IBasso 3T-154 Review

Recently iBasso has been focusing on expanding their selection of players and portable DAC/Amps like the DX260 and DC Elite. There was a time a few years ago when they released many different IEMs, such as the IT04 and AM05. This was a good line of affordable IEMs, and now iBasso is getting back into it with the 3T-154. It looks to set itself apart from its previous efforts, while still having that affordable price.

What You Get

• 3T-154 IEMs
• Detachable 2-pin cable
  • 3.5mm and 4.4mm adapters
• Adapter tool
• Carrying case
• Two removable filters
• Two pairs of foam ear tips
• Four sets of S/M/L ear tips

Look & Feel

The shells of the 154 remind me of a less flashy version of the Sony IER-Z1R. It’s a unique look that separates the 154 from many other IEMs in this price bracket. They’re lighter than you might expect from their design, but there’s no escaping how big the magnesium shells are when the 154 is in your ear. It’s not that the housing is uncomfortable to wear, but it awkwardly sits outside of your concha. After a while, you start to notice it less, and the lightweight design keeps the housing from dropping down and adding more pressure. Overall, the fit works but it takes a bit to get used to.

Design

The 154 houses a 15.4mm dynamic driver with a large beryllium-plated diaphragm. This large diaphragm is the reason for such a large housing in the first place. The 3T in the name refers to the diaphragm’s magnetic flux that aims to enhance dynamics. It’s supported by a high-precision CNC bracket and an N55 magnet and also contains a Japanese Daikoku voice coil.

Soundstage

I’ve listened to many IEMs in the $150 range and been impressed by their width and imaging. The 154 joins those ranks, one of the most articulate and realistic soundstages I’ve heard at this price. While nothing about its spatial imaging goes too far in-depth, the stereo field feels intact. The 154 gives your tracks a convincing sonic environment where everything is given an identifiable position with plenty of room to breathe. Nothing about it seems holographic to me, but the instruments and vocals jump out in front of you while communicating a wide scope from left to right. Its channel balance is a highlight for me, as pan movements became more exact like you could follow them from their natural origin.

Low End 

There’s just enough lively texture mixed with natural detail that keeps these lows engaging. It’s a subtle bass that offers clear layers that separate its mid-bass and sub-bass for a balanced but direct performance. The 154 has a smooth consistency to its timbre that results in satisfying grooves on most bass instruments. It has the right amount of gain to feel impactful, while also featuring a tight grasp on dynamic range. This creates a bass response that establishes a clean resolution with minimal bloat and maximum control.

Mids

The midrange is as clean-cut as a pair of IEMs can get in this price range. There’s a balance in the low-mids and upper-mids that lays down an even range of detail across most midrange frequencies. It’s a bit more exciting than neutral though, as various accents on instruments and effects showcase some color. The strike on some notes can be quite blissful but can be revealed to be slightly veiled sometimes. This never takes away anything from your pure listening enjoyment though. The frequencies still have very good clarity for the price, and sound elements are displayed elegantly throughout the sound signature.

Highs

Everything about the treble is super digestible and smooth. The frequencies possess a fair amount of extension while keeping the brightness to a minimum. It combines a relaxed region with areas of height topped with light sparkle. It’s an uncomplicated frequency response, but its clean and tight resolution is hard not to enjoy.

Summary

The 154 is a strong return to IEMs for iBasso, as they deliver an inexpensive product that doesn’t cheap out on the most important bits. While the fit might not be ideal for some, the sound is exceptional for the price. It’s balanced but isn’t afraid to show you some quality textures in the bass and highs. Everything is very clean, helped by some accurate imaging that makes the sound even more refined. Just don’t lose those little screws if you’re planning on switching out terminations.

The iBasso 31-154 is available from their website here.