INTRO:-
This, most of us have heard of, was released back in 2013, it didn’t made much waves, neither got plenty of reviews or had loads of people talking about them. The one that caught the most attention from this Sonic Pro line-up was the ATH-im02. Even though the IM03 is more capable, no one really bothered about these as they were not available to reviewers, and when I reached Audio Tehnica, Guess what, they were not interested.
Housing 3BAs (one for bass, mid and highs, each) is not a small thing from a power house like Audio Technica.
So, I bought one, after 5 years, who in their right mind can deny a very good deal on an earphone which can be compared to the ER-4P, yes, succeeding the ath-ck100 is not a small thing on its own.
I will compare this with other earphones Like the 64audio U3 and ER-4P. Fire in any questions you have.
P.S. :- This is not a paid review, I bought the ATH-IM03, I am just warming up before I start writing the review of the Empire ears Bravado and some more.
ACCESSORIES, AND MISCELLANEOUS:-
There aren't many accessories to boast about there, a small carry pouch, 3 pairs of rubber tips and a pair of Comply tips.
The stock tips are not exactly good, using a longer tip really brings the best out of this earphone.
The cable guides too are not exactly easy to handle. But once molded, the fit is really nicely and isolation is very good. Can't give the ER-4P run for its money but man, its good.
The build is totally plastic, but the shape of the Shell is nice, its doesn't hurt any part of the ear and is fairly comfortable.
SOUND QUALITY:-
Bass:-
Bass is what one should expect from a mid tier BA based earphone, aiming for accuracy and precision, instead of going for fun and engaging presentation
The bass quantity is just over what one can consider linear, thank fully its not as lean or as dry as the ER-4P and has slightly better details. The 03 moves slightly more air and has equally good depth, sub-bass has good amount of presence when compared to other flat sounding earphones and the mid bass is exceptionally controlled. Upper bass is not a problem either. It has a hair slower decay than the ER-4P, making the 03 sound juicier. It moves a bit of air, slam is acceptable too. If you are not a person who likes accuracy and details, please stay away, you will be heavily disappointed.
Mid Range:-
Its sonic abilities are uncovered here and man its mesmerizing, Its doesn’t sound as detailed as the ER-4P because the ER-4P has a more brighter and forwarded presentation. Let it be instrument placement, accuracy, layering, positioning, the 03 is not behind in anything. And Sonically, the IM03 is better than ER-4P. Till date ER-4P is my favourite earphone, but the IM03 is very very engaging with its sonic qualities. I would to give some more emphasis on layering, its exceptionally good, very accurate and precise.
Vocals and instruments are accurate with natural tonality and the details is slightly better than the 64audio U3. U3 has more forward presentation and is slightly more engaging in comparison.
When it comes to stage, its not very tall but has fantastic width and depth. Its more like a reverse cone. Big for an earphone irrespective of its innards and pretty big for BA based earphone.
Highs:-
It lacks energy in comparison but has equally good extension and details. You will not miss anything, but you might have to pay slightly more attention to it. There are no spikes one has to worry about but still it can be slightly sibilant.
Transaction from upper mids to lower treble is not exactly flaw less, there is small dip and it gets more evident when compared to the ER-4P.
It’s the highs where the IM-03 loses points. It needs a bit more refinement in this area, but still can hold its own with very precise layering and details with outstanding sonic abilities.
Conclusion:-
No I will not recommend anyone to buy this, cuz (I am selfish and) I don’t think many will like to buy something which is 5 years old. But if you get a chance to listen to this pair of earphone, don’t miss it.
Who knows you might fall in love with its accuracy, precision and sonicality.
I hope you guys liked it. Enjoy, Cheers.
This, most of us have heard of, was released back in 2013, it didn’t made much waves, neither got plenty of reviews or had loads of people talking about them. The one that caught the most attention from this Sonic Pro line-up was the ATH-im02. Even though the IM03 is more capable, no one really bothered about these as they were not available to reviewers, and when I reached Audio Tehnica, Guess what, they were not interested.
Housing 3BAs (one for bass, mid and highs, each) is not a small thing from a power house like Audio Technica.
So, I bought one, after 5 years, who in their right mind can deny a very good deal on an earphone which can be compared to the ER-4P, yes, succeeding the ath-ck100 is not a small thing on its own.
I will compare this with other earphones Like the 64audio U3 and ER-4P. Fire in any questions you have.
P.S. :- This is not a paid review, I bought the ATH-IM03, I am just warming up before I start writing the review of the Empire ears Bravado and some more.
ACCESSORIES, AND MISCELLANEOUS:-
There aren't many accessories to boast about there, a small carry pouch, 3 pairs of rubber tips and a pair of Comply tips.
The stock tips are not exactly good, using a longer tip really brings the best out of this earphone.
The cable guides too are not exactly easy to handle. But once molded, the fit is really nicely and isolation is very good. Can't give the ER-4P run for its money but man, its good.
The build is totally plastic, but the shape of the Shell is nice, its doesn't hurt any part of the ear and is fairly comfortable.
SOUND QUALITY:-
Bass:-
Bass is what one should expect from a mid tier BA based earphone, aiming for accuracy and precision, instead of going for fun and engaging presentation
The bass quantity is just over what one can consider linear, thank fully its not as lean or as dry as the ER-4P and has slightly better details. The 03 moves slightly more air and has equally good depth, sub-bass has good amount of presence when compared to other flat sounding earphones and the mid bass is exceptionally controlled. Upper bass is not a problem either. It has a hair slower decay than the ER-4P, making the 03 sound juicier. It moves a bit of air, slam is acceptable too. If you are not a person who likes accuracy and details, please stay away, you will be heavily disappointed.
Mid Range:-
Its sonic abilities are uncovered here and man its mesmerizing, Its doesn’t sound as detailed as the ER-4P because the ER-4P has a more brighter and forwarded presentation. Let it be instrument placement, accuracy, layering, positioning, the 03 is not behind in anything. And Sonically, the IM03 is better than ER-4P. Till date ER-4P is my favourite earphone, but the IM03 is very very engaging with its sonic qualities. I would to give some more emphasis on layering, its exceptionally good, very accurate and precise.
Vocals and instruments are accurate with natural tonality and the details is slightly better than the 64audio U3. U3 has more forward presentation and is slightly more engaging in comparison.
When it comes to stage, its not very tall but has fantastic width and depth. Its more like a reverse cone. Big for an earphone irrespective of its innards and pretty big for BA based earphone.
Highs:-
It lacks energy in comparison but has equally good extension and details. You will not miss anything, but you might have to pay slightly more attention to it. There are no spikes one has to worry about but still it can be slightly sibilant.
Transaction from upper mids to lower treble is not exactly flaw less, there is small dip and it gets more evident when compared to the ER-4P.
It’s the highs where the IM-03 loses points. It needs a bit more refinement in this area, but still can hold its own with very precise layering and details with outstanding sonic abilities.
Conclusion:-
No I will not recommend anyone to buy this, cuz (I am selfish and) I don’t think many will like to buy something which is 5 years old. But if you get a chance to listen to this pair of earphone, don’t miss it.
Who knows you might fall in love with its accuracy, precision and sonicality.
I hope you guys liked it. Enjoy, Cheers.
were the comply foam