TinHiFi C3 MKII – THE EUPHONIOUS

INTRODUCTION:

TinHifi, the brand needs no introduction in the first place since most of our audio journey started from here. This brand ruled the budget segment once and the well-known model is the T2 which revolutionized the market with its intoxicating neutral sound profile amidst the crowded bass heavy signatures. Post Covid, the brand lost its charm because of the emergence of various brands into the budget segment. I do have soft corner for the brand because they nail their product every time ticking the basics right. TinHiFi C3 MKII being a older release, now’s the time I got a chance to review them. Let’s check out in detail in the upcoming sections.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Driver: 10mm Single Dynamic Driver with LCP Diaphragm

Shells: 3D Printed Resin Shell

Connector: Recessed 2 Pin

Termination: Gold Plated 3.5mm ended

Cable: SPC braided with metal connectors and terminations.

DESIGN AND FIT:

A 3D Printed semi-custom in ear designed resin shell with subtle gold lettered branding in a smooth finish gives this IEM the premium feel. It’s one of the most comfortable, if not the best in terms of fit in its segment. It sits nice and snug in one’s ear canal that blocks the external noises almost and gives a fatigue free listening experience.

Stock cable is an SPC one that does feel rich enough for its price with no micro phonics. The included ear tips and the additional nozzle filters add an additional touch to the overall package. The hard-shell carry case is worth every penny that you spent for this product. The case is spacious enough to accommodate even your portable DAC along with the IEM itself which feels very practical.

DISCLAIMER:

This unit was provided to me by the TinHiFi officials in exchange for my honest opinion regarding the product. The whole views are based on my observations hence it might differ from person to person.

Buying link: https://shorturl.at/H0U2I

SONIC IMPRESSIONS:

A full sized 10mm Dynamic Driver with the LCP diaphragm brings the best out of this tiny gem. The Harman Sound Profile with an accentuated sub bass and upper mid-section, accompanied with the natural tonality gives the C3 MKII the required engagement factor. Resolution is stellar for the price and dynamics are handled by the C3 MKII with ease.

SETUP: Hidizs AP80 Pro Max + 3.5mm

BASS PROFILE:

• A sub bass dominant bass section that gives enough rumble to linger the listener ears.
• Mid bass packs enough punch providing nice weight and slam to the kick drums.
• Speed and attack are on the precise side allowing the bass notes to stay a bit and show its presence throughout the presentation.
• The clear demarcation between the sub and mid bass section shows its impeccable control.

MID-SECTION:

• A forward mid-section is appreciated here which provides that engaging experience to the listeners.
• Upper mid-section elevation is nicely noticed and kept in balance between 3-6k allowing the female vocals to shine with precise tone.
• The lower mid-section has adequate weight and warmth that’s carried from the punchy mid-bass.
• Natural tone is kept throughout the presentation as expected from a well-tuned single dynamic driver.

TREBLE SECTION:

• C3 MKII got decent extension helping in retaining the essential high hats.
• Adequate amount of brightness and shimmer is appreciated in the top end giving a lively experience to the listener.
• Cymbal crashes and trumpets show precise attack and decay making them sound natural.
• The liveliness is highly appreciated when the percussion instruments are called upon.

TECHNICALITIES:

STAGING AND IMAGING: C3 MKII has a holographic staging with good width and depth. The sense of space between each note is neat and clean with no noticeable congestion. A clean sweep is seen across the channels depicting good imaging and layering capability.

DETAIL RETRIEVAL: They are modest and appreciable for its price. Though they are not the best in its segment, it’s no slouch either retrieving the essential nuances with ease.

VERDICT:

C3 MKII, the budget offering from the house of Tin HiFi incorporates a Single 10mm Dynamic Driver with LCP Diaphragm and is priced right at 50USD. Being a successor to their OG iteration C3, this fulfills its shoes in every aspect of musicality. They have laid a strong foundation, starting from its beautiful and comfortable shells till delivering a fabulous sonic output.

Packaging is straight forward and simple, but the surprise is hidden inside! The plain white cardboard box might deceive the buyer, but the nice hard shelled carry case included inside the package worth every penny.

These resin shells are the most comfortable one’s that I have ever witnessed in this budget segment. The level of comfort is as close to the custom in ear designs where they sit perfectly in the ears with exceptional noise isolation. In addition, the nice carbon fiber pattern on the faceplate with gold lettered branding adds subtle design language to the IEM. The stock cable feels fine with no micro phonics, and the included ear tips are good enough to be used. They do provide additional nozzle filters within the package for easy replacement if the stock one clogs up.

The Harman styled profile with a gentle lift in the sub bass and upper midsection, accompanied by that natural tonality is what I expect from my go to IEM that suits all listening sessions. A clean and controlled sub bass focused profile, an engaging forward mid-section and a smoother yet detailed treble makes this C3 MKII a definite pick for this price that goes well with all genres. Though they are not technically superior, they do tick the basics right with nice holographic stage and praiseworthy resolution.

FINAL IMPRESSION:

The T3 Plus is praised for its dynamic nature but has a gripe with its slightly recessed mid-section. C3 MKII has the same gene of the T3 Plus but in a more refined manner. Though the model is outdated, the C3 MKII ergonomics and sonic capability are convincing enough to be considered as one of my primary EUPHONIC in ear monitor under 50 USD!

POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES:

Pros:

• Harman Target with Sub bass boost
• Controlled and Authoritative Bass Profile
• Forward Mid-section with upper mid boost
• Natural Tonality
• Comfortable shells and Sturdy carry case
• Resolution
• Holographic Staging

Cons:

• Modest Technicalities (Heavy competition in its price segment)