Heir Audio 3.Ai Impressions/Comparisons/Review Thread - Page 18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deadlovestory 

I'd say it's the tips; I'm using comply T-400 and I've experienced no treble pierce even before burn-in.

Grats on the 3.Ai by the way!

Thank you buddy! But I just wanted to know, did it lose any clarity after the foam tip?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamirci 

Thank you buddy! But I just wanted to know, did it lose any clarity after the foam tip?

Even if it does lose some clarity, it's barely noticeable to my ears.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamirci 

Hello boys and girls. I have some questions here. First of all, my 3a.i just came yesterday.

 

a. At the present state, and in some songs (like Metallica or Oomph or anything else which uses a full drum set) treble pierce my ear. Is this about their burn-in time, or about tips?

 

b. How many hours this require to be burned in?

 

c. What is the primary effect of that period on this 3a.i?

 

Thank you :)

"Burn In" effect aside, these IEMs are always going to have somewhat piercing treble to some. The signature sound of these are more V shaped than neutral so the treble and bass are slightly emphasized. I did fine the shrillness is some tracks to calm down after 40+ odd hours of use. If it is still slightly bright for you, you might want to try EQ'ing the treble down or pairing these with a warmer amp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tamirci 

Hello boys and girls. I have some questions here. First of all, my 3a.i just came yesterday.

 

a. At the present state, and in some songs (like Metallica or Oomph or anything else which uses a full drum set) treble pierce my ear. Is this about their burn-in time, or about tips?

 

b. How many hours this require to be burned in?

 

c. What is the primary effect of that period on this 3a.i?

 

Thank you :)

I would also like to add...When I first got my 3.Ai, the treble was definitely "something" I would agree with the other members, that after 30-40 hours use, they do settle in a bit. Whether this is really "burn-in" or just getting used to it is up to debate, of course. 

The 3.Ai does have that V shape. I have previously described the treble as "edgy" and "rowdy" but in the best possible sense of the word. I was a bit surprised by the treble at first but as they "age" (can we use that word instead? lol) they do indeed smooth out and I have really really grown to love this IEM. Be patient. 

And yes, foam tips will take that edge off but I found that it took TOO much. Try the blue tips on the 3.Ai they worked best for me.

This illustrates perception and preferences perfectly. Have a 3.Ai on loan at the moment and frankly if you think the treble on them are too "piercing" then stay away from the PFE 232! In my opinion the Heir treble is controlled and detailed without being peaky or harsh at all. And yes like any normal person hot treble is a turn-off

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC_SL 

This illustrates perception and preferences perfectly. Have a 3.Ai on loan at the moment and frankly if you think the treble on them are too "piercing" then stay away from the PFE 232! In my opinion the Heir treble is controlled and detailed without being peaky or harsh at all. And yes like any normal person hot treble is a turn-off

I didn't find the Heirs' treble piercing, but there is a peak in the upper treble on the 3.Ai that has been measured, if someone is sensitive to that area (9-10 k range), it may be piercing to them.  

Would the 3ai's be a better bet then the 4ai's for progressive rock and metal (as well as audiobooks)?

Cheers

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidcotton 

Would the 3ai's be a better bet then the 4ai's for progressive rock and metal (as well as audiobooks)?

 

Cheers

I think that really depends on the person, but IMO rock/electro/pop/metal all sound amazing out of the 3.Ai's. The sound signature flourishes with these genres. But if you are the type of person that likes to have a sound that is as close to neutral as possible, just with excellent detail and transparency then maybe the 4.Ai might fit your bill better. Basically the 3.Ai is a "Fun" sounding IEM, with booming bass, slightly recessed mids, and sparkly treble (V Shaped). The 4.Ai is more neutral across the board with no added emphasis on anything. Personally, for those genres, the 3.Ai is great.

Correction; the Comply foam I'm using on my 3.Ai is T-500, not T-400.

I have a feeling that it is you who gets used to the piercing treble after 30-40 hours because i have a well burned in pair and after trying a lot of tips they maintain a fairly hot treble unless with comply but did not like the overall sound with Comply tips. I personally can deal with lightly hot treble and it seems like its easy to get used too!

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidcotton 

Would the 3ai's be a better bet then the 4ai's for progressive rock and metal (as well as audiobooks)?

 

Cheers

I have just got to hear the 3.Ai at long last and i think you would be better sticking with the 4.Ai. From the music you like such as Dream Theater which i also listen to a lot i think the clearer more linear sound will suit the music more and the touch or warmth and slight mid bass boost finishing the job. These are not as fast and therefore are not as easy on the ears with metal, the vocals are not as clear and present which is very important in rock in metal and these are overall a bit washed by a big bass which i think suits over genres more than rock in my opinion.

Classic large forum dangers. A vocal minority happen to be sensitive to an isolated frequency range - or "boost", whatever - and suddenly an IEM is labelled as having "piercing" treble, then repeated by people who do not own or neither have demoed. Hyperbole which is inappropriate when people are going to make an expensive buying decision based on what they read when they cannot demo. Anyone would think this is a completely different IEM to the one being discussed 10 pages ago.

Some balance please

Quote:

Originally Posted by LFC_SL 

Classic large forum dangers. A vocal minority happen to be sensitive to an isolated frequency range - or "boost", whatever - and suddenly an IEM is labelled as having "piercing" treble, then repeated by people who do not own or neither have demoed. Hyperbole which is inappropriate when people are going to make an expensive buying decision based on what they read when they cannot demo. Anyone would think this is a completely different IEM to the one being discussed 10 pages ago.

 

Some balance please

      I have a very good friend in Thailand....   he could have his choice of any Heir product......   the product he chose..... the 3.Ai

      some people are left handed, some people are right handed....   is one better than the other?