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HearWiki

AKG K3003

59/ 100
Average
HearWiki score

Pricey for what it is

$840
typical price, USD
Discontinuedupdated price check
Manufacturer pageBuy now onAmazon

At a glance

Brand
AKG
Type
Wired IEMs
Fit
-
Connection
Wired
Noise cancelling
No
Released
2018

Score breakdownaverage overall

Sound7.6

The AKG K3003 is a premium in-ear headphone featuring a hybrid driver system with one dynamic and two balanced-armature drivers for balanced 3-way sound, offering high sensitivity and low distortion. It includes anti-allergenic ear sleeves in three sizes and a genuine leather travel case.

The HearWiki takeAI-condensed

The AKG K3003 is a premium hybrid in-ear monitor that pairs a dynamic driver with two balanced armatures to deliver a detailed, class-leading sound signature. Its build quality is excellent, and it offers tuning filters for slight sound adjustments, though its high price and non-detachable cable may give some buyers pause. While wired and lacking ANC, it remains a notable choice for audiophiles seeking a reference-grade portable listening experience.

What works

  • Excellent build quality and premium materials
  • Detailed, class-leading hybrid sound
  • Tuning filters for minor sound adjustments
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Strong isolation for a wired IEM

What doesn't

  • Very high price for the feature set
  • Non-detachable cable limits longevity
  • Comfort may be average for some listeners
  • Tuning filters have limited effect on bass

Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.

Specifications

Audio - AKG K3003
Driver1DD + 2BA hybrid
Driver typehybrid
Driver configuration1DD + 2BA
Drivers per side3
Frequency response10 Hz - 30 kHz
Impedance8 Ω

What the reviews said

3 source(s) feeding this product's score.

theheadphonelist.com

80

This review describes the K3003i as a premium hybrid in-ear monitor with excellent build quality, strong presentation, and very capable sound. It also notes drawbacks such as a very high price, non-detachable cable, and only moderate isolation/comfort for some listeners.

Read the full review

whathifi.com

100

What Hi-Fi judged the K3003i as exceptionally expensive but also the best in-ears it had reviewed at the time. The review frames it as a three-way design and emphasizes its class-leading sound quality despite the cost.

Read the full review

soundandvision.com

The reviewer found the K3003’s tuning filters had a more limited effect than expected, especially on bass, but still measured excellent isolation for an IEM. The review also highlighted low impedance, high sensitivity, and unusual frequency-response behavior from the filters.

Read the full review

What YouTube reviewers say

Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.

30:12

AKG K3003 Detailed Review: The One That Started It All |Earphoneus Fanaticus

Earphoneus Fanaticus5.9K viewsDec 2018

The reviewer finally acquired the AKG K3003, a pioneering hybrid earphone from 2011, and assesses whether it still holds up. They praise its build quality, design, and the included accessories, but note significant drawbacks like the non-replaceable cable and poor isolation. Ultimately, the sound quality is examined in depth to determine if it remains a benchmark.

Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.

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Where it sits in our rankings

The data-driven guides this model qualifies for.