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.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

A large product picture is placed at the front of the box, right next to the company and Hi-Res logos.

A sticker with a serial number which you can check to see if this is a genuine FiiO product is once again located on the left side.

At the rear you can find the serial numbers and barcoded for the FH3 IEMs along with contact information for FiiO.

Once again FiiO has placed the IEMs in a thick piece of black foam and the rest of the bundle inside a cardboard box.

Aside the FH3 IEMs the bundle also contains a storage plastic case, carrying cloth pouch, cleaning brush, 10 sets of ear tips (11 including the pre-mounted one) and the quick start guide.

THE FH3

By bundling a total of 10 extra sets of ear tips (8 silicon and 2 foam ones) FiiO all but guarantees perfect fit for your ear.

The small fabric carrying pouch has just enough space inside the for the FH3.

On the other hand, the larger plastic storage/carrying case has enough room inside for the FH3 and some ear tips.

The FH3 are currently only available in black color (looks like dark blue at times due to the material used).

These are not just very sturdy enclosures (each weigh 7.3g) but they also look very elegant.

Aside the different color of the copper cable (red/blue) left and right markings are also located just next to the audio exhaust ports.

FiiO has again chosen to use 10mm dynamic drivers made out of beryllium which should produce a good amount of bass.

Using gold plated MMCX connectors for the FH3 was clearly the right choice.

At the end of the 4-strand monocrystalline silver plated copper cable FiiO has placed an industrial grade L-shaped gold-plated 3.5mm plug.

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

Just like with previous IEMs by FiiO the detachable 4-strand monocrystalline silver plated copper cable may not exactly be tangle-proof but it's very durable.

As with past reviews i primarily used the M15 hi-res audio player again by FiiO to test the FH3.

CONCLUSION

   Due to several issues lately i wasn't able to use the FH3 for more than 11 days (with my usual SQ/HQ FLAC collection which includes pop, rock, heavy metal and even instrumental tracks) but these were more than enough for me to understand what target group FiiO is aiming for now. First of all, there are some similarities with the recently reviewed FD1 and more specifically when it comes to bass levels. Now the FH3 may deliver slightly richer/deeper bass levels than the FD1 but even these may not be quite sufficient enough for people who like listening to bass-rich tracks. Again, however the lack of high bass levels allows the FH3 to deliver balance across the spectrum with accurate and crisp highs and mids. Soundstage is also very good (and just a step above what the FD1 produced), yes it may not compete with that of the FA9 (some detail is lost) or the FH7 but we're talking about entirely different class of IEMs so that's to be expected. On the other hand, enclosure quality is pretty much excellent (as is the quality of the monocrystalline silver plated copper cable) and as for comfort well the FH3 even rival the FA9 in that regard.

   Currently retailing for USD129.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 135Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk) the FH3 Hi-Res Triple Driver IEMs by FiiO are right where I’d place them in terms of cost. So, are these the IEMs to get? Well it depends on the whether or not you’d like to have a balanced model that doesn’t really emphasize one specific frequency or one made for at least one specific music genre. Personally, I do like the way the FH3 sound, yes, I’d gladly accept just a tad more bass but it’s obvious that FiiO wanted these to be somewhat neutral. The end result however is very good and certainly deserves the Golden Award.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- Crisp & Accurate Mids / Highs
- Good Bass Levels
- Beryllium Diaphragms
- Knowles Drivers (RAD-33518/ED-30262)
- Plastic Storage Case & Fabric Carrying Case
- 10 Extra Sets of Eartips
- MMCX Gold Plated Connectors
- Industrial Grade L Shaped Mini Jack

CONS

- Only In Black Color
- Was Expecting Slightly Richer Bass