Design & Build Quality
Shell
Recently, Shanling decided to switch from metallic to acrylic. A move initiated by the ME200, followed by the ME700 and completed by the new AE3.
Like most IEM today, the Shanling AE3 shells are 3D-printed to ensure the utmost comfort for users, while maintaining low production cost. Obviously, as an entry-level IEM, the AE3 doesn’t get “skin-friendly medical-grade resin from Germany”, but “standard” resin. Yet, unless you hold both models in hand, I’m pretty sure that you won’t notice the difference.
The shells are fairly small, and that’s a good omen for users intimidated by big chunks, like the ME700. On this aspect, the AE3 are closer to the Audiosense DT200, than any other IEM I recently reviewed (the DT200 remaining the smallest one, yet)
However, what makes the AE3 different from similarly priced competitors remains the stabilized wood faceplate. Embedded into the blue resin, it’s supposed to mimic Van Gogh brushstrokes (!) to give each model, its own identity. A very nice inclusion.
Overall, it’s a very nice IEM and most of all, very well-built.
Build quality
The Shanling AE3 build quality is top-notch, like every product of the brand if you ask me.
The 2-pin, recessed, port fits perfectly, even if I’d have preferred an MMCX one, for durability. Under the resin, you can spot Shanling’s logo, placed upon the stabilized wood we mentioned earlier. Once again, I’m amazed by how far 3D-Printing has advanced: no steps, no shard, no bubbles just one smooth surface all-over the shell.
Also, I have to praise Shanling for the cable provided with the AE3. A nice, quad-core silver-plated, oxygen-free copper one with one of the best sheath I ever saw. Honestly, just for the cable, this in-ear should be worthy of your attention: it’s both supremely light, tangle-free, and perfectly shielded against microphonics.
So yeah, a big Kudo to Shanling for this.
Bundle and Comfort
Inside the box
The Shanling AE3 comes in a medium-sized, white box. The same one we got for the Shanling ME500 Platinum.
In the box you get :
- the Shanling AE3
- a 2-pin Quad-Core silver-plated copper cable
- Six pairs of tips to craft your own sound + one directly fitted to the AE3
- a synthetic leather case, big enough to fit the ME700, an adapter, and a small USB-DAC
Not a big bundle, but the cable is superb, as is the box. If you want more accessories, look out for the FiiO FH3, and its double pouch.
Additional accessories
Honestly, with the AE3, the only upgrade you could make would be to fit a balanced cable, instead of the single-ended one you get.
That said, the best gift you could offer to this model remains a DAP or a DAC.
It could be something as simple as a NuPrime Hi-mDAC or an EarMen Eagle, but at least don’t use your computer headphone out.
Comfort
3D Print + Resin + semi-custom shape = excellent fit.
Unlike the ME700, the Shanling AE3 shells should fit every ear, thanks to their small size. All you have to do is find the right tips, and you’ll be ready to enjoy countless hours of listening. So what you lost in terms of durability, you win it in comfort. Fairtrade.
Of course, the cable is the cherry on top, but I already said enough about that.
So, time to check the specs!
The article continues on Page Three, after the click here
Brian Becker
Thanks for the write-up!
As a lower-end FiiO guy with the EA1, EA3, and FH3, I’ll be looking to change things up, and the AE3 looks good and is priced right to compliment the FiiOs I have. Cheers!
Gordon Shen
Great review!
Can you do the detail comparison to FH3?
Appreciate your help.