[robm321]

How nice was the price? If over $500, its probably legit. 

 

[BensonTT]

How nice was the price? If over $500, its probably legit. 

$550 new in a sealed box.. So I have nothing to worry about? I did a search and can't find any knock offs..

 

[up late]

is there a serial number on the box? you could always run that past akg.

 

[BensonTT]

is there a serial number on the box? you could always run that past akg.

I haven't received it yet.. Should have it by next week..

 

[proedros]

$550 new in a sealed box.. So I have nothing to worry about? I did a search and can't find any knock offs..

 
it should be genuine , some people who got bonus k3s working at hartman , sold them at such prices

don't worry , there haven't been any showings of fake K3s.

great price , enjoy your new toy 

 

[robm321]

I think you're good. It's probably legit. 

 

[superchan]

i just test it and it sound really **** on mine galaxy s3
but on mine audio-gd dac / headphone amp its sound sound more accepteble

 

[up late]

high praise indeed

 

[salla45]

Hi, 
 
Having been bitten by the head-fi bug lately, and overjoyed with the GR10's bought about 6 months ago, the old "hmmm.... but if these are this good, then how much better can these be?" psychosis is setting in. 
 
I love a really clean, analytical-yet-musical sound, and whilst not a bass-head, I appreciate a good sense of authority and power. Frankly speaking, I just love music and any equipment which helps me more involved in it interests me.
 
As mentioned, I love the GR10's and now am seeking the "next level", to generally improve on all aspects of the sound I'm getting. 
 
I am not keen at all to get custom IEM, because of the inconvenience factor. I need to be able to put in and take out my IEM's quickly and I'm not really in a position to get to a specialist to get  the work done to get the models made, or whatever. So the UIEM market is IT for me...
 
I was quite set on the SE846's but am reading quite a lot about treble roll-off and "veiled sound", so my thoughts turn towards the AKG K3003 which are now priced quite reasonably (at least here in Switzerland) at around 750 eurs (800chf) from the official distributor - a useful amount less than the SE846's I should add.
 
I've read a lot lately about the K3003's and realise that the marketing by AKG has them placed as a "chic", bijout, high-end frippery - a luxury jetset accessory. And yet, the detailed reviews I am reading (where people are bothering to match them correctly to sources, both hardware and software, and to give them a thorough analysis with various programme material) have set them very highly in terms of capability, sonically and musically, as a neutral transducer. This juxtaposition of marketing viz audio capability has potential customers who are interested in audio quality primarily, rightly confused. 
 
Also, the diminutive size and clean styling don't lend these "jewels" to a sense of high-perceived value for money. No bulky chassis obviously housing multiple drivers with fancy graphics or colouring/materials to gawk at. 
 
However, I am perverse when it comes to perceived value. I love "sleeper" products - goes down better with my better half - And the sound quality aspects of the K3003's seem right up my street. 
 
I checked out the IE800's but felt that they seemed a bit of a "fun" model. Ie I want a "serious" set to work with over the years, and perhaps refine equipment further up the chain, to maximise potential.
 
To cut a long story slightly less long, I am ready to purchase the K3003's
 
I have a couple of questions before I do, however, if anyone can advise?
 
1) What is the barrel diameter - I have read that some people find the metal uncomfortable in their ears. If the K3003's are smaller or equal to the diameter of the GR10's then it should be ok for me, as these are highly comfortable phones in my ears (although they do taper, so I am a little worried about the straight barrel design of the K3003's)
 
2) Given that the design is now 3 years old or more, are there any competing models out there now which I should consider for the price (ie around 750 eurs) which will give me the same levels of detail, soundstage, separation, clarity and dynamics, etc? Or is it a no brainer (ie go for the K3003's)?
 
Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[proedros]

  Hi, 
 
Having been bitten by the head-fi bug lately, and overjoyed with the GR10's bought about 6 months ago, the old "hmmm.... but if these are this good, then how much better can these be?" psychosis is setting in. 
 
I love a really clean, analytical-yet-musical sound, and whilst not a bass-head, I appreciate a good sense of authority and power. Frankly speaking, I just love music and any equipment which helps me more involved in it interests me.
 
As mentioned, I love the GR10's and now am seeking the "next level", to generally improve on all aspects of the sound I'm getting. 
 
I am not keen at all to get custom IEM, because of the inconvenience factor. I need to be able to put in and take out my IEM's quickly and I'm not really in a position to get to a specialist to get  the work done to get the models made, or whatever. So the UIEM market is IT for me...
 
I was quite set on the SE846's but am reading quite a lot about treble roll-off and "veiled sound", so my thoughts turn towards the AKG K3003 which are now priced quite reasonably (at least here in Switzerland) at around 750 eurs (800chf) from the official distributor - a useful amount less than the SE846's I should add.
 
I've read a lot lately about the K3003's and realise that the marketing by AKG has them placed as a "chic", bijout, high-end frippery - a luxury jetset accessory. And yet, the detailed reviews I am reading (where people are bothering to match them correctly to sources, both hardware and software, and to give them a thorough analysis with various programme material) have set them very highly in terms of capability, sonically and musically, as a neutral transducer. This juxtaposition of marketing viz audio capability has potential customers who are interested in audio quality primarily, rightly confused. 
 
Also, the diminutive size and clean styling don't lend these "jewels" to a sense of high-perceived value for money. No bulky chassis obviously housing multiple drivers with fancy graphics or colouring/materials to gawk at. 
 
However, I am perverse when it comes to perceived value. I love "sleeper" products - goes down better with my better half - And the sound quality aspects of the K3003's seem right up my street. 
 
I checked out the IE800's but felt that they seemed a bit of a "fun" model. Ie I want a "serious" set to work with over the years, and perhaps refine equipment further up the chain, to maximise potential.
 
To cut a long story slightly less long, I am ready to purchase the K3003's
 
I have a couple of questions before I do, however, if anyone can advise?
 
1) What is the barrel diameter - I have read that some people find the metal uncomfortable in their ears. If the K3003's are smaller or equal to the diameter of the GR10's then it should be ok for me, as these are highly comfortable phones in my ears (although they do taper, so I am a little worried about the straight barrel design of the K3003's)
 
2) Given that the design is now 3 years old or more, are there any competing models out there now which I should consider for the price (ie around 750 eurs) which will give me the same levels of detail, soundstage, separation, clarity and dynamics, etc? Or is it a no brainer (ie go for the K3003's)?
 
Thanks in advance for any replies.

 
unless you want a new model , there are used-like new here going for as low as 550$

they are the mic version though (k3003i) so if the 750 euros is the non-mic version with the 2 year warranty , i would go for it 

sound-wise , these are said by almost most people who had both these and 846 to be the superior one , and the sound is like you want it
 
as for the fit , they are not isolation monsters and i also have not tried gr10 so i don't know how the fit is 

 

 

[salla45]

   
unless you want a new model , there are used-like new here going for as low as 550$

they are the mic version though (k3003i) so if the 750 euros is the non-mic version with the 2 year warranty , i would go for it 

sound-wise , these are said by almost most people who had both these and 846 to be the superior one , and the sound is like you want it
 
as for the fit , they are not isolation monsters and i also have not tried gr10 so i don't know how the fit is 

 

thanks for quick reply.
 
first off - the gr10's are super comfortable - they are outer ear fitting and even a loose seal results in a nice balanced sound, not bassy however, of course (A slight push will give more bass, not surprisingly). I can wear them literally for hours without fatigue and hardly even notice they are there. I'm not so interested in isolation. I listen mostly at home or out on walks locally in the country. In fact, poor isolation is somewhat a bonus; keeping family members happy, lol.
 
secondly - the deal is for new, with 3 year warranty, for the Non-mic version.
 
Do you have any idea on the diameter of them? This would be of great assistance.
 
Ref comparing with the SE846's - taken in isolation I think the 846's seem to have a great "wow" factor - ie initially very impactful, shocking even, and they grab the listener with certain material (bass focussed) - but from what I understand the K3003's have more potential long term to allow me to become more involved with the music, initially not so "grabby" but perhaps more hypnotic and beguiling as time goes on
 
thanks again!

 

[proedros]

  thanks for quick reply.
 
first off - the gr10's are super comfortable - they are outer ear fitting and even a loose seal results in a nice balanced sound, not bassy however, of course (A slight push will give more bass, not surprisingly). I can wear them literally for hours without fatigue and hardly even notice they are there. I'm not so interested in isolation. I listen mostly at home or out on walks locally in the country. In fact, poor isolation is somewhat a bonus; keeping family members happy, lol.
 
secondly - the deal is for new, with 3 year warranty, for the Non-mic version.
 
Do you have any idea on the diameter of them? This would be of great assistance.
 
Ref comparing with the SE846's - taken in isolation I think the 846's seem to have a great "wow" factor - ie initially very impactful, shocking even, and they grab the listener with certain material (bass focussed) - but from what I understand the K3003's have more potential long term to allow me to become more involved with the music, initially not so "grabby" but perhaps more hypnotic and beguiling as time goes on
 
thanks again!

 
1st bold : go for it (3 years warranty AND non-mic version ? nice.) - ask them if you can audition fit/diameter size there , i am sure they will have an open box for tryouts

as for the sound , these are great - sure there are 'better' iems (but probably pricier) but i like a detailed yet musical sound and these fit my preferences (i find them as a fusion of re272+re600 , only improved) 

sound-wise i think you will love them , but if the fit is a major issue , try and do a test drive at the AKG seller as i don't know your ears size

 

 

[up late]

which earphones are "better" in your opinion?

 

[salla45]

   
1st bold : go for it (3 years warranty AND non-mic version ? nice.) - ask them if you can audition fit/diameter size there , i am sure they will have an open box for tryouts

as for the sound , these are great - sure there are 'better' iems (but probably pricier) but i like a detailed yet musical sound and these fit my preferences (i find them as a fusion of re272+re600 , only improved) 

sound-wise i think you will love them , but if the fit is a major issue , try and do a test drive at the AKG seller as i don't know your ears size

 

 
It's a long-distance purchase - they have a shop, but it's about 3hrs drive and I can't make the trip unfortunately; so it's mail order, not able to try out. 
 
If you could give me the diameter I can make a judgement call on that aspect (ie whether to take the risk or pursue further)?
 
Sorry to ask, but I can't seem to find it anywhere online.
 
Thanks again for your comments and help.

 

[james444]

   
It's a long-distance purchase - they have a shop, but it's about 3hrs drive and I can't make the trip unfortunately; so it's mail order, not able to try out. 
 
If you could give me the diameter I can make a judgement call on that aspect (ie whether to take the risk or pursue further)?
 
Sorry to ask, but I can't seem to find it anywhere online.
 
Thanks again for your comments and help.