Going fully Wireless IEMs. Too soon? Or are we there yet?

[Saraugie]

I wish the Go Pods worked for me.

IFI AUDIO GOPOD DAC/HEADPHONE AMP & MACH 60 IEM BUNDLE​

$699.00. At drop com

 

[voicemaster]

I pretty much just use my Galaxy Buds2 Pro to watch videos on my Samsung tablet and rarely use them for music unless in a pinch. Having so many other options amd not really using my Buds2 Pro much is what is keeping me from pulling the trigger on the Galaxy Buds3 Pro (I have also been listening to my wired IEMs and over-ear headphones more recently so my TWS were neglected for a while). However, after I discovered the Galaxy Buds3 are actually open earbuds last night, I ordered a pair from Samsung with same day pickup from Best Buy. Only listened to them for a few minutes but I am pretty happy with them so far and I think I may finally have a successor to my aging Galaxy Buds Live.

Initial thoughts are there are still some kinks for Samsung to work out but the music is just clearer compared to my old Buds Live, bass is less boomy and the Buds Live just soond compressed in comparison (haven't even had time to mess with EQ yet, which is a nice addition). The case is very compact and feels very sturdy (photos attached). My favorite case before this was my Elite 10s (don't have them with me today) but this may be smaller based on memory. Connection with my Fold 5 was a breeze and everything just works really well in the Samsung ecosystem.

Fit will be hit or miss and will umfortunately depend on the individual wearing them. It will take some getting used to for me but so far they feel secure and more comfortable than the Buds Live. I was surprised they stayed in my ears and can see these getting a lot of use at the office. I would not work out with them though.

ANC seems useless (and pointless, in my opinion, for an open ear device) and I will be keeping it off as I keep triggering some sort of high pitched feedback when I try to remove the buds with ANC on (maybe a bug?).

Controls work great and I like being able to touch the Buds without pausing my music or turning ANC on or off. My only gripe is the clicks when you use the controls is a bit annoying and loud for me but play, pause, skip, volume up/down, ANC on/off all worked well using the controls on the stems.

I am in the office today so haven't had a chance to test calls yet but am already tempted to pick up another for home (where I usually make more calls). Still debating whether or not I should just get a 3 Pro instead of another non-pro Buds 3 though.

As far as all-rounders go, in my opinion, I think the Jabra Elite 10 is still the best everyday all-rounder among the TWS that I currently have (despite not having all the codecs).

The gb3 non pro is the same as regular airpods and I can't get a decent seal with that type of tws. The pro is similar to Soundcore VR10 and airpods pro, I can get a good seal from this type of tws. From most reviews, the noise reduction on call quality is very much improved on the gb3 pro.
Here is a video that compare between the gb2 pro and gb3 pro:

I couldn't believe how much the gb3 pro suppressed the noise from the background.

 

[PixelSquish]

I just got a nice commission check and the AKG's are very intriguing, ordered for $240 from ebay/south korean shipper. If these are better than the MTW4 will probably sell mine for a good price. The app looks great, the case size, the features, and the sound signature sounds good. @clerkpalmer and I felt the exact same way about the Aviots, so if he digs these, I know it's probably up my alley.

 

[C_Lindbergh]

I just got a nice commission check and the AKG's are very intriguing, ordered for $240 from ebay/south korean shipper. If these are better than the MTW4 will probably sell mine for a good price. The app looks great, the case size, the features, and the sound signature sounds good. @clerkpalmer and I felt the exact same way about the Aviots, so if he digs these, I know it's probably up my alley.

Yeah, I'm also considering it! And keep them until Final Audio releases something new in the premium TWS-space. The N5s seems to be absolutely packed in terms of features, sound quality seems pretty good as well.

Think it's the most complete TWS-set in terms of features, at least from my perspective. I don't care much about gimmicky features.

 

[Not so fat head]

Sadly, I returned the Beyerdynamic Versio 200. I truly love the sound, but they are killing my ears. No matter what I do, shift, spin, adjust over and over. An hour into a listening session they're very painful. No solution I can figure out. Picked up the Shokz Openfit Air to try and they immediately feel better on the ear. Feather light too. `

Yes, those and their big brother look like winners…. The more expensive ones seem to have more bass, at least it’s what I perceive on their test station….

 

[dweaver]

I would say Elite 10 is more of a hybrid/semi-open but still more IEM. Elite 10 still requires eartips, a good seal and ANC is still decent. At least to me, it still feels more like an IEM when I am on calls so I have to use one side at a time with the Elite 10s (can't stand talking with ears plugged). Buds3 has no eartips at all and is basically completely open (I can still hear everything around me). I would say the Buds3 are very different from Elite 10s in that sense but feel free to disagree.

the Elite 10 is definitely more of a hybrid. Giving the best of both worlds. No ear pressure and really good ANC.

I actually find depending on the situation they rival or best the WF-1000XM5 for ANC.

I have the GBUD3Pro on order and am hopeful I will really like them. But as of now the Elite 10 get most of my ear time. I really like their sound even without a hires codec. And they are rock solid for connections...

 

[howdy]

the Elite 10 is definitely more of a hybrid. Giving the best of both worlds. No ear pressure and really good ANC.

I actually find depending on the situation they rival or best the WF-1000XM5 for ANC.

I have the GBUD3Pro on order and am hopeful I will really like them. But as of now the Elite 10 get most of my ear time. I really like their sound even without a hires codec. And they are rock solid for connections...

Now that I've had the GBP3 for almost 2 weeks I am really liking the sound and how open they are. They are really comfortable and light. The controls are very easy to get used to. Like I mentioned earlier, I can't wait for some bigger eartips.
Also on a unrelated but some what related topic I am loving my Watch Ultra. Feels really nice and a lot faster then my watch 5 pro. It has a complication for fast access to my GBP3 which is nice.

 

[dweaver]

I really am enjoying the GW7 as well. Much nicer than the older GW4. It takes about 1hr to charge in the morning which is a lot faster. I am pretty sure I could get away with 45 minutes in pinch.

Now just have to suffer with the delay for the GB3Pro

 

[howdy]

I really am enjoying the GW7 as well. Much nicer than the older GW4. It takes about 1hr to charge in the morning which is a lot faster. I am pretty sure I could get away with 45 minutes in pinch.

Now just have to suffer with the delay for the GB3Pro

There is a battery update coming in the next few days to greatly improve battery life. My ultra will last about 2 days right now where my 5 pro lasted almost 3 days with the same size battery. As long as I get 2 days Im fine with that.
I also heard that the delayed GBP3 are gonna ship sooner then expected. I think the people that got there's already should get another set of tips if needed.

 

[dweaver]

Good to hear! Thanks for the information!

 

[assassin10000]

Guess it depends on ear shape given how inflexible the fit of these are. If you are interested in the Buds3, I would try before buying or get it from somewhere with a return policy. I used to bike with my Buds Live and found them very secure as they fit my ears perfectly. I would not bike with these. These feel more comfortable but definitely not as secure in my ears.

I actually use my buds live without the wings and an o-ring instead. The wings hurt my smaller ears after a short while.

 

[howdy]

Sadly, I returned the Beyerdynamic Versio 200. I truly love the sound, but they are killing my ears. No matter what I do, shift, spin, adjust over and over. An hour into a listening session they're very painful. No solution I can figure out. Picked up the Shokz Openfit Air to try and they immediately feel better on the ear. Feather light too. `

Do you still have your Bose Open? I still have mine but don't use them a ton. They are really comfortable and sound great for a open bud.

 

[Gilroypro]

https://www.androidheadlines.com/2024/07/specs-oneplus-buds-3-pro.html

 

[PixelSquish]

Yeah, I'm also considering it! And keep them until Final Audio releases something new in the premium TWS-space. The N5s seems to be absolutely packed in terms of features, sound quality seems pretty good as well.

Think it's the most complete TWS-set in terms of features, at least from my perspective. I don't care much about gimmicky features.

yeah. I will have to find out about phone call quality on my own, I asked two people that have these but got no response, unless they didn't quote me. That, with good SQ, and these features, I'll be happy.

 

[voicemaster]

I really am enjoying the GW7 as well. Much nicer than the older GW4. It takes about 1hr to charge in the morning which is a lot faster. I am pretty sure I could get away with 45 minutes in pinch.

Now just have to suffer with the delay for the GB3Pro

I gave my GW7 to my wife. I just got a heart attack around 2 weeks ago and I am using the Heart Rate monitor 24/7 with GW7 and it drained the battery so fast. I am using Garmin Fenix 7s solar right now and it last me about 2 weeks with 24/7 HR monitor.
My gb3 pro got delayed to August 28th.