TINHIFI C3 Review (2) – Tastefully Overdone
The $49 TINHIFI C3 is yet another TINHIFI Harman-tuned single DD iem with agreeable mainstream sound, good for universal use.
PROS
- Non-offensive sound with good technicalities
- Good build and cable
CONS
- Not as smooth and cohesive as (the more expensive) T4 Plus
- Generic design
In this Article
The TINHIFI C3 Plus was provided unsolicited by the manufacturer – and I thank them for that. You can get it from TINHIFI.com.
Introduction
TINHIFI tried to avoid their sonic sins of the past and recently launched a series of Harman tuned iems coverin- the complete budget spectrum: the $39 C2, the $49 T2 TLC, and the $119 T4 Plus. As we know, the company became famous back in 2018 with their (in)famous T2, which you still get on drop.com.
Strangely enough, all the above mentioned models produce almost identical frequency responses – and the $49 C3 joins in with them. But they sport different drivers and cavities in their shells, which does not make them sound exactly identical. Durwood already took a stab at the C3, which you can find here.
Specifications TINHIFI C3
Drivers: 10 mm PU (polyurethane) + LCP (liquid crystal polymer) composite diaphragm Impedance: 32 Ω ± 15% Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW ± 3dB @ 1 kHz0.179 V Frequency Range: 10-20,000 Hz Cable/Connector: ???/2pin 0.78 mm Tested at: $49 Product Page/Purchase Link: TINHIFI.com |
Physical Things and Usability
The package contains the shells, a set of silicon eartips in 6 sizes, a gorgeous cable, and the paperwork. The shells deviate from TINHIFI’s silvery brushed metal, they are resin with one of these average shapes we have seen frequently before.
The shells fit me well, they are rather comfortable, but they are nothing to write home about. They are a generic standard design.
Tonality and Technicalities
| Equipment used: MacBook Air | Earstudio HUD 100 (low gain) | Sony NW-A55 dap |
TINHIFI C3 is yet another safely tuned offering by TINHIFI, who obviously learnt their lesson from the sharp sounding T2 DLC. It is reminiscent of the Moondrop Crescent which also follows the Harman curve. The sound is “agreeable” with a bass boost and respectable technicalities.
The low end is the most prominent sonic feature of the C3. It has some emphasis somewhere between sub-bass and mid-bass reminiscent of the XBass in some ifi Audio amps. Bass is visceral, tactile, thumpy, and agile, but could be a bit more composed. It can be quite enjoyable but you sadly cannot switch it off when (not) in the mood. Let’s say the bass is tastefully overdone.
Despite its emphasis, sub-bass extension is actually just average. On the other hand, the punch is below the point that could annoy my eardrums.
Vocals are richer than, for example, in the TINHIFI C2, but they could be richer in absolute terms. Notes are well defined and a bit on the edgy side, they could be a bit more rounded. They are nevertheless never harsh but constitute a contrast to the bass. The advantage of this is a good note definition in the midrange. There is no shoutiness.
Treble is somewhat subdued with limited resolution. Lower treble can be a bit splashy. Rolloff starts quite early.
Stage is average width and depth, and of good height. The other technicalities such as separation and layering are class average, spatial cues quite decent. The TINHIFI is like a good 2nd league football club: no outstanding player but a good team. Timbre is good but with a hint of plastic.
In comparison, the T4 Plus sounds more cohesive, more mature, and rounder sounding. One step up, the $150 Sennheiser IE 200 achieves the timbre we are looking for. The C3 sounds less smooth in comparison.
To my confusion, the TINHIFI T2 TLC also costs $49 and, considering both share the frequency response graph, you tell me which one you prefer. Of the other Harman-tuned recent TINHIFI models, the T4 Plus sound more refined than the C3, and the C2 sounds a tad leaner. Of all these, the C3 may be the most comfortable, and probably the one with the strongest perceived bass perception.
Concluding Remarks
By and large, I find the TINHIFI C3 relatively enjoyable (inasmuch a $60 rem can be enjoyable). Its bass drive helps eliminating ambient noise, which makes the C3 a suited companion on the road, be is on the bus, train, or on foot.
Yes, it is not the last word in audiophile excellence, but after too much caviar, we also crave a tasty burger. And that’s what the C3 can be compared to. In everyday use, I prefer the C3 over the C2 and the T2 TLC, whereas the T4 Plus remains technically out of reach.
Until next time…keep on listening!
