AKG K3003 Universal IEM Review: Challenger to the Custom IEM World?

[MuppetFace]

So the jack is rose-gold plated, yes?

 

[tomscy2000]

Quote:

  So the jack is rose-gold plated, yes?

¡Sí, señorita! ¡Es bellísima!
 

 

[outeirino]

Superb review about amazing tech and great sound iems, awaiting more contenders like Vsonic

 

[cooperpwc]

Interesting review, Joe. However I am not sure that you can really reach comparative conclusions with other IEMs using the wrong tips. That might explain the discrepancies between yours and other's impressions.
 
From my perspective what was especially useful in your review is that, since I have huge ears too, these IEMs may not work for me either. 

 

[average_joe]

 
Quote:

Interesting review, Joe. However I am not sure that you can really reach comparative conclusions with other IEMs using the wrong tips. That might explain the discrepancies between yours and other's impressions.
 
From my perspective what was especially useful in your review is that, since I have huge ears too, these IEMs may not work for me either. 

In an ideal world, all universal IEMs would fit my ears perfectly with the included stock tips, but that wasn't the case here.  I know others that have tried the K3003 and have the same issue, and if I forced the issue and used the stock tips my review might look something like this: 
The K3003 lacks bass depth and impact and even with the Bass Boost port there is a lack of depth and reverb, with the other two ports being unusable due to the overly bright sound.  
 
Reading through many other head-fi reviews from low end to high end universal IEMs you will find reviews with different ear tips.  Even jokers reviews list his preferred tips.  I think it is better to know how something will work for people that share my ear size vs. just saying reaching a comparative conclusion can't be reached due to the tips.  There are many people that may enjoy the K3003 with tips that work for them.

 

[cooperpwc]

You know that I do appreciate the effort! I have to try these. I couldn't find them in HK a few weeks ago...

 

[average_joe]

Looking forward to your thoughts when you get a chance to hear them.  Make sure you have some ear tips that fit your ears

 

[ysyung]

Very nice review, Thanks Joe!
 
I do share the same comments with you for bad recording. But for some quality recording, K3003 performs very well, better than popular custom-IEMs.
 
Cheers!

 

[dogears]

average_joe for president!

thanks much for another wonderful and great review with comparo.
if not for the price and the paranoia about the cables, i could have really considered getting one

 

[average_joe]

Quote:

Very nice review, Thanks Joe!
 
I do share the same comments with you for bad recording. But for some quality recording, K3003 performs very well, better than popular custom-IEMs.
 
Cheers!

 
Quote:

average_joe for president!

thanks much for another wonderful and great review with comparo.
if not for the price and the paranoia about the cables, i could have really considered getting one

 
Thank you!

 

[GL1TCH3D]

So would these be good for me considering I'm looking for high end portable IEMs? I read that the isolation is bad with these which is the only thing putting me off. I'm not too interested in going through all the trouble which is why the universals appeal to me.

 

[average_joe]

Isolation isn't great, but not poor by any means, so this could be a good pickup if the sound signature matches what you want.  

 

[GL1TCH3D]

In your opinion, should i wait for the ie800?

 

[average_joe]

Are there any impressions of the IE800, or just high hopes at this time?  Will they isolate?  The K3003 comes out ahead of every universal I have heard to date except 1.

 

[GL1TCH3D]

Which universal would you recommend?
The ie800 is a new upcoming sennheiser iem but it's going to be open back.
http://www.slashgear.com/sennheiser-ie-800-earphones-hands-on-13222800/