Would be cheaper if AUD wasn't so shoddy recently but this is the cheapest I've found these to be.
Original Xiaomi Piston 3 Earphones USD $14.89 (~AUD $20) @ GearBest
![](https://files.ozbargain.com.au/g/38.jpg)
Last edited 19/07/2015 - 20:31 by 1 other user
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Ordered, would be nice to see how these compare to the Soundmagic e10
Just to confirm do the v3 have full iPhone controls?
I got caught with the v2 on a site claiming compatibility falsely
Thx
SOn iOS only the middle Stop/ play button works, apparently.
Yep, can confirm having reviewed these recently. Volume doesn't work but you can use the center button to start and stop music. Holding it down also activates Siri.
Mic should work with iPhone and that's it.
These mainly work for android
As far as I know, iOS and Android use different scheme for volume control.
http://android.stackexchange.com/questions/44144/how-to-make…
Price now $19.54 ? That didn't last long.
Price has been like this for a week or more. I didn't realize it was a bargain to be honest. Still showing as US$14.89 for me though.
You switched your price to AUD, change it to USD and you will see the listed price.
Sorry yes somehow went to AUD. Still 14.89 USD. By bad, thanks.
No problems mate! :)
Oh god you scared me, I haven't even bought them yet. Thought price went back up from people here buying it all up.
I got mine from GearBest recently.
While the look, feel and comfort is well above it's price-bracket, and the in-line controls are very discreet along with the cable being less prone to tangles, the sound is decidedly mediocre. Lacking highs, muddy mids, misses a lot of the frequency range with complex metal/orchestral stuff and not enough bass.
They sound a shade better than the bundled earbuds you get with smart phones or MP3 players but they don't compare to what I usually favour: Senny CX870, CXC300, the new CX 3.00 or the Shure SE215s.
The way people rave about these (in a similiar fashion to the absolutely atrocious and dirt-cheap Sennheiser HD201s), I was expecting something phenomenal.
You're comparing $100+ earphones against $14 (technically $20 but same deal) earphones, of course the more expensive ones would be of higher quality and more favourable. I'm upgrading from my crappy Samsung Galaxy Ace earphones so dis gon be good.
You're comparing $100+ earphones against $14 (technically $20 but same deal) earphones
I did that precisely because almost every review I read about these goddamned Xiaomis used the phrase "sounds like stuff that cost $100". My answer is no, no it doesn't. It sounds cheap but the build quality is above average.
From what I read the v2 sound better than the v3
@trumpedup: I heard that as well; along with the opposite. In any case, I doubt the V2s are exponentially better.
I have V2.1 and V3 and the sound quality is about the same, I can't notice any major difference and I'm a bit of an audiophile. I agree they're not as good as $100 earphones, but they certainly blitz everything under about $50.
They are as good or if not slightly better than my sennheisers. I use my sennheisers though as the pistons aren't compatible with my xperia z2 earphone jacks.
I found them to be comparable to the Sennheiser CX300-IIs in terms of sound quality and hopefully far more durable. I actually found the bass good, as it didn't overpower other elements of the track. Although, sound preference is so incredibly subjective.
I must say, using better quality tips on these buds improves the sound considerably IMHO.
I used to sped $100+ on earbuds, but they all ended up breaking or getting lost. These hit the sweet spot for the sound to price ratio. I now have a few (one for the car, one for the work bag, one for the gym bag, etc)…
Any tips on better tips?
I agree with you. Many "reviews" that I've read were more of sales propaganda than anything. I've seen hypes on these Chinese earphones and headphones from the forums that I go to, the hype on Piston 3 were similar to that. "A giant killer that sounds decent that doesn't make your wallet suffer". One of the common response from people that I've seen that made me question things was how "it's going to be good because Piston 2 was good" (I think it's where the most hype's coming from).
That said, I think Piston 3 is one of the best earphones I've owned; It doesn't really mean anything other than Piston 3's alright in its price bracket. I found the bass to be overwhelming (though this might possibly be due to me being used to open headphones that are "relatively flat"). I ended up playing with the equaliser a bit. It works well with equalisers so there is another plus there. If these break down, I wouldn't get another Piston 3 to replace them (I'd probably go for something more flat, purely out of my personal preference), but I still think they are alright for their price.
I disagree.
These are a fun sound, not clinical. They do that well. My favourite IEM's and I've had a few…
Are there any better earphones at this price range (Sub $30)?
Probably the next best thing is in excess of $50.
I don;t think so.
If you can find the Sony MH1s on eBay for $10 (UK sellers), they are a great deal-sound a lot cleaner than the xiaomis (imo). E.g.
http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/Official-Sony-MH1-MH-1-Smart-Headse…
Need an omtp to ctia adapter though which can cost maybe $5 max.
Have a look at options on lendmeyourears.
Thanks FlyingKanga have ordered a pair to try. Also a chance to test out purchasing from GearBest without costing too much.
It's very nice that people also take the time to feedback their experiences with products. Very helpful, thanks.
Does anyone have any experience with their delivery times?
Using free shipping? Maybe start ironing your Christmas Stocking in anticipation as this will sit nicely inside when it arrives on December 2nd.
Thanks. Mine came to $20.21 using 28 degrees.
sweet, just ordered one. paid AUD19.54. Thanks OP.
These are better than the v2.1 in practically every way:
- black/grey. 'nuff said.
- mic is actually within range of your mouth
- Waaaaay more comfortable
- Cord doesn't tangle much
- Changing volume doesn't mute/hang up by accidentally pressing the reverse side of the controlsThe only real negative of v3 over v2.1 is that the buttons are so small and close together it's hard to find by feel at first, and they're too close to your face to see. Also note that v2.1 comes with a clip and v3 doesn't - but I never used it anyway.
For ~$20 they're cheaper and better than replacing your Samsung/HTC/whatever headset when they inevitably die.
Good people, is it normal to not get any purchase acknowledgement email from GearBest? My wife just reckons I'm being premature, again.
No, that's odd. I have received notice both times I have shopped there.
I get an order notice and then a payment received (from Gearbest not PayPal)
Ok thanks for that. Paypal says paid, but nothing at all from GearBest. Have checked the junk emails etc but nothing. Sinking heart, oh dear. Cheers.
As a precaution I decided to contact GearBest directly. They said order is prepared and ready for shipping despite the lack of any emails. So I guess all is good.
Received confirmation email from GearBest and PayPal, the funds haven't been taken from CC/bank yet which seems odd going by my past online purchases, but this is my first purchase from GearBest so not sure.
Anyone got their headphones yet?
Got mine yesterday
Still waiting. Mine's coming by boat… I didn't even know. :/
Got mine today, sound awesome would definitely buy again!
Got mine about 3 or 4 days ago as well, I love em
Spoke too soon mine have become faulty, it started with the right speaker cutting in and out now the right speakers volume is considerably lower than the other. Have raised a ticket with customer support and will have to wait for a response :(
Gina from Gearbest contacted me and she is going to send me a replacement at no extra charge, that is fantastic customer service, very happy :)
Thanks Gina and Gearbest
got mine yesterday, awesome earphones for their price
Thanks OP and GearBest
Bought these earlier on tonight. It works out AU$20.95 with PayPal.