Oppo Pm 3 Review | 93 Data compared

The OPPO HA-2 portable amplifier/DAC and PM-3 headphones deliver exceptional, high-fidelity sound that outperforms significantly more expensive legacy desktop setups at a fraction of the cost. The $399 PM-3 headphones utilize downsized 55mm circular planar magnetic drivers to provide a highly detailed, transparent, and rhythmically propulsive "pepperminty" sound signature characterized by lightning-quick transients and a vast sense of scale. Meanwhile, the $299 leather-wrapped aluminum HA-2 amp/DAC serves as an outstanding partner, utilizing a premium ESS Sabre Reference chip to cleanly decode high-resolution PCM and DSD audio from iPads, laptops, or smartphones while offering 6 to 7 hours of active battery life per charge. Together, they transform casual mobile listening into an immersive, emotionally engaging experience. However, this revealing duo has a few distinct performance and ergonomic limitations. On the positive side, they boast magnificent build quality, excellent external noise isolation due to the PM-3's closed-back design, and an incredibly intuitive, portable form factor. Conversely, their unforgivingly transparent tuning means that compressed popular music or poorly engineered recordings sound bright and harsh rather than warm or relaxed. Furthermore, if pushed past...

The OPPO PM-3 is a closed-back, over-the-ear headphone featuring 55mm circular planar magnetic drivers derived from the company's high-end PM-1 and PM-2 models. Retailing at $399 USD, it features a travel-friendly design that delivers an exceptionally balanced, slightly warm acoustic signature with outstanding midrange detail. Engineered as an efficient, easy-to-drive 26-ohm load, the headphone delivers detailed vocals and snappy treble directly from mobile devices like smartphones, though pairing it with a dedicated amplifier tighter focuses the bass heft and overall dynamics. Visually, the PM-3 excels with premium packaging—including a hard shell denim case—and a sturdy build composed of plush synthetic leather and tight-tolerance components. The core advantages (pros) of the PM-3 include its highly detailed, natural midrange reproduction, effortless treble, and solid, tight bass output that easily rivals dynamic-driver designs. Its lightweight frame (320 grams), moderate clamping force, and excellent external sound isolation provide sustained comfort during prolonged listening sessions. On the downside (cons), the reviewer mentions minor material compromises, such as substituting synthetic leather for real leather and utilizing plastic instead of metal on the driver enclosures. Additionally, while...

The Stereophile review highlights the Oppo PM-3 for its exceptionally neutral sound, offering tight, undistorted bass and a well-behaved midrange. A significant advantage is its ability to scale well with high-end amplification and maintain clean, low-distortion audio at high volumes. Stereophile.comHowever, the closed-back design results in a slightly "closed in" soundstage, and the tuning features a subtle "U-shaped" profile with a rolled-off top octave that some may find initially bland. While dynamics and imaging are considered good, they do not reach the level of top-tier open-back alternatives. Stereophile.comTranscribing...

The Oppo Digital PM-3 is a travel-friendly, closed-back headphone model priced at $399 USD that utilizes a planar-magnetic driver system to deliver a highly detailed, vivid, and exciting sound signature. In terms of pros, the headphones offer excellent detail retrieval across classic-rock and jazz tracks, crisp upper-midrange and lower-treble presence that highlights vocals and instruments, and a punchy, controlled bass response that avoids the booming distortion common to closed-back designs. Physically, they feature plush leather earpads, fold flat for transit, and include a slim 2.25-inch semi-hardshell denim carrying case along with two cables, including one with an inline microphone/remote compatible with iOS and Android devices. Conversely, the PM-3 exhibits notable cons regarding its soundstage scaling, physical weight, and upper-frequency tonal balance. When compared directly to open-back alternatives like the Oppo PM-2, the PM-3 sounds considerably more closed-in, narrowing the perceived acoustic space and sometimes obscuring layered instrumental details. Its lively treble presence can introduce mild sibilance to vocal tracks, and the overall tonal profile leans slightly lightweight in the lowest bass frequencies. Additionally, at 11.7 ounces, the headphones sit slightly...

Head-Fi reviews of the OPPO PM-3 praise its exceptional balance of high-end planar sound, low-distortion, and robust, brushed-aluminum build, making it an ideal closed-back choice for portable use. Users highlight a very clean, precise sound with effective, comfortable passive noise isolation. However, the reviews note that the PM-3 has a slightly rolled-off treble, high clamping force, and significant weight (320g), which may cause discomfort, while also being relatively hard to drive for a portable unit. A major long-term issue cited is the deterioration of the synthetic leather pads and the lack of available official replacements.

The OPPO PM-3 is described as a high-quality, closed-back planar magnetic headphone designed for both home and portable use, boasting exceptional build quality and a lightweight design. It is noted for a clean, fast sound with a surprisingly spacious soundstage for a closed design, complemented by excellent accessories, including a durable travel case. However, the review highlights significant drawbacks, specifically the non-removable, indelible ear pads that pose long-term maintenance issues. While the sound is generally praised, the headphone is noted for a tight clamping force that may be uncomfortable for some, and a slightly forward, polite sound signature that lacks the bass impact desired for a more energetic listening experience.

The Sound & Vision review highlights the Oppo PM-3Go planar magnetic headphones and HA-2 DAC/ampGo as a high-value, portable audio combination, praised for offering high-end sound in a convenient package. The PM-3 headphones provide superior comfort, a closed-back design suitable for public use, and excellent direct-drive performance from smartphones, though they can reveal flaws in lesser recordings and have a snug clamping force. The HA-2 complements this with wide high-res file support and a slim, stylish design, adding depth and soundstage to the listening experience, though it introduces a slight limitation in having to carry an extra device and specialized analog port functionality. Sound & The combination is touted as a, "high-fidelity bargain for mobile listening".

The Oppo PM-3 closed-back planar magnetic headphones are praised for exceptional comfort, featuring effective weight distribution and soft ear pads suitable for extended wear. Key advantages include high-quality build, strong passive isolation, and a comprehensive accessory package with four detachable cables. Sonically, the review highlights a natural, balanced sound signature with commendable bass depth, though the treble is notably restrained. A primary drawback identified is this heavily rolled-off high-frequency response, which may disappoint listeners seeking intense treble detail or excitement.

The Oppo PM-3 is a discontinued yet highly regarded closed-back planar magnetic headphone praised for its exceptional price-to-performance ratio, pristine sound clarity, and robust build quality. It delivers an incredibly detailed audio experience with a tight, deep, and highly articulate bass response that enhances instrument separation without overpowering the mix. The overall sound signature is balanced with a touch of warmth, making it highly versatile across multiple genres like classical, rock, and hip-hop. Architecturally, the headphones feature a premium brushed aluminum design, an efficient 90-degree swiveling ear-cup mechanism, and excellent comfort with perfectly distributed clamping force for long listening sessions. Furthermore, they are highly efficient and easy to drive directly from mobile devices without requiring external amplification. Despite its praise, the reviewer notes several drawbacks, most notably that the synthetic protein leather ear pads are prone to deteriorating and peeling over time, requiring aftermarket replacements. The ear cups also run somewhat small and narrow, which may cause physical discomfort for users with larger ears, and their shallow depth can allow ears to touch the inner driver assembly. Additionally, the synthetic...

The Oppo PM3 is a discontinued closed-back planar magnetic headphone that originally retailed for $399 but now commands $500 to $800 on the used market. In terms of performance and build, it delivers exceptionally low distortion in the bass frequencies, offers very good passive noise isolation that blocks out roughly 80% of external fan noise, and features above-average sensitivity that makes it easy to drive without massive amplification. It provides a luxurious overall feel, highly supple pads, and demonstrates surprisingly close compliance with the Harman preference target curve across the sub-bass and midrange frequencies. However, the reviewer heavily criticized its un-equalised sound profile, noting a bloated and boomy frequency hump between 60 and 300 Hz that overwhelms the overall tonality. This is compounded by a deficiency in the lower treble between 3 and 4 kHz, resulting in a lack of necessary sparkle. Furthermore, the frequency response is described as "dirty" due to numerous resonant peaks at higher frequencies, and getting a proper fit on testing fixtures proved highly variable. While the reviewer only recommends the Oppo PM3 if Parametric Equalization...

The Oppo PM-3 headphonesGo are recognized for their robust, premium build and high-fidelity planar magnetic drivers that provide a balanced, clear sound profile suitable for neutral listening. Their closed-back, comfortable design offers good passive isolation and limits sound leakage, making them ideal for quiet environments or office use. However, the review highlights that poor passive noise isolation makes them unsuitable for commuting in loud environments. Additionally, their 320g weight and propensity to trap heat make them uncomfortable for exercise, while the closed-back design creates a somewhat narrow soundstage with occasional high-frequency sharpness.

The SuperBestAudioFriends review characterizes the Oppo PM-3Go as an engaging, portable planar magnetic headphone featuring a precise, natural midrange and superior technical performance (lower distortion, cleaner transients) compared to its predecessors. Key pros include high-quality build and strong passive isolation, though it faces criticism for having a small soundstage and high clamping force. Conversely, the review identifies major acoustic flaws, specifically a 5 dB upper-midrange dip and a sharp, early treble roll-off that results in a muffled, "sucked-out" sound.

The Oppo PM–3 is a closed–back, compact pair of planar magnetic headphones priced at £349 / $399, designed to offer high-quality audio both in the studio and for portable use. Unlike traditional planar magnetic designs that are bulky and hard to drive, the PM–3s feature highly efficient Neodymium magnets and a low 26Ω impedance, making them easy to power directly from standard mobile devices and laptops without sacrificing volume. They are highly praised for their excellent build quality, stylish aesthetics, and comfortable padded earcups that provide reliable noise isolation during long sessions. Additionally, they come generously equipped with a premium selvedge denim carrying case and four interchangeable cables, including options with built-in microphones for smartphones. Sonically, the reviewer highlights several pros, including a smooth, non-fatiguing sound signature and a rich emphasis on the mid-range spectrum that avoids harsh high-frequency treble spikes. However, the review also notes prominent cons; the headphones are not entirely neutral or revealing compared to similarly priced open-back models, exhibiting a slight upper-midrange boost and a touch of "tubbiness" in the upper bass region. While true sub-bass...

The OPPO PM-3 is a highly refined pair of closed-back, portable headphones that successfully bridge the gap between high-end audiophile performance and mobile convenience. Built with exceptional craftsmanship using a blend of metal and premium leather, these headphones feature a unique 55mm planar magnetic driver design that ensures excellent structural stability and high-fidelity sound reproduction. Their standout sonic characteristic is an incredibly mature, well-balanced, and one-hundred percent neutral sound profile that plays all music genres effortlessly without any aggressive peaks or artificial coloration. Furthermore, with a high sensitivity of 102 dB and a low impedance of 26 ohms, they are incredibly easy to drive, delivering surprisingly stellar, full-bodied audio quality even when paired directly with standard mobile devices or smartphones. Despite their strengths, the review highlights a few specific functional drawbacks. At 320 grams, they are notably heavy for a mobile headset, meaning the weight is immediately felt on the head and requires some adjustment time. Additionally, to achieve excellent passive noise isolation, they feature a tight clamping force of 5 N, which might feel restrictive for some users. The...

Steven Stone’s review in The Absolute Sound highlights the Oppo PM-3 closed-back planar magnetic headphones as a high-value, portable, and comfortable option that offers a significant portion of the flagship PM-1's performance. The headphones are praised for their articulate, natural midrange, clean yet warm bass, and effective passive noise isolation, making them ideal for commuting. However, the review notes that the PM-3 features a deliberately pulled-back upper midrange and lower treble, which provides a forgiving, non-fatiguing sound but results in less sparkle and spaciousness. Compared to higher-end models, they exhibit reduced dynamic contrast and less deep bass extension, yet they remain a stellar choice for on-the-go audiophiles.

Overview and Build Quality The Oppo PM-3 headphones feature the same advanced planar magnetic driver technology as their premium PM-1 and PM-2 counterparts, aiming to deliver higher accuracy and minimal audio distortion. Weighing 320g, they boast a solid, visually striking design that incorporates titanium arms, leather ear-cups, and milled hinges. They provide a firm and comfortable fit, though they can cause ears to heat up during extended sessions. The headphones come packaged with a robust denim carrying pouch and three separate cables optimized for Android, Apple, and home listening setups. Performance and Verdict In terms of audio performance, the PM-3 delivers an insightful, layered presentation backed by a rich, punchy, and tightly controlled bass response. However, they are held back by a lack of overall dynamism, and the higher frequencies lack the sonic finesse and sparkle found in key rivals. While their smooth tonal character handles complex tracks and vocals with impressive organization, it can simultaneously leave instruments like orchestral strings sounding underplayed and subdued. Ultimately, they are highly recommended for their smart appearance and robust build quality, but they...

The Audioholics review highlights the Oppo PM-3 as a high-value, closed-back planar magnetic headphone featuring exceptional build quality, robust brushed aluminum construction, and a luxurious feel. It offers a rare, spacious soundstage for a sealed model with liquid bass and a refined midrange, while the soft, breathable earcups ensure fatigue-free listening. Key criticisms include a high clamping force that feels overly tight out of the box and a intentionally toned-down, warmer treble response that lacks upper-octave extension. Despite these, the review concludes the PM-3 delivers premium performance at a competitive price point.