With the Triple Driver BT, 1more delivers in creating a Bluetooth compatible counterpart to the wired E1001 Triple Driver In-Ears. The focus of this model is squarely on mobile use and flexibility, without any real compromise in the sound stakes. It’s particularly convincing when you consider the relatively low asking price. If your smartphone supports LDAC, it’s a definite winner. It’s only the disappointing battery life and current shortfall in app support that detract from the overall quality of this must-have in-ear model.
Manufacturer 1more turns its attentions to sound-savvy listeners with its wireless Triple Driver BT neckband model. As the name of this product suggests, this in-ear model features three drivers on each side. There’s a dynamic three-layer composite element, along with two balanced armature components. This combination is an effective one, working well within the rugged metal housing. To support the assured high sound quality, the headphones offer support for LDAC and AAC high-resolution codecs.
Practical Test
Thanks to a generous selection of nine pairs of ear moulds, these lightweight listeners sit comfortably and securely in the ear of the wearer. The flexible neckband is made of sweat-resistant silicone, with an integrated steel strap providing much needed durability that takes care of strain relief. It also means this device is an ideal candidate for sporting use.
Functions are controlled via control buttons found on the left side of the neckband strap. On the narrow side you’ll find an on/off switch, which can also be used for quick device pairing. There’s also a volume control and multi-functional switch that starts and stops playback, handles phone calls and allows you to skip back and forth between tracks. Finally, there’s also a charging point, which provides connection via USB C.
According to the manufacturer, you can expect a battery life of approximately seven hours – a rather average spec. For charging, there’s an efficient quick-charge function that manages two hours of playing time for just ten minutes of charging. Handily, there’s an automatic switch-off function for longer periods of inactivity.
With a free app for iOS and Android devices, you’re free to update the firmware of the device and install the relevant drivers. The app should also serve as a media player, providing access to stored songs in your smartphone. In addition to playback functionality, there’s a graphic equalizer on hand with ten bands of loudness correction to choose from. Unfortunately, the imported title did not work at the time of testing on our iOS device (version 12.1.4) which is why both sound correction outcomes could not be summarised here.
Finally, the Triple Driver BT has a function called Environmental Noise Cancellation, otherwise known as ‘ENC’. This is designed to reduce the disturbance external noise factors cause when coming into contact with the microphones integrated into the outer housing of these in-ears themselves. This is particularly important as these microphones are of course used for voice reproduction purposes when making phone calls. According to the manufacturer, ENC is not designed as a noise cancelling feature for music use, but rather is to increase the quality of a call for conventional telephony applications. In practice, the application proved itself reasonably sufficient, although a lack of clarity and voice transparency did detract from the overall success of it.
Sound
As far as music reproduction is concerned, it’s quite remarkable what 1more manages to achieve with a product at this price point. I evaluated sound performance with the aid of an iPhone 8 and AAC codec. In theory, it should be the case that performance with a compatible Android device would deliver even better results. This is down to the fact that the LDAC codec offers a significantly higher data rate of up to 990 kbps.
In general, these in-ear headphones offer a high-resolution sound profile that also delivers a balanced frequency spectrum. Dynamics, transparency and mid-range details leave little to be desired for the diehard audiophile, while the reproduction of stereo imaging is equally impressive. Even unwanted harshness is avoided here. Furthermore, the Triple Driver BT delivers a remarkably accurate and detailed low bass. However, it would be wrong to classify these in-ears as neutral in any authentic audiophile sense. The bass sounds a bit too lively and full, although this is certainly a plus when you’re listening on the go for the pure enjoyment of it. A bit of a drawback is the doing away of an aptX codec variant or alternative. In particular, the corresponding low latency codec would have been the icing on the cake here, offering an ideal picture/sound synchronicity for home cinema viewing.
Technical specifications
- Ear couplingIn-ear
- Typeclosed
- Transducer principleTriple-Treiber: 1x dynamisch & 2x Balanced Armature
- Impedance32 ohms
- Weight with cable42,5 g
What's in the box
- 9 pairs of ear tips in different sizes
- USB C charging cable
- Carrying pouch
Special features
- BT codecs: AAC, LDAC
- BT version: 4.2
- BT profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HFP
- Range: 10 m
- Free iOS/Android App