TinHifi Tin Buds 3 TWS Earbuds Review – Pretty Is As Pretty Does
The $89 wireless Tin Buds 3 immediately impress with artful CIEM-style resin shells and a lovely aluminum charging case which feels premium, but is too large for pocketability and has a magnetic door which struggles to stay shut. Light on tech features—no app, no ANC, no wireless charging—the Tin is clearly targeting the audiophile crowd, although its BT 5.2 connectivity is SOTA.
The tear-shaped shells are ergonomic and fairly comfortable and (especially with aftermarket Azla tips) provide good seal and isolation. Touch controls are responsive and call quality good. Perhaps most critical to my eroding ears, volume even at 50% is refreshingly robust.
Soundwise, the Tin Buds 3 hew surprisingly close to the balanced/neutral-to-slightly-warm signature of Tin’s much touted, wired T2, albeit with some emphasis on the upper midrange. Although soundstage on these is narrow and within-your head, stereo imaging is quite impressive; vocalists are placed several steps forward and instruments separated cleanly; overall effect is like listening in an intimate, low-ceilinged club.
There’s not much palpable subbass (these will not satisfy metalheads or Rastamen), although midbass is well-sculpted, bloom-free and quick, while treble has limited extension and misses some snap, crackle and pop on cymbals and drums. Timbre isn’t as realistic as say, the Cambridge Melomania or the Grell TWS1X, but is very smooth and non-fatiguing.
The buds’ real strong suit is coherence—in contrast to Tin’s T4/T5 wired offerings, the transition from higher to lower frequencies is seamless and without bloom or odd peaks, although the wired models sound much bigger and more resolving at the high end.
Given my preference for a beefier tuning, I like the Tin Buds 3 much more than I expected— even if they are not detail monsters or optimal for heavier fare they are refined and “musical” . That they are something of an aesthetic landmark is an added bonus. Too polite to be endgame, but very good value and a nice addition to the family.
Disclaimer: these were provided gratis for review by Linsoul. You get them here.
