Today I am going to review the TinHiFi C3 MK II, a single DD IEM, that was sent to me by courtesy of TinHiFi.
Let's jump into it!
Disclaimer
I received the TinHiFi C3 MK II from TinHiFi in exchange for my honest review, but still – my opinions about the IEMs are personal and written based on my own experience with them, and I was not paid for this review.
My goal in my reviews is to make it easier for everyone to understand the terms audiophiles often use, so even if you are a beginner and this is all new for you, you can feel comfortable understanding all the terms and make a better decision for yourself.
A little bit about myself
I thought it could make it easier for you to understand what I am listening to, and if we are audio soul mates, maybe this review will talk to you more personally
I mainly listen to pop music and instrumental music, such as Lindsey Stirling. I am also an EDM lover, who enjoys both sides of the spectrum: bass and treble. My favorite artist, for example, is Snail's House, and I also listen to a lot of monstercat releases. Are we audio soul mates?
A little bit about this IEM
This iem is a single LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) DD. "The C3 MKII integrates an ultra-strong dual magnetic circuit system with a magnetic flux density of up to 1.5 Tesla. Using high-performance neodymium iron-boron magnets arranged symmetrically on both sides, this design significantly enhances drive
efficiency. The dual magnetic circuit creates a stronger magnetic field, allowing for more precise and rapid diaphragm movement, which greatly improves dynamic response and low-frequency control. At the same time, this design greatly reduces distortion, ensuring that the sound quality remains high-fidelity and high-resolution across the full frequency range."
Let's see what can it really deliver!
What's in the box?
In the box you will find:
- Carrying case
- 3.5mm Cable
- 10x Ear Tips
- Replacement filters
- User manual
- The IEMs themselves
Carrying Case
The carrying case is very large and in fact it is how you will get all your accessories, the box has only the storing case which surprised me. The case is good, not pocketable obviously, and feels quality. Overall, decent case for the price.
Cable
The cable of this IEM is thin, with chin slider on the Y split that is semi working, but still gets the job done. There are left and right marking both on the IEM and the cable, and some TinHiFi branding. To be honest, it is the usual cable you get with a TinHiFi IEM. It is ok for the price, and is good overall.
Ear Tips
The ear tips included are pretty good, you get 5 sized to choose from which is very nice and give you a lot of flexibility, I like it. I hope more brands will give this option, ear tips are very important in order to get a good seal and sound quality.
Build Quality & Fit and Comfort
The build quality of this IEM is decent, it is made from resin and has a good shape to match the human's ear shape, has beautiful faceplate that react to light and has some nice effect on them, the nozzle is short so smaller ears could also enjoy it. Overall, decent build quality and fit and comfort, I could wear them for long easily.
In Terms of Sound
You can find the graph here.
The tuning here is pretty balanced, slightly V-Shaped, with a lot of sub bass rumble.
But as always – let's break it down.
Sub-Bass
The sub-bass, which covers the lowest frequencies and often delivers the rumbling sensation rather than distinct sounds.
There is a lot of sub-bass in this IEM, not the most textured though. For the price, it is a nice rumble, that goes deep, and a little steal the show, but not too much. I would prefer a little less sub-bass here, but it is pretty fun at the same time.
Mid-Bass
The mid-bass, where the bass becomes more distinct and perceptible, is equally well-executed. In this range, you hear kick drums and some male bass vocals more clearly.
The mid bass of this IEM is good, but a little bit recessed, it is not so punchy and impactful, I would say semi loose. But, it is enough to give body for male/low vocals and instruments without bleeding into the midrange. I would be happy to get a better punch and impact, but this is what it is, and some actually prefer that. But overall, good bass performance on these, and amazing for a single DD.
Mids
The mids are the home to most instruments and vocals.
The midrange of this IEM is good, not too colored, sounds natural, but it get a little bit faded because of the big amount of sub-bass. Female and male vocals sound both good, not shouty or too forward. There is a good balance, but you might feel it a little bit behind, I would love to hear less bass and let the midrange shine a little more. If you are open to EQ, I would encourage you to lower the sub-bass.
Treble
The treble, which captures high-pitched sounds like cymbals, violins, and higher synthetic tones, adds brightness, sharpness, and sparkle to the music. However, excessive treble can lead to harshness or fatigue.
The treble of this IEM is good, you get enough extended treble response to balance out the bass and let synth and high vocals shine, and the sibilance is well handled, and I didn't find it to be to have any, at least not something that has bothered me. I am amazed that TinHiFi could squeeze a single DD to do both bass and treble well.
Technical Performance
Imaging
Imaging is the ability of the IEM to separate the left or right positions, put anything in the correct direction.
The imaging of this IEM is good, not exceptional, but good enough for the price. It is not the most pin-pointy imaging you could get in an IEM within this price range (Artti T10 for example, a planar IEM), but it is ok.
Soundstage
Usually in IEMs this term is overused, but in general the soundstage is the feel of openness and wideness of the sound. For example, if the IEM provides a congested feeling to the sound, everything sounds in the middle, this is bad soundstage.
The soundstage of this IEM is ok, not exceptional. Things doesn't sound congested by any mean, but it is not the most wide and open soundstage out there. It is good though.
Layering & Separation
Layering & Separation is the ability to deliver you any piece of instrument or vocal in its own place, separately. The better it gets, the more resolving the IEM will be.
The layering on this IEM is good, but not exceptional. I think the big amount of sub-bass a little ruin the clarity of this IEM, and the ability to pick up a sound and follow it. Same goes for the separation, I think a little bit less sub-bass could work better for this IEM and give better separation from the bass and the mids. No, the bass is not muddy, but it does steal the show from it.
Comparisons
Comparisons could give you a better idea of where this IEM stands within the market.
TinHiFi T3 Plus
This is a fun comparison! The TinHiFi T3 Plus is also a single DD from TinHiFi. It is a little old IEM, so I think a lot would be interested in this IEM as an upgrade. So, here we go!
The TinHiFi C3 Mk II to me is the better tuned, with the better bass, and tonality overall. The T3 Plus is slightly more V-Shaped, with faster bass response and more focus on the technical performance (better imaging, better stage, etc…). So, in terms of tuning, I think the C3 MK II is a great upgrade over the T3 Plus, but if you liked the clean bass of the T3 Plus, then you won't get that here. Except that, I think I prefer the C3 Mk II, since the T3 Plus was too analytical and not musical for me. This is on the other hand has the better tuning and I like this more.
TinHiFi C2 2025
This IEM is also a single DD from TinHiFi. To be honest, I prefer the C2 2025 over the C3 Mk II. The C2 2025 is a brighter IEM, with better mid-bass punch and impact, a little less sub-bass rumble, and to me it is the better tuned one. It comes with less accessories, but they are made from a metal shell. In terms of technical performance, I think both are on par, pretty average, but it is good for the price. If you like brighter presentation, I would personally pick the C2 2025, it is cheaper, and to me sounds better. Though, the C3 Mk II handles the sibiliance so much better, and that's why it might be the better choice. But it is up to you, both are good choices. And, don't let the price fool you. To me, the C2 2025 is the best TinHiFi that I have tried, and it is the cheapest one I have tried from them (T5S, DUDU, T3 Plus, T2 Plus, C3 Mk II).
To Sum Up
The TinHiFi C3 Mk II is a great budget IEM that does almost nothing wrong for its price. It got a decent bass response, with deep sub-bass rumble, clean midrange presentation and well extended treble. Though, I think that a little less sub-bass could let the midrange shine a little more, and I wish there was a little better mid-bass impact. But other than that, a well tuned IEM for 49$! I am sure that TinHiFi could improve this IEM in their next model, but as a base – they have a decent base, and who knows, maybe they will surprise us with the ultra budget king. I would also suggest you looking at its little brother – the C2 2025, it is brighter in its tuning, has a metal shell, better mid-bass punch and less sub-bass, and it costs 10$ less.
You can find the TinHiFi C3 MK II for 49.99$ at this following link (unaffiliated).
Big thanks for TinHiFi for making this review possible, and I will see you in my next reviews!