In-Ear Fidelity

TFZ No.3: Unboxing

Introduction

The Fragrant Zither (still can’t get used to this over-the-top name hidden behind its simple acronym) burst out of the scene back in mid-2016, gaining traction over at SuperBestAudioFriends for its price-to-performance value. Nowadays they’ve diversified beyond their budget DD roots, diving into BA technology and even planars in more recent times.

The No.3 is touted by the IEM community as being a direct competitor to the highly popular Moondrop Kanas Pro, some outright saying that the No.3 is superior. Let’s see if it’s worth the talk.

Product details: https://www.linsoul.com/product-page/tfz-no3-no3ti-iem

MSRP: $110

Driver specifications: Single DD

This No.3 was kindly provided by Linsoul.

Non-audio opinions

My unboxing posts are pretty much the only times I’ll ever talk about build quality, accessories and the like. I’m not really the person to ask about these things as I don’t really care about them that much.

Accessories: cable, tips and leather pouch.

Cable: single wire cable. Rubbery feel.

Connection: semi-extruded 2-pin connection. Should work with most 2-pin cables but is most durable with the stock cable due to its recessed male connection.

Build: Looks like a brushed aluminium faceplate with an obvious seam at the connection to the shell. Feels sturdy in my hands at least.

Fit: Very shallow fit and not very compatible with large ears such as mine. I would prefer something with at least a longer nozzle.

Initial impressions

  • Rather steep V-shaped signature, lots of treble sparkle and bass emphasis
  • Bass sounds overboosted and not very clean on longer listening sessions, getting fatiguing very fast
  • Recessed lower mids sound thin
  • Thankfully, not a generic “chifi V” standard at the very least
  • Much less balanced than the Kanas Pro, but more exciting
  • It’s alright.

Measurements

We have hit 100 Patrons on Patreon! A hearty thanks to all my subscribers and extra love to my big money boys: Denis, “McMadface” and the newest Beryllium-tier supporter Nicholas!

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