I guess my question is simple - is the K3003 the single best universal IEM on the planet in 2012 ? I know the stock answer is 'that depends on what you are looking for', but if we are talking clarity, detail resolution, PRaT over subwoofer-like bass impact, the reviews that I have read would seem to indicate that it's at least as good as anything else out there, customs notwithstanding. CNET, hardly a headphone specialist site, gave the k3003 3 of 5 stars due to the price, but had glowing praise for the sonics: I picked this review because it's more concise than the standard audiophile reviews.
The K3003s are, in a word, glorious. In our high-quality tests in the lab, the low-end sound was punchy and well defined, with an excellent level of warmth in the lower mid-tones. This was especially evident on Nero's track Doomsday, where the thumping kick drum and powerful basslines were almost enough to shake our bones to dust.
The advantage of the multiple drivers though is that the low end didn't come at the expense of the high end. The crack of the snare drum and shine of the cymbals in the beautifully-recorded track Watch Your Stepby Dave Weckl was superb, and the warm, jazzy bass licks still hummed their way through without any trouble, resulting in an extremely pleasant, balanced sound.
The same was true when we played tunes from our iPhone on the go. Powerful and warm bass, stunning high end and a warm mid-range, created a deliciously smooth overall sound that wasn't 'too much' or 'too little' of anything. Vocals were well separated on acoustic tracks and orchestral pieces were extremely open and airy -- although these more mellow pieces were sometimes difficult to listen to in noisier outdoor environments.
Where CNET's grasp of the current state of the art in portable gear falls down is that they see the AKG's being used 'on the go' from an 'mp3 player' like the iPhone they used in the review. I suspect that very few Head-Fiers would throw these into a backpack and try to use them at a bus stop - my Phillips cheapies fill that role admirably - and are far more likely to be using them in the manner CNET ascribes to fullsize cans.
Bang for buck, I expect that diminishing returns kicks in well before you buy that third pair of ~$400 universals on your way to the 1300 AUD asking price for the K3003, and many here would rather own 3 very good universals than a single pair of 'statement' earphones marketed to the FAD set. If I buy the W4+SE535+GR10 for the same outlay, I have 3 different sonic experiences at my fingertips - with the K3003, its just one. Horses for courses, I guess.
