In this article, I review the TinHifi C3 MKII IEM. It features a 10mm LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) diaphragm and sleek resin shells and is priced at 49 USD.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by GoodSound Audio Store for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
TinHiFi C3 MKII
Design
The TinHifi C3 MKII’s shells are largely unchanged from the original C3 (and T3 Plus), and that’s a good thing—they remain a very comfortable and attractive IEM. The main visual update is the faceplates, which now feature a black and grey flecked pattern adorned with a couple of silver stars and a gold TinHifi logo in the centre.
A single small vent sits just in front of the 2-pin sockets, which is sufficient to relieve air pressure and provide airflow to the internal 10mm dynamic driver. The shell body itself is made from glossy black resin.
The C3 MKII fit my ears perfectly and are among the most comfortable IEMs in my collection. Passive noise isolation is also above average, making it easy to enjoy your music without distraction from external sounds.
The included cable is fairly generic, featuring a glossy black sheath and matching aluminium components, including the chin slider. It’s somewhat prone to tangling above the Y-splitter due to its thinness, but overall, it’s a decent cable for a budget IEM.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the HiBy R6 III 2025, the MuseHifi M5 Ultra and FiiO KA17. The TinHifi C3 MKII is an efficient IEM and doesn’t require much power to drive, so you can use it with pretty much any audio source.
The C3 MKII has a balanced sound signature with a lightly boosted bass, a clear, neutral midrange and a detailed yet smooth treble.
Bass
The quality of the bass is outstanding for a budget IEM. It’s clean, speedy and well-defined, yet it has excellent extension and authority. Sub-bass notes reach deep and the C3 MKII has an engaging but controlled rumble. The mid-bass is punchy and satisfying and it has clean leading edges and great layering.
Midrange
The midrange has a neutral tuning and sounds spacious and clear. There’s a hint of warmth from the bass that adds body and gives the mids a more organic character. Both male and female vocals are rendered beautifully, with just the right blend of articulation and density to make them sound vibrant and intimate.
Treble
The C3 MKII’s treble is the perfect complement to the bass and mids, maintaining tonal balance while adding clarity, detail, and air to the mix. It’s crisp and airy without any sharpness or sibilance. Treble extension is good, contributing to a spacious and wide soundstage, yet it never comes across as aggressive or fatiguing.
Soundstage & Technicalities
Detail retrieval is outstanding for a budget IEM, and the C3 MKII is adept at revealing even the smallest micro-details. Instrument separation and resolution are excellent, contributing to a spacious and open sound. The soundstage is fairly expansive and gives the sense of a large, well-organised space with precise positioning and a good sense of depth.
Comparisons
Kefine Klean
These IEMs share a similar sound signature, but the Klean has a slightly thicker and warmer character thanks to its enhanced bass. It’s not quite as clear or clean as the C3 MKII, but it will appeal to listeners who enjoy a bit of extra bass weight. Technically, both perform at a similar level, though the C3 MKII pulls slightly ahead in detail retrieval and soundstage width.
In terms of build, the Kefine Klean features all-metal shells, while the C3 MKII uses 3D-printed resin. Both are solidly built and very comfortable, so it comes down to personal preference in materials and styling.
Verdict
The TinHifi C3 MKII is an outstanding budget IEM and easily one of my absolute favourites under $100. It delivers excellent build quality, a super comfortable fit, and audio performance that punches well above its price. The tuning is both high-fidelity and musical, making it a fantastic choice as a daily driver.
With its clean, spacious sound and natural tonality, the C3 MKII stands out in a crowded field of budget earphones. This one comes highly recommended—and it’s going straight onto our Best IEMs list.
