In the present time I’m not sure where the N3 stands? This post will be excessively lost, I’m sure!
It’s not without it’s special qualities but it seems in a way that times have moved on.....though maybe not?
On the plus side the N3 is incredibly forgiving yet still cohesive and fun. It is the missing unicorn even today for folks looking for a particular sound. I’m not sure there is anything out there that even today sounds like the N3? In comparison to the trials and tribulations folks went through with the crazy XBA-Z5 fit issues... the N3 rises on top as far as fit, comfort and ease of use.IMO
Even today there in nothing out there that fits in such a magic way. And I’m pretty sure it’s able to fit most everyone. You just have to be on board for the sound signature. There is maybe even more bass than the Z5? Tons of bass, yet the signature still offers a politeness and well rounded-ness? And.... the Z5 has more bass than the new IER-Z1R.
So it’s a confusing question today? And as with most recommendations here, listening is the number one suggestion! If you read this thread folks look at the N3 as a big improvement over the flagship Z5. But if anything the N3 is a little of a sleeper. It’s charms are not apparent on first moment, in fact it’s the kind of IEM where success happens after keeping it as your only listen for a few days at first. It takes time to reveal it’s cohesive magic. I’ve not heard the M9 or M7 but can imagine what sound all BA arraignments provide. And that’s the question?
There are a number of multi BA IEMs in the same price range as the N3 and it brings up a good point. My suggestion is simply to go and listen to stuff. The big 5 or 6 BA groups are going to offer an expanded midrange experience that seems like more is going on harmonically? Though at what cost can we deal with it all. Surely the N3 is always going to win at this point for people who groove with it’s signature and understand it’s the style of response that you could listen to all day. While something like the Fearless S6Rui priced $389.00 is going to come off maybe more entertaining at first listen, it may not do quite so good in the long haul? Again it’s all about what your after. Normally I put the N3 on a lower tier of my list though it’s because I like a little more midrange. Having the N3, the Z5 and the IER-Z1R together shows many shades of the Sony House Sound. Each is different. And not to ever downgrade the Z5; with the right cable, amp and music it’s unique and amazing too! Obviously the IER-Z1R is my favorite but it’s expensive and really can’t go out of the house as well as the XBA-N3 can. Probably easier to get fit with the N3 for most too.
Even now the N3 just is what it is. An amazing experience was using it with the new Sony Walkman firmware update 3.02. Basically 3.02 makes the Walkman 1Z into a more midcentric and airy DAP. The combo of 1Z... the new firmware and the N3 is an amazing experience. It’s the Sony house sound only the soundstage of the N3 is expanded as well as the bass has been reduced and made fast!
So the N3 is still a value and just as unique as it ever was! Though maybe slightly boring and laid back? It’s the easy going way it has which is really a value too?
I've tried my N3 with a Dragonfly DAC, It really helps in improving the laid back signature of the sound.
but sometimes I found it too rush somehow...
