PENON FAN 3

Redcarmoose

Headphoneus Supremus
Pros: Great Bone Conduction implementation that can be switched on or off
Superior fitment
Two styles of replay with the flick of a switch
2X 6.3mm isobaric bio-diaphragm dynamics
1 x Knowles BA for high-frequency
1 x Sonion BA for mid-frequency
1 x 10mm coil-type full-frequency bone conduction driver
A big immersive stage experience, that becomes activated by the BCD into (even more) warm spacious tonality
Unique character yet still totally natural
Sub-bass authority aplenty
Laid-back all day listening
Goes with every music genre and every DAP
Click-on BCD lushness and physicality
Universal ear-shape database design
Great at any volume
Good from a phone, but scales to a special place with TOTL gear
Change out your included Penon OS133 cable (with a Fan 3 purchase) to the Penon SPACE cable for just $50.00 more!
Cons: None
Emphasized treble detail buffs need not apply
DSC_1027.jpegx2x.jpeg

Penon Audio Fan 3 IEM
Redcarmoose Jan 13, 2024

Penon:
The Penon web site showcases not only different products you can’t almost buy anywhere else, but since 2013 has ended in being a huge part of many a listener's audiophile life. Offering a multitude of cables and IEMs (and more) as well as products by such bands as TSMR, ISN, Dunu and Fidue. Spectacular customer service means Penon Audio is that family store down the street that always gets back to you if you have a question, and always becomes supportive of your next new audiophile adventure. Penon Audio is simply friendly!

Interestingly enough this is my third Fan review. Yep, there are 3 Fans so far, Duh. The first Fan was a $139.00 10mm full range Dynamic Driver with a powerful V response. Next to show-up was the Fan 2, a $279.00 2X 6mm Dynamic Driver (the first 2X DD for Penon) with (same as now) a Sonion BA for mids and a single Knowles BA for highs. So Penon in their creativity has learned from the Fan 2 to adjust the form factor of the Fan 3 to a shorter more comfortable nozzle. Also with many getting 2 sound signatures with the Fan 2 due to 2 insertion depth nozzle locations. Penon has now coincedentaly added 2 very different tonal choices via a DIP-Switch on the side of the Fan 3........activating the Bone Conduction System…..or deactivating it!


The thing is the Fan 2 was loved by many and maybe slightly misunderstood by some, probably due to the neutrality and reserved bass. In many ways the Fan 2 beat-out the older Penon Serial IEM to become the quintessential ultimate Penon neutral.

Penon Midrange:
Though the one guaranteed Penon additive was the Fan 2 sumptuous midrange. So………..to make improvements here, Penon 1st added a Fan 3 single coil Bone Conduction System. The magic trick is that while BCD is activated the stage is noticeably bigger, and the imaging focus smooths out a little. When the BCD is turned off the IEM actually gets more power to Fan 3 remaining drivers, so they come alive, showcasing more contrasts, though from a smaller stage.


Yep, that is how I perceive this to work. Where the Fan 2 has 2X 6mm isobaric bass, the Fan 3 has 2X 6.3mm isobaric bio-diaphragm dynamics for the lows. Except the 10mm BCD System is full range, which means you get an added physicality to the imaging, only that imaging (I’m guessing) due to more drivers pulling juice (combined with the BCD System) is slightly spread-out and spacial in comparison to having the Bone Conduction turned off.

Specification
Model: Fan 3
Driver: 2DD+2BA+1BCD
Driver configuration:
1 x Knowles BA for high-frequency
1 x Sonion BA for mid-frequency
1 x 10mm coil-type full-frequency bone conduction driver
2 x 6.2mm bio-diaphragm dynamic low frequency
Sensitivity: 109dB
Frequency response: 10 Hz-40 KHz
Impedance: 12.5Ω
Connector: 2pin 0.78mm
Plug: gold-plated plug
Length: 1.2M

DSC_1030.jpegone.jpeg

DSC_0054.jpegqwertyuiop.jpeg

The Penon Fan 2:
Near the end of 2022 Penon released the Fan 2, and while widely enjoyed the sound may have been tuned a little too neutral for some, plus the nozzle length ended longer than Penon had ever produced. I believe personally that Penon understands that the departure placement of the exit nozzle depth produces a change. Meaning shorter deposited frequency exits sound one way to the listener and deep penetrating ear-canal dispersion sound a different way. In fact I found with a size smaller ear-tip the nozzle went way deeper, then with my regular ear-tip the nozzle was of medium long depth. As such ear-canals are personal, and the Fan 2 didn’t fit every listener exactly the same way. Though I learned to be able to get 2 different sonic personalities from the Fan 2, due to fitment. The Fan 3 fits more conventional, and offers a DIP-Switch to get those two different sounds.

DSC_0058.jpegqwrewtre.jpeg

Fan 2 above

Cable tests:
All tests today with the PAC LStips and Sony WM1A DAP. Retail package photograph showing the Penon SPACE cable as a $50.00 cable upgrade on the bottom, and regularly included Penon OS133 cable top.
DSC_1013.jpegs.jpeg

DSC_0045.jpegdf_.jpeg

Modular Cable:
I forgot to show the 3.5mm SPACE cable modular end and the 2.5mm modular end in the photograph. Shown is your choice of the included Penon OS133 cable. Such a cable is regularly $39.60. As an upgrade of an extra $50.00 Penon will switch-out the OS133 cable to the $99.90 Penon SPACE cable. Really for me this becomes a no-brainer as being the SPACE is exactly 2X the OS133 material. The extra supplied material goes to keep the tone truly uncolored, but adds stage and imaging separation to your Fan 3 listening experience. Plus due to its intrinsic neutrality, the SPACE will blend well with many IEMs you already have or are planning to purchase in the future. At the very beginning of 2023 when the SPACE came out it seemed large in size, but so many large cables have come out in the last two years, the SPACE now almost seems normal. If ordering the regular included OS133 you need to specify either 4.4mm, 3.5mm or 2.5mm plugs.

The included Penon OS133:
DSC_0054.JPG

4.4mm.jpg

DSC_0018.jpegnow.jpeg

TEXTURE.jpeg


Penon OS133:
OFC Silver plated 2 shares, single share is 133 cores, a total of 266 cores. $39.60 normally but included with the Fan 3.

Way smaller in OS133 stage and offered separation. While yes, it gets you in the door with what the Fan 3 is about. But truth to be told, it has been literally years since I utilized this cable. This difference is almost night and day. To where the Fan 3 is nice and all the tone and character is provided with the OS133, it is just the entertainment factor has been reduced by 50%. THERE I SAID IT. I mean the Fan 3 has an easygoingness that it can go with a number of aftermarket cables, so if you happen to have those, simply order your Fan 3 and maybe use them. It is just this authority is almost bewildering in what the SPACE does to the Fan 3…….it adds it seems bass tone, midrange expansion and treble tones, providing those tones in a whole new 10,000 square foot home to live inside upon the mountain hills, not a small ghetto apartment. I’m sorry (just put-up with me) there is added note-weight to the SPACE, even added decays with the FAN 3 that makes it come alive. Now I feel better……………..

DSC_0038.jpegwec.jpeg

Penon SPACE:
OFC Silver plated 4 shares, single share is 133 cores, a total of 532 cores. 3 in 1 modular plug. $99.90. Only $50 when you purchase the Fan 3, in lieu of the OS133.

So it goes, this cable is one of my very most used cables, it goes with almost everything. Everything that you really are not looking to color, or change. Meaning in the cable world often there can be needed fixes that come with a silver energy bright cable, or a gold thickening energy wild card cable, needed to align the IEMs output and fix the issues. Here we don’t have any of that going on. Unless you have an IEM that simply needs stage and separation from the included cable. And that’s the thing. Most companies in the under $400.00 realm try to keep costs down by only including so great of a cable. Now I don’t want to come-off as a cable snob, because a lot of the time the included cables are really good and you can tell after multiple cable changes that the company put a great amount of effort in finding just the right cable to include with their IEM. You really can! It is just your not going to find a $100.00 cable that could be found aftermarket included normally with a $349.00 IEM. I mean Penon is a cable builder so they have aftermarket cables on hand, and they offer the SPACE cable for just $50.00 more, because they can!

DSC_0046.jpegwc.jpeg


SPACE:
Here the Penon SPACE cable really doesn’t need ear-hooks. And I’m surprised just how thick and meaty the SPACE felt when it first arrived a few years ago. Facts are that when the SPACE arrived on my doorstep in March of 2023 it was big in size, only a lot of bigger cables have been invented since then! So this is very much a question of what you are used to. And if you are inundated with (bigger) cables over time, those included hair strings that come with IEMs, are just that, as thin as hair!

DSC_0043.jpegqf.jpeg
DSC_0044.jpegwx.jpeg

DSC_0089.jpeged.jpeg

An example of regular cable material above

Results:

Here after 7 days of burn-in the Fan 3 came alive. While yes, I have Bone Conduction activated, but it is miles better than out-of-the-box. So much so that while sure burn-in can be a hassle, it is real for me anyway, and fixes a lot of the issues I had at the start of first hearing the Fan 3. Basically the addition of the extra 2 shares adds dimension and separation, that while the original Fan 2 also came with the Penon OS133, the SPACE has this uncanny ability to simply enlarge the entertainment. And really me being a sound stage junky, that is probably the number one thing, next to tuning that I look for. Yep, I can deal with a number of different bass levels and treble levels, even midrange personality can be found to hold many different forms of expression, but if the stage is drastically narrow the party is over for me. So you can only imagine my interest in finding not only does the Bone Conduction add size, the Space goes ahead and amplifies that same size, in every direction possible! Also due to the included 3 in 1 modular plug you can take the SPACE to other sources and listening experiences. Due to the evenhandedness of the SPACE it will also add the secret sauce to pretty much all your IEMs, I absolutely love it in use with the Penon Serial!

DSC_1720.jpege1c13c3.jpeg

Cable comparisons:
Top-down:
Penon ASOS+
Penon Pyramid
Penon Pyramid VI

Penon ASOS+X

ASOS+:
8 shares of 25 cores copper silver-plated + 99 cores single crystal copper copper mixed (Litz & SPC) with Purple 2Pins and plugs.

So let's talk about the ASOS+. This cable is perfect to go in this order of after the SPACE epic turn-out. Of course a lot of this cable change-out depends on what you have been exposed to. Just like drinking as a teen, beer is wonderful, but whiskey is a quicker and more powerful elixir that you need extra experience to understand. Same with cables, that the results with a regular cable can be interpreted as grand, only because you don’t know any better, so you are entertained at the level of quality, even though it’s fully neophyte level results in the end. Here the ASOS+ gets us deeper throbs and expanded stage over the SPACE. There is a quintessential displacement of imaging and sculpturing that the $215.00 ASOS+ upgrades do! These results are real and that while more silver based than, say the gold and silver alloy sound of the Penon Pyramid or Pyramid VI series……….these extra floaty elements are totally welcome and come with their share of clarity, even with the BCD on. This reality of sonic form is taking place inside the stage, to procure a separate imaging which has been catapulted into side to side existence. Now this stage expansion and separation over the SPACE would be (maybe) fine enough, except Penon went one step further here. Yep, Penon added Palladium Purple Plug and Palladium 2Pins! What this did in the end was add note-weight over the original ASOS. Now the crazy part is for the most part all these charms are also going to be fine with most IEMs you join the ASOS+ to. Only there exists a special style of synergy here today, a synergy that I also noticed in my last review. Meaning when the ASOS+X came out it emotionally captivated me, and while the size and shape, plus the weight of the ASOS+X is not for everyone, making the ASOS+ the easy recommendation. This style of recommendation would be diminished, if there wasn’t any strength to our whiskey here, but no this style of sound makes the Fan 3, it really does. Probably the combo of the BCD and the Palladium are joining forces to take this image density to the max, diminishing any thinness and adding realism and girth.

ASOS+:
Sure this isn’t a cable review, yet I really want to add about two more paragraphs romancing the ASOS+ effects to the Fan 3, but I will keep my excitement at bay. Let me just say, if you wanted a cable to activate the Fan 3 and were confused as to which way to go, the ASOS+ does no wrong. To be honest here, that OTB the Fan 3 was OK to my ears, but nothing shockingly good for the price. I almost PMed my buddy Dsnuts, as I hadn’t read his review totally or took note of the score. I mean how can Penon Audio put out a less than stellar IEM? To me the ASOS+ shows you that IEM with no questions asked………and I will leave it at that. Oh…….and burn-in, you have to do burn-in, just do it or it’s your experience, that you will obtain, being less than it ultimately could be.

Penon Pyramid:
4 shares Litz Type 9 Copper-gold alloy and pure silver, copper-silver alloy silver-plated, single crystal copper silver-plated Furukawa high-purity copper winding.

More grounded and holding a deeper tinge of thickness. The gold and silver mixed with copper alloy have gone to procure a substantial addition over the OS133. This thickness is pandemic in that it caters to the vocals and well as a darker lower window which adds to this perception of a blacker background. Yep, this Pyramid by itself with-out the 2 more shares of the VI or 4 more shares of the VIII holds a distinct personality and one that also goes with the Fan 3. Though take note the stage is not as flamboyantly wide as the ASOS+. But the depth of density is a little more, holding reality in its mit. This is probably on par with the ASOS+, only less energy and less size of images, except what images are there hold an extra amount of realism due to tone, timbre and density. There is a slight color to the Fan 3, and that color is just like clothes of color on people, they wear them and the color can be attractive. Yet this Pyramid takes any color and subdues it slightly more than than the ASOS+, making the sound even more real in the end, yet slightly less airy or vivid.

Penon Pyramid VI:
6 shares Litz Type 9 Copper-gold alloy and pure silver, copper-silver alloy silver-plated, single crystal copper silver-plated Furukawa high-purity copper winding.

Two weeks ago this was the first cable I used with the Fan 3. So you can take the whole of information above concerning the regular Pyramid, and add stage size and expansion to the description. Yet, this example of Penon magic doesn’t need ear-hooks like the VIII does. Nope, the VI is careful and not quite as heavy. Though at a glance you may not be able to discern differences between the two VI and VIII. Here though it is almost too simple as with the original Pyramid the sound is big but not luxuriously big, just matter-of-fact big. It is the tone that is so special with the Fan 3 and Pyramid, that it is down to earth. Adding the VI goes and replaces the regular big stage size and note-weight of the Fan 3 into a profound distance of imaging. These new image locations take on form as being able to see into and around the notes and vocals. This phenomena greatly increases over the VI into VIII also, but we don’t need to test that one today as the VI and regular Pyramid divulge the messages. This VI is also like adding the stage of the ASOS+ to the mix, in that it is larger than any test (so far) today, even the SPACE cable. Though the difference over the SPACE is a dose of clarity, a cleaning of the windows so to speak and an extra lower window into the low-end, where the SPACE is more midrange energy and low-end girth over the included cable, only not on this level. So yes, the $419.00 buys you a house on the lake, with a view and servants. I don’t need to go on. But I will say the Fan 3 does the VI justice, nothing at all is wasted here! Haha

Available versions:
Pyramid :
4 shares, 147 cores per share, 588 cores in total cost $349.00
Pyramid VI : 6 shares, 147 cores per share, 882 cores in total cost $419.00

Pyramid VIII : 8 shares, 147 cores per share, 1176 cores in total cost $499.00

Penon ASOS+X:
12 shares of 25 cores copper silver-plated + 99 cores single crystal copper copper mixed (Litz & SPC) with Purple 2Pins and plugs.

OK, this cable is wild. Really the perfect test schedule was to put it here. At $319.00 it is exactly that, meaning worth every penny, except it could be worth more, and even more than the prior VI only if you were down for this style of dancing. You know the way that girl danced had your heart, and it wasn’t about the technicality of the dance, no it was about the emotion of the dance, the character as well as her technique. So to describe the Fan 3 here, it is lofty now and while still holding the Palladium Purple Plug and Palladium 2Pins added density, we are now gifted with even bigger size than the VI. This is that two story house by the lake, and there is an added lake view from the bedroom. And you know how views go, that’s right, they are priceless. There is no real way to put a concrete value on them. I sound like a real estate salesman and not an IEM salesman. But the truth is here we are basking in more stage size than any cable in the review so far. Inside of that stage there are fully imaged realizations of sculpture and timbre, OH, that timbre is dead-on fabulous. The tone, or should I say the technicalities at the box opening would have never had me believe that this now perceived tone could be so grand but it is. That the ASOS+X went with the burned-in Fan 3 to extrapolate a full-on genuine emotional experience. These ideas are the results of correct placement of imaging, instrument creation and note and vocal fall-offs. That the fall-offs are heard more clearly, because everything is heard more clearly. But it is truly the placement way outside of the stage that gets me the most. That this is a stage IEM when you get down to it, the IEM produces stage size and the ASOS+X takes that and runs with it.

DSC_1033.jpegs e2.jpeg

For fun I turned off the BCD:
Here we are in presence of a more focused event in sound. That while still large staged in size, there is a more robust contrast afloat. Wait, less floating here, more clarity. Ha, there is a dose of directness that has you realize that there is added bigger contrasts, and less stage girth. This realistic view is still big and satisfying with what ASOS+X is doing 24/7. Though maybe slightly less dense and holding a boost in vividness, but still nothing too disruptive. I say put the BCD back on as there is an added magic that fills out vocals and adds realism to the instrumentation. Funny as upon first listening to this IEM, I thought the BCD made the sound softer, and in a way it is softer, only the BCD makes it both slightly softer and more life-like in the end? :)

Music:
These tests were performed with the Fan 3 in BC mode, using the SPACE cable and PAC LStips with the Sony WM1A with Mr Walkman’s firmware. I purposely did these music comparisons before the IEM side-by-side comparison section to insure intimacy with the Fan 3.

cover_copy.jpg


Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1kHz - 24bit

Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.

There is a consistent electronic drum beat that starts off right at 00:08. This beat is crucial in understanding an IEMs timbre temperament. That there are two ways this can go. One to have the beat placed way into the background, or the opposite........to showcase the beat so far forward and holding such brightness of timbre that it comes off like a slap. Where here the interesting thing is we have a fully positioned placement both tonally and image-wise. Though the best part is you can hear every aspect of this sound, meaning the sound is actually two ideas here. There is a fast cutting edge to the sound, then there is the body which holds more depth. As I listen more I realize the cutting edge section is not too bright or scathing, which allows for a perfect timbre to be witnessed. Meaning it works here, being the Goldilocks idea of the sound. And really for most uses the sound is utilitarian being it has to be there, but gets used by the mind almost put (in the back seat) away into mental focus………..and it is the introduction of new song ideas that really take the cake here. This OST is a game soundtrack, so it has purposes beyond regular listening, as that beat sets the pace for a background of racing gameplay. Even the bass throbs starting at 00:08 continue to hold as a counter balance to this beat. Even the piano keys start at 00:08 also, finding themselves in really good timbre.

BCD:
Though it is the BCD that is adding the realism here, a slight density to the instruments that is felt almost........and not heard exactly. The 2X DD 6.3mm isobaric bio-diaphragms give this bass an effortless, almost speedy quality. The deepness is real and satisfying. At 00:37-00:38 we start to get a glimpse of just how special this IEM is, being the 3-way crossover and sound tube implantation is going forward to blend, but also to separate added instruments into positional imaging. That is the gold, with songs like this, and there is the sound stage to pull-it-off. At 00:42 there is an introduction that I always look forward to. Here we are witnessing the additional tracks and introduction of a new and dramatic set of synth keys. Yep, this is where (really) the whole feeling of the song is introduced. This warm and added imaging is placed to the new found outskirts of the stage, and this place is when emotion takes place. This is the exact area where if your friend was listening to this set up, he or she would stare at you, and not say a word………….but only stare. Why? Well this is the section when the abilities of the Fan 3 would access into full bloom, and showcase the value obtained. Let’s move on………..

cover_copy.png

Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.

Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1kHz - 24bit

This is a big deal for the review. As when out-of-the-box I was able to get an understanding of the Fan 3 from this song. Now to be honest I almost thought at the start we may have a one trick pony on our hands……….but no, the Fan 3 is well rounded in the end. Yet this ambient bass style of music does especially well. Probably the very first thing to grab your attention are the opening sound effects. Before the beginning bass even arrives at 00:08 we are witness to their backwards effects that take a monumental positioning into the stage. Now the only reason I point this out, is I use this song all the time, and many IEMs leave this intro alone, as almost skimming over it emotionally. Where here we are invited to the full-monty of events………..and if this starts off so good, you can only imagine the places we are to be swept away to. At 00:14 the Blade Runner synth takes the lead.

And we are already inside what the artist has envisioned for us, this is a Disneyland ride, and the car has had the safety rails automatically close and we feel the excitement about to start!

Here this song actually asks to be performed a whole gambit of different ways. From the bass heavy, to the thin and detailed, different IEMs just have their own way to interpret the file information at hand. That while the bass is totally there, the bass additives are not overshadowing the whole mix. That there is still the Penon balance, but more than that there have been IEMs I have tested both above this price point and below it that would go forward to showcase a treble element, or somehow itemize an aspect of the song, that while detailed, was not necessarily exactly how the song is suppose to be heard.

That regardless of cost (meaning pricer and less expensive IEMs out there) this single IEM totally makes this song an experience. Probably the stage and separation is what is doing it, and the BCD? That this stage is forward and back, top to bottom and side-to side, majesty.

This is truly maybe the very best I have ever heard this song, and I never say that! To where it is also the physicality of the bass, the BCD and the correct timbre in that everything has its place in the mix, and each aspect is truthfully represented. Then there is the small thing, the stuff that pretty much goes beyond explanation, and I will try. To understand this, think about the background synth at 01:07.............these nuances that have to do with maybe positioning and separation at hand. Of course we know it is the details, only the win-win here is not always the details, but the layering. The layering! Then before you know it the song has arrived at 02:42. Why did I mention 02:42? Nothing really, it is just a forward position in the song. Lol………….but at 03:10 there is a new texture, an introduction of a new synth setting, that or a sound that was not previously used. And that is the thing, that if I was to make one thing very clear in this write-up, that the Fan 3 has this subtle ability that allows you to hear into ambient textures and differentiate between sounds.

wonder-woman-1984-sketches-from-the-soundtrack-60b2596fe7b68-1.jpg


Hans Zimmer
Wonder Woman 1984 (sketches)
No Hero Is Born from Lies

44.1kHz - 24bit
Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.

This song has been used here at Redcarmoose Labs to show a few wanted sonic results. And using my memory from listening to past IEMs with this song, I have to place the Fan 3 at almost an experimental sound level. Why? It is so darn entertaining, yet somehow gets away with murder. Where the Fan 3 is purposely not showing the small treble brightness in the pitter-pats of percussion here. I’m not referring to low drums, because those are epic no matter what!

But what I’m referring to is the small stick hits, the tiny rhythm accents that would normally be found here, that and even the whole demeanor of the strings……….sound as if they are playing in a different room. Now normally these are fighting words around here at Redcarmoose Labs.

But, here they are used to describe a different take on smoothness. A loving rendition of playback attitude that doesn’t play by any rules, and has no comparisons. Nope, the Fan 3 is as unique and different than any IEM I have ever heard……….and the most perplexing this is it all still works………it works wonderfully. What I’m trying to say is the Cellos and Violins seem to be downplayed (tonally) but still produce the very musical ability they came to represent.


What I’m trying to say is the Cellos and Violins seem to be downplayed (tonally) but still produce the very musical ability they came to represent.

Yes, and I never repeat myself. This resulting tone may have to do with the fact that the timbre is so correct here, that and the stage positioning? That sure, it is more relaxed, how could these strings not be relaxed? Also my kicks are from the huge (kettle) timpani drum that just kicked at 00:28 and 00:31. That there is this excitement that has to do with the midrange letting the 2X DD 6.3mm isobaric bio-diaphragms kick through and become of notice. You see it is not always about driver technicalities, but having an original tune that lets those technicalness blossom, and be showcased.


Sure at 02:10 the same elements that were downplayed at the start have prominent exposure into the light. Yet again they still hold a slight downplay of stings and sticks. At 02:31 we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of a sonic pause to where sure the sticks are now found jetting to the left then the right, then the left………………….and even at 02:35 when the song shoots its wad, we are in the presence of the full full-on spectacle that IS the Fan 3, yet everything is so listenable, and not just listenable, but all-day-long listenable.

paradise-5e627e89429b7.jpg

KMFDM
Paradise
Oh My Goth

44.1kHz - 24bit

Timestamps only pertain to digital file, not video.
With all this talk of smoothness and downplaying, you may be suspect about a lack of pace or bounce. And that is why I put this song here and why it is the very least of our worries. At 00:12 there is a lighting blast, not the thunder, but what sounds like a ruffling of papers. A high point treble sound but at the same time a subtle sound. Truly I don’t know what this sound is to represent, except not all IEMs are able to reproduce it. Now the Fan 3 does showcase this sound, and it is fully heard in its glory, as known or guessed, it is a little subdued, which is fine, I mean that is a great example of how detail can still be found everywhere.

While this song has dramatic pace and bounce, it is the vocals that are of special importance here, really only because I did not talk about vocals yet. While this rhythm is perfectly illustrated and catered to, the vocals are forward enough to where we are not feeling short changed or looking audibly for another IEM. Again it is the fast mix and bounce that this song holds in its grip. There are ways that this song can be played wrong, but the real value here, over everything, is the fact that each and every component is represented here.

We feel like we can hear it all, that and the fact that every instrument plus Lucia Cifarelli’s voice gets heard in great timbre. I mean if there was a single great improvement to IEMs as of late, besides Bone Conduction, I would have to say BA timbre has been the most improved sector of the IEM industry, and here, this is a perfect example of why I feel this way. That while the Fan 3 is not a vocal centric IEM at heart.......still there is enough vocal energy to keep this listener satisfied.

DSC_0253.jpegqdsc2.jpeg

Build:
Coming in at 7 grams the form is the quintessential medium size. While already mentioned, the nozzle length is really perfect and angled right. Ear-tips are held onto an aluminum nozzle tip, complete with a fastened screen. The universal custom database was used to create a 3D printed example of one of the best close fitting designs. One vent near the faceplate and two bone conductors vents on the bottom, I would call this medium as far as noise occlusion. The faceplates continue with the “Island” in the ocean of sparkle design. The DIP-Switch is easy to switch as needed.

DSC_1032.jpegxww.jpeg

DSC_1014.jpegacs.jpeg

Side-by-sides:
All 3 IEMs on test have had 7 days of continuous burn-in.

Left to right ISN H60, Fan 3 and Apevoix Grit

ISN H60 Universal IEM:

4BA and 2DD. There is a symphony of output by the 2X Knowles high BAs, the 2X Sonion mid BAs and the 2X 8mm gel silicone bass DD providers here. Yep, all this creates a wall of sound. The 3-way crossover delegates the band width to the desired equipment, and unique is the best word I have. Unique in that this is one of the most popular IEMs to come in 2024, and I’m not just saying that!

Unique too in that not only is it well-rounded going with every genre and source, but the H60 still has an unmistakable personality making it an enigma on Head-Fi and beyond. The H60 comes across more timid as far as bass accents, not reaching with the full-on physicality of the Fan 3. It was like someone turned off the BCD, Oh…….the H60 hasn’t got one. A slight sheen of treble and midrange that the Fan 3 keeps a little closer to home. And again that balance works wonders to promote the Fan 3 low-end into one more step-up of push!

On the surface the H60 shows a slight extra walk into midrange/treble appointments, but at the same time due to the extra X2 BA midrange/treble (addition) becomes a hair busier and holds a slight blurriness of focus, despite its forwardness. In the end the Fan 3 holds extra density and physicality, and a darker yet cleaner idea of stage positioning. Yet get the ISN H60 holds simple (less rhythmic) bouncing notes to hear, yet the midrange pace somehow becomes more clear and transfixing? In simple words the H60 is more bright, and less grounded, in contrast to the woody effervescence the Penon Fan 3 can’t help but put out 24/7.

This H60 midrange can come-off as a tad faster too. The Fan 3 is closer to the H60 with the BCD turned-off, but till all those H60 BAs are in place and function just as you imagine they would...............as in midrange stage stunts. To me the Fan 3 is the ultimate wild card, not something that you would expect Penon to do, then Penon went and made an ISN H60 and EBC80 both promoting more mids than the Fan 3……..lol. Those are the supposed to be Penon mids in the ISN H60 and ISN EBC80!

Apevoix Grit Universal IEM:
Funny how both of these Bone Conduction IEMs arrived two weeks ago with the Fan 3 a total surprise. Meaning I was informed of the Grit arrival, yet Penon in their humor simply threw in the Fan 3 as an added IEM, out of the blue. It is fully noticeable where the Grit is on the larger side of the street, really chunky is the only world for it. Fortified with 4BAs, 1DD and 1 Bone Conduction Driver….the Grit becomes the lowest cost BCD IEMs of 2025 at just $229.00. On paper you would think that the Grit could pull-off the Fan 3 bass. And while the bass is substantial, the mids of the Grit make fully sure that bass (and even the BCD) becomes slightly less heard. Now I have to say, the Grit is truly my style of signature, becoming a more mainstream idea of a tune than the Fan 3 is. Yet at the same time the Grit is showcasing the 4 BAs a side promotion, finding clarity and broadcasting a vivid idea of colors and holding slightly less (actually a lot less) warmth and down-home grounding like the Fan 3 does 24/7. Yet, here we are in a well lighted room, with all the aspects to be seen and focused upon in true analytical clarity. While both are great, I see use of the spectacular imaging arrived at with the 4BAs holding a more middle of the day (wake-up) call............and the romantic dreamy washes of the Fan 3 to be more after 10PM IEM. In fact they are so very different and both of value, that I would say they are ultimately complementary. While neither does anything wrong, out-of-the-box the Grit was slightly more accessible, yet after burn-in and time spent the Fan 3 really showed what (sound) extra money buys. Plus while both have rolled-off highs, the forward mids of the Grit make it simply less sleepy and more aggressive, holding none of that toned-down set-back character that the Fan 3 does so well. Still I see the two appealing to two 180 degree different listeners, with the more detailed driven Grit demander, and the more poetic and thicker Fan 3 listener being equally satisfied. I mean sure the stage of the Grit is nothing short of a miracle, yet the Fan 3 stage is also one of its better selling points and character charms.

DSC_0268.jpegse.jpeg
DSC_0266.jpegwef23.jpeg


Conclusion:
Out of the blue the Fan 3 arrived on my doorstep; and unexpected surprise. Filled with personality and character, the Fan 3 sides a little on the experimental, and a little in an attempt to show-off. :)

“Yep, this is also what we can do!" While slightly colored in tonal output, this color is a lot like additives to a meal in that it is the salt and pepper that add that special flavor to a dish, and it is those tastes that you notice and complement on in public, not the actual food foundation.


My fun happened like I can guess it will maybe be for you? That after time of getting to know the Fan 3, it started to grow on me, then grow on me more, then finally love set in.

Sure there is a lot of potential to learn about the Fan 3 with the addition of better cables and DAPs. Heck there is a lot to learn about how the Fan 3 goes about its days. When I first got the Fan 3 I thought that maybe it was not as well rounded as I think now? I mean when you really get around to playing every genre..........the Fan 3 does it all. And I’m supposed to be able to key-in (instantly) on such IEM attributes. All I can say is burn-in really did something, that and mental burn-in. To where the changes found were all in the best of places. I’m not even including a copy of my first impressions in this review, because they are a deterrent to fully understanding the Fan 3. Yep, it is what it is at this very moment in time!


I would recommend the Fan 3 to those who have had bad luck with finding certain IEMs too brilliant or contrasty in the past. As there is an increased listenability that just won’t stop. That and the perplexing thing is you don’t think there would be enough information to hold your attention, but there is, there gloriously is. This Bone Conduction driver is real, now it may not be the same as the Sonion X2 in the ISN EBC80 or TSMR SHOCK but it works wonders! The Bone Conduction System works so well that when I first heard the Fan 3 I liked it better with it off, though later when I did this review I absolutely liked it better tuned-on. I just seemed to feel the realness and density throughout my cable tests and music tests. Bone Conduction is the wave of the future, and if you were wondering if this IEM has it, it has a fully functioning idea as to what Bone Conduction is. The fitment now is 100% perfect, and mark my words the Fan 3 will pretty much fit everyone. That yes, Penon became slightly experimental with this exact IEM tune, but the results were worth the risk. If you do have a collection of cables, try them out, as if you are like me, each cable character seemed to showcase a different style of Fan 3 playback, yet all of them were valuable and fun. That my friends is the sign of a well-rounded IEM, get yours today!


$349.00 or $399.00 with the SPACE cable.
https://penonaudio.com/PENON-FAN-3.html


Disclaimer:
I want to thank Penon Audio for the love and for the Penon Fan 3 Universal IEM review sample.

Disclaimer:
These are one person's ideas and concepts, your results may vary.

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman’s Firmware 4.4mm balanced
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman’s Firmware 4.4mm balanced
Sony TA-ZH1ES DAC/AMP Firmware 1.03 4.4mm balanced
Electra Glide Audio Reference Glide-Reference Standard "Fatboy" Power Cord
Sony Walkman Cradle BCR-NWH10
AudioQuest Carbon USB
Samsung phone 3.5mm output single ended
HiBy R3 II DAP 4.4mm balanced
DSC_1037.jpegone.jpeg
Last edited:
Okcerg
Okcerg
Thanks! 👍
P
paul21654
Nice :) I got this a month or two ago, and at first i wasn't impressed, a long burn in was needed and I swapped the cable to the EA Eros S and what a massive difference. They are now my go to and make me want to try more penon stuff. I did EQ it using settings from a reviewer. The stage is superb and make my FH9's sound polite, they hit that hard. Having big ears the penon liquer XL/L tips fit and suit it imo.
Redcarmoose
Redcarmoose
@paul21654,
Thank-you.
The truth is I too needed to have burn-in and possibly mental burn-in to activate the Fan 3’s charms. Needed to find the SPACE cable as a full-on improvement over the OS133, as talked about in my review. But our results are similar and factual. As an upgrade or side route you could try out the ISN EBC80 or the ISN60. Both IEMs display a slightly more involved midrange stage than the Fan 3, and both also hold that slightly unexplainable Penon magic. Good luck!

thaslaya

1000+ Head-Fier
The Bone Doctor
Pros: + Deep, rumbly sub-bass
+ Vocals are forward and well-separated without being shouty
+ Impressive soundstage
+ Adding a switch to toggle the BCD is a great way to showcase its effects and also adds variety
Cons: - Could be considered more of a tech demo than a fully realized product
- Treble can get a little spicy and exhibit some harshness
- Thin note weight and timbre issues
- Price to performance
1000051143.jpg

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This product was loaned to me by a friend for a review period. I recieve no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own. A special thanks to @FreeWheelinAudioLuv2 for this opportunity!

Gear used:
●LG v30+
●Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
●Samsung dongle
●Hiby FC4
●Kiwi Ears Allegro
●Letshuoer DT03
●Dunu DTC480
●BLON V1

Source:
●Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.
1000051151.jpg
1000051126.jpg

Introduction:
Penon is a Chinese retailer and audio equipment manufacturer with a storied history. They have been around since 2013 and, in addition to their sister company ISN, they offer a wide selection of products in many price ranges. The Fan 3 is one of their latest IEMs and features a unique driver configuration of two dynamic, two balanced armatures, and a single bone-conducting driver. It also utilizes a switch that can toggle the BCD on and off. The Fan 3 is currently available from Penon's website for $349, which is not an especially low price for most consumers. Let's break down this new set with an interesting combination of drivers and see how it sounds.
1000051147.jpg
1000051154.jpg

Build, fit, ergonomics:
Unfortunately, I am unable to provide any information about the unboxing or stock accessories of the Fan 3. Since this is a loaned set, I only received the IEMs themselves. The shells are made of solid black resin with a metal nozzle, which measures 5.8 mm at its widest point at the lip. The shape is well contoured on the side that touches the concha, which is important as this is where the bone-conducting driver is positioned. It's clearly marked with two vents and screws, which form a sort of happy face. The faceplate has an interesting blue and green aesthetic with the words "Penon" on the left and "Fan 3" on the right. The insertion depth is good. It might be a little deeper than average, but that's all the better for me as I usually prefer a deep insertion. The Fan 3 utilizes a flat 2-pin connection, and the switch is located on the back of the shell. Since no stock tips were available for testing, I utilized my favorite Penon Liqueur tips for the best fit and seal (which feels a bit serendipitous). As far as cables go, I chose my ivipQ 539 cable, which served me well for this review.
1000051171.jpg
1000051120.jpg

Sound impressions:
I would describe the overall tuning as an energetic and engaging V-shaped sound signature. It is clean and incisive, and it can come across as somewhat surgical, but still musical. The note weight is a bit thin, but not severely so. It is not a particularly difficult set to drive and can be powered by a simple dongle and smartphone. The dynamics are very commendable, and the tuning holds up well at any volume level. The soundstage is expansive and impressive; orbital, three-dimensional, and filling all the small voids in the stage. The timbre is just slightly unnatural to my ear. It is hard to pinpoint, but something sounds a bit off or metallic. The imaging is accurate, and the layering and separation are well done and cohesive. The resolution struggles slightly, as if attempting a clean and resolving tuning but not quite succeeding. The music has a slightly overproduced quality, as if run through a "hi-fi" filter to enhance detail. The end result sounds somewhat unnatural. Detail retrieval is the area in which the Fan 3 needs the most improvement. There are enough subtleties and nuances to be heard, but some improvement would elevate the Fan 3's price to performance. Overall, I find the tuning to be more technical than musical, but I am not convinced that it lives up to its cost.

●Switch on/off - Here, I'll add a brief description of the differences I hear when toggling the switch. With the BCD off, the sound signature is more intimate and less energetic. The bass is fuller and more emphasized when using the BCD, and the overall tuning sounds more balanced. The Fan 3 loses a bit of its special quality with the switch disengaged, but it also becomes more relaxed, which some may prefer. Honestly, I can see the merits of both configurations, but ultimately, I prefer the sound with the BCD enabled, which brings that more unique quality to the tuning.

●Lows - The bass is not the cleanest or most resolving, but it sure is fun! It definitely doesn't sound like it measures, which the BCD has something to do with, I'm sure. Due to its unique sound delivery method, measurement rigs are unable to pick up the actual amount of bass that is heard. It's a little more sub-bass focused than mid-bass, with good extension and a nice rumble and reverberation, but only when the track calls for it. The texture can come across as slightly muddy or wet at times, but it's not terrible. The slam is decent and can be felt more on certain bass-heavy tracks, but the actual impact of some of the notes doesn't hit quite as hard as I would like. The speed is quick, and double kick drums are clearly separated and well-defined. Unfortunately, the bass does bleed a little into the lower midrange, which can affect male vocals.

●Mids - The midrange is forward but not overly emphasized. Vocals are especially well-presented in the mix, to my preference. Unfortunately, they can exhibit a slightly ethereal, wispy quality and sound a bit thin at times. The notes are clear, but they also have a bit of shimmer at their edges, almost like the borders of a cloud covering the sun. This can become a bit grating over time. Female vocalists are the biggest offenders, sounding a little more emphasized and unnatural. Male vocalists are somewhat recessed in comparison, partly due to mid-bass bleed. To their credit, however, vocals are not shouty and have no nasal quality. The midrange, in general, is just not to my taste, and I would welcome some warmth and better separation.

●Highs - The treble is sharp and incisive, but not overly bright. It is decently extended, with plenty of air and sparkle. The highs are not overly energetic, but there are slight peaks where some trouble spots may appear. Cymbals and hi-hats are a little bright and splashy at times. Some "s" and "sh" sounds can be harsh and may cause some irritability, but it is not quite sibilant. I don't particularly take issue with the Fan 3's treble except for the slight thinness and irritation, and the somewhat ethereal and wispy quality it can take on depending on the track.
1000051115.jpg
1000051132.jpg

Comparisons: Credit to Super Reviews and the audio store for the graphs.
1000059286.jpg

Dunu DK3001BD ($500) - The Fan 3 is a 2 DD, 2 BA and 1 BCD tribrid, compared to the DK3001BD's 1 DD, 4 BA, and 4 planar tribrid configuration. I can't compare accessories here, but I will go out on a limb and say Dunu's inclusions are better. Both of these sets have a decent fit and seal and are comfortable to wear. They are also both sub-bass focused with good extension on both ends and a certain clinical, precision-type of sound quality. The Fan 3 has a more energetic, full sound and is slightly more musical, but it's also a bit brighter, with cymbals sounding splashy and certain vocal notes exhibiting some harshness. The BrainDance is more balanced and neutral sounding in comparison, with superior layering, separation, and a slightly wider soundstage, but it also presents as less full and might be a touch too "clean" for some. The Fan 3 has more bass quantity, rumble, and impact, but the bass of the BrainDance has superior texture and resolution. Vocals present more forward on the Fan 3, but the BrainDance offers a more natural, organic, and effortless timbre. The BrainDance also has better treble extension, air, and less harshness and irritability. This is a difficult comparison for me, as neither of these two IEMs adheres very closely to my target preferences. Taking the cost, accessories, tuning, and technicalities into consideration, I would have to choose the Dunu DK3001BD. It accomplishes many of the same things as the Fan 3 but does so better. There is significantly less harshness and thinness in the treble, and the technicalities are taken to the next level, although a bit of musicality is sacrificed in the process.
My pick: DK3001BD
1000059287.jpg

Ziigatt Estrella ($300) - Here, the Fan 3's tribrid configuration goes up against the Estrella's 2 DD and 4BA hybrid design. I'm unable to compare accessories since I don't have them for the Fan 3. The fit and comfort are about even, and both provide good insertion depth and seal. The Estrella offers a more energetic sound but is more balanced than the Fan 3. The Estrella has a deeper reaching sub-bass and less mid-bass emphasis, with superior low-end resolution. Vocals are not as forward as on the Fan 3, but they do sound more natural. The Estrella's treble is still on the bright side but it's less incisive and it avoids the ethereal, thin quality sometimes present in the Fan 3. The Estrella has better transients and layering, and a bigger stage, but the Fan 3's stage sounds fuller, with less space between notes/instruments. To my ear, the Estrella's technicalities are better across the board, from resolution and imaging to detail retrieval and timbre. I prefer the Fan 3's slightly forward vocal positioning, but the Estrella's vocal timbre, resolution, and note weight are superior. Neither quite matches my preferred tuning, but when comparing them side by side, it is easy to pick the one I like better, and it is cheaper to boot.
My pick: Estrella
1000059288.jpg

ISN H60 ($349) - This one pits the Fan 3's unique DD, BA, BCD tribrid configuration against another 2 DD, 4 BA hybrid in the H60. The Fan 3 has a more traditional shell and nozzle shape and size, which should fit most people without issue. The H60, though, has a very wide and somewhat short, stubby nozzle that will prove troublesome for some. The tuning of the Fan 3 is closer to a more traditional V-shaped style with a greater emphasis on the sub-bass and better extension on both ends. It has superior imaging, a more expansive soundstage, and an overall cleaner sound. The bass is much more resolving and less bloomy or pillowy. Vocals are a hair more forward on the Fan 3, but they do sound a bit thin in comparison. Even though the vocals aren't as forward as I would like on the H60, I prefer its warmer, more intimate, and natural presentation. Treble is much more apparent with the Fan 3, which has better extension and more air and sparkle. Both sets have things that I like and things that I would change. The Fan 3 has superior technicalities, and I prefer its sub-bass rumble and extension, but it also comes across as more clinical, and its treble can be irritating at times. The H60 is a little more "lo-fi," and I wish the overall sound was a bit cleaner. Also, the mid-bass can sometimes be a bit much, but overall it has an innate charm and a warmer, more musical quality. These two can easily coexist in a collection and are somewhat complementary. If I'm forced to choose between the two, my affinity for warmth and musicality wins out in the end, and I find the H60 to be the more unique and enjoyable choice.
My pick: H60
1000051195.jpg

1000051110.jpg

In conclusion:
While many higher-end manufacturers successfully utilize bone-conducting drivers, Penon's latest entry comes in at a fraction of the price and is quite intriguing. I think the Fan 3 may come across as more of a tech demo, but it's done in an interesting way. Adding the switch that controls the bone-conduction driver is a bold move, but if Penon's intention was to showcase the driver's capabilities, it pays off well as the switcg makes a clear difference. The tuning sounds clean and spacious, like a hospital operating suite, though lacking surgical precision. It is not cold and revealing like a microscope, capable of very minute details, but it is more akin to a magnifying glass that is decently resolving, with a bit of glare and brightness. The treble can be a little overly energetic and harsh at times, and the technicalities are a bit underwhelming for the price. However, there is a good sense of musicality and an impressive soundstage. The Fan 3 does indeed have a bit of that special quality found in some higher-end sets utilizing BCDs, albeit without the same technical prowess. This in itself is an impressive feat, especially for its price. While I am sure there will be many fans of this release, unfortunately, I am not a huge one myself, and I do think it is somewhat overpriced. Penon should hold its head high, though, for offering such a unique release in a very saturated market. If bone-conducting drivers are destined to become a staple in the future, which I truly believe they will be, then Penon already has a leg up on the competition.
1000051513.jpg
Last edited:
thaslaya
thaslaya
Oops I'm not sure how I missed that 😅. Fixed it
S
syd67
Good review 👍
S
syd67
these are frankly bad IEMs. last year I bought and regretted, the sound is harsh and not coherent. In the end, I broke them.

W0lrince

Previously known as Tzennn
Penon Fan 3 - Revamp the OG
Pros: - Much Much finer tune and taste compare to Fan 2
- RnB or Jazz, anything with drum and electric guitar sounds phenomenal
Cons: - Soundstage is not what i expected

att.Xz5X_YlGu1QXMmxVWNuJnvWieKJM-ZNFeIA1t8VoWmM.jpg


If you're interested in graph comparison, here's the link
Disclamer:
+ I'm a normal asian dude with some music producing background
+ I like clean balanced sound signature with focus on sub bass and lower treble
+ Can consider myself as treblehead
+ 60-68db listening session
+ Avarage 4/10 (Quarks/ 7hz Zero), Good 6/10 (Tanchjim Kara), Endgame 8/10, Bias Endgame 10/10
⭐ : Good, but with a catch
⭐⭐ : Worth the money
⭐⭐⭐ : Specialist at something else
⭐⭐⭐⭐ : A Very close to perfection
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Perfect for me
Bone Conductor (On vs Off): The A/B test shown that i can only heard a mild different in vocals body (heft, chest voice). I leave BC On
- Bass: As expected from Penon iem, very hefty, very thick and heavy bass while retain a lot of air
+ Impressive driver that brings out a lot of detail
+ Relax and slow bass.
+ Definitely need more work on the fastness of bass to make it more reasonable when listening to orchestra music (specifically)
- Mid: Would love to have less 6khz dip
+ Acoustic is somewhat dampended a little too much
+ Electric specifically electric guitar sounds crazy
- Treble: Mild treble that gonna tickle your brain lol
+ Love to have more extension (less roll off after 13khz)
- Vocals: Very good male/female performance, as expected. Very natural feeling and positioning. However vocals lack dynamism at times.
- Soundstage presentation: Small studio with sound source fairyly close. Imaging is impressive with layer upon layer, blurry in height placement

Thank you Audio Geek and Penon for sending tour unit to Vietnam!
Last edited:
amanieux
amanieux
i see you also reviewed tea pro and davinci how would you rank these 3 in order of your personal preference ?
W0lrince
W0lrince
@amanieux I would say Tea Pro = Fan 3 >>>>> Davinci. Tea Pro for pop stuff and Fan3 for jazz, rock or orchestra
amanieux
amanieux
and what about fan3 vs ke4 ?

iamfuki

New Head-Fier
Review of the Penon Fan 3: A Solid Performer with Impressive Bass
Pros: - Great bass
- The "BCD effect" is real and it's a very pleasant experience
- Nice cable& accessories
Cons: - The bass could be a bit overwhelming sometimes in some bass-heavy tracks
Review of the Penon Fan 3: A Solid Performer with Impressive Bass

The Penon Fan 3 is a standout IEM that delivers impressive sound with its triple-driver setup, particularly excelling in bass performance. While it offers a powerful and enjoyable listening experience, its tuning may not suit everyone. For those who prioritize impactful bass and a smooth, fatigue-free treble, the Fan 3 is a solid contender, though some may wish for better midrange clarity and treble sparkle. Here's a closer look at its sound profile and a comparison to the ISN H60.
1000006006.jpg

Sound Quality

Bass: 9/10
The Fan 3's bass is undoubtedly its standout feature. It's a powerful, dynamic presentation that makes its presence felt, especially with the BCD driver providing an added sense of impact. The lows have a visceral quality, making this IEM perfect for bass-heavy genres like EDM, hip-hop, or rock. While impressive, the bass can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, slightly overshadowing the rest of the frequency range, particularly in complex tracks. Nonetheless, if you love a deep, powerful bass response, the Fan 3 delivers in spades.

Midrange: 7/10
The mids on the Fan 3 are where opinions may diverge. While they aren't bad by any means, they fall short in terms of clarity and separation, especially when compared to higher-tier IEMs like the ISN H60. Vocals can sometimes feel slightly recessed, and there's a lack of definition that makes them a bit underwhelming in more intricate music. That said, the mids are still enjoyable for casual listening and handle most genres competently, though they may leave audiophiles wishing for more transparency.

Treble: 8/10
The treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, which makes for a comfortable listening experience over extended periods. However, it is a bit on the safe side, lacking the sparkle and air that would elevate its performance. There's adequate extension, but it's not as energetic as some might prefer. When compared to the H60, the Fan 3's treble feels a bit restrained, lacking that extra bit of detail and brilliance that would make it shine in genres like classical or acoustic.

Soundstage & Imaging

The soundstage of the Fan 3 is decent but not particularly expansive. Imaging is accurate enough for most listening situations, but it doesn't quite have the level of precision you'd get from more premium IEMs. The staging feels more intimate, and while this isn't a deal-breaker, those who enjoy a more spacious, airy sound may find it lacking.

Comparison to the ISN H60

When comparing the Penon Fan 3 to the ISN H60, the differences are quite clear. The Fan 3's bass is undoubtedly more prominent, thanks to the BCD driver, which adds a level of impact that the H60 can't quite match. However, this comes at the cost of balance, as the H60 provides a more coherent and well-rounded sound signature, with better midrange clarity and a more refined treble response. The H60 also excels in its soundstage and imaging, creating a more immersive listening experience overall.

In short, while the Fan 3 has impressive bass and a smooth, fatigue-free treble, the H60 is the more versatile and well-rounded performer. If you're a bass-head, the Fan 3 might win you over with its low-end performance, but for those who prioritize overall sound balance and detail, the H60 edges ahead.
1000006004.jpg

Conclusion

The Penon Fan 3 is a solid offering from Penon, particularly for bass enthusiasts. Its impactful low-end, comfortable design, and fatigue-free treble make it a great option for casual listeners. However, its midrange clarity and treble extension leave some room for improvement, especially when compared to the ISN H60. If you're looking for a well-rounded, versatile IEM, the H60 might be the better pick, but the Fan 3 is still a commendable pe
rformer in its own right.
Last edited:
R
rickywck
May I know what source(s) did you use to drive Fan 3?
iamfuki
iamfuki
I've tried a lot of different srcs:
DAP:
Shanling M6 Pro
Xduoo x2s
Sony Wm1z
Dongle:
Ibasso DC07pro
Apple dongle
VE Odyssey

Overall, the Fan3 works best with neutral, technical sources. Although it doesn't require much power, the more juices the better I'd say.

vandung2510

100+ Head-Fier
Penon Fan 3 Review
Pros: - Good build quality
- Gorgeous faceplate
- Nice carrying case
- Good quality cable – The upgraded Penon Space cable
- Warm balance/W shaped tonality
- Good bass quality
- Natural midrange
- Impressive vocal rendering
- Holographic staging
Cons: - BC effect is real, but heavily depend on the ear tips + contact with the ears
- Not the most lush midrange even with the BC turn ON (nit pick at best)
Introduction

Penon is an online audio store, established in 2013 and has been working ever since to sell audio products at an affordable price.

Along with their online store, they also created their own audio brand in 2018 under the same name. Penon has always been known for making great sounding iem at various price ranges, configuration as well as playing with a lot of different yet still good sounding tuning.

Today i’ll review a hybrid iem from them and it’s the Penon Fan 3

Disclaimer: I would like to thank Penon and AudioGeek for providing the touring unit of this iem to Vietnam. Everything I said in this review is my subjective opinion only.

Configuration: 2DD+2BA+1BCD

Driver configuration:

- 1 x Knowles BA for high-frequency

- 1 x Sonion BA for mid-frequency

- 1 x 10mm coil-type full-frequency bone conduction

- 2 x 6.2mm bio-diaphragm dynamic low frequency

- Sensitivity: 109dB

- Frequency response: 10 Hz-40 KHz

- Impedance: 12.5Ω

- RP $350

You can get them here: penonaudio.com/PENON-FAN-3

Packaging

The package of the Fan 3 is relatively simple. Just open it up and there’s a case inside there with no foam padding or paper work.

Similar to the Fan 2, Penon has also included an awesome of a carrying case here, along with the iem, the cable, eartips, the shirt clip, a cleaning brush, a sim tool and cable fastener inside.
PXL_20240929_060143438.jpg
PXL_20240929_060350860.jpg


Design/Build quality/Comfort

The Fan 3’s shell is a bit chunky overall. They’re made out of black medical grade resin material. The shape of the shells are relatively normal/ergonomics, with some slight contour of the rear wings. Nozzle length is around average.

The faceplates of the Fan 3 are made out of resin as well, with a blue and green color scheme.

IMG_20240929_131200_1.jpg

PXL_20240929_061315823.jpg
PXL_20240929_061326222.jpg

PXL_20240929_061353349.jpg
PXL_20240929_061522449.jpg

PXL_20240929_061845419.jpg
PXL_20240929_061900589.jpg


Isolation is above average with the Fan 3.

Comfort wise, although the Space cable is a bit heavy, which in turn tug on my ears a little bit, the Fan 3 is a comfortable iem to wear overall. I can wear it for more than 2 hours with no hot or pain spot

PXL_20240929_064040561.jpg
PXL_20240929_061954163.jpg

PXL_20240929_062014002.jpg
PXL_20240929_062103477.jpg

Normally, Penon would include the OS133 cable with the Fan 3, but I have decided to opt for the upgraded Penon Space cable instead. The Space cable doubles the cores of the OS133 cable, as well as having a modular connection.

Sound impression:

Source: Poco F3+UAPP, Dell laptop + Foobar 2000

Dac/Amp: Chord Mojo, Ibasso DC07 Pro, EPZ TP50.
Cable: Stock

Tips: Whizzer SS20, Divinus Velvet Widebore, Final E

Driveability: I’d say that the Fan 3 is an easy to drive iem. Even with a dongle, I already feel like it can capture nearly the full capability of the iem

I’ll talk about the sound quality mainly with the BC turn ON

graph.png


Tonality: Warm balance/W shaped

Bass:


For the bass, the Fan 3 strikes a very fine balance between subbass and midbass, as they are very equally emphasized imho. Quantity wise, they are just north of neutral to give life to the low end and to not sound too boring. Basshead would find it a bit lacking.

Subbass texture is quite nice with the Fan 3 as it passes my testing tracks: “Chameleon” – Trentemoller and “Why So Serious” – Hans Zimmer. The rumbles feel very elastic with good air movement to them. It has good sustain and decay, that classic DD lingering sense that we’re all familiar with, while it doesn't sound pillowy at all. The subbass gets an easy 4.5/5 from me, quality wise, lacking just a bit of tightness and texture between the rumbles

Midbass is thumpy and rounded with good transient speed, evidently in the drumming sessions of rock and metal tracks. Jazz, r&b sounds decent as well. Overall, midbass slams and punches, although not too boosted in SPL to begin with, are very decisive, easy to track and follow should you be looking for them.

Here’s the fun part. All I've described above is with the BCD switch OFF. When turning it ON, subtle nuances were now added while the general quantity remains the same. The BCD affects the midbass more than subbass. Midbass now has this immersive and atmospheric feeling to them. To test and highlight this effect, I even switch the BCD ON on 1 side and OFF on the other. The side with the BCD turn OFF feels a bit hollow and simpler in its bass presentation.

Midrange

The midrange is undoubtedly the star of the Fan 3. It can be described as neutral-ish with some warm essence to them. Since the midbass has quite good transient speed, with not much higher energy relative to the midrange, it doesn’t sound muddy at all. The upper midrange was sufficiently boosted as well to give you some excitement up top. Together with the BCD, you get a very engaging and open midrange as a whole. It’s definitely not thin, lean or boring sounding.

Instruments have a very natural timbre overall. With “Cold” – Jorge Mendez and “Time To Love” - October, piano has good note weight to them, not too light but not heavy either. It sounds very natural and lively. When listening to “Divenire” – Ludovico Einaudi and many other orchestra tracks, all those instruments sound very melodious and harmonize, with good room to breathe between instruments. The stage sounds even more expansive with the BCD turn ON.

Vocals are where I'm having an easier time observing the effect of the BCD. When the BCD is turned OFF, male and female vocals sound quite balanced to each other. Male vocals have just a bit of warmth and lushness to them, while female vocals are sweet, forward, have good body to them but not shouty. So now when you turn the BCD ON, it adds some additional vibration, gravitas and dimension to both types of vocals, purely from its contacts and vibrates in the ears. Imagine listening to a really deep voice and you can feel their rumbly voice through the air of your lungs (i only met 1 person irl who has this type of voice), now it's that but it vibrates your outer ear as well, not just your eardrums.

With these subtle improvements with no inherent inconvenient brought by the BC, i feel like it’s logical to leave the BCD turn ON all the time

With “Shivers” by Ed Sheeran and “It’s my life” by Jon Bovi, there’s barely any sense of sibilance in their voice

Treble

The Fan 3 has a good amount of treble extension, with some air and mid-to-upper treble energy detected despite being covered by only 1 Knowles BA. The treble region sounds very balanced and non fatiguing in conjunction with the bass and midrange. There seems to be a dip in the 6-7khz region, which gives the Fan 3 a slightly darker edge. Cymbal crashes have a good amount of emphasis, feeling a bit soft with good sizzling sustain and release. Percussion instruments in general never sound too harsh or abrasive.

If I were to nit pick, a bit more crispy + snappy brilliance could’ve been better, or more shimmering for the cymbals, etc... However, I understand that the bass and midrange is more of a star for the Fan 3, as well as due to the price restriction, so I can live with the treble presentation as is.

Technicalities

The Fan 3 has a nice 3d, holographic stage going on, with a good sense of depth and width, with not as good height. This has been accounted for with the BCD turn ON and with the use of the Penon Space cable. The imaging, layering and separation are all good with the Fan 3, well above average. The Fan 3 is a very well- rounded iem in the technicalities department.

Comment on the Bone Conduction Driver in the Fan 3

First, I’d like to establish that, when doing the measurements for both the BCD switch on and off, the general SPL line of the Fan 3 doesn’t change at all. Even if you turn the BCD on, the bass, mid and treble level doesn’t drop down at all. Hence, i can safely say that any differences between the mode that i can hear and decipher, is purely due to the BCD.

Second, the improvements/changes it brings to the bass + lower mids region can be quite subtle, depending on the person and their fit or their whole experience overall. I have to bring this up because I’ve already read that some people cannot feel the BCD engaged, as opposed to me who can feel the BCD a bit easier, so YMMV.

The differences in how I perceive the BCD effect makes me seem like I may have exaggerated the influence of the BCD too much, or try so hard to sell the BCD driver on the Fan 3, but the effect IS real.

To verify this effect, you can also play some youtube videos with some voices in it at moderate volume. Hold one side of the iem with your thumb and index finger, while turning the switch on and off. You'll feel the BC sensation through the shell, that subtle, buzzing feeling can be felt. It won’t shake the whole shells violently like the haptic driver in the much cheaper CVJ Konoka, so do keep that in mind and keep your expectation moderately.

Third, I don’t know if it’s intentional, but in my opinion, the deliberate choice to include a turning switch for the BCD is quite an ingenious idea, as it can let you turn the BCD on and off, then by extension, let you verified whether or not does the BCD works, or let you feel what it brings to your music enjoying time

Comparison:
PXL_20240806_025900912.jpg

It’s only logical to compare the Fan 3 with its predecessor: The Penon Fan 2. The Fan 3 was built on the foundation that is the Fan 2, but now with an additional BCD. The Fan 2 usually goes for $140 when on sale.

Build quality wise, both Fan 2 and Fan 3 are made out of similar types of resin. However, the Fan 3 is much much easier to fit. I have no problem fitting the Fan 2, however I do acknowledge that the Fan 2 has a really long nozzle which poses a lot of fitting problems to many people out there.
graph (1).png

Sound wise, both of them have a warm, balanced type of tonality.

For the bass, both of them have nearly identical bass texture and quality in terms of bass speed and definition. However, the Fan 3 does have a bit better subbass extension, which translates to a more balanced bass shelf overall. The Fan 3 solves the so-called “issue” regarding the subbass in the Fan 2 that many have complained about.

With the aid of the BC, the vocals on the Fan 3 sounds more emotional, sweeter and more engaging. Male vocals have this additional heft and reverberating feeling to them compared to Fan 2, while female vocals have a bit more body to them while still retaining a similar baseline.

Treble wise, the Fan 3 has a lot of improvements over the Fan 2. It now has better extension overall and more emphasis on the middle and upper treble, giving more life to the cymbals and hi hats. It feels more energetic and less roll-off than the Fan 2.

With both ends sounding more emphasized than the Fan 2, the Fan 2 sounds much more midcentric than the Fan 3. However, the mids on the Fan 3 sound more open, more mature and refined on the Fan 3, despite looking so similar on the graph.

Technicalities wise, the Fan 3 sounds a bit wider while retaining the previously good depth of the Fan 2, which results in a more expansive stage overall on the Fan 3. The imaging is also improved on the Fan 3 now that there is more room for the instruments to breathe.

Conclusion

Penon has done it yet again with the Fan 3. Similar to the Fan 2, the Fan 3 also went for a 50% discount. With the price tag of 175$, even with the Penon OSC133 instead of Space cable, I think the performance of the Fan 3 is well worth the asking price. If you’re looking for an iem with a warm balance/W shaped tonality, with good technical performance along with a special immersive listening experience brought by the BCD, I'd highly recommend the Fan 3 for you.

That’s it for my review and thank you for reading
iamfuki
iamfuki
Great review !!!
blakglas
blakglas
My Fan 3 doesn’t vibrate at all, but I can hear the difference on and off.

ranjit

New Head-Fier
Penon Fan 3 IEM Review
Pros: Warm, musical sound signature
Comfortable shell design for long listening
Engaging mids and treble
Non-fatiguing tuning for extended sessions
Cons: Slight lack of clarity with the bass switch engaged
Not for those seeking extreme detail or analytical listening
Introduction
Penon Fan 3 IEM Review
Pros:

  • Warm, musical sound signature
  • Comfortable shell design for long listening
  • Engaging mids and treble
  • Non-fatiguing tuning for extended sessions
Cons:
  • Slight lack of clarity with the bass switch engaged
  • Not for those seeking extreme detail or analytical listening
Introduction
Penon has been a well-regarded name in the audiophile community for its IEMs that focus on delivering musical, enjoyable sound. The Fan 3 continues this tradition, offering a warm and engaging sound signature with tuning switches for added flexibility. It’s aimed at listeners who value an immersive, laid-back experience over analytical detail.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The Fan 3 comes in a well-presented box, with a variety of ear tips, a detachable cable, and a carrying pouch. The IEMs themselves have a sleek, ergonomic shell that looks simple but elegant. I was immediately impressed with how comfortable they felt in hand, promising good fit for extended use.
Fit and Comfort
Upon wearing the Fan 3, I found them to be very comfortable. The shell design molds smoothly into the ears, ensuring a snug fit. Even during long listening sessions, the lightweight design made them easy to wear without any discomfort. I appreciated how well they stayed in place, making them ideal for extended use.
Sound Quality
I paired the Fan 3 with my HiBy R4, Mojo 2, and used a balanced cable, streaming high-resolution tracks from Qobuz. I explored a range of genres, testing the IEMs with tracks like “Aerials” by System of a Down, “Time” by Pink Floyd, “Gravity” by John Mayer, and “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson.
Treble: Smooth and non-fatiguing, though not overly detailed. It retains enough clarity to keep instruments like cymbals and strings well defined, but without any harshness. This makes the Fan 3 suitable for long listening periods.
Mids: The mids are where the Fan 3 shines the most. Vocals, both male and female, come through with warmth and presence. Instruments like guitars and pianos have a pleasant richness, contributing to the IEM's musicality.
Bass: With the tuning switch on, the bass becomes fuller and provides extra weight. It’s not overpowering, but it does take away some clarity from the lower frequencies, giving the overall sound a more relaxed and musical character. I wouldn’t call it muddy, but those looking for clean, punchy bass may find it a bit too soft in this mode.
Final Thoughts
The Penon Fan 3 is an enjoyable and musical IEM, perfect for those who want a relaxed, non-fatiguing listening experience. While it may not offer the highest level of detail, its warm sound signature, comfortable design, and smooth tuning make it a great choice for casual listening. I’d rate them 3.6 out of 5.
Thanks to Sandeep Agarwal, Nikunj Dedhia, and Kashyap Doulani for the loaner as part of the Audio Geek India Tour. This review is based on my personal experience.

Attachments

  • IMG_9380.jpg
    IMG_9380.jpg
    198.8 KB · Views: 0

TimmyT916

New Head-Fier
Penon FAN 3
Pros: Sound Stage: Excellent
Mids and Treble: Excellent
Tonality: Excellent
Texture: Very good
Bass: Very good
Cons: None
I’ve had a lot of IEM’s come across my desk over the past year and every once in a while something special. The Penon FAN 3 is that Something Special. Let me start by saying, I paid for this IEM and my thoughts are my own.

Usually I start by saying “Finding the Sweet Spot”. Where I run the IEM through the process of making between 42 to 70 PEQ settings. Load these into Poweramp and start listening. I use two DAP’s, the FiiO M17 and iBasso DX320MAX Ti. With the DX320 I also listen in quad DAC mode, using Mango player, to get a sense of the full potential of the IEM with no PEQ.

IMG_3322.jpeg


The FAN 3 is an absolute gem of an IEM out of the box! The Tonality, Detail, Sound Stage, Texture, Bass through to upper Treble are all great without adding any additional EQ. So I scratched my head on this one and wondered if I could still make it a bit better? Would it be worthwhile? Should I just leave this one alone? I even reached out to Mr. Chi from Penon and asked if he minded if I had a go at improving on this great little IEM. He said “you paid for it, so go for it”!

IMG_3287.jpg


Before we get into the listening and outcomes of sound impressions. Let’s go over the specs. The FAN 3 is the third instalment in the FAN series. It boasts 2BA’s, 2DD’s and 1BCD, all for $349. That’s right real bone conduction at $349. Not like the Plutus Beast, with it’s vibrating spring like BCD, but a real BCD driver at this price point. I own the CP622B, also with BCD and I can tell you this thing is like a baby CP622B.

https://penonaudio.com/PENON-FAN-3.html

The cable that comes with it is black 2 core coax fabric with no noticeable microphonics. It has carbon fiber hardware as well.
IMG_3288.jpg


The shells are beautiful Blue and Green on Black. The size of the shells are a bit large, reminding me of my Oracle MKII’s. It also comes with the standard Penon Blue Case, 2 types of silicon tips and foam tips as well. I usually go for Divinus Velvet tips, but both the Grey/Green and Blue tips that come with it fit very well.

IMG_3289.jpg


The FAN 3 also has an on off switch for the BCD driver. For this review I used the On setting, as it sounded best.

On to the Sound:

BASS: The entire frequency range is well balanced out of the box and the sub-bass and bass regions are good rumble and slam. This is the region that I impacted the most with my PEQ setting. Elevating the Bass slightly, see image 2 (I’m a bit of a Basshead), I was able to keep the other frequencies well controlled and didn’t lose anything. Sub-Bass, Bass and Bass feel went from an 8 to an 9 on all three attributes

2.jpg


MIDS: The lower and upper mids are very well presented out of the box. Male and female vocals are crystal clear and brought forward perfectly. I rated this region a 9 and maintained that rating with my PEQ settings. The texture was also very good in the midrange, most likely due to the BCD driver

TREBLE: The lower treble, again, out of the box, are fantastic and non-fatiguing. This extended well into the upper treble region. Again, I’d rate this a 9 and maintained the 9 with the PEQ setting

Sound Stage: The FAN 3 brings the music to life with a excellent stage, wonderful detail and Layering of the instruments. I rated these attributes a 9 out of the box, but the sound stage go slightly better with PEQ and I gave it a 9.5

Timbre: I couldn’t hear any BA Timbre in this set. Excellent job Penon!

Tonality: This was KING. When I test across my 30 song library I usually float right and left from bright to warm on some tracks, but I was able to keep the setting at Neutral for everything. See Image 1. This is the sign of a very well tuned IEM

1.jpg


SIBILANCE: There was some slight Sibilance on some tracks, where these tracks are listened to on purpose because of this attribute. I would rate the FAN 3 as a 9 and after PEQ a 9.5, where this was improved even further. It’s rare to find an IEM that can control sibilance in male and female vocals across a broad range of music. Again, I suspect the BCD was a play here

My overall rating of the FAN 3 without PEQ is an 8.9/10. A score unheard of at this price point. Putting this into endgame territory.

My overall rating of the FAN 3 with PEQ is a 9.2/10. Again, making this a contender against sets that cost 2-3x more and an absolute bargain.

Final throughs: The hobby just keeps getting better and better and Penon has given us a little IEM that could! I have no doubt it will sell like hotcakes at this price point and I don’t think anything under $500 can come anywhere near its value
Ozboyblu
Ozboyblu
Awesome 👏 review. I'd be interested to know where the leather IEM stand came from . Looks great. 👍 I love my fan 3 .
TimmyT916
TimmyT916
Plus Sound Audio
B
brittany741
I decided to purchase the Fan 3 after looking at the much less expensive Kinera Plutus after discussing with Tim I am a huge Jeff Buckley listener. He helped me get my EQ settings dialed in and these went from excellent to exceptional.

I have tiny ears and these are at the top end of what I can make fit. Custom sleeves will make them a perfect fit. They are performing far above their price! I listen to mainly 90s alternative and folk. Both genres perform exceptionally.

Definitely EQ these if you’ve got discerning taste as it’s easily a 10% boost in quality. The BC is nothing like typical all-BC headphones. It truly shines and gives the same feeling in my chest the way a live music does. I like crisp bass and these nail it.

Thanks again to Tim for being so generous with your time and helping me get my EQ dialed in. I am a true believer now in bone conduction when combined with other drivers.

Dsnuts

Headphoneus Supremus
Penon Fan3: Turn on the 3D!
Pros: High level workmanship
High level build.
Medium in size with a much better ergonomic shape vs the Fan2
Premium drivers with dual bio dynamics for bass
Sonion and Knowles BAs
Full range bone conduction coil type driver
Ability to turn on or off the BC driver- A first in the industry
2 legit sound signatures- read the review.
Holographic 3D type sound with swith on.
Full bodied balanced musical v tuning with switch off.
one of the largest spacious head stages for IEM sound with switch on
A must own for ambient music lovers.
allrounder very good versatility.
Surprisingly great for gaming and movies
Better deal for the Space cable. A must match up with the Fan3
Cons: Tiny switch can accidently scratch the shells if you're not careful with the switch
Needs burn in for full sonics
Needs brain burn in for adjusting to sound, use it for a full day.
Not the most accurate in presentation with BC on
Not the most technical sounding IEM with BC off
Penon Fan3
DSC01967.JPG

I think Penon learned a thing or two when they introduced their Fan2. The shell design was a bit of a hit or miss due to an unconventional shape, with just about every review on the nets mentioning that they had an awkward longer nozzle shape. Which means if you didn't have the correct ear shape or a larger ear canal, then the Fan2 was not going to be comfortable or will they sound correct for you. This caused some issue among enthusiasts that got to hear them. The reviews and impressions of the Fan2 was all over the place and it definitely had something to do with how they fit. For me, the Fan2 in full glory sounded every bit as musical as any Penon made IEM and could even be a poster child for Penon house tunings.
DSC01936.JPG

The other design aspect that the Fan2 started with was Penons use of the dual dynamics for bass. It was the first Penon IEM to use this design for bass and if you follow their more recent creations, they are all using the dual dynamics. 10th, Quattro, Voltage and even the new ISN H60 and now used on the Fan3. The new Fan3 uses two powerful 6.2mm bio diaphragms. It seems to me, Penon sound tunings evolve like all good manufacturers should, I have learned through the years that they learn from prior IEMs they have made to always do one better. Utilizing some of the best drivers in the industry and then when you add their tuning know how you get some arguably excellent sounding IEMs.

The new Fan3 takes Penon house sound into the next level using a new much more ergonomic yet slightly larger housing design but now with an added full range 10mm coil type Bone Conduction driver. So that equates to 2x 6.2mm bio DD for bass, a full range Sonion BA for mids and a specialized Knowles treble BA for the highs but then this driver configuration was what the Fan2 basically was. The Fan3 adds a first for Penon, a new full range BC driver which has a big effect on the sound of the Fan3. What is interesting about the Fan3 is that it now has an added switch element that turns the BC driver on and off.

Penons house tunings are all about the mids but always implement tasteful present trebles and a punchy deep low end to compliment the mids. Their TOTL Impacts have some of the best mids I have ever heard on any IEM but then what does that have to do with the new Fan3? Well the Fan3s full range coil BC driver has the most effect on the Fan3 mids character. This time around there are two very legit sound tunings in the Fan3. A full on 3 dimensional U shaped tuning with BC driver engaged and a mild yet balanced V without the BC engaged. What is interesting is that I do believe Penon will be the first in the industry to introduce the ability to turn off the BC and turn it on when you feel the need. The BC driver does something very interesting to mostly the mid bands but also has an effect for the bass end and a bit of the treble as well.
DSC01963.JPG

Switch engaged. A bit of a warning on this mode. It might be the reason why you are interested in this particular IEM. In being the first to fully test the Fan3 both their prototype and the retail version I am posting about here. You have to do a full burn in cycle for these. Music playing at listening levels for at least 50-75 hours is what I would recommend. But more importantly I would dedicate some time to get used to how the sound is presented. Meaning you have to get used to the sound that is presented with the BC driver on. Drop all your IEMs and have a good listen. I can already see a variance of impressions just based on the open box sound. It almost sounds like the Fan3 is out of phase, that is when you accidently connect your 2 pin cable in one side backwards. But it is when you keep listening you will start to understand what Penon was going for. It wouldn't surprise me one bit if you felt the sound was off to you on first listen. The entire sound presentation changes. I think folks that own IFI amps and dacs might get a good idea of what is happening with the sound here but it is very close to how IFI amps process the sound for 3D enhancement. The 3D switch on IFI amps and dacs have always been a part of an extra they throw on via switch on their sources. If you have owned one of these you will get a good idea of what I am talking about here. And much like how these devices are engaged for that 3D sound so does the bone conduction implementation is engaged via switch on the Fan3. The end result is quite astonishing. Once fully burned in and adjusted for its grand sound signature. Accept that the sound is now out of your head. Way out of your head.

Penon has always been good about tuning the mids and with the BC engaged the spacious element of the Fan3 sound goes into overdrive. It has to be one of the most spacious dimensional airy sounds that Penon has ever made for an IEM at the price level they will be charging for these. The mids are not pulled forward like you might think but more laid back in the mix with the BC engaged. This gives a grander soundscape for how you're listening to your tracks, then it also seems to add a greater depth with an added ambience to the sound that is not exactly there with the BC driver in the off position. The mids sound much more broader, deeper, more ethereal, airy and its bass now has better focus for sub bass in both impact and rumble. Trebles are the least affected but are definitely balanced well to enhance the experience the BC driver brings. Trebles has been fine tuned to work with the BC on and it also has a hand in the presentation of the Fan3 BC mode on with a slight bit extra focus for its upper trebles. This tuning trick in conjunction with the BC driver brings one of the most unique sound experiences for IEMs in the industry and for this reason alone you should take some serious interest in these. But then what about with the switch off?
DSC01962.JPG

Switch turned off. This is where they remind me of a newer version of the Fan2 in sound. One with a greater mid bass impact and extension for its subbass and with more treble presence in emphasis and extension. The mids now sound more forward, more intimate, much more grounded in how it sounds which has an effect for its stage presentation. Sound is not as roomy, spacious or as airy as it was with the BC on but that intimacy is now cranked up a notch. Truth is in this mode it could easily be sold as the official Fan3 tuning and we are back to a more conventional hybrid sound. But it also happens to be a bit more colored, a bit more exciting vs the old Fan2 in sound signature. Sound becomes much more intimate. More impactful mid bass, a thicker bodied lower mids, and even a slight added emphasis for trebles. With the BC off. These sound similar to another Penon product in the older Globes even closer to the newer Dome in tuning. Folks that love them some body and warmth to their music this is the mode that will please. What makes the Fan3 more versatile than your garden variety hybrid IEM is that you're actually getting two fully realized tuning options, 2 completely different sounds with the ability to engage or disengage the BC switch. And by no means does the sound all of a sudden shrink with the switch off. Far from it, again has a nicely spaced-out sound with nothing that is confined or canned. In this mode I think folks will love the more musical tuning of the Fan3. It's just that it has another completely different side of its sound presentation with the BC on.

It seems to me that this IEM is more of a show piece as they call it a FAN IEM which means these will have some special pricing for folks that get their mailer and subscribe to Penons website. Folks that have bought the Fan or the Fan2 in the past know what I am talking about.
Don't know how many manufacturers you guys know that purposefully design an IEM dedicated to and for their patrons but that is what this series of IEMs are about. And I am all too happy to report. Penon has made a doozy in the new Fan3.

Did I mention they fit a million times easier in the ears vs their prior Fan2 but more importantly there will be much more uniform impressions of these IEMs due to that much better ergonomic fit. And what was good about the Fan2 is much more alive on the Fan3.
DSC01971.JPG

Sound

If the lush full bodied dimensional airy mids experience don’t get you, the deep impact of the punchy dual dynamics for bass and the smoother present well detailed extended trebles that balances out the full bored sound of the Fan3 certainly will. In all honesty I don't know if you can optimize a 4 driver tribrid for better cohesion vs what's on the Fan3. It's like the BC driver ties the 3 bands together for better cohesion here. There is some magic fairy dust stuff happening with these that is difficult to explain until you hear a set bone conduction and all.

The idea of listening to your music is for full immersion, no? I think using the word immersion is a good way to describe how the Fan3 sounds. It is more than immersive. With BC engaged, it almost sounds like some type of dolby surround. But then when you turn it off. You get this big bold sound with a more intimate forward sound signature that is just as equally enjoyable. From how I understand it. Penon has been designing this one for a while now as I actually got to hear a prototype of these. And there are some aspects from the early prototype that worked and that didn’t. One of them was that they have now changed out the treble BA to be much more present and with a better tuning and then that was not good enough. I bet they realized with the BC off it brings yet another flavor, something more akin to what they have done in the past. Having 2 legit signatures is not a bad thing if you ask me. This is not a case of one being outright better than the other. It is about unleashing the full potential of the driver configurations here to take advantage of what the BC driver does and does not do. If you ever wondered how BC drivers affect your music? Well now is your chance to hear it for yourself.

Trebles.
Fan3 trebles are a solid example of how Penon tunes trebles to be complimentary of its mids presentations. The new driver used for the treble tuning now brings a better transient element to the treble presentation. Prior prototype was a touch unbalanced and imo not as detailed. This new tuning and new driver now bring the detail level you would expect from the 3rd iteration of an IEM made for their patrons. The treble clarity is improved, has better sparkle and is better balanced in all aspects of its trebles. From how I understand it, this treble BA has been used for another popular IEM in the past with great results and hence was used for this particular set. Tuning the trebles to be detailed but not fatiguing has to be a challenge even more so as the BC engaged means it requires a certain level of treble enhancement for greater effect. The great thing about Penon tunings is that they never tune the trebles to be harsh or do they tune the trebles to influence the tonal character of an IEM. Deliberately does a mild 6khz dip for better vocal clarity. I do notice the treble this time gets better emphasis from prior Fan2 IEMs and this is a good thing. For utilizing a single treble BA, it is quite good actually and I think Penon has achieved their goal with the treble tuning and ability here. While something like a multi BA and in conjunction with multi EST implementation can provide the absolute higher tier of treble presentation and articulation, this single BA in the Fan3 clearly shows how good a well implemented single BA can handle the treble notes. It shares equal emphasis to the mid bass which balances out the tonal character of the Fan3 perfectly.
DSC01938.JPG

Mids

Mids of the Fan3 as I posted above is where the BC driver mostly effects. I do believe Penon is using a full range BC driver on these as it has an effect on all parts of its sound. The more airier style of sound is something to behold. Since there are two types of mids presentation that the Fan3 does. It's a good idea to try both with the BC on and BC off to see which you prefer. BC off brings a more intimate forward weighty sound vs the BC on where music notes sound more floaty more smoother yet becomes this airy presentation that brings a bigger wider picture of your music. Timbre seems to be slightly affected as music gets more depth of sound in the process with the BC on. It's a bit like listening to the music in a bigger hall or theater vs a more intimate venue with BC off. To maximize the effects of what the BC driver does, Penon will be selling an upgrade to the cable that comes with the Fan3 in the Penon Space cable. And while this reader was based off of its included cable, I would be telling you a lie if I said the OS133 maximizes the effect of what the Fan3 is doing for sound. It will be the Space cable that does this.

Then why not include that cable instead of the OS133 you may ask? You have to understand there are some price elements at play here and to keep the Fan3 at a certain price level Penon is aiming for they cannot include a premium higher tier of cable with their FAN3. Including the OS133 gets you a very good understanding of what's happening here with the Fan3. To be fair it's not that the OS133 cable is not any good for the Fan3. It was actually designed with the cable in mind. It's just that the Space cable actually enhances the tuning angle and the inclusion of the BC driver to a fuller, more grander extent. The Space cable which uses the material make up of 2X OS133 or double the cores is clearly superior and synergizes even better with the Fan3 vs the stock cable. This cable will be sold with a discounted option at $50 or 50% off of RP and in my opinion is a very generous offer from Penon. If you are a cable believer and have experience with what cable synergy does for your IEMs, the Space cable option for $50 more should be an automatic inclusion for the Fan3. Just for the fact that it does what it does for the Fan3 and any other IEM that is attached to them. Believe me, it is a special synergistic pairing on the Fan3 and is the reason why it will be included on the same sales page as the Fan3.
DSC00905.jpg

With Space cable.
You keep on seeing my descriptor for the Fan3 as being spacious sounding with BC engaged, well imagine yet going one step even further with added note density and even a wider presentation than what the OS133 gives you. What starts out as a wow becomes an OH WOW! Even more spread out in how you will hear the Fan3 it goes from a large sounding IEM to a grand sounding IEM and that is reason enough alone, but I have a feeling this was what Penon had in mind when they designed the Fan3. It is with the Space cable, unfortunately you just get a taste of it with the OS133. It is by no means a 100% necessity but then again after testing out the Fan3 with the Space cable. I can pretty much tell you. Yes it is a 100% necessity! Because you can’t unhear just how good the Fan3 can sound with this cable. If you can afford it. Go for it, you will not regret it.
DSC01941.JPG

Now the only exception to this would be if you plan on getting Penons newest ASOS+X cable. Then you would be better off putting that $50 toward the price of the ASOS+X to use with the Fan3. There is a reason why the new ASOS+X costs 3X more than the Space cable. The Sound expansion here is not exactly 3X more than what the Space provides but it also happens to be a much more resolving cable over the Space cable. I would say the synergy of the Space + Fan3 is so good you might even just get it due to the discount even if you own the ASOS+X just to use with the Fan3. In any case just know the Fan3 gets even better than how I describe the sound to be using the Space cable and that is what's good for you.
DSC01935.JPG

Bass
Now here is a bit of an interesting aspect of what the BC driver engagement provides. If you ever wonder if the BC driver affects the bass, well yes it does. With BC engaged, this seems to focus the bass end more so for its rumble aspects, by default the Fan3 has plenty of impactful bass end with its dual bass emphasis, but the rumble gets a bit more rumbly, a bit more tactile with the switch on. Its mid bass gets a touch more physical even though there is more mid bass with the switch off. It feels more impactful with the switch on. With switch off, I don't think it loses the low extension of the sub bass, it is there regardless but the mid bass now gets a bit more emphasis. A nice little option and a quick way to utilize the switch for bass emphasis. It makes sense that the stage seems wider with the switch on as the mid bass and lower mids are pushed back in the mix in comparison with the switch off. Hence a wider roomier perceived sound. The bass end here is about average in speed so it's not exactly the speediest type of bass nor does it have absolute texture but I do find the bass to be decisive, tight, well defined and is satisfactory for the given presentations. Bass is more or less moderate regardless of switch on or off but it's got very good definition even more so with the switch on. The bass end is very complimentary of what the Fan3 is all about and that musical spacious sound presentation is in full effect with a bold bass end. The bass end of the Fan3 is a marked improvement over the prior Fan2 which was tuned more neutrally with a milder bass emphasis. Fan3s Bass sounds weighty, has good solid definition and with the switch on has some extra textured rumble and physicality that just simply enhances the sound of the Fan3. Where this full bass comes into play is for large scale music be it EDM or Orchestral scores.

Fan3 for ambient type music is a treat to behold, while I find the Fan3 to be a very good allrounder, where it really struts its stuff is when you listen to ambient music. It is remarkable just how spacious and airy the sound can get.
DSC01931.JPG

Just about every aspect of the sound tuning and the ability for 2 legit sound signatures throws a very compelling argument why these are going to be yet another big hit for Penon. Its bass is an improvement from the Fan2 more bass impact with a deep digging quality textured sub bass. Its mids are the most affected by the BC driver which brings a spacial element to the sound that is unique among IEMs at the price they will be selling these for. And last but least they realized in order to balance out the more advanced bass and mids of the Fan3. They have redone the treble to be cleaner, more detailed solid extension with good sparkle when called for. Not too many BC IEMs will be sold at the Price Penon will be asking for a set of these so there is that. Penon seems to keep getting better at their craft introducing new elements to their IEM designs and I am very encouraged about what the Fan3 brings to the IEM game. If you're not on the mailer list. You should be as you will be missing out. This is just one reason to be on that list. The Fan3 is clearly an example of advancement for Penon. It shows they care about what they bring to the masses as evidence of them completely changing out what was already established for their treble BA. Now we have a better product to talk about. Oh and these will be talked about. I am most definitely looking forward to seeing what you all have to say about what the upcoming new Fan3 will bring to the table.
Last edited:
mrsergey
mrsergey
It looks miles better than the fan 2.
I may buy it if i get discount coupon for them.
M
mrbora
Agree it's really ambient. I'm still getting used to them, yet i will definitely recommend penon's black lacquered ear tips as compromise between vocals and instruments.
M
mrbora
I upgraded to Penon's space cable and definitely it improves the speciness of "FAN 3". Recommend

Update: two ear tips are the most impressive IMHOwith space cable:
1. Spinfit w1 details, but vocals are back
2. Final E less details, but vocals are OMG
3. Baroque eartips are great for vocals to bring them forward yet the overall sound stage reduced
Back
Top