Source: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/tri-i3-mk3.27318/reviews#review-34494

Pros:

Balanced Sound Signature
High-Quality Drivers
Clean and Punchy Bass
Mature vocal, Clear, and Textured.
Controlled Treble
Wide Sound Stage
Excellent Instrument Separation
Not that heavy, and comfortable to wear.
Premium Build Quality

Cons:

Fit Might Vary
The bass is not boosted (A No for Bass lover)
Need a bit of power to shine.

Introduction​

The TRI I3 MK3 is a high-fidelity in-ear monitor (IEM) that has captured the attention of audio enthusiasts with its impressive sound quality and sophisticated design. Featuring a unique driver configuration, it includes a 10mm planar magnetic driver for treble, a 10mm beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver (DD) for bass, and a Sonion 2356 mid-range balanced armature (BA) driver. This combination promises a balanced, warm sound signature that is both detailed and immersive. In this review, we will delve into every aspect of the TRI I3 MK3, from its build quality and design to its fit, comfort, and sound performance.

Context​
The TRI I3 MK3 delivers a neutral-warm sound signature with well-controlled treble and an enjoyable bass response. The unique combination of drivers results in a detailed and balanced sound that is versatile enough to handle a wide range of music genres.

I tried the TRI I3 MK3 with the Xduoo XD05 Basic, ddHiFi Tc44c, and the LG V60, in regular configuration and with pure copper, mixed cable, and numerous tips such as Whizzer SS20, Divinus Velvet, Spinfit W1, 145, and 07. I enjoyed it best with Whizzer SS20 it reduces the harshness in the treble section.

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Disclaimer​
‘KBEar’ sent me this IEM for review purposes. And there is no guidance by the respective company about what to write and what not. The whole review is my unbiased experience and honest opinion with the sound I listened to.

One thing more. The review is based on my personal experience and what I hear using different IEMs. Your experience may vary due to personal preference and physical differences like the shape & depth of the ear canal.

Note: I use this set of iems with this cable, eartips, and sources. That is the basis for my overall review.


Technical Specification​

>3rd Generation Hybrid Flagship IEM.

>3rd Gen Planar+BA+DD Hybrid Configuration.

>10mm Planar Magnetic Driver.

>10mm Beryllium Diaphragm DD Unit.

>Sonion 2356 Mid-Range BA Driver.

>CNC Machined Metallic Housing.

>Premium Finish With Anodized Oxidation Process.

>Three Pairs of Knowles Acoustic Dampers.

>2-Pin 0.78mm Connectors.

>612-Core 5N OCC Silver-Plated Coaxial Cable.

>4.4mm Balanced Termination Plug.

>Fifteen Pairs of Ear Tips.

What’s in the box​

TRI i3 MK3 iems
612-Core 5N OCC Silver-Plated Coaxial Cable
11 pairs of ear tips
Pouch
Cleaning brush
Cleaning cloth
Art card

Design​

The design of the TRI I3 MK3 is both functional and visually appealing. The sleek aluminum body has a modern look, with a smooth finish that adds to its premium appearance. The IEMs are designed to be both stylish and ergonomic, ensuring a comfortable fit without sacrificing aesthetics. The design is not overly flashy, maintaining a clean and sophisticated look that appeals to a wide range of users. The thoughtful design elements, such as the shape and placement of the drivers, contribute to the overall performance and user experience, making the TRI I3 MK3 a joy to use.

Build Quality​

The TRI I3 MK3 is constructed with an aluminum body that exudes durability and luxury. The robust build ensures that these IEMs can withstand daily use without compromising their integrity. The use of high-quality materials gives the IEMs a premium feel, making them not only sturdy but also aesthetically pleasing. The connectors are well-made, providing a secure fit with the detachable cable, which minimizes the risk of accidental disconnections. Overall, the build quality of the TRI I3 MK3 reflects the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into their creation.

Fit and Comfort​
Comfort is paramount for any IEM, and the TRI I3 MK3 excels in this area. The ergonomic design ensures a snug fit that can be worn for extended listening sessions without causing discomfort. The IEMs come with a variety of ear tips, allowing users to find the perfect fit for their ears. This not only enhances comfort but also improves sound isolation, blocking out external noise and allowing for an immersive listening experience. The lightweight design and secure fit make the TRI I3 MK3 ideal for long-term use, whether you are commuting, working, or relaxing at home.

Sound Impression​
The TRI I3 MK3 delivers a neutral-warm sound signature with well-controlled treble and an enjoyable bass response. The unique combination of drivers results in a detailed and balanced sound that is versatile enough to handle a wide range of music genres. The sound is characterized by clean and punchy sub-bass, a rich and textured mid-bass, and warm, natural-sounding instruments. Vocals, both male and female, are rendered with clarity and warmth, while the treble remains smooth and non-fatiguing. The wide sound stage and excellent instrument separation further enhance the listening experience, making the TRI I3 MK3 a standout choice for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Sub-Bass​
The sub-bass performance of the TRI I3 MK3 is impressive, delivering clean and punchy low-end frequencies. The 10mm beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver ensures that the sub-bass is both powerful and well-defined, providing a satisfying rumble without overwhelming the other frequencies. This makes the sub-bass ideal for genres that rely on strong low-end presence, such as electronic music and hip-hop. The sub-bass adds depth to the music, making the tracks sound fuller and more immersive. Whether you are listening to bass-heavy tracks or more subtle compositions, the TRI I3 MK3 handles the sub-bass with precision and control.

The TRI I3 MK3 boasts impressive sub-bass. It delivers a satisfying rumble with clear detail, making kick drums hit hard and basslines come alive. Tracks like Big Boi, Killer Mike, and Jeezy's "Kill Jill" showcase this perfectly with the punchy opening drops, and Massive Attack and Horace Andy's "Angel" benefits from the IEMs rendering the dual bass pads flawlessly. While the bass might not be thunderous and overpowering, the quality is undeniable. There's plenty of impactful low-end presence to keep bass lovers happy, but it avoids overwhelming the mids and highs, ensuring a clear and balanced soundscape overall.

Mid-Bass​
The mid-bass of the TRI I3 MK3 is equally impressive, offering a good amount of punch and detail. Instruments like drums and bass guitars are rendered with clarity and warmth, adding a rich texture to the music. The mid-bass has enough presence to make the music engaging without muddying the overall sound. This balance makes it enjoyable for a variety of musical styles, from rock to classical. The mid-bass is well-integrated with the sub-bass, creating a cohesive and dynamic low-end that enhances the overall listening experience.

Tracks like Rainbow's "Street of Dreams" should benefit from this, with the bassline adding a warm and driving force to the song. Similarly, the iconic bass guitar work in Eagles' "I Can't Tell You Why" should come through with precision and detail. This balance between punch and clarity ensures the mid-bass complements the overall sound without overpowering other instruments.

Male Vocals​
The TRI I3 MK3 shines when it comes to male vocals. Forget thin or shrill sounds – these IEMs deliver a rich and textured experience. Imagine male voices with a natural warmth, almost a "meaty" quality, that feels full-bodied and engaging. This isn't artificial enhancement; the IEMs simply capture the natural richness of a male vocalist's performance. Take Mark Knopfler's "Our Shangri-La" for example – the IEMs should bring out the depth and character in his voice, making the song even more captivating. Similarly, the emotional nuances in George Michael's "Kissing a Fool" should be delivered with clarity and detail. This combination of warmth and detail ensures you hear every inflection and emotion in the vocals, making them sound incredibly lifelike. If you enjoy vocal-driven genres like jazz, blues, and rock, the TRI I3 MK3 will likely become your go-to IEM, offering an immersive and emotionally resonant listening experience.

Female Vocals​
The TRI I3 MK3 treats female vocals with a delightful balance. Imagine smooth, clear vocals with a touch of energy, free from any harshness or sibilance (those annoying ssss and shhhh sounds). This is thanks to the IEMs' ability to render female vocals with both warmth and clarity. They capture the natural beauty of a singer's voice without introducing artificial brightness. Take Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" for instance Stevie Nicks' vocals should sound smooth and expressive, allowing the emotional core of the song to shine through. Similarly, the powerful vocals of Laura Branigan in "Power of Love" should be delivered with clarity and a touch of energy, keeping the listening experience engaging. This combination of smoothness and energy ensures female vocals retain their dynamic quality, making them both enjoyable and emotionally impactful. Whether you're a pop enthusiast or an opera aficionado, the TRI I3 MK3 promises a satisfying experience for a wide range of vocal music.

Treble​
The treble performance of the TRI I3 MK3 is well-controlled and tamed. High-frequency sounds, such as cymbals and electric guitars, are smooth and non-fatiguing. The treble is detailed enough to keep the music lively without becoming piercing or shrill. This careful tuning ensures that the treble complements the overall sound signature, adding clarity and airiness without causing listener fatigue. The planar magnetic driver for treble provides a fast and precise response, ensuring that high-frequency details are captured accurately and effortlessly.

Listening to tracks like Gary Moore's "Still Got the Blues" and Martika's "Toy Soldiers" showcases the TRI I3 MK3's treble prowess. The electric guitar solos in "Still Got the Blues" are smooth and richly detailed, while the higher-pitched elements in "Toy Soldiers" are clear and crisp without any harshness. The treble remains detailed enough to maintain musical liveliness, making these IEMs a joy to listen to for extended periods.

Sound Stage​
One of the standout features of the TRI I3 MK3 is its sound stage. The IEMs offer an impressively wide sound stage with a decent amount of depth. This spatial quality provides a sense of immersion, making the music sound open and expansive. The wide sound stage allows for better separation of instruments and vocals, enhancing the overall listening experience by creating a more three-dimensional soundscape. Whether you are listening to a live concert recording or a studio album, the TRI I3 MK3 ensures that every element of the music is presented with clarity and precision.

Instrument Separation​
Instrument separation is another strong point of the TRI I3 MK3. Each instrument can be distinctly heard within a track, allowing for precise and enjoyable listening. This clarity in separation ensures that even complex musical arrangements sound well-organized and detailed. Whether you are listening to a full orchestra or a small jazz ensemble, the TRI I3 MK3 ensures that every instrument is clearly defined and positioned within the sound stage. This level of detail and separation enhances the overall listening experience, making the TRI I3 MK3 a top choice for discerning listeners.

Listening to tracks like Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" and Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" showcases the IEMs' ability to maintain clarity and separation even in dense arrangements. In "Bohemian Rhapsody," the distinct layering of vocals, piano, and guitar are easily discernible, creating a rich and immersive listening experience. Similarly, in "Stairway to Heaven," the separation of acoustic and electric guitars, drums, and vocals is impeccable, allowing each element to shine without overshadowing the others.

Conclusion​
The TRI I3 MK3 is a well-rounded IEM that excels in delivering a balanced, warm sound signature. Its build quality, fit, and comfort are commendable, making it suitable for long listening sessions. The design is both functional and attractive, adding to the overall appeal of the IEMs. Sound performance is where the TRI I3 MK3 truly shines, with its punchy sub-bass, detailed mid-bass, textured male vocals, smooth female vocals, controlled treble, wide sound stage, and excellent instrument separation. For audiophiles and casual listeners alike, the TRI I3 MK3 offers a versatile and enjoyable listening experience. Whether you are a fan of bass-heavy genres or prefer vocal-centric music, these IEMs provide a well-balanced sound that is both engaging and satisfying. If you are in the market for a high-quality IEM that delivers on both performance and comfort, the TRI I3 MK3 is definitely worth considering.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive into the TRI I3 MK3! I hope this review helped you decide if these versatile IEMs are a good fit for your listening preferences. Happy listening!