Hi guys, my Rhapsodio Reference Titanium One arrived last Friday and been burning it in for these past few days and as promised wanna make some impressions VS the mighty SD3. I will give both scores based on my opinion and mine alone. (these scores are points I gave vs each other)
SCIENCE:
SD3: 3 BA driver in a custom like acrylic Shell (RETAIL: USD$590)
RTi1: Single 9mm Titanium Dynamic Driver in an Aluminium Shell (RETAIL: USD$1135)
SOUND SIGNATURE
Lets just get one thing outta the way, I cant say which one is better then the other because these are are polar opposites in sound signature:
SD3: GREAT BASS/GREAT MIDS/Recessed HIGHS = Warmish, natural sonics with great soundstage and out of this world layering and bass BUT looses in details. Great for EDM and Hip Hop
RTi1: Recessed BASS/GREAT MIDS/GREAT HIGHS = Neutral/brightish sonics with good soundstage and out of this world instrument separation with immense details BUT looses in BASS. Great for Vocal, classical, folk
If I was to give a score for these 2..I would both give a
9/10. Depends which music you listen to but for my collection they compliment each other really well.
(JUST TO ADD: The SD3 is musical, fun, super Bass and forgiving on all music (BASS MONSTERS) / RTi1 is Analytical, Crazy Details and very transparent(DETAIL MONSTERS)
FIT/ISOLATION/COMFORT
The SD3 wins in this criteria. The SD3 felt it was made for my ears. Comfort and Isolation is world class with the SD3 and just okay with the RTi1. RTi1 was hurting my ears with the stock tips and had to resort to the magical Ortofon tips and now they are great.
SD3 =
10/10
RTi1 =
8.5/10
Size comparisons between the 2
BUILD
SD3: To best IEM I have seen and used wrt to build. Exchangeable filters is a great feature
(10/10)
RTi1: Mine version is the aluminium one. Its solid and wont be breaking anytime soon. BUT, the shell was not done properly as a TOTL should be. It had marks, scratches and was uneven. Looked like it was hand made and very CUSTOM lol..didnt even have a logo or seriel no. Kinda cool lol. Owh had to mention that the earwax filter/gauze fell off when I was tip rolling them.
(compared to the SD3, I would have to give it a 6/10)
(WILL UPDATE AGAIN AFTER I BURN THE RTi1 MORE. RHAPSODIO RECOMMENDS TO BURN THEM IN FOR 100 HOURS BEFORE DOING SOME CRITICAL LISTENING. AS OF NOW, ITS BEEN BURNT FOR ABOUT 30 HOURS)