Disclaimer
Hello everyone! I want to start by letting you know that Myer Audio sent me the SLIIVO SLA3 to review. I’m not getting paid for this, and they haven’t asked me to write anything specific, check my review before I post it, or told me when to publish it.
Everything I share here is based on my own experience with the SLA3. I always try to be as fair as possible, but at the end of the day, this is just my opinion. Everyone hears things differently, and that’s what makes this hobby so much fun!
A big thanks to Myer Audio for giving me the chance to test out the SLA3, and of course, a huge thank you to all of you for reading and for your trust in what I say. Your support really means a lot to me!
Introduction
Myer Audio has been making some waves lately with their IEM releases, like the D41 and the SL41 MKII, which got a lot of love, and today, I’m checking out one of their new sets, the SLIIVO SLA3. This is their more entry level hybrid IEM in the SLIIVO lineup, sitting right below the SL41 MKII. It’s priced at $104, making it a more affordable option compared to their more expensive models while still packing some serious tech.
The SLA3 features a 1DD + 3BA driver setup in a three way crossover; you get a 10mm bio-diaphragm dynamic driver for the low end (the same driver as in the SL41 MKII and CK2V), two Knowles BA drivers for mids, and a custom BA driver handling the highs. On top of that, it’s got a really nice looking design inspired by the Aurora Borealis, with a faceplate that reflects light beautifully and changes color at different angles. It’s clear that Myer Audio put a lot of effort into making this one both beautiful and great sounding. So, let’s dive into the review.
Unboxing the SLIIVO SLA3
Opening up the SLIIVO SLA3, I was met with a packaging design that felt a bit different from what I expected. The box is black with blue and gold splashes, which honestly looks nice, but it doesn’t really match the color of the IEMs inside, which is a bit of a strange choice. Like always, Myer Audio includes the frequency response graph on the side of the box, which is a nice little touch.
Sliding off the sleeve, the inside has the same usual layout from Myer Audio’s previous releases. The SLA3 IEMs sit nicely in foam cutouts, and right under them is the leather carrying case. It’s the same size as the one that came with the D41, SL41 MKII, and CK2V, and while it’s well made with nice stitching and a soft interior, I still wish it was a little bigger because it’s tough to fit a dongle DAC alongside the IEMs.
Inside the case, I found the included eartips, which are exactly the same as those that came with the D62 and the CK2V:
- Silicone tips with a narrow bore in black.
- Silicone tips with a white and turquoise design that reminds me of SpinFits, which has a tilting tip.
- Memory foam tips for better noise isolation.
Now, let’s talk about the cable. This is one area where the SLA3 stands out from the CK2V. While the CK2V had a grey cable with a very cool internal pattern, the SLA3’s cable is thicker and brown. It’s very high quality and feels super durable and premium, plus it comes with a screw down modular system like the CK2V, making it easy to swap between the 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors. This is a great upgrade over the old friction fit system, which the D62 has, and it’s harder to detach.
And then, of course, there are the IEMs themselves. The SLA3’s design is inspired by the Aurora Borealis, and the faceplates reflect light in a really nice way and change color at different angles. It has the same metal nozzle and rim around the faceplate like the CK2V, but this time in silver color, and a resin body that feels premium. The shells are shaped exactly like the CK2V, and they are very small and comfortable.
Overall, the unboxing experience feels good yet simple. The cable is a standout upgrade, and the IEMs themselves look and feel great. My only small complaint is still the case size, and maybe the strange color of the box, but other than that, it’s a well thought out package.
Accessories Included:
- 1x SLIIVO SLA3 IEM
- 1x Screw-down modular high-purity mono-crystalline copper silver-plated cable made of 4 strands diameter of about 5MM
- 1x 3.5mm plug
- 1x 4.4mm plug
- 3x Pairs of silicone tips with narrow bore
- 3x Pairs of silicone tips with tilting tips
- 1x Pair of memory foam tips
- 1x Leather storage case
- 1x User manual
Technical Specifications
Specs
- Impedance: 40Ω
- Sensitivity: 107dB
- Nozzle: 6.2MM
- Driver Configuration: 1DD + 3BA (10mm DD + 2 Knowles BA + 1 Custom BA)
- Crossover: Three-way
- Cable: Silver-plated copper (thick, brown, screw-down modular system), 1.25m length
- Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin, swappable 3.5mm & 4.4mm plugs
- Plug material: 3u gold-plated plugs
Driver Configuration & Crossover
The SLIIVO SLA3 is a hybrid IEM with a 1DD + 3BA driver setup in a three way crossover system, which really surprised me with how smooth everything sounds:
- Bass: 10mm bio-diaphragm dynamic driver.
- Mids: Two Knowles BA drivers.
- Highs: One custom BA driver.
Sound Performance
Bass
The SLA3 delivers that deep, punchy bass that I expected since it uses the same 10mm bio-diaphragm dynamic driver as the CK2V and SL41 MKII. The low end is fast, controlled, and detailed, with a good amount of impact but never getting bloated and never entering the mids. It reaches deep and brings nice textures, making bass lines sound clean and well-layered, and almost like a real separated subwoofer. For example, in the track “ENTROPYYY” by Lorn, OH BOI, it shakes my brain inside!
I really like this rumbly and controlled sensation, and it’s got the same level of bass detail as the CK2V, which is great for an IEM in this price range.
Mids
The mids are well-separated from the bass, keeping vocals and instruments clear and natural. Everything has its own space without getting interrupted by the low end. Vocals come through nicely, whether they’re male or female, and instruments have a very good amount of detail.
Like I mentioned in my CK2V review, there’s a noticeable dip in the 4kHz region, so I had to boost it a bit to bring vocals more forward. But at the same time, the 5kHz region gets a little too much boost for my liking, making it sound a bit peaky, so I lowered it a bit. Once I tamed the 5kHz slightly, it sounded wonderful, smooth, and still very detailed.
Treble
The highs are well-tuned and are exactly what I can call safe-tuned; they have detail, but they are not too boosted or aggressive. This means no fatigue or sharpness, and it makes the SLA3 a great set for long listening sessions. However, because of this safer tuning, the treble doesn’t have the same airiness and extension as the CK2V. The CK2V’s micro planar driver pushes more ultra highs, giving it extra sparkle and space, which the SLA3 doesn’t quite have, but I still did enjoy it a lot.
The treble really could have used a bit more air so high-pitched instruments or vocals would have a longer-lasting decay; it could have given the treble more detail and more space to breathe. But hey, it’s an IEM at 104$, of course, it can’t do everything perfectly, and you have to keep this in mind; it’s just me being too picky.
Technicalities
The soundstage is quite spacious, with good width and depth. Instruments and vocals have a solid sense of separation thanks to the tuning and well-made crossover, and nothing sounds congested. Imaging is accurate, which makes it easy to pinpoint different sounds, whether in music or gaming.
Layering is also very well done, keeping everything distinct and easy to follow without getting smudged together. It doesn’t reach the ultra-detailed level of the CK2V, but it still performs really well for its price, making it, in my opinion, a great entry point into the IEM world and a great taste of what Myer Audio are capable of, even on a lower budget.
Conclusion
After spending a good time with the SLA3, I have to say that this is a really great IEM, especially for the price. It takes a safe, balanced approach to tuning that makes it easy to enjoy for long sessions without fatigue. The bass is tight and punchy, goes very deep, and at the same time is well-controlled; the mids are clean and natural, and the treble is smooth and quite detailed without ever being sharp. It really focuses on smooth sound, great comfort, and a high-quality build and accessories.
Speaking of the accessories. I was really impressed seeing such high quality from an IEM at this price; the cable is gorgeous looking, thick, soft, and modular, and it really gives me a very premium feeling.
Compared to its bigger sibling, the CK2V, the biggest difference is in the treble extension. The CK2V has more air and sparkle due to its dedicated micro planar driver, while the SLA3 keeps things a bit more relaxed and forgiving. If you are looking for a more neutral, natural presentation and want something more budget-friendly yet, at the same time, a big step into the IEM world, the SLA3 might actually be a good pick.
At $104, I think Myer Audio did a great job here. The SLA3 feels like a great entry point into the hybrid IEM world, offering good technical performance, an enjoyable tuning, and a really premium-feeling build. It’s a well-rounded package that should appeal to a wide range of listeners, whether you are new to IEMs or just want something reliable and easy to listen to.
Pros:
- Punchy, well-controlled bass.
- Natural and clear mids.
- Safe, non-fatiguing treble
- Comfortable fit
- Premium build quality.
- High-quality modular cable.
- Good value for the price.
Cons:
- Treble lacks some air and extension.
- The upper mids could use some slight EQ adjustments.
- The stock case is a bit too small for my liking.
FIIO JH5 VS SLA3 i play metal rock?)
I would say the SLA3 is better in every category.