KEFINE Quatio Review
KEFINE Quatio Review
Introduction:
The KEFINE Quatio is a hybrid In-Ear Monitor equipped with a quad-driver setup, combining two dynamic drivers (2DD) and two balanced armature (2BA) drivers, integrated with a three-way crossover. It features a 10mm DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) diaphragm dynamic driver for full-range clarity, an 8mm PU+LCP diaphragm dynamic driver for bass, and dual BA drivers for high frequencies. The IEM is built with CNC-machined aluminum alloy shells and includes a high-purity silver-plated copper cable with modular plugs, alongside interchangeable tuning nozzles. This review evaluates the Quatio’s design, build, and sound performance within the sub-$150 IEM market.
This review will explore the features and performance of the KEFINE Quatio In-Ear Monitor in a straightforward manner.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank HiFiGo and KEFINE for providing the KEFINE Quatio for review purposes. I am not affiliated with HiFiGo or KEFINE beyond this review, and the opinions expressed here reflect my genuine and unbiased impressions of the product.
Price & Availability:
The KEFINE Quatio Hyberid Driver IEM is priced at $129.99 USD. More information’s can be found under the link below;
Package & Accessories:
The KEFINE Quatio arrives in a compact black box featuring the KEFINE logo and an image of the IEMs. The contents are organized for easy access.
The package includes:
- 1 x pair of KEFINE Quatio In-Ear Monitors
- 1 x detachable high-purity silver-plated copper cable with modular 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs
- 13 x pairs of Silicone Ear Tips (1 pair came pre-installed)
- 1 x hard black leather-like carrying case
- 1 x Print Material
The unboxing experience is practical, with the sturdy carrying case ensuring portability. The inclusion of many ear tip sizes and three tuning nozzles allows customization of fit and sound.
Design & Build Quality:
The KEFINE Quatio showcases a refined design that balances aesthetics and functionality. The earpieces are crafted from high-precision CNC-machined aluminum alloy, offering a robust construction that is heavier than resin-based IEMs like the Kiwi Ears Airoso but comparable to other metal IEMs in its class. The aluminum alloy, known for its strength and corrosion resistance, is finished with advanced polishing and anodizing for a smooth, scratch-resistant surface. The shells feature a 0.06mm wall thickness, minimizing size while maintaining structural integrity, with a dimensional tolerance of 0.01mm for precision. Small ventilation holes near the top regulate air pressure, enhancing acoustic performance and comfort by creating an open, airy feel similar to larger headphones. The ergonomic, tapered profile fits various ear shapes, ensuring comfort for extended wear.
The Quatio’s faceplate shows a minimalist design, constructed from CNC-machined aluminum alloy with a matte black finish. The “KEFINE” logo, etched in bold white at the center, serves as a focal point without overpowering the sleek aesthetic. The non-reflective surface resists fingerprints and scratches, maintaining a clean appearance. Subtle chamfered edges catch light, adding a refined touch to the industrial design, appealing to users who prioritize function and durability.
The inner surface is ergonomically contoured to fit the ear concha, with a slightly angled aluminum alloy nozzle for optimal sound delivery. A metal mesh filter protects against debris, ensuring consistent performance.
The interchangeable tuning nozzles (silver for balanced sound, gold for transparent and neutral sound, black for warm and smooth sound) thread securely, though their small size requires careful handling to avoid misplacement.
The top of each earpiece houses 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, seamlessly integrated into the aluminum shell for a secure, flush connection. The polished finish contrasts with the matte faceplate, enhancing visual appeal.
Ventilation holes near at the rear surface of the monitors regulate pressure, improving comfort and contributing to an open soundstage.
Overall, the Quatio’s aluminum alloy shells are durable, with a high-quality finish achieved through advanced polishing and anodizing.
Detachable Cable:
The detachable cable is a High-Purity Silver-Plated Copper cable design, featuring a 4-strand braided structure with 98 wires per strand, totaling 392 wire cores for optimal signal transmission and clarity.
The modular termination system includes swappable 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs, each with a polished aluminum housing and plastic strain relief for longevity
Fit, Comfort & Isolation:
The Quatio’s tapered profile fits medium to large ears comfortably, with lightweight aluminum shells and a smooth inner surface minimizing irritation. The 13 pairs of silicone ear tip sets allow for a personalized fit, though foam tips could enhance isolation further. It offers solid passive noise isolation for commuting, with ventilation reducing pressure buildup for extended comfort.
Technical Specifications:
- Model: KEFINE Quatio
- Driver Technology: 2 Dynamic Drivers (10mm DLC Diaphragm + 8mm PU+LCP Diaphragm) + 2 Balanced Armature Drivers
- Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
- Sensitivity: 107dB SPL/mW ±3dB
- Impedance: 32Ω ±15%
- Connector Type: 0.78mm 2-Pin Connector
- Plug Type: Modular 3.5mm Single-Ended, 4.4mm Balanced
- Cable Length: 1.2m ±0.2m
- Cable: High-purity silver-plated oxygen-free copper, 4-strand braid, 392 wire cores
Drivability & Pairing:
With a 32Ω impedance and 107dB SPL/mW sensitivity, the Quatio is efficient and pairs well with smartphones, USB DAC dongles, and DAPs. A quality source enhances bass texture, but amplification is not necessary. The modular cable’s 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs ensure compatibility with various setups.
Equipment’s used for this review:
- IEM’s : KEFINE Quatio, Kiwi Ears Airoso
- DAP&DAC’s : iBasso DX340, HiBy R3Pro II, ONIX Alpha XI1
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The KEFINE Quatio delivers a warm, lush, and musical sound signature, customizable through its three tuning nozzles. Its hybrid 2DD+2BA driver setup, combined with a physical and electronic three-way crossover, produces a balanced profile with robust bass, natural midrange, and articulate treble, complemented by a fairly wide soundstage and precise imaging. This versatility suits a broad range of genres, from jazz and classical to rock and electronic music, offering a refined listening experience for its price class.
Bass:
The Quatio’s low-end performance, driven by its dual dynamic drivers, is powerful and nuanced, appealing to listeners who enjoy a dynamic yet controlled bass response. The 10mm DLC diaphragm dynamic driver delivers deep subbass, providing a rich, rumbling foundation that adds weight to electronic tracks like those from Daft Punk. This depth is immersive without overpowering other frequencies, maintaining clarity across the spectrum. The 8mm PU+LCP diaphragm driver excels in the midbass, offering a punchy and textured response that enhances kick drums and bass guitars in rock or metal tracks with a satisfying thump. In intricate jazz compositions with rapid basslines, the Quatio occasionally struggles to fully separate overlapping notes, though it outperforms many peers in its price range by maintaining commendable clarity.
The black tuning nozzle boosts bass warmth and quantity, ideal for hip-hop or EDM, where a fuller low-end adds energy and impact. The silver nozzle tightens the bass for a neutral presentation, suiting genres like rock or acoustic music that benefit from precision. The gold nozzle, used for this review, balances energy and control, delivering a dynamic low-end that complements a wide range of music. While the bass is engaging and well-integrated, it may feel slightly loose in extremely bass-heavy tracks compared to higher-end IEMs, a minor compromise for its versatility. The Quatio’s ability to layer low-frequency elements, such as distinguishing a plucked bass string from a steady drumbeat, ensures a detailed and immersive experience across genres.
Midrange:
The Quatio’s midrange is a highlight for its natural warmth and clarity, creating an engaging presentation for vocals and instruments. The lower midrange imparts a rich, full-bodied quality to male vocals and instruments like cellos or acoustic guitars, adding depth and realism to tracks like Norah Jones’ jazz ballads. This warmth avoids muddiness, ensuring instruments retain their natural timbre. The upper midrange introduces a gentle lift, enhancing the clarity of female vocals and instruments like electric guitars or violins, making them stand out without sounding harsh. In densely layered rock tracks, the gold nozzle can make the midrange feel slightly recessed, a trait mitigated by the silver nozzle’s neutral tuning.
Detail retrieval is impressive, capturing nuances like the texture of guitar strings or the breathy quality of vocals in intimate recordings. The Quatio excels in conveying the emotional weight of performances, though listeners seeking an ultra-forward vocal presence may find it a touch reserved compared to vocal-centric IEMs. The tuning nozzles provide significant flexibility: the black nozzle adds warmth for a lush, relaxed midrange suited to pop or classical; the silver offers a balanced, reference-like quality for jazz or acoustic; and the gold emphasizes upper mids for vocal clarity, ideal for singer-songwriter tracks. This adaptability ensures the Quatio caters to diverse preferences, though its slight warmth may not suit those seeking a strictly analytical sound.
Treble:
The Quatio’s treble, powered by dual BA drivers assigned to frequencies above 5kHz, delivers a crisp and articulate performance that enhances high-frequency details without inducing fatigue. Cymbals and hi-hats in rock tracks shine with clarity and a touch of sparkle, while flutes and chimes in classical music benefit from a smooth extension. The gold nozzle, used here, adds lively energy to the treble, revealing micro-details in percussion or string decays, though a steep roll-off above 10kHz limits extreme airiness, which may disappoint listeners of ambient or orchestral genres seeking ethereal highs. The silver nozzle provides a neutral treble for analytical listening, while the black nozzle softens the top end for treble-sensitive ears, reducing harshness in aggressive recordings.
The Quatio’s quick transient response ensures clarity in complex tracks, maintaining separation in busy mixes. However, in less dynamic recordings, the treble can feel slightly restrained, lacking the vibrancy of higher-end IEMs. Poorly mastered tracks are handled with forgiveness, minimizing sibilance and maintaining smoothness. The treble integrates seamlessly with the bass and midrange, contributing to a cohesive sound that balances detail and comfort for extended listening.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The Quatio’s soundstage is notably wide for a sub-$150 hybrid IEM, creating an immersive experience for orchestral works like Hans Zimmer’s “The Dark Knight OST” or Fazıl Say’s “Nazım Oratoryosu.” Instruments, such as violins and brass in Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” are placed with clear separation, enhancing the sense of space. Imaging is precise, with good depth and width, reducing congestion in complex mixes like Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song.” While not rivaling open-back headphones, the Quatio’s soundstage outperforms many peers, offering a dynamic and engaging presentation.
Comparison:
KEFINE Quatio versus Kiwi Ears Airoso:
Priced at $129.99, the KEFINE Quatio and Kiwi Ears Airoso offer distinct approaches to hybrid IEM performance, each leveraging unique driver configurations to appeal to different listener priorities. The Quatio’s dual dynamic drivers (10mm DLC and 8mm PU+LCP) produce a bold and impactful bass response, with deep subbass that delivers a visceral rumble, ideal for electronic genres like EDM or hip-hop. This low-end energy adds weight and excitement to tracks, making it a great choice for listeners who enjoy a dynamic foundation. The Airoso, with its single 10mm dynamic driver paired with four BA drivers, focuses on a more controlled and textured bass, excelling in genres like jazz or progressive metal where precision and detail are critical. The Quatio’s black tuning nozzle amplifies bass warmth, catering to bass enthusiasts, while the silver nozzle tightens the response for clarity, and the gold nozzle, used here, balances impact and control. The Airoso’s bass, while articulate, leans toward neutrality, appealing to those prioritizing texture over sheer power.
In the midrange, the Quatio delivers a rich and natural sound, with a warm lower midrange that enhances male vocals and instruments like cellos, creating a full-bodied presentation for acoustic or vocal-driven tracks. The upper midrange adds clarity to female vocals and guitars, with the tuning nozzles offering versatility: silver for a neutral balance, gold for vocal emphasis, and black for a warmer, relaxed tone. This flexibility makes the Quatio adaptable across genres like pop, classical, or singer-songwriter material. The Airoso’s midrange, by contrast, is smoother and slightly less forward, prioritizing a cohesive and relaxed sound that suits long listening sessions but may feel less emotive for vocal-centric genres. While the Airoso maintains a natural timbre, its midrange lacks the tunable versatility of the Quatio, making it less adaptable to varied preferences.
The Quatio’s treble, driven by dual BA drivers, is crisp and detailed, with the gold nozzle adding sparkle to cymbals and strings, though its roll-off above 10kHz limits airiness, which may underwhelm fans of orchestral or ambient music seeking expansive highs. The silver nozzle offers a neutral treble, while the black softens it for comfort, making the Quatio adaptable to different sensitivities. The Airoso’s treble is livelier and airier, providing a brighter and more open sound that enhances spaciousness but can occasionally feel intense for treble-sensitive listeners.
For soundstage, the Quatio delivers a wider and deeper presentation, ideal for orchestral or live recordings, with precise imaging that separates instruments clearly. The Airoso’s soundstage, while impressive for its price, is more intimate, focusing on a tighter, more defined space that suits smaller ensembles or vocal tracks. The Quatio’s interchangeable nozzles and modular cable (3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs) provide greater flexibility for pairing with various sources, while the Airoso’s lighter resin build offers superior comfort for extended wear, making it a better choice for users prioritizing ergonomics over customization.
Conclusion:
The KEFINE Quatio establishes itself as a notable contender in the sub-$150 In-Ear Monitor segment. Its hybrid quad-driver configuration, comprising two dynamic drivers and two balanced armature drivers, is integrated with a three-way crossover to produce a sound profile that aims for a balanced and engaging presentation. The inclusion of interchangeable tuning nozzles provides a functional means for users to modify the frequency response to align with various sonic preferences.
Constructed with CNC-machined aluminum alloy shells, the Quatio exhibits a solid and durable build. This is complemented by a high-purity silver-plated copper cable featuring modular plugs, which adds to the product’s practical versatility. The design choices prioritize both structural integrity and user convenience.
Overall, the KEFINE Quatio offers a combination of technical sound reproduction, robust construction, and adaptable features at its price point.
Pros & Cons:
- + Tunable sound with three nozzles
- + Bold, precise bass
- + Natural, clear midrange
- + Crisp, fatigue-free treble
- + Durable aluminum build
- + Modular cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs
- – Treble roll-off limits airiness
- – Customization may overwhelm some
- – Aluminum shells heavier than resin
Thank you for the Read!
