REVIEW - Tin Audio (Hifi) T3
Specifications
- Driver(s): 10mm dynamic + Knowles BA
- Sensitivity: 95 dB +/- 3dB
- Impedance: 16 ohm
- Frequency response: 10Hz~40kHz
- Cable: 1.25m; detachable MMCX connectors
Price: U$ 59~69.
I previously had the
first T2 model (not Pro) and the T1 later on. While the drivers' setups
on the T2 and T2 Pro were identical with a so reported very slight tuning, the
T1 made a total contrast to the detail oriented T2. Should mention that I
wasn't much interested in the T3, but got to try it out of curiosity.
The box is presented
very similarly to the T2 but just larger and a touch more fancy. The ear tips
selection is also wider with 2 types of silicone sets in 3 sizes and 2 pairs of
memory foam tips. A carrying case is still missing, though.
Design
While the internal
drivers have been changed from a dual dynamic setup to a more popular hybrid of
1 dynamic + 1 single balanced armature, the T3 retains a very close design and
same good build quality of the T2. The earpieces are all metal that seem sturdy
and are lightweight to wear with a straight in-ear shape. The finish is very
smooth and do not show any sharp edge. The MMCX sockets are labeled by red and
blue rings.
Like the T2 and similar
shaped earphones the fit very straightforward, though with the included cable
it obligates the user to wear them over-ear due the fixed cable guides. Anyway,
they are compact enough with a narrower shape towards the nozzle making them
very unobtrusive. Isolation is on the low side and wind noise might be an issue.
The cable looks more
'premium' with the mixed silver and gold strands and it's also thicker compared
to the tight and compact one included with the T2 despite having both a 8-wire
configuration. The MMCX plugs have been update too over the usual MMCX standard
type found on low priced earphones, and now adopt a tighter connection with a
splited plug (similar to that found on the DMG from BGVP). It is less
recommended to be detached with frequency. They also added a plastic tube to
act as ear guides, and personally do not like the addition as this limits
wearing the T3 over-ear, despite having a more secure fit. The cable has much
more rubbery touch too over the T2 cable that was very smooth.
Sound
The sound presentation
continues the very neutral and uncolored presentation that the T2 is popular
for but in different fashion, maybe with the different driver hybrid setup.
Instead of the 6mm working as tweeter there's now a BA unit that should be
working for the mid and high frequencies, leaving the lows to a similar 10mm
dynamic.
Bass is very slightly
north of neutral at most with very soft impact and light weight. It lacks body
and texture but is fast and accurate. The sub bass is as much as present as the
mid-bass with very minimal rumble when called for and not particularly rolled
off despite the low quantities. It is inoffensive but shows good speed and
resolution for the price.
Following the very
neutral sound, the midrange is very well balanced with a little faint touch of
richness, probably thanks to the BA unit. It is clean, smooth and very
articulated. While weight is not lacking in the lower mids, when getting
towards the upper mid part it is a bit more energetic and full. In spite of that
it is not prone to sibilance at usual moderate volumes, and works rather well
with female vocals with a sweeter texture.
While the highs are also
energetic on the lower area they are well controlled and show a capable level
of detail, more than the price could suggest. The whole treble is rarely sharp and
will not sound aggressive, though there is a slight early roll-off and less
extension at the top, which won't be very surprising for a single balanced
armature.
Soundstage is average at
best but it sounds very coherent, more than could be expected for a typical
hybrid set.