DISCLAIMER
I would like to thank Ivy from HIFIGO for providing this review unit. The Tin T3 Plus can be gotten here: https://hifigo.com/products/tinhifi-t3-plus or https://www.amazon.com/TINHIFI-Dynamic-Monitor-Diaphragm-Earphones/dp/B09M2QWLMZ/
1) Tin T3 Plus IEM
2) 4-core OFC cable - tangly, thin and microphonic. Suggest to get a better cable from a haptic point of view!
3) Soft carry pouch
4) Foam tips x 1 pair
5) Silicone tips S/M/L 6 pairs - there are 2 variants, one has a narrower bore (red) which boosts the bass, the other has a wider bore (black) which boosts the upper frequencies for me. YMMV as we have different ear anatomies.
Accessories are quite decent at this price bracket. For the purposes of this review, the stock black silicone tips and the stock cable was used, so as not to add other confounders.
I am really happy that Tin HIFI has shifted to a 2 pin connector here; my previous experience with their Tin T2, Tin T2 Evo and Tin T2 Plus MMCX connectors was very bad, to say the least. Some of the MMCX connectors were so loose that they made the IEMs spin like little helicopters out of the box, with intermittent sound cut out. And I don't think it is just me, as there are numerous forum reports of QC issues with the Tin T series MMCX. It looks like the penny has finally dropped, with 2 pin connectors in general being more robust with repeated cable changes.
This set is easy to drive, but amping increases dynamics, micro-details, soundstage and bass tightness.
This set is subbass focused. The midbass is just north of neutral, but not as basshead levels. Subbass extends moderately with a rumble when called for. While there isn't marked midbass bleed, the midbass isn't that textured and can sound one-noted at times. Bass speed is moderate.
The midrange is quite natural sounding, with a good mix of clarity and "lushness". The lower mids are recessed, and boosted at the upper midrange. Vocals are pushed forward, though perhaps at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve) or with poorly recorded materials, this upper mids region can be fatiguing.
Treble continues on from the boosted upper mids. The treble is moderately extended, it borders on harshness at times around the lower treble, but I would think most treble sensitive folk can still tolerate this tuning. Clarity is good, with cymbals not sounding overly splashy. Sibilance is minimal.
In terms of technicalities:
- Soundstage width, height and depth are above average.
- Imaging and microdetails are average. Imaging is fuzzy.
- Instrument separation is good, aided by the bigger soundstage.
The Tin T3 Plus has timbre lying on the better side for a single DD set, but there is some occasional plasticky timbre for acoustic instruments such as for strings and brass instruments. This is just nitpicking though.
Moondrop Aria 2021 ($79.99 USD)
The well regarded Aria is about 10 bucks more expensive. The Aria is smoother in the treble. The Aria has a thinner note weight and isn't as hefty in the midrange, with the T3 Plus having more midbass and sounding more "fun".
The Tin T3 Plus have more forward vocals, with the lower treble region of the T3 Plus more fatiguing than the Aria.
Timbre is a bit more natural sounding on the Aria. In terms of imaging, instrument separation and clarity, the Aria edges it over the Tin T3 Plus. Perhaps the Tin T3 Plus has better soundstage and slightly better microdetails, but the bass is tighter and cleaner on the Aria.
HZSound Heart Mirror ($41 USD)
The Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set, and it has a thinner note weight and sounds more analytical than the T3 Plus. The Heart Mirror has more treble than the T3 Plus. Bass is more anemic on the Heart Mirror, but the bass has better quality in terms of speed and texturing.
The Heart Mirror is harder to drive, and has a smaller soundstage than the T3 Plus, but the Heart Mirror has better imaging, microdetails and instrument separation.
Tin T2 Evo ($49 USD)
The T2 Evo wasn't a really good release in the Tin T2 pantheon, it had stridency in the upper frequencies, with nasal vocals and a hollow timbre with a big bass roll-off. There were MMCX issues on it too (for my set).
The T3 Plus has more note weight and heft, better tonality (and less hot upper frequencies), with a more natural timbre and superior technicalities. No contest here between the 2 siblings, the T3 Plus is leagues ahead in almost every department, from build (QC) to sound.
I'm glad to see that Tin HIFI has shifted to a 2 pin connector here, after they had repeated QC issues with the previous MMCX connectors in their Tin T series.
Tin HIFI releases have been pretty hit or miss lately (eg Tin T2 Evo, P2, T5; the latter 2 necessitate retuned releases!) and the Tin T3 Plus is a redemption. I look forward to their future releases (with 2 pin connectors please!).
I would like to thank Ivy from HIFIGO for providing this review unit. The Tin T3 Plus can be gotten here: https://hifigo.com/products/tinhifi-t3-plus or https://www.amazon.com/TINHIFI-Dynamic-Monitor-Diaphragm-Earphones/dp/B09M2QWLMZ/
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Tin T3 Plus sports a balanced harmanish tonality, and can be described as a pretty good all rounder. It is a good set in the sea of sub $100 USD single DDs, but a bit of an undefined one-noted bass and occasional lower treble spiciness holds it back from greatness.SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 10mm dynamic driver with LCP diaphragm
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 20kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW
- Cable: 2 Pin 0.78 mm, 4-core OFC cable
- Tested at $69 USD
ACCESSORIES
Included are:1) Tin T3 Plus IEM
2) 4-core OFC cable - tangly, thin and microphonic. Suggest to get a better cable from a haptic point of view!
3) Soft carry pouch
4) Foam tips x 1 pair
5) Silicone tips S/M/L 6 pairs - there are 2 variants, one has a narrower bore (red) which boosts the bass, the other has a wider bore (black) which boosts the upper frequencies for me. YMMV as we have different ear anatomies.
Accessories are quite decent at this price bracket. For the purposes of this review, the stock black silicone tips and the stock cable was used, so as not to add other confounders.
BUILD/COMFORT
The Tin T3 Plus is comfortable and light, no issues for me with marathon listening sessions. There's a little concha protrusion to provide extra grip. I didn't find any driver flex on my set.I am really happy that Tin HIFI has shifted to a 2 pin connector here; my previous experience with their Tin T2, Tin T2 Evo and Tin T2 Plus MMCX connectors was very bad, to say the least. Some of the MMCX connectors were so loose that they made the IEMs spin like little helicopters out of the box, with intermittent sound cut out. And I don't think it is just me, as there are numerous forum reports of QC issues with the Tin T series MMCX. It looks like the penny has finally dropped, with 2 pin connectors in general being more robust with repeated cable changes.
ISOLATION
Isolation on the Tin T3 Plus is bang average. It is still usable outdoors though.DRIVABILITY
I tested the Tin T3 Plus with a Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp, Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp, Sony NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Plus v2 Mr Walkman Mod), smartphone, IKKO ITM01, Shanling Q1 DAP, Tempotec Sonata HD Pro, E1DA 9038D, and a Khadas Tone Board -> Fiio A3 Amp.This set is easy to drive, but amping increases dynamics, micro-details, soundstage and bass tightness.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
The Tin T3 Plus features a harmanish tuning, and this gives the T3 Plus an all rounder signature that should suit most music genres. Perhaps only diehard bassheads will dislike the tonality here.This set is subbass focused. The midbass is just north of neutral, but not as basshead levels. Subbass extends moderately with a rumble when called for. While there isn't marked midbass bleed, the midbass isn't that textured and can sound one-noted at times. Bass speed is moderate.
The midrange is quite natural sounding, with a good mix of clarity and "lushness". The lower mids are recessed, and boosted at the upper midrange. Vocals are pushed forward, though perhaps at louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve) or with poorly recorded materials, this upper mids region can be fatiguing.
Treble continues on from the boosted upper mids. The treble is moderately extended, it borders on harshness at times around the lower treble, but I would think most treble sensitive folk can still tolerate this tuning. Clarity is good, with cymbals not sounding overly splashy. Sibilance is minimal.
In terms of technicalities:
- Soundstage width, height and depth are above average.
- Imaging and microdetails are average. Imaging is fuzzy.
- Instrument separation is good, aided by the bigger soundstage.
The Tin T3 Plus has timbre lying on the better side for a single DD set, but there is some occasional plasticky timbre for acoustic instruments such as for strings and brass instruments. This is just nitpicking though.
COMPARISONS
I compared some sub $100 single DD sets. Multi BA/hybrids were left out of the comparisons as they have different pros and cons among the different transducer types.Moondrop Aria 2021 ($79.99 USD)
The well regarded Aria is about 10 bucks more expensive. The Aria is smoother in the treble. The Aria has a thinner note weight and isn't as hefty in the midrange, with the T3 Plus having more midbass and sounding more "fun".
The Tin T3 Plus have more forward vocals, with the lower treble region of the T3 Plus more fatiguing than the Aria.
Timbre is a bit more natural sounding on the Aria. In terms of imaging, instrument separation and clarity, the Aria edges it over the Tin T3 Plus. Perhaps the Tin T3 Plus has better soundstage and slightly better microdetails, but the bass is tighter and cleaner on the Aria.
HZSound Heart Mirror ($41 USD)
The Heart Mirror is a neutralish bright set, and it has a thinner note weight and sounds more analytical than the T3 Plus. The Heart Mirror has more treble than the T3 Plus. Bass is more anemic on the Heart Mirror, but the bass has better quality in terms of speed and texturing.
The Heart Mirror is harder to drive, and has a smaller soundstage than the T3 Plus, but the Heart Mirror has better imaging, microdetails and instrument separation.
Tin T2 Evo ($49 USD)
The T2 Evo wasn't a really good release in the Tin T2 pantheon, it had stridency in the upper frequencies, with nasal vocals and a hollow timbre with a big bass roll-off. There were MMCX issues on it too (for my set).
The T3 Plus has more note weight and heft, better tonality (and less hot upper frequencies), with a more natural timbre and superior technicalities. No contest here between the 2 siblings, the T3 Plus is leagues ahead in almost every department, from build (QC) to sound.
CONCLUSIONS
The Tin T3 Plus sports a balanced harmanish tonality, and can be an all rounder for most music genres. Perhaps only diehard bassheads will find the tonality not pleasing; it is a good set in the sea of sub $100 USD single DDs. However bit of a hot lower treble region and an undefined one-noted bass are nitpicks that hold it back from greatness.I'm glad to see that Tin HIFI has shifted to a 2 pin connector here, after they had repeated QC issues with the previous MMCX connectors in their Tin T series.
Tin HIFI releases have been pretty hit or miss lately (eg Tin T2 Evo, P2, T5; the latter 2 necessitate retuned releases!) and the Tin T3 Plus is a redemption. I look forward to their future releases (with 2 pin connectors please!).
poor bass in general=+1
real critical review=+1000