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Product Description
A Singapore-based brand run by audio enthusiasts, Alpha & Delta has earned a great reputation for delivering high-quality sound at a lower price point. The KS3 IEMs do that exactly, equipped with custom-tuned 6-millimeter drivers with a warm sound signature that’s suitable for all kinds of music genres Read More
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Thanks to most of my waking hours these days generally passing within a 20 foot orbit of my desk, I’ve been spending more time than ever listening to music on headphones. My go-to IEMs for the last decade have been my UE TripleFi 10s, with a variety of cables and connectors over the years (my current cable is a balanced 4.4mm Arete from Null Audio). When the December Drop came through for the KS3s came through, the reviews piqued my interest, and the price sealed the deal. When my shipping notification came through, I revisited their page on Drop, and was immediately concerned - the reviews I was seeing were talking about poor build quality and harsh sound, even after burn-in. What is a person to believe?
I’m pleased to report that this production run (the deep blue units, with a braided silver cable) seems to have resolved the earlier QC issues, and even as I burn them in, I’ve been impressed. As in impressive on the low end, solid without being boomy, clean up through the middle, and crisp without the dreaded harshness I read about in other reviews on the high end. I’ve been listening to them using Qobuz and Tidal through my iFi iDSD Signature, and have been enjoying their presentation on classical to classic rock, hip hop to JPOP.
On the fit, I’ve used the foam tips and been impressed with the seal. The small form factor works perfectly with my ears - they nest tightly without discomfort on extended listens. Mileage will vary by ear, but in informal spousal and offspring testing, they’ve very accommodating. The overall build quality is also excellent - tight connections, a cable that has relaxed nicely, and a nifty case that keeps them snug and safe. I’ll update if I come up with any concerns, but a month of listening in, these are a brilliant value.
JHannGlad everyone isn't getting jibbed (mine are still sitting in a box somewhere because I'm not paying $200 in shipping to get sent replacements) on mine the 2 pin connector is loose so unless I hold the cable just right the sound fizzles out
Updated Review:
I never received my replacement cable but I wanted to review the actual product because it's shockingly good. These IEMs dunk so hard on my nuforce EDC IIIs it's not even funny. They can be a little treblely without midrange warmth at times but they are extremely articulate even if they sound a bit pinched in the top end at times. Bass response is tremendous and the fit/finish is spectacular. It's astounding how close the fit feels to custom IEMs. At this price point these are absolutely a star.
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Seeing the same in a bunch of comments here, box lists the silver 8 core cable - not actually in the box. Seems to be widespread. Can't even tell you how they sound because I don't have a two pin connector. Plenty of mmcx and whatever nuforce uses :/
Buying the cable looks to be pretty spendy on the alpha/Delta site. Massdrop is offering full refund or 20 dollars which covers 1/3 the cost of the cable not including shipping. Not blaming mass drop specifically but damn this sucks.
I am really enjoying these IEMs so far. They sound great with all genres and the cable quality is very good. These IEMs are smaller than other IEMs I have tried and fit my ears very well. My only complaint is that the 2-pin connector does not insert fully into the right IEM, causing it to be a little insecure and sometimes disconnect when in my ear. As of now, it is not affecting the audio quality in any way. Besides this issue, I am very satisfied with these IEMs.
After writing to both A&D and Drop notifying them that I hadn't received the audio cable, both replied after a few days. A&D sent me a cable that arrived yesterday.
Thus far, I'm extremely happy. I reckon that these IEMs sound as good as my Sennheiser 65x, and better than my B&W P5 and Bose q20.
Seems like they forgot more then just the cable In my order... I literally just got a iem case.... NO iems NO cable NO tips!!!! Drop has not responded to me yet. This is the most irritated I've been in a while.
update:
Drop offered a full refund since no extra stock.... Drop took care of me but A&D DIDNT!!
update#2:
Alpha & Delta Sending out cables to everyone. GOOD JOB!!! but still i was not able to receive this product since no extra stock. it was just a mistake but made my time worthless. i wish i could actually put these into my ears and listen. up'd rating just for customer service.
helpusdrzaiusI highly doubt he got an empty box. I'm willing to bet everything he got a full box with everything in it but he's trying to take advantage of the "missing cable" mishap and get himself a free pair of IEM's by lying and saying he got "empty box." He's full of shit I guarantee it.
I was really excited to get my first pair of IEM in. When they got here a day early I quickly opened them up and started listening to music after fumbling how to wear them proper and which ear tips where the best. Sat down started to listen to some of my fav songs supper excited and I thought it sounded great, that was until I noticed that when the base started to hit I was getting cracking noise from the right ear bud. My mood quicky changed and after listen to a couple songs and letting my wife try them I realized my right IEM was blown......Messsaged Drop but Ive yet to hear back, kinda really bumbed about this. Has anyone else had the same issue?
I don't agree, what do they invest? nothing. Zero expense, small rent, (small warehouse) All they do is take money, pay the difference to the manufacturer, keep the rest. Done.
it's not a drop made item why would they have more on hand? they get discounts for buying in bulk and pass some of the savings onto the customers they would lose money by having more on hand than they need hence why they started as massdrop
I'm really not that impressed with the sounds quality of these IEMs. There's no depth at all and it sounds like I'm listening to a pair of 10 dollar headphones. The sound of compressed with no soundstage. I have the senn 650 and Westone4, and although I'd expect the sound to be not as good, it is really, really poor.
Sorry everyone...with all the conversation I went back today to listen again - Same assessment, at least for me. But I respect everyone else's opinion!!
ClbecksterHave you tried flipping one side of the 2pin connectors? It could be that the polarity was off. When I bought this in store (Singapore), I was shocked at how crap it sounded compared to when I auditioned them, then I read online this happens when the 2pins are not lined up, so you just flip one side and it's good . (For anyone that doesn't believe me, try it)
IEM is improperly shielded. No, not just overly sensitive (which it is, major hissing issues), it picks up RF signal when connected to high powered amps. Will not recommend unless being DJ'd random hip hop songs and drug store ads is your thing; technically you can use an IEM-oriented low-wattage portable dac but I just don't think this issue should happen to a properly engineered product, AT ALL.
I didn't get the chance to do a proper A/B impression with similarly graded IEMs until recently, and seeing its new run and price drop I wanted to write some more stuff.
Using the Starfield as a benchmark, the KS3 loses significantly in detail and therefore psychologically perceived soundstage: it's more comparable to sub-$50 IEMs in this aspect. But it has a much more pronounced bass (and actual sub-bass!), enjoyable mids, some may think its trebles as too high but personally I'm okay with it. A more pleasant tuning overall and I'll call it a safe bet in terms of sound signature, if you want it as a gift to non-audiophiles. It has a better fitting thanks to its small size, which is a great news to those with sensitive ears.
For its tuning and comfort I would call it worth the tag at $89 (original drop price) and definitely a good buy at $69. Without that big asterisk, of course. the potential interference issue makes me difficult to recommend the KS3: if you live near a clear channel AM tower then you'll get a lot more car dealership ads than you wanted. As a result I'll be really hard pressed to call it a good purchase to all but residents of Green Bank, West Virginia.
It can come from anything and usually cable is the offender followed by source; IEM itself is rarely the culprit. But in this case it is indeed the IEMs themselves.
glymaoI would think it relates more to the sensitivity of this IEM but I could be wrong. I have headphones that will reveal more noise from a tube amp whereas an inferior set does not reveal it at all. Just a thought.
I am still burning them in, but so far the sound is terrific - very clear on all levels. They look incredible - I bought the black nugget. I have small ears, so I thought I would give them a try because of some of the previous reviewers saying they fit small ears well and they do fit, but tips are all over the place - seem to be a bit large for my ears. Of course, if they are tight, they don't fall out and the bass is stronger. I will update as the burn in is complete. I hope I am still as happy as today with my purchase.