KEFINE
KEFINE is an emerging brand founded by a group of audio enthusiasts driven by their passion for the hobby. With prior experience in earphone manufacturing, they united to realize their vision of superior sound quality. The KEFINE brand is dedicated to producing earphones that deliver an outstanding price-to-performance ratio while ensuring high-quality sound craftsmanship. To date, they have developed three models: the Klanar, the Delci, and their newest addition, the Klean.
KEFINE Klean
The KEFINE Klean is a budget-friendly, entry-level earphone equipped with a 10mm dynamic driver that incorporates a diaphragm constructed from diamond-like carbon (DLC). This sophisticated material is recognized for its exceptional clarity, detail, and extended high-frequency response.
Additionally, the Klean is designed with a dual-cavity driver architecture and interchangeable nozzles to accommodate individual sound preferences. The silver nozzle provides a warm and smooth auditory experience, whereas the black nozzle produces a higher resolution with brighter and more transparent sound. The threaded design facilitates quick and easy nozzle changes.
Non Audio stuff
The ear-shells are crafted using an alloy casting technique and subsequently polished to achieve a sleek black finish. The faceplates are secured to the main body with screws, a method that mitigates the risk of damage from adhesive failure or external forces, thereby enhancing the product's durability. Similar to the Delci, the Klean is exceptionally well-constructed, exceeding all expectations given its price point.
While the design of the KEFINE Klean may appear simple and minimalistic, it possesses a level of sophistication and appeal. Although the ear-shells may not be particularly lightweight for their size, they are compact and feature a contoured design that conforms to the natural shape of the human ear. The Klean offers a high degree of comfort and a discreet appearance, seamlessly fitting into the ears to provide a stable and stress-free experience with effective noise attenuation.
Cable and accessories
KEFINE provides their earphones with premium cables, and the Klean model is no exception. It features a 2-pin detachable cable constructed from high-purity silver-plated copper wires, designed in a two-core braided format. The cable is equipped with a 3.5mm aluminum plug, ensuring it is both soft and lightweight, while minimizing microphonic noise and preventing tangling. This high-quality cable offers excellent handling and aesthetically complements the Klean, making it a worthwhile investment for the price.
The package comprises three sets of silicone ear tips, a cable, two sets of tuning nozzles, and an attractive carrying case featuring a side zipper.
Power needs
Entry-level earphones are designed to be easily driven, as the majority of consumers will utilize them through the 3.5mm jack of their smartphones or a basic USB DAC dongle. The KEFINE Klean features an impedance of 32Ω and a sensitivity of 107dB, making it particularly easy to drive. This allows for an enjoyable listening experience with portable USB DACs such as the FiiO JA11 or the Kiwi Ears Allegro Mini.
Audio stuff
Let's start with the silver nozzles.
Consumers shopping in the $40-50 price range are likely to seek earphones primarily for casual listening rather than for critical audiophile use.
Recognizing this, the seasoned KEFINE team opted for a sound profile that promotes smooth and enjoyable listening experiences, catering to the preferences of the majority.
In a departure from typical practices, they maintained a balanced tuning that avoids extreme frequency responses. The Klean features a gentle bass emphasis with commendable sub-bass extension, present mids, and a smooth yet clear treble.
The overall sound signature strikes a balance, neither overly V-shaped nor U-shaped, while emphasizing the significance of the mid-range without excessive focus on either the bass or treble.
The KEFINE Klean is a versatile earphone that performs admirably across various music genres, appealing to a broad audience, with the exception of those seeking a specialized or highly technical audio experience.
The treble response of the Klean is characterized by a smooth and unobtrusive quality, which some may perceive as lacking vibrancy; however, it remains impressively clear and well-articulated. It strikes a balance between lightness and sparkle, preventing a dark tonal character while avoiding excessive sharpness or brightness. The timbre is natural enough, though it may exhibit a slight metallic quality, particularly with higher-pitched orchestral instruments.
In terms of detail retrieval and overall resolution, the Klean performs satisfactorily within its category, though it does not offer significant depth or exceptional analytical capabilities. While it may not be the most technically sophisticated option, it makes up for this with its inherently musical character.
The mid-range exhibits a well-balanced tuning, characterized by a lack of significant recession or excessive brilliance in the upper mid-range. This results in a neutral sound profile that is pleasant to the ear, minimizing the risk of listening fatigue.
The clarity and articulation are very good, free from the masking effects often associated with mid-bass bloat. With its vibrant and harmonious tonal variety, the Klean effectively engages the listener with their preferred music.
The thoughtfully accentuated bass enhances the listening experience across various musical genres, remaining sufficiently in tune for more discerning listening, provided one is aware of its limitations.
Its technical performance is competitive; the bass is quick, well-defined, and controlled, featuring moderately rich textures that are not overly lean. While the Klean may not deliver extreme punchiness or impact, it still offers a satisfying dynamic range.
The soundstage is somewhat narrow and lacks significant depth; however, it provides adequate space and reasonable imaging, allowing the listener to perceive the intricacies of the music without descending into a messy sound experience.
With the black nozzles
The black tips enhance the upper mid-range and treble frequencies, while subtly reducing the bass, resulting in a more vibrant sound profile for the Klean. This configuration allows the Klean to produce a clearer and more brilliant sound without becoming harsh or piercing. Additionally, the bass achieves greater tonal precision while maintaining its rich and dynamic quality.
Comparison with the KEFINE Delci
The KEFINE Delci is priced at $10 above the Klean, leading some to question whether the additional expenditure for the Delci is justified.
The response to this inquiry is straightforward: the Delci offers a warmer and more relaxed sound profile compared to the Klean, featuring a treble that is less airy and sparkly. However, there are additional qualities that warrant the extra $10 for those who prefer this tonal balance. The Delci provides greater resolution, delivering a more expansive sound than its counterpart, along with a wider soundstage and a bass response that is both punchier and more technically refined.
Conclusion
The Klean serves as further evidence that KEFINE possesses a remarkable ability to produce earphones that appeal to a wide audience while maintaining affordability.
The KEFINE Klean is constructed with superior craftsmanship and delivers sound quality that exceeds expectations for its price point, positioning it as an excellent entry-level choice and a genuine value in a highly competitive market.
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The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I don't use affiliate links. The price of the KEFINE Klean is $49 and you can buy it from Linsoul.
Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, most parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.