Utlimate Ear's flagship universal IEM, boasting 3 balanced armature drivers and a dual bore design.
Specs:
Driver: Triple Balanced Armature
Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
Packaging / Accessories:
There are currently a couple different packagings for the Triple.Fi 10 (TF10). There is the "eco-friendly" packaging from Amazon which is a very simple black cardboard box, and there is the retail packaging which I have. Consistent with all other Ultimate Ears products, the TF10 housings can be seen through the packaging, showing off UE's current flagship on the front. On the back, you can see the included tips. It is very nicely packaged and certainly protects the TF10 better than the eco-friendly packaging, which stores the TF10 in a zip-lock bag. Included in the box are 4 pairs of silicone tips, 2 pairs of Comply tips, a protective hard case, an extension cable, 1/4 inch adaptor jack, airline attenuator, and a cleaning tool. Accessories wise, I'm more than satisfied as everything included is very useful and the hard case is especially nice. I do think it would have been beneficial to include more tips because I find the TF10 sound quite dependent on the tips used, but it's welcoming to see UE include two pairs of Comply tips.
Impedance: 32Ω
Sensitivity: 117dB
Cord Length: 1.2m | replaceable
Sensitivity: 117dB
Cord Length: 1.2m | replaceable
Plug Type: : L- Plug
Current Price: $160 from Amazon
Current Price: $160 from Amazon
Packaging / Accessories:
There are currently a couple different packagings for the Triple.Fi 10 (TF10). There is the "eco-friendly" packaging from Amazon which is a very simple black cardboard box, and there is the retail packaging which I have. Consistent with all other Ultimate Ears products, the TF10 housings can be seen through the packaging, showing off UE's current flagship on the front. On the back, you can see the included tips. It is very nicely packaged and certainly protects the TF10 better than the eco-friendly packaging, which stores the TF10 in a zip-lock bag. Included in the box are 4 pairs of silicone tips, 2 pairs of Comply tips, a protective hard case, an extension cable, 1/4 inch adaptor jack, airline attenuator, and a cleaning tool. Accessories wise, I'm more than satisfied as everything included is very useful and the hard case is especially nice. I do think it would have been beneficial to include more tips because I find the TF10 sound quite dependent on the tips used, but it's welcoming to see UE include two pairs of Comply tips.
Build Quality / Appearance / Cable:
The housings of the TF10 are made of plastic, but are built quite well. It is covered in a metallic blue and can appear to have different shades of blue depending on the lighting and angle. The TF10 has one of the largest housings of all the universals I've owned, and by design, they protrude out of the ears when worn. The housing itself is slightly angled to better fit with our ear anatomy and the nozzle uses a dual-bore design - the first I have actually seen in universals. The nozzle size is larger than most other IEMs though, so the selection of aftermarket tips is more limited. The included stock cable is one of the worst out there in my opinion. It is hard to handle, "springy", and quite stiff; I would highly recommend an aftermarket cable just based on ergonomics. The stock cable does seem to be well reliefed and has memory cords to keep them in place behind the ears. Because the TF10 comes out so far when worn, I think the memory cord is definitely helpful for a good fit. One should be extra careful when removing/connecting the cable, as there are known incidents where the pins got stuck in the socket.
Comfort / Isolation:
The Triple.Fi 10 is well known not only for its sound, but for its extra large housings that often cause discomfort to people with smaller sized ears. I actually don't have a problem with the fit and they are very snug in my ears. I guess I am of the fortunate ones, because I actually find the TF10 to be very comfortable. With them in, I can barely feel them and there are times when I completely forget they're even there. That is just me though and the comfort/fit of the TF10 will largely vary from person to person. It would be best if any potential buyers can find a pair to try with first, because the fit/comfort issues with the TF10 can make or break the TF10 experience. With a good fit, the TF10 is very isolating. It has a pretty deep fit and has more than enough isolation for daily commute.
Sound:
The Triple.Fi 10 has a V-shaped sound signature, which has enhanced bass and treble. As a result, the mids are recessed and vocals can sound distant. The treble can be a little harsh if silicone tips are used; they can be calmed by using the Comply foam tips, but in return bass becomes a little more muddy and there is also less detail. Presentation wise, they are quite airy and spacious, with a big soundstage. It is a very good all-rounder and will do well for most genres.
The Triple.Fi 10 is well known not only for its sound, but for its extra large housings that often cause discomfort to people with smaller sized ears. I actually don't have a problem with the fit and they are very snug in my ears. I guess I am of the fortunate ones, because I actually find the TF10 to be very comfortable. With them in, I can barely feel them and there are times when I completely forget they're even there. That is just me though and the comfort/fit of the TF10 will largely vary from person to person. It would be best if any potential buyers can find a pair to try with first, because the fit/comfort issues with the TF10 can make or break the TF10 experience. With a good fit, the TF10 is very isolating. It has a pretty deep fit and has more than enough isolation for daily commute.
Sound:
The Triple.Fi 10 has a V-shaped sound signature, which has enhanced bass and treble. As a result, the mids are recessed and vocals can sound distant. The treble can be a little harsh if silicone tips are used; they can be calmed by using the Comply foam tips, but in return bass becomes a little more muddy and there is also less detail. Presentation wise, they are quite airy and spacious, with a big soundstage. It is a very good all-rounder and will do well for most genres.
Lows: Bass is well extended and punchy. The balanced armature driver has very good speed, but it doesn't have enough body and doesn't sound as organic as dynamic drivers. It does have very good impact though and kick drums hit with just the right amount of weight. When compared to another V shape triple BA, the Westone 3, bass on the TF10 has more depth and less slam. Although the bass is indeed north of neutral, I think the thickness of note and punch can give the impression that the bass is even more pronounced than it actually is; the bass on the TF10 is actually quite balanced compared to other earphones with a V-shaped sound signature.
Mids: With the stock cable, I find the midrange to be just slightly recessed as expected from the V shape sound. Female vocals actually sound quite nice despite being more in the back, but for those who find the midrange too recessed, an aftermarket cable will help bring the mids forward. Regardless, there is excellent clarity and detail. It is a bit dry but has great transparency.
Treble: The treble of the TF10 is quite prominent. It is crisp and has lots of energy without being overly edgy. With silicone tips, the highs can be a bit harsh, although I don't find it fatiguing. For people who find the highs piercing, foam tips work very well to diminish it. Top end extension is very good and there is certainly lots of sparkle for a fun overall sound signature.
Treble: The treble of the TF10 is quite prominent. It is crisp and has lots of energy without being overly edgy. With silicone tips, the highs can be a bit harsh, although I don't find it fatiguing. For people who find the highs piercing, foam tips work very well to diminish it. Top end extension is very good and there is certainly lots of sparkle for a fun overall sound signature.
Soundstage / Presentation: I find that most V-shape sound signatures have a pleasantly wide soundstage, and the TF10 is no exception. The soundstage is very big and has lots of width. It has an airy presentation and portrays distance well. Imaging and positioning is excellent, as are most BA-based IEMs. Also, the TF10 is definitely coloured which, depending on preferences, can be a good or bad characteristic.
Summary:
The Ultimate Ears Triple.Fi 10 has a very "fun" sound signature and is a safe choice for those who aren't sure what kind of sound signature they prefer yet. The biggest downside of the TF10 is in its design, more specifically its large housing which can be very uncomfortable for people with smaller ears. Sound wise, there is great extension across the spectrum from 20Hz to 20kHz and they all come together to blend into one very enjoyable sound. The TF10 currently sells for ~$160 on Amazon. At this price, they are the cheapest triple driver IEM available and is an amazing value despite being released so long ago.
The Ultimate Ears Triple.Fi 10 has a very "fun" sound signature and is a safe choice for those who aren't sure what kind of sound signature they prefer yet. The biggest downside of the TF10 is in its design, more specifically its large housing which can be very uncomfortable for people with smaller ears. Sound wise, there is great extension across the spectrum from 20Hz to 20kHz and they all come together to blend into one very enjoyable sound. The TF10 currently sells for ~$160 on Amazon. At this price, they are the cheapest triple driver IEM available and is an amazing value despite being released so long ago.
