PROS:
minimalist design (subjective)
excellent bass response
proper timbre
controlled but not dull treble
generous eartips
decent cable
lush and weighted midrange
above average technical chops
efficient and easy to drive
price
CONS:
recessed midrange
cramp protective case (nitpick)
v-shaped tuning (nitpick, subjective, own preference)
INTRODUCTION:
Kefine, driven by their commitment to offer sophisticated audio equipment at a reasonable and pragmatic price point, coined their name from a fusion of the founder's name and the concept of refinement, resulting in the term "Kefine." On the other hand, the term "Klanar" cleverly integrates "planar" with the letter "K." The company places a premium on quality, treating their products with a level of care akin to parenting. They allocate every cent judiciously, striving to maximize quality while keeping costs in check. Their philosophy asserts that top-notch audio shouldn't come with an exorbitant price tag.
While many companies express similar aspirations in their corporate profiles, the pivotal question lingers: Can Kefine truly deliver superior sound quality with the $119 Klanar? Join me on this journey as we delve into the answer.
FOREWORD:
The gear on hand has undergone at least 10-15 hours of use before it was assessed.
No EQ is ever applied in my reviews.
For the sake of convenience, I try my best to use a stock setup. Not everyone has access to personal ear tips or cables. If personal ear tips, cables, or accessories are used, you will be notified.
As I try to be objective, my claims inevitably will be subjective and biased to my personal preference. I cannot stress more that you should take this with a grain of salt for we have different perceptions to sound and what we hear.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Maker: Kefine
Model: Klanar
Drivers: 14.5mm planar driver
Impedance: 16ohms
Sensitivity: 105db
PACKAGING & DETAILS:
The packaging of Klanar leans towards simplicity, aligning with their reported environmental consciousness. Housed in a moderately sized box, the front showcases a straightforward image of Klanar, complemented by clean and generic fonts. On the rear, you'll find the customary information about the IEM and the company. Now, let's delve into the contents included in the package.
CASE:
The case comes in a pleasant gray hue with a textured exterior, providing a tactile and visually appealing quality. Internally, the compartment is sleek and compact, requiring a careful arrangement of the cable and Klanar to ensure a snug fit. While a bit more room would have been preferable, the overall functionality remains commendable. Despite the snug fit, the case effectively fulfills its primary purpose of safeguarding the Klanar.
CABLE:
The cable quality stands out remarkably, especially considering the price point. While it might be slightly on the lighter side for my personal preference, its sturdiness and substantial thickness provide reassurance against potential breakage or snapping in the event of an inadvertent pull during on-the-go use.
EAR TIPS:
The inclusion of ear tips is notably generous, especially considering the price range. There are two varieties available. The regular bore contributes to a bass boost but slightly narrows the soundstage, while the wide bore enhances details and treble, expanding the stage.
Identifying them at first glance can be a tad challenging as both are uniformly black, necessitating a closer inspection to differentiate based on bore size. The quality falls on the generic spectrum but remains functional. In the course of this review, I opted for the wide bore stock tips.
APPEARANCE:
Klanar embodies a striking minimalistic design. Crafted from lightweight aluminum alloy, it ensures a comfortable and easy-to-wear experience. The ergonomic design is accommodating to the ears, enhancing overall comfort. Sporting a matte black color, the aesthetic is clean and understated, catering to those who appreciate a minimalist approach. If you're inclined towards simplicity and a sleek appearance, the look and feel of Klanar will likely resonate with you.
INTERNALS:
Klanar features a 14.5mm planar driver, known for its efficiency and notably easy driveability. Amid the initial skepticism surrounding the planar wars, Klanar stands out as a testament to the industry's evolving understanding of effectively implementing these micro planar drivers. After a year of observation, it's evident that companies have gained valuable insights into optimizing the performance of these drivers. Klanar, in particular, emerges as a legitimate player in the planar realm, and we'll delve deeper into its performance shortly.
COMFORT:
Wearing the Klanar is a delightful experience, offering a snug fit that proves particularly suitable for on-stage performances. Extended usage doesn't result in soreness or discomfort, thanks to its ergonomic design. The insertion process is commendable, providing a decent depth for a secure feel. Being vented, the Klanar manages above-average isolation. Notably, even after prolonged use exceeding an hour, there is no discernible pressure build-up, enhancing the overall comfort during extended sessions.
SOUND IMPRESSIONS:
SOURCES:
FIIO M11 PLUS LTD
Centrance Dacport HD
Ovidius B1
Cayin RU6
Apple music subscription
Qobuz studio
Offline FLACs
TECHNICALITIES:
The Klanar offers a stage that, while not the widest among IEMs, avoids a claustrophobic feel and doesn't sound overly in-your-face. Staging gives a sense of more than the conventional 2d presentation. As we speak, I’m listening to a track from Tingvall Trio and I can hear the piano with good depth, plus width and a bit of height all in all.
Imaging is above average, with instruments easily distinguishable and well-placed.
In terms of speed, as expected from a planar, the Klanar delivers a precise and defined attack without overdoing it, providing a sense of realism to the sound.
Where the Klanar truly shines is in its timbre, excelling in delivering one of the most natural-sounding performances for a planar configuration, a realm where planars often face challenges.
The texture leans towards the smoother side, potentially lacking for those seeking an analytical sound. While texture and details are present, they aren't prominently highlighted. In essence, the Klanar isn't a clinical-sounding IEM; instead, it prioritizes musicality.
Equipped with a 4.4mm balanced termination, the Klanar deserves credit for its easy driveability. Despite its on-paper sensitivity of 105dB, I found it manageable even with the old reliable Abigail dongle by Venture Electronics. While highly efficient, the Klanar still benefits from proper amping to truly bring out its best sound.
BASS:
Measurement courtesy of our good friend Baskingshark. You rock mate!
For enthusiasts of deep bass, the Klanar is tailor-made for you. It boasts a V-shaped tuning, delivering a substantial amount of bass with impressive quality. The bass performance is characterized by its speed, snappiness, punchiness, and precision. Planars are renowned for their exceptional bass responses, and the Klanar lives up to this reputation. While there's a slight bleed into the mids due to the quantity of bass, it remains very tolerable.
Klanar's emphasis on sub-bass adds a layer of fun and engagement, keeping the listening experience entertaining. Given the quantity of bass in its tuning, there's a risk of muddiness in sound, but Kefine has done a commendable job in maintaining the cleanliness of the bass, ensuring a satisfying and well-defined low-end.
MIDRANGE:
As someone who appreciates the midrange, I can understand how this tuning might give you pause. True to expectations, the midrange on the Klanar takes on a recessed sound and nature. While this tuning prevents an overwhelming abundance of details, it does come at the cost of the presence of vocals and instruments. However, the redeeming quality lies in the note weight and body.
Kefine successfully maintains an engaging midrange by ensuring a robust note weight and embodiment. Despite its recessed nature, the midrange didn’t disappoint mid-centric listeners like myself. Vocals retain good presence, and instruments manage to step into the spotlight when called upon, contributing to an overall engaging midrange experience.
TREBLE:
Planar headphones often have a reputation for being shouty, splashy, and potentially fatiguing to listen to. However, Kefine breaks this mold with the Klanar, offering a highly controlled treble that is devoid of sibilance. This makes it easy to listen to for prolonged periods. While it may not cater to extreme treble enthusiasts, the Klanar still delivers an exciting and sufficient treble experience.
The upper frequencies maintain a non-piercing quality, bringing joy to those with sensitivity to sharp sounds. The treble, though not excessively bright or veiled, offers a balanced and enjoyable listening experience. If you're someone who desires more sparkle, experimenting with different cables and rolling the top end is an option, but personally, I find the treble on the Klanar to be satisfying with a good balance of bite and grit.
COMPARISONS:
Tangzu Heyday
Heyday tends toward a more mature, neutral tuning, showcasing well-placed and forward vocals and instruments. However, there are instances where the bass can be perceived as lacking, potentially leading to a less engaging experience for some listeners. The rendering of female vocals is a notable strength for Heyday. In terms of separation and layering, Heyday demonstrates a slight edge.
Some individuals might find the upper midrange of Heyday to be thin and slightly harsh, whereas Klanar exhibits better control over the treble, providing a more balanced listening experience. Heyday offers modular cables, providing users with options for 2.5mm, 3.5mm, and 4.4mm terminations, adding versatility to the listening setup.
Both Klanar and Heyday maintain proper timbre, producing natural and authentic sounds. While each has its strengths and characteristics, the choice between them would ultimately depend on individual preferences and priorities in tuning and features.
Letshuoer S12 OG
It seems that the S12 and Klanar share similar bass quantity, delivering a comparable level of fun. However, when it comes to separation and layering, the S12 holds a slight edge. In terms of timbre accuracy, Klanar takes the lead, providing a more correct representation of sound. The S12, on the other hand, exhibits some harshness and heat in the upper midrange, making Klanar a safer and more comfortable listening experience.
In summary, the Klanar appears to be akin to the S12 but without the hotness in the upper midrange that could potentially introduce a sense of brittleness. This suggests that, in my personal opinion, the Klanar might be how the S12 should have sounded, offering a more balanced and enjoyable listening experience.
TEST TRACKS:
Here are some tracks I usually listen to when reviewing:
That’s the way of the World by EWF
Africa by TOTO
The Girl in the Other Room by Diana Kral
Balmorhea album All is wild, All is Silent
Sila by Sud
Smooth Escape by D’Sound
Never too Much by Luther Vandross
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
Ain’t no Sunshine by Eva Cassidy
Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC
Another one bites the Dust by Queen
Good times bad times by Edie Brickell
Alice in Wonderland by Bill Evans
Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Redefine by Incubus
Far Away by Nickelback
Lovesong by Adele
Lingus by Snarky Puppy
Harvest for the World by Vanessa Williams
Love Bites by Def Leppard
No Such Thing by John Mayer
As by Stevie Wonder
Whip Appeal by Babyface
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Futures by Prep
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Every Summertime by NIKI
SADE tracks
AC/DC tracks
Queen tracks
And many more… I always listen to High resolution format, being the least quality 16bit/44khz FLACS be it offline or online.
VERDICT:
When the Klanar was en route to me, skepticism lingered in my mind. Despite engaging in thoughtful exchanges with the Kefine representative, doubts crept in, especially considering the V-shaped tuning indicated on the graph—a profile not typically to my liking. The prospect of a recessed midrange added another layer of uncertainty. Against these initial reservations, the Klanar managed to not only satisfy but also connect with me in a genuinely joyous way.
Taking a step back for a more objective view, this V-shaped tuning is executed remarkably well. For those who appreciate this tuning, the Klanar is a treat. It brings forth an excellent bass response, a well-weighted midrange, and a precisely controlled treble, accompanied by technicalities that surpass the average performance. It's essentially a recipe for a well-rounded listening experience. While Kefine might not have ventured into something groundbreaking or unique, they've executed the mainstream with finesse—a product that resonates with a broad audience.
I foresee a strong potential for this company, eagerly anticipating their future releases. I've imparted a piece of advice, urging them not to succumb to the temptation of flooding the market with numerous products. Instead, focusing on quality over quantity could solidify their position. Despite the tuning not aligning perfectly with my preferences, the Klanar adds a unique sound to my collection, earning its place in my rotation.
My heartfelt thanks extend to Collin Yang of Kefine for his graciousness and providing the Klanar for my review. I'd also like to acknowledge Joshua Treinen for facilitating the connection with Kefine. That wraps up this review, and I look forward to catching you on the next one.
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