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Review: Final Audio E2000C/E3000C
Small price – Big performance
Introduction
I am following Final Audio Design a few years now. In its current form, it is a relatively young company; Final’s first headphone and earphone products appeared just about 10 years ago, and what impressed me is that in a short amount of time the Company made huge steps.
A few years ago, Final presented its E series earphones. This comprises of 5 models, from E1000 to E5000, ranging in price from $27.00 for E1000 to $279.00 for E5000, so one can find a model for every budget and, Ι have to say, for every taste. E1000 is an entry level set, E2000 and E3000 are inexpensive (in the range of $50.00 to $60.00) but high quality earphones, while E4000 and, particularly, E5000 are upper level sets.
Lately, more and more smartphone users are increasingly paying attention to the quality of their earphones. So I thought to check out some Final Audio earphones, and E2000C/E3000C seemed like the ideal candidates.
General description
E2000C and E3000C have specific similarities and distinct differences. Both sets have the same size housing; however, in E2000C the housing is crafted from aluminum black alumite, while in E3000C it is made from mirror-finished stainless steel. In both sets, the quality is very high, however, the E3000C stainless steel housing looks “classier”.
Both sets have the same oxygen-free coppercable, which seems to be quite sturdy and of very good quality.
Inside the aluminumor stainless steel housing, both E2000C and E3000C share the same 6.4mm dynamic driver; however, the tuning of the driver is different, and so is the sound signature, of the two sets.
Sound quality
Let me start by saying that the sound quality of both sets, although distinctly different, is impressive for earphones costing really little money.
The main characteristic of E2000C and E3000Cis tonal balance. This is more profound in the former, which has a higher resolution and a more detailed presentation. Everything in E2000C goes around the mid frequency area, and in that sense it is ideal for voices, although its treble is excellent as well without being too bright. What is rather interesting is that the set’s bass is more than sufficient, at least for my ears; it is if course sub-bass and, although not really punchy, it is well-controlled and enough for making its presence felt.
E3000C is a different story. Here the bass has been enhanced, but in a very delicate way. The tonal balance has been retained, with clear mids and detailed highs. However, the presentation is warmer (this is effect of bass after all), and if I wanted to compare it to the presentation of E2000C, I would say that E3000C is “meatier”. Most people think that this is good; I say that “meatier” presentation is no better or worse than a kind of “flat” presentation, it is just different (just like eating more or less meat than normal). It is obvious that Final Audio did that deliberately. When E2000 appeared in the market people liked it, but some (or more than some, maybe even many) wanted more bass, and this gap was filled by E3000.
If you ask which of the two sets is more tonally balanced, which for some listeners is a critical question, I would say that E2000C has a head. It also sounds very detailed but, at the same time, somewhat “lean”. E3000C, on the other hand, is warmer, overall more expressive and sufficiently detailed, but its resolution is not at the level of E2000C.
Take as an example “O Vazio” of Jim Brock & Doug Hawthorne, by the Jim Brock Ensemble, from the album Tropic Affair, RR-31, which is a very complex piece, varying from some kind of “test” tones at various frequencies to some very powerful parts with a lot of alterations; it is perfect for testing an earphone set, and I frequently use it. Both sets handle this piece impressively; E2000C can reproduce details that other earphone sets would surpass, while E3000C’s presentation is very engaging particularly in the heavy drum passages. On the other hand, listening to “Nothing but the best” by Frank Sinatra, from the album with the same title, Reprise Records, the warmer signature of E3000C would probably be a preferred choice by many listeners over the more detailed presentation of E2000C, as it lets Frank Sinatra’s voice to stand out without any destructions that certain high passages might cause.
Both sets have excellent separation and very good soundstage. It is also interesting that E2000C appears slightly more dynamic than E3000C, given that both sets have the same very low impedance of 16 Ω, while E2000C has slightly higher sensitivity 102 dB/mW over 100 dB/mW of E3000C.
Let me close by saying that the sound quality of both E2000C and E3000C improves with time, so some “burning in” period (of about 50 hours in my case) is necessary in order to break themin and let them give you their best potential.
Selected comparisons
I compared E2000C to RHA S500i. A few years ago, S500i was considered a great choice for an inexpensive set that is tonally balanced. It is a set of very high quality, with its housing made of aluminum, and it comes with an excellent woven cable that is anti-tangling. Its impedance is 16 Ω and sensitivity 100 dB/mW, so we are talking pretty much about the same specifications. S500i is quite analytical due to its excessive treble, which at times, as in “Nothing but the best” by Frank Sinatra, is harsh and annoying, while in others, as in “O Vazio” of Jim Brock & Doug Hawthorne, is very lean compared to the full bodied performance of E2000C.
I also compared E3000C to SoundMAGIC E11C. The latter has an impedance of 42 Ω and a sensitivity of 112 dB/mW,so it is a bit heavier load but a more sensitive set than E3000C. E11C is great for commuting and everydays use, but E3000C has higher resolution, and overall a more detailed and articulate presentation, so it is at a higher level than the already very good E11C. Now, keep in mind that when we are talking about earphones costing around $50-$60, improving the quality is not a small feat. E11C, on the other hand, is slightly more dynamic, due to its bigger driver of 10mm compared to the 6.4mm driver of E3000C.
Accessories and fit
Both samples of E2000C and E3000C came in a simple, yet aesthetically nice, packaging, in which one would find:
Both sets are made for use with a smartphone, so they are equipped with a controller. This has a single button, which can play, stop, rewind, fast forward and take incoming calls. Also, the accompanying microphone makes hands free communication possible.
Finding a proper eartip is easy, and once you do, fitting E2000C and E3000C in your ear canals is simple and very comfortable; both sets are light-weight and equipped with a swing-fitting earpiece mechanism which helps to almost custom-fit the eartips. The provided earhooks are also helpful in order to alleviate cable touch noise, known as microphonics. Now, assuming that the listener has found the right size eartip, the level of sealing achieved is excellent noise isolation.
As already mentioned, the cable is oxygen-free copper, 1.2m long, there seems to be of very good quality, and with the help of the supplied earhooks is not so much susceptible to microphonics.
E2000C vs E3000C
I know that the obvious question is which set one should choose. First of all, let me say that the differences between the two sets are not huge. Nonetheless, Final Audio designed them having in mind different groups of people.
E2000C is for those who consider that tonal balance is the most important characteristic of an earphone set, and, because of that, they are prepared to accept a “leaner” presentation.
E3000C is for those, quite a few I should admit, who appreciate tonal balance, but they want a more expressive presentation, even if this adds some warmth.
Personally, I had a hard time to choose: I love tonally balanced earphones, so I was more inclined towards the E2000C, which bass wise was more than sufficient for me. On the other hand, at times, the little extra warmth of E3000C helped to make certain recordings, with excessive treble, to sound more pleasant. And, the cherry on the torte, the stainless steel housing of E3000C looks so nice!
In conclusion
I have been overly impressed by E2000C and E3000C. It is truly amazing what one gets for $53.00 and $63.00, respectively: A sleek and extremely well made design, with a sound signature so well-balanced and articulate, which makes hard to believe that it comes from sets costing so little. I scratch my head in order to find how Final Audio did that. Based on the two sets quality of both construction and sound, one would easily pay twice as much.
And if you have a hard time to choose between the two sets, their small price allows you to buy both, which after all might be a clever idea!
Specifications and price
E2000C
Housing: Aluminum black alumite
Driver: Dynamic 6.4mm
Impedance: 16Ω
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
Cable: 1.2m oxygen-free copper cable
Weight: 13g
Price: $53.00
E3000C
Housing: Stainless steel mirror-finished
Driver: Dynamic 6.4mm
Impedance: 16Ω
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
Cable: 1.2m oxygen-free copper cable
Weight: 15g
Price: $63.00
https://snext-final.com
Small price – Big performance
Introduction
I am following Final Audio Design a few years now. In its current form, it is a relatively young company; Final’s first headphone and earphone products appeared just about 10 years ago, and what impressed me is that in a short amount of time the Company made huge steps.
A few years ago, Final presented its E series earphones. This comprises of 5 models, from E1000 to E5000, ranging in price from $27.00 for E1000 to $279.00 for E5000, so one can find a model for every budget and, Ι have to say, for every taste. E1000 is an entry level set, E2000 and E3000 are inexpensive (in the range of $50.00 to $60.00) but high quality earphones, while E4000 and, particularly, E5000 are upper level sets.
Lately, more and more smartphone users are increasingly paying attention to the quality of their earphones. So I thought to check out some Final Audio earphones, and E2000C/E3000C seemed like the ideal candidates.
General description
E2000C and E3000C have specific similarities and distinct differences. Both sets have the same size housing; however, in E2000C the housing is crafted from aluminum black alumite, while in E3000C it is made from mirror-finished stainless steel. In both sets, the quality is very high, however, the E3000C stainless steel housing looks “classier”.
Both sets have the same oxygen-free coppercable, which seems to be quite sturdy and of very good quality.
Inside the aluminumor stainless steel housing, both E2000C and E3000C share the same 6.4mm dynamic driver; however, the tuning of the driver is different, and so is the sound signature, of the two sets.
Sound quality
Let me start by saying that the sound quality of both sets, although distinctly different, is impressive for earphones costing really little money.
The main characteristic of E2000C and E3000Cis tonal balance. This is more profound in the former, which has a higher resolution and a more detailed presentation. Everything in E2000C goes around the mid frequency area, and in that sense it is ideal for voices, although its treble is excellent as well without being too bright. What is rather interesting is that the set’s bass is more than sufficient, at least for my ears; it is if course sub-bass and, although not really punchy, it is well-controlled and enough for making its presence felt.
E3000C is a different story. Here the bass has been enhanced, but in a very delicate way. The tonal balance has been retained, with clear mids and detailed highs. However, the presentation is warmer (this is effect of bass after all), and if I wanted to compare it to the presentation of E2000C, I would say that E3000C is “meatier”. Most people think that this is good; I say that “meatier” presentation is no better or worse than a kind of “flat” presentation, it is just different (just like eating more or less meat than normal). It is obvious that Final Audio did that deliberately. When E2000 appeared in the market people liked it, but some (or more than some, maybe even many) wanted more bass, and this gap was filled by E3000.
If you ask which of the two sets is more tonally balanced, which for some listeners is a critical question, I would say that E2000C has a head. It also sounds very detailed but, at the same time, somewhat “lean”. E3000C, on the other hand, is warmer, overall more expressive and sufficiently detailed, but its resolution is not at the level of E2000C.
Take as an example “O Vazio” of Jim Brock & Doug Hawthorne, by the Jim Brock Ensemble, from the album Tropic Affair, RR-31, which is a very complex piece, varying from some kind of “test” tones at various frequencies to some very powerful parts with a lot of alterations; it is perfect for testing an earphone set, and I frequently use it. Both sets handle this piece impressively; E2000C can reproduce details that other earphone sets would surpass, while E3000C’s presentation is very engaging particularly in the heavy drum passages. On the other hand, listening to “Nothing but the best” by Frank Sinatra, from the album with the same title, Reprise Records, the warmer signature of E3000C would probably be a preferred choice by many listeners over the more detailed presentation of E2000C, as it lets Frank Sinatra’s voice to stand out without any destructions that certain high passages might cause.
Both sets have excellent separation and very good soundstage. It is also interesting that E2000C appears slightly more dynamic than E3000C, given that both sets have the same very low impedance of 16 Ω, while E2000C has slightly higher sensitivity 102 dB/mW over 100 dB/mW of E3000C.
Let me close by saying that the sound quality of both E2000C and E3000C improves with time, so some “burning in” period (of about 50 hours in my case) is necessary in order to break themin and let them give you their best potential.
Selected comparisons
I compared E2000C to RHA S500i. A few years ago, S500i was considered a great choice for an inexpensive set that is tonally balanced. It is a set of very high quality, with its housing made of aluminum, and it comes with an excellent woven cable that is anti-tangling. Its impedance is 16 Ω and sensitivity 100 dB/mW, so we are talking pretty much about the same specifications. S500i is quite analytical due to its excessive treble, which at times, as in “Nothing but the best” by Frank Sinatra, is harsh and annoying, while in others, as in “O Vazio” of Jim Brock & Doug Hawthorne, is very lean compared to the full bodied performance of E2000C.
I also compared E3000C to SoundMAGIC E11C. The latter has an impedance of 42 Ω and a sensitivity of 112 dB/mW,so it is a bit heavier load but a more sensitive set than E3000C. E11C is great for commuting and everydays use, but E3000C has higher resolution, and overall a more detailed and articulate presentation, so it is at a higher level than the already very good E11C. Now, keep in mind that when we are talking about earphones costing around $50-$60, improving the quality is not a small feat. E11C, on the other hand, is slightly more dynamic, due to its bigger driver of 10mm compared to the 6.4mm driver of E3000C.
Accessories and fit
Both samples of E2000C and E3000C came in a simple, yet aesthetically nice, packaging, in which one would find:
- Five eartip sets of various sizes.
- Two earhooks.
- A soft carrying case.
- An owner’s guide and warranty card.
Both sets are made for use with a smartphone, so they are equipped with a controller. This has a single button, which can play, stop, rewind, fast forward and take incoming calls. Also, the accompanying microphone makes hands free communication possible.
Finding a proper eartip is easy, and once you do, fitting E2000C and E3000C in your ear canals is simple and very comfortable; both sets are light-weight and equipped with a swing-fitting earpiece mechanism which helps to almost custom-fit the eartips. The provided earhooks are also helpful in order to alleviate cable touch noise, known as microphonics. Now, assuming that the listener has found the right size eartip, the level of sealing achieved is excellent noise isolation.
As already mentioned, the cable is oxygen-free copper, 1.2m long, there seems to be of very good quality, and with the help of the supplied earhooks is not so much susceptible to microphonics.
E2000C vs E3000C
I know that the obvious question is which set one should choose. First of all, let me say that the differences between the two sets are not huge. Nonetheless, Final Audio designed them having in mind different groups of people.
E2000C is for those who consider that tonal balance is the most important characteristic of an earphone set, and, because of that, they are prepared to accept a “leaner” presentation.
E3000C is for those, quite a few I should admit, who appreciate tonal balance, but they want a more expressive presentation, even if this adds some warmth.
Personally, I had a hard time to choose: I love tonally balanced earphones, so I was more inclined towards the E2000C, which bass wise was more than sufficient for me. On the other hand, at times, the little extra warmth of E3000C helped to make certain recordings, with excessive treble, to sound more pleasant. And, the cherry on the torte, the stainless steel housing of E3000C looks so nice!
In conclusion
I have been overly impressed by E2000C and E3000C. It is truly amazing what one gets for $53.00 and $63.00, respectively: A sleek and extremely well made design, with a sound signature so well-balanced and articulate, which makes hard to believe that it comes from sets costing so little. I scratch my head in order to find how Final Audio did that. Based on the two sets quality of both construction and sound, one would easily pay twice as much.
And if you have a hard time to choose between the two sets, their small price allows you to buy both, which after all might be a clever idea!
Specifications and price
E2000C
Housing: Aluminum black alumite
Driver: Dynamic 6.4mm
Impedance: 16Ω
Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
Cable: 1.2m oxygen-free copper cable
Weight: 13g
Price: $53.00
E3000C
Housing: Stainless steel mirror-finished
Driver: Dynamic 6.4mm
Impedance: 16Ω
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW
Cable: 1.2m oxygen-free copper cable
Weight: 15g
Price: $63.00
https://snext-final.com
Last edited:
