Magaosi Y3

Introduction

Magaosi is a Chinese brand that produces iems. They started out with the K3 and has since improved it to the K3 HD. Recently, they have released the K5, X3 and Y3. I would like to thank Penon Audio and Magaosi for this review unit of Y3. The Y3 is available on https://penonaudio.com/magaosi-y3 and you can choose from 2 colours – Blue & Grey. The unit I will be reviewing is grey in colour.

Specifications

• Driver Configuration: 2 Dynamic + 1 Balanced Armature
  
• Sensitivity: 96dB/mW
• Impedance: 20Ω
• Frequency response range: 20-20000Hz

Unboxing & Accessories

The Y3 comes in a white package with protective cover that sports the image of the iem, brand name and model name. At the back of the protective cover, there are specification of the Y3. After opening the package, there are the iem, user manuals, Bluetooth MMCX cable, MMCX cable and micro USB cable.

IEM Build & Design

The Y3 has grey shells and the drivers can be seen. There is a smooth surface. On the faceplate on each side, there is the brand name printed. On the inside of the iem, there are L & R markings on the left and right side respectively. The nozzle is slightly angled with metal mesh. The iem utilizes MMCX connectors. The Y3 has an ergonomic design with a comfortable fit.

Cable Build & Design

The cable is not braided and is grey in color. It uses MMCX connectors with a opaque black housing. On the MMCX connectors, there are L & R markings to differentiate between left and right respectively. There is a memory wire area section in which the cable is enclosed in a opaque black heat shrink tube. On the right side of the cable, there is a microphone. The chin slider and y-splitter are black in color. The jack is 3.5mm gold plated right angled and the housing is black in color too. There is strain relief.

Bluetooth Cable

Sound Analysis

Lows

The Y3 has moderate sub-bass quantity and it extends rather well. The sub-bass reproduction does not take on a full-bodied approach. There is sufficient depth. The bass texture is moderately smooth while the bass decay is rather quick with great impact. Each bass note is being articulated with an agile hit. The mid-bass has little quantity and the slam does not have a weighted feel to it. The rumble has decent naturalness.

Mids

The midrange is slightly recessed and it has a moderate level of transparency. It is presented with some cleanliness. The lower mids has sufficient quantity for male vocals but it can do better with extra body. There is no dry feeling. The upper mids is forward  and the crisp enhances female vocals. The presentation is lively with good energy displayed. Details retrieval has a moderate level.

Highs

The treble is extended sufficiently and there is no sibilance. The Y3 is able to present its treble cleanly. There is crisp and sparkle to inject excitement into the sound. The amount of air is moderate which helps to contribute to space at the top end. The treble articulation has a moderate definition. The body is slightly lacking and may sound slightly harsh at times.

Soundstage

The Y3 expands with decent naturalness and the width has a moderate magnitude. The depth is closed in with some space offered. When tackling busier tracks, congestion may happen.

Comparisons

Magaosi Y3 vs Tin Audio T2

The T2 has more sub-bass quantity and it is extended less than the Y3. The sub-bass reproduction on the T2 is fuller while the Y3 is able to display greater extension. Bass decay on the Y3 is quicker with extra agility. Bass texture on the T2 is rendered more smoothly. The rumble on the T2 has good naturalness. The mid-bass on the T2 has extra quantity and aids in the slam delivery. The midrange on the Y3 has a higher level of transparency while the T2 showcases it in a smooth manner. The lower mids on the T2 has more body with a full-bodied approach. Male vocals benefit from it. The upper mids on the Y3 is more forward and female vocals are expressed with intimacy. There is extra crisp. Next, in the treble section, the extension on the Y3 is greater. The amount of air rendered on both is similar. The sparkle on the Y3 is apparent which helps to inject liveliness to the overall sound. The T2 is more controlled and demonstrates good finesse. Lastly, in terms of soundstage, the T2 expands naturally while the Y3 has a greater width magnitude. Depth on the T2 is more closed in. Positioning of vocals and instruments is slightly more precise on the Y3.

Magaosi Y3 vs TFZ Series 2

The Series 2 has more sub-bass quantity than the Y3 and the sub-bass reproduction is fuller. The Y3 extends to a similar extent as the Series 2. The bass decay on the Y3 is quicker and it elevates the engagement level while the Series 2 has a smooth bass texture. The bass definition on both has a similar standard. The mid-bass on the Series 2 has more body than the Y3 and the slam has a weighted feel. Each bass note on the Y3 is articulated with a quicker attack. The midrange on the Y3 has a slight edge for transparency. The lower mids on the Series 2 has more quantity and it is able to tackle male vocals better. The upper mids on the Y3 has additional forwardness and female vocals are expressed with more intimacy. In terms of treble, the Y3 extends more with crisp while there is extra body on the Series 2. The amount of air rendered on both is around the same. The Y3 is able to showcase more sparkle. In terms of soundstage, the Series 2 expands with naturalness. The width magnitude on both is quite similar and depth on Series 2 is more closed in.

Conclusion

The Y3 is a v-shaped sounding hybrid iem that displays agile bass presentation, lively midrange and sparkly treble. In addition, it comes with 2 detachable MMCX cables – microphone and Bluetooth. The Magaosi Y3 is an affordable entry level iem that excels at its price point.