BGVP ArtMagic DH3

Intro
Disclaimer: This review set is a demo set graciously lent to me by Daniel at Oardio and the review is written of my own accord and all thoughts are my own. The DH3 is available for purchase from Oardio through their website should you find yourself interested in a pair. For more reviews like this, drop by www.perrivanaudio.com

Today we'll be looking at the BGVP DH3, a hybrid IEM with a 2BA and 1 DD configuration. The speciality of this IEM lies in its dip switches. There are 2 on each IEM, allowing for a total of 4 possible sound signatures. The DH3 joins the ranks of many recent hybrids within the $100-200 USD price point and we shall take a look at how they fare.


Accessories and Build Quality (Score: 8.5/10)


BGVP has found stability in its packaging and accessories and never fails to impress. Gone are the days of the DM6 which only shipped with the earpieces, a cable and minimal tips. There are altogether 3 sets of Tips, all in small, medium and large sizes. These are namely the black stock ones, bass tips and vocal tips.

The included cable is an 8-core cable that is really thick, sturdy and well-braided. The cables that come with BGVP IEMs are still one of the best I've seen in their respective price points. Everything is so well done, and I have absolutely no complaints.

Fit (Score: 8/10)


The fit of the DH3 is pretty good, as expected of BGVP. The shells are well-rounded with curves in the right places for these to sit snugly in the ear. They are although slightly larger than average. I especially liked the Vocal Tips that came with the DH3. They are basically SpinFits and they pair perfectly with the IEMs.

Sound (Score: 8.3/10)

Sources Used

• Hiby R5
• Lotoo Paw S1

Albums and Tracks tested with

• Scary Pockets
• Ragtime Broadway Recording
• Jersey Boys Broadway Recording
• Carmen Fantasy by Itzhak Perlman
• Sheppard - Animals
• Grease Soundtrack
• Sam Feldt - Magnets
• Smith & Thell

Bass (Score: 8/10)

Fun, lively and enjoyable. There is enough emphasis in the bass to keep bass lovers entertained, but overall the tuning is still rather balanced. This, however, can be tweaked with the switches. One of the switches seems to be the "bass switch" and boosts the bass region by about 3db. The switches provide quite a bit of versatility to tweak the DH3 to suit your tastes. Listening to tracks from Grease soundtrack such as "You're The One That I Want", the basslines were lively and well-layered. Areas for improvement would be the sub-bass rumble and overall definition in the bass region.

Mids (Score: 8.5/10)

I really love the mids on the DH3. It has a good combination of warmth carried over from the bass, combined with the upper mids energy, breathing life into both male and female vocals. The entire midrange is smooth-sounding and natural, making it the region I enjoyed most in the DH3. Vocals came across sweetly and never once threatened to turn shouty or piercing. Male vocals on Scary Pockets' cover of "If I Ain't Got You" had a very nice soothing body. Great stuff.

Treble (Score: 7.5/10)

Treble is safe and inoffensive. However, the timbre of the treble is arguably the worst performing out of the three regions. However, this is more of a "room for improvement" rather than a direct criticism of the DH3. The safe tuning here may in fact suit people who are sibilant sensitive. This can be further tweaked using the switches, depending on your preferences. Listening to EDM tracks by Sam Feldt, the treble can sound a little lifeless and lacking in sparkle and energy. The lack of sparkle seems to give it limited height and limits the perceived soundstage.

Overall

The DH3 scores big in its overall presentation. It has an extremely pleasant and coherent tuning that suits a wide range of music. It is never aggressive in any region and is a delight to listen to. My biggest criticism would be this comes at the expense of technicalities. This is not to say the DH3 is sluggish. Instead, it delivers what is expected of it at its price point. Imaging is pretty good and enjoyable, while soundstage sounds average, with sufficient space, held back by the lack of air in the treble.

Comparison

VS Thieaudio Legacy 3 (Review here)


The two IEMs are rather similar, with both having the same driver configuration and being able to tweak their signatures with the switches. They both have their different strengths and I would attempt to discuss some of them. The Legacy 3 has the better fit of the two, with its smaller and more comfortable size. This may vary depending on your ear shape and size. The DH3 has a better switch mechanism, offering a more noticeable (and useful) changes to the sound signature.

In terms of the sound, the Legacy 3 has a more versatile sound signature, with better definition in the bass region and better timbre in the treble regions. However, I find the mids (especially lower mids) on the DH3 more engaging and better presented. In terms of technicalities, they are both about on par, nothing too amazing, but very much more than enough at their price point. Otherwise, they are both great, and I would tip the balance in favour of the Legacy 3 as it seems like the more polished product and at a lower price point.

Conclusion


BGVP certainly have got a rhythm in place and have significantly improved in their IEM development. Although many people are hesitant to give them a chance after the DM6 saga, I would say the DH3 has changed my perspective. Certainly, BGVP must work on their PR and keep up their quality products to continue rebuilding consumer trust. The DH3 is great but overall seems a bit of an experimental project went right. Hopefully, this points BGVP in the right direction to more great IEMs we can look forward to.

Rating: 8.6
Sound 8.5

Intro
I'm coming out: I'm a fan of BGVP. I think the company has found out (similar to AUDIOSENSE) how to produce high quality products with good quality control and above all sound characteristics, always keeping the needs of their buyers in mind regarding price, scope of delivery and handling. In doing so, they stay with their products in the mid-class/high-class range, but also dare to take the step into the high-end range. Their current Art Magic line-up includes a wide range of products, starting with the DH3 (135 € - 1*DD & 2*BA) and ending with the ES12 (1300 € - 4*EST & 8*BA), both in terms of price and technology. This review deals with the DH3, which is a hybrid of a dynamic and two BA drivers. In addition, there are 2 dip-switches with which the sound can be adjusted to your own preferences.



Handling
In contrast to the DM7, or DM6, the DH3 appears more compact and filigree. The case is no longer so bulbous, but flatter and more comfortable.

As far as the scope of delivery is concerned, BGVP is not so easy to beat and that already for years. We get a premium cable (8 cores), foam tips, transport case, cleaning tool and 3 kinds of silicone tips in different sizes (vocal, bass, standard). No wishes remain open!

The case has the proven custom-built look, is extremely durable and above all safe. In addition, there are almost countless colors and faceplate designs to choose from

As with all its products, BGVP uses a MMCX connection, which is the current standard in addition to the 2-pin connection.
Two dip-switches have been integrated into the housing, which allow a sonic modification of the basic signature.

With the foam tips, the isolation of the DH3 is really very good, also with the silicone tips. It should also be mentioned that the blue vocal tips are basically spin-fits, at least a replica.



Sound
In the meantime I have understood that the aim of dip switches (no matter which manufacturer) is not necessarily to create a completely different signature, but rather to fine-tune it according to personal preferences. This is quite possible with the DH3, although I would limit it here more to two basic changes concerning the bass and treble. The mids can only be changed very tentatively, which is audible but rather subtle. The review is based on the on/on setting (bass and slight midrange emphasis), but I'll also refer to the other combinations at the end.

The bass of the DH3 is, besides the mids, its main feature. Not necessarily because it's particularly authoritarian or even because it could inspire bassheads. No, it's simply wonderfully homogeneous, with a pleasant, dry punch, very good dynamics and texture. More something for detail lovers who don't want to have their eardrums massaged, but still appreciate the dynamics and pressure from below. With that I don't mean to say that the DH3 in the bass is weak on the chest. It simply delivers what is asked for depending on the genre, without overdoing it. On the other hand, I also love hybrid configurations as long as the dynamic driver is well integrated, which is something that the DH3 has undoubtedly achieved. In the sub-bass, as well as a little bit in the mid-bass it might be a bit more to make the sound fatter/fuller, but this way the bass integrates very well into the very balanced, rather neutral signature. Depending on the switch settings, the bass performance can be compared well with that of the THIEAUDIO LEGACY 3.

The mids are a bit the heart of the DH3. They're almost a bit too cool and flat for me, but they're wonderfully detailed and above all transparent. They are absolutely not influenced by the bass and are very linear from the lower to the upper mids. With the dip-switches you can give them a bias more musicality (off/on, on/on), but they never lose their clean and high resolution basic character. The BA driver does a very good job here, even if I would like a bit more warmth and body. However, the grumbling is at a high level and I'm sure that not many will find anything wrong with the mids. Vocals are very realistic and slightly in the foreground, as well as always in focus, until the on/off setting.

The highs are now the little sticking point on the DH3. Not because there would be a complete sonic collapse, on the contrary. The trebles have a very good extension and give the signature a lot of clarity. Unfortunately the sibilant emphasis is a topic here, which can vary slightly with the dip switches, but is always present. The annoying thing is that I can't really name songs or genres where this occurs more often. There are songs where I don't expect strong sibilants, but these do occur, but also vice versa sibilant songs work quite well with the DH3. So you have to be more or less prepared for the fact that the sibilants will be more or less always a side effect of the DH3. Of course, the sensitivity for this also plays a role here. Apart from that, the high tone of the DH3 is very convincing!

Separation and stage also have a very good expression, even if they are at a disadvantage compared to the DM7, which is technically simply more competent, but also twice as expensive.

A brief description of the individual configurations:

1/0 - neutral with treble boost - the bass loses influence and the sound becomes a bit thinner and sterilized. In terms of frequency response, the most linear/flatest setting and rather something for purists. The mids are slightly lacking in body, but the high frequencies are more present and sibilants come more to the fore. Vocals are more integrated into the mix. This goes more in the direction of "reference sound".

0/0 - Signature becomes a bit more vivid as the upper mid/lower trebles get more gain. Voices get more focus and the mids get more clarity and radiance. Sibilant accentuation and high frequency presence as with 1/0

0/1 - The bass is now allowed to mix in more and the signature gets a little warmer, making the DH3 sound more musical and natural. The focus here is also on vocal presence, but the mids get more volume, which is very good for them and basically makes the DH3 what it is. The treble loses some volume in the upper range, which is good for the sibilants, but doesn't exclude them.

1/1 - This is the review configuration and for my taste the most relaxed and balanced setting. As with all settings, the sound is, due to the basic signature, rather direction neutral, but the DH3 is most musical and lively here. As with 0/1, the bass is raised without losing quality. The lower and upper trebles are softened, which also makes this setting the most homogeneous and audible in the long run.



Outro
The DH3 is a very good IEM in its price range and a very good entry if you're looking for a balanced, mid & voice focused, more neutral, brighter signature, with an appealing low end that has its strengths in detail reproduction and brings a solid and dry punch, very well separated, transparent and crisp mids, as well as a distinct, high resolution high frequency that can be a bit exhausting at times and likes the sibilants quite a bit, you'll surely find your luck with the DH3. In addition, there are the tuning options, which makes sense and also has a noticeable effect, if you compare this with the THIEAUDIO Legacy 3, for example. For me the DH3 is to be classified before the DM6, but the DM7 has even more to offer and is the more mature IEM.

If you compare it to the THIEAUDIO Legacy 3, which is similar in price, the DH3 is more present and clearer in the midrange, which is also reflected in the high frequencies. The L3 has a bit more bass impact and a more relaxed signature, which however turns more into V. Therefore the two IEMs address different preferences.

Thanks to OARDIO for the review unit.
https://www.oardio.com/earphones/bgvp/bgvp-dh3-iem.html


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BGVP DH3 2BA + 1DD Hybrid IEM

Build Quality
Good attention to aesthetics from BGVP. The shells look well made. One can even make out the numbering labels of the drivers through the semi-clear shells. The switches look tight and they snap on properly back and forth. It's only the labels on them that made me think what they are for, and only at a later time did I understand, with the help from a fellow enthusiast who also reviewed the product. The nozzles look good and with enough lip/stopper for tips, which often becomes a problem for CIEMs and other IEMs that easily loses the tips when pulling the earpieces out. The copper cable included is also well built. It is not the most supple or pliable cable though, but it's also not that stiff to begin with. There's only minimal cable microphonics and only noticeable when you're not playing any music.

Fit
I had no problems with the fit. Well, almost. As mentioned above, driver flex is present. It's minimal but still audible whenever I try to wear them. It's also present when applying pressure on the earpieces while wearing them. Of course, the flex can be minimized by carefully wearing the earpieces slowly. Overall fit is good. They feel comfortable enough to wear while stationary or on the move. I primarily used the included blue tips (vocal ear tips). They are not your typical stock tips. They're built like the Spinfit tips, which kind of contours inside the ears with the help of its flexible core/stem.

Sound
For this short review, I chose to leave the switches on the default mode (1 and 2). I used the blue tips included (vocal ear tips).
- Bass -
The subbass on stock configuration goes deep enough to feel the rumble on the selection of tracks that I tested. They were mostly RNB, hip-hop, triphop, and EDM. The midbass is punchy and is one of the qualities that make the DH3 engaging.
- Mids -
The engaging factor goes through to the middle frequencies. I could hear the strings and vocals clearly. Each pluck of note is vivid especially on acoustic tracks and there's also good weight on vocal centric tracks. This is one of the main attractions. Though as I tuned more into the tracks that showcases the mids, that's when I noticed the sibilance. It's audible but not entirely annoying. It's still below the threshold of my tolerance on sibilant sound.
- Highs -
I hear nothing special really, but they do the job. The BA drivers were tuned well, though the extension could be better. But if you do like sparkles? You got 'em.
- Soundstage -
Depth quality is better than its width. That's what I can say about the DH3's soundstage. Distance is much easier to tell thanks to the good amount of details and layering. 3D imaging would be further improved if there's a better amount of stage width for this IEM.

Comparison
I still have my iBasso IT03 ($259) lying around which has the same type of driver configuration as the DH3 ($149). Both are hybrid IEMs (two balanced armature drivers and a single dynamic driver).
The DH3 is ahead when it comes to build quality and comfort of wearing. They felt better when worn and my ears didn't feel sore even after a prolonged listening time. About the sound, the subbass of the IT03 still goes deeper. The rumble is felt even more. The DH3 has a quicker decay on midbass and edges the IT03 quite a bit on punchiness. Vocals sound more vivid and upfront on the DH3 while the IT03 felt more natural and centered. It's as if the IT03's sibilance disappeared when compared side by side with the DH3. Sibilance is more obvious on the DH3, both on male and female vocals. The highs on the IT03 felt a little more smooth. It's probably due to its wider soundstage, while the DH3 sounds more intimate having closer proximity of the instruments to the listener.

The DH3 can definitely go toe to toe with the much higher priced IT03. There's excellent value for the price with the DH3 having a better accessory package while also having the built in switches for a flexible tuning.

Conclusion
The BGVP DH3 is geared towards a fun and engaging sound to keep the listener browsing for more tracks from his/her collection. The basshead in me got satisfied and the overall quickness is good for multiple genres that I have tried. I felt that the highlight was in the mids having a warm and rich tone to it. The sibilance level is tolerable at most, but just a little bit more and I wouldn't have liked it. The sparkle up top is good but better extension would be more welcome.

As the IEM market gets heavily saturated more and more these days, it's also getting more difficult to try and find the one that will please us most. The BGVP DH3 can definitely satisfy those who prefer to enjoy the music as it is, having lesser priority on other technicalities and complicated stuff. Price to performance is another plus for me having heard worse iterations with same or higher prices. This time, BGPV didn't disappoint as compared to the last time I tried their much hyped and more expensive DM6. Kudos!

PS:
I found out that the switches were effective and working when I unknowingly put the IEM on while the switches were set differently on each earpiece. I noticed that they sounded different. I was told that having them both at 1 and 2 sets them at default. Turning knob 1 to ON enhances the treble. Turning knob 2 gives more bass. Both 1 and 2 turned ON enhances the mids.



Specs (from Penon Audio website)
Model: ArtMagic DH3
Driver units: 2BA + 1DD
2 tuning switches: 4 styles (1 is for high frequency , 2 is for low frequency, 1&2 is for for mid-high frequency)
Frequency Response: 13-40kHz
Sensitivity: 105dB
Impedance: 15Ω
Channel balance: ≤1dB
Distortion rate: ≤0.5%
Rate power: 5mW
Cable length: 1.2m

Introduction

BGVP is a brand that comes from China, whose philosophy is "the result of the persistent search for pure sound quality. Every BGVP job not only seeks to satisfy the audience, but also wants to find the trust, pleasure and taste of the listener.

They have several models behind them, such as the earbud DX3, the IEMs 1DD+2BA DS1, the 2DD+2BA SDM5, the famous 5BA DM5, the 6BA DM7, the 12BA ArtMagic V12...On this occasion I will analyze the new model 1DD+2BA, called ArtMagic DH3. This model has many peculiarities, it has been printed on the 3D printing equipment of German Envision TEC and is made of PMMA acrylic fiber material that does not damage the skin, also improves the resistance to high temperatures and impacts. Its drivers are the combination of an 8mm dynamic driver, a BA of Knowles, model ED-26989, for the mid frequencies and BA, also of Knowles, called RAF-33518, for the high frequencies. Another particularity is the use of 2 small switches that allow to modify the sound, with 4 different types of tuning, to enhance each range of frequencies, in order to satisfy a wide audience. It also has a 4-way electronic crossover, to efficiently distribute all frequency ranges, mixing them as coherently as possible, to create a frequency response capable of being used for long periods of listening.

Finally, the cable is composed of 8 high purity "5N single crystal" copper cores, which avoids having to be replaced by another cable, since the quality is so high that changing it would be very expensive and unnecessary.



Specifications

• Drivers: 2BA+1DD
• Frequency range: 13-40kHz
• Sensitivity: 105dB
• Impedance: 15Ω
• Channel balance: ≤1dB
• Distortion Ratio: ≤0.5%
• Nominal power: 5mW
• Cable length: 1.2m
• Type of capsule connection: MMCX
• Cable connector: 3.5mm Audio.

Packaging

The BGVP ArtMagic DH3 comes in a 180x128x54mm box, whose cover is white and sealed in plastic. On the front, there is a silhouette of the IEMS, the Hi-Res seal and the Knowles logo. On the back are the specifications. The sides are black. When the cover is removed, a black textured box is shown, in the middle of which the letters BGVP, in gold, can be read. When you lift the lid you can see it:

• One envelope.
• 6 blue silicone tips, sizes SxMxL, for vocal enhancement.
• 6 white silicone tips, sizes SxMxL, for bass enhancement.
• 2 foam tips.
• The two capsules.
• A large semi-rigid box with zipper, inside which there is:
• The cable.
• A cleaning tool (metal brush and fork), which also allows you to move the switches.
• 4 black silicone tips, SxL sizes. The medium tips are placed in the IEMs.
• The envelope contains the manual, certificates and warranty cards.

The presentation is premium, the set of tips is very good, the cable is sensational, the cleaning tool is very appropriate and the box is really useful, with a perfect size, which allows to keep the IEMS with absolute safety.



Construction and Design

The ArtMagic DH3 has been built on German Envision TEC's 3D printing equipment and is made of translucent PMMA acrylic fiber material, which does not damage the skin. In addition, it improves resistance to high temperatures and impacts. On the outside you can see the brand logo. The MMCX connection is embedded, gold-plated. Close to it, there is an orifice covered by a metal tube. The drivers, cables and connections can be seen inside the capsules. The capsules are built in one piece and the nozzles are custom type, with two holes and without any grids. On the inside of the capsules you can read the name of the model and some numbers. In my case, it puts 082R in the right capsule and 082L in the left capsule.

The drivers used have been a dynamic driver of 8mm, for the low frequencies, of biological diaphragm. For the mids, has been implemented the BA of Knowles, ED-26989. Finally, for the high frequencies, another Knowles BA is in charge, model RAF-33518. All drivers are connected to improve the resolution and provide a different sound.

As a great differentiating element, the DH3, have small switches, two per capsule, which allow to modify the sound, generating 4 different tunings. Thus, it is possible to emphasize the lower zone, the midrange or the treble, in order to adjust as best as possible to the taste of each one.It also has a 4-way electronic crossover, which provides very coherent and accurate transitions.

The MMCX connector is of high quality, to avoid possible disconnections during use. The cable consists of 8 high purity "5N single crystal" copper cores. It is thick, but very suitable and manageable. It has a semi-rigid coating to fit over the ear. Its color is copper, covered with transparent plastic. The MMCX connectors are covered by black and large cylinders, which use red and blue rings as a channel mark. The splitting piece is another smooth black cylinder with a soft barrel shape. There is a small coin-shaped piece, made of translucent white plastic, which serves as an adjustment pin. The 3.5mm Jack connector cover is another large, black, smooth metal cylinder. The cable has a Velcro strip for safe retrieval.

Great construction, great shape, great cable and great finishes, at the height of its presentation.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The fit is good and so is the comfort. But the mouthpieces are rather short for those of us who, like me, have a big, deep ear hole. But this allows the use of tri-flange tips. Rubber washers can also be used as a buffer, making the simple tips a little more separate from the body of the capsules. In this way, a somewhat deeper insertion can be achieved. Once this is corrected, the fit is firm and durable. The cables are barely felt over the ear, offering good comfort even when walking down the street.

The insulation will depend on the degree of sealing we get, with the tips used. But if you get them right, the soundproofing achieved is remarkable.



Sound

Profile

The profile of the DH3 may vary depending on the position of the switches. A very, very balanced, flat profile up to 5kHz can be achieved. Or vary to a warmer profile, slightly V. All this without losing details and the fantastic midrange they possess.



Switch Positions

• 1 OFF - 2 OFF. In short mode 00: mids enhancement.
• 1 ON - 2 OFF. In abbreviated mode 10: Highlighting of mids and highs.
• 1 ON - 2 ON. In abbreviated mode 11: Bass and mids enhancement.
• 1 OFF - 2 ON. In abbreviated mode 01: Bass enhancement.

Bass

With the switches in position 01, maximum bass boost is achieved. It is very similar, also in position 11, but for this case, there is an emphasis on voices, which is not shown in the frequency response, but is audible. The lower zone, in these positions, takes more prominence, but without dominating the profile. The DH3 become warmer IEMS, but without losing the presence in the voices it possesses. In this way, the profile is animated, leaving a more powerful bass medium, with a deeper and more notorious sub-bass, but quite contained and without arriving, with complete emphasis, in the lower zone. The hit is never too powerful and the bassheads would be somewhat disappointed with them. When the switches are placed in position 00 or 10, the timbre or the texture of the lower zone do not change, it only seems that the voice is released from that lower zone heavier, becoming a more agile IEM, but without losing the trace of the bass. In reality, the decrease in presence in this area is clear, but it is not a cut, but rather a matter of obtaining balance. And if it is achieved. In fact, it is a great signal, because you can enjoy, quietly, all the color and nuance of the bass, in all positions. The bass always feels fast and clean, with hardly any posus or negative trace. Although it is true the influence on the voices of the greatest warmth, in the positions of greatest presence of bass.



Mids

The midrange of the DH3 is simply exemplary. No matter how you position the switches, you can always enjoy this range without reservations. Although it is clear that in positions 00 and 10, the clarity of the mids is maximum. For mid-range, I prefer positions 00 and 11. But my maximum enjoyment of this range is with position 00.

The first thing that calls the attention of the middle zone of the DH3 is the execution, it is really precise, but also relaxed. In addition, the environment in which it develops, overflows absolute clarity and cleanliness. Again, the light is very important in the result of the sound of these IEMs. The DH3 are placed in that limbo of luminous headphones, which bring so much joy to the midrange. As I say, the definition deserves a separate mention, especially in the voices. They are placed in the position of the scene, where they are protagonists, in the highest and closest, as if it were a diva. You only have to look up and contemplate how they flow and stand out from the rest of the instrumentation. The level of resolution is very high, as is expected of a BA. But, on this occasion, the driver has been sweetened so that it doesn't sound too analytical, but light and precise, halfway to naturalness, but impressively resolute. This can be seen in the separation that the voices have from the rest of the instruments. They are not left behind, but by their side, respecting the space, recreating a very immersive sensation: it is easy to dive among them, while the voices are perceived. In general, balance and equilibrium are great. On this occasion we perceive a slightly more digital look, but without being unreal, that analytical touch that shapes the sound. The great news is that with the switches, you can gain in warmth, filing a bit the defined profile of the middle zone.

The midrange of the DH3 is so good that it deserves a totally attentive listening to be able to enjoy them without reservations.



Treble

The highs are contained, as soon as they start they drop in gain. Then they increase but without assuming imbalance, nor an annoying emphasis. Thus, the upper zone feels sweet and this hardly changes with the switches. However, it is clear that in the unenhanced positions of the lower zone, the highs sound freer and more perceptible. In spite of this, the high details are felt with clarity and a lot of definition, but with that soft nuance, so characteristic in the headphones that I've been analyzing lately. At the higher end, there is a slight shortness of air.

All in all, the DH3 offers a more musical, pleasant and restrained sound than other IEMS with BA drivers, but without falling into a dark, just warm sound.



Soundstage, Separation

The scene is characterized by the high resolution offered by DH3. And it's almost bigger when it's tuned with less bass, as the mids shine brighter. The proximity of the voices and their relation with the rest of the instruments, the space that exists, the good separation, the excellent location that is generated... causes a reconstruction of the image from the vocalists, where the whole scene expands from their point of view. In instrumental or electronic music, the image floats, equally defined, where the rest of the elements take the leading role to widen the scene. The proximity of the mids provides depth, because many sound planes are established. The bass and treble extend the image towards the sides.

The details are precise and placed in such a way that they impress for the price level. There is so much air and space between elements that listening becomes a rediscovery that almost forces the listener to remain very attentive so as not to lose a single nuance.



Comparisons

Moondrop Kanas Pro

The first comparison will be with one of my favorite IEMS: the Kanas Pro. The DH3, without bass enhancement, have a similar level in the lower part, although the Kanas Pro are one point above, offering a beautiful depth and very tight bass. The DH3, with bass enhancement, surpass them clearly in the presence of bass. In addition, the BGVP are more balanced and have more presence in the middle and first highs, offering more extension in the upper zone. The sound of the Kanas Pro, seems more concrete than that of the DH3. It is something that is noticed in the mids, more focused in the Pro. While in the DH3, they have this tendency to expand and sound more ethereal. The timbre is different, it could be said that they are conditioned by their origin: the DH3 deliver more brightness and a greater sense of projection, but also less concretion. The Kanas have very compact mids, with a smaller projection, but with a better definition, a little more body and a less cold timbre. But the DH3 has a wonderful option, which allows you to tune the sound. If the basses are enhanced, the voices gain in warmth and body, and that's where the Kanas Pro can't compete against that versatility.

At the level of separation and scene, I place the DH3 above. There is a clear greater separation and a more expansive scene. I also distinguish more details and nuances in the DH3. But it's still a titan duel.



DB Monroe

One of the IEMS that have surprised me lately, have been the DB Monroe. They have a powerful lower part and some balance in the middle zone, although their profile is slightly U-shaped. The first thing to note is that the DH3 are much more sensitive and give a much higher volume, at the same level as the Monroe.

Starting from the lower zone, in the Monroe, its presence polarizes all the sound, since it revolves around the lows. They are full of energy and that's noticeable, it's a very big sound in this part, not suitable for all audiences. The DH3, with bass enhancement, do not get to have as much energy as the Monroe. Besides, their sub bass is not as deep. Although both have a similar color, the DH3 have greater speed and their hit is more contained and exerts less pressure on the ears. But, I insist, there are similarities in texture and timbre, despite the difference in energy delivered.

The middle zone is more different. Monroe don't have mids as close up as DH3 (no matter how the switches are). They stay behind the bass area of the DBs. While in DH3, they always glow. In this range there is a difference of timbre and color, especially in the voices. The Monroe have more warmth, smoothness, some darkness and the DH3 bring more light and clarity, you notice more resolution and definition. Although, comparatively speaking, there seems to be a certain hollowness in the voices of the DH3, because they have less body and warmth, but it is only their cooler tendency, finer, more defined and higher resolution. Absolutely, one notices the special treatment that the mids have in the DH3, where they are the axis of their sound.

In the upper zone, both begin with the same tendency, to decay at the beginning of the range. But, however, later on, the DH3 fill the treble extension more markedly, reaching more detail and a brighter complexion. The trebles in Monroe are finer and sharper. In the DH3 they have a greater projection, extending more, sounding with more width and harmonics. This makes them even have a little more softness, but actually gives the sound a greater amount of air, a virtue that the Monroe do not have.

If we talk about scene and separation, the DH3 are placed above. The amplitude of their sound is determined by greater separation, more air, a higher resolution level and more detailed definition. The expansion in the midzone, which the DH3 have, dwarfs the more focused scenario offered by the DB Monroe. Their greater forcefulness in the lower zone cages a sound, which could develop more; but not only they are guilty, but their upper zone also penalizes in this sense.

Finally, the possibilities of tuning that the DH3 possess, favor him in a direct confrontation, at sonorous level.

In terms of construction, both are very different. Monroe are metallic, heavier, but smaller. DH3s are printed with acrylic fiber, but they are bigger and thicker. This can penalize their adjustment. The quality of the cable is better than the one that comes with the Monroe. Both packages are very good, but, in the case of Monroe, it has a special and particular touch, which makes it very difficult to beat.



Conclusion

I have to say, BGVP ArtMagic DH3 has become another of my favorite IEMS. And it's not their lower zone that convinced me, without it being a reproach. It was their mids and the versatility of the switches to tune the sound to our liking. The great scene, the remarkable separation and the excellent location of every detail, are other great virtues of these DH3. But it doesn't end there, because to all that has been said, we must add the level of construction, the cable, the packaging, the accessories and the transport box.

The BGVP ArtMagic DH3 is a wise choice for those who cannot buy several IEMS with different profiles, because they are capable of transforming themselves from a balanced sound to a warmer one, but without losing the luminous soul that characterizes them.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Burson Audio Playmate.
• Tempotec Serenade iDSD
• ACMEE MF-01
• xDuoo X3II

Ratings

• Construction and Design: 92
• Adjustment/Ergonomics: 80
• Accessories: 91
• Bass: 85
• Mids: 92
• Treble: 85
• Separation: 91
• Soundstage: 91
• Quality/Price: 92

Purchase link

https://penonaudio.com/bgvp-artmagic-dh3.html

You can read the full review in Spanish here:

https://hiendportable.com/2019/10/06/bgvp-artmagic-dh3-review/