BL-03 Review

Only very recently I've decided to finally get another one of the known budget IEMs, the BL-03. Considering that I've already used the BL-01 for such a long time, why not try another Blon because apparently many people are loving this pair for its so-called "natural tonality". Whether if this pair still stands as a good pair of IEM in 2022 under $30, let's find out.

Also, I bought this pre-owned as it is without the box or anything, hence I'm not doing an unboxing for this review.

BUILD & FIT

Unlike the BL-01, the 03 just has a simple round metal housing, in which - fitting on this is very simple and requires little to no effort. The small sized head shells slots into our outer ear easily and feels smooth and so much lighter than the BL-01.

SOUND

Sources used : Foobar2000 -> JCally JM20 Dongle DAC (CS43131) -> S.M.S.L. SH-6 Amplifier -> NICEHCK C8-1 8 -> BL-03 with Spinfit C145 eartips

*notes : I did not use the stock cable because it is unusable*

The BL-03 sound signature in general is V-shaped, with greater emphasis on bass

BASS

• Bass in general sounds heavy and thick, amount of presence is not unbearable but might be a little too much for some

• Subbass has good rumble to it, accompanied by the midbass making it sound more full

• Kick drums sound thumpy and aggresive but with considerably fast decay

• Note definition can be a little bit lacking due to the overwhelming amount of bass overall

• Occasional bass bleed to mids is prevalent

MIDS

tldr : warm, smooth, natural

• Vocals sound presented, with good tonality and sounds very natural, no veiling or recessed characteristics. Does not sound too forward either, perfectly complementing other musical instruments

• Instruments sound more warm and delivered with ,again , a more natural timbre, overall does not have any instances of harshness

• Details in the midrange do not really stand out as much due to it being less analytical, however is still decent for a more relaxed listening

HIGHS

• Timbre of percussion is natural and smooth, does not sound tinny or have any metallic properties

• Decent treble extension

• No sibilance or any major issues in this end

• Decent detail retrieval, not too analytical or presenting

• Details on the high end sound warm and blends into the music rather than stand out, I would use the word "humble" to describe it

TECHNICALITIES

Coming into technicalities, the BL-03 is considered to be more of a simple and fun IEM, with the main selling point (as heard from the community) to be its natural tonality.

• Detail retrieval is decent, maybe a 7/10 if the BL-01s are a 10/10 in this price range

• Soundstage is a decent for the price with decent dynamics and separation

• Bass bleed and the amount of bass often makes listening with it sound a little overwhelming

COMPARISONS

As recommended by a friend, I will start to update every blog by adding comparisons

1.BL-01

Comparing it with the BL-01s, the BL-03s definitely exceeds in the mid range but sadly nothing else. The more toned down bass in the BL-01s with better tone definition makes the BL-01 more enjoyable when listening to songs with a lot of bass

The BL-01s are also warm, but the BL03s are warmer. Depending on the amount of warmth you want, songs can go from "this sounds good" to "wow this is so relaxing". The BL-03s for me will be my go-to if I'm listening to soft songs with little instruments and focuses more on presenting the vocalist. One of the best examples I can give would be Adele's Hello. Simple, straight forward, natural sounding vocals.

However, that does not disregard the BL-01 also being very relaxing to listen to because of it having less bass and the amount of technicalities.

In terms of technicalities, this is also a subejctive thing. Personally I'm fine with the amount of detail retrieval that the BL-01 delivers. And again, from my stand point, if I were to listen to songs with more emphasis on vocals, then I would pick the BL-03 in exchange for less amounts of details.

But other than that, the BL-01 is a no brainer for more instrumental focused songs. Some people find details to be a little bit too much after a long listening session, but for the BL-01's, its just right for me.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Overall the BL-03 a very interesting IEM that delivers a very fun sound, giving the listener not only good bass with exceptional subbass rumble, but also some of the most realistic midrange within this price bracket.

I guess after listening to this, it definitely justifies the reason why this IEM is constantly recommended.