Final Audio A3000 Review

I have been eagerly awaiting the new line of earphones from Final Audio. The A3000 and A4000 have both been released simultaneously, with both models consisting of similar features. This review will be looking at the A3000 on its own. The A8000 is one of Final’s flagship models and has set a standard for the brand. Final looks to now deliver a similar sound at a much more affordable price. They also seek to introduce their first 2-pin connectors, developed in house and employs the .078 standard.  Let’s see what Final Audio brings with these new earphones for $129.

What You Get

• A3000 Earphones
• 2-pin detachable cable
• Carrying case
• 5 pairs of ear tips
• Ear hooks

Look and Feel

Final Audio keeps with its usual earphone construction, with the same body shape as all their most recent models. The shape of the body is the same as the A8000, with its ridged ABS housing that was even sported on the recent VR3000. It also features a similar matte black matte finish as that model too. Final may not be one for originality, but in this case, I think it’s more of a matter of if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. It’s fine for Final to have a single aesthetic that works, and they already stand out from other IEMs in the pack. It doesn’t warrant that critique when he fit is so seamless. I think with this structure, Final has really hit a sweet spot, as the pieces almost feel like nothing, while still providing a respectable amount of isolation. Every time I put the A3000 in my ear it fits like a glove, almost as if it’s molded to my concha. 

Design

Inside the housing is an f-core DU driver unit that supports a 6mm dynamic system. This configuration is newly designed by Final Audio and features new diaphragms, voice coils, magnets, magnetic circuits, and adhesives. The process in which all of these components are melded together is also part of a new manufacturing process. It will hopefully bring a fresh sound to the A-series models. 

Compared to the A8000 there’s obviously no beating the esteem beryllium has, but Final doesn’t opt for cheaper parts either. The housing is actually coated in brass instead of traditional aluminum. This creates greater resistance to magnetism and high specific gravity. In terms of the diaphragm, a 30μ ultrathin CCAW is used to increase transient response and assembled using a small amount of adhesive. 

Output

For an earphone such as the A3000, I would have expected a sufficient amount of driving power, especially for a low impedance model at this price point. However, this is one of those rare instances where it’s more favorable to use a small DAC/AMP. Just from using the A3000 with my PC’s 3.5mm headphone jack, I had to boost my volume all the way up to get a comfortable gain. I recommend using the A3000 with a device like the HELM Audio BOLT. 

Soundstage

Final Audio always finds ways to impress me with their soundstage and imaging no matter what product it is. I thought this is where the A3000 really shined. The amount of width in which these earphones extend is terrific. The extremes of the left/right expansion can be perceived in a myriad of tracks. The stereo recordings on The Beatles’ “Revolver” are almost exaggerated with how much separation there is. It’s almost as if you can hear the performances emanating exactly from their source like they might be coming from another room entirely. 

There’s also great height here, as the imaging reproduces a solid headspace that takes advantage of specific production elements, such as a particularly sharp snare drum feeling like it’s sitting right on top of your skull. This type of stage is rare in this price range, especially with earphones, as it rivals even some over-ears. The orchestrations on Weezer’s “OK Human” sound particularly clear in this image, leaving a nice bed for the crisp vocals to sit upon. You won’t find the most intricate layering, but everything still fits nicely in the stereo field presented on the A3000. 

Low End

The A3000 reproduces a considerable amount of resonance in its bass response. They appear meaty, with good detail, while presenting natural textures. Sometimes the bass dives down to an apparent throaty growl, then starts to flatten out by the mid-bass. It’s nicely balanced and plays nice with the rest of the sound signature. 

Mids

The appearance of vocal performances in the midrange is crisp and expressive, doing justice to passionate performances. They lean forward and comes across very articulately. The textural quality here is natural, with many details to be heard. I previously mentioned the vocals on Weezer’s “OK Human” where Rivers’ performance was so crisp and vivid on the A3000, all while the other instrumentations kept their power and clarity.  

Highs

Treble isn’t exactly given much boost or coloration, but the highs were still expressed with clarity. No brightness or sibilances are present, but the highs still come in very clean and emanate pleasant detail. It makes classical, and ambient tracks a joy to listen to. Acoustic guitars and strings, in particular, feel organic, and bloom in the sound field balancing with the mids and lows. 

Summary

For $129 this is a steal. The A3000 has a fantastic soundstage with a natural timbre and crisp details. It has a quicker response than most other earphones at this price range, and the fit is almost invisible. The immediate quality radiates from the A3000, and I’m excited to see what’s in store for me in the A4000. If you’re looking for your first breakout into quality earphones, the A3000 is definitely a great place to start.

Pros and Cons

Pros: Immaculate soundstage, natural timbre, fit

Cons: Output power

The Final Audio A3000 is available at Audio 46.

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