LZ-A3 Impressions and Discussion Thread

[duyu]

Here are the tdifferent discussion threads for the LZ-A2, the newer LZ-A2S, and the forthcoming LZ-A4.
LZ-A2:  http://www.head-fi.org/t/786210/new-3-way-hybrid-ba-dd-iem-lz-a2-including-dd-a1
LZ-A2S: http://www.head-fi.org/t/812327/lz-a2s-appreciation-thread
LZ-A4: http://www.head-fi.org/t/812329/lz-a4-impressions-and-discussion-thread
 
LZ-A3 (hybrid BA+DD)
 
RedJohn's detailed impressions on and comparisons among LZ-A3, LZ-A2, and Shockwave SIII, here. His review, here.
FUYU's review, which includes a comparison between LZ-A3 and TK11, here
Twin's review, here.
Twister6's review, here.
－－－－－－－－
LZ-A2 has been very famous here already. But when I tried to buy a pair, LZ (老忠) stopped me and asked me to wait for his LZ-A3. (I've got a pair of A2 eventually.)
I talked with him several times through the internet. He is a very nice and humble person, but does have the expertise and enthusiasm in the earphones/headphones area. 
LZ told me, for the time being, he will stay on researching in the area of both earphones and headphones by himself instead of cooperating with some more famous enterprises.
This is why he couldn't have a mass production of LZ-A3, as the production process seems to be very complicated.
He is happy that his earphones have positive feedbacks here. I'm sure our support to him is very important in pushing him to invent new affordable earphones/headphones for us.
 
LZ-A3 is a triple hybrid IEM, using "titanium silver composite diaphragm dynamic and Knowles double unit armature". 
 
Here are what in the box.
 

 
A closer look (with previous MMCX connectors)

 
Close look, with the improved MMCX connectors (which are a bit longer and tighter).

 
The given case fits well with the LZ-A3.

 
 
Here are my quick impressions of LZ-A3, using my FiiO X3+E12DIY(with Muses02). (With the amplification, they sound significantly better.)
 
A well-balanced IEM, the bass is fast and punchy but not overwhelming, excellent clarity but treble would not be irritating, having a neutral sound signature, and the soundstage is impressively wide.
Giving this sound signature, those who love classical music would find them especially enjoyable.
 
LZ-A3's price is US$168 (RMB999 or US$155, in China) (some said it's <$120?, check the thread). I can't think of any other earphones that have comparable performance at this price range (update: there're in fact many Chinese IEMs competing on this price range. To mention some, TK13, D2, etc. But unfortunately, I don't have a chance to listen to them yet.) . This pair of earphones is obviously much much better than my Klipsch X10, which I owned and listened for a very long time. LZ-A3 should be compared with Shure 535, W4, or even some more fancy earphones.
 
 
As below, there're two ways to wear them, but note that for the way on the left one air hole may be covered, and thereby affecting the soundstage.

 

[Lifted Andreas]

Nice thanks for the thread.

Btw how is it a triple hybrid if it only has 2 drivers?

 

[JacKallen]

My only concern with these is the design. I actually like the over ear design, as this is the way I always wear my earphones. It is the color that bothers me. I think it looks quite gay to say it straight out. I wish they would launch a silver version.

 

[carltonh]

 
LZ-A3 is a triple hybrid IEM. Sorry that my technological knowledge here is quite limited. LZ told me that he used 1 dymanic driver + 1hybrid(dynamic and armature) driver. 

 
Did you really say that the way you meant it? So total 2 dynamics and one armature? If really so, that would likely be a first. But I assume like all other reports it is really 1 dynamic + 2 armatures?

 

[FUYU]

   
Did you really say that the way you meant it? So total 2 dynamics and one armature? If really so, that would likely be a first. But I assume like all other reports it is really 1 dynamic + 2 armatures?

Yes, the A3 is a triple hybrid consisting of 1 Dynamic and 2 Balanced Armature drivers.

 

[amature101]

  LZ-A2 has been very famous here already. But when I tried to buy a pair, LZ (老忠) stopped me and asked me to wait for his LZ-A3.
I talked with him several times through the internet. He is a very nice and humble person, but does have the expertise and enthusiasm in the earphones/headphones area. 
LZ told me, for the time being, he will stay on researching in the area of both earphones and headphones by himself instead of cooperating with some more famous enterprises.
This is why he couldn't have a mass production of LZ-A3, as the production process seems to be very complicated.
He is happy that his earphones have positive feedbacks here. I'm sure our support to him is very important in pushing him to invent new affordable earphones/headphones for us.
 
LZ-A3 is a triple hybrid IEM. Sorry that my technological knowledge here is quite limited. LZ told me that he used 1 dymanic driver + 1hybrid(dynamic and armature) driver. 
 
Here are what in the box.
 

 
A closer look (may add more photos later)

 
 
Here are my quick impressions of LZ-A3, using my FiiO X3+E12DIY(with Muses02)
 
A well-balanced IEM, the bass is fast and punchy but not overwhelming, excellent clarity but treble would not be irritating, having a neutral sound signature, and the soundstage is impressively wide.
 
LZ-A3's price is US150 (RMB999). I can't think of any other earphones that have comparable performance at this price range. This pair of earphones is obviously much much better than my Klipsch X10, which I owned and listened for a very long time. LZ-A3 should be compared with Shure 535, W4, or even some more fancy earphones.
 
Please note that the correct way to wear them should be the one on the right hand side. (Discussed with LZ, and he realized that the left way will have one air hole covered.)

 
i thought it can be wear both way, shuck.....

 

[DeLuX]

How is build quality on these? Any need for amplification?

 

[DeLuX]

Just placed an (impulse) order for these. It was either these or the Pinnacle P1, i guess i like the DIY feel of these, makes med think im getting my moneys worth in sound quality and not in fancy boxes and the likes

Probably end up buying the P1s too though

 

[FUYU]

@duyu
How's the isolation on the A3?

 

[jant71]

  Just placed an (impulse) order for these. It was either these or the Pinnacle P1, i guess i like the DIY feel of these, makes med think im getting my moneys worth in sound quality and not in fancy boxes and the likes

Probably end up buying the P1s too though

 If the more balanced impression of the A3 is true and they are punchy and not really bassy then the P1 vs. A3 popped right in my head, after I read it, as a comparison I wanted to hear.

 

[bhazard]

The A2 is my favorite earphone. If the A3 is better, I may end up owning it.

 

[TwinACStacks]

The A2 is my favorite earphone. If the A3 is better, I may end up owning it.

Hazard if you Do, remember my PM I have codes available. I'm no longer set to a fixed number. I sure wish I had bought the A2 so I could make a comparison, However the LZ-Z03A is a Stellar little earphone in itself with a Non-poorhouse price.
 

TWIN

 

[TwinACStacks]

I'm just hoping it's not as uncomfortable as it looks. Were square edges a good idea?
 
Well at least it stands out from the crowd.
 
BTW: my LZA3 shipment was accepted by China Post the same day! That HAS to be a record. Usually when I get a shipment notice it's not accepted or on USPS Tracking for at least 2-3 Days....
 

TWIN

 

[robervaul]

I'm just hoping it's not as uncomfortable as it looks. Were square edges a good idea?

Well at least it stands out from the crowd.

BTW: my LZA3 shipment was accepted by China Post the same day! That HAS to be a record. Usually when I get a shipment notice it's not accepted or on USPS Tracking for at least 2-3 Days....

TWIN

Do you promise to compare the LZ A2 and A3?

 

[Radog]

Pulled the trigger and ordered the LZ-A3 with the discount code. My only experience are with .KZ ATE. ED( and Vsonic G& bass Edition. Looking forward in hearing what the hybrid is like. I listen mostly to funk and jazz, fusion and world. I have an ipod classic 160 GB and in the future looking to get a Fiip X5ii.