TINHIFI T3 Plus Review | MMORPG.com

TINHIFI is known for providing affordable headphones that deliver impressive performance value for money. To date, their designs have all shared the same DNA with the signature aluminum finish. This includes the original T3, which is still around today. With the T3 Plus, the company is trying something new with a 3D printed plastic housing and new liquid crystal polymer (LCP) dynamic drivers. Priced at $69.99, they’re an affordable entry point for great sound quality, and possibly just TINHIFI’s best IEM.

Specifications

• Current price: (Linsoul, Amazon) <- Link here or to supplier's website if not available
• Driver: 10mm . liquid crystal polymer vibrating diaphragm speaker
• Sensitivity: 105 ± 3dB @ 1kHz 0.179V
• Frequency range: 10-20kH
• Interface: Gold-plated 2Pin connector
• Plug type: Black glue gold-plated 3.5mm plug
• Conductor / Cable: 2.8mm (40 / 0.05 oxygen-free copper + 200D Kevlar) * 4-core black PU cable L = 1.25m
• Impedance: 32Ω ± 15%
• Rated power: 3mW
• Maximum power: 5mW
• Maximum Distortion: 1% @ 1k Hz 0.179V

TINHIFI T3 Plus – Overview and key features

Compared to the rest of the lineup, the T3 Plus really stands out from the pack. Instead of using the all-aluminum case we’ve been used to for years, these are the first to feature an all-plastic case. They have been made using a 3D printing process and have a very attractive granite-like exterior. Acoustically, this may or may not make a difference, but I definitely find them to be the most comfortable TINHIFI headphones I own due to the smooth finish and no “cold metal” feel. when used for the first time.

Inside those shells, the T3 Plus has an all-new dynamic driver. The early T3s had PU + PEK dynamic drivers, which were supposed to enhance the sense of space they could offer – I haven’t been able to test these, so can’t say if they will. succeed in it or not. This new model uses a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) driver to deliver bass with “faster attack speed” and less overall distortion. The bass is certainly punchy and full, but it falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to bass quality. More on that later.

The earbuds have great packaging. The cardboard box is kept in an outer sleeve. Inside is a padded box complete with decorative ribbons. It is closer to a jewelry box than traditional IEM packaging. The box includes the headphones themselves, six pairs of silicone ear tips, a pair of foam ear tips, a fabric carrying case, and a pretty cable.

The accessories that come with it are great, but I wish TIN shrunk the packaging back and included a nicer storage box. The bag works but does not provide any protection. I also feel like this cable is a step back from the T3 and T4. The cable is colored to match the buds, which is nice, but looks a bit bland compared to previous TIN services. It is also quite thin, which leads to tangles easily when stored in a bag. It’s soft and micro-microphones free (doesn’t transmit noise onto the cable as it rubs against clothing), so it gets the job done reasonably well, although it’s not to my liking.

TINHIFI T3 Plus – Fit and Comfort

The new 3D printed case is very comfortable and fits snugly with proper tips. My usual tip size translated perfectly, and that’s all it took to fit the Plus for hours of listening. I prefer headphones with aluminum housings, but the plastic is definitely more comfortable on the first wear. There’s no feeling of cold before they heat up and the interior surfaces are smooth and well contoured. I didn’t feel any discomfort during hours-long listening sessions. This is a type of shirt that wears out easily, even over a long period of time.

TINHIFI T3 Plus – Impressive when listening

The TIN describes the T3 Plus as having “an overall harmonious balance in sound characteristics, with powerful bass, natural mids and comfortable treble response.” Is “total harmonic equalization” compatible with “strong bass”? That’s the question, right there. The good news is, marketing aside, they still work great.

The standout feature, in fact, is the powerful bass. These buds have a big emphasis on the lows but it’s well tuned. The bass does not overwhelm the midrange. It’s suitable for hip hop (test tracks: NF – My Stress, Eminem – When I’m Gone, Tom MacDonald – Church) but falls short in speed and definition. The sound of the drum is round and the edges are soft. The Moondrop Aria offers more strokes but less impact overall for a similar price point. At the same time, this seems like a fair sacrifice for the cost savings that the buds bring.

Where the balance comes in is the middle also facing forward. Vocals come out right in front, as do higher-pitched based instruments like guitars. This helps even out that low level thrust. Mids also have a natural timbre that makes them fun to listen to.

Treble, on the other hand (third?), is very well tuned. It’s transitional enough to add energy and sparkle to songs without sinking into the sound. The cymbals are nimble and the drums pop. The atmosphere also resonates in the ambient songs in a way that adds a sense of space and sometimes has an “out of this world” quality.

The soundstage on this set is quite good, providing a good sense of separation between the instruments. It’s not too wide, so isn’t the best fit for gaming without the help of something like Dolby Atmos, but plays well with studio reverb and other environmental effects in tracks. , games and even movies.

Epilogue

TINHIFI T3 plus may not be the pinnacle of “balance” but it is a great mainstream headphone. While I can clearly understand the bass “speed” and “resolution” (and the do problem), the fact that this set hits the right notes makes for a very enjoyable listening session that I believe most listeners will find very enjoyable – especially about the price. Combined with the new plastic case, these are my new favorite TINHIFI headphones under $100.