition represents a culmination of their efforts, combining an appealing design, comfortable fit, and refined sound. Kefine's journey exemplifies ambition, innovation, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of affordable audio.
Box Contents
- A carrying case
- 2 X Three pairs of ear tips (small, medium, and large)
- Two tuning nozzles (silver and gold)
Design and Build:
The Kefine Delci AE Edition exudes a premium feel, thanks to its CNC machined aviation-grade aluminum shells. The pearlescent faceplates add a touch of elegance, and the ergonomic design ensures a comfortable fit. The included cable, while functional, is a bit prone to tangling and microphonics, though the standard 0.78mm 2-pin connectors make upgrading easy. All in all, the Delci AE is a well-built IEM that feels solid and looks stylish, with only the stock cable leaving a little room for improvement.
Sound Analysis (Used silver nozzle as it came installed out of the box)
Tonality:
The Delci AE, much like its predecessor, delivers a sound signature that has warmth weaved into its fabric, though some might argue it leans closer to a warm-neutral territory. It's a presentation that avoids harshness and instead offers a smooth and inviting listen, where each note carries a satisfying weight and richness.
Sub-Bass:
Dive into the depths of "Limit to Your Love" by James Blake, and the Delci AE doesn't just reproduce the sub-bass, it lets you experience it. The rumble is palpable, not just a sound but a sensation, giving a physicality to the low frequencies that many IEMs in this price range struggle to capture. Switch over to something faster, like "Bad Guy" by Billie Eilish, and the sub-bass remains controlled, never muddying the waters, proving its agility as well as its depth.
Mid-Bass:
The mid-bass is where the Delci AE truly shines. Listen to the kick drum in "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, and it hits with a visceral impact that makes you want to tap your feet. There's a satisfying punchiness, without ever veering into bloat, ensuring the rhythm section retains its drive and energy. On "Royals" by Lorde, the bassline has a pleasing texture, neither overly dry nor too wet, just the right amount of tactility to keep you engaged.
Lower Mid-Range:
The lower mid-range is where the AE reveals its warmer side. Male vocals, like those in "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen, are presented with a subtle richness that adds a layer of intimacy. The same warmth extends to instruments like cellos and acoustic guitars, lending them a naturalness that's easy on the ears. It's worth noting that while this warmth is enjoyable, it does mean the lower mid-range isn't the most transparent out there.
Upper Mid-Range:
The upper mid-range is where the AE walks a fine line between smoothness and detail retrieval. Female vocals, such as those in "Someone Like You" by Adele, are presented with enough presence to be emotive, but they're not pushed forward to the point of sounding shouty. Similarly, instruments like violins and pianos have a clarity that lets you appreciate their nuances, but they're not etched with an artificial sharpness.
Lower Treble:
The lower treble is crucial for giving instruments like cymbals and hi-hats their shimmer, and the AE handles this region deftly. In "Hotel California" by The Eagles, the guitar solo sparkles without ever becoming piercing. There's a sense of control here, ensuring that even with complex mixes, the lower treble never becomes fatiguing.
Upper Treble:
The upper treble extends well, contributing to a sense of airiness and openness. In "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, the piano's upper register has a delicate shimmer that adds to the ethereal quality of the piece. However, the upper treble isn't overly emphasized, so those sensitive to high frequencies needn't worry.
Staging (Width, Depth, and Height):
The AE crafts a soundstage that's notably wider than many IEMs at its price point. Listening to "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, the various vocal and instrumental layers are spread out convincingly, creating a sense of space that's immersive. There's also a decent sense of depth, with instruments placed further back sounding appropriately distant. While the height isn't as pronounced as the width and depth, it's still present, contributing to a three-dimensional soundstage.
Layering and Separation:
Even with busy orchestral pieces, the AE keeps its composure. Each instrument retains its own space, and you can easily follow individual melodic lines. In "Jupiter" from Holst's The Planets, the brass section doesn't overwhelm the strings, and the woodwinds have their own distinct presence. This separation allows you to appreciate the complexity of the composition without feeling overwhelmed.
Timbre:
The AE favors a natural timbre that makes instruments sound believable. The violins in "Vivaldi's Four Seasons" have a warmth and resonance that's reminiscent of the real thing. Similarly, the vocals in "Yesterday" by The Beatles have an organic quality that makes them easy to connect with. This natural timbre contributes to the overall musicality of these IEMs.
Detail Retrieval:
While the AE prioritizes a smooth and enjoyable listen, it doesn't skimp on details. In "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin, the subtle nuances of the acoustic guitar work are readily apparent. Similarly, the delicate cymbal work in "Kind of Blue" by Miles Davis is faithfully reproduced. The Delci AE Edition doesn't throw details in your face, but it provides enough to satisfy you.
Silver vs Gold Nozzle:
Silver Nozzle:
- Warmer and Smoother: The Silver nozzle leans towards a warmer presentation, particularly noticeable in the mid-bass and lower treble regions. The bass feels more substantial, with a slightly fuller body, while the treble is gently tamed, resulting in a smoother and more forgiving listen.
- Intimate Vocals: Vocals, especially male vocals, benefit from this added warmth, acquiring a touch of richness and intimacy that draws you in.
- Relaxed Presentation: Overall, the Silver nozzle offers a more laid-back and relaxed listening experience, ideal for longer listening sessions or genres that don't demand utmost analytical precision.
- Brighter and More Energetic: The Gold nozzle injects a dose of energy and vibrancy into the sound. The upper mid-range and treble gain prominence, resulting in a presentation that feels more open and airy.
- Improved Clarity and Detail: The enhanced treble response brings forth greater clarity and detail retrieval, making subtle nuances in the music more apparent.
- Analytical Edge: The Gold nozzle shifts the balance towards a more analytical and revealing sound signature, which can be particularly appealing for genres that thrive on detail and precision.
- Slight Sibilance: While the elevated treble adds sparkle, it can also lead to occasional sibilance on certain tracks, particularly with female vocals or cymbals.
The choice between the Silver and Gold nozzle ultimately boils down to personal preference and the music you listen to. If you favor a warmer, smoother, and more forgiving sound, the Silver nozzle is the way to go. If you crave clarity, detail, and a more energetic presentation, even at the risk of occasional sibilance, the Gold nozzle will be more to your liking.
Comparisons:
Delci AE vs Dunu Titan S2
The Delci AE and the Dunu Titan S2 are both popular IEMs in the sub-$100 price range. The Delci AE has a warmer and more V-shaped sound signature, while the Titan S2 has a more neutral and balanced sound signature. The Delci AE also has a wider soundstage and better imaging than the Titan S2.
Delci AE vs Simgot EA500LM
The Delci AE has a warmer and more V-shaped sound signature, while the EA500LM has a brighter and more analytical sound signature. The Delci AE also has a wider soundstage and better imaging than the EA500LM.
Conclusion:
The Kefine Delci AE Edition is an evolution, not a revolution. It takes the solid foundation of the original Delci and polishes it further, adding tuning options and refining the sound. If you loved the original, the AE Edition will likely delight you even more. If you're new to the Kefine world, this is a fantastic entry point, offering a musical and engaging sound that's easy to love, even if it might not be the most technically proficient IEM in its price range.
DISCLAIMER:
I would like to thank Kefine and Collin Yang for providing this review unit.
The Kefine Delci AE purchase link:
https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-...dGf6wzYHyZWn94GMJfEKrm_U6njuwg_r27sbjomUDt7L7 (non-affiliated link)
Sources used during review: Shanling M5 Ultra, Hiby R6 Gen III, Hiby R4. Kefine Delci AE is easy to drive and it does not need a lot of power to scale well. I was easily able to drive it with the 3.5mm port of my DAP’s. Since this review is primarily done using the Gold Tuning Nozzle, I found it gives better synergy with warmer sounding sources like the Shanling M5 Ultra.
Executive Summary: The Delci AE is a collaborative effort between Kefine and the well-known brand Angel Ears, which has partnered with various IEM makers over the years. Given its strong reputation, Angel Ears was a natural choice to elevate the already popular Delci. The Delci AE, a single dynamic driver earphone, comes with several improvements over its predecessor, including refined tuning, an upgraded cable, customizable tuning nozzles, and a fresh new look. The original Delci was praised for its warm sound signature that avoided harshness in the upper mids, and this latest version builds on that legacy with added versatility. With these enhancements, the Delci AE is poised to be a strong contender on many “Top 5 under $100” lists. Let’s dive deeper to see if it lives up to its esteemed predecessor’s acclaim.
Tuning Nozzles: Kefine Delice AE comes with two nozzles gold & silver. In my testing time I found the silver nozzle to sound very similar to the original Delci, smooth, warm with thick note weight and impactful bass. The new Gold Nozzle brings more extension and energy to the highs. It boosts the upper-mids a bit and improves the overall technicalities as well. This review will be mainly conducted using the gold nozzle.
Hits
:
The Delci AE is a warm, natural and smooth sounding set. With the gold tuning nozzle, it’s quite versatile as well, where you won’t have to sacrifice musicality for technicalities.The Gold filter gives you nicely well-extended treble, it sounds sparkly and has good air. Instruments like high-hats sounds very crisp and splashy.There is an upper-mid boost present with the gold tuning nozzle, female vocals sound more emotional. Overall mids take a center-place in the mix, they aren’t recessed like most V-shaped sets.This IEM emphasizes sub-bass but doesn’t fall into the category of a basshead set. The sub-bass extends quite deep and has good rumble. Bass texture is above average, delivering a quick and agile response with minimal mid-bass bleed.The gold nozzle offers good micro-detailing, instrument separation and better resolution. Imaging is good as well but it can get a bit blurry with more bass tracks.The Delci AE still retains that natural timbre and tonality with the gold nozzle. Instruments like guitars, bass kick drums, violins and cymbals all sound very life-like and realistic.Misses
:
Although the soundstage sounds more expansive with the gold nozzle, compared to the original Delci. Still, it’s not very wide and sounds more cramped.The gold nozzle might offer slightly better treble extension, resolution and technicalities. Still the Delci AE is a set focused mostly on musicality and bass, it has coloration and won’t satisfy those looking for a more analytical listen.With the gold nozzle you lose some of the warmth in the lower-mids, making male vocals sound less weighty and prominent compared to the silver nozzle.There can be a hint of sibilance in the treble region, especially if you are using the gold nozzle with a neutral or slightly bright sounding source.Although the price has gone up from $75 to $89, I wouldn’t call the Delci AE a direct upgrade to the original Delci, rather it offers more versatility.Comparison
Aful Explorer: The Aful Explorer is slightly more costly and offers a muti-driver setup, but I honestly prefer the Delci AE over the explorer. The Delci AE has better treble extension, sparkle and energy with the compared the Aful Explorer. Delci AE offers more emotional female vocals whereas Aful Explorer offers thicker and more pronounced male vocals. Aful Explorer has better bass quantity, and there is a better balance between sub and mids bass. I feel the Delci AE offers better micro-details extraction and resolution with its gold nozzle. The Explorer has wider soundstage but the Delic AE has better instrument separation. Aful Exploer excels in one thing and that is musicality whereas the Delci AE can be a bit more versatile.
Conclusion: The Kefine Delci AE caters to a certain group of audiophiles who prioritizes musicality and are bass lovers over treble and technicalities. If you fall under this category then the Delic AE is absolutely for you, you won’t be disappointed with this set. However, for owners of the base Delci this is not enough of an upgrade more like a side-grade with slightly better treble extension and technicalities with the gold nozzle. I personally think it’s a highly impressive set and like that its versatile enough not to leave lovers of treble “in the dark.” Excuse my attempt at treble (terrible) humor.
The KEFINE DELCI is probably one of the natural sounding IEM in this year as it has ample warmth with a well-balanced sound quality that has agreeable tuning that almost any type of listener will have a pleasure to have a long listening session with. I myself with strong adherence to neutral, midcentric and a bit of a treble head was impressed by its sheer tonal performance.
And now what I have here is a latest variant of the said model and its a collaborative effort with a well-known audio distributor in Aliexpress, ANGELEARS. This is KEFINE DELCI AE and it still follows the same design profile and driver configuration with the original DELCI but this set offers new features in which I will describe it later.
The KEFINE DELCI AE still utilises a 10mm dual-chambered dynamic driver with composite dynamic diaphragm consisting of DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) and PU (Polyurethane) in which these materials if combined will have a lightweight, durable and good elasticity for excellent handling and control on vibration for better high-fidelity sonics. With a high fidelity sound reproduction, it will give a deep bass, clean and clear vocals, natural sounding instruments and shimmering treble.
The driver was encapsulated in a compact CNC-milled aviation-grade aluminium alloy in the same design language of the regular DELCI. It has a matte-like finish on the surface as it underwent an anodising process to achieve that texture for fingerprint and scratch resistance. As I mentioned a while ago about its new feature, it has a detachable tuning nozzle system that makes this set even more tonally versatile as this one has another type of tuning which is quite different to the stock tuning filters in regards to sound profile.
KEFINE still implemented the 0.78mm bi-pin connector on this IEM as its interlocking which is more stable and easier to detach. Its stock cable has a braided two-core high purity OFC copper and silver-plated copper wires for better audio signal transmission with a straight gold-plated 3.5mm single ended termination plug. The quality of the stock cable seems to be flexible and supple to hold and there's not a hint of microphonics on it.
Due to the compact size of its shell chassis, DELCI AE offers an excellent fitting as it rests well into my lugholes without any discomfort and also, it seals well that I have a good passive noise isolation that filters out some external noises from the outside surroundings.
The product packaging of this one is pretty stock with quantity amount inclusions inside of its packaging box.
Here are the following contents that we can find inside of KEFINE DELCI AE's box:
- Pair of KEFINE DELCI AE IEM transducers.
- Pair of gold tuning filter tuning nozzles.
- Stock cable with 3.5mm termination plug.
- Zippered carrying case.
- 3 pairs of balanced bore KBEar/Acoustune-like ear tips in different standard sizes.
- 3 pairs of black coloured balanced bore ear tips in different standard sizes.
- Paperwork like instruction manual and warrant card.
The KEFINE DELCI AE has low sensitivity rating so that it can be amplified with low powered output with normal gain mode sources like smartphones, USB headphone dongles and tablets. But pairing it to devices with better quality Hi-Fi DAC/Amps will deliver a more dynamic and full-range sound that truly shows the full potential of this set.
Due to its detachable tuning filter nozzle feature, the DELCI AE offers two distinctive tonal profiles and here are some brief explanation on each tuning profile:
(FR graph was provided by @baskingshark , credits to him)
SILVER TUNING FILTER NOZZLES - it has a warm u-shaped sound with more emphasis on the low frequencies.
GOLD TUNING FILTER NOZZLES - it has brighter U-shaped with more prominent highs with attenuated low frequency.
LOWS/BASS:
SILVER TUNING FILTER
This setting will give a more punchy, slamming and impactful bass response with sufficient rumble. This one has more mid bass texture as it gives more density on its note weight on some elements in that section.
While there's a perceivable reverberating sub-bass presence on this setting, a well-textured will give more authority, heft and depth on some bass-clef instruments and deep male vocals.
INSTRUMENTS:
Bass guitars - warm and sonorous sound
Double bass - weighty and dark sound
Bass kick drums - full and resonant sound
Bass trumpets - fuller with dark timbre sound
VOCALS:
Basses - thick, gravelly and dusky sounding
Bass-baritones - deep, resonant and full sounding.
GOLD TUNING FILTERS:
It seems that mid bass texture is apparently decreased as it lessens a substantial note weight on some bass-clef instruments and vocals. The overall bass response appears to focus more on the sub-bass as it has a rumbling yet tighter bass response as I clearly felt those reverberations coming from synthesisers, drum machines and low tuned double bass and bass guitars.
Regarding its mid bass section, as it loses some of its texture, it also affects some tonal characteristics on some bass-clef instruments and certain male vocals. Like some instruments will sound less heftier and male vocals have inadequate volume and depth.
INSTRUMENTS:
Bass guitars - resonant and rasping sound
Double bass - hollow and a bit mellow sound
Bass kick drums - tighter, thudding and hollow sound
Bass trumpets - dull with less darker timbre sound
VOCALS:
Basses - insufficient amount of volume, a tad leaner and a bit hollowed voices.
Bass-baritones - less depth yet resonant sounding vocals.
MIDRANGE:
SILVER TUNING FILTERS
The midrange presentation of this one is a bit recessed but it is very well-textured as it gives more warmth and rich sound on vocals and instruments. Most male vocals, some female vocals and instruments like brasses and percussives will sound very natural and deliver that smooth and soothing tonal colour on those elements.
VOCALS:
Baritones - smooth, lush and warm sounding.
Tenors - brassy, firm and juicy sounding.
Countertenors - velvety, smooth and comforting sound.
Contraltos - luscious, rich and husky sounding.
Mezzo-sopranos - smooth,velvety and mesmerising vocals.
Sopranos - sweet, creamy and less shimmering vocals.
INSTRUMENTS:
Guitars - warm to buttery sounding.
Cellos - mellow, warm and full sounding.
Violins - sensuous and sweet sounding.
Trumpets - rounded, substantial and dark sounding.
Trombones - heroic, dark and taut sounding
Horns - warm, full and a tad muffled sounding.
Piccolos - a bit dull and too warm sounding although it has a graceful sound
Concert flutes - mellow and rich sound.
Clarinets - round, warm and throaty sounding.
Saxophones - mellow, sombre and warm sounding.
Tom-toms - warm and resonant sounding
Snare drums - hard, a tad boomy and reverberating sound.
Field drums - booming and full sounding.
Kettledrums - booming, round and velvety sounding.
Pianos - mellow, rich and round sounding akin to the major tonal profile of most antique German pianos.
GOLD TUNING FILTERS
In this setting, the midrange is noticeably more recessed but it has a clear, transparent and energetic sound that some listeners might perceive as clean sounding. This tuning will favour more on strings and woodwinds instruments and also, on some certain types of vocals like countertenors, mezzo-sopranos and sopranos for clear, airy and bright sound quality. Take note that tuning might be too sensitive on some listeners who are prone to accentuated upper mid section.
VOCALS:
Baritones - less warm, hollow and lean sounding.
Tenors - Brassy, spicy and ringing sound.
Countertenors - tender, lyrical and modulated sounding.
Contralto - rich but less weighty and deep sounding.
Mezzo-sopranos - fiery, coppery and glowing sounding.
Sopranos - provocative, gleaming and silvery sounding.
INSTRUMENTS:
Guitars - Crisp, bright and lingering sound.
Cellos - lively, incisive and a tad shrill sound.
Violins - lively, metallic and brilliant sounding.
Trumpets - vivid with some metallic brilliance on its sound.
Trombones - eruptive and powerful sounding.
Horns - intense and bright sound with a quiet shrillness on it.
Piccolos - bright and a bit piercing sound.
Concert flutes - brilliant and soft sounding.
Clarinets - lively and incisive sounding.
Saxophones - forceful and reedy sounding.
Tom-toms - less warm and penetrating ringing sound.
Snare drums - bright, clear and precise sounding.
Field drums - menacing and resonant sounding.
Kettledrums - rumbling yet hollow and dry sounding.
Pianos - bright, clear and clean sounding but sometimes tinny.
HIGHS/ TREBLE:
SILVER TUNING FILTERS
The treble response of this one is quite smooth and well-balanced and I don't think it's a dark sounding (unless if you are treble head rooting for a brighter and crisp treble tuning). With this type of tuning profile, It is assured that there will be not a hint of sibilance nor harshness due to how it smoothen and even out those registered upper-mids and presence treble peaks.
And on the brilliance treble part, it appears that the treble air extension is rather modest with less intensity on its sparkle. It gives a “safer” and a tad warmer timbre.
INSTRUMENTS:
Cymbals - full and lustrous sounding.
Hi-hats - short buzzing sound.
Glockenspiels - lustrous and pleasant sounding but lacking in brilliance.
Celestas - mellow and velvety sounding.
GOLD TUNING FILTERS
This tuning profile is relatively contrasting to SILVER TUNING FILTERS mode on how it delivers its treble response as it has a crisp bright and airy sound that certainly gives more detail and resolution on the certain vocals and more precise note attacks of instruments. But there are occurrences that I encounter some shrillness, piercing and a tad sibilance during my listening session on my selected testing tracks that treble-sensitive folk should be aware of.
The treble air of this tuning setting is quite an improvement compared to the other tuning filter mode as it improves airy extension and a more intensity of its sparkle. It gives off a brighter timbre which will be more beneficial to treble-clef instruments.
INSTRUMENTS:
Cymbals - brilliant and bright sounding.
Hi-hats - a shortened crisp and buzzing sound.
Glockenspiels - bright and glistening sounding
Celestas - silvery and shimmering sounding.
SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:
This set projects an above-average spatial sonic dimensions as it has moderately width size on its lateral span, a good height reach and good depth as I can certainly perceive it as fairly roomy enough within my aural sphere.
The stereo imaging presents an almost 3D-like sonic canvas as I was able to panned out certain positioning of instruments and vocals in a passably layered soundscape with some good separation on them.
Driver coherency of this one is pretty excellent as it is able to deliver that quick transient response without any issues like sluggishness or distortion. On resolution capabilities, while this is not the most resolving single DD that I've encountered nor in my top 5's list but it has solid macro-dynamics and a rather satisfactory micro-detail capability enough to retrieve some nuances and subtleties from an audio track.
Furthermore, when switching it to SILVER TUNING FILTERS, it somehow improves the perceived the size of sound/speaker stage, more delineating layering and sharpens a bit the micro-detail retrieval definition capability.
PEER COMPARISONS:
SIMGOT EA500LM
- This is KEFINE DELCI AE's closest rival as they have similar build quality, features and presentation.
- It has a glossy buff-polished surface on its aluminium-alloy that makes it more fingerprint mark magnet.
- It also has detachable tuning nozzles, and it offers three tuning profiles.
- The tuning aligns with more Harman-esque tuning that we are accustomed although SIMGOT have some slight tweaking on them.
- If I compared the bright tuning setting of this one to the bright setting mode the DELCI AE, this one has a more tighter bass response, leaner midranger and even brighter treble quality.
- It has similar technical capabilities with the DELCI AE but this one has more defined layering and even more resolving.
TWISTURA D-MAJOR
- This one has similar physical profile with the DELCI AE in features, driver implementation and build quality.
- It has a mirror-finished surface similar to EA500LM that makes it susceptible to nicks, scratches and fingerprints.
- One of the few entry-level sets that includes a DAC/Amp dongle on its packaging.
- It offers three tuning profiles and all of them are in U-shaped sound profiles with slight variations.
- On the red ring nozzle settings, if I compared it to SILVER TUNING FILTER Mode of the DELCI AE, it has more sub bass presence but a tad hollowed and less textured mid bass, a less warmer and less textured midrange and a bit brighter treble response but there are some slight hissing if I played a sibilant-laden track.
- It has similar sound/speaker stage size but it presents a concave-like stereo imaging, less remarkable layering on its soundscape and a bit more resolving with some added glare that makes it a tad sharper on micro-detail retrieval.
KEFINE DELCI REGULAR
- It has the same build quality, driver configuration and inclusions.
- Unlike its successor, it doesn't have detachable tuning nozzle features.
- It appears that it has different stock cable.
- It doesn’t have the KBEar/Acoustune-like ear tips among its inclusions of its ear tips package.
- If compared to the SILVER TUNING FILTER setting of the DELCI AE, they are quite similar from bass response, texture and depth on the midrange but it has a slightly improved treble as it has tad airier and slightly sparkly.
- In technical performance, there's a slight improvement on sound/speaker stage width and height but GOLD NOZZLE FILTER mode will trounces over this set in all aspects and its resolution capability is quite even more resolving.
In conclusion of this product review, in a span of few months since the released of the original DELCI, it truly shows the capability of KEFINE on how they continuously evolving themselves that they are very persistent on pursuing their craft to build a more refined product in a reasonable budget pricing. The DELCI AE is among the most versatile IEM sets right now that you will can choose either in casual listening or in critical listening to enjoy high-fidelity experience due to its detachable nozzles. While I don't consider it as a full upgrade over its original but rather as sidegrade as it only has a marginal improvements on its tuning aside from its detachable nozzle feature.
I can definitely recommend the DELCI AE if you don't have the original one yet and want to experience the in-house tuning of KEFINE which more focus on naturalness and smooth analogue sounding.
KEFINE DELCI AE is now available on ANGELEARS Store in Aliexpress and also in HIFIGO. All links that I have provided are guaranteed non-affliated ones.
ANGELEARS: https://pl.aliexpress.com/item/1005007426941077.html
HIFIGO: https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-delci-ae
For more KEFINE product reviews, check out my previous product reviews links below.
● KEFINE KLANAR
● KEFINE DELCI
SPECIFICATION:
MODEL: KEFINE DELCI
IMPEDANCE: 28Ω
SENSITIVITY: 108dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 20KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: 0.78 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER
TRACKS TESTED: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)
Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *
P.S.
I am not affiliated to KEFINE nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.
Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to Mr. Collin Yang for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate his generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.
Kefine, in collaboration with Angel Ears, has introduced a special variant of its well-received Delci IEM, the Kefine Delci AE. Building on the success of the original Delci, which earned praise for its well implemented Harmanish smooth, musical presentation, the Delci AE comes equipped with a new dual-cavity 10mm dynamic driver featuring a DLC+PU diaphragm. This release is not a direct upgrade to the Delci but more of a alternative option for those who have not tried the Delci or also for those who have the OG Delci but want a newer variant in a already well tuned OG model. The AE delci model has a clean, crisp sound reproduction housed in a sleek, ergonomically designed aluminum alloy shell. But how does it fare in real-world use? Let’s dive in.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Delci AE’s ear shells just like the OG Delci is crafted from CNC-machined aviation-grade aluminum alloy they actually put a sticker in the box saying so
its why the delci is one of the lightest metal iem i have and compared to some metal iems in the market that is acually made of zinc alloy which is more heavy and gets brittle in time. The Delci's clean minimalist styling really sets the Kefine design apart from the usual shiny glittering rainbow swirl chifi iems. The material not only gives the shells a durable feel but also keeps them remarkably lightweight at just 5.3 grams per earpiece. This lightweight design, coupled with the compact form factor, ensures a comfortable fit that can be worn for extended listening sessions without fatigue.The packaging also includes two sets of replaceable tuning nozzles that allows users to customize their listening experience. The silver nozzle provides a warm, smooth sound signature, while the golden nozzle enhances the clarity and detail, catering to different musical preferences.
Kefine also bundled a high-purity 164-core cable with the Delci AE, featuring a mix of OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) and silver-plated cores. The cable is soft and pliable, reducing microphonics and making it easy to manage during use. Available in 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations, the cable caters to both standard and balanced outputs.
The Delci AE’s 10mm dual-cavity dynamic driver, featuring a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) diaphragm and PU suspension, delivers an impressive auditory experience. The DLC diaphragm is known for its lightweight and rigid properties, contributing to the pair’s ability to produce a clear, distortion-free sound.
Bass: The bass response on the Delci AE is deep and well-controlled, courtesy of the dual-cavity design. it is undeniably powerful but never overbearing. It has a clean, controlled presence that complements rather than overwhelms the music. Each bass note is defined with sharp leading edges, and the decay is quick yet natural, maintaining a clean tone that adds a sense of depth without any muddiness. It doesn’t overpower the other frequencies, allowing for a more balanced presentation. Whether it’s the resonating thwack of a bass guitar in rock music, jazz or the repeatetive bass thumping in electronic/techno tracks and some deep rumbling of a hiphop beats, the Delci AE handles it with precision without losing its fun musicality.
Mids: The midrange is my favorite part in the Delci AE its what i think sets the Delci series apart from the similarly tuned sets in its price bracket. Vocals are rendered with clarity and warmth. natural tone and timbre with a slight brightness in upper midrange giving the mids/vocals more details and vividness, The tuning seems to be aimed at those who appreciate a natural and lifelike reproduction of vocals and instruments. Listening to acoustic tracks on the Delci AE is a particularly immersive experience, with every strum of a guitar and variations in a vocal performance captured with accuracy, with the upper mids flows smoothly to the lower treble making the transition more flowless and cohesive.
Treble: The treble on the Delci AE is crisp and well-extended, providing plenty of detail without becoming harsh or fatiguing. The gold nozzle, in particular, enhances the treble, bringing out the finer details in high-frequency instruments and adding a touch of sparkle to the sound. its has a prefect balance of bright detail and natural timbre, make the overall treble natural, detailed and energetic.
Tuning Nozzles:
What set the Delci AE from the OG Deci is the inclusion of two swappable tuning nozzles.
The silver nozzle delivers a warmer, smoother sound signature, when using this nozzle i find it to have the closes sound to the OG Delci which I found perfect for most genres but specifically on Jazz, Rock, Pop etc... the silver nozzle rounds off the treble slightly, making for a relaxed listening experience that’s easy on the ears during long sessions.
The golden nozzle, on the other hand, is a different beast and my nozzle of choice paired with Divinus Velvet standard tips, this setup sharpens the treble and enhances the overall clarity, making it ideal for classical and instrumental music. The increased detail and brightness bring out the subtle variance in complex compositions but still retains the rumble and punchiness of the bass, overall the gold nozzle is a great choice for critical listening.
When i pair the gold nozzle with standard divinus velvets, The more i use this the more it sounds like ea500lm with similar tonality, timbre and technicalities but still retains the OG delci bass, a perfect balance of boomy and punchy bass we all love on the OG delci.
Technicalities:
Both the original Delci and the AE version exhibit similar technical strengths, though they share some limitations. The soundstage, while not expansive, creates a focused listening environment that allows for good instrument separation. Instruments are clearly defined, making it easier to pick out individual elements in a track, although the overall sense of space might feel somewhat constrained. Imaging is decent, with each sound element placed in its own distinct location, though it may not reach the levels of precision found in higher-end models, Delci compensates for it with total immersive and fun musicality which lets me get really immersed and lost in my music rather than analyzing each nuances in every track which i find very distracting just likje in some of my more technically tuned iems. the Delci AE delivers a performance that i find satisfying, which especially compliment its other strengths like the overall fun tonality of the both Delci models that focuses on musical enjoyment rather than showcasing technical capabilities.
The Kefine Delci AE exemplifies what thoughtful design and careful engineering can achieve in the world of in-ear monitors. It delivers a refined, versatile sound signature that can be customized to individual preferences with its swappable nozzles. The build quality is outstanding, offering durability without sacrificing comfort.
I’ve had the privilege of owning all of Kefine’s IEM models the Klanar Planar, DELCI, Delci AE and they’ve consistently impressed me with their superior build quality, minimalist yet classy design, and the distinctive Kefine house sound that perfectly suits my playlist.
If you’re in the market for a pair of IEMs that combine aesthetics, comfort, and excellent sound quality, the Kefine Delci AE definitely deserves a spot on your shortlist.
HIFIGo LINK : https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-...A0FbOeUJRbAxtstMTcbLlGzXi1jaE_-nrbmGf6o31x2jE
KEFINE LINK : https://www.kefineelec.com/en/
Attachments
DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Kefine for providing this review unit.
The Kefine Delci AE can be gotten here: https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-delci-ae or https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007426941077.html (no affiliate links).
INTRODUCTION
The Delci AE is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed OG Delci, which was lauded for its warmish tuning without being peakish in the upper mids. This time round, the AE variant has 2 tuning nozzles to spice things up. Let's read on to see if the Delci AE is a deserved sequel, treading in the footsteps of its esteemed predecessor.
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- 2 pairs of tuning nozzles
- Carrying case
For a sub-$100 set, the accessory spread is quite decent, covering most areas adequately.
While there are no foam tips included, we have 2 variants of silicone tips. The narrow-bore ones boost bass, with a slight penalty in soundstage, whereas the wide-bore ones increase air and treble and open up the stage.
The stock cable is a 2-pin silver-plated copper one, and during ordering, one can opt for a 3.5 mm (single-ended) or 4.4 mm (balanced) cable, depending on your source needs. This cable is on the tangly side, but thankfully it has minimal microphonics, with a chin cinch for added grip.
We have 2 pairs of tuning nozzles, which we will discuss further in detail in the following sections.
An oblong semi-rigid case rounds up the accessories. This is relatively spacious with inner webbing and should withstand compression to some extent.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock wide-bore silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The Delci AE is fashioned from aviation-grade CNC-machined aluminum alloy, and is literally built like a tank. In marketing materials, Kefine states that it takes 35 minutes to individually mold one shell, and I have to say the quality of manufacturing is second to none at the sub-$100 range.
Despite the tough exterior, each earpiece weighs a mere 5.3 g - and coupled with the smooth inner aspects and ergonomic tear drop motif - the Delci AE is a comfortable bedfellow when it comes to longer listening sessions.
Being a vented IEM, isolation is average, but I found no driver flex during usage, which is a sign of good acoustic airflow.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Delci AE with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Onix Alpha XI1 dongle
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM is easy to drive, with no hard requirements for amplification. However, it will scale slightly with amplification, in terms of soundstage and dynamics.
INTERNALS/TUNING NOZZLES
The Delci AE's engine is a 10 mm DLC + PU composite diaphragm dynamic driver.
In keeping with the times - where tuning switches and nozzles abound everywhere - the Delci AE has 2 pairs of tuning nozzles.
Graph of the Delci AE via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Happily, these nozzles ain't gimmicks, unlike some other "tunable" IEMs. The silver nozzle imparts a laid-back and warmish tonality that fans of the OG Delci will be familiar with, whereas the gold nozzle is a less bassy affiar, with more emphasis in the upper mids and lower treble. Technicalities definitely improve on the gold nozzle, but we lose some note weight and introduce an element of sibilance.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
The following impressions are done with the gold nozzle in use.
As per the graphs in the previous section, this setup furnishes a V-shaped tonality that is on the brightish side.
This IEM is sub-bass focused, but isn't a basshead set by any means. We do hear decent sub-bass extension to 20 Hz, but not the thickest or most reverberant rumble. Bass texturing is above average, with a relatively fast nimble bassline with minimal mid-bass bleed. In essence, quality over quantity is the name of the game here.
The lower midrange is a tinge recessed - as per the V-shaped profile - but this region is transparent without impingement from the mid-bass. With 8 dB ear gain, the upper mids are forwards without straying much into shouty territory, but definitely the silver nozzle pinna gain is more subdued than the gold one, so the anti-pinna gain gang will probably opt for the silver ones.
On the gold nozzle, the lower treble culminates in a 5.5 kHz peak, which adds resolution compared to the silver nozzle. This adds some sparkle to the equation, but admittedly, there is some sibilance on the gold nozzle, and it may lie on the border for the treble-sensitive.
Timbre is quite natural, no complaints here. The silver nozzle of course imparts a thicker note weight, but even on the gold nozzle, acoustic instrument playback is organic.
In technicalities, the Delci AE on the gold nozzle can be classed as good, but perhaps falling slightly short of class-leading. Instrument separation and soundstage are done well, with music projecting just beyond the ears. Imaging is acceptable with a decent sprinkling of micro-detailing noted.
COMPARISONS
The Delci AE will be compared against other tunable DDs below $100 USD, and against the OG Delci. Hybrids, multi-BAs, and planars, which have their own pros and cons, are left out of the comparisons.
Once again the following impressions are done with the gold nozzle in use.
OG Delci
Graphs of the Kefine Delci versus OG Delci. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
The silver nozzle Delci AE is tonally similar to the OG Delci, just that the Delci AE on this configuration has a bit better imaging and micro-detailing. Soundstage is thereabouts, but there is also a tinge improved treble extension on the silver AE. So think of the silver AE as an incremental upgrade over the predecessor in terms of resolution and technicalities.
With the gold nozzle in play, the Delci AE trumps the OG Delci in technicalities - in imaging, soundstage and micro-details - just that the former presents a thinner note weight and a hair of sibilance/fatigue in the top end.
In a nutshell, the AE version is more versatile than the OG Delci, as we have an additional signature on offer. For existing OG Delci owners that are not fans of a brightish or emphasized pinna gain tuning, the AE version may however, just be a marginal improvement over the OG, especially if one is gonna stick to just the silver nozzle and not use the treble-focused gold nozzle. But for folks who have not experienced the OG Delci or want another brighter and more technical option in the pocket, the AE variant would be worthwhile for the slight price differential.
NF Audio RA15
The RA15 has 2 tuning nozzles, but both are way brighter in the treble than the gold Delci AE. The Delci AE has a warmer and bassier silver nozzle to give more contrast to the soundscape, whereas the RA15 is just bright and very bright across both nozzles.
Thus, the RA15 is more sibilant and fatiguing in the top-end, and perhaps is suited more for trebleheads.
In technical aspects, the RA15 has better clarity, air, treble extension and micro-detailing - which is indirectly a function of a more boosted treble - but it is weaker in soundstage and imaging.
The RA15 also has a metallic timbre and driver flex, which may be non-starters for some.
Simgot EA500LM
The EA500LM has 3 tuning nozzles, which all bestow a bright Harmanish signature. The EA500LM has a greater boost in the pinna-gain region, which translates to more vocal shout, and may be a turn-off for the pinna-gain sensitive.
The EA500LM has a hair better imaging and soundstage, but has a less natural timbre.
CONCLUSIONS
The Kefine Delci AE can be considered a jack of all trades single DD at the competitive sub-$100 market. It is versatile, as it brings 2 tuning options to the table - the laid- back silver nozzle is reminiscent of the OG Delci in having subdued upper frequencies and more bass, but with slightly improved technical chops - whereas the brighter gold nozzle increases resolution and lifts the veil.
This IEM is easy to drive, and is literally built like a tank, with agreeable ergonomics. The silver nozzle will be a great companion for the treble and pinna-gain sensitive crowd, whereas the gold nozzle adds some pizzazz to the top-end, with an expansive soundscape coupled with a nice smattering of resolution added to the mix.
The 2 nozzles have minor flaws though - the gold ones may creep near sibilance territory especially for the treble-sensitive, whereas the silver ones may be a bit too laid-back and unresolving for the trebleheads. As per its jack of all trades moniker, the Delci AE is arguably not classleading in all aspects - eg technical aspects may be slightly ahead on the Simgot EA500LM - but the Delci AE does most departments well rather than being a one-trick pony that only excels in one arena.
The million dollar question will of course be whether existing owners of the OG Delci should get this AE variant?
Ultimately, the Delci AE is a marginal upgrade over the venerable predecessor, but for additional coin. Folks who love the OG Delci gravitated to its restrained upper midrange and thicc sonics, and I'm glad to report that the silver nozzle Delci AE keeps most of these aspects intact (with slightly improved technicalities to boot). The gold nozzle is in another league for technicalities, but I have a feeling that the gang that loved the OG Delci's soundscape may find the gold nozzle a tinge on the hotter side, and may just keep to the silver nozzle.
Definitely, for folks who have not experienced the OG Delci or want a good performing single DD with 2 diverse tunings in the locker, the AE variant is one to keep in the conversation, and has my recommendation.
I would like to thank Kefine for providing this review unit.
The Kefine Delci AE can be gotten here: https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-delci-ae or https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007426941077.html (no affiliate links).
INTRODUCTION
The Delci AE is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed OG Delci, which was lauded for its warmish tuning without being peakish in the upper mids. This time round, the AE variant has 2 tuning nozzles to spice things up. Let's read on to see if the Delci AE is a deserved sequel, treading in the footsteps of its esteemed predecessor.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 10 mm DLC + PU composite diaphragm dynamic driver
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance: 28 Ω
- Sensitivity: 108 dB
- Cable: 2-pin 0.78 mm; silver-plated copper cable; option for 4.4 mm or 3.5 mm termination
- Tested at: $84.99 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- 2 pairs of tuning nozzles
- Carrying case
For a sub-$100 set, the accessory spread is quite decent, covering most areas adequately.
While there are no foam tips included, we have 2 variants of silicone tips. The narrow-bore ones boost bass, with a slight penalty in soundstage, whereas the wide-bore ones increase air and treble and open up the stage.
The stock cable is a 2-pin silver-plated copper one, and during ordering, one can opt for a 3.5 mm (single-ended) or 4.4 mm (balanced) cable, depending on your source needs. This cable is on the tangly side, but thankfully it has minimal microphonics, with a chin cinch for added grip.
We have 2 pairs of tuning nozzles, which we will discuss further in detail in the following sections.
An oblong semi-rigid case rounds up the accessories. This is relatively spacious with inner webbing and should withstand compression to some extent.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock wide-bore silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The Delci AE is fashioned from aviation-grade CNC-machined aluminum alloy, and is literally built like a tank. In marketing materials, Kefine states that it takes 35 minutes to individually mold one shell, and I have to say the quality of manufacturing is second to none at the sub-$100 range.
Despite the tough exterior, each earpiece weighs a mere 5.3 g - and coupled with the smooth inner aspects and ergonomic tear drop motif - the Delci AE is a comfortable bedfellow when it comes to longer listening sessions.
Being a vented IEM, isolation is average, but I found no driver flex during usage, which is a sign of good acoustic airflow.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Delci AE with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Onix Alpha XI1 dongle
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM is easy to drive, with no hard requirements for amplification. However, it will scale slightly with amplification, in terms of soundstage and dynamics.
INTERNALS/TUNING NOZZLES
The Delci AE's engine is a 10 mm DLC + PU composite diaphragm dynamic driver.
In keeping with the times - where tuning switches and nozzles abound everywhere - the Delci AE has 2 pairs of tuning nozzles.
Graph of the Delci AE via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
Happily, these nozzles ain't gimmicks, unlike some other "tunable" IEMs. The silver nozzle imparts a laid-back and warmish tonality that fans of the OG Delci will be familiar with, whereas the gold nozzle is a less bassy affiar, with more emphasis in the upper mids and lower treble. Technicalities definitely improve on the gold nozzle, but we lose some note weight and introduce an element of sibilance.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
The following impressions are done with the gold nozzle in use.
As per the graphs in the previous section, this setup furnishes a V-shaped tonality that is on the brightish side.
This IEM is sub-bass focused, but isn't a basshead set by any means. We do hear decent sub-bass extension to 20 Hz, but not the thickest or most reverberant rumble. Bass texturing is above average, with a relatively fast nimble bassline with minimal mid-bass bleed. In essence, quality over quantity is the name of the game here.
The lower midrange is a tinge recessed - as per the V-shaped profile - but this region is transparent without impingement from the mid-bass. With 8 dB ear gain, the upper mids are forwards without straying much into shouty territory, but definitely the silver nozzle pinna gain is more subdued than the gold one, so the anti-pinna gain gang will probably opt for the silver ones.
On the gold nozzle, the lower treble culminates in a 5.5 kHz peak, which adds resolution compared to the silver nozzle. This adds some sparkle to the equation, but admittedly, there is some sibilance on the gold nozzle, and it may lie on the border for the treble-sensitive.
Timbre is quite natural, no complaints here. The silver nozzle of course imparts a thicker note weight, but even on the gold nozzle, acoustic instrument playback is organic.
In technicalities, the Delci AE on the gold nozzle can be classed as good, but perhaps falling slightly short of class-leading. Instrument separation and soundstage are done well, with music projecting just beyond the ears. Imaging is acceptable with a decent sprinkling of micro-detailing noted.
COMPARISONS
The Delci AE will be compared against other tunable DDs below $100 USD, and against the OG Delci. Hybrids, multi-BAs, and planars, which have their own pros and cons, are left out of the comparisons.
Once again the following impressions are done with the gold nozzle in use.
OG Delci
Graphs of the Kefine Delci versus OG Delci. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.
The silver nozzle Delci AE is tonally similar to the OG Delci, just that the Delci AE on this configuration has a bit better imaging and micro-detailing. Soundstage is thereabouts, but there is also a tinge improved treble extension on the silver AE. So think of the silver AE as an incremental upgrade over the predecessor in terms of resolution and technicalities.
With the gold nozzle in play, the Delci AE trumps the OG Delci in technicalities - in imaging, soundstage and micro-details - just that the former presents a thinner note weight and a hair of sibilance/fatigue in the top end.
In a nutshell, the AE version is more versatile than the OG Delci, as we have an additional signature on offer. For existing OG Delci owners that are not fans of a brightish or emphasized pinna gain tuning, the AE version may however, just be a marginal improvement over the OG, especially if one is gonna stick to just the silver nozzle and not use the treble-focused gold nozzle. But for folks who have not experienced the OG Delci or want another brighter and more technical option in the pocket, the AE variant would be worthwhile for the slight price differential.
NF Audio RA15
The RA15 has 2 tuning nozzles, but both are way brighter in the treble than the gold Delci AE. The Delci AE has a warmer and bassier silver nozzle to give more contrast to the soundscape, whereas the RA15 is just bright and very bright across both nozzles.
Thus, the RA15 is more sibilant and fatiguing in the top-end, and perhaps is suited more for trebleheads.
In technical aspects, the RA15 has better clarity, air, treble extension and micro-detailing - which is indirectly a function of a more boosted treble - but it is weaker in soundstage and imaging.
The RA15 also has a metallic timbre and driver flex, which may be non-starters for some.
Simgot EA500LM
The EA500LM has 3 tuning nozzles, which all bestow a bright Harmanish signature. The EA500LM has a greater boost in the pinna-gain region, which translates to more vocal shout, and may be a turn-off for the pinna-gain sensitive.
The EA500LM has a hair better imaging and soundstage, but has a less natural timbre.
CONCLUSIONS
The Kefine Delci AE can be considered a jack of all trades single DD at the competitive sub-$100 market. It is versatile, as it brings 2 tuning options to the table - the laid- back silver nozzle is reminiscent of the OG Delci in having subdued upper frequencies and more bass, but with slightly improved technical chops - whereas the brighter gold nozzle increases resolution and lifts the veil.
This IEM is easy to drive, and is literally built like a tank, with agreeable ergonomics. The silver nozzle will be a great companion for the treble and pinna-gain sensitive crowd, whereas the gold nozzle adds some pizzazz to the top-end, with an expansive soundscape coupled with a nice smattering of resolution added to the mix.
The 2 nozzles have minor flaws though - the gold ones may creep near sibilance territory especially for the treble-sensitive, whereas the silver ones may be a bit too laid-back and unresolving for the trebleheads. As per its jack of all trades moniker, the Delci AE is arguably not classleading in all aspects - eg technical aspects may be slightly ahead on the Simgot EA500LM - but the Delci AE does most departments well rather than being a one-trick pony that only excels in one arena.
The million dollar question will of course be whether existing owners of the OG Delci should get this AE variant?
Ultimately, the Delci AE is a marginal upgrade over the venerable predecessor, but for additional coin. Folks who love the OG Delci gravitated to its restrained upper midrange and thicc sonics, and I'm glad to report that the silver nozzle Delci AE keeps most of these aspects intact (with slightly improved technicalities to boot). The gold nozzle is in another league for technicalities, but I have a feeling that the gang that loved the OG Delci's soundscape may find the gold nozzle a tinge on the hotter side, and may just keep to the silver nozzle.
Definitely, for folks who have not experienced the OG Delci or want a good performing single DD with 2 diverse tunings in the locker, the AE variant is one to keep in the conversation, and has my recommendation.
Kefine Delci AE Review
Kefine X-Angel Ears Delci AE Review
Intro
Hello everyone, I have with me today the absolute latest from the audio brand Kefine named the Kefine X-Angel Ears Delci AE (MSRP=$89, Sale=$69). By the way, for review purposes I will refer to it simply as “Delci AE”. The Delci AE is a collaboration effort between Kefine & the long-time brand Angel Ears. Angel Ears has been involved in a number of collaboration sets with many different iem makers over the years. In my mind, I couldn’t think of a better budget-oriented earphone to upgrade with the Angel Ears name than the Delci. At any rate, the Delci AE is a single dynamic driver earphone which comes with a slightly tweaked tuning from its predecessor, a better cable, added tuning nozzles, a fresh new paint job, among other things. This should be a highly regarded set which should be in the conversation to land on most folks “Top 5 under $100” lists. I have my thoughts, and I will explain further within my review.Intrigued
Now, I actually reviewed the original Kefine Delci (Delci Review) earlier this year (April 2024) and enjoyed its warm and musical sound, its rich note weight, the smoothness, fluency, as well as the bulbous and controlled bass region and many more attributes. It had that warm blanket effect and did so in a way that made it stand out amongst the ocean of iems which find their way into the market every year. So where does Kefine go from there with this latest AE model? It was my first curiosity. The original Delci basically came out of nowhere and landed squarely within my personal “Top Sets Under $100”. It was a very remarkable uprising for this young brand. It was only the beginning of this year and yet here we have what most would assume is supposed to be an upgrade. I am wholly intrigued and fortunate to be able to find that answer for myself. That said, I’d like to thank Kefine and Collin Yang for giving me the opportunity to feature the Delci AE and once again revisit what made the OG Delci so special.Kefine
About Kefine, they got their start in a very wholesome way. The way it was explained to me was that Kefine was built by a group of audio loving friends who felt they could create better sound for less. Kefine strives to not only give other audio loving hobbyists something good to add to their collection, but they also give a person like me something to quietly root for. I am a huge fan of the smaller outfit, or the team who is in it for the right reasons. What a good story, a group of friends, a grand mission, true to the passion. That’s where good stuff comes from ladies and gentlemen. Yes, I review many brands iems whether they are big or small and I can find the positive in all of it. However, I have a special place for a brand who started out with salt-of-the-earth type love and anxiously took the plunge and created the thing they dreamt of. Also, I realize that I dramatize everything. Lol. Every ounce of me is seeking out romance in every moment. However, I think we can all get behind the “Kefines” of the world. The name Kefine was actually derived from the founders’ name “KE” and the word “Fine”. Only friends could come up with that. Here is an actual excerpt from their “About Us” section on their website:Excerpt
“High quality is not equal to high price. We make good use of each single cent during the development of the product with tireless effort to meet the price target but use the finest materials and craftsmanship when the cost permits. There are no unnecessary features or accessories for our products, and package is as simple as possible for saving the money for consumers and protecting the environment as well.The team also strives for perfection for the price and cares every detail. Each product should look like a work of art, and we develop and polish each product as if it is our child and try to make the best quality products with budget. KEFINE hopes every music lover can enjoy music to get happiness under the highest quality but with the lowest cost.” – Kefine
Competition
So, there’s a lot to like and a lot to root for with this young brand who seem to be going about everything in the right way. I should also add (like I do in every review anymore) that the competition is thriving in the $50 to $100 price point and there are quality sets at every dollar amount in between. During my testing I will get out every set I have at my disposal to try to compare (a couple) as well as run ratings against the Delci AE so that I have a good idea where it stands from my perspective and hopefully that is a help to you. You have to think of the sets sandwiched between $50 and $100. I just reviewed the Simgot EW300 (EW300 Review), the Letshuoer S08 (S08 Review), the OG Delci (Delci Review), Simgot EA500LM (EA500LM Review), as well as others like the Artti R1 (R1 Review), Fiio JD7 (JD7 Review) along with a very long list of great iems that I don’t have the patience to type out. There’re so many folks. I hope to explain this set to help you find out if the Delci AE is worth your dollar. Whether I am able to satisfactorily do so remains to be seen.Upgrade?
Lastly, I don’t feel that Kefine was necessarily trying to create a bonafide upgrade from the OG Delci. I really don’t. I feel that the Delci AE is a slight upgrade in a few areas sonically as well as some aesthetic changes which come across as upgrades. However, I don’t feel that Kefine was trying to craft and create a true successor. My feelings are that Angel Ears presented them a unique opportunity to take something which was a massive success and expound upon that success by refining certain aspects of that successful set. They heard the people, took in the complaints, took in the praise, and made some subtle changes. Little changes, little refinements, which when added up and looked at from a panned-out view makes it seem like a legitimate upgrade moment. Despite that, I do feel that the Delci OG still has its place amongst one of the best under $100. I’m just curious where the AE version sits in that esteemed company of great sets. I think I’m ready to critically listen for a few weeks and get to know the Delci AE a lot better.Side note…
Also, please understand that I am just one man, I have my own opinions and biases, and they will show up in my writing. I am very opinionated and sometimes those opinions are embellished with my choice of words. I say that, to say this; remember that I am reviewing a $89 iem and all descriptive words I use are from the standpoint of a under $100 iem. The word “Great” describing a $89 iem is not the same “Great” as a $890 iem. So basically, it’s all relative to the price point and I hope you understand that. With all that said I think I’m ready to do a deep dive into this set. Without further ado, the Kefine Delci AE everyone…Disclaimer:
I received the Kefine Delci AE from Kefine as a review sample and in exchange I will conduct a full review and feature at Mobileaudiophile.com. I have not received any payment or any other form of compensation for this review. This set is a review sample iem. Kefine has not requested to pre-read any review and doesn’t have any control over “what” or “when” anything gets published to mobileaudiophile.com. All thoughts within this review are my own, though please take note that I will always have my own biases. This is impossible to get around. I try to be as objective as my subjective self can be, but this is an opinion piece folks. Thank you to Kefine and thanks for reading.Non-Affiliated Purchasing Links:
–HiFiGo–Aliexpress
Gear used for testing
–Ifi Go Blu
–EPZ TP50
–Simgot Dew4x
–Aful SnowyNight
–Fiio Q15
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
–Shanling M6 Ultra
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
The Kefine Delci AE arrived at my home in a reasonably sized black box (roughly 6″x4” give or take) with an outer sleeve which shows a picture of the Delci AE along with the brand names “Kefine / Angel Ears” imprinted on the front cover of that sleeve. On the back you’ll see a few usual specs and also some highlights about the Delci AE. Slip off the sleeve and you get a straight black box with only a simple “Kefine” on the front. Open the box and the Delci AE are sitting in foam cut-outs on top with the carrying case next to it. Inside of the case you’ll find the eartips, cable, and tuning nozzles which all come. Packaged inside of little plastic baggies. To be honest, this is the unboxing you expect for this price point. Nothing over the top or anything and not wasteful either. It’s a good unboxing.
Eartips
So Kefine decided to add to different types of eartips with the Delci AE. Both sets are made from silicone. The first set of three tips (S, M, L) are a dark gray narrow bore set with a firm flange, not flimsy (thankfully) and have a decently deep fit. We’ve seen these tips many times in the past. The second set (S, M, L) is made of a blue colored silicone and also a narrow bore and different colored inner stems per the size. These tips also have a very firm flange, thicker stem, more rigid and they too are a deeper style fit. I can’t remember which one was a hair flimsier on the flange. It’s a miniscule difference between them. Both sets of tips are useful and are made well. Again, both sets of tips can be found as accessories to many iems. I have piles of both of these style tips in my “tip-collection”. That said, I didn’t use either set of tips for my listening as I wanted a slightly wider bore which I got from the KBear 07 tips. Plus, the 07’s simply fit my ears like a glove. I used a few other style tips as well. At one point I was convinced the sound was best with wide-bore and shallow fit tips like the Letshuoer blue wide-bores which come with the Letshuoer S15. However, I feel the 07’s outplayed the wide-bores by adding just a bit more smoothness in the upper mids and crispness to the bass region. You may have a different experience depending on your own ears’ anatomy.
Carrying case
Like is said, the Delci AE does come with a carrying case which isn’t always a given at this price. So, it was a very nice addition. Especially coming from a brand who is trying to keep prices as low as possible. The case provided is your standard black zipper case. It’s of a decent size. Big enough for your earphones and some extra tips. Maybe you can fit in a very small dongle dac, something like that Simgot Dew4x for example. Maybe. I feel the case is actually nice looking with its black faux leather covering and the slick looking “Kefine” which is imposed on the top. It is a hard case and so your precious earphones will be protected from getting beaten up. Perfect for throwing into a handbag or backpack without much worry. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before, but also, Kefine didn’t “need” to add it in as an accessory to the Delci AE which is nice to see.
Tuning Nozzles
Like I’ve mentioned a few times, the Delci AE comes equipped with two sets of tuning nozzles. These nozzles have a threaded connection which takes screwing on and off of the actual nozzle ends on the Delci AE. Kefine provided colors to differentiate the two nozzle filters. One set is the “Silver Nozzle” which comes with a smoother sound, deeper and more textured bass, thicker note weight, less energy up top, more organic and probably more natural sounding. The next set of tuning nozzles are the “Gold Nozzles” which have quite a bit more energy in the highs, more brilliant sounding, more forward energy, probably better resolution, slightly thinner sounding, less bass energy coming through and basically brighter. Folks, most of the time the tuning nozzles you get don’t really make much of a difference. However, Kefine made sure to put some filter mesh inside of each set of tuning nozzles which does affect the upper portions of the spectrum and really makes some sweeping differences in tonality depending on what gauge of mesh is used. Thicker mesh that’s more tightly wound will effectively suppress the highs a bit more which the silver nozzles have, and less dense and less thick mesh will obviously sound a bit more open and brighter letting those highs come through less dampened. I really like Kefine’s version of tuning nozzles as I do feel I’m getting two different variations of the same basic tuning.
Real quick
I should add one more thing. These tuning nozzles are the type which have the female threads on them and so they are much smaller and less easy to handle depending on how fat your fingers are. They actually screw “onto” the earphone nozzle rather than screw “into” the nozzles and so they are flatter and can get lost very easily. If I were you, I’d change out these nozzles over a larger surface so if you drop them, you won’t lose them. Over a table or over a bed etc. I wouldn’t change them over long or thick carpet where they can be easily lost and hidden from veiw.Cable
The cable is another inclusion that we’ve seen with many other iems within the price point. In fact, this cable is almost identical to the cable which came with the Hidizs MP143. At purchasing you can order either a 3.5 single ended cable or a 4.4 balanced cable. It’s roughly $2 more for the 4.4. Now, the cable provided is a very light which I feel was done on purpose. I don’t think Kefine wanted to add in some fat cable due to how lightweight the actual Delci AE are (5.3 g). Heavier cables do have the tendency to pull lighter iems from ears and so I believe this inclusion was done with that in mind. Still, it’s a nice cable. Again, very lightweight and made of oxygen-free copper and silver plated with a total of 164 cores. It’s a 2-pin (.078) and ends in either a 3.5 or 4.4 termination and comes with a nice braiding. I really like the look of this cable alongside the Delci AE and trust me I’d change it if it didn’t look good to me. Of course, this is a 2-pin connection and so you can swap cables till your heart’s content if you don’t feel the same way as I do. Not bad at all folks.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
Friends, I really appreciate the build of the Delci AE. Not that it is highly unlike the original Delci, but there is something more streamlined about it. I’m sure a lot has to do with how dope this set “looks”, but the build is very premium looking to me. Made entirely of Aviation Grade Aluminum the Delci AE are truly built to last. They are CNC machined and have a very smooth surface with no rough or sharp edges. The aluminum used is very durable and won’t rust or corrode over time. Now, shells made of all alloy will condense in more humid climates so be aware of that. Still, I am happy to report that the Delci AE has one of the best builds I’ve seen under $100. Just due to the fact that not only are they built rugged and durable against wear and tear, but they are also some of lightest earphones you can buy that come in all alloy. 5.3 grams to be exact. If you are not aware, that’s really lightweight. Now this is not a large set and should be great for smaller ears. Again, nothing sharp and no 90-degree angles. It’s all smooth, rounded and comfy. I’d say the nozzles are a bit shorter than most and so I definitely needed a large sized eartip to seal in my ears. The nozzles themselves are roughly around 6mm in width. Nothing out of the ordinary. I feel that Kefine definitely gets a passing grade here. Nice work.
Design
Of course, it’s the actual design and aesthetic makeup of the Delci AE that really stands out. Just a slick looking set. Minimalist in its truest form. All silver aluminum, pretty bare bones, nothing flashy or overdone here. From my perspective I feel the Delci AE is “Class” from front to back. The word I’d say to best describe this set is definitely “handsome”. The Delci AE is simply handsome. Usually, I don’t enjoy logos anywhere on a set except off to the side, small writing, small logo. However, the Delci AE kind of bucks that idea as the logo on the center of the faceplate is really kind of cool looking as the name “Kefine” sits inside a circle which is slightly discolored from all silver color exterior. You also see the “ae” Angel Ears logo on the side of the Delci AE as well. I am impressed with this design, friends. Really a fly looking set no matter how you turn them.Internals
Once again, Kefine chose a single dynamic driver setup for their 2nd in the Delci series. They actually once again decided upon a 10 mm DLC (Diamond-like-carbon) dome diaphragm driver with a PU+ suspension along the outside of the diaphragm. The DLC material has a high tensile strength along with very good rigidity. Many earphones have gone with this material for their diaphragms over the years, but few have really gotten the most out of it. There are so many materials to choose from, but I feel that Kefine didn’t want to mess with a good thing. Especially since the OG Delci was received as well as it was. Beyond the driver internally, Kefine also decided once again to give the new Delci AE a dual cavity structure. Needless to say, there is a vent for each cavity on the underside of the set for pressure build-up etc. Other than those Internals there really isn’t a whole lot more to it. Very nice.Fit / Comfort / Isolation
As far as the fitment is concerned, I feel the Delci AE is almost perfect. I really love how this smaller set fits my ears. Remember the Delci AE is only 5.3 grams in total weight and so it really doesn’t even feel like anything is there. All you have to do is find a set of tips which work with your ears, get that seal and you should have a good fit which is way more comfortable than it isn’t. Now, I have no idea exactly how this set would fit you, but I have to assume most people will get a solid fit. Also, isolation is about average. Meaning, the passive noise isolation from outside noises isn’t a problem but I wouldn’t call it great for stage purposes. Just for fun and casual listening. Really a comfortable iem and one that should pique the interest of anyone who values comfort in their earphones.
Drivability / Pairings
The Kefine Delci AE are rated with an impedance of around 28 ohms and a sensitivity of about 108 db’s give or take. Of course, this means that the Delci AE is a very sensitive iem. Well, sensitive enough that most source devices drive it fairly easily. I listened for a pinch on my iPad just to see how sensitive the Delci AE is, and I got to good volume straight from the 3.5 single ended jack. Another point is that you can definitely get the most out of this single DD iem with more power output. I found this to be the case with most iems. However, I also don’t feel that it needs a ton of power to bring the Delci AE to its best fidelity. Just a bit more than a simple phone jack. More so like a good dongle dac as far as power is concerned. There’s more though. The Delci AE will also most certainly reward your ears with more talented and sonically gifted sources. I found you can push these drivers to bend to the will of most any source. At least to a degree. Basically, feed the Delci AE some good and clean power with good sonics and the Delci AE will rise to the occasion. So naturally my more powerful sources also happen to be my “better” sources. Definitely the Delci AE sounded it’s best with my best sources. It’s pretty simple and it’s also a fine iem. Mobile Listening
Out and about I usually bring my Ifi Go Blu with me, and I found the pairing to be more than adequate for a solid listening session. The CS43131 dac chips in the Go Blu and its dynamic sound matches the strengths of the Delci AE very nicely. I feel that of my mobile pairings, the best I heard was the EPZ TP50, the Simgot Dew4x, and the Hidizs S9 Pro Plus. Each device has its own flavor, but the Delci AE adapted quite well to each.
Tonality pairing
Now, the Delci AE is a warmer sounding set, maybe warm/neutral with more of a lean towards the warmth, especially with the silver nozzle attached which definitely comes across as warmer and fuller. That said, I don’t necessarily feel that contrasting tonality source devices sound best with the Delci AE. I think to make this set sound it’s best you have to pair it with a very resolving and dynamic sounding source device. This could be a cool, neutral, or warm source, doesn’t matter. Anything but flat. The Delci AE wants to be pushed, and of my more mobile devices I found that the three I mentioned above worked the best for my taste. Granted there were plenty of others I used which sounded nice too. To each their own though. The truth is that whatever sounds good to you is the good pairing. Does that make sense? My opinion is that the Delci AE sounds best when there’s some grunt dynamism. Again, doesn’t matter if it’s a cool, neutral, or a warm sounding source device. That’s for me though. You may feel different. The Delci AE is just like many sets I’ve reviewed recently in that it sits right in that slightly warm pocket which kind of sounds great with most any source device tonality. I’m sure many will say it’s best with a more neutral source, but I have to say, my Shanling M6 Ultra is warmer and sounds fantastic with the Delci AE. So once again it’s all in the ear of the beholder.More juice
Listening with the iBasso DX240 which has Amp8 MK2 attached is great, good dynamics, clean, and there is a nice offset of the warmth of the Delci AE. The Fiio Q15 is the same but I found the dynamism to be a bit greater on the the Q15 which came across very nice. Any source which pushes the dynamic abilities of the Delci AE seems to shine and having more power helps too. Of course, there is a cap on that where the benefits begin to dwindle as you throw more power at it. Then I have my Shanling M6 Ultra which is a warmer and more velvet sounding device. It’s highly resolving and has great energy and dynamism and so I feel that is what makes this pairing so nice. I liked that this warmer device didn’t cause veil or any exaggerated warmth to occur. Actually, the M6 Ultra seemed to open up this set nicely. Generally, I think more power tightens the low-end to a degree as well as helps in separation of instruments, extension both ways. 
What do you need?
If you have a decent Dongle Dac you’ll be in business. However, if all you have is a phone with a 3.5 single ended port, then I think you’ll get some decent sound from even that. It really doesn’t take much to drive this set but having a bit cleaner & brute power does seem to help.
Sound Impressions
Like I’ve already stated a few times, the Kefine Delci AE comes across warmer than it isn’t. I could see an argument that the Delci AE is closer to warm/neutral as well. Either way, this set has some warmth which comes across pretty clearly. Much the same as the original Delci. In fact, the AE version isn’t all that different from the original if you ask me. I do believe that the AE is a better set, however. By a small degree that is. Certainly, refined in a few key areas. Anyways, the Delci AE comes across as smooth and with good and rich note weight. However, that warmth is not enough to cause a veil across the mix. I also wouldn’t say it is so thick that separation between instruments becomes congested or details become too fuzzy. To my ears the Delci AE actually has good warm resolution. You’d think that a single DD with a richer note weight probably wouldn’t be the picture of separation. In fact, my opinion is that the Delci AE is very nice technically. Obviously, this is not as technically gifted as a set which is literally tuned to bring out the minutiae, but there is some presence of air, transients are better than you’d think and even in the face of the underlying smoothness, I still hear some fine lines and clean-cut edges to notes. What’s it sound like?
To me, the Kefine Delci AE has what I would consider a very slight V-shaped sound to a U-shaped sound depending on your tuning nozzle situation. As for me, I like the silver nozzle which comes across with a slightly more forward midrange to my ears, warmer, smoother, better for vocals, more musically inclined, less technical to a small extent too and a beefier and more physical bass. The gold nozzle has a much brighter hue to the sound, more energetic, thinner note weight, more edgy and a bit more abrasive, and comes across a titch more V-shaped, but also better detailed. That said, the silver nozzle creates a very nicely refined warmish sound which appeals to me more. I don’t hear anything overly softened; notes have density, rigidity, and a sense of dimensionality which is nice to hear in an under $100 single DD.Musical-over-technical
Now that I’ve said all of this, I do want to backtrack a little by stating that the Delci AE is not going to be the most detail rich set that $89 can get you. This is a musical-over-technical iem which just so happens to be pretty darn articulate. Really, a nice job by Kefine of refining the OG Delci’s sound with a pinch more cleanliness while keeping that same note viscosity, that full note delivery with tighter transients yet still just as emotionally charged. So, the Delci AE has great fluency through the mix. Of course, cohesion is good as it’s a single DD, but I like how the Delci AE transitions into each area of the spectrum. There’re no surprises, no harsh peaks (perhaps a hair with the gold nozzle), no annoying sibilance and each transition sounds natural. This is a fun sound with a fun low-end and with good energy even in the face of the warmth. Macro-dynamics aren’t as obvious on the Delci silver nozzle, but I maintain that just like the OG Delci, the AE version also has good dynamics, nothing flat, nothing boring and there is a good stage presence with some dimension to the sound, some roundness to notes. I hear some warmth, but in that warmth is a moderately hard-edged note outline without any grain, fuzz, or anything pillowy. It’s a relatively transparent sound for what the Delci AE is.Condensed Sound Between the 20’s
The low-end has roughly a 11-12 dB bass shelf which comes through as sub-bass focused yet still with a full mid-bass. This bass is deep, physical, tight for its quantity and decently defined. Not basshead but it has good bass. The midrange has great note weight without clogging up the lines between elements of the stage. Vocals come through rich, focused, and with good presence. I hear slightly more vibrance in the upper midrange with zero glare or shout using the silver nozzle. Similar to the OG Delci. The treble is more laid-back, safe, less intense and not the most brilliant treble my ears have ever heard. However, the treble works well with this particular tuning with good body to notes, smooth and non-offensive. Extension won’t win any awards either, but I am not missing much past 8k. I’d say the treble has just enough lift or just enough brilliance. Details are not the calling card of this set either. It’s smooth, lush, and with a less emphasized treble to bring levity and better resolve to the spectrum. That said, I also feel detail retrieval is pretty good considering the tuning. Notes are tight enough, clean enough and with the limited air the Delci AE has, it does a good job of illuminating what it can. The stage is roughly average in width but with good depth. Still, this set is musical through and through with an emotional feel to my music.
Bass Region
The bass can get it folks. This is a fun low-end which makes its presence felt in any track which displays this region. This isn’t a basshead set by any means, but it has a very healthy bass shelf which happens to be the tallest peak of the spectrum. The Delci AE has a warm bass, a full bass, and a bass that can get very physical adding a meaty rumble to big bass moments in my music. The bass on the Delci AE does cross over into the midrange a bit adding weight and warmth to that region (just as the Delci OG) with a very effective spill over without becoming a detriment. I enjoy the Delci as it has that warm vibrance which carries what feels like palpable mass and density to the sound. Obviously, the track you are playing can alter that a bit, but for the most part the bass has that textured and kinetic density to it. However, it isn’t simply characterized by its quantity. No sir. The low-end is also fairly agile, with good macro-details, good separation for the quantity, not one-noted and with a clean note outline. Certainly not dry, definitely not weak, not pillowy, and never the type which sounds muddy or congested. Sub-bass
Like I said, the bass region has a sub-bass focus to it which adds all the bulbous rumble that anyone short of a basshead could want. Minus those who are allergic to bass of course. Come to think of it, I bet even bassheads could appreciate the quality of the low end for the price. From the OG Delci, this newer AE version does have a noticeably more exact sub-bass with a more pointed and concise attack and a reasonably tight decay per the size. In fact, I perceive the decay as closer to natural as you still have some lingering harmonics which give off that semi-atmospheric vibe. Yet for the size the sub-bass still comes across as clean and quick enough for most tracks. As good as the OG was, Kefine definitely built on that. They trimmed off the fat, added some lean muscle, but kept the density, kept the corporeal mass and weight and added some more low droning vibrance. Notes in the sub-bass are fairly rounded with some haptic feel to bass guitar, double bass, meaty bass drops etc.Sub-bass cont…
In “Adore You” by Khalid you can feel what I’m referring to. The Delci AE replays this track with a vibrational bass and a low pitch. It gets guttural and is very satisfying. Or “The Hardest Part” from the band Washed Out. This is a slightly quicker moving bassline that the Delci has no issue keeping up with, but that’s not all that I enjoy as many sets can do that. What I like is how the Delci AE follows the cadence of the rumble to the tee and does so with round notes, convex, and a ductile ability to meander around the low bass energy while remaining bullish and meaty. It’s a darker vibrance. Good for the price and good for a 12 dB bass shelf to not sound too overbearing against the rest of the spectrum.Mid-bass
The mid-bass doesn’t mess around either. It’s close to a “hit-n-git” type of mid-bass that has the fullness to fill out bass guitars but also the edginess and clean lined note outline to make those bass guitars sound effortless. On top of that it’s nicely tactile and textured. Now, there are some other sets in the price point which have similar style bass replays and so I don’t want to oversell here. However, it is a nice attribute. To be more robust in body and weight but also dexterous and nimble enough to make its way around most any track fairly well is a good thing for fans of well-done larger bass. Without a doubt there are cleaner bass replays from other sets with better definition, so keep that in mind. I’m referring to the cleanliness in regard to the emphasis. Just atmospheric enough to sound authentic but also colored enough to make it fun. Never overdone, never too much, never really muddy and never causing the sound to come across as veiled. This is what I enjoy. It shows up most when a track calls for it and, in the meantime, the mid-bass simply adds some extra clean weight.Mid-bass cont…
The bass guitar in Waxahatchee’s track “The Wolves” is flat-out meaty. Or the kick drums in “Billie Jean” by Weezer. This track begins right out the gate with fast, tight and booming kick drums in rapid succession. I use this track to hear the cleanliness and force behind certain iems low-end. The Delci AE sounds fantastic. Each kick on the drum is solid in rigidity, tacky on attack, cavernous and booming in its harmonics but also a hard-edged outline. It’s very nice folks. Definitely better than the original Delci. My opinion of course but I feel it’s pretty obvious. Beyond that, the Delci AE mid-bass has the capability to feel ductile and acrobatic on faster bass lines while having the raw capacity to sound bullish when it needs to as well.Downsides to the Bass Region
The obvious first downside of this bass region would be the overall emphasis on the Delci AE. It can be a slight bit too much and sound less controlled than some would like. A huge portion of the listening Audioverse really does not enjoy a fun and bigger bass. They really don’t. I know many of these people and I get where they are coming from. A big bass steals a lot of energy and will mask certain frequencies from time to time. Sometimes they can sound less clean or less defined strictly due to that larger bass profile. Even a clean “big bass” like the Delci AE will corrupt some of the clarity and will douse some of the resolution. It’s just the nature of sound and how we perceive it when all of those sounds collect into this small nozzle ultimately shooting those sounds direct to our primary auditory cortex. Yes, the Delci AE has a bit more of an emphasis which is why I keep saying that the bass is tight and clean for its size and clearly, I feel that this is a good thing. It’s as clean as it can be per the size. Does that make sense?Downsides cont…
Despite that, there will be plenty of folks who would much rather have that ultra tight, ultra snappy, and pristinely defined bass that comes with a visceral punch. Hard lined but slim in profile. Similar to the Simgot EA1000. Or at least in that vein. Also, the bass will mask a hair in congested big bass tracks. Can’t get around that. That said, nobody is listening to heavy bass jams trying to piece out every last Instrument and sound. Still, that is one casualty of a bigger bass. Lastly, the bass will add some warmth to the midrange as well as weight. Believe it or not, there are plenty of folks who don’t enjoy that. Many people want their midrange untouched, unsullied and that’s it. No encroachment at all of the bass. Again, I truly understand this, and I love many sets which have such a sound. The Delci AE simply isn’t that. But guess what, it’s damn good for what it is and for the price it’s being sold at.
Midrange
I really enjoy what Kefine did with this midrange. Now, you have the gold nozzle, which is more energetic, brighter, more forward, but also more glaring. Beyond that, the gold nozzle does have a touch of sibilance. I did say a touch. However, you also have the nozzle that I love (silver nozzle) which gives me a midrange which is slightly more smooth-over-crisp, but not without some crispness. The silver nozzle is more organic, better note body, and also is an easier listen over long periods. So, the midrange will alter quite a bit depending on your nozzle situation. Again, for all of my critical listening I used the silver nozzle. Smooth sailor
This is a musicality first midrange with well bodied notes, lush yet refined, textured yet also velvet in its note structure. However, this is not the type of lush which is also cast underneath any veil. The Delci AE is instead a clean midrange with slightly quicker than natural transients. Meaning, secondary harmonics are heard easily but decay doesn’t drag on mucking up the sound field. You have a smooth yet dense attack leading to a compact body to most notes, which are followed by a proportionally succinct decay. The point is that the Delci AE doesn’t come across as opaque or cloudy but instead there is some transparency there. Not quite glass lined but certainly polished. You could call that last sentence a bit “opaque” actually. Seriously though, the Delci AE represents a cleaner version of the OG without losing the charm of the OG within this region. Actually, within every region. However, the midrange especially has that milky type of sound with decent detail retrieval, good separation for the tuning with natural transients to help bring upon some openness between instruments and vocalists. Again, slightly warmed, never shouty (silver nozzle), never sibilant, very natural to the ear with semi-warm dynamics and some spunky energy, it’s just in a less bright setting.Timbre
Timbre is (in my opinion) better on this set using the silver nozzle than I heard in the Delci OG as well. I’m sure you could argue either way here but having that slight bit of neutrality gives notes a more natural sound to my ears. Not as colored by the bass. With less fuzz at the note ends. Clean but not pristine. Slightly wetted and never dry or moist and never papery. We can all give our account of what organic or natural sounds like and each of us may say something completely different. I honestly can’t put my finger on what it takes for me to state that any one set has organic timbre but more often than not it has to do with the tonal color and note body in conjunction with the transient decay. Natural and organic is not an exact science and not an across-the-board understanding. Definitions veer left and right between reviewers. It’s just like the word “musical” which I’ve spoken of in many reviews. However, as far as the Delci AE is concerned (this is the Delci AE Review after all) the timbre does lean closer to organic than anything else. Even with the bigger bass and warmer climate. Not perfectly natural but darn close and very tuneful. There’s another one… “tuneful”.Instruments
Instruments tilt a titch warmer than life with stuff like piano, trumpet, yet still have that resounding quality to them. Strings have just enough upper-mid/lower treble energy to bring the bite and abrasiveness to violin and guitar. It’s subtle, but it’s there. However, there is a fullness which sounds very pleasing most of the time. Violin plays nice with this set actually. I like the mellifluous nature of the sound for violin, not thin and not too bright. Of course, there are definitely tracks which will call BS on what I’m saying, but for the most part this is what I hear. Percussion has some snap as well, like the violent initial attack on a hard snare, it “paps” with some crispness and with good energy. Or the fundamental tone of a cymbal strike which usually sits dab smack in the middle of the midrange and usually has a solid and hard “tisk” followed by secondary harmonics which tend towards the treble region. I usually cut off speaking on instruments fairly quickly as every track can display them differently. It doesn’t make much sense for a reviewer to “declare” that this instrument sounds like this, and this instrument sounds like that. Basically, take any instrument and give it the slightest shade of warmth, a full body and just enough sparkle to give it some edginess. Is the Delci AE perfect for all instrumentation? Of course not. However, I have grown to really enjoy the AE’s flavor and the way it portrays certain instruments.Lower-midrange
The Delci AE does male vocals a huge solid by giving male vocalists some note body and warmth. More aggressive and edgy voices like Chris Stapleton in the track “Sometimes I Cry” somewhat smooths over the edginess yet also won’t kill my ears in pinna glare during his truly amazing moments where he BELTS out. This is a great thing. There’s control to this set in this regard. Anything edgy and sharp in a male voice (I have a lot of examples) doesn’t get exaggerated by the Delci AE. Other male voices have just enough plump body to sound authoritative. You see I don’t hear any real recession in this region because of how well highlighted male voices sound. There is separation between notes, and those notes seem more elliptical or rounded. It gives some of that “dimensionality” that I was referring to earlier. Now, there are sets which perform male vocals better, however those sets usually lack in some other areas. Also, it all really depends on what you enjoy. So, for me, males sound pretty nice on this set. Better than a handful of supposed “best sets under $100” in my opinion. Another track which just sounds awesome is the Red Clay Strays track from their latest album “I’m Still Fine” portrays the lead’s voice as almost haunting, nice presence, very clean while also emotionally pregnant with “the feels”. His voice sits just in front of the rest of the mix and sounds great. These are simply a couple examples but there are many more. The Delci AE does a nice job here.Upper-Midrange
Now females usually find a home near the upper midrange but that obviously isn’t always true. Still, in my opinion I see females in this region. Now, the Delci AE with the silver nozzle attached seems to have just enough shimmer and enough body to come across nice for female vocalists. Granted, there will be plenty of hobbyists who want more sparkle in this region. Nevertheless, I tended to really enjoy most females like “Twenty-Five” by Lake Street Dive. Her voice is simply awesome with the Delci AE. I feel that her voice is the type which can get abrasive or sharp with a brighter set at higher volumes whereas with the Delci AE I can listen to her voice on any track perfectly comfortably while not losing the seductiveness of that magnetic charisma that she has. There is power in her voice and the Delci AE owns just the type of tuning to display that power appropriately without losing control. Transients in this region have just enough nimbleness, mixed with just enough spunk, just enough levity and openness, and just enough rigidity and body to notes. Add all of this together and it equates to very nice female vocals. Perhaps it misses a touch of that shimmer I was talking about but folks… It’s good. Again, no the Delci AE isn’t perfect, but for $89 dollars… C’mon! This is a very well-done set and yes, it plays with the big boys under $100 in many ways.Downsides to the Midrange
Why do I force myself to complete “downsides”? Every review the actual downsides are usually subjective areas which won’t suit a certain type of listener. Most of the time whoever is reading will already have come up with the downside in their own head reading the review. Just the same, I must carry on. Okay, so the Delci AE will not have a midrange which pleases those who enjoy that ultra spic-n’-span style, speedy transient, ultra detailed and dry analytical type sound. There are times that this is what I’m yearning for too. The AE is not a midrange detail king, and the midrange is not a neutral lover’s dream. Some folks only want that perfectly untouched midrange where the bass region has a brick wall stopping any encroachment. They don’t want warmth or extra body. They want the mids to be pristine. The AE is not that. Yes, it’s clean for the tuning and yes, the Delci AE is very good for what it is. However, I’m sure it won’t please everyone and as positive as this midrange section has been… there will be those who think I’m nuts. It is what it is. Nothing is for everyone. I tend to enjoy damn near every sound signature and so I understand. Still, for a single DD under $90 to have this type of smoothness, richness and still not lack technically while at the same time “not” killing my ears in pinna gain glare and shout or annoying sibilance is a pretty cool thing to be for an an earphone. My opinion of course.
Treble Region
The Delci AE treble region is not the shining star of this set. It’s more like a good supporting actor, or a solid leg to a very nice three-legged table. I have to stop using this metaphor. Anyways, the Delci AE treble region is certainly more laid back than a brighter set and was tuned in such a way that it won’t be a problem for those sensitive to treble loudness. Having said that, I think that Kefine tuned this set right to the edge of too forward. There is some brilliance here. This is not a dark treble and definitely has more sprightliness and brilliance than the OG Delci. Even using the silver nozzle. I should add that the gold nozzle actually is flat-out “bright”. So be aware if you are the type who enjoys a more treble forward and bright replay. Again, my review covers the nozzle I enjoy the most. The silver nozzle. The silver nozzle has more pep than the OG and is more detailed, cleaner, with more refined notes. Yet Kefine did so in such a way that doesn’t produce shrillness. It’s a fine line. Maybe some tracks recorded with more of a treble sheen will come across a bit too forward on the Delci AE but by-and-large this set keeps it all under control. So not the shining star or not the focus of the Delci AE… but the treble is still a pretty darn good leg. Bite, crunch, punch, & sparkle
Now, I do hear some of that treble bite. The necessary edginess that a good treble will have. I did say “some”. It’s there. There is some sparkle in this region and some treble punch. On some tracks you’ll hear that treble crunch. That rounded crispness. Still, generally this is on the smoother side. This will not be a treble lover’s paradise unless they go with the gold nozzle. In that case I’d say there’s even more crunch, bite, punch and brightly crisp notes. The silver nozzle is for those who enjoyed the original Delci but simply wanted a hint more levity from this region. For those who just wanted a pinch more luster and shine. Just a pinch. In fact, there really isn’t much that separates the OG from the silver nozzle on the AE. It simply sounds more open by a small margin, which, for people who will pay hundreds of dollars for minimal improvements… this subtle difference should seal the deal. Whether it’s an improvement is up to the ear of the beholder. At any rate, there is some edginess and crispness at the outer edges of some notes, and I find that great as the treble really fits the rest of the mix very well. Just enough lift to give the midrange some buoyancy and openness, which leads to a hair better instrument separation, that also helps the sound to come across with better resolution leading to easier to discern details and micro-dynamics. That little touch helps.Examples
I try to fit in some examples from the treble region in most of my reviews, but the treble is such a touchy subject to many hobbyists. How I hear it… you may not, and what I enjoy… you may hate. In doing, I usually will drop a track in here from someone like Billy Strings and his rapid-fire banjo and acoustic guitar play. One of those tracks is “Highway Hypnosis” from his brand-new live album. This track is fast, banjo/guitar notes come flying to begin this track during a 15-minute grind fest of different improved riffs laid by expert hands. There’s some much treble activity. The Delci AE does very well. Round notes, clean distinctions between overlapping sounds which frequently occur. The timbre sounds great, details shine through easily. Now, once he begins his vocals there is a hair of masking that some multi driver sets could handle better but the timbre is fantastic, and the sound is very musical or harmonious. Basically, I don’t even notice any blending. For the most part it’s clean for a single DD. Another track is “Untamed” by Lindsey Stirling. That violin sounds effortless, bright, with that sharp edged coarseness and silvery style sound. It’s really nice. I just find the Delci AE to be a nice vehicle to drive through these tracks with. Her songs are. Always over the top, dramatic, but also so very melodic and the Delci AE does a wonderful job of portraying her melodies. There’re many more examples of treble heavy songs but these two do pretty well for a treble I characterized as a “good supporting actor”.Downsides to the Treble Region
The first downside or subjective issue would really be for those who desire a warm or dark treble. The Delci AE doesn’t have the brightest treble experience, but it definitely isn’t dark or rolled-off. There is some extension and some air along with enough brightness to fall out of favor with these types of listeners. Also, the Delci AE will likely not appease treble heads. Maybe with the gold nozzle but I still feel that real treble heads may want a bit more treble bite. I could be wrong as I am not a “treble-head”. The Delci AE is not a case of what some of us call “forced-resolution” or “forced-brightness” which equates to an overtly lifted treble emphasis. It isn’t that thankfully. I suppose with the gold nozzle it gets close as there are some peaks in the lower treble and past 5k that really add some zing to this set. Too much for my sensitivities when I have a perfectly dialed in silver nozzle. Perhaps if this set was tuned only with the gold nozzle my brain could adapt as I certainly have been able to do in the past. However, I do feel the gold nozzle is a little bit too over-emphasized for my taste. Still, is it what treble heads delight in? I wouldn’t know. Overall, the treble really does fit the tuning, it’s more polished than the OG Delci and the OG Delci was an absolute hit. Easily one of the best, and arguably thee best single DD sets under $100. I think Simgot has a few iems which would argue against that, but this was the company the OG Delci played ball with. So where does that put a slightly improved Delci AE?
Technicalities
Soundstage
This brings us to the “Technicalities” portion of my review and feature of the Kefine Delci AE, starting with the “Soundstage”. The stage on the Delci AE isn’t as closed in as the OG Delci. It feels and sounds more open. Probably “average” to “slightly above average” against the competition, but not quite as intimate as the original. I found the lift up top helped and the clean depth of the sub-bass along with the macro-dynamic energy throughout kind of helps this set to sound as though the stage is stretched a bit. Not just wide and tall but also slightly deeper, rounder notes, better layering to a degree. I wouldn’t confuse the Delci AE with the best-in-class sets, in this regard, but no doubt I don’t hear any true congestion either. I feel Kefine did a great job addressing the issues the OG did have while not destroying what made the Delci special. It has a nice stage folks. Certainly not some cavernous chasm of sound and not some arena style stage and there is some intimacy here. The stage does seem closer to the listener in a charming way. There’re distinct lines between instruments brought on by jsut a touch more air to the overall sound. Again, not best in class but pretty darn good for a single dynamic driver earphone.Separation / Imaging
Yes, these notes are lusher, but there are clean lines between instruments. Definitely I hear a more intimate portrayal of my music than some other sets. Yet in the very same breath the stage does reach out wide enough while centering certain elements of that stage, delineating and partitioning off instruments and vocalists fairly well. Yes, the sound is smoother than it isn’t, which usually doesn’t bode well for a single dynamic driver set to sound separated and layered. That said, I feel the Delci AE has clean enough note outlines to come across above average in separation. At worst it’s average. But I suppose it comes down to the listener. I can tell you that I’m very happy with the sound. I like that note weight is good and bodied well enough and each note is textured well enough to sound realistic while still feeling somewhat separated. By no means am I saying the Delci AE is some separation master or a technical wizard. I am not saying that so don’t get it twisted. I am saying that for how this set was tuned, it’s better in this regard than it should be. Imaging can get a hint hairy on bigger bass tracks, but it too is at worst… average. Usually, a set good in imaging will have a hint more vibrance and airiness to the sound. So, I’m not saying this is the best set in these attributes, but it holds its own for what it is.Detail Retrieval
Carry over what I said in the last section to this section. Same argument and same appraisal. Detail retrieval is better than it should be. Certainly, better than the OG Delci which wasn’t too bad itself. So long as the bass isn’t blaring or the track isn’t too complicated and congested, I feel you’ll hear better details than I would’ve personally expected. When I first saw the graph of the silver nozzle, I thought that the Delci AE would be the spitting image of the OG. However, details do come through easier, it is more open, it is cleaner, transients do attack and decay sprightlier, it does have very nice precision, and the subtleties do rise to the surface. Without question there are better iems under $100 for detail retrieval than the Delci AE and if details are what you are after then I’d keep looking. Notwithstanding, if you want that cohesive single DD flavor which usually has better timbre and all the other luxuries which come with a good single DD then the Delci AE does do well in detail retrieval. Now, in the realm of single DD’s under $100 is the Delci AE within the top class in details. Probably not. Sets like the Simgot EA500 and EA500LM or sets like the Fiio JD7 etc. do resolve the minutiae a hair better… maybe. In the end the Delci AE is much better than expected and as a whole it has absolutely zero to be ashamed of. It’s a fine set and technically it does just fine.There is the gold nozzle…
Of course, if you want better details, you can always swap over to the gold nozzle which is the more resolving nozzle of the two. Of course, you must then take all of the other attributes that the gold nozzle has into account as well. Certainly, I do hear finer details with this nozzle as the treble is brighter, the bass isn’t as intrusive, and the overall character of this nozzle is more technically inclined. This goes for all of the Technicalities explained in this section. The gold nozzle is most certainly the better separated of the two, slightly better imaging, thinner in note weight too. Just something to remember.
Comparisons
Note: I am going to be very quick with these comparisons. I am going to also be very general in my explanations of the differences as I am going quite long with this review. So forgive me for that and I hope they help. One more thing, I already have compared the OG Delci within this whole review and so I’m not going to reiterate all the points I’ve made again in the comparison section. If you want a reference to the OG… here is my review.
Tanchjim 4U ($60)
The Tanchjim 4U is a set that I wasn’t able to review due to timing and scheduling, but I have been able to use it as a comparison set a couple times now. I find the 4U to be an awesome single DD iem. The 4U is a dual-chamber single DD with an LCP diaphragm and a very useful and unique adjustable filter system. Really a cool set that’s worth every penny of the price. Let’s see how it differs from the Delci AE.
Differences
For one, both sets are made of all alloy, built like tanks, and both are gorgeous. I tend to like the Delci AE design better but I’m not you. Both sets offer some way of changing the sound up. The 4U has their filter system which requires a screwdriver to change, and the Delci AE requires screwing on and off tuning nozzles. Both work and both make big changes to the sound. I like the 4U system a bit better but that’s just because it really is different from what I’m used to. I feel the cable and most inclusions or accessories are better on the Delci AE but the Apple style unboxing of the Tanchjim 4U is simply dope. Very nice. Both sets are phenomenal at their price points.Sound Differences
Using the “Atmospheric” setting of the 4U and the silver nozzle for the Delci AE I found the 4U to be closer to neutral, thinner in note weight, maybe slightly better detail retrieval (very close), better imaging by a very small margin too. However, the Delci AE is more traditionally musical, better timbre, more fun, deeper bass with a more tactile and deeper rumble. Like I said, it has lusher note weight with a better stage which features slightly better layering of sounds. Better 3D image of the stage. There’s just a touch more depth on the Delci AE. Not taking anything away from the 4U either. I love that set. Still, I do feel the Delci AE is worth the extra cost to own it over the 4U. It’s just more organic of a presentation and the note weight and lushness really brings this one home for me.Final thoughts on this comparison
Both are great. I really enjoy both sets quite a lot and depending on what my mood is I’d go for either set. I think the Delci AE is probably the better iem though. This isn’t even an argument with the current sale price of the Delci AE ($69). Again, this is in no way a belittling of the Tanchjim 4U. If you only have $60 and want a fantastic single DD with some cool features, then I’d point you directly towards the 4U. Still, in my opinion the Delci AE is worth the extra cash to own it.
Simgot EA500LM ($89)
I reviewed the EA500LM earlier this year (EA500LM Review) and it had my ringing endorsement. I went right to the brink of calling it the best iem under $100 at the time. To be honest, my thoughts haven’t changed much. What a special iem from a special brand! Now, the EA500LM has a single 10mm lithium-magnesium dynamic driver with dual-cavities and dual magnets. It is a fantastic driver and Simgot really did get the most out of it. That said, not everyone feels the same as I do, and some would characterize the EA500LM as being a bit too shouty. However, there aren’t many sets which do exactly what the EA500LM can do which was the exact thing which sparked my curiosity in regard to how well the Delci AE stacks up to one of the best.
Differences
First off once again both iems are made of all alloy. I have no idea which build I like better, but I can tell you the Delci AE is much-much lighter. It’s not even close. The AE is lighter and more comfortable as the EA500LM is actually one of the heaviest sets under $100. Now, the EA500LM arguably has a hair better accessory with a slightly fatter and prettier cable. But it is close. Both sets use tuning nozzles to change up the sound though the Delci AE’s tuning nozzles definitely effect more of a change in sound. I honestly couldn’t tell you which set I feel is designed better, both are absolutely gorgeous, both feel and look premium at every angle. This is a true shoot out, but somehow, I feel they both win.Sound Differences
Right away you’ll notice the EA500LM is brighter and less bass oriented with a slightly more forward midrange leaning bright/neutral. The Delci AE is warmer and has thicker note weight across the board, deeper bass, more engaging vocals. It’s clear that the EA500LM has a cleaner sound, more resolute, tighter more well defined low-end. Friends, this is the true definition of a “preference battle”. Both sets are different enough that it’ll be easy to tell which you’d rather go with. The EA500LM is crisper, faster in transients, and better detailed, more resolving. The Delci AE has the more organic sound, more holographic, still very well detailed but more melodic and musical. The EA500LM leans more to the analytical side as the treble is emphasized more and extends further into the upper treble with less bass emphasis. At the same time the Delci AE has less treble emphasis and a bigger, more fun bass replay along with more engaging vocals for me.Final thoughts on this comparison
I love them both. Once again, I chose two sets which are very good at what they do. These two are quite different but both offer a high return in the sound quality department, and both have great price to performance. It really comes down to what sound signature and tonal coloration (warm, bright, neutral) you find best suits you. There are days that the EA500LM is the set I want replaying my music and there are definitely days (most recently) that I would much rather have the Delci AE in my ears.
Is it worth the asking price?
I feel that this will be a different answer for different people. All I can really do is answer for myself and if that rings true to you then you know we at least somewhat align. I think you already know after reading this review that I feel the Delci AE is well worth the $89 ($69 on sale) that Kefine has priced this set at. In fact, for me it’s a no brainer. That said, the competition is fierce in this price point as the under $100 range of iems is probably the most competitive in all of audio. I feel this is the price where one really starts trying to dial into what the sound signature is and how it suits each individual. Basically, what I’m getting at is that to one person the Delci AE doesn’t even crack their top 50 of best under $100 and to another the Delci AE will be exactly what they wanted. There is an element of the tuning which can be a hair polarizing in that it is a warm leaning set, it is bassy, and it can be a bit less “Simgot-ish” for some folks. It’s all in how you enjoy your music. However, for this guy, I feel the Delci AE is a very nice iem and worth the money to own it.The Why…
Because the build is almost perfect. It’s small, extremely lightweight, the perfect size to sit comfortably in most anyone’s ears. Then the design is striking. Just like the previous Delci the design is very simple, elegant, unique, and has this awesome appeal to it. I found the tuning nozzles are actually great in that they help the Delci AE to have two distinct sound profiles. The unboxing is good and altogether it has a nice package. Still, it is and always will be about the sound quality. The Delci AE has that rich toned yet clean sound that has beefy bass which stays in its lane enough to allow areas of the mix to shine. It has that good and full note weight and easy listening style that doesn’t fatigue the listener yet offers good enough dynamics to feel energetic and fun. The treble fits the overall tuning scheme very well with just enough treble bite and crispness. It’s just a well-tuned set folks. I cannot see a world in which this set is not absolutely worth $89. Furthermore, the sale price is only $69!Ticks the right boxes
Ya know, I have to reiterate something, I only review sets that I enjoy folks. I don’t know if you know this or not? Well, there is a caveat, I also review iems that I feel a large swath of hobbyists could enjoy as well. Maybe a set isn’t perfect for me, but I know many will enjoy it, that’s another good reason to review for me. However, mostly I review a set because I truly enjoy the sound. I don’t have time for reviews that I don’t enjoy and so I turn many sets away or send them on to somebody else to review. I say all of this so that you know where I stand on the Delci AE. Here I am reviewing and featuring it… so basically… It is a very fine set in my opinion. I thoroughly have enjoyed my time with the Delci AE as it ticks so many of my boxes for a single DD. I say all of this to communicate what I truly believe is a very worthy competitor in the under $100 space. Again, yes, the Delci AE is more than worth the asking price.
Ratings (0-10)
Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the Kefine Delci AE ratings below, that would be $50-$100 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $50-$100 US is a huge sized scope of iems, and so seeing a 9 should probably be pretty special. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 9.5 Built very well, all aluminum.–Look: 9.5 Simple, bold, masculine.
–Accessories: 9.0 Pretty nice!
–Overall: 9.3
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 9.7 Top of class timbre (my opinion).–Bass: 9.4 Hello quality… meet quantity
. –Midrange: 9.3 Warm, rich, musical.
–Treble: 8.7 Non-Offensive, fits the tuning.
–Technicalities: 8.3 Technically better than it should be.
–Musicality: 9.7 Musicality over technicalities.
–Overall: 9.2
Ratings Summary:
There really aren’t many issues with this rating section except just about every score I posted. This is the type of set that you will either go one way or the other and little in between. The OG Delci was the same way. For fans of a warmer and richer sound the Delci AE is going to hit every sweet spot under $100. For those who would much rather have a snappier sound, leaner, more energetic, bigger macro-dynamics, more detailed and resolute sound, they will likely not be on board with these ratings. Now, these ratings were completed against a bunch of under $100 iems. I have a slew of them in my collection which have been loosely called some of the best under $100. I then quickly go through and rate against portions of songs in each relative rating. That said, these ratings explain very little. There’s no nuance, no in-depth direction as to how I got to those ratings and so I hope you guys take these as a grain of salt. Just like every one of my reviews…lol. Also, please don’t let ratings determine your purchases. Now, beyond that, I don’t believe there is much I’d change here. I did the work to get to this point but it’s from my perspective, and my perspective may not be your perspective. I do feel the Delci AE is worth every bit of that “9.2” overall sound score. That is a very high rating against the field. I rated the Delci AE against any and all iems of any driver configuration within the prices of $50 and $100. I have a bunch on me but nowhere near all of the great sets in this range. So please also take that into consideration too.Explain Yourself!!
First off, the bass rating is going to get me some messages from the peanut gallery. For sure. I gave this set a very lofty “9.4” in the low-end rating and I know that bass preferences are so very much different for so many different people. It is by far the hardest area to score without folks thinking I’m nuts. Which is fine and expected. Also, I never disagree with anyone. I simply say “Okay” and “To each their own”. We are all always correct in his audio game. To explain, the bass is so much fun, well defined for the size, deep, rumbly, yet tight for what it is. I wrote “Hello quantity…meet quality” above and I really mean it. It is a high-quality larger bass that is very nice to my ears. The rest of the ratings can obviously be argued but I don’t think it’s worth it to explain those other ratings. All in all, I do feel the Delci AE is right at that “9.2” overall which winds up being one of the best in the price point.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review and feature of the Kefine Delci AE at Mobileaudiophile.com I’d like to first thank the awesome group of people at Kefine. This is a special young brand folks and I hope the best for them. It isn’t everyday you come across an overnight success like Kefine. A group of friends, small operation, and they create something very nice. Kudos to Angel Ears for recognizing how special the brand and the Delci name is. I really do feel that Kefine wasn’t going for an absolute upgrade in the AE version, but I do think that the AE version is a slight upgrade. It’s a side-grade-upgrade. Make sense? It’s really just a polished version of the same set in a prettier colorway and improved tuning. I don’t know if it’s worth it for owners of the OG Delci to pick up a set of the Delci AE. There really isn’t some huge difference between the two but there is enough of a difference to call this an improvement. Either way I’ve had a blast reviewing this set and spending time with it. It has been a great few weeks and I do hope to try out future audio products from Kefine. So, thank you once again. Also, thank you to the reader. I cannot thank you enough for clicking the link and making your time to read my words. It means everything to our team and to our whole operation. Every click helps and the amount of time you spend helps. We are a small operation ourselves and we try to give the best review possible, and I do hope that this review has helped you. That is always the goal. Thank you! Different perspectives
Remember that we are all different folks. Each one of us can hear our music a little bit differently than the next guy. Not all of us have been down similar roads through audio, we may not all have similar musical tastes or libraries. We may have different likes and dislikes and who knows, we may not even hear the same. So many variables. Please, I am asking you to watch, read, or listen to other reviews of the Delci AE. I’m telling you it will help you to make a more educated decision. Also, there are so many great reviewers out there with fantastic perspectives. It’s worth it to check em’ out. Beyond that, I think I’m done friends. I hope you enjoyed this review, and I hope each and every single last one of you are well and good. Please take good care, stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!
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