Latest Thread Images

Chinese / Asian Brand Info Thread (Headphones, IEMs, Amps, DACs)
Status
Not open for further replies.
Oct 13, 2014 at 7:39 AM Post #9,242 of 35,472
[size=12.8000001907349px]Havi B3[/size][size=12.8000001907349px] vs [/size][size=12.8000001907349px]TTPOD T1e[/size][size=12.8000001907349px] vs [/size][size=12.8000001907349px]Zero Audio Doppio[/size][size=12.8000001907349px] vs [/size][size=12.8000001907349px]Zero Audio Tenore[/size][size=12.8000001907349px] vs [/size][size=12.8000001907349px]Modded Xaiomi Piston 2.0[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]When I first set this up, my first real review, I was stoked because I figured I had a heated battle on my hands. Well, was I disappointed when I pitted a new pair of Havi B3 Pro 1 with about 3 hours of burn in against 4 other IEM's, each with well over 100 hours of burn in. The first two phones to drop out of the battle early were the Tenore and the modded Pistons. The Pistons were fit with TTPOD white tips, and the Tenore with medium sized Sony hybrid tips. The Pistons simply were no match for the B3. The only thing the Piston had over the B3 was a bit of bass bloat in comparison. The soundstage, imaging, timbre, highs and mids all went to the B3. The highs in the Pistons, though extension was better than the B3, sounded downright artificial by comparison. Bass clarity and speed went to the B3, despite the Piston owning a beryllium driver. Still, the modded Pistons, when working out, are an excellent beater pair of fun fun phones![/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]The Tenore, though technically compete with the B3, with a similarly wide soundstage and imaging, fall flat when compared on the top end. The highs on the B3 have better extension, livelier timbre, and more clarity. Early roll off, which actuallly make the Tenore sound buttery smooth, and no sibilance whatsoever (there can be slight sibilance present on the B3), but this becomes an audible negative, because the music loses its excitement. The tenore are dark and detailed phones, with rich bass and ample soundstage, but does this mean they are fun or better than the B3? Not in my opinion. The Havi B3 simply sound better, and this was using my Fiio amp E11k amp and iphone 6 as the sources. So after the Pistons and Tenore...advantage B3.[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]Next comes the truly great disappointment. I grew to love the sound of the TTPOD T1e. The layering and buttery smooth bass that was both present but not bloated, and articulate. Then I played then side by side with the B3. I cringed. A/Bing the B3 and T1e, I was struck by how congested and artificial the TTPOD sounded next to the B3. It wasn't like the extension of the T1e was greater than the B3 or vice versa, but the imaging and soundstage on the B3 was just larger, with bass that was more complimentary and timbre that was right to the point....REAL SOUNDING! The mids were smoother than a babies bottom side on the B3, where the mids on the T1e, though not recessed as far as my ear can tell, just had a bit more grain to it. This graininess was a bit of a put off for me when pitted against the B3. Both of these are dual dynamic IEM's. The B3 a dual micro driver, and the T1e a dual bio cell driver. I think the smoothness of the B3, with that beautiful vocal presentation just can be mesmerizing. Endearing. Enchanting. The T1e can be fun, flamboyant, and flying. This can be great for some music genres, but at the end of the day, when you get those three f's from the B3, without the grain and intrusive bass, it's just a win for the B3. Though I will say one thing, the T1e did provide better layering and instrument separation than the B3, but just by a nose, but the B3 was clearer, and with that clarity, shown better imaging. Game, set, match for the Havi B3.[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]Now the only phone that I own that came out swinging and winning against the B3 was the ZA Doppio. The Doppio are a dual balanced armature phone with a deep dark reference sound. The strengths of this IEM are it's amazing revealing power, instrument separation, and imaging. It also will set you back anywhere between $140-190, imported from Japan. The Doppio are one of the only BA phones I ever owned that actually deliver crisp deep and articulate bass lines, without sounding weak, distorted, or anaemic. In other words, the Doppio are the "funnest" BA, dual or single, I've ever heard. So now I'm A/Bing the B3 and the Doppio. Dual micro driver dynamic vs dual balanced armature. Here's where my perceptions, expectations, and hearing get blurred. THE HAVI B3 ARE JUST AS CLEAR, TECHNICAL, and COMPETENT as the Doppio!!! WHAT?! Seriously folks, this is no joke. The B3 were fitted with UE TF10 tips, and the Doppio with JVC Spiral dot tips. The soundstage was won by the B3, and it wasn't necessarily close. One again the layering of instruments and detail retrieval went to the Doppio, but timbre and bass presentation was more natural on the B3. Imaging was a tie. Treble extension was a tie. Decay was also close. Oh so close. To close to call, so roll off was similar to identical. The mids were slightly smoother on the Doppio, with no sibilance present at all on any track, while the B3, while exceptionally smooth, still showed slight sibilance on some tracks, but this might just be a symptom of more burn in time needed to further smooth out those mids and highs. Both IEM's showcase linear musical presentations, where each frequency is equal to the other, and presented with a maturity and balance that provide a very engaging, open, and detailed listening experience. So though sonically this is a draw, the winner is still the Havi B3 because I paid $50 for my Havi, and $170 for my Doppio. That's a $120 difference between these two. Is there that much sonic difference between the Havi B3 and the Zero Audio Doppio? HELL NO! There's not even a perceived $20 difference, and this is why the B3 is the winner here, even though it's not technically superior to the Doppio.[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]Though some might argue with me about this comment, I'm going out on the limb and saying the Havi B3 is the VERY BEST budget-fi IEM on the market today. It's a $50-60 IEM that technically, sonically, and in build quality goes toe to toe with the big boys of this industry. I feel it can provide a fun and freakishly effective listening experience to those who listen to classical, metal, hip hop, rock, EDM, pop, or country. I know. I played all those genres through my iPhone and the amp, and the B3 handled them all like a champ. The B3 is a champion. The budget-fi champion of the world!! I'm glad I got a pair. My apologies. I'm tired of typing. It's time to listen to some more music.[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]Pistons = Hip hop, pop, and EDM[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]Tenore = Classical, country, and pop[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]T1e = Metal, Rock, hip hop, and Pop[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]Doppio = Classical, rock, metal, pop, and reggae[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]B3 = Any genre you wish to throw at it. It will sound great.[/size][size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px][/size]
[size=12.8000001907349px]Bye!![/size]
@HouseOfDoom
 
For some reason I manged to miss this post yesterday, I'm sure glad I found it by accident now :)
 
What a great multi copmarison and altough I've never heard the Doppios I most certainly agree with all your other findings. Great post 
size]
 
 
Oct 13, 2014 at 8:30 AM Post #9,243 of 35,472
zapx629 said:
 
It depends what you're looking for in a sound signature, but I think the GR07 justifies its price of $100 dollars if you're a critical listener. The GR07 has a more refined sound with a better attack and decay and isn't sloppy or muddled, where the VSD3 can struggle with more complex phrases. The GR07 is a more neutral sound with a hint of warmth, where the VSD3 is more warm and lush, with slightly recessed mids and more bass. Here's a comparison I posted a while ago. 
 
"I own both, and I'd say if you want a cheap backup to your GR07 they're a good option. If you're looking for it to replace them it won't do that. Mids are just as good on the VSD3S but more recessed and it's a laid back and fun, balanced sound. Treble is a little more shimmery and artificial than the GR07 but still relatively smooth. The lows aren't nearly as tight and crisp on the VSD3, but still controlled and deep. Soundstage isn't as wide, but has better depth than the GR07. I prefer the VSD3S to things like the Ostry KC06 and it's even as good an IEM as the Brainwavz S5 which is double its price, if not as detailed and clear."
 
If you need something with more bass you can also look at the GR07BE. 
 
Hope that helps.
Click to expand...

Can't find the BE at 100$ price :frowning2:
 
Oct 13, 2014 at 8:33 AM Post #9,244 of 35,472
Oct 13, 2014 at 11:20 AM Post #9,252 of 35,472
I want to say that Penonaudio is the BEST company I've ever dealt with, PERIOD! I consider the good people over there more than just a go to place for audio gear, they are my friends, and I will be a customer for life, or at least until I am deaf lol.

So anyways, I'll start by saying I've spent quite a bit of money at Penonaudio this year. I don't mind paying a little extra over the bargain basement for audio gear to know that it will be shipped quickly and securely, and penonaudio does just that every time I order.

I set up a return with them because one of my iem had issues in one of the ear pieces. I emailed back and forth with them, explaining the situation, getting the address and so on...

During the email chain of conversation, they stated that they read my reviews and high praise of their services and some of their products. They stated that from reading the threads I participate in, they see that it was my birthday and would like to send me a birthday gift along with my return. I was honored they would take the time to follow my reviews and suggestions, and even take something like my birthday into account. Awesome!


Well, this Saturday came (which is my wedding day) and as I'm putting on my suit there's a knock on the door. It's the mailman with a box to sign for. It was my replacement iems and a gift that blew my mind!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 53 (members: 0, guests: 53)
Back
Top