[Soundizer]

OMG, the A55 and ZX300 are like night and day. I have done side-by-side comparisons as my wife has the former and I have the latter. I can do nothing to the A55 to get the sound quality as good as the ZX300. I genuinely thought the difference would be imperceptible but in fact it isn't. And that's using the 3.5mm jack. The balanced output on the ZX300 is even better.

AFAIK the N3s are only available from Sony Centres in the UK which is where I bought mine from mail order. They seem to be permanently listed as "not yet available" on Amazon despite having been out for 2+ years!

Many thanks. Which Sony centre did you contact and how much did you pay for the balanced N3? Was IER M7 available from them?
Sorry for so many questions.

 

[Reeshar]

I guess everyone else disgarees but FWIW I quite like the N3AP w/ my A55. Adequate source for these IEMs IMO. I haven't heard zx300 to compare- however, though I have a few higher end sources I don't find N3 hugely variable across sources.

Ah sorry. Me being a bull in a china shop. It has to be said that there's a huge step-up in price from the A55 to the ZX300, so obviously you have to decide on the price point that works for you.

 

[Reeshar]

Many thanks. Which Sony centre did you contact and how much did you pay for the balanced N3? Was IER M7 available from them?
Sorry for so many questions.

I just used the online store which is actually fulfilled by a real store:

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/in-ear-headphones/xba-n3/buy

and click "Buy online".

The balanced version isn't available in the UK. I ordered a Kinboofi balanced cable from the US using Amazon UK. Get the one with MMCX connectors:

8 Core Silver Plated Copper & High Purity Copper Hybrid Braided in Ear Earphone Cable (MMCX, 4.4mm Plug) https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GQRGCLS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_w2X6ggLAezjFv

 

[Hinomotocho]

As my primary set up is 4.4mm I use my IT01 (3.5mm) for my tablet (movies), BTR3 and with my S10 phone for music on the go or exercising. The IT01 is a perfect fit and has a decent sound but I'm feeling it lacks the sound signature I prefer. I have had many Sony iems through the years and recently sold my Z5 (sadly as the fit just wasn't right with my ears) but enjoy the dynamic hybrid sound.
I am considering a secondhand N3 to replace my IT01. I know a while back a couple of people were rating the N3 as preferable over the IT01 but was wondering if me using them unbalanced with the sources I listed I would still get a decent sound out of them? I know the benefits I got from getting a balanced upgrade cable with my Z5 made a massive difference.
I appreciate any input please.

 

[mredmond]

As my primary set up is 4.4mm I use my IT01 (3.5mm) for my tablet (movies), BTR3 and with my S10 phone for music on the go or exercising. The IT01 is a perfect fit and has a decent sound but I'm feeling it lacks the sound signature I prefer. I have had many Sony iems through the years and recently sold my Z5 (sadly as the fit just wasn't right with my ears) but enjoy the dynamic hybrid sound.
I am considering a secondhand N3 to replace my IT01. I know a while back a couple of people were rating the N3 as preferable over the IT01 but was wondering if me using them unbalanced with the sources I listed I would still get a decent sound out of them? I know the benefits I got from getting a balanced upgrade cable with my Z5 made a massive difference.
I appreciate any input please.

I get excellent quality with the N3 using the stock 3.5mm cable with my phone and laptop. It is a very easy to drive IEM. (Though if you want to EQ the bass up to to basshead levels you will need an amp, however for normal use basically any good source is adequate alone.) It is sold as both 3.5mm (XBA-N3AP) and balanced (XBA-N3BP), so you may be able to find a used stock balanced cable out there too if you want both cables.

I also recently gave a brief comparison of the Z5 and N3 in the Z5 thread if you are curious: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sonys-new-2014-flagship-iem-xba-z5.733404/page-328#post-15116802

 

[Hinomotocho]

I get excellent quality with the N3 using the stock 3.5mm cable with my phone and laptop. It is a very easy to drive IEM. (Though if you want to EQ the bass up to to basshead levels you will need an amp, however for normal use basically any good source is adequate alone.) It is sold as both 3.5mm (XBA-N3AP) and balanced (XBA-N3BP), so you may be able to find a used stock balanced cable out there too if you want both cables.

I also recently gave a brief comparison of the Z5 and N3 in the Z5 thread if you are curious: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/sonys-new-2014-flagship-iem-xba-z5.733404/page-328#post-15116802

Thanks, I appreciate the quick reply

 

[Lohb]

Hi, anyone buy spinfits already...which model did you find worked best with N3 ?
I see a few model codes.

 

[ScottPilgrim]

Well, I'm disappointed with iSine 10. I don't think I'll ever buy Audeze again unless it's LCDi4 which they claim to have the same sound quality of LCD-4. LCDi4 is too expensive for me at the moment...

Here's my updated wish list:

- IE800s
- IER-M9
- AKG K3003
- Shure SE846
- LCDi4

They cost $6k total. I have to give up my used car to buy them all lol

Gas costs too much anyway.

 

[Hinomotocho]

Different design and weight to the Z5, but I was wondering how the fit is in comparison? For me using the Z5 over-ear design with a Sony upgrade cable without the ear hooks was hopeless, regardless of tips they wouldn't behave for me. I know a few people have had issues with the N3 but I was wondering how the design is for most people, does that big dynamic driver part of the housing sit well or can it end up pulling them out of your ears? It's hard to find pictures with an angle to see how they fit in the ear.

 

[mredmond]

Different design and weight to the Z5, but I was wondering how the fit is in comparison? For me using the Z5 over-ear design with a Sony upgrade cable without the ear hooks was hopeless, regardless of tips they wouldn't behave for me. I know a few people have had issues with the N3 but I was wondering how the design is for most people, does that big dynamic driver part of the housing sit well or can it end up pulling them out of your ears? It's hard to find pictures with an angle to see how they fit in the ear.

The N3 is significantly smaller than the Z5 and a totally different design. It is very easy and comfortable to use like a traditional earphone. It is also easier for me to get a solid seal with the N3 than the Z5. I don't know how you could ever use the Z5 without over ear hooks, but the N3 is designed to be used without them. Some have said they can use it with over ear cables, but I have found I can't get a good seal or good sound with the N3 going over ear.

 

[Hinomotocho]

The N3 is significantly smaller than the Z5 and a totally different design. It is very easy and comfortable to use like a traditional earphone. It is also easier for me to get a solid seal with the N3 than the Z5. I don't know how you could ever use the Z5 without over ear hooks, but the N3 is designed to be used without them. Some have said they can use it with over ear cables, but I have found I can't get a good seal or good sound with the N3 going over ear.

Thank you again for your response.
I always used the Z5 with my Sony balanced cable which meant the thin cables ran down behind the ear and offered next to no support like the orginianl thick guide/cable. If the Z5 had the design of the M7/M9 I would probably have used them until I was old and deaf.

 

[cfc7]

Different design and weight to the Z5, but I was wondering how the fit is in comparison? For me using the Z5 over-ear design with a Sony upgrade cable without the ear hooks was hopeless, regardless of tips they wouldn't behave for me. I know a few people have had issues with the N3 but I was wondering how the design is for most people, does that big dynamic driver part of the housing sit well or can it end up pulling them out of your ears? It's hard to find pictures with an angle to see how they fit in the ear.

Using the N3 cable down, always with the clip and had absolutely no problem with the fit, seal and comfort.

 

[Hinomotocho]

I just bought a secondhand N3 (without cable) from another member and I'm waiting for delivery. For now I just want a fairly cheap cable - is anyone able to direct me to a low priced/reasonable quality cable please? Aliexpress perhaps.
I intend to wear cable down so I assume that the cables with the curved guide design will not be appropriate?

 

[tomaslam]

I just bought a secondhand N3 (without cable) from another member and I'm waiting for delivery. For now I just want a fairly cheap cable - is anyone able to direct me to a low priced/reasonable quality cable please? Aliexpress perhaps.
I intend to wear cable down so I assume that the cables with the curved guide design will not be appropriate?

I'm using the N3 with the MUC-M12SB1, the build quality is super good but the cable is a bit sturdy, not soft as other cable. I bought myself the N3 2 weeks ago, without cable too & only cost 100$. What a steal deal

 

[Hinomotocho]

I'm using the N3 with the MUC-M12SB1, the build quality is super good but the cable is a bit sturdy, not soft as other cable. I buying my N3 2 weeks ago, without cable too & only cost 100$. What a steal deal

Nice cable, I had the non-Kimber balanced one when I owned the Z5, but quite a bit more than I want to spend.