KZ AM16 VS Tin Hifi C3 MK2

The KZ AM16 is an all-BA in-ear monitor using 8 BA drivers per side (16 total) and offered in two editions—Balanced and Bass-Enhanced. Independent listings and user reviews confirm the per-side driver count, while KZ’s product page quotes a 5–45 kHz response and a standard 0.75 mm 2-pin cable; street pricing typically sits around $57.

Sonically, multiple reviews characterize the AM16 (Balanced) as a V-shaped tuning with a clear sub-bass lift and lively upper-treble, while keeping vocals reasonably intact. This yields engaging punch and sparkle, alongside detail retrieval and imaging that are competitive for the price.

Trade-offs are typical of all-BA bass: texture and slam are clean but less visceral than dynamic-driver peers, and dynamics can feel restrained on dense tracks. Sensitivity/impedance figures (≈104 dB, 22 Ω) make it easy to drive from portable sources; listeners wanting more low-end can opt for the Bass-Enhanced edition. Given its sub-$60 price and technical poise, it’s a strong budget pick, though its score should reflect its class rather than challenge higher-tier models.

The Tin HiFi C3 MKII (often styled “C3 MK2”) is a budget single-dynamic IEM built around a 10 mm LCP diaphragm with a dual-magnetic circuit, housed in lightweight resin shells. Tin HiFi lists a 10–40 kHz response and ≤0.5% THD, and multiple retailers carry it at an MSRP around $49—squarely in entry-level territory (, ). :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Across independent reviews, the C3 MKII’s tonality is described as balanced/neutral with a gentle bass lift and a smooth, non-fatiguing treble; frequency-response measurements corroborate a Harman-leaning slope with restrained upper-treble energy (, , ). The trade-offs are typical for its class: soundstage size and ultimate treble air are modest, while detail retrieval is competent rather than class-defining. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Build quality and comfort are consistently praised, and the set is easy to drive, making it a sensible daily-carry option for casual and portable use (, ). Within strict price-tier scoring, its well-judged tuning earns a strong budget recommendation, but absolute technical performance remains bounded by its single-DD architecture and price. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}