ADV. Model 3 BA3

Specification:


Driver unit Triple (3) balanced armature
Impedance 13ohm+/-15%
Sensitivity 110dB+/-3dB at 1kHz
Frequency response Super Wideband 20Hz – 40kHz
Rated input power 2mW
Max input power 3mW
Cable length 1.5M
IEM connector MMCX
Plug 3.5mm gold plated


Disclaimer:


-Product was provided for review units for some PH audio enthusiasts/hobbyists & reviewers. Thanks to sir Marlowe Cruz for giving us the opportunity to try the best ADV products.


-Your mileage may vary.


Source Used:
Ibasso DX160 ( Dual CS43198 DAC)
XDuoo X3 (CS4398)
Realme 6 (Normal Smartphone DAC)
(MP3 320kbps, FLAC 16bit,FLAC 24bit,WAV,DSD256)


Build:

Just like the ADV MODEL BA2, The build quality is simple looking. They are made out of hardplastic, red color is a nice unique color to. The plastic build of this IEM makes it a very good for musicians specially when they are performing. They are VERY light, Non-fatiguing, and it fits om my ears comfortably.
On the inside labeled "ADV" + L R Text Indicator printed on the case, while on the outside bottom area the name "BA3 is printed on.


Sound Quality;

Lows;
I was amazed how these BA drivers almost sounds like a Dynamic Driver but cleaner version. Bass rumble starts at 15hz which i think most of the Bassheads will definitely love it! This IEM is one of has the cleanest bass while not getting the other frequency muddy, Subbass and MidBass is separated and no bleeding noticed. Attack is more on Quick Slam w/ Fast Roll Off. a 10/10 bass performance. Basshead Approved.


Mids:

Mids here is relaxed, some might not enjoy it in other tracks, but in my case, i've use this pair listening to EDM all day since i know this genre suits its sound signature based on its sound signature. Treble is not very well extended but does a decent job, it struggles to maintain sparkles in the upper ranges, where the Hi-Hats,Crash, Cymbals and Dubstep Synths can be fatiguing if the volume is turned up too much. These are perfect for tracks that dont have that much vocals in my observation.


Treble:

The upper zone is a little sharp and thin, but not quite crisp. The extension is minimal, but it adds enough brightness and air to the overall sound, giving it a lot of detail, separation, definition, and resolution.However this can satisfy what you are looking for a treble.


Soundstage & Imaging:

The Soundstage is evident, and all of the light, air, proximity, and brightness work in favor of a crisp, detailed, clean, and clear presentation.
The soundstage is moderately well-done, with discernible width and depth. Instrumental positioning can be affected which can dilute into intimacy.


Conclusion:

The sound of the ADV MODEL BA3 can be described as warm and dark, with a focus on the low end, good midbass, resolving, emotional, and engaging mids, and recessed treble. Slow music genres such as blues, soul, lounge, jazz, and others are best. Modern bass heavy tracks like dubstep, bigroom, electro,trap house is perfect for this. I'd say its a good pick at its price range if you prefer, warmish, lush sounding iem. Higly Recommended for bassheads.



Test Tracks
Conquerors - Hardwell
First of the Year - Skrillex
#Selfie - The Chainsmokers
PLUR POLICE (Jauz Remix) - Knife Party
ID - kygo
Sad Machine - Porter Robinson
Break through the silence -Martin Garrix
The Veldt - Deadmau5
Streets - NGHTMARE


Thank you for reading!

I would like to give my thanks to Marlowe Cruz for giving the Philippine circle of reviewers a tour of ADV products. Special mention to a co-reviewer who made this tour possible also, Adrian Yambao. For more details on this product, please visit this link



https://www.adv-sound.com/products/model-3-ba3?_pos=1&_sid=6c25a811d&_ss=r





DISCLAIMER:

I did not buy this product. It was provided as a review unit for the Philippines reviewer circle tour. Manage your expectations as what works for me, might not work for you. We all have different perception when it comes to sound.



INTRO



The BA3 surprised me in many ways. I must admit at first, I thought it was just a typical bass leaning IEM, mids recessed, trebles rolled off. But it grew on me and its versatility shined through. I don’t want to spoil the details so let’s get down to business..





TREBLE



Trebles are rolled off here. It did bother me for the first few hours of listening. Treble heads might look for their shimmers. But let it set in you for a day and you’ll start hearing those sparkles. I did notice that the trebles performed well on classic tracks. The trebles can be subdued occasionally on bass heavy tracks. The roll off can be quite noticeable on lower resolution files too, i.e. 320kbps mp3’s.



BASS



Welcome aboard bass heads. This one is for you. BA3 will not just satisfy your bass cravings, but will give you an accurate and forward presentation. I can say, the bass here has precise bass thump. From Billie Eilish to Earth, Wind, and Fire, BA3 impressed me with bass accuracy. And mind you, I am not a bass head. I prefer my mids. And BA3’s bass performance is spot on.



MIDS



I love my mids. And unlike its twin the BA2, mids are somewhat scooped here. It might be safe to say that this is the BA3’s weak spot. The mids, by a fraction, is pushed back. Not in a bad way. It’s just a matter of preference. If you like your mids forward, you might want to check my review on BA2.



VOCALS



Surprisingly, for a bass leaning IEM, BA3 offers intimate vocals. Like the mids, vocals can be recessed on some tracks. Texture is not compromised but a tad laid back in some cases.



FITTING



Exactly identical to BA2 fitting. I used the stock tips, M size. Didn’t try the foam tips though. They’re not for me. Designed for monitoring, I can safely say this will offer you a snug fit. Just choose your tip sizes. The isolation is quite decent. Muffing the noise of my band just right. Never fell of my ears on performances. And mind you, we can be very active on our performances, the fit never failed me.



MONITORING



A very capable monitoring IEM. Leaning towards bass players and drummers. The bass emphasis of BA3 will fill in what is lacking in BA2’s presentation, the BASS section. Again as a keyboard player, my sound was pushed back in the mix.



PACKAGE



The bundle is complete with the essentials and more. Foam and silicon tips in S, M, L sizes. Comes with a ¼ adapter for plugging in to instruments. A nifty shock proof hard case was a nice addition to protect your IEM. Gigging can be quite a prone for accidents.



COMPARISON



With the BA2 – The BA2 and BA3 are like the yin and yang. Where the BA2 lacks, the BA3 excels and vice versa. BA2 as the analytical, serious type brother, BA3 as the happy go lucky, fun and anything goes type. They both present their strengths clean, accurate and on point. It’s as if one cannot live without the other.



Here are some TRACKS that I used for reference.

• THE CHAIN by Fleetwood Mac (Apple lossless 16 bit)
• PLASTIC LOVE by Friday Night Plans (Apple lossless 16 bit)
• GOT TO GET YOU INTO MY LIFE by EWF (offline FLAC 24 bit)
• SHOOT TO THRILL by AC/DC (Apple lossless 24 bit)
• PRETTY PLEASE by Dua Lipa (Apple lossless 24 bit)
• NAUTILUS by Yorushika (offline FLAC 16 bit)
• THAT’S WHAT YOU GET by Paramore (Apple lossless 24 bit)

And a lot more…



SOURCES AND GEARS

• iphone 7 plus with apple dongle
• offline flacs played via VOX app
• Apple lossless

VERDICT



This can be an “all-rounder” IEM. A very decent monitoring for musicians. And an enjoyable one for the casual listener. The bass emphasis was entertaining and is something bass heads will acknowledge. Not bloated but detailed and precise. Maintaining resolution and texture in most cases dependent on the source.



For the analytical, the BA2 is my preferred choice, but BA3 is a qualified contender. Especially for a drummer and bass player.



I definitely enjoyed this one especially if I don’t feel like being methodical on my music. Its versatile performance and clean reproduction make this a worthy contender on other big names out there.