Today reviews, I’m going to show you top rated stethoscope comparison Littmann Classic II vs III vs IV.
With three different options varying in design, performance, comfort, accessories, parts, and size – you will have to consider numerous things to pick the right one.
Here we go over each one, their similarities and differences, and let you know which one may be better for you. Don’t hesitate and come to see our Littmann Classic II vs. III vs. IV reviews.
3M Littmann Classic II vs III vs IV Comparison 2023
Looking to get a high-quality stethoscope? Then you need to consider one of the best line-up out there – the Littmann Classic.
| Runner-up | Top Pick | Best For High Performance | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
|
| 3M Littmann Classic II | 3M Littmann Classic III | 3M Littmann Cardiology IV | |
| Ideal For | Diagnosis and Assessment | Diagnosis and Assessment | Cardiology and High Performance |
| Chestpiece | Double Sided | Double Sided | Single Sided |
| Diaphragm | Tunable Diaphragm | Tunable Diaphragm in Each Chestpiece side | Two Tunable Diaphragms |
| Tube Design | Single Lumen Tubing | Single Lumen Tubing | Dual Lumen Tubing |
| Length | 28’’ or 71 cm | 27’’ or 69 cm | 22’’ – 27’’ or 56 cm – 69 cm |
Littmann Classic Stethoscope Design
The design of all the Littmann Classic and Cardiology models are almost the same with only a few differences to remark.
First off, you can find the Littmann Classic III vs IV similar if you don’t know what they offer. As you see, despite the Classic III having a double-sided chestpiece, the single-sided of the Cardiology IV looks almost the same.
Nonetheless, when comparing the Littmann Classic II vs IV, you see a big difference in the design as the double-sided chestpiece of the Classic II comes without a Littmann logo, while the IV does have one of those.
Then we can compare the Littmann Master Classic II vs Classic III, in which we find the Classic II comes with the tunable diaphragm, yet only offers the feature on one side.
The Classic III, on the other hand, provides a single diaphragm but tunable on both sides for superior versatility.
Stethoscope Accessories & Parts
It is necessary to know what parts & accessories make a difference among these devices, so here’s a brief explanation of how they differ.
- Diaphragm
In all three models you have here, you will have the tunable diaphragm design. This 3M invention allows the person using the stethoscope to receive more frequencies and hear more sounds than usual.
The diaphragm is adjustable and only demands a slight pressure on the chest to produce exceptional results. With higher pressure, a higher frequency and better sound the physician will hear.
This way, the clinician won’t have to spend much time trying to find the right pressure or sound in the patient. And with the non-chill design, the patient won’t feel anything more than just a metal thing in his/her chest.
It is critical to note that this tunable diaphragm comes in the two sides in the Cardiology IV model, and only in one side in the Littmann Classic III vs Master II.
- Eartubes
Here, again, all three models on this review come with the same part. There’s no difference between the three, as you will obtain a headset with soft-healing eartips made with black rubber.
This allows excellent sound with an acoustic seal and exceptional comfort for different ears.
The eartips are designed to be pushed to the ear of the user again, as the eartubes have a snapping tension which increases sound effectiveness and increase safety when using.
So, in all three models, the eartubes and eartips may be a problem to take off after use. Luckily, you can adjust the tension to your liking for a more comfortable or easier removal when needed.
- Tubing
When it comes to tubing, you need to always go for the option that provides the most flexibility and durability at the same time. However, it should be excellently made to keep bodily sounds clear enough.
For the Cardiology IV model, you get the dual-lumen tubing design for superior sound production. This dual-lumen model uses no rubber in any way, keeping rubbing distortions away and reducing interference exponentially.
And of course, this tubing is entirely resistant & reliable, maintaining its form for more extended stain-free and overall wear signs.
The two Littman Master Classic II vs Classic III, instead, use a similar type of resilient tubing with excellent flexibility and shape-recording. You won’t have to fear about anything when using.
It provides excellent sound production and still promotes a safer and more resilient experience.
Performance Tests
The performance tests for all three devices were outstanding without a doubt. Each stethoscope produced up to three times a louder and clearer sound than other stethoscopes, and it wasn’t needed much to reach this conclusion.
The Littmann Classic II vs IV, for example, produced up to 20 dB with just a slight pressure on the chest. Instead, most standard brands offered as little as 5 dB only, even with harder pressure when using.
This can be the difference between whispering and talking, and 3M Littmann stethoscopes will always provide the perfect sound experience.
Littmann Classic II vs. III vs. IV Size & Dimensions
Here you’ll see the difference in size and dimensions of all the stethoscopes in the list.
3M Littman Classic II S.E:
This mode comes with a 28-inches size or 71 cm. This means it is large enough to work correctly and improve overall sound response and production.
What’s more, it won’t be a problem to transport and can fit conveniently on the neck of any clinician, especially for its 35 grams weight.
3M Littmann Classic III:
The Classic III is a medium-sized product, slightly smaller than the Classic II S.E, which provides excellent sound transportation without leaving comfort behind.
It works fantastically to hang in the neck and with a 150 grams weight; it doesn’t become a burden to bring it anywhere.
3M Littmann Cardiology IV:
This model, in contrast with the other two, comes in two designs – the pediatric stethoscope design at 22-inches or 56 cm weighing as little as 167 grams.
And the adult model at 27-inches or 69 cm and 177 grams of weight for more comfort.
Customer Feedback Compared
There’s no point of comparison when it comes to customer feedback of these three stethoscopes. All of them come with up to 85% of acceptance from all users, which means they are highly regarded as exceptional, performance-oriented, and durable at the same time.
It is important to highlight that the Cardiology IV model received excellent reviews from most professional users. Most cardiologists who used the device had only lovely things to say about it.
Similarly, with the other two models, physicians, clinicians and most doctors who used them didn’t have many complains, even in the Classic II S.E entry-level option.
Bottom Line – The Winner: Littmann Classic III
Even though the similarities and difference on Littmann Classic II vs III vs IV. were probably unclear in most factors – we can easily say the Littmann Classic III is the best product here.
Why? Simply because having a more comfortable design for less size, exceptional comfort, the really convenient tunable diaphragm on each side, and top-notch single tubing – it goes a little further than other options for a fairer price.
But still, the Littmann Classic II S.E and the Littmann Cardiology IV were outstanding in every way. So don’t hesitate and choose the one you find the most proper for your needs.
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Last Updated on January 1, 2023