My first impression of SEM3 was quite cold, just comparing in my memory and vs SEM2, it seemed a more neutral sound and apparently no improvement on the horizon.
However, I did a longer and more careful listening of SEM3 with the Anole VX and comparing it to the E02 module of the N6II (which has the same DAC but in dual version).
First of all, the base signature is similar, only that you hear more body in the sound especially in mids and lows for E02, the SEM3 is a similar tonality but more neutral, however, it maintains a good body in bass and clarity in mids, it is a more refined sound, with a greater soundstage and instrument separation than E02.
Surprisingly, I find that the SEM3 effectively surpasses the E02 in the technical section and in sound quality in general, SEM3 allows the instruments to have an air that is absent in E02, however E02 due to its warmer tonality, it can get more engaging to the listener and deceive the memory, but when i making the comparison face to face, it is undeniable which is superior (SEM3)
It's certainly a nice addition to the SE180, being at least at the level of the SEM2 and undoubtedly better than SEM1