[onlychild]

Just got them. Here are my first initial impressions, but first couple things to keep in mind : I am new to head-fi and probably do not have the trained ears most of you do. I will try to answer all questions to the best of my knowledge. If there is something in particular you would like to know, please do your best to try to describe to me what you are asking.

1. Great build quality!!!!!! I do like the over-the-ear flexible loop, but it is something I will have to get used to.

2. More effort to put on and take off then the Image, but you probably knew that already by looking at the pics.

3. I hear a lot of microphonics from the cable when the music is off, more than the Image. This is probably due to the fact that the wire goes over the ear.

4. Once you get them on, they are comfortable and the loop will help keep them in place when working out or running.

I do not want to directly compare these with any other IEMs besides the Image right now because I have not had a chance to burn them in and I don't know how much of a difference, if any, it will take. Amy/Professor Thump, any suggestions on burn-in time??

Right off the bat, it seems that the Image are warmer and have a little more bass, but where the Image fall short (the highs/treble), the C-3 perform very well in (highs are a lot crisper). Again, I am new to head-fi, so I don't know if what I am hearing from the C-3 is more of a neutral sound (same amount of bass, mids, and high), where the Image were definitely more warm and stronger in the bass and mids.

This is not to say the bass is lacking in the C3, there is definitely bass, but just not the overwhelming bass of the Image.

SOUNDSTAGE IS INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!!!! Just like the Image, but a little better.

One thing I did notice right away is that the C-3 sound alot cleaner than the Image. Not sure if this due to the Image being 50omhs and C-3 being 36ohms. I am using a 5.5 Gen Ipod with no amp.

Vocals seem more up front on the C-3 than the Image.

Please take my review with a grain of salt since I have only had them for 1/2 hour now, once I get more time with them I will post my other thoughts.