We Tested the New Final VR3000 Earbuds; Here’s How They Stack Up

As a seasoned audiophile with years of listening to various types of headphones under my belt, I must say that the Final VR3000 has left quite an impression on me! Coming from someone who’s been through countless high-end and mid-range earbuds, it’s not often that a pair of earbuds can deliver such impressive sound quality at an affordable price point.

The Latest VR3000 Model represents the newest iteration of In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) designed with a spacious and enveloping sound environment for gamers, all compactly packaged. Over the past few years, there’s been a significant surge in popularity of IEMs within the gaming community. Although the lesser-known audio brand Final may not grab much attention in the broader gaming scene, they have been consistently delivering high-quality IEMs for some time now. The VR3000 is expected to maintain the impressive reputation established by its predecessors.

For the past three weeks, I’ve been putting the Final VR3000 through its paces as gaming in-ear monitors (IEMs). I’ve played games such as “Space Marine II” and “Alien Isolation” to thoroughly assess its spatial sound performance. Additionally, I’ve been using them as my everyday headphones for regular listening.

Final VR3000 Design and First Impressions

  • Final VR3000 IEMs
  • Extra Eartips

The packaging isn’t particularly striking for these headphones, but if they perform exceptionally well within, I couldn’t care less about the container. Upon opening the box, the minimalist all-black design seemed somewhat dull at first glance, but upon closer inspection, one can truly appreciate the intricate craftsmanship that has been put into these headphones. Not everyone is after a flashy pair of headphones, after all.

Upon initially handling these earbuds, they seemed incredibly lightweight and made out of plastic. Yet, they appear sturdy enough for daily use without fear of damage. Given their price point of $84 by Final, I wasn’t expecting a luxurious feel, but they still managed to impress me with their durability.

Despite the Final VR3000’s somewhat disappointing looks, the first sound test made all the nitpicky comments feel pretty silly. We will cover more of the audio performance in depth, but right off the bat, the sound punches way above its weight class; these tiny drivers are pretty impressive.

Final VR3000 Comfort

A lightweight design doesn’t always lead to a premium feel, but in this case, it does make these earbuds incredibly comfortable for long periods. I often wore them passively throughout the day during the testing period, even when music wasn’t playing through them. It is worth noting that choosing the correct size of ear tips makes a big difference in the overall comfort. The over-ear loop makes it a lot easier to find a good fit, but if you can pair that with the right size of ear tips, they feel pretty rock solid in place.

Using improperly sized earbud tips caused some movement that occasionally resulted in the edges of the earbuds touching the inner ear due to their sharper angles. While this wasn’t excruciating, it was certainly bothersome rather than uncomfortable.

Most in-ear monitor designs often incorporate a rigid cable cover for the ear hook, which is generally comfortable but may become bothersome if you wear glasses. Fortunately, the Final VR3000 has made this section of the cable soft and flexible, making it easy to adjust the ear loop whether you’re wearing glasses or have larger ears.

One significant factor drawing gamers towards In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) is their ability to provide passive isolation, and the Final VR3000 delivers on this aspect effectively. The driver is ample enough to seal your ear canal perfectly without being excessively large, ensuring a comfortable fit. While I wouldn’t suggest using these IEMs as an alternative to earplugs due to safety concerns, if you’re seeking isolation to mute background noise, the VR3000 performs admirably in that regard.

Final VR3000 Audio Performance

We alluded to the audio performance earlier, but the sound quality, whether you are playing games or listening to music, is easily the most impressive aspect of the VR3000. The 6mm driver Final custom developed and designed for these earbuds has certainly paid off. These drivers are nearly 1/3 of the size you typically find in IEMs like this, but they are easily some of the best-sounding IEMs under $100.

Gaming Performance

Whether gaming with a VR headset or traditional PC gaming, these earbuds sound absolutely stellar, creating an immersive and wide sound stage. I typically lean more towards over-ear headphones or even speaker setups for the most immersive surround sound setup for gaming, but the VR3000 has changed my mind.

The audio quality is clean and strong, with a powerful bass that enhances the intensity of explosions. The spatial awareness provided by these headphones significantly boosts the gaming experience, both in multiplayer and single-player modes. In fact, while playing Alien Isolation, I found myself genuinely startled on numerous occasions due to their immersive sound effects.

One potential issue is that the microphone isn’t top-notch, however, it’s capable of ensuring your voice remains understandable and crisp during Discord conversations, for the most part, if you opt to use them.

Music Performance

These headphones, originally intended for gaming, offer exceptional performance for everyday use too, such as enjoying music, podcasts, or movies. The expansive soundstage that enhances gaming’s immersion similarly provides an outstanding audio experience for music listening.

One of my favorite ways to test the soundstage with headphones is to listen to a live album and see whether you feel like you are in the room with the band, and the VR3000 passed this test. You won’t get the same effect compared to open-back headphones, but for IEMs, the VR3000 puts you right in the center of the mix, with enough clarity to hear individual instruments. While they might not meet some audiophile standards, the VR3000 is a great way to get into HiFi sound at an affordable price. Plus, they are very easy to drive without needing a DAC or Amp.

Is The Final VR3000 Right For You?

The Final VR3000 Is Right For You

Initially, I was hesitant, but now I wholeheartedly recommend the VR3000 as one of my top choices for in-ear monitors (IEMs). If you’re searching for a budget-friendly pair of earbuds that delivers exceptional performance, the VR30300 might just be the one for you. Despite its straightforward design, this headphone model from Final actually houses impressive features, resulting in an outstanding value for money that’s hard to surpass.

Alternatives to the Final VR3000 Headhones

Indeed, I must admit that the VR3000 may not cater to everyone’s preferences perfectly. For instance, if you crave a more luxurious build or desire a wireless connection, the VR3000 might not meet your expectations. On the other hand, if you’re seeking a VR audio solution and value the freedom of wireless connectivity at a comparable price point, the Soundcore VR P10 could be a suitable alternative. However, do bear in mind that it may fall short in sound quality compared to the VR3000.

Great For VR With a Wireless Connection Soundcore VR P10 Check It Out Here!
Higher Build Quality Shure SE425 PRO Wired Earbuds Check It Out Here!
Even More Budget Friendly But Not As Good Sound Quality Linsoul KZ ZS10 PRO 2 Check It Out Here!

FAQ

Q: Why do audiophiles like IEMs?

Since In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) are smaller and more portable than regular headphones, they deliver high-fidelity sound quality that can be easily taken with you on the go. They’re also a great choice when used at a desk, offering a more compact solution for an audio device compared to over-ear headphones.

Q: What is the difference between the Final VR3000 and VR500?

The primary distinction between these two headphones lies in their designs: the VR500 adopts a conventional earbud-like shape (In-Ear Monitor), while the VR3000 is designed to wrap around your ears like traditional over-ear headphones. Additionally, the soundstage produced by the drivers in the VR500 is slightly narrower compared to that of the VR3000.

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2024-12-23 16:08