TRI earphone impressions - I4 and I3, Starlight, NEW Starsea
Sep 2, 2021 at 2:17 AM Post #2,972 of 3,865
The last day of Lucky Draw for KBEAR Aurora
KBEAR official store will draw a lucky order number of Aurora starting with “8137”, and offer a half-price discount off the retail price of $169 for that order. Don’t miss the opportunity, and ensure you have placed the order during the activity period!!

The activity time: PST 8/30 0:00--9/2 23:59
KBEAR Aurora: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100....store_pc_allProduct.8148356.2.34bd46c0Stj0he
 
Sep 2, 2021 at 4:56 AM Post #2,973 of 3,865
The last day of Lucky Draw for KBEAR Aurora
KBEAR official store will draw a lucky order number of Aurora starting with “8137”, and offer a half-price discount off the retail price of $169 for that order. Don’t miss the opportunity, and ensure you have placed the order during the activity period!!

The activity time: PST 8/30 0:00--9/2 23:59
KBEAR Aurora: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100....store_pc_allProduct.8148356.2.34bd46c0Stj0he
Order placed based on Chris's impressions! No pressure!
 
Sep 2, 2021 at 5:39 AM Post #2,975 of 3,865
Order placed based on Chris's impressions! No pressure!
I certainly hope the Aurora only get better from here on and that you enjoy them when you get them in your ears.

Hopfully, burn-in improves the Aurora, even slightly, to make it an even better quality set. Although, burn-in has occasionally been known to make a set less appealing, I trust the, "old man", tunner (may well be a young man or woman, but let's go with that mental image @dharmasteve gave us) at KBear/TRI to have got it right.

Update: the packing kinks in the cable has gone, making it even softer and more malleable, rather like the KBear 16 core pure copper cable, I have had for years now.

Surprising how much of the Frequency spectrum a single dynamic driver can cover, and do it so well.

For those who do not believe in burn-in, just bear with me. My first aim is 48 hours, second 72, and maybe 100 hours, burn-in.

I must stop sneak-listening!
 
Sep 2, 2021 at 8:54 AM Post #2,976 of 3,865
Sneak listening is like tasting the food you're cooking. How else will you know it's seasoned right or ready? :wink:
I'm still impressed by the Aurora's appearance. That mirror finish is so sleek. Like a James Bond car.
 
Sep 2, 2021 at 9:36 AM Post #2,977 of 3,865
TRI I3 Original and the I3 Pro Photographic
Comparison

Intro

As requested, this is a pictorial comparison of the TRI I3 Original and the new TRI I3 Pro.

In essence, I attempt to show with photos, the differences as much as I can. If there is some error or I have omitted or stated something incorrectly, do let me know and I will do my best to correct, add or subtract as appropriate.

Forgive the pitted and pock marked surface of my leather work wood block, I like it warts and all, but above all, I like the contrast of the wood grain against the cold shiny metal.

This is my first pictorial comparison (and I am not aware of any other) so your comments appreciated.

Photo 1
Screenshot_20210902-124934_Gallery.jpg

Aspect: Both earpieces of both models, in ear section view, from top.

I3s original at the top of this image and I3 Pros at the bottom of this image.

Comment: Noticeable difference:

Size - the original's size difference, which is obvious with them closer together (when the powerful magnets allow).

Nozzle grill - I believe both types of grills were used on the original I3s.

Thus, the grill on the Pros may either come in two types or simply the grill with smaller perforations as shown here on the Pros.

Do the Nozzle grills affect the sound? I do not know as I have only heard one of each set.

Photo 2
Screenshot_20210902-124958_Gallery.jpg


Aspect: Both models top section (when inserted) view.

I3 Pros on the top of this image and I3s original at the bottom of this image.

Comment: Noticeable differences:

Connection - Two-pin on the I3 Pros at the top and MMCX on the first iteration of the original i3s at the bottom. Note -the original I3s had the connection altered to two-pin.

Size - the entire body shows the size difference.

Photo 3
Screenshot_20210902-125123_Gallery.jpg


Aspect: Right earpiece of each of both models, in ear section view.

I3 Pros on the left side of this image and I3s original on the right side of this image.

Comment: Noticeable difference:-

Size - the original clearly larger size.

Photo 4

Screenshot_20210902-125205_Gallery.jpg


Aspect: Both earpieces of both models in ear section view.

I3 Pros on the left side of this image and I3s original on the right side of this image.

Comment: Noticeable differences

Size - the entire body comparison shows the size difference.

Photo 5

Screenshot_20210902-125301_Gallery.jpg


Aspect: Both models in ear section view.

I3 Pros on the left side of this image and I3s original on the right side of this image.

Comment: Noticeable differences

Size - the height, if not the entire body shows the size difference.

Vents - in this image, the obvious difference is, the Pros' four vent holes (or grill) per earpiece, while the originals have a single vent per earpiece.

Photo 6

Screenshot_20210902-125328_Gallery.jpg


Aspect: Both models faceplate view.

I3 Pros on the left side of this image and I3s original on the right side of this image.

Comment: Save for minor alterations, possibly with sound quality in mind, the Pros are clearly a faithful iteration of the original, as is evident here.

Sound Comparison to come in due course.

Enjoy your music!
 
Sep 2, 2021 at 11:59 AM Post #2,978 of 3,865
Finally got my i3 Pro delivered today, after weeks of waiting and it being stuck at the customs. Thanks to @WendyLi for suck quick delivery and assistance during the order process.

Will be sharing my first impressions soon after a couple of days of burn in. Will say this much though, Trouble Paradise by Slayyyter, a track which most sub $200 IEM's manages to mess up, i3 Pro nails it 😁
 

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Sep 2, 2021 at 9:57 PM Post #2,980 of 3,865
DSC08844.JPG


Speaking of Tri I3. I had to whip mine out today. Got some tri on tri action going on. Tri Grace S cable on the I3 today to water my grass. You know a few years from now I can see a bunch of folks still listening to their Tri I3s cus they will be a classic among enthusiasts here on headfi if not already. Recently got the Grace S to try out and the match up with the I3 is incredible. These cables are KBEARs highest end cables for a reason. Not that the I3 needs a higher end cable but these cables enhance every aspect of the I3 that makes them sound so good. These cables enhance dynamics of a host earphone. The cable itself is premium in build and quality but what it does for the host earphone is very consistent in what it does. The cable combination of materials here is unique in that it is a dual SPC weave that I have yet to see before these. Two types of different silver plated copper materials weaved together the end results enhances stage, depth, bass presence mids resolution and treble clarity.
DSC08845.JPG

A perfect match up with the I3s. Will do a full review for the cables when I get a chance. So far so good very impressed with these cables.
 
Sep 3, 2021 at 2:28 AM Post #2,982 of 3,865
DSC08844.JPG

Speaking of Tri I3. I had to whip mine out today. Got some tri on tri action going on. Tri Grace S cable on the I3 today to water my grass. You know a few years from now I can see a bunch of folks still listening to their Tri I3s cus they will be a classic among enthusiasts here on headfi if not already. Recently got the Grace S to try out and the match up with the I3 is incredible. These cables are KBEARs highest end cables for a reason. Not that the I3 needs a higher end cable but these cables enhance every aspect of the I3 that makes them sound so good. These cables enhance dynamics of a host earphone. The cable itself is premium in build and quality but what it does for the host earphone is very consistent in what it does. The cable combination of materials here is unique in that it is a dual SPC weave that I have yet to see before these. Two types of different silver plated copper materials weaved together the end results enhances stage, depth, bass presence mids resolution and treble clarity.
DSC08845.JPG
A perfect match up with the I3s. Will do a full review for the cables when I get a chance. So far so good very impressed with these cables.
I've got one on the way too, will be looking forward to your full review of the Grace S mate 😇
 
Sep 3, 2021 at 3:04 AM Post #2,983 of 3,865
Sep 3, 2021 at 3:13 AM Post #2,984 of 3,865
My hunch is they just want to get as much money as possible regardless what their customers think/need.
I have this impression after @WendyLi responded my comment regarding cable option for their future product.
I only have few of their cable but do not have any iem. Won't buy any their product anymore.
 
Sep 3, 2021 at 5:06 AM Post #2,985 of 3,865
I have the TRI I3 and I am using the Qudelix-5K.
Currently, I am using this cable.

Will the TRI Grace-S be a significant, audible, upgrade for me?
I am listening to Amazon HD (almost) exclusively.

Thank you
 

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