Firstly I would like to thank Linsoul Tech for this sample. They have had over 50hrs of burn-in before writing this.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings.
Tech Specs:
Driver unit: 10mm dynamic + Knowles BA
Frequency response: 10–40,000 Hz
Sensitivity: 95 dB +/- 3dB
Impedance: 16 ohms
Plug: ⅛ in (3.5 mm) carbon
Cable: 4.1 ft (1.25 m) 5N 8-core OFC-plated silver
Interface: MMCX
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/tin-audio-t3-iem
Packaging, Build quality and Accessories:
The T3 come in a similar, but slightly larger box than the T2 Pro which I previously reviewed. The outer box is white, out from this slides a blue inner box that houses the IEM’s and accessories. The white box doesn’t really have any info apart from the country of manufacture and the brand+model. The blue inner box has a window on the front, open it up and you will find the T3 neatly held in a velvet coated, foam insert. Underneath the insert you’ll find the cable and tips. I really like the minimalist yet attractive packaging.
The build quality is similar to the T2 Pro, but they feel a bit more polished in terms of the consistency of the finish. The housings are metal and really well put together, the cable feels better using 8 cores of soft cable. There is a nice chin slider that stays in place, and there are soft pre-moulded ear guides, I much prefer these over stiff memory wire. The Y-Split and jack are both metal, and everything feels sturdy, I also like how tight the MMCX connectors are.
Accessory wise you still don’t get a carry pouch, but you get the pre-installed memory foam tips along with a spare pair (both M size), along with S/M/L silicone tips in two different styles. On the cable there is a little velcro tie, this is good for preventing the cable from tangling. Overall you get a fairly good selection of tips, but a carry pouch would be a nice extra.
Comfort and Isolation:
Once you find the right tip, I find the T3 to be very comfortable, partially helped by the soft and flexible cable. They fit securely in my ears when using memory foam tips, and I also prefer these with regards to the sound quality. The housings don’t have any sharp edges that cause discomfort which is helpful.
Isolation is slightly better than the T2 Pro in my opinion, they are still vented due to their hybrid design but they offer a really good level of isolation for everyday use.
Sound:
Lows: So some of you may have heard the T2 Pro, or read my review, and they were very controlled and to some a little on the brighter side of sound. The T3 brings what a lot of people were calling for, a little more body down low. These are far from being bass heavy, but there is better defined punch, and just the overall presence is elevated meaning the sound is not as clinical as the T2 Pro. There is still great control down low, and they don’t encroach on the midrange, they just fill out the sound a little more. Extension is still excellent digging deep when needed but they never become the main focus of the sound.
Midrange: The T3’s midrange is a little more natural in tone compared to the slightly cooler T2 Pro. Both male and female vocals come across with good clarity, there may be a little added body to the lower midrange but nothing that really brings any major colouration. The separation is great overall, the midrange manages to sound clean yet coherent. Acoustic guitars have the right amount of body and sound natural, electric guitars can sound powerful with good crunch. Whatever you throw at them the midrange always manages to stay focused, and never congested.
Highs: The highs are well behaved here, the T3 is not a dark sounding IEM but they are just more refined and less strident than the T2 Pro. The highs are much more linear with less peaks, meaning you still get excellent resolution but without fatigue. The transition from the upper midrange to the treble region is controlled with only a hint of sibilance. Extension is good, and they will bring up flaws in less than perfect recordings. What I like about the T3 is they have the right amount of energy up top without becoming too hot, they also have good tonality.
Soundstaging isn’t huge, but the imaging is accurate. Spatial cues in tracks are easily pinpointed along with the position of instruments within the stage. Separation is great, these manage to keep up with all sorts of music without becoming congested.
Conclusion:
The T3 is a real evolution over the already excellent T2 Pro. Slightly more body down low, excellent resolution overall and an energetic yet well balanced overall sound. If you like a more analytical sound, then yes the T2 Pro might suit your needs better, if you like something that sounds a little more natural then the T3 is extremely good for the price.
Sound Perfection Rating: 9.5/10 (well balanced, natural, excellent cable, excellent value)
great review 🙂