Disclaimer:
The following review has been thoughtfully crafted by Mr. Sameer Tangri from Pune, a cherished supporter, customer, and friend of The Audio Store. We express our gratitude to Mr. Sameer for generously sharing his personal insights into the Rhapsodio Supreme v3. It is important to note that this review is entirely unbiased, reflecting Mr. Sameer's genuine experiences and preferences. No benefits or exchanges have influenced the content of this review. His valuable contributions significantly enhance our blog, and we sincerely appreciate his unwavering dedication to the audio enthusiast community.
Introduction: I received the Rhapsodio Supreme v3 as a part of its India tour conducted by Audio Geeks and Sandeep Agrawal. The v3 is a flagship IEM with an Ultamag4G Dual Aluminium Magnetostatic Driver driver and it is priced at $ 6,399.00. Yes, it’s serious gear! Refer to the product link above to understand the technologies at play.
A little about me: I prefer a balanced to warm sound for enjoying my music. I own sets like the 64 Audio Trio, Final A8000, and Thieaudio Monarch MKII. I dislike any one frequency overpowering or dominating all others, be it bass, mids, or the treble. Occasionally, I do also listen to reference/analytical sets with a flat sound signature. I very rarely prefer all-BA setups, no matter how high-end they are. Technicalities and capabilities aside, I always look for an IEM/HP that grabs my attention the moment it starts playing (trust me, IEMs/HPs that really connect with me always make me listen the moment they start playing). An IEM/HP should sound clear, fun, musical, melodious, draw me into the song, and most importantly make me feel the emotions! If a Rs. 1,500/- (USD 18) IEM does this, I buy it too (e.g., the 7HZ Salnotes Zero v1).
Design, build quality, fit, and comfort: The V3 is big and heavy!
With the Canpur CP622B in my ears, it was not possible to look right or left as that IEM protruded out so much that it hit the pillow every time I turned my head slightly to the left or right. While the V3 does not protrude as much as the CP622B, it still does protrude a fair bit. Secondly, I found the V3 to be very heavy. I strongly suspect that if one doesn’t get the fit right, it will keep dropping out of the ears. It happened to me a couple of times when using the M sized ear tips.
This is big and chunky. Also, I felt its presence in my ears continuously and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t ignore the V3’s presence in my ears.
More than its size, I could not really get used to its weight. There’s no way around the weight for me.
Chain-1: HiBy R8 V3’s stock cable (4.4 mm) V3 V3’s stock ear tips (I found my usually size ‘M’ ear tips comfortable).
Test Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/00EerR8pRSZEeU3IfPnPcU?si=0722dd2134e840e7 and other songs.
Brief impressions on the sound quality: I think the best way to start is by saying that the V3 has changed the meaning of these words for me - natural timbre, and cohesive sound. I now realize that while I was using these words before, this IEM has altogether redefined their meaning for me. Right from the first song, I was treated to a sublime balanced sound. All the notes and frequencies are weighted so so perfectly in the mix that it ends up giving out the most natural timbre and cohesive sound I’ve heard till date. If I forget about the V3’s weight, this is an IEM that could be listened to for hours, it’s that kind of a sound. Now I know that I have read this line too multiple times – IEMs can be used for long sessions, non-fatiguing, etc. But really, this IEM has changed it all for me.
I am also finding it hard to convey the sound characteristics, but I’ll try. The bass is there, more when it should be and less when it should be. The sub-bass and mid-bass both I found to be nicely present without muddying the sound. They lend a nice warmth!
Mids are superb with male and female vocals coming across naturally and effortlessly.
Treble is also there in perfect harmony with the bass and mids. Details are presented in the most natural and rounded manner I have heard to date. I cannot in the slightest say the treble is rolled off though. And therein lies the beauty of it all.
All this being said, there is one area I think the V3 could do better in and that is its tuning. After listening to it for some time, I couldn’t help but think that while it’s a natural, cohesive, etc. sound, the V3 is not bringing any of its own character to the table. Dare I say that it may get boring for some listeners after a while. This is the only area regarding which a doubt cropped up in my mind.
Conclusion- Putting aside its weight, this set will appeal to many people for its sound. Then, its price will reduce the group’s count. And then finally, its tuning will narrow it down to the last set of people who will truly appreciate it and want to own it. In my opinion, this is a set with a niche appeal. Listen to it if you can and decide for yourself.
