INTRODUCTION

   One of the things i happen to enjoy quite a bit is listening to music just before i go to sleep in order to relax, but since i also like turning the volume all the way up it's not really something i can do with speakers (i may live alone most of the time but there are other houses next to mine). This is also one of the things i do in order to test headphones and headsets and since I’m always looking for something new and improved i happen to enjoy doing that quite a bit as well. Yes, as I’ve pointed out in the past i also enjoy listening to music while using public transportation but i haven't done so since the beginning of this COVID-19 situation. Now with that out of the way as many of you are certainly aware FiiO has been focusing quite a bit in the design, development and manufacture of IEMs (In Ear Monitors) as of late and the FD1 which I’ve been using for just over two weeks now is one of their latest models to hit the market.

   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.

   For the FD1 IEM (currently available in black and blue colors) FiiO has used 10mm beryllium-plated dynamic drivers that feature a frequency response of 10Hz-40kHz (Hi-Res certified) with 32Ohm impedance, 109dB sensitivity and a maximum input power of 100mW. The FD1 is actually the 2nd IEM to arrive in the lab with beryllium based drivers and as I’ve pointed out in the past this is a great choice of material since unlike Aluminum and Titanium it's not only lighter and stiffer (which means it can maintain its structural integrity under load) but it also allows for sound to travel with far higher efficiency. FiiO has also used an N50 two-way magnetic circuit with balanced pressure relief technology (for optimal bass), 1.2 meter long detachable 4-strand monocrystalline copper cable (made out of litz wires with a 2-pin 0.78mm structure), enclosures made out of transparent PC material and a faceplate made out of multiple layers of celluloid.