Kefine Klanar in 2025 - Still the Budget Planar King?

The Kefine Klanar delivers an engaging and smooth planar magnetic experience with strong imaging, excellent comfort, and fun tuning that works across genres - all at an accessible price. The Kefine Klanar is a budget-friendly planar magnetic IEM that enters a competitive market with a distinctive tuning and deliberate design choices. Priced around $120 and often available for less, it offers a warm and relaxed signature with surprising technicalities and comfort. While not the most resolving or analytical set, it’s designed for everyday musical enjoyment rather than hyper-critical listening.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Smooth, non-fatiguing treble
• Punchy, well-controlled bass
• Clear and warm midrange with natural tonality
• Excellent comfort and fit, even for small ears
• Impressive imaging and spatial nuance
• High-quality cable and solid build

Cons:

• Slightly rolled-off upper treble limits air
• Midrange can sound slightly artificial at times
• Vocals blend into mix rather than standing out
• Needs a bit more power for optimal performance

Build and Comfort

The Klanar features an all-metal shell that feels sturdy but lightweight. Despite housing a 14.5mm planar driver, the shells are small and ergonomically shaped, making them especially comfortable for long sessions - even for users with small ear canals. The nozzle has a decorative internal mesh, and the included cable is soft, braided, and uses metal terminations. A basic but functional case and a variety of silicone tips are included.

Fit and comfort are a standout strength. The IEMs sit flush and stable in the ear, and out-of-box usability is excellent - no rolling tips necessary for a good seal.

Sound Quality

The overall tuning leans warm and slightly v-shaped, with a tasteful bass lift and treble that avoids sharpness. This creates a relaxed and musical presentation suited to long listening sessions and diverse genres.

Bass

The bass is punchy and full, with emphasis in the mid-bass that gives music energy without bloating the mids. Sub-bass is present but not overwhelming - it provides tactile, live-like impact rather than deep rumble. Instruments like kick drums and low toms carry satisfying physical weight, and the low end never smothers vocals or higher frequencies.

Mids

The midrange is smooth and gently recessed, though male and female vocals come through with warmth and body. Vocals sit more within the mix than forward in it, offering an integrated and cohesive musical presentation. Occasionally, a slightly artificial tone emerges in the mids, but it’s subtle and rarely distracting. Instruments like guitars and woodwinds retain good texture, and there's no peakiness or sibilance.

Treble

Treble is relaxed and rolled off at the top end, which limits sparkle and air but completely avoids fatigue. There’s a modest emphasis in the high mids, around 2–3 kHz, which adds some clarity without veering into sharpness. This makes the Klanar suitable for longer listening sessions, even at higher volumes. Microdetail retrieval is decent, though finer resolution in the upper treble is lacking compared to more analytical sets.

Technical Performance

Imaging is a strong point. The Klanar renders holographic spatial cues with precision, layering instruments with nuance and realism. Even subtle background effects and overlapping timbres are separated cleanly. Soundstage is above average in width and depth - never intimate, never diffuse. Fast planar transients ensure clean note delivery, even in busy tracks. While it doesn't compete with higher-end monitors in raw resolution, the Klanar is far more engaging and refined than its price suggests.

Pairing and Power

While the Klanar works fine with standard 3.5mm sources, it scales notably with more power. Using a balanced 4.4mm source - like the FiiO M11 Plus ESS - unlocks tighter bass control and improved dynamics. Though it’s not particularly hard to drive, it does benefit from capable sources, especially with complex or orchestral music.

Comparisons

vs. 7Hz Timeless: The Timeless is more resolving but sharper and more fatiguing. Klanar is smoother and easier to enjoy for longer periods.

vs. HiSenior MP145: The MP145 offers more openness and air, but is bulkier and more analytical. Klanar trades top-end air for musicality and comfort.

vs. Moondrop Stellaris: Stellaris is more energetic but less coherent. Klanar offers better balance and comfort with less peaky tuning.

Is Kefine Klanar Still a Good Choice in 2025?

Absolutely. Even in 2025, the Klanar holds its ground as one of the best all-rounder planar magnetic IEMs under $150. While newer releases may offer more sparkle or bass depth, the Klanar’s relaxed tuning, solid build, and excellent comfort continue to make it a compelling option - especially for listeners who prefer a warm, easygoing sound. Its forgiving nature, strong imaging, and genre versatility keep it competitive even as the market evolves.

For casual listeners, those upgrading from a single dynamic driver, or anyone looking for an affordable planar experience without harshness, the Klanar remains a smart buy.

Verdict

The Kefine Klanar is not a reference tool, but a flexible, fun, and satisfying daily driver. It combines warm musicality, surprising imaging, and excellent comfort into a thoughtful package that feels mature despite being the brand’s first planar release. Whether you listen to modern pop, jazz, orchestral scores, or electronic music, the Klanar adapts well, offering depth and punch without fatigue. It’s not the most detailed IEM under $150, but it delivers a uniquely well-rounded experience.

Recommended for:

• Listeners sensitive to treble
• Fans of warm, punchy tuning
• Portable use with balanced sources
• Everyday listening across diverse genres