The tips
Brainwavz was kind enough to supply the R3 with a variety of tips that each contribute to some slight signature changes, which I will gladly describe.
With the Complys, the low end is very much accentuated, but the result is a bit of a muddled mess in that the low end bleeds so much into the midrange that its merits are almost completely drowned in bass. I wouldn’t necessarily say the Complys are useless though. I found that they worked well in situations in which background noise would normally drown out the bass, like a bus or a train.
The thin grey tips allowed for the most midrange. I found that I preferred these over the rest for most of my vocal-based music because it really showed the richness the R3 can convey. The downside is that these also have the least bass. It’s still a little north of neutral, but it’s a far cry from the Comply.
The conical tips were a bit of a disappointment. The narrow nozzle of the tips made the sound the most balanced of the four included tips, but the soundstage the double flanges had was basically collapsed in comparison. But other than that complaint, they were passable; I’d use them over the Complys but definitely not the grey tips or the double flanges.
Final thoughts
While the size of the R3 makes them easy to write off as inconvenient, Brainwavz has somehow made the strange form factor not only work, but be more comfortable than most traditional IEMs. They’ve even made the dual dynamic driver system actually work in a way that sounds better than $129 has the right to…if you’re looking for a slightly warm and relaxing sound signature. Those looking for a neutral or analytical IEM should turn the other way, but I can’t think of an IEM that surpasses the R3 for pure enjoyment under $150. If Brainwavz decides to make a version with slightly better transition between the bass and the rest of the spectrum and even better mids, they just might be able to be up with the Shure SE535 as one of the smoothest IEMs in the market.
Features:
Twin drivers with passive crossover configuration.
Clear detailed audio with a clean bass.
All metal housing in a over the ear design.
Comply foam tips included.
Specifications:
Transducers/Drivers: Dual Dynamic, 10mm
Crossover: Passive
Rated Impedance: 32ohms
Sensitivity: 95dB at 1mW
Frequency range: 20Hz ~ 20KHz
Maximum input power: 2mW
Cable length: 1.4m, Y cord, OFC Copper, professional grade memory cable.
Plug: 3.5mm gold plated, 45 degree.
24 month warranty.
*Included Accessories:
1 x Comply foam T-series tip
6 x Silicone tips
1 x Bi-Flage tip
1 x Tri-Flange tip
1 x 6.3mm to 3.5mm audio adapter
1 x Airplane adapter
1 x Earphone carrying case
1 x Instruction manual
Links
