iBasso 3T-154 Review – 15.4mm Dynamic Driver IEM
iBasso 3T-154 is a special set of single dynamic driver in-ear monitors. It comes with a large 15.4mm dynamic driver combined with a super-strong magnetic architecture that produces approximately 3T magnetic flux. This strong magnetic flux results in easy driveability, low harmonic distortion, and better dynamics.
The 3T-154 utilizes a 15.4mm diaphragm, a maximized size of diaphragm for an IEM. When compared to a 10mm diaphragm the diaphragm size is increased by %137 and naturally it has a bigger sound pressure.
The beryllium-plated diaphragm possesses remarkable internal resistance and exceptional rigidity. Additionally, the embossing technology further enhances the diaphragm’s rigidity, which drastically minimizes distortion while enhancing sound precision.
iBasso 3T-154 houses a specially developed high-power magnetic architecture featuring N55 NdFeB magnets. Usually, we get a maximum flux of 1T, but the 3T-154 has an ultra-strong magnetic flux of up to 3Tesla. This remarkable level of magnetic flux promises easy drivability, low distortion, and a powerful sound with dynamic bass and crisp resolution throughout a wide frequency band.
The 3T-154 uses high-hardness magnesium alloy as the shell material. Comparing the same volume, this magnesium alloy is about 36% lighter than an aluminum alloy. It also has stronger rigidity, and impact resistance, reduces resonance caused by the unit, and has excellent stability. When compared with stainless alloy shells, weight is reduced by %78.
The shells are crafted using a high-precision CNC machining process. They are solid and offer a comfortable wearing experience for long hours although they are on the bulky side of size. The ergonomic form factor also helps in achieving a comfortable fit with the set.
Unboxing
iBasso bundles the 3T-154 with a high-purity stock cable. This cable has silver-plated copper wire cores that provide smooth signal transmission and also have enhanced sound response with low external interferences. It has swappable termination plugs with 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs in the package.
The pair also comes with a massive 14 pair of ear tips. For the rest of the box content, you can watch the unboxing video above.
Features
- Large 15.4mm dynamic driver.
- High-power 3-Tesla magnetic flux.
- High-quality beryllium-plated Diaphragm.
- Japanese DAIKOKU CCAW voice coil.
- Lightweight and strong magnesium alloy shells.
- High-purity silver-plated copper cable.
- Detachable termination plugs.
- Powerful dynamics, strong Sound.
Specs
- Impedance: 16Ω.
- Sensitivity: 116dB.
- Frequency Response: 7Hz-41kHz.
- Rated Power: 10mW.
- THD+N: <1%.
- Termination Plugs: 4.4mm+3.5mm.
- Price: $149
Sound
The iBasso 3T-154 is a linear-sounding IEM with a very slight warmth in its sound. The presentation is relaxed, well-balanced, and smooth. The overall signature is neutral. The soundstage and imaging are quite good too.
It presents a very good vocal performance and a smooth mid-range. The treble is decent but needs some work to be done. The mid-range offers good vocal clarity. The treble is clean and transparent, with good resolution but a slightly boosted lower and mid-treble that can be aggressive.
Despite these nuances, the IEM excels in imaging and resolution, benefiting from easy drivability and a coherent sound performance when paired with decent sources. I used the iBasso DC07Pro dongle DAC for testing.
Since the 3T-154 comes with an additional spare nozzle set I decided to do a simple foam mod and this is the difference in the sound after the mod.
The highs are tamed and the lows are raised a couple of decibels as we are used to seeing in this kind of mods. I think the graph looks better, right?
Lows
The 3T-154 delivers impressive low-end performance. The bass is impactful, well-rounded, and highly controlled. The bass levels are well-balanced, making this earphone suitable for those who appreciate clarity over overwhelming bass. It provides a bass experience that is precise, accurate, and natural rather than catering exclusively to bass enthusiasts.
The sub-bass is perfectly present with good rumble whereas the mid-bass follows accordingly linear which gives us a warm touch in this region. The 3T-154 has a clean, agile, and natural bass reproduction.
One aspect I particularly appreciate about bass is its speed and clarity. When you combine this with a strong physical presence, it results in a truly enjoyable bass experience.
Mids
The mid-range of the 3T-154 provides good clarity and detail, especially in vocal performance. Vocals sound natural and pleasant, with female voices being particularly enjoyable. They are well-defined, clear, and detailed, striking a nice balance without being too prominent or too soft. Overall, the mid-range is clean and detailed.
The upper midrange is excellently controlled, but energetic at the same time. The 3T-154 manages to keep things excited and dynamic but never gives in to the congestion. Upper mids have a great extension and they sound crystal clear just like the rest of the spectrum. Overall, the midrange is transparent, resolving, and smooth.
The 3T-154 offers good mid-range performance and excellent vocal reproduction, making it a great option for those who value clear vocals.
Treble
The treble performance of the 3T-154 is characterized by clarity and transparency, providing commendable resolution and detail. Although it is not excessively sharp, certain aspects are more pronounced. The lower treble is particularly assertive and occupies a prominent place on the soundstage. Additionally, there’s also a slight boost in the mid-treble region.
The 3T-154 offers commendable treble performance, characterized by impressive detail and excellent definition, which enhances the overall clarity. It produces a clear and precise sound, making it an excellent choice for individuals looking for a balanced sound profile with a subtly elevated treble response.
The treble is clear and well-defined, offering a balanced sound profile that avoids excessive brightness. Overall, the treble performance is sufficiently detailed, though it is slightly elevated in comparison to a neutral response.
Technicalities
The 3T-154 is technically a solid IEM, particularly excelling in imaging and resolution. Note weight could be improved, and the mid-range lacks some fullness, likely due to the bass, which doesn’t have great texture or mid-bass impact. Despite this, the overall resolution is good, with the mid-range offering nice transparency, especially in vocals.
The soundstage is amazing, providing a surprising amount of width, thanks to the 15.4mm dynamic driver I’m guessing. This thing sounds like on-ear headphones. Imaging is strong, with good left/right balance, focus, and separation. The resolution and transparency of 3T-154 are commendable, and it offers a coherent performance, which is one of its strengths.
Pairing the 3T-154 with warm sources can help enhance musicality and fullness, providing more body and an organic sound. It’s easy to drive, but the big dynamic driver inside loves the power to scale up and come to its glory.
Sum-Up
iBasso appears to have developed a remarkable in-ear monitor (IEM) with the 3T-154, characterized by its appealing design and comfortable feel. Furthermore, this IEM excels in vocal performance, offering a broad soundstage and impressive imaging capabilities. It became one of my daily drivers which I keep modding. This one is really special.