Specifications
Price: $110. Available at Penon Audio and the Aliexpress/Ebay stores.
The K3 HD arrives inside a standard sturdy black cardboard box with an extra outer paper box with all the technical specifications and description of the earphone. It’s a hassle free unboxing, nothing too fancy but not cheap looking. The box itself is about average size, if maybe a bit larger than needed for the included contents.
Inside you’ll find the 2 earpieces nicely arranged at the top without any of the cables attached, which is a bit unusual though some can find it as a nice touch. There is the medium size set of eartips already attached to the nozzles and in my case the black nozzle was the one installed. Below are the 3 pairs of foam tips in the usual 3 sizes and an extra pair of small size silicone tips; for whatever reason the company decided to skip the large size silicone pair. While the silicone tips are of decent quality with a large bore and core to fit easily to the K3 HD nozzles, the foam tips do not give the same quality feel, but more importantly, they are very hard to install due their very narrow and tight core.
At the lower part of the box there is a small zippered carry case with a leather look texture. It is not too large to fit a good DAP inside but roomy enough to carry the IEM without any issue. Inside the case there is an extra set of nozzle filters (silver color here), and the 2 cables.
One cable is OFC copper, made in a 4-wire setup, very soft and easy to wrap. It is ended in an L-shape 3.5mm TRS plug, has a proper y-split and cable slider and at the top has well relived MMCX plugs.
The other cable, probably meant to work as an ‘upgrade’ cable, is made of silver-plated copper wire. The plug is also 3.5mm standard but with a straight plug, and while also a twisted cable it has an outside coating that while makes it more sturdy it also has a more springy and noisy effect and unlike the first cable this one is missing a cable slider. The MMCX connectors are identical to the OFC cable, and both have a solid grip to the IEM socket. Also, both cables have a fixed molded earguides installed; personally, I think the guides would be necessary only for the silver-plated cable due to its stiffer quality but for the OFC it’s not needed at all. (There are some slight sonic differences between the cables that will covered in the sound section.)
Design and build quality
The design of the K3 HD takes a very friendly oval shape form, made of aluminum material that at first glance and even after some regular use looks quite solid. It is made of two earpieces that are well assembled without any glue residue to be spotted. The finish is very smooth with zero sharp edge and completely symmetric in its rounded shape. The HD model now is available in 3 color options, orange, blue and gray, with a shiny matte surface that looks both cool and elegant to the eye.
The earpieces are very light and with the low profile shape and angled nozzle they can sit very comfortable on the outer ear. The nozzle is a bit wider than average, and after removing the filter you can see the BA unit close to the tip of the nozzle. This may prevent a deeper fit and with the addition of the small vents on the outside part of the shell, the isolation level is a just bit above of average.
The IEM utilizes standard MMCX sockets, though the connection with any of the included cables is quite solid without rotating too freely. As usual, proper care should be taken when removing or attaching the cables, and if not needed it is still recommended to keep the cable attached.
Sound Impressions
Before describing the sound itself, there are some notes worth mentioning regarding the nozzle filters and also on the 2 cables. While differences are not day and night when alternating between the ‘cable & filter’ setup, they are still noticeable enough to take in count. If the 2 cables differ in their inner wiring and outer design, the nozzle filters are identical with just an added thin mesh layer beneath the metal shrill. The result, as expected, is a less bright, warmer and more laid-back presentation, with a little extra punch towards the lower frequencies. Technically neither of them is better over the other, and probably will depend on a personal listener preference or source synergy. As for the cables, the silver-plated does help in giving a very slightly more effortless sound, and a tiny bit of better layering, resolution and control. With more budget DAPs I’d prefer the OFC cable, for the simple reason that the more effortless effect on the silver-plated cable tends to bring a more v-shaped sound with more mid-bass presence and sizzling treble. On the other hand, the silver cable works better with a more dedicated source that can take advantage of the tighter presentation and airier sound overall. As for the filters, I didn’t have any preference on one set, but only opted the black (no-mesh) ones for darker or bassier tracks.
Overall the Magaosi K3 HD offers a V-shaped sound with a bit warm and darker tonality with extra emphasis on the bass region, slightly distant midrange with a full texture and good clarity for vocals and pleasant treble quantity that prevents it from sounding dull or off.
The bass is very present, with a dominant mid-bass response which is thick but not overwhelming or muddy for its single dynamic driver. It is still quite powerful if called for, with good control and decent speed that manages to avoid a driver incoherence with its BA side. Layering is well achieved, though separation is not best in class, when compared with something like the Pinnacle P2 which is faster and technically stronger. However, the K3 HD is smoother and more musical and fun with nice sub-bass rumble if just limited a little in extension.
The AAW Nebula One has more sub-bass reach, but overall it is more powerful and less controlled next to the K3 HD. The new Vsonic VSD5s has a similar balance through its bass response, but smaller in overall quantity and more limited in reach.
The midrange may not be the heart of the K3 HD sound, though it’s well done within a slight v-shaped type of sound. For whatever reason Magaosi decided to leave the dual BA driver and put a single BA unit instead for its 'HD’ model, the combination of both drivers’ type is nicely tuned on this model. You get a mix of warmth from the upper-bass that the dynamic driver carries and good resolution and accuracy of a typical single BA driver at this price. Focus towards instruments is not too much with the more laid-back nature of the K3 HD tuning, sounding somehow dry or soft and not as lively as I could like. However, the voices are nicely positioned and manage to sound sweet enough, if still distant on the whole. The upper mids are slightly more elevated but there’s no peaky region, keeping sibilance checked, with a mellow presentation that can be listened for long time. The well-known Vsonic GR07 (even the Bass Ed.) is still leaner in the midrange next to the K3 HD, and while has a more air on it and better positioning and balance it is less forgiving on lower quality files, and has that common upper mid/low treble emphasis resulting in more sibilance.
The treble goes from very neutral, laid-back and smooth with the silver filters, to slightly bright with the black ones, providing a bit of more v-shaped sound, but still not at the same quantity level of the bass response. The sliver filters act also as a damper that cuts any potential harshness, though the single BA driver inside is not really bright per-se. With the black filters there is more clarity and obvious micro-detailing, if just a bit of grain at the lower treble. The K3 HD does not have a ‘hot’ treble, and has a nice natural timbre (at least for a hybrid setup), and is also more forgiving with the record quality.
Stage is not too large, though still good and the K3 HD doesn’t try to sound too unnatural despite the kind of v-shaped signature where you may expect a wider and more surrounding effect. The image is not the most coherent putting the voices a bit more forward over the of the acoustic and string instruments, but still gives an enjoyable effect for a less critical/more casual listening on the go.
- Drivers: 1 Dynamic & 1 Balanced armature
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Frequency: 20 Hz ~ 22 kHz
- Sensitivity: 99 dB
- Cable: 1.2m, MMCX connectors
- Plug: 3.5 mm
Price: $110. Available at Penon Audio and the Aliexpress/Ebay stores.
The K3 HD arrives inside a standard sturdy black cardboard box with an extra outer paper box with all the technical specifications and description of the earphone. It’s a hassle free unboxing, nothing too fancy but not cheap looking. The box itself is about average size, if maybe a bit larger than needed for the included contents.
Inside you’ll find the 2 earpieces nicely arranged at the top without any of the cables attached, which is a bit unusual though some can find it as a nice touch. There is the medium size set of eartips already attached to the nozzles and in my case the black nozzle was the one installed. Below are the 3 pairs of foam tips in the usual 3 sizes and an extra pair of small size silicone tips; for whatever reason the company decided to skip the large size silicone pair. While the silicone tips are of decent quality with a large bore and core to fit easily to the K3 HD nozzles, the foam tips do not give the same quality feel, but more importantly, they are very hard to install due their very narrow and tight core.
At the lower part of the box there is a small zippered carry case with a leather look texture. It is not too large to fit a good DAP inside but roomy enough to carry the IEM without any issue. Inside the case there is an extra set of nozzle filters (silver color here), and the 2 cables.
One cable is OFC copper, made in a 4-wire setup, very soft and easy to wrap. It is ended in an L-shape 3.5mm TRS plug, has a proper y-split and cable slider and at the top has well relived MMCX plugs.
The other cable, probably meant to work as an ‘upgrade’ cable, is made of silver-plated copper wire. The plug is also 3.5mm standard but with a straight plug, and while also a twisted cable it has an outside coating that while makes it more sturdy it also has a more springy and noisy effect and unlike the first cable this one is missing a cable slider. The MMCX connectors are identical to the OFC cable, and both have a solid grip to the IEM socket. Also, both cables have a fixed molded earguides installed; personally, I think the guides would be necessary only for the silver-plated cable due to its stiffer quality but for the OFC it’s not needed at all. (There are some slight sonic differences between the cables that will covered in the sound section.)
Design and build quality
The design of the K3 HD takes a very friendly oval shape form, made of aluminum material that at first glance and even after some regular use looks quite solid. It is made of two earpieces that are well assembled without any glue residue to be spotted. The finish is very smooth with zero sharp edge and completely symmetric in its rounded shape. The HD model now is available in 3 color options, orange, blue and gray, with a shiny matte surface that looks both cool and elegant to the eye.
The earpieces are very light and with the low profile shape and angled nozzle they can sit very comfortable on the outer ear. The nozzle is a bit wider than average, and after removing the filter you can see the BA unit close to the tip of the nozzle. This may prevent a deeper fit and with the addition of the small vents on the outside part of the shell, the isolation level is a just bit above of average.
The IEM utilizes standard MMCX sockets, though the connection with any of the included cables is quite solid without rotating too freely. As usual, proper care should be taken when removing or attaching the cables, and if not needed it is still recommended to keep the cable attached.
Sound Impressions
Before describing the sound itself, there are some notes worth mentioning regarding the nozzle filters and also on the 2 cables. While differences are not day and night when alternating between the ‘cable & filter’ setup, they are still noticeable enough to take in count. If the 2 cables differ in their inner wiring and outer design, the nozzle filters are identical with just an added thin mesh layer beneath the metal shrill. The result, as expected, is a less bright, warmer and more laid-back presentation, with a little extra punch towards the lower frequencies. Technically neither of them is better over the other, and probably will depend on a personal listener preference or source synergy. As for the cables, the silver-plated does help in giving a very slightly more effortless sound, and a tiny bit of better layering, resolution and control. With more budget DAPs I’d prefer the OFC cable, for the simple reason that the more effortless effect on the silver-plated cable tends to bring a more v-shaped sound with more mid-bass presence and sizzling treble. On the other hand, the silver cable works better with a more dedicated source that can take advantage of the tighter presentation and airier sound overall. As for the filters, I didn’t have any preference on one set, but only opted the black (no-mesh) ones for darker or bassier tracks.
Overall the Magaosi K3 HD offers a V-shaped sound with a bit warm and darker tonality with extra emphasis on the bass region, slightly distant midrange with a full texture and good clarity for vocals and pleasant treble quantity that prevents it from sounding dull or off.
The bass is very present, with a dominant mid-bass response which is thick but not overwhelming or muddy for its single dynamic driver. It is still quite powerful if called for, with good control and decent speed that manages to avoid a driver incoherence with its BA side. Layering is well achieved, though separation is not best in class, when compared with something like the Pinnacle P2 which is faster and technically stronger. However, the K3 HD is smoother and more musical and fun with nice sub-bass rumble if just limited a little in extension.
The AAW Nebula One has more sub-bass reach, but overall it is more powerful and less controlled next to the K3 HD. The new Vsonic VSD5s has a similar balance through its bass response, but smaller in overall quantity and more limited in reach.
The midrange may not be the heart of the K3 HD sound, though it’s well done within a slight v-shaped type of sound. For whatever reason Magaosi decided to leave the dual BA driver and put a single BA unit instead for its 'HD’ model, the combination of both drivers’ type is nicely tuned on this model. You get a mix of warmth from the upper-bass that the dynamic driver carries and good resolution and accuracy of a typical single BA driver at this price. Focus towards instruments is not too much with the more laid-back nature of the K3 HD tuning, sounding somehow dry or soft and not as lively as I could like. However, the voices are nicely positioned and manage to sound sweet enough, if still distant on the whole. The upper mids are slightly more elevated but there’s no peaky region, keeping sibilance checked, with a mellow presentation that can be listened for long time. The well-known Vsonic GR07 (even the Bass Ed.) is still leaner in the midrange next to the K3 HD, and while has a more air on it and better positioning and balance it is less forgiving on lower quality files, and has that common upper mid/low treble emphasis resulting in more sibilance.
The treble goes from very neutral, laid-back and smooth with the silver filters, to slightly bright with the black ones, providing a bit of more v-shaped sound, but still not at the same quantity level of the bass response. The sliver filters act also as a damper that cuts any potential harshness, though the single BA driver inside is not really bright per-se. With the black filters there is more clarity and obvious micro-detailing, if just a bit of grain at the lower treble. The K3 HD does not have a ‘hot’ treble, and has a nice natural timbre (at least for a hybrid setup), and is also more forgiving with the record quality.
Stage is not too large, though still good and the K3 HD doesn’t try to sound too unnatural despite the kind of v-shaped signature where you may expect a wider and more surrounding effect. The image is not the most coherent putting the voices a bit more forward over the of the acoustic and string instruments, but still gives an enjoyable effect for a less critical/more casual listening on the go.