Tascam TH-03 vs. TH-02 (Should you upgrade?)
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The Tascam TH-03 and TH-02 are some of the most affordable headphones around and, as such, it should be understood that they are loved by many people out there. However, what makes them desirable is not just their affordability, it is the fact that the buyers get great quality for paying so little which at first may seem like an impossibility.
In any case, it is important to understand that a lot of people are still caught up as to the best choice between these two and as such we will be comparing them. This will start by briefly introducing each of them.
What is the Tascam TH-03?
The Tascam TH-03 studio headphones offer a great sound as well as stylish comfort. They come with a tightly-stitched, padded headband as well as closed-back design. They are suitable for professionals that work in the studio or individuals that travel frequently due to their portability and foldability.
What is the Tascam TH-02?
TASCAM’s TH-02 closed-back, stylish headphones are some of the best affordable headphones around. The fact that you are paying a small amount to buy will not make it impossible to enjoy relative quality. They have high components that give clear and balanced sound to all kinds of tune.
Side-by-side comparison of the Tascam TH-03 and TH-02
| TH-03 key specifications | TH-02 key specifications | |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 32 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 18 Hz-22 kHz | 18 Hz – 22 kHz |
| Sensitivity | 98dB + 3dB | 98 dB ± 3dB |
| Max Power | 600 mW | 600 mW |
| Cable Length | Approximately 9.8 feet | Approximately 9.8 feet |
| Construction | Closed Back construction that makes for optimal noise isolation | Closed-back dynamic design coupled with a clean sound, rich bass response as well as crisp highs |
| Feature | Adjustable arms to give maximum comfort | |
| Headband | Extremely soft padded headband as well as ear cuffs for extended use | Tightly-stitched and padded Headband as well as ear pads for stylish comfort |
| Foldability | Easy storage and transport due to foldable design | Foldable design for easy storage and compact transport |
| Adapter | 1/8 to 1/4 adapter included for increased audio device compatibility | 1/8” (3.5mm) to 1/4” (6.3mm) Adapter |
| Weight | 15.2 oz | 15 oz |
| Product dimension | 7.30 x 9.95 x 3.80 inches | 7.00 x 3.50 x 8.50 inches |
| Price | Check Latest Price on Amazon | Check Latest Price on Amazon |
Comparative analysis of the features of Tascam TH-03 and TH-02
At this point, we will be taking a deeper insight into the two types of headphones. We will do this by highlighting the quality and discussing how well each set of headphones performs based on their features. We will highlight the relative strength and weaknesses of both headphones and outline the noteworthy improvements (if any) that can be seen in either type of headphones.
Design and Style
The first thing we will be considering here is style and design. In the first instance, the Tascam TH-03 black studio headphones are not that sleek and fashionable. However, one thing about them is that they are made to be highly functional and they hardly ever fail in that department (concerning their price).
Therefore, the features Tascam TH-03 offers you are of superior quality but with far less style compared to the TH-02. The Tascam TH-02, on the other hand, is a closed-back, stylish headphone and as such it is more fashionable than the TH-03 even though that is not the case when it comes to durability. As such, as far as style is concerned, the Tascam TH-02 has the edge.
Sound quality
To many people, the sound production quality is the most important thing when it comes to headphones and while that is debatable, there is a large amount of sense in that. Thus, the second feature we will use to compare these headphones will be sound quality. Tascam TH-03 headphones with their crisp highs and rich bass response give you a decent audio experience alongside comfort and quality.
However, it seems the TH-02 headphones are again the slightly better headphones in this regard. Their sensitivity and frequency response gives you a balanced and clear sound that suits all your favorite tunes, irrespective of application or genre. The Tascam TH-02 are high-powered headphones that deliver clean highs, clear mid-range as well as the rich low end. This is different from what obtains with the TH-03 where the sound can in certain cases be unbalanced. As a result of this flaw, some customers tend to avoid buying TH-03.
Durability
At this point, we cannot help but talk about how durable these headphones are. This is another important feature to help draw out the difference between them. No matter how good the quality of sound production is, if the materials can’t stand the test of time, users will have a problem with the product. Some users complain about the durability of Tascam TH-02. They believe it comes with a cheap build.
There have also been reports by certain users that the TH-02 ear pads started making them uncomfortable after a few hours of use. Even though one wouldn’t expect the best of durability from headphones at the lower rungs of the price range, it could better. A good instance that lends credence to that is the case of the TH-03 which gives you much better durability. The TH-03 headphones come with a stainless steel framework which means they are not only durable, they are still light in weight and easy to wear. The obvious winner here is the TH-03.
Noise Isolation
As far as headphones are concerned, noise isolation is a very important feature as so many customers get put off by headphones that lack it. Interestingly, it seems like there is not much to argue in this regard as the clear winner is the Tascam TH-03. The closed-back headphones come with an earpiece design that eliminates all kinds of interference from outside noise. As a result of this, it is not surprising that it is a good choice for music enthusiasts and professional audio engineers.
On the contrary, Tascam TH-02 headphones don’t have any notable noise isolation feature and this is a major drawback. This means that if you don’t want to be disturbed by surrounding noises while using your headphones or where you want full immersive experience into the audio, TH-02 is not that good as a choice for you. Indeed, TH-03 is a big improvement on TH-02 in this regard which makes it the clear winner.
Comfort
Although we have briefly touched on this particular feature previously, we will still focus on it a bit more here to use it to draw out the difference between these headphones. To start with, the Tascam TH-03 is a good blend of comfort and durability. The headband and earpieces are padded in such a way that they are easy and comfortable to put on. The headphones have plush cushioned ear cuffs as well as a padded headband.
For a set of headphones that cost less than $100, TH-03 is as comfortable as it reasonably can be. Tascam TH-02 is also touted to be quite comfortable for use, with both right and left ear-cuffs that provide complete 90˚ rotation. However, experience has shown that this supposed is questionable. There have been reports by some customers that the TH-02 headphones start to get uncomfortable after a few hours of use.
Compatibility type: Universal compatibility
The type of compatibility is one more factor that we need to consider. Interestingly, it seems that in this aspect, the two types of headphones are even as they both have universal compatibility. If you are using the headphones with the more common 1/8 sized plug such as PC, phone, MP3 player, etc., you are good to go.
In the same vein, if you are using these headphones for the less common, larger 1/4 jack that comes with more complex audio equipment, the headphones will still serve your needs perfectly. All you have to do to get this done is to screw on the adapter to change from 1/8 to 1/4 easily. Due to this, it does not matter if what you want to use it for, you will be fine with either of the two types.
Ease of mobility
The last feature that will be considered here is how easily mobile and portable these headphones are and once again, they are even in this respect. Both Tascam TH-03 and TH-02 are fully adjustable and as such, it is quite easy for you to transport and store them. They both come with a sleek design that enables them to effortlessly fold their earpieces inward and gives you a more compact profile.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, both Tascam TH-03 and TH-02 are decent headphones. However, they have their drawbacks. This is reasonably so because their prices are cheap when compared to some high-end headphones
If you want to choose between these two, the information provided here should be enough to help you decide the one that best suits your specific needs.
