INTRODUCTION

   When out looking to get a new pair of IEMs (in-ear monitors) it really helps to know beforehand which music genre you'll be using them with the most. Leaving out some high-end IEM's like the FA9 by FiiO which allow the end user to "tweak" their frequencies (to a point) in order to fit their individual tastes every other model in the market is tailored for one or more music genre/s. So, some may focus in mids, others in highs, others in lows/bass and others in two of these at the same time. Yes, you can partially overcome this by using a software equalizer to boost and lower frequencies but partially is never optimal. The new FH3 Hybrid Earphones by FiiO aim to deliver a balanced acoustic performance across the board and that's what today's review is all about.

   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.

   Just like with the FD1 IEM (review here) for the FH3 FiiO has used 10mm beryllium-plated dynamic drivers (1 in each earphone) that feature a frequency response of 10Hz-40kHz (Hi-Res certified) with 24Ohm impedance, 114dB sensitivity and a maximum input power of 100mW. Now as I’ve pointed out in previous reviews Beryllium makes a fine material choice since unlike Aluminum and Titanium it's not only lighter and stiffer (that allows it to maintain its structural integrity under load) but sound also travels with far higher efficiency. Unlike the FD1 however for the FH3 FiiO also squeezed 2 BA Knowles drivers (RAD-33518/ED-30262) in each earphone thanks to which these IEMs can produce clearer and smoother highs, crisper vocals and a wider soundstage. The 3rd generation industrial (design based on scanning data from thousands of ears) enclosure of both earbuds is made out of aerospace-grade aluminum-magnesium material and as for "secondary" features FiiO has used 3-way electronic crossovers, turbine inspired sound tubes (which according to them filter unwanted highs and boost bass levels) and a 1.2 meter long detachable 4-strand monocrystalline silver plated copper cable (96 strands in total featuring gold plated MMCX connectors). So, let's move forward with today’s review and see what the new FH3 are capable of.