Introduction
The TinHiFi T3 Plus is the latest iteration of TinHiFi’s popular T3 line of in-ear monitors. As a single dynamic driver IEM priced under $100, it aims to deliver great sound quality and value. In this review, I’ll be evaluating the T3 Plus on various aspects to see how it stacks up against the competition.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. I have not received any form of compensation or incentive to endorse or promote any specific product mentioned in this review.
Specifications
- Driver: φ10mm Liquid crystal polymer vibrator membrane speaker
- Sensitivity: 105±3dB @1kHz 0.179V
- Frequency Range: 10-20 kH
- Interface: Gold-plated 2-pin connector
- Conductor/Cable: Φ 2.8mm (40 / 0.05 oxygen-free copper+ 200D Kevlar) * 4-core Black PU cable L=1.25m
- Impedance: 32Ω±15%
- Rated Power: 3mW
- Max Power: 5mW
- Max Distortion: 1% @1k Hz 0.179V
Bottom Line
The TinHiFi T3 Plus provides a natural, engaging sound signature coupled with ergonomic comfort and solid build quality. An easy recommendation for an affordable all-rounder IEM
Overall Rating
Pros
- natural, well-balanced sound signature
- strong bass extension with a mid-bass bump
- engaging, emotionally involving midrange
- non-fatiguing treble
- ergonomic and comfortable fit
- Good noise isolation
- Respectable soundstage and imaging
- solid build quality for the price.
Cons
- Bass lacks some texture and speed.
- Mid-bass bloat veils lower mids slightly
- A triple extension could be better.
- Dynamics are not outstanding.
- Resolution is just average.
Suitable Music Genres
Suitable:
- The TinHiFi T3 Plus is well-suited for most music genres, but especially excels with:
- Pop, hip-hop, and EDM: The V-shaped tuning with solid sub-bass extension and mid-bass punch brings out the best in bass-heavy genres.
- Rock, metal: The mildly boosted lower treble provides clarity and bite for guitars and cymbals. The soundstage conveys the energy well.
- Jazz and acoustic: the natural midrange tonality and intimacy work great for vocals and instruments.
- Orchestral: The dynamics and staging can handle the scale, complexity, and dynamics well.
Not Suitable:
- Classical, instrumental: The texture and resolution are just average, so highly technical listeners may want more finesse and nuance.
- Audiophile recordings: The lack of hyper-detail and analytical qualities means audiophiles may not get the full experience from high-res recordings.
Equalization Tips
- Basshead: +3 dB at 80 Hz, +5 dB at 50 Hz to amplify sub-bass
- Vocal boost: +2 dB at 2 kHz to bring vocals more forward.
- Treble boost: +1-3 dB at 8 kHz for extra sparkle and air
1. Packaging
- TinHiFi T3 Plus
- carrying pouch
- A 0.78mm, 2-pin to 3.5mm single-ended cable
- 6 pairs of silicone eartips
- 3 pairs of blue foam tips
- Paperworks
2. Design And Build Quality
The T3 Plus sports a resin shell with a polished finish and translucent faceplate, allowing you to see the driver inside. The overall build quality is quite good; the shells feel sturdy with smooth edges and seamless molding.
The included cable is decent; it's fairly supple and doesn't tangle much. The wire is coated with Kevlar for durability. The connectors are metal and inspire confidence. I do wish the cable was detachable instead of fixed.
In the box, you get a nice assortment of silicone and foam eartips to find the perfect fit. The included carrying pouch is basic but does the job. Overall, at this price point, the T3 Plus hits the mark for design and build quality.
3. Comfort
Thanks to the rounded, ergonomic shape of the resin shells, the T3 Plus is very comfortable to wear. The lightweight construction and over-ear fit ensure the IEMs don't budge during activity. I was able to wear them for hours without fatigue or irritation. The fit is also quite secure, providing good passive noise isolation. No issues with driver Flex either.
4. Sound Quality Of The TinHiFi T3 Plus
I. Tonality
The T3 Plus has a mildly V-shaped tuning, with a bass bump and a bit of lower treble emphasis. The overall tonality leans slightly warm, with good tonal balance. Nothing sounds recessed or too forward. Both male and female vocals sound natural and pleasing.
II. Frequency Response Graph Of The TinHiFi T3 Plus
III. Bass Response
The low-end has admirable extension, reaching deep into sub-bass territory. The bass boost centered around the mid-bass gives it a satisfying, mildly warm character. Bass drums have a nice visceral impact. That said, the bass lacks some texture and speed compared to more technical IEMs. There is a bit of bloat around the mid-bass, which mildly veils the lower mids on tracks with prominent basslines. Still, for a budget dynamic driver IEM, the bass performance is quite pleasing.
IV. Midrange Performance
The midrange on the T3 Plus is smoothly presented. The lower mids have a hint of warmth inherited from the mid-bass. Vocals sound full-bodied and natural on most tracks. Both male and female voices have an intimate, engaging quality. The upper mids are also free of harshness for the most part. Overall, the midrange tuning succeeds in delivering emotionally involving vocals.
V. Treble Response
Treble has a smooth, inoffensive quality but still carries enough energy to give instrumentation a sense of realism. It avoids sounding dull or closed-in. The lower treble is gently boosted, adding clarity and "air" to the sound. Sibilance is also well-controlled. The treble extension could be better, but at this price point, the T3 Plus gets it mostly right.
5. Technicalities Of The TinHiFi T3 Plus
I. Soundstage And Imaging
The T3 Plus provides an above-average sense of space for a budget IEM. The soundstage is intimate but not congested. Width is better than depth. Imaging is fairly accurate with good instrument separation. The overall presentation succeeds in conveying the scale and dynamics of most recordings.
II. Instrument Separation And Detail Retrieval
When it comes to detail retrieval and resolution, the T3 Plus performs respectably for its class. Micro-details aren't the most apparent, and the overall rendering isn't ultra-crisp. But the level of clarity and nuance is quite convincing, letting you make out subtle textures and elements in the mix.
III. Dynamics And Speed
While the T3 Plus hits respectably hard in the bass and lower mids, the dynamic slam is not as hard-hitting as more technical IEMs. Similarly, while the T3 Plus sounds suitably quick, more agile IEMs reveal finer nuances of pace and rhythm. So dynamics and speed are good but not class-leading.
IV. Resolution
The overall resolution is good, but not outstanding. The T3 Plus reveals a suitable level of fine detail in recordings but lacks the hyper-resolution of more analytical IEMs. For casual listening, the level of resolution ability is perfectly fine. Audiophiles seeking to extract every microdetail may want to look elsewhere.
6. Gaming Performance
Thanks to its respectable soundstage and imaging qualities, the T3 Plus performs well for gaming. Directional cues in FPS games come through clearly. Explosions and gunshots have a decent impact. For casual gaming, the T3 Plus delivers an immersive experience. Hardcore competitive gamers may want something more technical.
7. Comparisons
TinHiFi T3 Plus vs. Moondrop Chu
The Chu has noticeably less sub-bass extension and impact. The T3 Plus sounds fuller and more engaging. The Chu has brighter, more analytical tuning, while the T3 Plus is warmer and more musical.
TinHiFi T3 Plus vs. Blon BL-03
The BL-03 has more mid-bass bloat but lacks the sub-bass reach of the T3 Plus. The BL-03 sounds more V-shaped, while the T3 Plus is more balanced. The T3 Plus has the technical edge.
TinHiFi T3 Plus vs. KZ ZS10 Pro
The ZS10 Pro has a brighter, more analytical presentation compared to the smoother T3 Plus. The T3 Plus has a more natural timbre. The ZS10 Pro retrieves more detail but can sound metallic at times.
8. FAQs
Q. Who Should Buy The TinHiFi T3 Plus?
- Casual listeners who want an affordable, versatile IEM.
- Bassheads who want solid low-end impact.
- Those looking for a comfortable IEM for long listening sessions
Q. Who Shouldn't Buy The TinHiFi T3 Plus?
- Audiophiles seeking hyper-detailed analytical sound.
- Those wanting a huge, dynamic punch and slam
- Users need ultra-rugged build quality.
Q. Is TinHiFi T3 Plus suitable for treble sensitive listeners?
The T3 Plus is suitable for treble-sensitive listeners thanks to its smooth, non-fatiguing treble. Those prone to sibilance should find it comfortable.
Q. Does it need an amp?
No, the low 32 ohm impedance means the T3 Plus can be driven fine from smartphones.
Q. Can it be worn cable-down?
Yes, but cable noise may be noticeable. Over-ears are recommended.
Q. Are there upgraded cables?
Aftermarket 2-pin cables can be used to tweak the sound.
Q. Is the fit suitable for small ears?
Yes, the ergonomic shape should accommodate most ear sizes well.
9. Conclusion
For just under $100, the TinHiFi T3 Plus hits a sweet spot of enjoyable, natural sound paired with good build quality and comfort. While it doesn't excel in technicalities compared to pricier options, it delivers a pleasing, well-rounded listening experience. For those seeking an affordable workhorse IEM for everyday listening, the T3 Plus absolutely deserves strong consideration.
Read More Reviews On TinHiFi T3 Plus: Headphonesty