Fiio FD3 Evaluation|driver

We examined the Fiio FD5 earlier this year and loved its big bass as well as effective, detailed sound that likewise worked for video games as a result of its semi-open back design. We weren't alone: the FD5 has been widely acclaimed however at $299, it ran out reach of many consumers. This month, Fiio released its follower, the Fiio FD3. It revives much of what we loved regarding the FD5-- that fantastic single dynamic driver sound as well as wide soundstage for songs and also gaming-- starting at just $99.

Specs .

• Current Cost: $99 Requirement (Amazon), $139 Pro Variation (Amazon.com).
• Chauffeur: 12mm dynamic.
• Driver Finishing: Diamond-like Carbon.
• Layout Principle: Semi-Open Back.
• Front Acoustic Prism.
• Interchangeable Sound Tube (Bass or Treble).
• Insusceptibility: 32Ω.
• Frequency Feedback: 10Hz-40kHz.
• Level of sensitivity: [email shielded] * IEM Material: Aluminum-Magnesium Alloy.
• Link: MMCX.
• Wire:.
• Standard FD3: 4-strand, 120-core high-purity single-crystal copper cable, single-ended 3.5 mm termination.
• FD3 Pro: 8-strand 152-core silver-plated monocrystalline copper cord; interchangeable ends: 3.5 mm single-ended, 2.5 mm, and also 4.4 mm well balanced.

Fiio FD3 - Unboxing and Summary .

The Fiio FD3 is a striking little earphone. Fiio has really gotten on a roll with creating unique styles for its IEMs (like the Dragonscale FH5s) as well as the FD3 is no different. While it includes the exact same circular shape as the FD5, it leaves the polished light weight aluminum style in exchange for marbled faceplates with bronze and also silver-toned accents. Regardless of the differing appearance, each item is milled from an aluminum-magnesium alloy, so it's durable as well as durable. The FD5 was clearly aesthetic in its very own right, but I like the even more complex design of the FD3. It's distinctively gorgeous.

The Fiio FD3 is, basically, a much more economical FD5 which's an excellent thing. It features the exact same 12mm dynamic driver as the FD5 and the very same 1.5 tesla magnetic change, so you can rely on this audio speaker moving a great deal of air and providing a powerful sound. On paper, it includes the very same 10-40,000 Hz frequency feedback, as well as the exact same 16 ohm insusceptibility and also 109dB of sensitivity. Like the FD5, you'll discover that you can easily drive it making use of a smartphone yet that it ranges well with even more power and also greater tier equipment-- consisting of higher output pc gaming PCs, user interfaces, and also desktop computer amp/dac arrangements like the Schiit Fulla.

Big vibrant motorists such as this can sometimes deal with distortion. Being able to drop to reduced, effective bass hit (important for both music and games) and afterwards promptly jump right into in-depth high regularity sound is no small accomplishment, however is an essential capacity for being able to hear all that your resource needs to offer. The answer is to use metallic finishings to the vehicle driver itself, enhancing its tightness and also speed. While the FD5 used a beryllium finish to achieve this, the FD3 uses a diamond-like carbon diaphragm with carbon nanotubes along the edge.

The FD3 embraces other components from the FD5. In front of the motorist is Fiio's exclusive acoustic prism. Before reaching your ear, the sound passes with this filter, and enhances the diffusion between the soundwaves. Around the rear, below the MMCX adapter, is a vented port to lower stress for the listener and also improve soundstage. I find the soundstage enhancement to be somewhat much less than the FD5 where the open-back was actually installed right into the face of the covering.

The Fiio FD3 is available in 2 versions. The common FD3, which I have in for testimonial, retails for $99 as well as includes a basic, 4-strand 3.5 mm copper cable. The Pro variation is the very same earphone yet includes an updated cable with compatible ends, similar to that of the FD5. This cable permits you to unscrew the 3.5 mm termination as well as plug in your choice of 2.5 mm or 4.4 mm well balanced ports. This upgrade increases the price to $139 but is great value as this type of wire alone routinely sells between $50-100.

As common for Fiio products, there's a generous assortment of devices included in package. You have a solid, pelican style case, eight pairs of silicone ear ideas and two sets of memory foam for the ideal sound isolation. These suggestions are broken right into bass, well balanced, and also singing styles based upon the diameter of the inner tube. Surprisingly, the nozzles themselves can be exchanged bent on additional tune the sound. Fiio includes bass as well as treble set that just screw onto the real estates. Like the suggestions, these enhance sound based upon their size. All informed, the enhancements used by the nozzles as well as tips are subtle however when you match bass with bass or treble with singing, it does create a recognizable improvement. I additionally such as that the diameter of the substitute nozzles is the exact same as the originals, so they'll work with any of the consisted of tips instead of the multi-flanged silicones on the FD5.

Fiio FD3 - Fit and also Convenience .

They may not look it, yet the FD3s are a comfortable earphone. Their round form initially looks like it could not rest well, but the internal contouring is exacting and I located them to nestle into my ear comfortably as well as securely, also over multiple hrs of usage. I didn't experience any kind of pain or inner-ear irritability using these earphones.

Fiio FD3 - Paying Attention Impacts .

At just $99 to begin, the FD3 is very outstanding. The sound profile is quite near the FD5. Bass is effective and complete, vocals and also thorough and also sultry, and there's a nice level of detail in the highs. They aren't exactly the same, yet if you were looking for an FD5 without paying such a premium, this comes daringly close. A broader comparison is much more suitable, nevertheless, as this is among the most effective single dynamic driver earphones I have actually listened to at this cost, period. As an all-in-one IEM that you can make use of with your smart device on the go, plug into your laptop for songs or video games, or connected to your great balanced amp, this IEM is up for the obstacle.

Beginning with low-end, this is where you would certainly expect the FD3 to beam and it does not disappoint. Dynamic vehicle drivers are wonderful for bass and also with simply a little of volume, these earphones fill in perfectly. Even paying attention to softer tracks, like the beginning of _ The Light as well as the Glass _ by Coheed and also Cambria, when the bass guitar comes in, the tune has a width and presence that can occasionally be lacking. Add the kick drums in the pre-chorus and they literally seem to thump.

This also makes the earphone enjoyable for gaming as well. There's a precise feeling of impact as well as power behind surges. I was additionally struck by the richness it offered soundtracks that would generally discolor right into the background.

Vocals are rich as well as don't tend right into cruelty, also for greater pitched singers. Vocals and also discussion pop right to the front of the mix, making them much easier to listen to. There's enough information right here that you can plainly hear layered voices (which is much more typical than you might think in tracks!) and consistencies that would certainly or else mix with each other.

Treble information is also good, though falls back contrasted to great balanced armature layouts like the Fiio FH5s. Where that earphone might occasionally sound sharp when played also loud, the FD3 creates a much easier, a lot more relaxed pay attention. Nothing diminishes or decays unnaturally, however, which brings about a more natural sound trademark.

Transforming tubes improves this rather. As you can see in the frequency action graph over, the treble nozzles raise the action between 2-10kHz, which additionally encompasses some mid-level information. To my ear, this really did not result in violence as the increase is fairly small in technique. Still, for an extra specified u-shaped tuning, these nozzles open the door to boosted mid and high-frequency detail.

For gamers, the boosted low-end feedback may be appealing however wouldn't imply much if that's all the FD3 offered. Even though they're a terrific suitable for the robust while gaming, the bass doesn't diminish the mids or highs. There is absolutely nothing muddy regarding these earphones which low-end exists _ alongside _ the various other details, not _ on leading _ of them.

Lastly, like the FD5, the soundstage here is impressive and outshines closed-back IEMs for an extra out of the head sound. The general discussion is still more intimate than an open-back headset and even the FD5 appropriate, yet the FD3 still provides a great sense of space and also splitting up between audios. As I mentioned previously, I think the minor reduction in area is associated with the setting of the vents. They still bleed a bit extra sound, and let much more in, than true closed-back earphones but it's extremely small general. I would certainly have no concern putting on these in a workplace setup if there was any kind of other bordering noise.

Last Thoughts .

The Fiio FD3 is an exceptional value and is a happiness to listen to. Whether you're going with the single-ended common variation or the compatible cable of the Pro version, it outmatches its price point soundly. If you remain in the market for a full-bodied, single dynamic driver IEM and don't intend to spend a lot, this is a superb selection for video gaming and also music alike.

_ The product defined in this short article was supplied by the supplier for evaluation objectives. _.