AKG K3003 — Impressions, Reviews & Discussion - Page 5  

Filter swapping needs to be accompanied w/ corresponding tip selection.  Plus the bass filter messes up more than just the FR.  It's truly horrific and beyond offensive.  Not remotely as benign as the FR curve indicates in that graph.

 

That's a rather naughty channel imbalance btw.  Talk about poor coherence.  

 

Edited by Anaxilus - 7/24/12 at 1:58am

I really wonder if the acoustic impedance is high, it didn't seem like it IME. Insertion depth didn't matter much nor did bore size (the output of sound is smaller than the nozzle suggests), but I can't say for certain as my sessions were very brief and could only use Meelec double flanges and Sony Hybrids. 

 

Perhaps the distortion figures really rises with the bass filters, something that wasn't measured that I also hoped to look for. Those important midhighs are really sucked out with those filters though. 

 

As for the channel matching, it seems kind of shameful. Gave it the benefit of the doubt when Sonove's graphs suggested there was some mismatch, but these graphs just further the point. Seems they aren't precisely matched with measuring gear unlike Vsonic or Etymotic. But, I will only make that definite if Rin were to graph these to find a mismatch. 

Edited by Inks - 7/24/12 at 2:24am

 

To me, differences in presentation are indeed significant and some IEMs seem to be designed with that aspect in mind, while others feel like it's been completely overlooked. But I've been here long enough to know that not everyone perceives spatiality similarly to myself and there are many fellow head-fiers that just don't. Interestingly, those who don't are often the ones who believe that presentation is of minor importance, so it's probably some kind of predisposition or just a matter of priorities, I honestly don't know. All I know is that I've been an avid concert-goer for most of my life (though growing a bit lazy lately) and with good live recordings I can recreate a most convincing illusion of attending the real event, provided the IEMs are up to the task.

 

That said, there's much more to presentation in my book than just a skewed frequency response (aka coloration). I probably could EQ the EX1000s to any given curve and still wouldn't be able to shrink their presentation to the confinement of an Ety MC5 (one of the most disappointing IEMs I've ever heard). Also, venting plays a big role imo, as well as other aspects like authority and vocal presence, but I'm well aware that those who don't share my perception of acoustics and space will rightfully shake their heads and move on.

I do notice the space differences quite well, but it's when I compare them to loudspeakers or even certain full-size headphones that they become pretty minor. IEMs like the IE8s, EX1000, PS200, DDM2 and FX700s have the biggest stage I have heard, but have other properties that make them less realistic in certain aspects of soundstage (imaging and tone). EX1000s are a nice medium though, a good IEM which I plan to review very soon. 

 

Like I mention many times, soundstage size just can't be captured by FR, imaging, yes. 

Edited by Inks - 7/24/12 at 2:36pm

I should have the K3003 in my possession within a couple of days.

FWIW, I found the ex1000 soundstage to dwarf the fx700. The ex1000, to me, was like an open air venue. The fx700 was like a medium sized concert hall or smaller. I've never heard a more convincing outdoor and airy soundtage. Simply grand to me. Sometimes I regret letting the Sony go...
Edited by shotgunshane - 7/24/12 at 2:26pm

^ x2 on the EX1000's presentation. The K3003's aren't quite in the same league, but they too sound wide and open to these ears and have impressive depth.

The K3003 arrived today. I've only had very brief time with them but in that short time I can declare the bass filters a complete waste of time.  AKG might as well scrap those, they aren't doing anyone any favors.  I like both the reference and treble filters and will need to spend plenty time with both.

 

The immediate problem I have is insertion depth.  I don't really think the stock tips do the K3003 complete justice as I find deeper insertion improves the treble response, tone and timbre, much the same way it does for the CK10.  I tried my Meelec triple flanges that come with the A161p and those work very well, I'm just worried about stretching the stems out too much with the thicker nozzle of the K3003.  I'll have to experiment more with other tips.

 

I can see the concern over the upper portion of the cable above the split.  Where the cable exits the strain reliefs are an area of concern and I would definitely source buying the non microphone version.

 

It's amazing just how small the housings are.  Much smaller than I anticipated. 

Yeah I had a hard time with tips as well. My tips didn't fit it perfectly as the AKG nozzle goes rather keep. I just positioned them at the tips which worked best for me. I didn't use too deep of an insertion (may be due to my large tips as well) as I would lose the seal. The metal could be a bit irritating to my ears as well when using them for long periods of time, YMWV. If AKG was to offer replaceable cables I'd be much more apt to recommend these and even consider owning them. But with the poor strain reliefs I see many of these IEMs cables failing within warranty period and sadly after. At this price premium the cables are not sturdy enough in specific areas.
 

Edited by lee730 - 7/27/12 at 8:17pm

 

Funny, I've had the K3003 for several weeks before I even bothered to try the bass filters, since the reference filters already provide ample bass. I'm not a fan of the treble filters either, makes them uneven imo and sacrifices too much of their low volume dynamics.

I've only tried the treble filters for a couple of songs and it was at a higher volume.  I did like the analytical nature of the treble filters. I can say the reference filters are excellent at low volume listening.  They really sound great at extremely low volume.

 

Regarding insertion depth: my canals are pretty wide and straight-ish.  I get a tiny bit of treble resonance with certain frequencies and too shallow a fit sometimes.  The GR07 would occasionally cause ringing for me.  A little bit deeper insertion really smooths out and improves treble response for me.  That being said, I do find an easy and comfortable fit with the medium stock tips but get some treble resonance.  I'm sure this is not something that will apply to everyone or perhaps not even most, as I've never heard people complain of the ringing in the GR07.

 

I will get some long listening sessions with the reference filter later this morning and afternoon.

 

Nope, he sent me a new-in-box unit directly from the retailer.  I used my usual gentle run in/ramp up procedure for a week before posting about them.  

I don't think anyone abused these IEMs. They were packaged well upon receipt. Just the strain relief point connected to the IEMs are the weak point of this IEM. I see it being even more so of a week-point than the ipod volume control on it. Didn't you mention of having your unit serviced due to cable issues as well music_4321? I'm sure you don't abuse your IEMs or equipment for that matter.