The iBasso 3T-154 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the 3T-154 is $149 and you can order it from here.
iBasso 3T-154
The iBasso 3T-154 is a recently released and budget friendly earphone that utilizes a single dynamic driver. Its unique name derives from the two standout characteristics it offers: a 15.4mm diaphragm, which is notably large for an IEM, and the integration of 3T magnetic flux to ensure optimal performance.
The diaphragm, coated with beryllium, exhibits impressive internal resistance and outstanding rigidity. Moreover, the utilization of embossing technology further reinforces the diaphragm’s rigidity, resulting in a significant reduction in distortion and an improvement in sound accuracy.
You can read more about the iBasso 3T-154 here.
Appearance, fit and build quality
The shell material of the 3T-154 is made of a high-hardness magnesium alloy. In terms of volume, this magnesium alloy is approximately 36% lighter than an aluminum alloy. Additionally, it possesses enhanced rigidity, impact resistance, minimizes resonance caused by the unit, and exhibits exceptional stability.
Despite being made of magnesium alloy, the barrel-shaped, rounded ear-shells still have a weight of 18g each. They are also quite bulky and not very discreet as they stick out from the ear. However, the actual wearing experience is not too bad, and the 3T-154 earphone is mostly comfortable despite its size and weight. It is still advisable to take occasional breaks, and the passive noise attenuation is not the best. The design is modern and futuristic, which is a significant departure from the company’s previous aesthetics. The 3T-154 is available in black and silver finishes.
Cable
The removable cable features the convenient standard 0.78mm two-pin interface, allowing for easy replacement. The high purity silver-plated copper cable is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to bend without causing any microphonic noise.
The cable, measuring 1.2m in length, is equipped with a versatile plug system that showcases a redesigned 1.2mm pin cross-sectional area, which is 2.37 times larger than the typical 0.78mm pin. The package contains 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs that effortlessly connect to the cable’s female socket. Utilize the hexagonal screwdriver provided to secure the plug in place. However, if you frequently switch plugs, there is no requirement to tighten the screw.
Accessories
The bundle consists of a high-quality carrying case with a magnetic lid, an additional set of sound tubes, two pairs of memory foam ear-tips, and four sets of ear-tips in three different sizes each. The additional sound tubes are intended as backups and are not meant for fine tuning the sound.
Power requirements
Rated at 16Ω/116dB, the iBasso 3T-154 is really easy to drive and a high quality USB DAC dongle, like the iBasso DC04PRO, should suffice. However, the earphones scale pretty well and are also quite sensitive to source noise so don’t be afraid to use one of your better sources. I had great results with the iBasso DX260. The 3T-154 was burned for more than 100 hours to let the huge driver loosen up.
Listening impressions
The iBasso 3T-154 offers a balanced and neutral sound signature. These earphones are particularly suitable for critical listening purposes, as they prioritize timbral accuracy. With exceptional transparency and clarity, the iBasso 3T-154 surpasses the average performance of its category.
The lower frequencies are extended and linear, avoiding any excessive mid-bass heaviness that could affect the overall tonal accuracy. The 3T-154 excels in accurately reproducing the deep sounds of orchestral instruments with lifelike timbre and pitch. Despite its size, the 15.4mm driver delivers disciplined bass that is tight, controlled, fast, clear, and well-defined, showcasing exceptional layering. What truly stands out is its impactful punchiness and impressive physical presence. The bass is powerful yet balanced, thanks to its neutral tuning. While the larger driver may increase the earphone’s size slightly, it more than makes up for it by offering one of the finest bass performances in its price range.
The mid-range adheres to a similar formula, featuring a well-balanced and predominantly neutral tuning, but at the same time highlighting the upper mids with a generous emphasis. It avoids any excessive sibilance or harshness, yet manages to bring forth this section of the frequency range, making it more prominent and focused compared to the rest. In terms of resolution and transparency, it surpasses expectations for its category, offering a great level of clarity and definition. The 3T-154 does not possess a sterile or clinical sound; instead, it flows like a refreshing spring water, presenting a colorful and captivating experience with an abundance of harmonies, natural timbre, and substantial textures.
More listening impressions
The upper range is vibrant and full of energy, managing to be lively without being overly bright. It offers a rather smooth and forgiving sound profile that doesn’t sacrifice clarity or precision. The timbre is natural and authentic, devoid of any artificial or metallic undertones. Unlike other balanced armature setups, the sound is not dry and maintains a cohesive presentation across all frequencies. The 3T-154 is a versatile option for enjoying various music genres and pairs well with most audio sources.
The iBasso 3T-154 stands out for two main reasons: its incredibly powerful bass and the expansive soundstage that rivals that of open back headphones rather than affordable earphones. With its wide and spacious presentation, impressive depth layering, and exceptional imaging, this device provides an immersive listening experience that effortlessly captures a lifelike atmosphere.
Further fine tuning
In addition, there are various ear-tip options available to customize the sound and especially the low-end. By using the default white ear-tips, you can experience a subtle boost in mid-bass warmth and enhanced tactile sensations. On the other hand, the blue/black ear-tips offer a more balanced bass response, albeit sacrificing a bit of body weight. I also experimented with the swallow black ear-tips, but unfortunately, they didn’t provide a proper seal for my ears, resulting in weak and thin bass performance.
New tuning concept at an affordable price
The 3T-154 earphones from iBasso take a unique approach to tuning compared to their previous models. For instance, they do not offer the same fun and smooth sound as the IT01X, which exhibits a warmer, more laid-back sound profile with a strong emphasis on bass. In contrast, the 3T-134 delivers a more neutral and transparent sound with exceptional dynamic range and impressive technical capabilities that surpass its price point. Indeed, during a blind listening test, one could easily mistake the 3T-134 for a much pricier pair of earphones.
In the end
The iBasso 3T-154 offers exceptional sonic and technical performance that surpasses its price point. With a balanced tuning, musical character, transparency, and precision, it is suitable for critical and casual listening alike. While it may not be the most comfortable or lightweight option, its stellar sound quality, dynamic bass, and affordable price make it a fantastic choice with great value.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Neutral and balanced
+ Natural and realistic timbre
+ Impressively dynamic and impactful bass
+ Stellar technicalities and transparency
+ Engaging mids and treble
+ Immersive soundstage
+ Easy to drive and very well made
+ High quality modular cable and plenty of accessories
+ Affordable and great value for money
- Not that comfortable and discreet looking
- Bulky and weighty
- Sensitive to source noise
- Upper mid-range emphasis might not be for everyone
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