KEFINE Klanar: Kreamy, Krisp and Klarity

"Music in the soul can be heard by the universe"

~~Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher and founder of Taoism

As planar magnetic technology on IEMs keeps evolving since the introduction of Audeze iSine 10 in the mid-2010's, it still has its limitations particularly on power scaling to drive these sets properly. But with the introduction of USB Dongles DACs for smartphones and DAPs with better power delivery on driving these types of IEMs, it also has some development by miniaturisation of its parts to be more compact and requires less power output.

This product I have here at my hand will be the main context of this review and before I introduce its features and sonic qualities, I'll introduce the company who crafted this set. KEFINE is one of the recently established audio companies in Mainland China and its name is a portmanteau of "Ke" which is the name of the proprietor of this company and known to be passionate about music and the also a Hi-Fi enthusiast, and then, on the other word, "Fine" is taken from the word "Refine". The word itself shows a dedication of releasing a well-refined product that will be more appealing for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts out there.

This is KEFINE's inaugural product release, The KEFINE Klanar. The Klanar is one of the latest generation of planar magnetic IEMs in the market and its asking price is one of the affordable out there too. It has CNC-milled aluminium alloy shell which are well-precise on its design ergonomics up to its acoustic chamber for better sound reproduction with some emphasis and masking of certain frequencies. The shells were underwent to anodising process to give matte finish on its surface with a simple embellishment of the KEFINE logo on its faceplate to give a rather minimalist yet classy look and it's overall sizes are rather smaller and slimmer compared to the previous IEMs with similar transducer-type that I have encounter so far.

The planar magnetic drivers that were implemented on this set is a 14.5mm and it was constructed with some components like N55 neodymium magnet and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) diaphragm for more fuller and potent bass response while maintaining a natural and detail sound on other frequencies.

KEFINE did implement a 2-pin connector on this set that makes it easier to do some cable swapping especially if you want to change the termination plug for balanced output. This set has stock cable of good quality, it has 4-core with two types of wires, OFC litz copper and silver-plated copper litz that were braided for better signal transmission to give a more clear and transparent sound. On its termination plug, it uses a standard 3.5mm SE which was gold-plated for less corrosion and resistant to tear and wear.

Speaking of its product packaging, KEFINE Klanar is rather minimalist on how it was packed and the inclusion are rather enough for this set.

Here are the following contents that are included inside the box of KEFINE Klanar:

■ Pair of KEFINE Klanar

■ Stock cable

■ Canvas fabric zippered IEM case

■ 3 pairs of wide-bored UV ear tips of different standard sizes

■ 3 pairs of narrow-bored silicone ear tips of different standard sizes

Given that this set is a planar magnetic IEM, we will expect that it needs more power output to amplify it properly but to my surprise, this set is a tad easy to amplify from my devices whether it is my LG phones, DAPs or USB DAC dongles. Although, it still needs some power output for more dynamic and vivid sound that a planar IEM should have.

As for its tonality, KEFINE Klanar appears to have a V-shaped sound signature as it has more prominent bass while having a notch yet maintaining a tad warmth and balanced texture on its midrange and just a little bit of emphasis on the treble part of the frequency range while having smooth response.

(Graph was provided by baskingshark, credits to him for his effort)

LOWS/BASS:

This is the most prominent part of the frequency range of this set; it delivers a punchy, deep and fairly tactual bass response that few planar sets are able to match. Both sub-bass and mid-bass are somehow equally presented on the low frequency spectrum.

Sub-bass of this set has a perceivable physicality of rumbling and reverberations in some tracks like synth-pop and old school hip-hop from certain instruments like synthesisers, low tone bass guitars, drum machines and octabasses. On the mid-bass part, it seems that it has a fairly texture note weight on them but there are some instances that it has some lack of darker tone that make it more consistent but overall, it's a good one for planar sets.

On how it sounds, bass guitars have a rasping and bit dull sound while bass kick drums have thudding and gloomy sound. And then bass-baritone vocals, they have depth and volume though I feel that it's a bit hollow and like I mentioned before, that inherent less darker tone to give that distinctive guttural and heft sound.

MIDRANGE:

Initially, just by analysing its sound profile, the midrange of this set is absolutely recessed on its presentation but in a good way that it maintains a balanced texture, transparency and detail. It gives sufficient note weight on vocals and instruments, although in some instances, I somewhat hear that tad leanness in my opinion.

In vocals, particularly female ones, they somehow sound vivid and sweet as they captivate me. Contraltos have a smoky sound though I am still looking for more lush and richness of their vocals that I'm accustomed with. Mezzo-sopranos have that smooth and "coppery" sound that I really enjoy while sopranos have creamy, light and sweet which suits better with soubrette, lyric  and dramatic types of soprano singers, but on coloratura types, it's a bit lack of energetic and shimmer to project those high note extension for vocal passage. Meanwhile on male vocals, it only has enough texture just to give some  volume and density and hint of warmth on baritones and tenors. Baritones sounds a bit too smooth and less lush sounding on my ideal timbre on them while tenors have a bit tender on my preferably tone but at least it has some clear and metallic sound that somewhat fare better lighter tenor vocals like leggero and lyric. Countertenors have similar characteristics with mezzo-sopranos but it has some graceful and tender sound from them.

On instruments, it seems that they sound quite natural with good detail and clarity as I myself enjoy listening to instrumental tracks. Strings like guitars and violins, they sound in neutral tone with just a little bit of gleam as guitars sound balanced and tad dry while violins have a sensuous sound with just a hint of metallic on them. As for brass instruments, trumpets have the intense yet stately sounds, horns have metallic and resounding sound, and then on trombones, they have a dramatic and concise sound as I listen to some orchestra or ska tracks. On woodwinds, piccolos have a rather light and graceful sound in contrast on its ideal bright and brilliant tonal colour that it should have, concert flutes have mellow and filigree sound, and last ones are clarinets and saxophones and they sounds mild, velvety and sombre. Percussive instruments especially on snares, tom-toms and field drums, have clear, resonant and venerable sound characteristics respectively. Kettle drums have a mellow and velvety sound and pianos have an even and balanced tone to its encompassing note range.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

This is one of the few exceptional planar sets when it comes to treble response. It is so smooth and well-balanced that it manages to tame down those "planar sheen" characteristics that we usually encountered on IEMs with similar transducer type. It has an accentuated upper mids just to give an ample note attack of percussive and rhythmic instruments and vocal definition and some dips on the presence part of the treble frequency to avoid any harshness or controlling sibilance while maintaining a smooth and pleasant response.

Cymbals have a lustrous and soughing sound while hi-hats have its distinctive chick sound as it has a shortened buzzing sound. Celestas have sweet and mellow sound, while glockenspiels have some glistening and lustrous sound from them. It has an ample sparkle and moderate airy extension that will somehow satisfy some listeners who want treble quality and quantity, and also a safe recommendation to treble-sensitive folks.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

In general, on how I perceived its overall sound field dimensions, The Klanar has an above-average wide span from left to right, good height reach and immersive depth from front to rear as it gives me a fairly moderate head room within my aural sphere.

On stereo imaging, it projects a concave-like presentation of its stereo field where I was able to pinpoint a placement of instruments and singers on its sonic spatiality. It has a good separation of elements while having an adequate definition on its tonal and frequency layers that delivers a more harmonious and cohesive performance.

In terms of coherency, planar magnetic drivers are no doubt very coherent and have a fast transient speed to deliver a crisp and clear sound. Resolution aspects on this set are quite competent in both macro-dynamics and micro-dynamics as it has good homogenous note texture while having decently sharp definition on detail retrieval from an audio track with its detail infos and nuances.

PEER COMPARISONS:

LETSHUOER S12 PRO

■ Like the Klanar, it uses a larger planar magnetic driver and is also encapsulated in a metal alloy shell chassis albeit it's a bit large. It has modular cable and more included accessories on its packaging box.

■ As for tonality, S12 PRO takes a more U-shaped sound signature which makes it more versatile sounding. It has tighter and penetrating bass response, less recessed midrange with crisp and brim with shimmering sound on vocals and instruments, and a brighter, vivid and energetic treble response.

■ On technical capabilities, S12 PRO has a bit of an edge in few aspects, it has a bit wider on its lateral sound field and a sharper detail definition. But it is more prone to "planar sheen" timbre unlike the Klanar which manage to suppress it a bit. Also, it's a bit harder to drive compared to the Klanar.

HIDIZS MP145

■ This is another IEM with a similar driver that has large planar magnetic, although it has an even larger shell with unusual design cues. Like all current generation of Hidizs IEMs, it has a proprietary detachable tuning nozzle for more tuning versatility.

■ As I mentioned regarding its detachable tuning nozzle system on MP145, it offers a variety of sound profiles from a warm V-shaped to bright U-shaped that makes this set more of an all-rounder. It has more punchy and tactile bass response especially red tuning nozzle mode, a warmer and lusher(red tuning filter set-up), even and more balanced  texture (rose gold tuning filter set-up), and a tad brighter and energetic (silver tuning filter setup) on its midrange and almost similar smooth treble response with Klanar in red tuning filter set-up or more sparkling and airier brilliance treble on both rose gold and silver tuning filter set-ups.

■ Regarding its technical capabilities, MP145 has similar performance with the Klanar in sound/speaker stage, stereo imaging, separation etc. But MP145 has bit sharper definition on detail retrieval and like Klanar, it has less "planar sheen" timbre.

As I summarise my review on KEFINE Klanar, this sets is indeed a product that truly signifies the development of planar magnetic IEMs within few years as KEFINE was able to deliver a more refined product that will be more budget friendly for audio enthusiasts who wants a good build quality with good tuning and competent technical capabilities. For sure that this type of tuning might not suited to some adherents of neutral and almost uncoloured tuning but its feat on its miniaturise engineering marvel on how a large planar magnetic driver was able to fit on such a compact form factor will make this set even more impressive to hold. If you are looking for an affordable planar IEM, this set is highly recommended to you then.

If you are interested to purchase this set, here's are the following unaffliated links:

AUDIO 46: https://audio46.com/products/kefine-klanar

AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CKZ71VP3/kefine+klanar/

LINSOUL: https://www.linsoul.com/products/kefine-klanar

HIFIGO: https://hifigo.com/products/kefine-klanar

ALIEXPRESS:  https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1103187464?spm=a2g0o.detail.0.0.5e8evTTsvTTsR

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SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: KEFINE KLANAR

IMPEDANCE: 16Ω

SENSITIVITY: 105dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 40KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m

PIN TYPE: 0.78mm 2-PIN CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm, 4.4mm

DRIVER UNIT(S):  (1) PLANAR MAGNETIC DRIVER

PROS:

△ Compact yet solid shell chassis

△ Good quality stock cable

△ Surprisingly, it is one of the few Planar IEMs that can be amplified with decent power output although there are still takes that should be address.

△ Quite comfy as I can wear it for long listening session and even on physical activity.

△ A fun and engaging sound that this set offers

△ Sufficiently punchy and precise bass quality while having a segregated and well-controlled on its overall bass response

△ Has a balanced texture and transparent midrange

△ Sweet and expressive female vocals

△ Somehow natural sounding of its instruments' timbre and tonality.

△ Smooth and well-controlled treble response

△ Harshness and sibilance is not a concern at all on this set as how it was tuned.

△ It has a quite proficient technical performance.

△ Affordability.

 

CONS:

▽ Recessed and lean midrange

▽ Less deep and textured on low frequencies especially on the mid-bass.

▽ Definitely not for neutral heads.

▽ Inclusions seems meagre in my opinion.

Some 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.