Disclaimer:
Good morning readers, today we’re reviewing an older TinHifi model, the TINHIFI C3 MK II, which apparently isn’t available anymore. I’m sorry I couldn’t publish the review sooner, but I have too many to do, and due to priority issues, I’ll have to do the older, more affordable models last. It’s a budget model with some interesting features.
Table Of Content
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy who likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So, I won’t use overly technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
Tech Specs:
- Driver: 10mm Dynamic Driver
- Diaphragm: PU + LCP
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 32Ω ±15%
- Sensitivity: 106dB ±3dB
- Maximum Power: 5mW
- THD: 0.5%
Packaging:
I must say I was very surprised by the packaging. I’d never seen such minimal packaging, but then again, the packaging is pointless. They’ve reduced it to a thin cardboard box with few details and colors, but inside we find the largest case ever included with an IEM. It’s brilliant to use a huge hard case as an actual box.
Inside, we find:
- 3.5mm cable
- 6 pairs of eartips
- 4 replacement nozzle filters
- Manual and warranty
The case is exceptional, the cable a little less exceptional, but it does its job, and at this price point, sound is more important.
Design/Build quality:
In terms of design, the Tinhifi C3 MK II is an entry-level product. It features two very minimal and small shells that are suitable for almost any size and ear. The shells are made of a very simple black resin with some details on the faceplates, and feature a single ventilation hole near the connector. They’re certainly not an eye-catching model due to their aesthetics, but in terms of sound, they’re quite interesting.
Initial sound impression:
At first glance, you notice how the mids are very centered on the soundstage—a good start—and then you hear this tight bass, the midbass is pronounced, and the mids don’t sound thin, but have a nice thickness and density. Technically, there are some limitations, but we’re still talking about a budget IEM, but I occasionally noticed a bit of muddy sound here and there in the soundstage. But what if it’s the cable? I’ll try changing it and update you in the following paragraphs. Overall, the sound is warm, easy to follow, not overly enriched but very fluid—perhaps too much for those looking for some extra technicality.
Equipment used for testing:
Device:
- Mac mini
- Redmi Note 14 Pro 4G
Software:
Amazon Music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)
DAC:
Comfort, Tips & Cable:
Honestly, the set is super comfortable out of the box, but the included eartips are obviously cheap, and if you have any to try, I recommend replacing them. In my case, I used Divinus Wide Bore, but any will do. The cable felt a little microphonic, so I upgraded inexpensively with a Nicehck balanced cable.
Lightweight and small, they fit comfortably even after several hours of listening.
Final sound impression:
The updated cable brought about very slight changes, but the muddy quality I could hear has strangely reduced; it could also be the improved power source that keeps the driver fuller.
I like the timbre, but it’s definitely not on par with more modern IEMs in the same price range. The innovation and generational leap, even if it’s just a single DD, are evident. However, I must say that the sound is still engaging, and the overall sound is also pleasing to my ears.
Treble
If you’re looking for detail, you’re probably not in the right place. The trebles are very fluid and almost completely avoid the extension that would lead to greater macro and micro details. Overall, the result is relaxing and quite complete.
Mids
The mids take center stage with excellent quality and naturalness, with a few extra points for female vocals, which are very satisfying. Overall, the mids are well-crafted with a touch of depth and organicity uncommon in many IEMs. They’re not aggressive, but very polished enough to lose some of the roughness needed for superior resolution.
Bass
The bass is maintained with a sort of resonance that sometimes doesn’t sound extremely clean but fills the soundstage with rumble, even if not fast. However, its presence certainly gives this IEM its personality and gives the soundstage a distinctly dense and warm tone.
Soundstage and Imaging:
In terms of soundstage, it’s monitor-level; it sounds fairly centered but not very expansive. The imaging isn’t as super-defined as it was a few years ago, but it generally lacks technique, making it a mostly fun IEM and not suited to critical listening. Personally, I don’t find it that bad, but I realize some might want more. There’s almost no air, and this also has a negative impact on the definition and separation of sounds, which can sometimes seem a bit off.
Conclusion:
I believe they’ve gone out of production now, but you can still find them in some stores. With all the models that have come out, it’s hard to recommend them these days, but they certainly weren’t bad when they first came out. Generally, they were average, but there were several equally good models around the same time. Today, we have a lot of choice in this price range, but with the right cable and eartips, the Tinhifi C3 MK II, with its relaxed, warm, bass-rich sound and even a bit of controlled bleed, becomes very pleasant and, above all, extremely beautiful, making it a great gift for a friend to infect them with a bit of audiophilia.
7/10
Pros:
- Nice build quality
- Small Shells
- Super effective packaging
- Mid-centric, warm & smooth
- The biggest hard case ever seen
- Smooth treble
- Super easy to drive
Cons:
- Cable is really cheap
- Detail retrieval
- Treble definition
- Mid-bass controlled bleed
Q/A:
Who is the Tinhifi C3 MK II for?
If you’re looking for a very smooth, relaxing sound that’s also quite fun, this is the right IEM for you. The problem is, it’s no longer available everywhere.
Who should avoid the Tinhifi C3 MK II?
Obviously, this is an IEM that is now a bit dated, so its performance has been surpassed, and if you are looking for treble extension, these are not for you.
Is the Tinhifi C3 MK II easy to drive?
Very simple to fly, they are also suitable for purely smartphone use.
Similar alternatives to consider?
Honestly? Too many options in this price range. It’s impossible to give a specific recommendation, but there are so many brands in this range.
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