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.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

A product picture next to the company and Hi-Res logos is located at the front of the box.

The serial number which you can check to see if this is a genuine FiiO product is located on the left side.

At the rear you can find the serial numbers for the product along with contact information for FiiO.

Typically, the earphones are placed in a thick piece of black foam whereas the rest of the bundle is placed inside a cardboard box.

Along with the FD1 IEMs FiiO also packs a storage/carrying plastic case, 6 sets of ear tips (7 including the pre-mounted one) and the quick start guide.

THE FD1

7 sets of ear tips is not something we see a lot and don't forget, good ear fit means both stability and optimal audio results.

The plastic storage/carrying case has just enough room inside for the FD1 and some ear tips.

As you can see from the above picture the 1.2 meter long detachable 4-strand monocrystalline copper cable is not exactly tangle-proof but it's indeed very durable.

The detachable cable uses dual 0.78mm long pins which may not be quite as durable as MMCX connectors but they get the job done.

FiiO has used multiple layers of celluloid for the faceplate and that along with the transparent PC material allow each earbud to weight just 4.5g.

Left and right markings are located just next to the cable ports.

Thanks to the transparent material used you can see most of the interior components used, especially the gold plated retaining ring.

An exhaust port is located right at the center as seen above.

FiiO has used 10mm dynamic drivers made out of beryllium and yes that alone should offer plenty of bass.

The company name is also printed on the y-splitter.

Forgot to mention that at the end of the 1.2 meter long cable we find an 3.5mm L-shaped gold-plated stereo jack.

As with past reviews i primarily used the M15 hi-res audio player by FiiO to test the FD1.

CONCLUSION

   I spend a total 15 days using the FD1 primarily with the M15 and dozens of FLAC tracks from rock oldies to pop and even heavy metal (yes, no classical music this time over). Now since the FD1 feature diaphragms made out of beryllium alloy i was expecting lots of bass just like with the Periodic Audio Be but that wasn't the case. Yes, the FD1 produce lots of bass but not nearly as much and honestly that's a very good thing (always thought the Periodic Audio Be overdid it in that area) since it allows both its accurate and crisp mids and highs to shine as much as possible. Of course, you can't expect the FD1 to surpass the likes of the FA9 again by FiiO or even the Carbon by Periodic Audio (or the Be by Periodic Audio which are obviously made for a specific target group) but the FD1 is without doubt a very balanced IEM which can easily go up against much more expensive models. Just like with the FA9 fit is excellent which means you may actually forget you're wearing the FD1 at times.

   At a very tempting price tag set currently at merely USD59.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and at 61Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) the FD1 Hi-Res Beryllium IEMs by FiiO offer an impressive price/performance ratio. Audio clarity is very good (especially for their price range), bass is plenty and as for build quality the FD1 certainly remind me of models that cost at least twice as much and for all of the above they obviously deserve the Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Crisp & Accurate Mids / Highs
- Bass Levels
- Beryllium Diaphragms
- Plastic Carrying / Storage Case
- 7 Sets of Eartips
- Available in Black & Blue Colors
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- 0.78mm Connectors (Durability?)
- Cable Thickness (Not Tangle Proof)