A few days ago Stereo Singapore called me, to inform that new stocks of K3003 has arrived.
Last night I went there with some friends to try the AKG K3003.
We spent about an hour there, testing the K3003 with DN-1000 and DN-2000. We tried the K3003i, the mic version.
Some gears we used: iBasso DX90 DAP, Fiio E12DIY with AD8599 Op-Amp, iPad, as well as iFi Nano - iCan.
AKG K3003 has 3 different sound filters:
We used the grey sound filter during the test, with the default white eartips. Didn't have enough time to tried the black and white sound filter, and other eartips. I tried the JVC eartips on K3003, but it doesn't do magic on K3003, like it does on DN-1000.
Before testing, my ears have been used to the DUNUs sound signature, especially DN-1000, that has been my most used IEM lately. So I could be a little biased, since I have used the DN-1000 for months.
My first impression was K3003 sounds brighter than DN-1000. Maybe around 3-4 dB brighter, but in a nice way, more airy and transparent.
After a while, my ears and brain get used to K3003 tonality, and started to appreciate it's quality.
K3003 has truly impressive transparency and spaciousness. It has the widest imaging and spaciousness among the 3 (K3003, DN-1000, and DN-2000). Imaging is 3 dimensional, spacious and accurate. A class or two above the DUNUs in imaging and spaciousness.
Perceived detail retrieval also better than the DUNUs, maybe due to brighter treble.
Bass and midrange level balance roughly about the same level as the DN-1000. Treble, as mentioned, K3003 sounds brighter than both DN-1000 and DN-2000. Roughly around 3-4 dB brighter than DN-1000.
Overall, K3003 sounds more refined, smoother, and more transparent than the DUNUs.
But recordings are mixed differently, therefore there is no one gear suits all recordings. In general, with the grey sound filter, even after some adjustment to it's tonality, I still do feel in general K3003 is a tad too bright for me. 2-3 dB less treble would be nicer, and makes it a better all-rounder. For some classical recordings, and orchestral works from movie soundtracks, the treble level is actually very nice, gives more air and transparency, but for some vibrant pop recordings, the treble might sounds too sparkling. For example, for Stockfisch recordings, like David Roth and other guitar oriented recordings, the treble is too sparkling for my taste, a tad too dominant. Similar case like HD800, the treble can be lovely for some recordings, and too bright for others.
For treble level, and tonal balance, I prefer the tonal balance of my DN-1000 with the JVC eartips. DN-1000 treble level with the JVC eartips is just nice, and so far has been pretty good all-rounder for wide variety of recordings. It is true for orchestral works, K3003 tonality and treble sounds better, but DN-1000 tonality with JVC tips could cover wider type of recordings. I've used DN-1000 with JVC tips for hours daily, especially when working in office, and no ears fatigue so far. I'm not sure if K3003 tonality would be as comfortable for long hours listening. To be tested.
As for vocal, K3003 sound transparent and natural on vocal, but for Stockfisch recordings I used last night, the vocal is actually sounds nicer on DN-2000. So depend on the type of vocal recording, and individual preferences.
K3003 bass is very nice, just the right level for me. Not too bassy, good level, and never lacking. K3003 bass is better than DN-2000.
I do like K3003. Like HD800, some people might like it a lot, some might dislike it, mainly due to a rather bright treble.
Nevertheless, K3003 is a fantastic sounding IEM, with impressive imaging, spaciousness and detail retrieval, a level higher than the DUNUs.
I have to try it with different sound filters and different eartips to get better understanding of the K3003 sound signature. Hopefully will get the chance to try K3003 more, in longer duration, in the future
(only pictures) which are the same thing, but as per Earfonia feedback below, my first though was correct about the Trident.