I want to share my journey after inspecting a driver problem on my B3 Pro1.
Left piece seemed slightly quieter on the 30-300 Hz range to my brain. So I got permission from Penonaudio that they can send me a free replacement if I open it and try to find the problem first. So thanks for Penonaudio for encouraging me.
Before opening it up I have measured the iem for different freq samples and really found that the left earpiece is quieter than the right (4-5 dB) on the 35-250 Hz range (yes I have a crazy hearing system).
And so the story continues... I didn't find any driver wiring or wax related problems. So Penonaudio told me that I can send them the B3 for guarantee (replacement). But I have to cover the shipping (for sending them only)... They shipped back the B3 Pro1 to their expense. I have to thank them for their great service. They are standing behind their guarantee. They got my trust...
Also I did a conversation with Penonaudio regarding the driver issues of B3 Pro1's. They told me that there had been only about 4 units until now. So I am now content that the build quality across the production benches are not bad. Even the big companies like Audio Technica and JVC had this kind of issues...
So why not fully understand the B3 before sending? Therefore I have fully disassembled it in the name of science
My findings in the pictorial form is on the below:
I have accidentally cracked the glass while trying to open them-up:
Is B3 Pro1 vented ?: Answer is yes, but hidden under a glass
After opening the backplate the drivers can be seen. I have lifted one of the drivers-up:
Front part facing the ear:
Inner part removed. Drivers are resting inside a rubber-like material:
I have listened to each driver. All I can say that they are not acting like a known bass and tweeter presentation. Their sound seemed to me like close to full-range speakers with different presentations. To explain it better I can use this example: Think of a different male and female singers (vocalists) inside these speakers. And the sound we hear is coming from the mixing of these singers. One driver is bass heavy, laid back, veiled while the other is on the opposite character. These two opposite characters creates something very special...
Removing the filter from the baritone-bass driver didn't change anything on sound. So no room for modification here...
Look at the thick OFC used on the wiring.
In the end I am amazed by the simple yet effective inner design of B3 Pro1. It is also an "easy to mod" IEM. But the problem is: I can't see any possibility for modding inside the shell
And the sound is already excellent....
My new B3's from the Penonaudio reached my hands...
New Havi B3 Pro1's now have Pro I designation on the red dots. Previously they were only putting a red dot sticker for Pro1's. I think after this thread they (Havi company) have seen the practical usage of the model name "Pro1" instead of "old version" or " first version":
for B3 it's incomparably less...
