• Dec 26, 2024
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A Versatile Wired IEM for Audiophiles/Music Enthusiast Seeking a Reliable Daily Driver!

 
Pros
• Outstanding build quality
• Comfortable fit
• Balanced and detailed sound
• Impressive instrument separation
• Rich and energetic vocals
• Very usable cable & tips
• Nice & practical carrying case
Cons
• Treble can be fatiguing for some
• Not Suitable for bass heads
• Slight shout in upper mids




TRI I3 MK3: UNVEILING THE EXCELLENCE
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The TRI I3 MK3 is a gorgeous IEM aimed at delivering high-fidelity sound at an affordable price. Combining the rather rare setup of a dynamic driver, balanced armature, and planar magnetic driver, this IEM promises to bring detail and immersion into the listening experience. The earphone was designed with a target in mind: audiophiles who like balanced sound but with a slight emphasis on upper mids. The IEM is especially good for rock, classical, and jazz genres, where separation of instruments and clarity is a must. Further complemented by high-grade accessories and a premium cable, these actually raise the bar on the value equation. In this review, we go through different aspects of the IEM: build quality, comfort, and sound performance over a variety of music genres. Whether you are an audiophile searching for a new daily driver or a music lover wanting more for less, the TRI I3 MK3 is definitely something you want to audition.


CONTEXT:


The TRI I3 MK3 is the latest iteration in the TRI I3 series, known for its innovative driver configuration and impressive sound quality. TRI Audio has consistently aimed to provide high-end audio performance at a reasonable price, and the I3 MK3 is no exception. This IEM targets users who prioritize a balanced and detailed sound signature, offering a significant upgrade from entry-level models. It has the potential to be paired with any device, but it needs some more juice to drive.


I tested it with my Planue R2 & Hiby R3 DAPs and my Moondrop Dawn Pro & ifi Hip DAC 2 DACs. They are all capable of running it. With 3.5mm single-ended, it does the job, but with 4.4mm or 2.5mm balanced output, it shows its original nature. The stock cable is not just good; it’s super worthy and capable of presenting the IEM’s real signature. And among the supplied tips, there is Clarion, one of my most favorite tips. So, there is no cable shuffling or tips rolling this time. You don’t need to buy a single thing, like an upgraded cable or after-market ear tips for fit & comfort; this is your full package.



DISCLAIMER:

KBEar was kind enough to send me the I3 MK3 to review. I am not affiliated with the company, and of course, I was not asked for any copy-checking before publishing. All opinions shared in this review are my subjective thoughts.

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


GEAR USED:

· DAC/AMP:
 ifi Hip Dac 2, Moondrop Dawn Pro
· DAP: Cowon Planue R2, Hiby R3
· Phone: POCO X3
· Source: Local FLAC & DSD files


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION:

· Model: TRI I3 MK3 Pro
· Driver Configuration: 10mm DD, Sonion 2356 BA, 10mm Planar magnetic driver
· Impedance: 21Ω
· Sensitivity: 104 dB
· Frequency Response: 20Hz–20KHz
· Cable: 612-core 5N OCC Silver-plated coaxial cable
· Cable Length: 1.2m
· Pin Type: 0.78mm 2-pin connector
· Plug Type: 4.4mm


WHAT’S IN THE BOX:

· TRI I3 MK3 Pro IEMs
· OCC Silver Plated Cable
· 2 pairs of blue foam tips
· 1 set of wide bore ear tips (S/M/L)
· 1 set of balanced ear tips (S/M/L)
· 1 set of Clarion ear tips (S/M/L)
· Cleaning brush
· Cleaning cloth
· Rectangular leather case
· Official papers



UNBOXING EXPERIENCE:

TRI I3 MK3 The earphones are shipped in a medium-sized box. Opening it reveals an array of neat accessories inside that show the brand has put much attention to detail. The IEMs are nested in a foam cut-out with two pairs of blue foam tips, which are quite good in terms of noise isolation. It also comes with three kinds of ear tips made of silicone, among which is the very popular and highly praised Clarion. Inside the box, there lies a leather-made high-quality premium carrying case with the company's branding.

It also comes with a cleaning brush and a nice cleaning cloth to keep the earphones clean. One of the most striking accessories is the OCC silver-plated cable. The stock cable is fantastic looking, soft, and also a tangle-free one. It looks premium and with almost no microphonics.


BUILD QUALITY & DESIGN:

The I3 MK3 shells are well-built with strong aluminum alloy shells. The shells are durable, elegantly designed, and in a matte purple color that is sleek. Being metal, they ensure longevity and make the earphones resistant to everyday wear and tear. They are pretty lightweight, though. The shell coating makes fingerprints register, which is a nice touch.

The cable is also precisely made, and it looks premium and beautiful. The stock ear tips are of soft silicon, and they really fit well in the ears; comfort is good. In general, the build quality of the IEM is great, sturdily built but still aesthetically pleasing; these can definitely last daily use while looking and feeling premium.


FIT & COMFORT:

The ergonomically designed shape ensures they fit just right in medium-sized ears, providing a secure and comfortable seal. The earphones are light in weight, which might help avoid ear fatigue even during prolonged use. The I3 MK3 has a carefully designed shape that matches the contours of the ears, ensuring a snug fit that stays in place if one moves around. The ear tips included, especially the Clarion tips, make it better with very good noise isolation and a comfy seal.

Likewise, the cable attached to the I3 MK3 is soft and tangle-free, adding to the comfort. The wire does not cause microphonics, which are unwanted sounds caused by the cable rubbing against clothes or any other surface. This will let the user have an uninterrupted and very blissful experience of listening. Overall, the I3 MK3 has flagship-level fit and comfort.



SOUND IMPRESSION:

The TRI I3 MK3 is fairly accurately tuned to deliver a balanced sound with a slight emphasis on the upper mids. The bass has body and authority but doesn't overwhelm the other frequencies, striking a nice balance. Vocals come out energetic and powerful; male and female vocals have a slight shine that adds to the energy. Treble is well-extended and bright, sometimes sparkly, which may prove a bit fatiguing to treble-sensitive ears.

Here is the frequency graph for you-




SUB-BASS:

The sub-bass performance is well-pronounced and satisfying, striking a perfect balance without overwhelming other frequencies. For example, when listening to "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, the bass line is fantastically presented, with each note played by Sting himself coming through clearly and with good rhythm.

The sub-bass isn't overly dominant, which makes it suitable for a big number of genres. It gives just the perfect amount of depth and rumble to tune up the music. However, it should be noticed that the sub-bass is a bit on the slower side, which might not satisfy those who like fast-paced genres like metal. Besides, bass heads will be missing the "big boom" they often seek in sub-bass-heavy tracks.


MID-BASS:

The mid-bass in the TRI I3 MK3 is just fun. There's a decently satisfying thump, and there's an overall good body. The clarity vs. richness balance for this price range is done really well. In "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Guns N' Roses, the mid-bass sounds pristine while allowing all of the details of the music to shine without it sounding too lean or thin.

It also adds warmth and body, giving the instruments and voice a natural feel that is more engaging to listen to. It is also quite well-controlled, not exhibiting evidence of muddiness or bleeding into the midrange- a problem many other earphones have. This punch and impact easily come through in the genres of rock and pop, where rhythm and drive are indispensable.




MALE VOCALS:

It has a full-bodied presentation of male vocals, and the touch of brightness adds a bit of clarity. If full-bodied and dynamic voices are your thing, then with these earphones, you are in for a treat: it's going to be rich and engaging without any harshness or shoutiness. The vocals here sound very organic and natural; one can appreciate nuances and emotional shades in the performance of the singer.


For instance, the textured voice of David Coverdale in "Is This Love" by Whitesnake is quite an impressive thing to listen to with it. It captures the depth and warmth in his voice, smoothening it out and making it original. In contrast, the slight sheen on the male vocals creates further detail and presence and therefore an even more engaging performance.


FEMALE VOCALS:

The IEM delivers lush and sparkling female vocals, creating an energetic and engaging listening experience. The slight emphasis on the upper midrange adds a touch of brightness to the vocals, bringing out every nuance and emotion in the singing. This makes listening to female artists quite a pleasure since the subtlety and power in their voices are picked up rather clearly with these earphones.

This earphone does quite a good job in exposing the power and clarity of her voice in "I Need You" by LeAnn Rimes. You can hear the whole range of her vocal performance, from soft emotive tones to high powerful notes. The amount of detail reproduction the IEM accomplishes offers an immersive listen from which full appreciation for artistry and emotion in music is possible. Clarity and details in female vocals come off supported by the general balanced sound signature of the earphones to ensure forward vocals without burying the remaining components of the music.


INSTRUMENT SEPARATION:

The I3 MK3 impresses with its presentation of instrument separation, making it very easy to distinctly hear every instrument within the mix. This sounds particularly very good on difficult and busy tracks like "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin. The IEM handles such a complicated arrangement with ease as it makes every single instrument distinctly audible. The warm bass gives it a solid foundation, while the treble is crispy enough that high-frequency information like hi-hats and cymbals become clear and well-defined, giving a sense of depth and space in the music that really enhances the overall listening experience.

In this particular song, the separation between the acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and Robert Plant's vocals is impressive. Each instrument occupies its own space within the soundstage, allowing you to appreciate the individual contributions to the song's rich texture. That this earphone can keep the separation through the dynamics of the song and into the crescendo is a function of the great tuning and driver configuration.




TREBLE:

The treble is well-extended with adequate air which shows a good balance between clarity and details in higher frequencies. The high-pitched instruments like hi-hats and cymbals are reproduced with a clear and crisp tone, that gives your listening experience a spicy touch. With the proper sparkle & definition, the treble brings music to life and this hi-res presentation brings more enjoyment.

In "Holy Diver" by DIO, the IEM delivers the treble region with precision. The cymbals and high-pitched guitar riffs sound lively, clear, & bright which brings energy & excitement to the track. But with the tracks carrying plenty of high-frequency presence, this kind of presentation gets shouty at times, perhaps creating fatigue for treble-sensitive listeners.


SOUDSTAGE:

The I3 MK3 offers an impressive soundstage and provides a sense of depth & width that enhances the listening experience. It delivers sound in a way that will make you feel like the music is coming from the space around you, not from inside a little box or a congested place. It creates an awesome engaging listening experience.

While listening to "Take it Back" by Pink Floyd, its soundstage shines with its full potential. The pinpoint position of every instrument is simply fantastic. The soundscape is well-layered and spacious by distinctly placing the guitar riffs, drums, vocals, and other instruments with precision. This sense of depth creates a 3D-like stage around you where all the instruments are well-separated and placed at different distances from you. Along with that, the background effects and instrumental nuances are clearly audible due to their detailed presentation.




CABLE & TIP ROLLING:

Though this is my favorite part, there is nothing to say here. Because the package is fully jam-packed. You need nothing more. But feel free to explore your stocks of cable & tips.



CONCLUSION:

First of all, the TRI I3 MK3 is quite a remarkable IEM that delivers a well-balanced and detailed sound signature. There is some emphasis in the upper midrange, giving vocals and instruments some brightness and clarity. Probably one of the most notable features of this earphone is the solid build quality. The shells are made from durable aluminum alloy; which means that they will be able to cope with daily use without neglecting aesthetic style. It also includes a comprehensive set of high-quality accessories.

While the treble tends to be a bit sharp and could be somewhat fatiguing for some listeners, the general sound profile still tends to stay clean, clear, and engaging. This IEM thus proves to be quite a versatile IEM that would drive nearly any genre of music with ease. Be it an audiophile seeking a reliable daily driver or a music enthusiast looking for an upgrade, the TRI I3 MK3 is definitely recommended.
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