TinHifi C3 MKII Review – Return Of The Budget King
The shells of the TinHifi C3 MKII are mostly similar to those of the original C3, which is a positive aspect they continue to be a highly comfortable and visually appealing IEM. The primary visual enhancement is found in the faceplates, which now showcase a black and grey speckled design embellished with a few silver stars and a gold TinHifi logo at the center.
A small vent is located directly in front of the 2-pin sockets, adequately relieving air pressure and facilitating airflow to the internal 10mm dynamic driver. The shell is constructed from a glossy black resin.
The C3 MKII fits my ears flawlessly and ranks among the most comfortable in-ear monitors in my collection. The passive noise isolation is also superior, allowing for an enjoyable music experience without interruptions from outside noise.
The lightweight design, with each earphone weighing only 4.1g, combined with ergonomic ear curve and carefully selected materials, significantly reduces pressure and fatigue during extended wear.
The C3 MKII features a next-generation full-size LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) diaphragm unit with a 10mm diameter, and the thickness is precisely controlled at less than 5μm. With a Young’s modulus of 2.5 GPa and a low internal damping coefficient of 0.05, the LCP diaphragm demonstrates outstanding material performance.
Its high rigidity effectively suppresses unwanted vibrations, with frequency response extending from 10Hz to 40kHz, greatly enhancing clarity and dynamic performance.
Furthermore, the harmonic distortion (THD) of the diaphragm unit is as low as 0.5%, ensuring ultimate purity and accuracy in sound quality.
The C3 MKII integrates an ultra-strong dual magnetic circuit system with a magnetic flux density of up to 1.5 Tesla. Using high-performance neodymium iron-boron magnets arranged symmetrically on both sides, this design significantly enhances drive efficiency.
The dual magnetic circuit creates a stronger magnetic field, allowing for more precise and rapid diaphragm movement, which greatly improves dynamic response and low-frequency control. At the same time, this design greatly reduces distortion, ensuring that the sound quality remains high-fidelity and high-resolution across the full frequency range.
The included cable is fairly generic, featuring a glossy black sheath and matching aluminium components, including the chin slider. It’s somewhat prone to tangling above the Y-splitter due to its thinness, but overall, it’s a decent cable for a budget IEM.
The C3 MKII comes with a luxurious portable storage case, made with high-density shockproof materials. The thoughtfully designed compartments perfectly fit the earphones and accessories, offering comprehensive protection. The convenient and stylish carry case not only enhances aesthetics but also adds practicality, making it easy to carry the C3 MKII when traveling or on the go.
Specs
- Impedance: 32Ω±15%.
- Max Power: 5 mW.
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-20kHz.
- Sensitivity: 106±3dB.
Disclaimer: The C3 MKII was kindly provided by TINHIFI for review.
Sound
The TinHiFi C3 MKII has a balanced sound signature with a lightly boosted bass, a clear, neutral midrange, and a detailed yet smooth treble.
I find the C3 MKII to be one of the better-tuned IEMs that are somewhat Harman-ish, having a natural presentation, an above-average soundstage, as well as accurate imaging capabilities, which impressed me whenever I listen to them.
Lows
The quality of the bass is outstanding for a budget IEM. It’s clean, speedy, and well-defined, yet it has excellent extension and authority. Sub-bass notes reach deep, and the C3 MKII has an engaging but controlled rumble. The mid-bass is punchy and satisfying, and it has clean leading edges and great layering.
It delivers a very natural and breathy bass, and it is nicely balanced in terms of definition and control. It gives you the bass whenever you need it, but always keeps it under control.
Mids
The midrange has a neutral tuning and sounds spacious and clear. There’s a hint of warmth from the bass that adds body and gives the mids a more organic character. Both male and female vocals are rendered beautifully, with just the right blend of articulation and density to make them sound vibrant and intimate.
Treble
The C3 MKII’s treble is the perfect complement to the bass and mids, maintaining tonal balance while adding clarity, detail, and air to the mix. It’s crisp and airy without any sharpness or sibilance. Treble extension is good, contributing to a spacious and wide soundstage, yet it never comes across as aggressive or fatiguing.
Technicalities
Detail retrieval is outstanding for a budget IEM, and the C3 MKII is adept at revealing even the smallest micro-details. Instrument separation and resolution are excellent, contributing to a spacious and open sound. The soundstage is fairly expansive and gives the sense of a large, well-organised space with precise positioning and a good sense of depth.
Sum-Up
The TinHifi C3 MKII is an outstanding budget IEM and easily one of my absolute favourites. It delivers excellent build quality, a super comfortable fit, and audio performance that punches well above its price. The tuning is both high-fidelity and musical, making it a fantastic choice as a daily driver.
With its clean, spacious sound and natural tonality, the C3 MKII stands out in a crowded field of budget earphones. This one comes highly recommended.