{"id":135894,"date":"2021-09-03T10:20:08","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T09:20:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techweekmag.com\/?p=135894"},"modified":"2023-10-18T07:20:10","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T06:20:10","slug":"fiio-fd3-review-juicy-and-energetic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/headphones\/fiio-fd3-review-juicy-and-energetic\/","title":{"rendered":"FiiO FD3 : Juicy and energetic"},"content":{"rendered":"

As you know, FiiO’s line of\u00a0FD\u00a0dynamic headphones is\u00a0now the most actively replenished, the fresh flagship FD7 has already been announced, and while we are waiting for it, it makes sense to talk in detail about a more affordable novelty – the wired single-driver model FD3.\u00a0Considering that the junior dynamos\u00a0\u00a0FiiO FD1\u00a0once they suddenly fell in love with me with their sound, now I also hope for pleasant impressions.\u00a0Still, in the audiophile entry-level segment, FiiO retains leadership.\u00a0The price tag of the new FD3 is about $ 120, there is also a Pro version, it is a little more expensive, we will also discuss the differences between them in the article.\u00a0To the point.<\/p>\n

Visual impressions<\/h2>\n

We are greeted by an iridescent magnetic box, rather large for an inexpensive model.\u00a0There is a minimum of information on it, but there are images of some elements of the design of the headphones.\u00a0Inside, in an additional box, there is a rich set of delivery: a plastic case, 3 pairs of\u00a0silicone ear pads\u00a0for balanced flow, 3 pairs for bass, 3 pairs for vocals, 2 pairs of foams, a pair of replaceable sound filters (I will talk about them later), a brush for cleaning and a tool for removing MMCX connectors.<\/p>\n

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As for the latter, it helps, and not only with FiiO headphones.\u00a0Where was he before?\u00a0As an aspiring audiophile in the past, I would have liked to have such a handy little thing.\u00a0Well, in a word, I like the complete set, it turned out great, we were even pampered with bonuses a little.<\/p>\n

Design<\/h2>\n

FiiO FD3 has neat round cases made of aluminum-magnesium alloy.\u00a0By weight, they are light, only 7 g, rather medium in size than compact, but I would not call them too large.\u00a0The smooth silver surface will probably pick up minor scratches, so I recommend storing the earbuds in a case.\u00a0Moreover, CNC processing is combined here with the final manual polishing, this is also an element of premium.\u00a0The assembly is impeccable, no questions asked about it.<\/p>\n

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A separate tempting feature is the unique celluloid panels on faceplates covered with a 2.5D magnifying glass.\u00a0They are decorated in marble, thanks to them the model, for my taste, turned out to be delightfully beautiful.\u00a0I would love to wear these headphones.<\/p>\n

Ergonomics<\/h2>\n

By the way, what about comfort?\u00a0According to this criterion, the hero of the review also became my favorite, the ergonomics made me very happy.\u00a0With almost any ear pads, you can get a reliable, not excessively deep, but tight fit, the model does not get tired for a long listening time, does not interfere and does not press.\u00a0Noise isolation is declared up to 27 dB, but I draw your attention to the fact that FD3 have a semi-open design.\u00a0Accordingly, your music is slightly audible outside, and you can hear the surrounding sounds.\u00a0You know that I still do not like different marketing turns and prefer to call semi-open models simply open, but in this case, such a definition makes sense.\u00a0The headphones really do their best to muffle external noises.\u00a0In a more or less calm atmosphere, they even succeed.<\/p>\n

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It is quite unpretentious here, unlike the\u00a0FiiO FD3 Pro\u00a0version\u00a0, although I will not say that they completely saved on it.\u00a0We have a soft four-core cable of 120 conductors, the material is monocrystalline copper Litz Type 2. The ears are made without memory effect, which is good.\u00a0The plug is unbalanced 3.5, connectors are standard MMCX.\u00a0The lanyard is pleasant to use, it is obedient and not prone to tangling, but its acoustic transparency, of course, is not standard, so for fastidious connoisseurs there is a reason to think about an upgrade.<\/p>\n

Features and compatibility<\/h2>\n

\u2022 Frequency range: from 10 Hz to 40 kHz;
\n\u2022 Sensitivity: 111 dB;
\n\u2022 Resistance: 32 Ohm.<\/p>\n

Well, in terms of frequency, we get a full-fledged Hi-Res, FiiO, of course, have passed the appropriate certification.\u00a0As for the requirements for amplification, the FD3 model will sound noticeably better with a\u00a0Hi-Fi player\u00a0or a\u00a0compact DAC\u00a0than with a smartphone.\u00a0Nevertheless, the driver needs some portion of power for free movement.\u00a0But the headphones aren’t too finicky, this is not the case when a balanced connection is necessary.<\/p>\n

Emitters<\/h2>\n

Newly developed FiiO 12mm drivers with light and rigid DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) diaphragm are used.\u00a0In addition to the well-proven artificial diamond-like carbon, high-quality sound is also built by strong magnets that create a magnetic flux of up to 1.5 Tesla, and ultra-thin aluminum Japanese Daikoku voice coils covered with copper.<\/p>\n

But other technologies are also used in the headphones.\u00a0First, at the front of the sound chamber is a trough with the poetic name “acoustic prism”, which helps propagate sound waves inside the chamber, reducing high-frequency resonances and distortion.
\nSecond, the semi-open design of the FD3 is combined with the brand’s patented air pressure relief technology.\u00a0Thanks to her, the musical handwriting becomes natural and balanced, and the sound waves do not injure the eardrums.\u00a0Something similar, but in a more high-tech implementation, I meet with my\u00a064 Audio tia Fourte\u00a0, and I can say that, in practice, you get madly accustomed to this delicate airiness, which does not tire the ear.<\/p>\n

Thirdly, replaceable filters make it possible to independently customize the sound presentation.\u00a0In the budget segment, this is a rarity, although\u00a0\u00a0iBasso\u00a0\u00a0has already taken a step in this direction, releasing their\u00a0\u00a0IT01X\u00a0.\u00a0But more about them later.\u00a0As for the\u00a0FiiO headphone lineup, we saw the same filters in the current top\u00a0\u00a0FD5\u00a0.\u00a0True, when comparing the FD3, they even win, since they have the same outer diameter of filters; any complete nozzles will fit any pair.\u00a0But the internal diameter of the filters are different – red, narrower, accentuate the bass, and black, wider, pay attention to the high frequencies.\u00a0Being able to choose between them according to your personal preference is great.<\/p>\n

Sound<\/h2>\n

The main testing was carried out on\u00a0\u00a0Astell & Kern A & Ultima SP2000\u00a0, Questyle QPM, Questyle QP1R and\u00a0\u00a0iBasso DX160 players\u00a0.
\nThe presentation of the FD3 is made characteristic of FiiO – in warm colors, with large and voluminous musical images.\u00a0The handwriting of the headphones is neither neutral nor analytical; first of all, drive, exciting gaiety and elastic texture of the acoustic canvas are tightly intertwined in it.\u00a0Another feature is a truly large-scale, wide stage with free positioning of instruments and a clear division of parties.\u00a0FD3 know how to work with both space and musical plot, it is very interesting to listen to them.\u00a0And this amazing openness really sets the model apart from the competition in the budget class.\u00a0If you are close to such a violent, energetic disposition, you will love these headphones.\u00a0They are not picky about the quality of the recording, they are omnivorous in genre, for this they can also be praised.<\/p>\n

Customization<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

For myself, I chose black filters, the FD3 plays with them somewhat drier and faster, the low frequencies become more focused, the middle frequencies are more accurate.\u00a0With red filters, the sound is more dark, imposing, velvety and flesh.\u00a0Personally, I did not like this option at all, but it has its own plus – less aggression on the lower HF, this will suit many.<\/p>\n

Frequencies<\/h2>\n

The bass is massive, soft, percussive and voluminous.\u00a0They have good depth, moderate texture variation and good relief.\u00a0The speed is not exemplary, but, taking into account the swap, it is quite decent.\u00a0The mid sounds tasty and round, the sub remains firm and well-defined, does not smear even on overloaded compositions.\u00a0The attacks are biting, the emphasis on low frequencies adds a pronounced drive to the music.\u00a0The setting is, of course, gustatory, but it is done effectively.<\/p>\n

Medium frequencies are elastic, bright, three-dimensional.\u00a0Their flexibility and free plasticity do not prevent the instruments from maintaining realistic weight, texture and density.\u00a0The timbre is warm, rich, slightly embellished.\u00a0The picture is one-piece, absolutely harmonious, this is the advantage of high-quality one-driver.\u00a0The main stake is made on macrodynamics, although the development of small nuances is at a good level.\u00a0The vocals are juicy, tender and sensual, the emotionality of each track is also perfectly revealed.\u00a0I already wrote about the size of the scene, its scale is definitely impressive.\u00a0Of the minuses – as always, I lacked neutrality, and the palette of timbres could have been more natural.<\/p>\n

High frequencies are voiced, iridescent, slightly emphasized.\u00a0Thanks to their liveliness, the FD3 can handle classics and other acoustic genres with confidence.\u00a0Of course, you shouldn’t expect here the speed of\u00a0armature headphones\u00a0or some fantastic magic of overtones, the range is slightly simplified, but still the attacks are perceived very convincing, and the length of the decays is acceptable.\u00a0Probably, high-frequency phobes should listen to the model before buying, but with the right filters, the spectrum can remain quite comfortable.<\/p>\n

Comparisons<\/h2>\n

Let’s start with the FD3 Pro.\u00a0This model is identical to the FD3 in all respects, except for the drain cable.\u00a0For a cost of about $ 170, the owner of the Pro version will receive an eight-wire silver-plated LC-RE cable with interchangeable 3.5, 2.5 and 4.4 plugs, which gives a good increase in sound quality.\u00a0In my opinion, this is a good buy if you have a Hi-Res player or portable amplifier with a well-implemented balanced output, or if you don’t plan on looking for a suitable replacement cable for an upgrade in the near future.\u00a0On the other hand, for those who already have such a wire in their collection, as well as for those who listen to music through an unbalanced DAC or just from a smartphone, the usual FD3 version is better suited.\u00a0Again, it’s cheaper.<\/p>\n

Moving on to the more budgetary FiiO FD1 headphones.\u00a0As I already wrote, these are my favorites.\u00a0The model has a hammered, clear, slightly lightweight, very detailed and biting sound signature, combining excellent control and dashing drive.\u00a0In terms of resolution, three-dimensionality and dimensions, the FD1 scenes are inferior to the hero of the review, playing less atmospheric and warm, but honest and extremely legible.\u00a0They are more inclined to unravel the web of complex multi-instrumental recordings, finely tracing the relief of bass and chimes of bells, while the FD3 in their engaging manner build a colorful, solid panorama with good melodiousness, density and body.\u00a0Both models are quite bright, but completely different in style.<\/p>\n

Further, apparently, we should make a comparison with the FiiO FD5, but the difference in price between them and the FD3 is too significant, and personally I did not particularly like the FD5 in terms of sound, so let’s continue about the competitors in the class.\u00a0Hybrids\u00a0FiiO FH3\u00a0, in principle, a little like the warmth and musicality to FD3, but they have a little less than the scene is not as lively and expressive middle, while high frequencies, on the contrary, the crystal has a greater and richer.<\/p>\n

Another contender is the iBasso IT01X dynamos. Here you also have the ability to customize the sound using replaceable filters, although their influence, as far as I remember, was weaker.\u00a0In general, the handwriting here is more V-shaped than that of the FD3, but at the same time it is detailed and technical.\u00a0The iBasso headphones give more transparent, caustic treble, emphasize the sub, while slightly holding back the mid, they have a neat, thin, but emotional middle.\u00a0And they are damn critical to the quality of the recording.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\n

This seems to have been expected.\u00a0FiiO has released another hit, and I understand why the audience will be delighted with FD3.\u00a0A large-scale soundstage, juicy and energetic presentation, the possibility of self-tuning, a generous package, an impeccably comfortable fit, an affordable price and an incredibly beautiful design.\u00a0And, of course, there are several technologies that have cunningly crossed over to this model from the flagship.\u00a0So tell me after that that dynamic emitters are now less interesting than\u00a0\u00a0hybrid headphones\u00a0.\u00a0In general, if you choose in-channel channels for $ 100-200, I recommend taking a closer look at the new product.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As you know, FiiO’s line of\u00a0FD\u00a0dynamic headphones is\u00a0now the most actively replenished, the fresh flagship FD7 has already been announced, and while we are waiting for it, it makes sense to talk in detail about a more affordable novelty – the wired single-driver model FD3.\u00a0Considering that the junior dynamos\u00a0\u00a0FiiO FD1\u00a0once they suddenly fell in love […] More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10404,"featured_media":135899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[640],"tags":[778],"class_list":{"0":"post-135894","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-headphones","8":"tag-reviews"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135894","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=135894"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/135894\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/135899"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=135894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=135894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.stereoindex.com\/tech\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=135894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}