The Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors are the second pair of in-ear monitors that we have reviewed by NuForce. The first pair we reviewed, the EDC (every day carry), had great sound, a low price, and were very comfortable to wear. Can the EDC3 live up to the original EDC? Read on for the full review of the Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors.
Specifications
- Drivers: Three balanced armature drivers per ear
- Housing material: Lexan polycarbonate
- Color: Smoky translucent blue/gray
- Impedance: 16 ohms
- Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz
- Cable length: 54.3 inches (138mm)
- Connector: 2 pin
- Plug: 1/8 inch
- Remote/mic compatibility: Apple and most Android devices
- Weight: 5.7 g with braided cable/8.5 g with remote/mic cable
What’s In The Box
- Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors
- 2 cables (one braided and on with remote/mic
- 3 sets silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
- 2 sets foam ear tips (M, L)
- Shirt clip
- Zippered carrying case
Design
The Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors are almost identical to the original EDC’s. The main difference in design you can see is that the in-ear monitors are made of translucent plastic. This allows you to see the inner workings of the IEMs, and the drivers that are housed within. You would need to have better eyes than mine in order to see anything as the EDC3 are very small in size.
They have the same shape, fit, and feel as the original EDC. The shape is rather like a teardrop with an ear tip protruding from the side. The EDC3 is very small, about the size of a grape. Being so small makes the EDC3 almost disappear when you are wearing it. They also fit remarkably well, sitting in the ear canal as opposed to in the outer part of the ear as is typical with earbuds. Sitting in the ear canal helps the EDC3 stay in place while exercising or just moving around. The Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors are also incredibly lightweight; you can almost forget you are wearing them after a time. The lightweight of the EDC3 also makes them very comfortable to wear for prolonged periods of time.
The remote/mic has play/pause, start/end call, next/previous song, and start Siri, Google Assistant, or Cortana. The remote does take some time to get used to, but once mastered it is rather easy to navigate your way around with it.
Sound
The Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors are advertised as having a neutral sound. And that is exactly what the EDC3 deliver. The sound is very even and balanced. The highs are bright and crisp, the mids are sharp, and the bass sits in the background doing its job without pounding away at your skull. There is an overall sharpness to the music that I believe is due to the fact that the highs and mids are not battling against the bass for position. This makes it possible to listen to the EDC3 for long periods without ending up with a headache from too much bass. And that is what makes these an every day carry in-ear monitor. You can wear them while working out, commuting or just relaxing, and they remain comfortable to wear and to listen to. But if you are someone who wants a lot of bass, then the EDC3 in ear-monitors may not be for you.
Call Quality
The Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors are capable of making and receiving calls once you switch from the high-performance braided cable to the remote/mic cable. As seems to be typical, calls sounded great on my end, but the person I called said that I sounded distant. Calls are possible with the EDC3 in-ear monitors, but not perfect.
Price/Value
The Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors will be available from Massdrop’s website on February 15th at 6 a.m PT for $99.99USD. If you are looking for a pair of in-ear monitors with a very neutral and balanced sound, you should check out the EDC3 in-ear monitors. For that price you get a pair of IEMs that are comfortable enough, both physically and acoustically, to wear all day long. If you don’t like a neutral sound, then you may think this is way too much to spend on IEMs that lack bass response.
Wrap Up
I don’t think I’m alone when I say that although I love bass, yet too much bass over a prolonged period of time can give me a headache. If I’m going to listen to music for a long time, I prefer to have a nice, balanced, neutral sound. The Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors do just that. They allow you to listen comfortably for as long as you want while remaining comfortable. Of course, I’m sure there are some who love brain pounding bass all day long, and never get headaches. If that’s you, then the EDC3 are probably not your cup of tea. But if you are looking for a comfortable pair of all day, every day in-ear monitors, make sure you check out the Massdrop x NuForce EDC3 in-ear monitors.
