REVIEW – S’NEXT final B3
Website – S’NEXT final (in English)
Specifications
Housing:
Stainless steel (frost silver)
Driver:
2BA (Networkless)
Sensitivity:
102dB
Impedance:
19Ω
Weight:
36g
Cable:
1.2m; MMCX Connector; OFC silver coated wire
Price may vary depending on the region and currency exchange, but a
rough estimate is U$450~500.
The box is not very different from the E series just a bit renewed with a more elegant and discreet look. All white hard cardboard box with a simple hassle free presentation. The logo and writing are all printed in gold color at the front and sides of the box, while the specifications are on the back side in a few languages. Inside it is very simple, the now usual silicone round case holding the B3 inside and a small plastic bag with final E tips in all the fives sizes, a pair of soft ear guides in clear color and extra films that apparently should be used to remove the MMCX cables safely (haven’t tried that yet). Now, despite having the same black round silicone case, the carbineer which supposed to be attached to it is missing. The case itself is convenient to carry the earphones without occupying much space, though for the higher price of these new B series a nicer case and extra ear tips could be added to match the competition.
Design
The new final B
series follow a formula that mixes a very solid build quality and
attractive design. The shape is not specifically new for the B series as has
already appeared on the Make series, but still just the second of the final
line adopting a fixed over-ear wearing design for in-ear type earphones. Like
the E5000 model as the current highest model of the E series, both B1
and B3 are made of tough stainless steel housings and just differing in the
outer finish and color theme applied. Here the B3 gets the “frost silver” color
in a more matte finish; still shiny but not like the mirror like E5000, so less
prone to show scratches over its metal surface.
The shells consist of
two pieces made of thick and weighty stainless steel material and are very well
attached, apparently by only the two screws, one on the outer piece and one on
the inner one. There is also what a small hole on the inner part which is
probably meant to work as a vent, though not sure of its use in a pure balanced
armature driver setup. The shape on the B3 has various corners that while being
smoother and more rounded at the inner part, they are noticeably sharper on the
outside. The ‘polygonal’-like shape does not imply a better or worse fit;
however, they are sharp corners that make the whole new design less comfortable
and potentially will be difficult to wear for some. Honestly, it could have
been a same very cool design by just having a bit more rounded shape. This is
something that could be compared with the Campfire Audio earphones, a nice
design but average in fit and comfort. It also reminds of the Dunu DK-3001 that
with all steel housings still found dislikes among many users due the sharp
shape.
The nozzle is not too
long and with the standard silicone tips – E tips – the fit is a bit shallow.
The earpieces do sit securely on the outer ear. They are not too large but will
depend on each ear size how snugly will they fit. Isolation is around average
or a bit above, good for everyday use, but not meant to block loud background
noises.
Interestingly, the MMCX
sockets are placed in a certain exiting angle from the housings, nothing that
affects the fit of the earphones anyway. The cable itself is the same one
included on the E5000 and MAKE1. Silver-plated oxygen free copper (OFC) wires.
Four separated strands each of them holding two twisted thin OFC wires inside.
The inner two wires are covered by a thin tubes of PFA material, while the
outer sheath is made of PVC – all translucent. Worth noting that the
silver-plated had shown no signs of oxidation, and based on the E5000 cable it
should keep the same quality after long periods of use. The cable is also
flexible and easy to fit inside the round silicone case, however shows some
cable noise when moving around, though much less noticeable with the strict
over-ear fit versus the E5000 with straight down fit.
The MMCX connectors are
of standard type so can be replaced by any aftermarket matching cable. The MMCX
plugs, 3.5mm stereo plug and y-split are covered by small metal tubes with the
mirror-like finish. Red and black rings are added to differentiate the right
and left sides. They arrived already attached and the MMCX connection seems to
be very good. There are no strain relieves on the MMCX and y-split, but the
cable is very soft anyway. The 3.5mm plug has a flexible relief as it is a more
critical section despite the L-shaped plug.
Sound Quality
Sources: iBasso DX220 & AMP9, HiBy
R6 Pro & R5, Shanling M5s.
IEM: final E5000, E4000 and B1; FLC 8N;
IT04; DK-3001 Pro; Campfire Audio IO; Fibae 3 & Black.
On the technical side,
the final B3 is a pure BA in-ear set. Sitting in the middle of the
recently released B series, this model includes two Balanced Armature units;
clueless why it is marked as B3 if the B1 is the higher model and B2 the lower
one. As can be understood from the final company description these are
two separated drivers with no implemented crossover – “networkless”, as
described. This might be new a take for some, where usually two drivers are
either packed as a dual BA in a single unit or adopt an external electronic
crossover circuit.
Regardless, what really
matters is the actual product sound tuning rather than any specific tech
implemented inside. This is not the first IEM I tried from final, but it
is the first BA based one. The E4000 and E5000 are both single dynamic drivers,
and even the B1 is a hybrid 1D + 1BA. Each of these sounds rather different and
yet seem to share a well achieved tuning; musical and engaging midrange with
good sense of dynamism.
On to the B3 itself,
there is no info shared about the Balanced Armatures models applied, but if
following the previous Heaven series, they might be easily own final
made drivers, or at least specifically tuned by the company itself. The sound
could be described as slightly mid-centered with good addition of bass and
treble to complete a nice well balanced presentation, where there is not much
of emphasis on a certain area (unlike the E4000 or E5000) but not missing
either. It is also more oriented to overall clarity but not by being too linear
or clinical when presenting little details.
The low-end is managed
by one of the drivers and clearly shows the qualities of the armature types,
with their pros, and cons as well. A single BA might be considered as not best
suited for low frequencies, however the bass on the B3 is presented with very
good dynamics and texture. Quantity is above neutral, not just as bit north of
neutrality but actually showing good impact with decent lift on mid-bass and
even enjoyable rumble when it appears on the music track. It is also dense and
thicker in texture with fuller body, giving more realistic weight on notes.
More ‘dynamic’ sounding than just a BA. This is also reflected on the bass
speed – it is fast as armature types but not that quick in attack, instead,
more natural and better paced in decay. Still as an armature driver it is tight
and very controlled with great precision, and yes, limited in low-end
extension, depth with a bit if roll-off on the lowest sub-bass (usually the
reason to go for ‘hybrid’ setups).
The midrange is forward
– not too mid-centered as there is good balance and presence of lows and highs,
but it is highlighted on the B3. This is the fourth in-ear earphones from final
I have listened to, and while each of them has its own particular tuning, the
midrange is always very nicely tuned. On the B3, the main priority may be the
clarity and it is clearly noticed on the midrange very detailed, airy and resolving
at this price range. While it is forward it is not too thick or colored; very
articulated with good dynamics in a BA way with a touch of musicality. The
balance goes a bit more towards the upper midrange - lower midrange has good
texture and weight, but the upper area is more forward. Female vocals sound
more emphasized without sibilance or harshness.
The treble is bright and
energetic on the lower part, along with the upper-mids, yet showing very good
control. There is no hint of grain, nor a peak on the lower treble. It is well
rounded and even a bit smooth despite the bright tilt. The extension is a bit
limited on the upper treble, not very unlike the sub-bass, though overall it is
still well balanced for mid-tier level.
The soundstage is
nothing out of average in terms of dimensions, and has been clearly stated by
own final description graph of the sound being towards narrow next to
the other models. Even when paired with the iBasso DX220 player which
impress with soundstage and extension, the B3 is somehow limited in that
regard.
Still, the presentation
is airy and very detailed. It may a be a very full sounding IEM, at least of BA
types, yet shows good transparency when paired with different sources. In
brief, with the Shanling M5s as one of the most neutral and linear DAPs,
the B3’s sound is more neutral and flat, softer in lows impact and treble
energy but with a very detailed midrange and particularly beautiful with some
upper string and brass instruments. On HiBy R6 Pro there is more bass
presence, especially on the sub-bass rumble, and brighter treble with more
aggressive/forward presentation. The iBasso DX220, with stock AMP1
MKII, gives the best balance and weight; lower mids are more equal with
upper mids having more body on male and lower instruments. All of these with
just 3.5mm single output as that’s how the B3 arrives with.