The Most Successful Tuning

 

Ratings

 

 

Pros

 

• Very balanced sound.
• Wonderful mid-range.
• Great scene and separation.
• The use of the switches allows to modify the profile without having to change IEMS.
• Construction.
• Cable.
• Accessories, box.

 

Cons

 

• Mouthpieces a little short.

 

Purchase Link

 

https://penonaudio.com/bgvp-artmagic-dh3.html

 

Link to the Store

 

https://penonaudio.com/

 

Introduction

 

BGVP is a brand that comes from China, whose philosophy is «the result of the persistent search for pure sound quality. Every BGVP job not only seeks to satisfy the audience, but also wants to find the trust, pleasure and taste of the listener.

They have several models behind them, such as the earbud DX3, the IEMs 1DD+2BA DS1, the 2DD+2BA SDM5, the famous 5BA DM5, the 6BA DM7, the 12BA ArtMagic V12…On this occasion I will analyze the new model 1DD+2BA, called ArtMagic DH3. This model has many peculiarities, it has been printed on the 3D printing equipment of German Envision TEC and is made of PMMA acrylic fiber material that does not damage the skin, also improves the resistance to high temperatures and impacts. Its drivers are the combination of an 8mm dynamic driver, a BA of Knowles, model ED-26989, for the mid frequencies and BA, also of Knowles, called RAF-33518, for the high frequencies. Another particularity is the use of 2 small switches that allow to modify the sound, with 4 different types of tuning, to enhance each range of frequencies, in order to satisfy a wide audience. It also has a 4-way electronic crossover, to efficiently distribute all frequency ranges, mixing them as coherently as possible, to create a frequency response capable of being used for long periods of listening.

Finally, the cable is composed of 8 high purity «5N single crystal» copper cores, which avoids having to be replaced by another cable, since the quality is so high that changing it would be very expensive and unnecessary.

 

 

Specifications

 

• Drivers: 2BA+1DD
• Frequency range: 13-40kHz
• Sensitivity: 105dB
• Impedance: 15Ω
• Channel balance: ≤1dB
• Distortion Ratio: ≤0.5%
• Nominal power: 5mW
• Cable length: 1.2m
• Type of capsule connection: MMCX
• Cable connector: 3.5mm Audio.

 

 

Packaging

 

The BGVP ArtMagic DH3 comes in a 180x128x54mm box, whose cover is white and sealed in plastic. On the front, there is a silhouette of the IEMS, the Hi-Res seal and the Knowles logo. On the back are the specifications. The sides are black. When the cover is removed, a black textured box is shown, in the middle of which the letters BGVP, in gold, can be read. When you lift the lid you can see it:

 

• One envelope.
• 6 blue silicone tips, sizes SxMxL, for vocal enhancement.
• 6 white silicone tips, sizes SxMxL, for bass enhancement.
• 2 foam tips.
• The two capsules.
• A large semi-rigid box with zipper, inside which there is:
• The cable.
• A cleaning tool (metal brush and fork), which also allows you to move the switches.
• 4 black silicone tips, SxL sizes. The medium tips are placed in the IEMs.
• The envelope contains the manual, certificates and warranty cards.

 

The presentation is premium, the set of tips is very good, the cable is sensational, the cleaning tool is very appropriate and the box is really useful, with a perfect size, which allows to keep the IEMS with absolute safety.

 

 

Construction and Design

 

The ArtMagic DH3 has been built on German Envision TEC’s 3D printing equipment and is made of translucent PMMA acrylic fiber material, which does not damage the skin. In addition, it improves resistance to high temperatures and impacts. On the outside you can see the brand logo. The MMCX connection is embedded, gold-plated. Close to it, there is an orifice covered by a metal tube. The drivers, cables and connections can be seen inside the capsules. The capsules are built in one piece and the nozzles are custom type, with two holes and without any grids. On the inside of the capsules you can read the name of the model and some numbers. In my case, it puts 082R in the right capsule and 082L in the left capsule.

The drivers used have been a dynamic driver of 8mm, for the low frequencies, of biological diaphragm. For the mids, has been implemented the BA of Knowles, ED-26989. Finally, for the high frequencies, another Knowles BA is in charge, model RAF-33518. All drivers are connected to improve the resolution and provide a different sound.

As a great differentiating element, the DH3, have small switches, two per capsule, which allow to modify the sound, generating 4 different tunings. Thus, it is possible to emphasize the lower zone, the midrange or the treble, in order to adjust as best as possible to the taste of each one.It also has a 4-way electronic crossover, which provides very coherent and accurate transitions.

The MMCX connector is of high quality, to avoid possible disconnections during use. The cable consists of 8 high purity «5N single crystal» copper cores. It is thick, but very suitable and manageable. It has a semi-rigid coating to fit over the ear. Its color is copper, covered with transparent plastic. The MMCX connectors are covered by black and large cylinders, which use red and blue rings as a channel mark. The splitting piece is another smooth black cylinder with a soft barrel shape. There is a small coin-shaped piece, made of translucent white plastic, which serves as an adjustment pin. The 3.5mm Jack connector cover is another large, black, smooth metal cylinder. The cable has a Velcro strip for safe retrieval.

Great construction, great shape, great cable and great finishes, at the height of its presentation.

 

 

Adjustment and Ergonomics

 

The fit is good and so is the comfort. But the mouthpieces are rather short for those of us who, like me, have a big, deep ear hole. But this allows the use of tri-flange tips. Rubber washers can also be used as a buffer, making the simple tips a little more separate from the body of the capsules. In this way, a somewhat deeper insertion can be achieved. Once this is corrected, the fit is firm and durable. The cables are barely felt over the ear, offering good comfort even when walking down the street.

The insulation will depend on the degree of sealing we get, with the tips used. But if you get them right, the soundproofing achieved is remarkable.

 

 

Sound

 

Profile

 

The profile of the DH3 may vary depending on the position of the switches. A very, very balanced, flat profile up to 5kHz can be achieved. Or vary to a warmer profile, slightly V. All this without losing details and the fantastic midrange they possess.

 

 

Switch Positions

 

• 1 OFF – 2 OFF. In short mode 00: mids enhancement.
• 1 ON – 2 OFF. In abbreviated mode 10: Highlighting of mids and highs.
• 1 ON – 2 ON. In abbreviated mode 11: Bass and mids enhancement.
• 1 OFF – 2 ON. In abbreviated mode 01: Bass enhancement.

 

 

Bass

 

With the switches in position 01, maximum bass boost is achieved. It is very similar, also in position 11, but for this case, there is an emphasis on voices, which is not shown in the frequency response, but is audible. The lower zone, in these positions, takes more prominence, but without dominating the profile. The DH3 become warmer IEMS, but without losing the presence in the voices it possesses. In this way, the profile is animated, leaving a more powerful bass medium, with a deeper and more notorious sub-bass, but quite contained and without arriving, with complete emphasis, in the lower zone. The hit is never too powerful and the bassheads would be somewhat disappointed with them. When the switches are placed in position 00 or 10, the timbre or the texture of the lower zone do not change, it only seems that the voice is released from that lower zone heavier, becoming a more agile IEM, but without losing the trace of the bass. In reality, the decrease in presence in this area is clear, but it is not a cut, but rather a matter of obtaining balance. And if it is achieved. In fact, it is a great signal, because you can enjoy, quietly, all the color and nuance of the bass, in all positions. The bass always feels fast and clean, with hardly any posus or negative trace. Although it is true the influence on the voices of the greatest warmth, in the positions of greatest presence of bass.

 

 

Mids

 

The midrange of the DH3 is simply exemplary. No matter how you position the switches, you can always enjoy this range without reservations. Although it is clear that in positions 00 and 10, the clarity of the mids is maximum. For mid-range, I prefer positions 00 and 11. But my maximum enjoyment of this range is with position 00.

The first thing that calls the attention of the middle zone of the DH3 is the execution, it is really precise, but also relaxed. In addition, the environment in which it develops, overflows absolute clarity and cleanliness. Again, the light is very important in the result of the sound of these IEMs. The DH3 are placed in that limbo of luminous headphones, which bring so much joy to the midrange. As I say, the definition deserves a separate mention, especially in the voices. They are placed in the position of the scene, where they are protagonists, in the highest and closest, as if it were a diva. You only have to look up and contemplate how they flow and stand out from the rest of the instrumentation. The level of resolution is very high, as is expected of a BA. But, on this occasion, the driver has been sweetened so that it doesn’t sound too analytical, but light and precise, halfway to naturalness, but impressively resolute. This can be seen in the separation that the voices have from the rest of the instruments. They are not left behind, but by their side, respecting the space, recreating a very immersive sensation: it is easy to dive among them, while the voices are perceived. In general, balance and equilibrium are great. On this occasion we perceive a slightly more digital look, but without being unreal, that analytical touch that shapes the sound. The great news is that with the switches, you can gain in warmth, filing a bit the defined profile of the middle zone.

The midrange of the DH3 is so good that it deserves a totally attentive listening to be able to enjoy them without reservations.

 

 

Treble

 

The highs are contained, as soon as they start they drop in gain. Then they increase but without assuming imbalance, nor an annoying emphasis. Thus, the upper zone feels sweet and this hardly changes with the switches. However, it is clear that in the unenhanced positions of the lower zone, the highs sound freer and more perceptible. In spite of this, the high details are felt with clarity and a lot of definition, but with that soft nuance, so characteristic in the headphones that I’ve been analyzing lately. At the higher end, there is a slight shortness of air.

All in all, the DH3 offers a more musical, pleasant and restrained sound than other IEMS with BA drivers, but without falling into a dark, just warm sound.

 

 

Soundstage, Separation

 

The scene is characterized by the high resolution offered by DH3. And it’s almost bigger when it’s tuned with less bass, as the mids shine brighter. The proximity of the voices and their relation with the rest of the instruments, the space that exists, the good separation, the excellent location that is generated… causes a reconstruction of the image from the vocalists, where the whole scene expands from their point of view. In instrumental or electronic music, the image floats, equally defined, where the rest of the elements take the leading role to widen the scene. The proximity of the mids provides depth, because many sound planes are established. The bass and treble extend the image towards the sides.

The details are precise and placed in such a way that they impress for the price level. There is so much air and space between elements that listening becomes a rediscovery that almost forces the listener to remain very attentive so as not to lose a single nuance.

 

 

Comparisons

 

Moondrop Kanas Pro

 

The first comparison will be with one of my favorite IEMS: the Kanas Pro. The DH3, without bass enhancement, have a similar level in the lower part, although the Kanas Pro are one point above, offering a beautiful depth and very tight bass. The DH3, with bass enhancement, surpass them clearly in the presence of bass. In addition, the BGVP are more balanced and have more presence in the middle and first highs, offering more extension in the upper zone. The sound of the Kanas Pro, seems more concrete than that of the DH3. It is something that is noticed in the mids, more focused in the Pro. While in the DH3, they have this tendency to expand and sound more ethereal. The timbre is different, it could be said that they are conditioned by their origin: the DH3 deliver more brightness and a greater sense of projection, but also less concretion. The Kanas have very compact mids, with a smaller projection, but with a better definition, a little more body and a less cold timbre. But the DH3 has a wonderful option, which allows you to tune the sound. If the basses are enhanced, the voices gain in warmth and body, and that’s where the Kanas Pro can’t compete against that versatility.

At the level of separation and scene, I place the DH3 above. There is a clear greater separation and a more expansive scene. I also distinguish more details and nuances in the DH3. But it’s still a titan duel.

 

 

DB Monroe

 

One of the IEMS that have surprised me lately, have been the DB Monroe. They have a powerful lower part and some balance in the middle zone, although their profile is slightly U-shaped. The first thing to note is that the DH3 are much more sensitive and give a much higher volume, at the same level as the Monroe.

Starting from the lower zone, in the Monroe, its presence polarizes all the sound, since it revolves around the lows. They are full of energy and that’s noticeable, it’s a very big sound in this part, not suitable for all audiences. The DH3, with bass enhancement, do not get to have as much energy as the Monroe. Besides, their sub bass is not as deep. Although both have a similar color, the DH3 have greater speed and their hit is more contained and exerts less pressure on the ears. But, I insist, there are similarities in texture and timbre, despite the difference in energy delivered.

The middle zone is more different. Monroe don’t have mids as close up as DH3 (no matter how the switches are). They stay behind the bass area of the DBs. While in DH3, they always glow. In this range there is a difference of timbre and color, especially in the voices. The Monroe have more warmth, smoothness, some darkness and the DH3 bring more light and clarity, you notice more resolution and definition. Although, comparatively speaking, there seems to be a certain hollowness in the voices of the DH3, because they have less body and warmth, but it is only their cooler tendency, finer, more defined and higher resolution. Absolutely, one notices the special treatment that the mids have in the DH3, where they are the axis of their sound.

In the upper zone, both begin with the same tendency, to decay at the beginning of the range. But, however, later on, the DH3 fill the treble extension more markedly, reaching more detail and a brighter complexion. The trebles in Monroe are finer and sharper. In the DH3 they have a greater projection, extending more, sounding with more width and harmonics. This makes them even have a little more softness, but actually gives the sound a greater amount of air, a virtue that the Monroe do not have.

If we talk about scene and separation, the DH3 are placed above. The amplitude of their sound is determined by greater separation, more air, a higher resolution level and more detailed definition. The expansion in the midzone, which the DH3 have, dwarfs the more focused scenario offered by the DB Monroe. Their greater forcefulness in the lower zone cages a sound, which could develop more; but not only they are guilty, but their upper zone also penalizes in this sense.

Finally, the possibilities of tuning that the DH3 possess, favor him in a direct confrontation, at sonorous level.

In terms of construction, both are very different. Monroe are metallic, heavier, but smaller. DH3s are printed with acrylic fiber, but they are bigger and thicker. This can penalize their adjustment. The quality of the cable is better than the one that comes with the Monroe. Both packages are very good, but, in the case of Monroe, it has a special and particular touch, which makes it very difficult to beat.

 

 

Conclusion

 

I have to say, BGVP ArtMagic DH3 has become another of my favorite IEMS. And it’s not their lower zone that convinced me, without it being a reproach. It was their mids and the versatility of the switches to tune the sound to our liking. The great scene, the remarkable separation and the excellent location of every detail, are other great virtues of these DH3. But it doesn’t end there, because to all that has been said, we must add the level of construction, the cable, the packaging, the accessories and the transport box.

The BGVP ArtMagic DH3 is a wise choice for those who cannot buy several IEMS with different profiles, because they are capable of transforming themselves from a balanced sound to a warmer one, but without losing the luminous soul that characterizes them.

 

 

Sources Used During the Analysis

 

• Burson Audio Playmate.
• Tempotec Serenade iDSD
• ACMEE MF-01
• xDuoo X3II