ECCI YST-03
- Added by Dsnuts
- Create date
It seems ECCI isn’t done building Hybrids! Right after the amazing YST-02 they introduced a successor..........the YST-03. Even though they look similar in faceplate and shell design, they couldn’t be more different. This idea for a new Hybrid came only 5 months after the YST-02, and on paper (at first glance) the only difference was an added driver. But closer examination shows the shell is actually very different as is the tune. The joining of a (new) 10mm liquid suspension dynamic really does most of the show, with 2 top (treble) BAs adding icing to the cake. Such a design of physical frequency devision is replicated in home bookshelf speakers. And while innovative and cool, this U shape tune is really not my cup of tea. With that said, I do enjoy it at lower volumes and with certain styles of music. As it turns out there is definitely a use for this style of arraignment, though if you were not trying to be the completest and wanted a well-rounder, this is not one of them. Its use comes from listening at low volume levels, the BA for treble and BA for midrange add energy, the single 10mm also kicks too , making such a listen a treat. Though the incidence of low volume listening is probably not often used, or even imagined to be a thing? Maybe it is? But reading or doing other such activities like painting or drawing, this style of replay at low levels is truly special. Reason being is many (other) transducers will fail at the top-end and lows, when turned down, where replay become flat and inconsequential. Where here a full-tonal replay takes place, providing the extra information due to the upper-midrange and lower treble lift. The bass comes along too, adding a nice support in tone.
Specifications:
Model: YST-03
Driver: 10mm liquid suspension dynamic + custom ultra-high dual balanced armature
Sensitivity: 102dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
Impedance: 25Ω±15%(@1kHz)
Distortion: <1%(@1kHz/1mW)
Frequency response: 5Hz-40kHz
Cable material: Litz single crystal copper silver-plated
Cable length: 1.25m
Plug: 3.5mm
Connector: 2 pin 0.78mm
ECCI past history:
The ECCI Storm-6 Amplifier $86.00
The ECCI Storm-B 3Pro Amplifier $267.00
The ECCI EC-1 Amplifier $115.00
The ECCI PR300 2 IEM $59.00
The ECCI PG200 $19.00
The ECCI PR100 MKII $22.00
The ECCI PR200 MKII $35.00
The ECCI YST-02 IEM $75.00
The advancement of the Hybrid:
(Borrowed from the TMSR Sands IEM review)
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tansio-mirai-sands.25799/reviews#review-28568
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/ultimate-ears-super-fi-5-eb-vs-ue-super-fi-5-pro.359811/
The name Hybrid really took hold in American culture when in 2005 the Toyota Hybrid automobile finally placed the term in the public psyche. The term being commonplace in such vehicles as submarines before that. The term “Hybrid” goes to describe any use of more than one driver methodology. So even a mixture of EST drivers, Balanced Armature Drivers and Dynamic Drivers are all still technically Hybrids. The term Tribrid was first used in story-books to describe the layered characteristics of fictional fantasy characters yet also is fully descriptive of such IEMs.
In 2008 the Ultimate Ears “Super.fi EB” was the first “Hybrid” also later around 2012 came the $1200 AKG 3003......matching 2 Balanced Armature drivers with a Dynamic Driver. They didn’t even know to call them Hybrids, though they were simply called 3-way monitors, or such, simply describing the number of drivers. The term Hybrid hadn’t been invented though the Hybrid IEM was. In those early times Unique Melody Merlin had a Hybrid as well. It wasn’t until 2014 when Sony dropped the XBA-Z5 that people started to really notice the idea. Around 2016 the Hybrid was in full-force. So if anything this review goes to show that Hybrid IEM philosophy is still in it’s infancy (and advancing) even though by nature we seem hyper-obsessed with new methods of IEM sound procurement. This release proves that manufacturing and design of the Hybrid IEM concept is still advancing.
YST-03 build quality:
Truly exceptionable in everyday. We are now offered a new type of plug receiver which has been somehow integrated into the total shell design. This one iconic feature gives our YST-03 a new style of "shoe" look. But not only in looks, this particular area serves to hold the receiver sockets for the two pin plugs, and you will notice that ECCI have gone over-the-top in robustness! The semi-custom form-factor does it's magic to insure correct placement into the outer ear, also adding great noise occlusion. The "gold" nozzles offer a clearly defined tip-holder style of design, working flawlessly. Such a no-nonsense screen becomes a joy to use. And finally, just like the YST-02, the YST-03 ends up super low weight, and truly the opposite of how heavy they look.
Listening to the YST-02:
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/ecci-yst-02.25759/reviews#review-28630
When the YST-02 arrived I was surprised to find out they had just produced a new model, the YST-03. After doing my review of the YST-02 I was truly floored as to the quality and dynamics this $75.00 IEM could provide. And while listening I noted that the single BA the YSY-02 uses adequate treble frequencies, yet they truly were not sparkly or pronounced in character. The YST-02 finally became one of my favorite new IEMs of 2022!
TheYST-02 was somehow complete and more than acceptable, it was great offering this character......whatever character it was? It was as if the treble improved the feeling and focus of the overall presentation. It turns out (in-the-end) the YST-02 competes with the $200 realm of IEMs providing such goods! So in learning of this new YST-03 adding a treble BA, I thought they are just going to add sparkle?
The YST-03:
Sound Generalizations:
When the volume turned-up:
There is a forwardness of upper midrange which gives the music a slightly sterile sound along with the lower treble which finishes this analytical and highly technical approach. While there may be treble heads which rejoice in this playback, it’s not well-rounded maybe not for everybody. Interesting too, the liquid suspension 10mm does have its moments adding a relatively fast bass when called on. Due to the lack of lower midrange that bass replay comes through clear and delineated.
Treble:
Slightly bright and works to add authority and vibrance to the upper registers. Such energies go to shoot out found treble-imaging and textures. Such adds were lacking from the YST-02, yet a treble ability arose organically, more natural and accessible. IMO There is a lot if information in the highs here, which goes to make the whole signature become blessed with detail........probably more detail than is commonly found at this single price-point?
Midrange:
A brighter upper midrange goes to overly show the contrast in lacking lower midrange. Truly there is an entire world of frequency change within the offered mid-bandwidth. While female vocals are given a boost into clarity, they also seem forced at times? The mid-midrange and lower midrange are subdued to the point of giving us a bay-window down into the sub-bass. It's actually exciting to experience the speed of such bass tones, being unhindered by surrounding frequencies. Ultimately carrying with them impact due to clarity and momentum.
Bass:
Amazingly the bass is good, especially at lower volumes you tend to note the transient attacks of the driver. Sub-bass has a special attraction, especially with the soundtracks I listen to. When well recorded sub-bass is included in the song-file, it’s there is the replay. This 10mm liquid suspension dynamic is fast and taut, not the most textured, probably above average in this price category.
The Litz single crystal copper silver-plated 2 pin cable:
The same cable was used with the YST-02, and while that specific cable was needed for how the YST-02 does playback, the YST-03 doesn’t need a silver/copper Hybrid cable. In my uses the best replay was using the thicker Walkman WM1Z DAP and Han Sound Audio Zen 4 wire OCC litz copper cable to add weight and warmth. Such included enhancements only added a slight warmth and smoothness, where the natural ability seemed to remain steadfast?
So really this style of cable ends truly a waste with a treble centric IEM as it goes ahead and further emphasis the qualities we don't want emphasized. Brighter treble, more boosted upper midrange. There is a chance the treble head will relish all that's included, as this hobby is as subjective as anything on earth.
The box opening experience:
Included is 4 sets of silicone ear-tips, the Litz single crystal copper silver-plated cable, one-of-a-kind woven carrying-case, instruction/warranty paperwork and the IEMs.
Music:
John Powell
Solo: A Star Wars Story OST
Train Heist
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Solo: A Star Wars Story as a movie it did good, but not great at the box-office. Still the soundtrack became a home-run for the franchise. Even though an original OST was released May 2018, a special remixed/remastered edition of the album came out in November of 2020. After preliminary test-demos were recorded by John Williams in Los Angeles, the real recording was done in England at Abby Road Studios. Such a piece of music makes a listen on headphones an event, with every orchestrated instrument recorded in perfect playback.
Folding in motifs from many prior Star Wars films, Powell utilized a 98 piece orchestra, then moving recording to Bulgaria finish using the 38 member woman’s choir. Such a composition remains one of the great modern day OST recordings, combining both world class talent and imaginative song writing.
Train Heist starts with a harp interweaving with the strings containing a warm emotion. At the 1 minute 44 second mark the action takes place. In surprising ways a rhythm and groove take precedence moving the whole experience forward. Around the 2 minute 50 second mark the rhythm stops only to be replaced with bombastic embellishments. While the YST-30 seems to have a grip on 100% of the whole experience. Especially offering the big attack and fall-off to the drums.
John Powell
Solo: A Star Wars Story OST
Marauders Arrive
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
A truly different sound as the 38 member woman’s choir adds an exotic element, such diversion can introduce a fresh sound (in addition) to the this complete and bewildering experience. Here we are still me with that pushed-up lower treble and upper-midrange, while not making the choir totally different from other IEM replay, it is noticeable. The interesting part is with the missing lower midrange, we are still in witness of an expanded soundstage. This woman’s choir is used almost as only an accent at times, yet so well placed and integral to the musics vibe and emotion. This is an action movie and the music helps provide the emotion of action!
John Powell
Solo: A Star Wars Story OST
Chicken in the Pot
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Going back and reintroducing the Huttese language from the original trilogy, we are met with knowing the phonetics and guessing it’s Huttese. Though I don’t remember it sounding so French? The charm of the YST-03 is presenting the outside strings so far out to the right and left. This midrange was made for light and airy strings.
John Powell
Solo: A Star Wars Story OST
Is This Seat Taken?
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Ahh, back to our regular programing, except for now a middle-eastern slant is parlayed. The instrumentation is truly bewildering, as they have thrown in everything including the kitchen sink here. Such tympani accents are given definition and speed with the YST-03!
Conclusion:
While maybe a novelty in replay, the entertainment factor starts to wear-off when you realize this occupies the definitive cool-neutral. While still a value for what is does do, I can’t help but see this as a Hybrid sounding like a Hybrid. The area between the DD midrange and where the dual treble BAs take over is noticeable. Normally I like such contrasts, but here along with the lack in lower midrange……..leaves me thinking they could have done better. It’s not bad, but not great either, hence the score. While the total separation of frequencies, making the U shape repose does give room for a fast and detailed filagrees to take place, it’s the upper midrange persuasion that ruins it, as maybe the upper midrange didn’t want or ask for such prominence? This is a replay that may appeal to the treble-heads out there, but exists (only) as an interesting novelty for yours truly. Though such uniqueness does have tremendous value in low listening levels, where such details are still vibrant and noticeable. I can’t help but think such inventions are a stepping stone to greatness. The YST-02 is/was truly great due to nailing the fundamentals of IEM replay, if only they could have made subtle changes to the YST-03 to arrive at the same special qualities. I can foresee a time very soon when they will combine the naturalness of the YST-02 with the airy-coolness of the YST-03 to give us really something to shout about.
Get them here for $105.00
https://penonaudio.com/ecci-yst-03.html
Disclaimer:
I really want to thank Penon Audio for the chance to experience the YST-30.
Disclaimer:
These thoughts and ideas are of one individual, your results may vary.
Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
UA3 Dongle 4.4mm
ECCI YST-03
ECCI earphones have made a splash in the audio scene with two earphones, their prior YST-02 was a surprise to me and the folks that have heard them. ECCI folks' more recent designs are hybrids but make full use of a 10mm single dynamic doing most of the sound work in their designs also incorporating a treble BA for its upper treble detail. The new 03 version now incorporates two BAs for its upper treble presentation using a dual frequency dual crossover division method to bring about the sound of the YST-03.
Much like its prior design the BAs being used are much like tweeters in a speaker design and maybe this is ECCIs reasoning for utilizing the bulk of the sound to be from the dynamic driver. From how I understand it, the YST-03 incorporates a 10mm liquid suspension dynamic doing the bulk of the sound from sub bass to treble. Then the BAs take over from there to give the final upper portion of the treble some added transient ability, shimmer, air, sparkle and extension for the YST-03. Much like how ESTs are used for upper trebles on higher end tribrids. Their prior design was all about the mids and bass with the treble aspect of its tuning to play more of a supporting role for its sound. The YST-03 in upping the driver count to two BAs with its new tuning angle, has much more treble especially upper trebles in store this time around. How does that affect the sound balancing and tonal qualities for the YST-03? Let's find out.
Disclaimers.
The YST-03 was provided by Penon audio for the purpose of a review. These are my thoughts about the YST-03 after a week's worth of burn-in. You can find out more about them on the Penon sales pages here. They are now ready for evaluation using my IBasso DX300Max, Fiio M15, Shanling M6 pro, IBasso DX160, Fiio K3 2021, IFI Gryphon, IFI Signature for amping.
What you get.
Their YST series of hybrids seem to use a gold color trim inlay with a blue colored abalone shell on a shiny onyx black plastic housing. While the color scheme and aesthetic design of the earphones looks similar to the YST-02. The shells are actually different in shape. More like a shoe shape vs the traditional conch shell shape of its predecessor the YST-02. The use of brighter blue abalone shells with gold trim makes the YST earphones more premium looking than pictures would indicate. You get in the box a nice hand stitched Chinese motif pouch. A single set of silicone tips and a 4 cored silver plated 5N single crystal copper cable in single 3.5mm termination.
I hope ECCI will add more tips to their packaging in the future. Having a decent set of tips should not cost much to the overall scheme of things but it is one aspect I always appreciate when manufacturers care enough to throw in a good variety. And variety is not what you get with the YST-03. The cable is a good included cable which matches extremely well with their prior YST-02. Not as much with the YST-03. I will get into that more so in the review.
The newer YST-03 is using one more BA for its treble focus and a different tuning altogether. While the older YST-02 was more of a mid centric balanced musical tuning, the newer YST-03 is more of a U shaped analytical signature. YST-03 is clearly more technical in approach due to having much more treble influence for its base sound signature. True to a more analytical approach, the YST-03 has an ample 12dbs of upper mids presentation. Then the lower treble has a bit more emphasis on top of that. This brings about a brighter, cleaner, somewhat clinical sound presentation vs their prior YST-02. It is the upper mids and its lower treble area that has an influence in the overall tuning, providing the overall tonal and technical character of the YST-03 being on the brighter cooler slightly edgy side of neutrality and lacking some of the natural warmth of the YST-02.
Trebles
Trebles presents with ample lower treble emphasis and then a mid treble spike at 10khz region. The treble here works well with the dynamic of the YST-03 but I can’t say the cohesion here is fluid. The trebles are clearly accented and featured for its sound presentation. Main treble focus however is in its lower trebles region which is about equal to the spiky 10Khz area. Sparkly treble is always a plus for IEM presentations but the treble here goes a bit above what I consider a good sparkly treble. Trebles can get splashy for just about anything that touches that region for trebles. The benefit of this ample treble presentation is that the trebles are airy, extended and overall is very detailed if not a bit forced for its treble presentation. Its extension is very good and covers a broad treble range. And this is the reason why I don’t like the cable match up with the YST-03. It is a nicely resolving silver plated thinner cable which enhances the upper regions of the YST-03, which it does not need at all. The YST-03 needs a pure copper based cable to balance out the treble emphasis and add a bit more body to the lower mids focus.
Treble heads will be happy with how much treble the YST-03 has. This ample upper mid and its treble emphasis clearly take precedence for female vocals and upper region instruments like strings, horns, percussion.. The mids as a result comes a bit uneven and lacks body to its lower mids presentation.
Mids
The bulk of the YST-03 sound actually comes from the dynamic it is using and I can tell the resolution from this newer driver is greater than what came with the prior YST-02. A nicer, more resolving dynamic is one aspect that I appreciate but then when you include as much upper mids and treble, you get a brighter tonal character for music that requires a bit of warmth to be more natural sounding. Adding a warmer source and a warmer copper based cable does a great job to get the tonal character to be more in line with what I consider more natural for its tone.
The mids presentation is clean, clear and has just enough body for the mids to be represented well enough in the balancing but again is not the focus of the sound this time. For the added sake of a wider stage presentation the lower mids take a step back in the mix in comparison to the upper mids which clearly has more precedence vs the lower mids. Male vocals and instruments requiring a fuller note weight sounds a bit thin lacking some weight and fullness. Overall tonal character is clean due to the ample upper mids and lower treble. Its mids are layered well enough but could use some better balancing here for a fuller note weight and body that YST-03 lacks in. I do notice amplification helps add some note weight to the dynamic which helps bring a better more balanced response to its sound profile.
Bass
Bass of the YST-03 is more sub bass biased with adequate mid bass presence. The bass emphasis for the YST-03 is similar in execution to the YST-02 with good solid footing for the low end of the YST-03 sound. The bass end has moderate emphasis and does all the aspects of a good bass presentation fine albeit a bit unremarkable. To give credit to the ECCI team, sometimes I forget the YST-03 is at the $100 price point. In that regard the bass here and the overall sound is actually a solid outing for the group albeit not exactly my favorite type of sound signature.
The bass end is neither fantastically detailed nor does it show any real weakness at the same time. For the given price its bass ability shows no roll off and has just the right amount of emphasis to make the YST-03 not sound overly analytical. The bass end counters the ample lower treble emphasis with just enough quantity to balance out the tonality of the presentation. Bass is always the counter to analytical and is something you can add to a detailed presentation without too much in the way of taking away from what the sound is doing.
Bass impact is sufficient with a moderate speed in its presentation. Bass texture and sub bass could be tighter but it certainly represents a deep reaching bass ability and throws in just enough presence with a realistic bass decay to complete the sound presentation of the YST-03.
Overall
The YST-03 is yet another solid outing for ECCI. If I was a guessing man, we are not done seeing hybrids from the group. The YST-03 is throwing out a sound signature that is more dedicated for much higher end IEMs but at the $100 price point. For the most part I feel it succeeds but the tuning is definitely skewed a bit toward the trebles. This is both good and bad. It leans the sound to be on the cooler side of neutrality and trebles does not have the most refined presentation and sounds a touch forced vs actually having a solid tuning in the trebles.
The benefit of having the treble emphasis that is on the YST-03 is that it presents with an airy, sparkly highly detailed treble presentation that is not too common in the price range. Dedicating two treble BAs for the region will do that. However its presentation is not exactly perfect or with the best cohesion. Trebles come brighter than the mids here which clearly shows contrasting sound characteristics for both types of drivers. Its mids presents with a laid back presentation that is a bit of a hit and a miss both at once. Lower mids could use more presence vs the upper mids which has a bit much in the balancing. If ECCI took 2dbs of the upper mids and used that on the lower mids, the sound would have had better balancing as a results but hey I am not ECCI. Some folks who like analytical signatures will dig this one. Again there are not too many in this price range that provides the details of the YST-03 at its price range. This alone is intriguing but again you have to be into your analytical signatures.
Your best tips and thicker copper cables apply to this one for a better tonal, smoother listening experience. Its stock cable accentuates details which is not what the YST-03 needs. The bass end throws just enough presence and ability to complete a detailed tuning with some solid bass involved. Its technicalities are overall good but not outstanding at the price point. Timbre is a bit edgy sounding especially for the upper mids area and lacks a bit of naturalness. Due to ample treble presence its details are its strength with good imaging and sound separation. Tonality is skewed a bit toward the treble aspect of its balancing yet can clearly hit the low notes as intended with zero roll off. The YST-03 makes for an energetic detailed listen but comes at a time where competition at the $100 level sees planars and dynamics that use premium drivers. It's got enough going for it to stand on its own especially for folks that appreciate some full trebles in their IEM presentations. Otherwise, folks that are looking for a better-balanced presentation would do better with the YST-02. Thanks for taking the time to read. Happy listening always.
ECCI earphones have made a splash in the audio scene with two earphones, their prior YST-02 was a surprise to me and the folks that have heard them. ECCI folks' more recent designs are hybrids but make full use of a 10mm single dynamic doing most of the sound work in their designs also incorporating a treble BA for its upper treble detail. The new 03 version now incorporates two BAs for its upper treble presentation using a dual frequency dual crossover division method to bring about the sound of the YST-03.
Much like its prior design the BAs being used are much like tweeters in a speaker design and maybe this is ECCIs reasoning for utilizing the bulk of the sound to be from the dynamic driver. From how I understand it, the YST-03 incorporates a 10mm liquid suspension dynamic doing the bulk of the sound from sub bass to treble. Then the BAs take over from there to give the final upper portion of the treble some added transient ability, shimmer, air, sparkle and extension for the YST-03. Much like how ESTs are used for upper trebles on higher end tribrids. Their prior design was all about the mids and bass with the treble aspect of its tuning to play more of a supporting role for its sound. The YST-03 in upping the driver count to two BAs with its new tuning angle, has much more treble especially upper trebles in store this time around. How does that affect the sound balancing and tonal qualities for the YST-03? Let's find out.
Disclaimers.
The YST-03 was provided by Penon audio for the purpose of a review. These are my thoughts about the YST-03 after a week's worth of burn-in. You can find out more about them on the Penon sales pages here. They are now ready for evaluation using my IBasso DX300Max, Fiio M15, Shanling M6 pro, IBasso DX160, Fiio K3 2021, IFI Gryphon, IFI Signature for amping.
What you get.
Their YST series of hybrids seem to use a gold color trim inlay with a blue colored abalone shell on a shiny onyx black plastic housing. While the color scheme and aesthetic design of the earphones looks similar to the YST-02. The shells are actually different in shape. More like a shoe shape vs the traditional conch shell shape of its predecessor the YST-02. The use of brighter blue abalone shells with gold trim makes the YST earphones more premium looking than pictures would indicate. You get in the box a nice hand stitched Chinese motif pouch. A single set of silicone tips and a 4 cored silver plated 5N single crystal copper cable in single 3.5mm termination.
I hope ECCI will add more tips to their packaging in the future. Having a decent set of tips should not cost much to the overall scheme of things but it is one aspect I always appreciate when manufacturers care enough to throw in a good variety. And variety is not what you get with the YST-03. The cable is a good included cable which matches extremely well with their prior YST-02. Not as much with the YST-03. I will get into that more so in the review.
The newer YST-03 is using one more BA for its treble focus and a different tuning altogether. While the older YST-02 was more of a mid centric balanced musical tuning, the newer YST-03 is more of a U shaped analytical signature. YST-03 is clearly more technical in approach due to having much more treble influence for its base sound signature. True to a more analytical approach, the YST-03 has an ample 12dbs of upper mids presentation. Then the lower treble has a bit more emphasis on top of that. This brings about a brighter, cleaner, somewhat clinical sound presentation vs their prior YST-02. It is the upper mids and its lower treble area that has an influence in the overall tuning, providing the overall tonal and technical character of the YST-03 being on the brighter cooler slightly edgy side of neutrality and lacking some of the natural warmth of the YST-02.
Trebles
Trebles presents with ample lower treble emphasis and then a mid treble spike at 10khz region. The treble here works well with the dynamic of the YST-03 but I can’t say the cohesion here is fluid. The trebles are clearly accented and featured for its sound presentation. Main treble focus however is in its lower trebles region which is about equal to the spiky 10Khz area. Sparkly treble is always a plus for IEM presentations but the treble here goes a bit above what I consider a good sparkly treble. Trebles can get splashy for just about anything that touches that region for trebles. The benefit of this ample treble presentation is that the trebles are airy, extended and overall is very detailed if not a bit forced for its treble presentation. Its extension is very good and covers a broad treble range. And this is the reason why I don’t like the cable match up with the YST-03. It is a nicely resolving silver plated thinner cable which enhances the upper regions of the YST-03, which it does not need at all. The YST-03 needs a pure copper based cable to balance out the treble emphasis and add a bit more body to the lower mids focus.
Treble heads will be happy with how much treble the YST-03 has. This ample upper mid and its treble emphasis clearly take precedence for female vocals and upper region instruments like strings, horns, percussion.. The mids as a result comes a bit uneven and lacks body to its lower mids presentation.
Mids
The bulk of the YST-03 sound actually comes from the dynamic it is using and I can tell the resolution from this newer driver is greater than what came with the prior YST-02. A nicer, more resolving dynamic is one aspect that I appreciate but then when you include as much upper mids and treble, you get a brighter tonal character for music that requires a bit of warmth to be more natural sounding. Adding a warmer source and a warmer copper based cable does a great job to get the tonal character to be more in line with what I consider more natural for its tone.
The mids presentation is clean, clear and has just enough body for the mids to be represented well enough in the balancing but again is not the focus of the sound this time. For the added sake of a wider stage presentation the lower mids take a step back in the mix in comparison to the upper mids which clearly has more precedence vs the lower mids. Male vocals and instruments requiring a fuller note weight sounds a bit thin lacking some weight and fullness. Overall tonal character is clean due to the ample upper mids and lower treble. Its mids are layered well enough but could use some better balancing here for a fuller note weight and body that YST-03 lacks in. I do notice amplification helps add some note weight to the dynamic which helps bring a better more balanced response to its sound profile.
Bass
Bass of the YST-03 is more sub bass biased with adequate mid bass presence. The bass emphasis for the YST-03 is similar in execution to the YST-02 with good solid footing for the low end of the YST-03 sound. The bass end has moderate emphasis and does all the aspects of a good bass presentation fine albeit a bit unremarkable. To give credit to the ECCI team, sometimes I forget the YST-03 is at the $100 price point. In that regard the bass here and the overall sound is actually a solid outing for the group albeit not exactly my favorite type of sound signature.
The bass end is neither fantastically detailed nor does it show any real weakness at the same time. For the given price its bass ability shows no roll off and has just the right amount of emphasis to make the YST-03 not sound overly analytical. The bass end counters the ample lower treble emphasis with just enough quantity to balance out the tonality of the presentation. Bass is always the counter to analytical and is something you can add to a detailed presentation without too much in the way of taking away from what the sound is doing.
Bass impact is sufficient with a moderate speed in its presentation. Bass texture and sub bass could be tighter but it certainly represents a deep reaching bass ability and throws in just enough presence with a realistic bass decay to complete the sound presentation of the YST-03.
Overall
The YST-03 is yet another solid outing for ECCI. If I was a guessing man, we are not done seeing hybrids from the group. The YST-03 is throwing out a sound signature that is more dedicated for much higher end IEMs but at the $100 price point. For the most part I feel it succeeds but the tuning is definitely skewed a bit toward the trebles. This is both good and bad. It leans the sound to be on the cooler side of neutrality and trebles does not have the most refined presentation and sounds a touch forced vs actually having a solid tuning in the trebles.
The benefit of having the treble emphasis that is on the YST-03 is that it presents with an airy, sparkly highly detailed treble presentation that is not too common in the price range. Dedicating two treble BAs for the region will do that. However its presentation is not exactly perfect or with the best cohesion. Trebles come brighter than the mids here which clearly shows contrasting sound characteristics for both types of drivers. Its mids presents with a laid back presentation that is a bit of a hit and a miss both at once. Lower mids could use more presence vs the upper mids which has a bit much in the balancing. If ECCI took 2dbs of the upper mids and used that on the lower mids, the sound would have had better balancing as a results but hey I am not ECCI. Some folks who like analytical signatures will dig this one. Again there are not too many in this price range that provides the details of the YST-03 at its price range. This alone is intriguing but again you have to be into your analytical signatures.
Your best tips and thicker copper cables apply to this one for a better tonal, smoother listening experience. Its stock cable accentuates details which is not what the YST-03 needs. The bass end throws just enough presence and ability to complete a detailed tuning with some solid bass involved. Its technicalities are overall good but not outstanding at the price point. Timbre is a bit edgy sounding especially for the upper mids area and lacks a bit of naturalness. Due to ample treble presence its details are its strength with good imaging and sound separation. Tonality is skewed a bit toward the treble aspect of its balancing yet can clearly hit the low notes as intended with zero roll off. The YST-03 makes for an energetic detailed listen but comes at a time where competition at the $100 level sees planars and dynamics that use premium drivers. It's got enough going for it to stand on its own especially for folks that appreciate some full trebles in their IEM presentations. Otherwise, folks that are looking for a better-balanced presentation would do better with the YST-02. Thanks for taking the time to read. Happy listening always.
