[Audiophile2019]

Ended up picking up both N1 and N3. From the short demo I feel this is how they are in relation to each other. If N3 is tuned +2 bass, +2 treble, then N1 is tuned +3 bass and +1 treble.

Both have fun factor added to them but that's how they are if compared to a flat response curve. In very basic terms.

Couldn't agree more with you on that simple relationship between N3 & N1. Just before I bought my N1 last May, it took me 2 hours comparing A-B between the two using the same track over & over again. In the end since I prefer rolled-off treble but more bass, I picked up N1...

 

[chucknoel2015]

might be a little too late but can someone recommend xba n3 ap in 2019 and would still be an upgrade if i already got fiio fh1 for my bass music?

 

[redrol]

Absolutely I think so. But I also have a fairly low opinion of Fiio. I bought their flagship FH7 and sold it hours later. Bad tonality. On the other hand the N3 sounded amazing.

 

[daveyostrow]

The N3 are an absolute value. It can't do what many BAs tuned well can do, but most iems cam be harsh with BAs. The DM7 would be a fair example of a tuned well, comfortable iem but lacks the deeper bass. I heard t800 can be more be sibilant but I havnt tried.

If u want more balance, and technicals like separation then the dm7 would be a good alternative. R6 rui would be something to consider for more $$$... But the N3 are an easy rec though.

 

[udesign48]

I bought a like-new condition XBA H3 for only $80. I think it has a slightly wider sound image than N3... but overall N3 has more impressive and detailed sound, especially when using balanced output.

Here's my ranking based on their details and sound signature:

1. XBA N3
2. XBA 300, XBA H3
3. XBA A3 (sold)
4. XBA A2 (sold)
5. MDR EX600 (sold)

I'll check XBA Z5 and MDR EX1000 soon.

 

[chucknoel2015]

Absolutely I think so. But I also have a fairly low opinion of Fiio. I bought their flagship FH7 and sold it hours later. Bad tonality. On the other hand the N3 sounded amazing.

u did not like there fh7? i do have fh7 and i couldnt compare coz thats the most expensive one i got. i lvoe it though

 

[redrol]

Yeah I didn't like the FH7 at all. Just not the tuning for me.

 

[CyberAthlete]

I'm not sure how but Singapore had a crazy deal. Buy any NW-A55 MP3 player and get 50% off any N series earphone. I ended up getting the NW-A55 for myself and one for my dad. Got the N3 with balanced cable for $181 after 50% off and N1 for $156 after discount. The NW-A55 were $204 each after tax refunds.

 

[udesign48]

lol I paid $175 for my N3.

 

[CyberAthlete]

Sorry I meant N3 with balanced cable.

 

[iron2k]

Sorry I meant N3 with balanced cable.

Where did you get it???

 

[CyberAthlete]

Where did you get it???

Singapore Sony stores. They had a promotion which I outlined in my last post.

 

[iron2k]

Singapore Sony stores. They had a promotion which I outlined in my last post.

I missed it

 

[Damz87]

I bought a like-new condition XBA H3 for only $80. I think it has a slightly wider sound image than N3... but overall N3 has more impressive and detailed sound, especially when using balanced output.

Here's my ranking based on their details and sound signature:

1. XBA N3
2. XBA 300, XBA H3
3. XBA A3 (sold)
4. XBA A2 (sold)
5. MDR EX600 (sold)

I'll check XBA Z5 and MDR EX1000 soon.

Thanks for sharing your ranking list! I've always been curious about the H3, XBA-300 & EX600. Good to know that they probably don't offer much above the N3. I spent some time recently comparing & ranking my IEM's too, here's my results:

1. IER-Z1R
2. XBA-Z5
3. IER-M9
4. MDR-EX800ST
5. MDR-EX1000
6. XBA-N3
7. XBA-4
8. MH1C
9. MDR-XB90EX
10. MH755

 

[anarch1st]

Thanks for sharing your ranking list! I've always been curious about the H3, XBA-300 & EX600. Good to know that they probably don't offer much above the N3. I spent some time recently comparing & ranking my IEM's too, here's my results:

1. IER-Z1R
2. XBA-Z5
3. IER-M9
4. MDR-EX800ST
5. MDR-EX1000
6. XBA-N3
7. XBA-4
8. MH1C
9. MDR-XB90EX
10. MH755

What do you think of the Z5 or the EX800ST relative to the M9? Z5 looks to be about $600 AUD and EX800ST is $300 AUD, would either of them be a nice addition if I already had an M9 and XBA-N3?