That’s a personal value judgement. Whilst I do agree needing EQ is ridiculous, the end result is still quite unique. But given that there isn’t something cheaper that does what the i3 does at the end of the day, they can charge what they want. Hook x is good, but not the same.
The hook X is barely open back in anything but name - it doesn't have the headphone-like stage size of the i3, which is the main unique part resulting from that. And whilst good, I definitely don’t find the driver as competent in detail, separation etc. but it might do low end punch better.
I bought hook x amongst others hoping to get an easier to use way to achieve the results of the EQed i3, and they just didn’t achieve that. But are very good in their own way.
But agree to disagree I suppose.
Subjective hearing is so fascinating, isn’t it, my friend?
It always intrigues me. The LCD-i3 are great IEM’s, that’s without a doubt, and if I didn’t hear other less expensive IEMs released in 2022/23, I would still be raving about my i3’s.
Whilst not a planar, Final Audio A5000 have better separation than the i3, to my ears.
What I’m trying to say is I have found a fee different IEMs which (to my ears) match the i3.
I suppose if you’re rich and can afford it then fine, but for someone like me looking for the best possible cost to sound quality value ratio, keeping an IEM in this instance is very hard to justify.
Where I will say the i3 is amazing at, which I’ve yet to hear on an IEM is the sound depth with better air. That, I suppose goes back to what you were saying about open back.
Also, I wish Audeze clips weren’t so fragile.
Audeze are ripping us off, big time