Elevate Your Listening Experience: A Deep Dive into Final Audio E3000C and E1000C Wired Earphones from Japans Audiophile Legacy

The addition of high-fidelity audio to Apple Music in 2021 invigorated the existing audiophile scene and sparked interest in affordable audiophile equipment like wired headphones and digital-to-analog converters. Although there are numerous choices in India available for less than Rs. 5,000, a significant portion of these products come from China. This is what makes the items under review today distinctive; Final Audio is a Japanese company celebrated for its audiophile-level earphones and headphones that span a variety of price points, from economical options to high-end, luxury models.

At this moment, I will concentrate on the economical end of the spectrum, specifically the Final Audio E1000C and E3000C. Priced at Rs. 1,999 and Rs. 3,999 respectively, the E1000C and E3000C both utilize 3.5mm connectivity and come equipped with in-line remotes and microphones. Despite their manufacturing in China, do these Japanese-designed budget earphones provide a solid entry point into the world of audiophilia? Discover the answer in this review.

The Final Audio E1000C (below) features plastic casings, while the E3000C (above) is adorned with higher-quality metal casings

Sleek, comfortable design of the Final Audio E1000C and E3000C

Final Audio isn’t typically regarded as a mainstream brand due to its specialization in audiophile products. It can be found in India exclusively through Headphone Zone, its authorized distributor. Despite the broad range of products available across various price tiers, these budget in-ear monitors showcase a straightforward and unpretentious aesthetic. The Final Audio E1000C and E3000C share a slim, cylindrical earbud design and feature an in-canal fit.

Each headset comes with five pairs of silicone ear tips in various sizes. The E3000C also includes a fabric carrying case and ear hooks. I received additional colorful silicone tips as part of the media kit, though the tips included with both headsets are black. The E1000C is offered in three colors — black, blue, and red — while the E3000C comes in a single hue — silver.

The more budget-friendly Final Audio E1000C has plastic housing and a closed-back design, while the E3000C boasts far more premium metal casings featuring grilles for a slightly open-backed design. The ‘C’ models come equipped with in-line remotes and microphones, but the standard E1000 and E3000 earphones can also be purchased without this feature. Both headsets weigh approximately 15g, despite the differences in materials used.

Both the Final Audio E3000C and E1000C earphones utilize 6.4mm dynamic drivers, but their tuning differs. They are lightweight and comfortable, although there is some noticeable cable noise from the upper parts of the rubber sheathing on both models. Additionally, the earphones feature what Final Audio describes as a ‘swing fitting mechanism’, which allows the included ear tips to move slightly when attached to the earpieces. This design provides a bit of flexibility while wearing the earphones, resulting in a more accurate and tailored fit.

Unlike several audiophile-grade in-ear monitors (IEMs) in this price range, such as the KZ ZSN Pro X, the E3000C and E1000C feature fixed cables that cannot be replaced or swapped, which is a slight downside. The Final Audio E1000C and E3000C are both low-impedance wired models rated at 16 Ohms, making them easily powered by any basic device with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The cables are fixed on both models, making them less versatile compared to some similarly priced audiophile IEMs

The Final Audio E3000C provides superior tuning and an enjoyable sound, while the E1000C delivers decent performance at a lower cost

Although many smartphones, including budget models, have eliminated the 3.5mm headphone jack, consumers investing in premium wired headphones and earphones today are generally seeking a superior audio experience. This is the type of consumer that Final Audio aims to reach with the E3000C. Conversely, the E1000C may also attract casual listeners.

For this review, I tested both pairs of earphones with a Shanling UA2 portable DAC, connected to my MacBook Air as well as a OnePlus 9. I played high-resolution audio tracks from Apple Music in both scenarios, treating both headsets as options for audiophile enthusiasts.

The sound profile of the Final Audio E3000C is slightly more lively, in addition to having the noticeably superior tuning that makes it the more impressive of the two models. When paired with the right source device and high-resolution audio material, the Final Audio E3000C delivered clean, detailed, and sharp audio that was also tight and precise in the bass frequencies.

The Final Audio E3000C offers an enjoyable listening experience, complete with excellent detail

«Purple Hat» by Sofi Tukker came across as punchy without being overly aggressive, and the diverse vocals were equally engaging. The level of detail provided was striking; the clarity and excellent tuning of the earphones resulted in sound quality that is unmatched by any wireless options. The E3000C also adeptly handled complex and varied tracks, such as the remix of «Aerodynamic» by Daft Punk, allowing listeners to detect each aspect of the composition, down to the faintest nuances, with remarkable accuracy.

The Final Audio E1000C costs less and has a distinct sound profile, characterized by a more balanced tonal signature and less emphasis on intricate details. While respectable for its price, I found that the E1000C lacked the refinement and precision of the KZ ZSN Pro X, which it competes against. The sound seemed somewhat harsher with more pronounced upper mids and highs, while the bass did not create the same impact. The E3000C performs more competitively against the KZ ZSN Pro X in terms of auditory quality, although it is priced higher.

Both the Final Audio E3000C and E1000C come with built-in microphones, making them suitable for hands-free calls. While this feature is a nice addition, I found the microphone performance acceptable for video calls on my computer, but these earphones are primarily designed for music listening and excel in that realm.

Conclusion

Final Audio’s diverse lineup of earphones and headphones spans a wide range of price points. The E1000C and E3000C offer consumers a chance to experience the brand’s top-tier design and engineering without breaking the bank. The E3000C stands out for various reasons, including its attractive design, enjoyable sound, and superb level of detail. While the fixed cabling is a minor letdown, this headset serves as a suitable option for those looking for a straightforward entry into the audiophile world, particularly if paired with a decent entry-level DAC.

The E1000C is less captivating, with sound quality that does not fully justify its cost. Other audiophile earphones available for under Rs. 2,000 generally deliver superior performance, though the balanced sound profile of the E1000C may still attract some users.

However, those merely seeking a music listening tool might want to explore the Final Audio E3000 and E1000, which are priced slightly lower as they lack built-in microphones and remotes.