Final introduced the VR3000 in-ear monitor in 2021. It was the first member of the new VR-series, designed specifically for gamers, easily recognized by the microphone on the cable.
Final has developed a proprietary driver that is used in the VR3000: the 6 mm “f-Core DU” driver. This driver is also found in the A-series (A3000, A4000 and A5000).
While the A-series is primarily crafted for music enthusiasts, the VR3000 is specifically engineered with heightened focus on spatial capabilities such as imaging and soundstage. It’s tuned to enhance the realism of gaming and VR experiences, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
THE VR-SERIES
For almost 3 years, the VR3000 was the only VR series earphone. It has now expanded and Final’s VR series currently consists of three models. The latest edition is the VR500, launched in early 2024. It is an ultra-compact ear-canal barrel-type IEM, similar to many of Final’s classic models. The VR2000 and VR3000, on the other hand, are standard-type IEMs that rest in your outer ear. They have identical housings, except for the color. All three VR earphones have tangle-friendly, non-detachable cables with a mic and function button(s) attached and a 4-pole 90-degree 3.5 mm jack.
Even though the VR series IEMs can be used for all types of audio, they are all designed with a primary focus on natural soundstage and imaging. Combined with the microphone and function buttons, this makes them especially suited for use with gaming and VR equipment like Oculus Rift, Sony PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox Series X, and various other platforms.
FINAL VR3000 SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver: 6 mm dynamic driver (f-CORE DU)
- Housing material: ABS thermoplastic
- Sensitivity: 101 db/mw
- Impedance: 18 ohms
- Weight: 20 g
- Cable: 1.2 m non-detachable oxygen-free copper cable
- 3-button controller and microphone
- Angled 4-pole 3.5 mm jack
- Original E-type eartips in five different sizes
Price when reviewed: $79
BUILD AND COMFORT
The VR3000 is made with price and weight in mind, and it’s very straightforward. Extremely light, with a non-detachable cable that includes a mic and a three-button control interface to pause music and adjust volume with compatible equipment. The cable is plain, and to make it sit tight over your ear, you need to attach the supplied ear hooks. I find the VR3000 to fit snugly in the ear; they are among the most comfortable IEMs I have tried.
EAR TIPS
There are 5 sizes of Final’s own E-type quality ear tips included. However, you can use most aftermarket tips if you prefer that. I personally always experiment with different types of tips, and even though the supplied tips are fine, my SpinTip CP100 tips fit me better. The sound is very similar, maybe just a tad warmer, which I find to be a good thing.
LISTENING IMPRESSIONS
GAMES AND MOVIES
I am not a gamer, but nonetheless, I tried out the VR3000 in various gaming scenarios and also watched some movies. The VR3000 has good imaging capabilities, but don’t expect them to revolutionize your experience compared to other good IEMs. Voices are clear, the low-end is full and punchy, and even though they’re somewhat bright, they’re not fatigue-inducingly so, at least for me.
My son, on the other hand, is a gamer, and he was kind enough to give the VR3000 some hours of real gaming time. Usually, he’s using the Audio-Technica ATH-50x over-ear headphone. He did not find the VR3000 to be a step down in terms of audio quality and imaging; they were quite on par, and he found the VR3000 to work very well. They did, however, have less noise isolation than he was used to.
MUSIC
Below are some track-by-track listening impressions, using my desktop rig consisting of the Topping A90 amp and the RME ADI-2 DAC FS. I used the CP100 tips to ensure optimal performance because they fit me the best.
New Life Baby Paris by Mala
Starting out with some challenging bass, the VR3000 impresses. The low end is great: Powerful, deep and controlled.
Jambi by Tool
The drums and bass in the intro are quite powerful. The vocals are articulate enough, and the imaging is good but not spectacular. Sibilance is not bad. This sounds really good: nice full-bodied sounding metal.
The Golden Age by Beck
Crisp guitar, powerful, well-rounded bass. Beck’s vocals are nicely rendered, with some extra crispness but without becoming too bright.
Lazarus by David Bowie
The intro drum is punchy and dynamic, and the bass is quite full-sounding and forceful during the whole track, but Bowie’s vocals are still present enough.
Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
The bass is nicely present, and the piano is somewhat laid back. The vocals are polite but present. It feels very neutral but doesn’t convey the soul of music as well as others.
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
Again, the bass is relatively full sounding. The guitar is crisp, but I’ve heard it rendered sharper. Vocals are nice, but not very warm.
Summer 3 – Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
I think this sounds quite good; there’s some nice bass rumble, and the strings have texture and bite. Imaging is good.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The VR3000 has a V-shaped frequency response with a polite midrange, boosted midbass, and crisp treble.
Treble
The treble is crisp and clear, but less exaggerated than on e.g. the VR2000. Sibilance is mostly not problematic.
Midrange
The midrange is polite but present. It’s very “neutral” sounding; I miss some of the emotional vibes other great IEMs in the sub-$100 range can give.
Bass
The bass is powerful, with a lift in the midbass. It’s got very good definition and impressive detail.
Soundstage and Imaging
To be honest, I was anticipating more in terms of soundstage and imaging, given what the VR3000 is supposed to do. It’s totally fine and above average in the price range, but not spectaculary better than other good IEMs.
Detail, Dynamics and Timbre
Detail is nice for the price, and dynamics are quite good, especially with the help of that mid-bass thump. The midrange isn’t very dynamic, though. The timbre is neutral. I don’t get goosebumps; there are better IEMs for music at this price.
COMPARISONS
FINAL VR2000 vs. VR3000
Final developed the VR2000 as a variant of the VR3000, aiming to enhance the capabilities in areas specifically beneficial for gaming. It emphasizes rapid response, clarity, and accuracy, elevating game audio cues for enhanced noticeability.
They look alike and have the same outer housing and driver, but the VR2000 indeed has even better imaging capabilities. However, it is also brighter and sharper, with less bass presence. If pinpoint imaging is the priority, the VR2000 is better; if you want more low-end rumble, the VR3000 might be the best choice. That being said, in practical use the difference might not be very big for gaming, they’re both good.
Full Comparison here
FINAL VR500 vs VR3000
The VR500 is the smallest of the three VR-series earphones and is, unlike the VR2000 and VR3000, a barrel-type IEM. It also uses a different driver. Sonically, it’s more similar to the VR3000 than the VR2000. Compared to the VR3000, it has less bass quantity and a bit less detail. It only has a single control button on the mic, with no volume buttons.
SIMGOT EM6L vs. VR3000
The EM6L is designed with both gaming and music listening in mind, featuring five drivers per side: one dynamic driver and four balanced armature drivers.
In terms of the all-important imaging capabilities, I find that the EM6L performs close to the VR3000, but not always: The VR3000 sometimes edges ahead.
Tuned to the Harman 2019 curve, the EM6L offers a less V-shaped sound profile compared to the VR3000. It emphasizes a richer midrange and has a less intense treble, delivering a more organic and musical listening experience with smoother detail and dynamics. However, the bass of the EM6L, whilst good, doesn’t quite match the exceptionally detailed bass of the VR3000.
In summary, the EM6L generally is better for music and a balanced music/gaming experience, while the VR3000 is relatively speaking better in gaming applications.
Full EM6L review here
- Buy on Amazon: Simgot EM6L
- Buy on Linsoul: Simgot EM6L
CONCLUSION
The VR3000 prioritizes the attributes essential for superior gaming audio, which is its primary design focus. It particularly excels with impressive imaging and stellar bass performance. While it performs adequately with music, it may not be the top choice for audiophiles seeking a warm and organic musical experience. However, if powerful bass and crisp treble are what you seek, it could serve you well.
Overall, the VR3000 excels in its intended role, delivering excellent sound tailored for video games and VR applications.
Purchase links:
- Amazon: VR3000
- Amazon UK: VR500 , VR2000 , VR3000
- Amazon DE: VR500 / VR2000 / VR3000
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