INTRODUCTION

   When i first started my journey with "modern" PCs in the early 90's the PC industry was so tiny (at least where i lived) that only two types of multimedia speakers were available in the market, mono (single) and stereo (pair). It actually took quite a while for the industry to move from mono and stereo solutions to 2.1 channel and above speakers (mid-late 90's) and as I've mentioned before in my reviews ever since the late 90's I’ve always equipped my systems with 5.1/7.1 surround sound systems, first ready solutions (low-cost, plug and play) and then speaker and A/V amplifier combos/sets. Still the arrival of hi-end gaming soundbars changed all that and even though i still believe 5.1/7.2 surround sound systems are superior, due to space requirements (not to mention all the cables) they are no longer ideal for me. What i certainly never imagined however was moving back to a regular stereo system but the latest SP3 HiFi Desktop Active Speakers by FiiO might actually change that.

   FIIO was established in 2007 and has experience in researching and developing countless portable music products of different types, and sell FIIO-branded products through sales agents worldwide. The brand name FIIO is composed of Fi (fidelity from HiFi) and iO (number 1&0), representing the real feeling and convenient life that digital brings to life. Meanwhile, the Chinese “飞傲” is the transliteration of FIIO, indicating the positive and innovative spirit as thriving as spring. FIIO is focused on product quality, adheres strictly to ISO9001 standards in quality management and works hard to attain the lowest repair-related product returns rate.

   The compact enclosures of the SP3 HiFi Desktop Active Speakers by FiiO (2.35L volume) are made out of pressure die-cast liquid metal for optimal durability and are currently available in black and white color. Inside each enclosure FiiO has squeezed a 3.5-inch (90mm) carbon fiber midwoofer (dual magnet asymmetrical design for maximum performance - 30W output), 1-inch (25mm) silk tweeter (with KSV copper-clad aluminum voice coil - 10W output), 2-way active crossover (3.4KHz), TPA3118 digital audio amplifier (60W each, 120W total), RGB LEDs (24 colors), double diffused S-shaped porting tube, stereo RCA and 3.5mm audio inputs and volume and bass control knobs. Thanks to the 3.5-inch midwoofer & 1-inch silk tweeter the SP3 offer a frequency response of 65Hz-20KHz (Hi-Res certified) with 8 Ohm impedance, 85dB sensitivity and a power output of 80W. FiiO also packs 2 silicon stand pairs with the SP3 one of which offers a 7-degree elevation making it ideal for use on a desk (this is a nearfield speaker set after all). So, time to see just how well the brand new SP3 HiFi Desktop Active Speakers by FiiO really are and whether or not they deserve a spot on your desk.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

At the front of the box FiiO has placed a large picture of both speakers and both the Hi-Res and their logos.

A drawing of the right speaker rear is placed on the right and side and used to showcase all available connectors and controls.

Likewise, another product picture this time of the front is used to showcase the various parts.

Contact information for FiiO is printed at the rear right under yet another product picture.

Packaging is very good with every piece of the bundle inside its own cardboard box and the speakers wrapped inside plastic bags and placed between two foam spacers.

Aside the SP3 speakers and their power adapter with its power cord inside the box you'll also find two silicon stand pairs, braided stereo RCA cable to 3.5mm (gold plated), main and secondary speaker connection braided cable and the quick start guide.

THE SP3

Measuring 120mm in width, 132mm in length and 163mm in height (without a silicon stand) the SP3 HiFi Desktop Active Speakers by FiiO are very compact.

To have a better idea i placed the SP3 right next to the massive in comparison S1000DB by Edifier (205x272x340mm).

The 1-inch silk tweeter is located behind a metal cover for increased protection.

On the other hand, the 3.5-inch carbon fiber midwoofer is exposed in order to produce the best possible audio results (these are not large speakers so it should be fine).

Taking a look at the rear of both speakers we see that only the speaker connection port is available on the left one.

So, at the rear of the right speaker, we find the volume and bass control knobs, input and RGB lighting buttons, L/R selection switch (very useful under certain circumstances, wish more companies had that with their speakers), L/R RCA input ports, 3.5mm input port, on/off power button and the DC in.

If you plan on placing the SP3 on a bookshelf the flat silicon stand would be the ideal choice (adds just 7mm in height so the SP3 now measure 170mm).

Still for the majority who i expect will be placing the SP3 on their desks the 7-degree silicon stand is the one to go with (tallest point is now 182mm).

FiiO claims that the SP3 RGB LEDs can produce 24 different colors but during the 2 weeks i did test them i only counted like 3 single and 2 dual color effects (regardless of the number the SP3 look very nice).

Even though most of the time i used one of my PCs to test the SP3 with movies and games i also used them with the M15 music player again by FiiO.

CONCLUSION

   The first two things i noticed about the SP3 once i took them out of the box was their extremely good build quality (they are made out of metal after all) and their very compact size. Yes, i have seen higher quality and smaller speakers in the past but never both of those things together and this is clearly one of the SP3's strongest selling points. The strongest selling point of the SP3 however is clearly their audio performance which is quite impressive, especially for their size. Mids are very accurate and balanced, highs are crisp and vibrant and as for bass levels, well, they are ok. This is where size comes in and even though for its size the SP3 does well in terms of bass it can’t compete with much larger models, including the S100DB by Edifier showcased in this review. The good news is that the SP3 also do very well in terms of volume levels. Yes, they can’t fill two large rooms for example (again, this is a nearfield speaker set) but for desk use (or even for bookshelf use to fill a single room) they are more than plenty. As mentioned earlier the L/R switch is something that does come handy so i was glad to see FiiO had added that to the SP3 (as was with the RGB lighting and the swappable silicon stands). The ability to choose between black and white is also something i liked a lot especially in a market where some manufacturers think that just black or white are enough. The lack of bluetooth is the only thing about the SP3 i didn’t like and yes for such compact speakers this is a feature that FiiO should had added (hopefully this will be the case with their next speaker set).

   The SP3 HiFi Desktop Active Speakers by FiiO currently retail for USD299.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for around 299Euros inside the EU a price tag which is quite balanced for what you’re getting. Once again FiiO has delivered a very good product to the global market so i was honestly expecting an even higher price tag. Yes, due to their compact size the SP3 might not be perfect but audio performance is nothing short of great and they are ideal for desk use so since they deliver on almost everything, they get the Golden Award.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- Audio Performance (Crisp, Vibrant & Accurate Mids & Highs)
- Volume Levels (For Their Size)
- Active Speakers (120W Total)
- 3.5mm & Stereo RCA Connectivity
- Volume & Bass Control Knobs
- Left / Right Switch (Right Speaker)
- Available In Black & White Colors
- RGB Lighting (24 Colors)

CONS

- Acoustic Controls Location (Side/Front Would Be Ideal)
- Lack Of Bluetooth Connectivity
- Bass Levels (For Some)