The Final VR3000 is the newest model of IEMs focused on providing a wide and immersive soundstage for gamers in a tiny package. In recent years, we have seen an explosion of IEM popularity in the gaming community. While the small boutique audio brand Final might not turn a lot of heads in the broader gaming community, they have been making excellent IEMs for the last couple of years, and the VR3000 promises to upkeep the excellent reputation that previous models have earned.
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A high-refresh-rate monitor displaying stunning colors is a great way to immerse yourself in a game, but great audio takes gaming to the next level.
Over the last three weeks, I have tested the Final VR3000 as gaming IEMs, playing games like Space Marine II and Alien Isolation to really test the spatial sound capabilities, and just using them as a pair of daily driver headphones.
Final VR3000 Design and First Impressions
- Final VR3000 IEMs
- Extra Eartips
Final doesn’t really focus on its packaging, but as long as the headphones inside deliver excellent performance, they can come in a plain cardboard box, for all I care. Taking the headphones out of the box, the all-black slim design was a little underwhelming, but after taking a closer look, you can start to appreciate the detailed work that has gone into these headphones; plus, not everyone wants a flashy pair of headphones.
When I first picked up the earbuds, the drivers felt super light and made of plastic. However, they seem pretty durable, and I wouldn’t worry about carrying them around with you all day. In defense of Final, these earbuds cost just $84, so I didn’t expect them to be the most premium-feeling earbuds ever.
Despite the Final VR3000’s somewhat disappointing looks, the first sound test made all the nitpicky comments feel pretty silly. We will cover more of the audio performance in depth, but right off the bat, the sound punches way above its weight class; these tiny drivers are pretty impressive.
Final VR3000 Comfort
A lightweight design doesn’t always lead to a premium feel, but in this case, it does make these earbuds incredibly comfortable for long periods. I often wore them passively throughout the day during the testing period, even when music wasn’t playing through them. It is worth noting that choosing the correct size of ear tips makes a big difference in the overall comfort. The over-ear loop makes it a lot easier to find a good fit, but if you can pair that with the right size of ear tips, they feel pretty rock solid in place.
With the wrong-sized ear tips, I did experience a fair amount of movement, which can lead to the driver’s sharper angles poking into the inner ear. This never got to the point where it was painful, more just annoying than anything.
Many IEMs with this design typically opt to use a hard cable cover for the ear hook, which is nice for the most part, but if you wear glasses, this little bit of hard plastic can be pretty annoying to contend with. Thankfully, the Final VR3000 left this bit of cable soft and flexible, so whether you wear glasses or have larger ears, you can easily hook the ear loop around.
Passive isolation is one of the main reasons gamers are all about IEMs, and the Final VR3000 does not disappoint. The driver is large enough to block your ear canal fully without being too large, meaning that it’s a snug fit to complete that seal. It is not to the point where I would feel comfortable recommending using these IEMs as a replacement for earplugs, but if you want that isolation to block out distracting sounds, the VR3000 can handle it.
Final VR3000 Audio Performance
We alluded to the audio performance earlier, but the sound quality, whether you are playing games or listening to music, is easily the most impressive aspect of the VR3000. The 6mm driver Final custom developed and designed for these earbuds has certainly paid off. These drivers are nearly 1/3 of the size you typically find in IEMs like this, but they are easily some of the best-sounding IEMs under $100.
Gaming Performance
Whether gaming with a VR headset or traditional PC gaming, these earbuds sound absolutely stellar, creating an immersive and wide sound stage. I typically lean more towards over-ear headphones or even speaker setups for the most immersive surround sound setup for gaming, but the VR3000 has changed my mind.
Environmental sounds are clear and crisp, and the bass packs enough punch to make explosions feel impactful. Not to mention, the spatial awareness that comes with these headphones is a game changer for competitive games, and even in single-player games the earbuds fully immerse players. There were more than a couple of times while I played Alien Isolation that I got genuinely freaked out thanks to these earbuds.
The one downside is that the microphone is not incredible, but you will still sound intelligible and clear for the most part if you decide to hop on Discord calls with these earbuds.
Music Performance
While these headphones are designed primarily for gaming use, they are also excellent daily drivers for listening to music, podcasts, and even watching movies. That wide soundstage that makes gaming sound so immersive also translates directly to a fantastic music-listening experience.
One of my favorite ways to test the soundstage with headphones is to listen to a live album and see whether you feel like you are in the room with the band, and the VR3000 passed this test. You won’t get the same effect compared to open-back headphones, but for IEMs, the VR3000 puts you right in the center of the mix, with enough clarity to hear individual instruments. While they might not meet some audiophile standards, the VR3000 is a great way to get into HiFi sound at an affordable price. Plus, they are very easy to drive without needing a DAC or Amp.
Is The Final VR3000 Right For You?
The Final VR3000 Is Right For You
While I was skeptical at first, the VR3000 is easily one of my top IEM recommendations now. If you are looking for an affordable pair of earbuds that punches way above its weight class, look no further than the VR3000. The no-nonsense approach to these headphones might not seem appealing from the outside, but that’s only because Final packed all the good stuff inside the earbuds, creating an amazing price-to-performance ratio that is hard to beat.
Alternatives to the Final VR3000 Headhones
Of course, the VR3000 will not be perfect for everyone. For example, if you want a more premium build quality, or a wireless connection option, the VR3000 will not be the best option. If you are looking for a VR audio solution, something like the Soundcore VR P10 might be a better option if you want the freedom of wireless at a similar price point, but you will lose out on sound performance there.
FAQ
Q: Why do audiophiles like IEMs?
Because they are much smaller and more compact than traditional headphones, IEMs offer a similar HiFi sound that can be taken on the go and is much more straightforward than over-ear headphones. Even when used at a desk, IEMs are an excellent option for a more compact audio device.
Q: What is the difference between the Final VR3000 and VR500?
The main difference between these two headphones is that the VR500 uses a more traditional barrel-shaped IEM design compared to the wrapped over-ear design of the VR3000. Secondly, the drivers are slightly different in the VR500 compared to the VR3000, offering a bit more narrow of a soundstage.
