Yes I believe so. LHL has stated that its the way the volume configuration was designed. There is expected to be a driver update to help rectify the issue, though I'm not exactly too sure how they'll change it.
Well so far I have tried the B3 extensively in these ways:
Computer --> Foobar2000 --> FLAC files --> Fiio E07K (DAC+Amp section) --> Havi B3
iPhone 5 --> MP3 320 --> Fiio E07K (Amp section only) --> Havi B3
iPhone 5 --> MP3 320 --> Havi B3
Computer --> Foobar2000 --> FLAC files --> Audinst HUD-MX1 --> Havi B3
Computer --> Foobar2000 --> FLAC files --> Geek Out 450 --> Havi B3
The E07K has plenty of juice to power the B3 without any problem even on the lowest gain setting. They sound good, but for one weakness. As with most Fiio products, soundstage width always seems to be compromised, and this robs the B3 of one of its strongest suits IMO. I actually found playing straight from my iPhone 5 to be more enjoyable for instrumental tracks as a result.
When I sold my E07K and purchased the Audinst HUD-MX1, the soundstage issue was taken away. The Audinst is also less warm and slightly more laid back compared to the Fiio E07K, which can be a good and bad thing, a subjective matter. In the case of the B3, I find that it excels more for acoustic/instrumental/classical music due to its naturalness and neutralness rather than alternative rock/EDM, and the Audinst seems to complement this much more.
But now I have the Geek Out 450. Let's just say I wouldn't be touching my Audinst at all if my GO wasn't a defective unit. From E07K to the Audinst, you could say the improvements were there but still marginal. I don't know how to exactly explain how the GO sounds, but everything just seems much more... dynamic? (not sure what word to use!). I can forsee that with some sources/amps, there are those who will not like the B3 because it does not have an apparent defining quality, or in other words: WOW factor. It does not have jaw dropping bass, the most extended treble, nor the most in your face vocals. The GO doesn't change that, but it just gives the B3 the OOMPH which gives it the 'life' that some people might fault the B3 for lacking. To be fair though, the GO just sounds good with EVERY SINGLE FREAKING THING, so the improvement is not just for the B3. But what I can say is that the B3, together with my Takstar Pro, benefits the most from GO of all my other IEMs/headphones (the others namely being Q701, HE-400, UE TF10)
Anyway, I have just one more thing to add about the B3. Recently, I got my UE TF10 with a Chris_Himself SPC cable. There are many things which I prefer the TF10 over my B3: the treble is more crisp and clear, EXACTLY to my taste, the bass is more impactful in a good way, and the clarity and soundstage very matchable as well. Subjectively, I guess I do prefer the TF10's slightly more than
the B3.
At the end of the day though, I still easily find time for the B3. The combination of 3D soundstage, instrument timbre and precise imaging is just too appealing. I use my TF10s at work where I need an injection of 'thrill', and when I get home I settle back with my B3s where I just want to soak in the realism of music.
A $60 setup is able to complement a formidable $300 setup, rather than get overwhelmed. I think that says how much I love them
