Aune AR3000 Open-Back Headphones Launch at $249

The Aune AR3000 launched globally today (October 27) as the brand’s most affordable over-ear headphone model. Priced below US$300, the AR3000 has received considerable praise from specialist reviewers since being showcased at audio events over the past few months. Although its body is not made entirely of metal like that of the AR9000, it is well designed and does not suffer from the headband defect found in the AR5000. However, the AR3000’s main strength is its sound, which combines excellent tonal balance, natural timbre, nonaggressive treble, and a spacious soundstage.

The AR3000 delivers performance comparable to the AR9000 at one-fifth the price

According to the reviewers at The Headphone Show on YouTube, the Aune AR3000 delivers performance comparable to that of the AR9000, the brand’s flagship model. They identify the midbass region as the main difference, describing it as “neutral” on the AR9000.

On the AR3000, the bass is more prominent than The Headphone Show reviewers consider “natural.” Nevertheless, they describe the AR3000’s midrange and treble as excellent. The treble received particular praise, as none of the reviewers found it bothersome across different musical genres.

Because of its greater bass emphasis, the AR3000’s sound signature was classified as “warm.” However, if you prefer a less warm presentation, simply reduce the bass using an equalizer to achieve a sound that suits your preferences.

The headband issue found in the original AR5000 is no longer present

The first version of the Aune AR5000 has a recurring headband issue involving cracks that develop for no apparent reason. According to the manufacturer, however, neither the AR5000 MKII, released in April of this year, nor the AR3000 suffers from this problem. Hi-Fi Hub previously covered the issue in its article announcing the second-generation AR5000.

AR3000 comfort

Weighing just 300 g and featuring earpads made of breathable fabric with memory foam, the AR3000 offers an excellent level of comfort. According to The Headphone Show reviewers, the headband is sufficiently wide, even for larger heads, resulting in less pressure. The earpads also provide ample internal space, comfortably accommodating users with larger ears.

The AR3000 is not difficult to drive adequately

With an impedance of 27 Ω and a sensitivity of 115 dB/Vrms, the AR3000 is not particularly difficult to drive. Nevertheless, Aune includes both a cable with a 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) plug and a cable with a 4.4 mm balanced plug. This gives users the flexibility to connect the AR3000 to any device.

The Aune AR3000’s frequency response curve

Below is the Aune AR3000’s frequency response curve, measured by The Headphone Show reviewers using the B&K 5128 and GRAS 43AG-7.

Aune AR3000: Specifications

• Box dimensions: 210 × 224 × 124 mm
• Cable conductor material: Oxygen-free copper (OFC)
• Cable length: 1.5 m
• Cable plugs: 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm
• Drivers per side: One dynamic driver (DD) with a 50 mm titanium-coated diaphragm
• Earpad material: Breathable fabric with memory foam
• Frequency range: 5–40,000 Hz
• Gross weight: 840 g
• Headphone connectors: 3.5 mm on both sides
• Headphone dimensions: 220 × 195 × 115 mm
• Headphone net weight: 300 g
• Headphone type: Open-back over-ear
• Nominal impedance: 27 Ω
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz/1 Vrms: 115 dB SPL
• Total harmonic distortion (THD) at 1 kHz: < 0.1%

What is included in the Aune AR3000 box?

The following items are included in the Aune AR3000 box:

• 1.5 m oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable with a 3.5 mm single-ended (SE) plug
• 1.5 m oxygen-free copper (OFC) cable with a 4.4 mm balanced plug
• 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm adapter
• Aune AR3000 headphones
• Quick start guide

Release, pricing, and availability

The Aune AR3000 is now available for purchase globally for €239.00 from the Aune Store and US$249 from Headphones.com.