Fiio is best-known for its value-focused merchandise, however it has delved into the high-end phase over the past 18 months. The K9 Professional continues to be probably the greatest DACs you should purchase in the present day, and the R7 community streamer is an all-in-one machine that provides an unmatched worth. Whereas Fiio has a number of dozen IEMs on provide, it was lacking a halo product. Till now.
The FX15 makes use of a mix of three drivers — it has a dynamic driver, a balanced armature driver, and an electrostatic driver — and that distinguishes the IEMs from the remainder of the choices within the model’s portfolio. The design can also be distinctive, and Fiio bundles an entire load of equipment with the package deal, however that is not astonishing contemplating these are the model’s flagship IEMs. The FX15 are available for $749 on Amazon and main audio retailers all over the world.
Let’s begin with the design, as a result of there’s quite a bit to speak about on this space. The FX15 characteristic a stunning design that features a frond-like sample across the faceplate, and this makes the IEMs look elegant. The shell is 3D printed and makes use of a photosensitive resin materials, with Fiio noting that it as soon as once more collaborated with HeyGears over the manufacture of the shell.
What stands out in regards to the FX15 is that the shell is definitely see-through, the resin is translucent, and also you get an excellent view of the drivers and the sound tubes. I am a giant fan of merchandise with see-through designs — just like the Nothing Ear (2) and Sharge Storm 2 — and Fiio deserves numerous credit score for the design of the FX15. Photographs do not actually do the product justice; you will want to carry and use the IEMs to actually respect the magnificence of the design.
Going the 3D printing route provides Fiio tighter tolerances and higher consistency, and at simply 6g, they’re extremely gentle as properly. One other distinctive trait is a toggle swap that allows you to disable the electrostatic driver. Fiio says it added the swap so you possibly can clearly make out the nuances which are delivered with the introduction of the electrostatic drivers, and that half is true — switching off the drivers results in a flatter sound that is not anyplace as partaking.
The construct high quality is among the many better of any IEMs I’ve used, together with the $2,299 Letshuoer Cadenza 12 I reviewed a number of months in the past. The design of the IEMs permits the sound nozzle to softly extrude outward, they usually ship a cushty match that does not exert a lot strain even after a number of hours of use.
You get numerous equipment with the FX15; Fiio bundles 19 ear ideas in complete, protecting reminiscence foam, silicone, and the model’s bass and treble-focused variants. You additionally get a cleansing brush, and a high-quality leather-based case. The case by itself prices $15 (the mannequin title is HB5), and Fiio affords probably the greatest bundled cables on this class.
Fiio bundles a high-purity pure silver cable of 224 complete wires which are divided into eight strands, and the Litz-style braid will increase conduction. One of the best half in regards to the cable is that it has interchangeable connectors, so you possibly can simply swap between the single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm ports with the identical cable with none trouble by any means. The cable connects to the IEMs through normal MMCX connectors.
Coming to the sound high quality, Fiio’s IEMs are identified to ship a impartial sound with numerous technicality, and that is no totally different with the FX15. Every earbud makes use of a single 10mm dynamic driver, one Knowles balanced armature driver (ED-29689), and 4 Sonion electrostatic drivers. Fiio says it’s went with 4 electrostatic drivers although they price much more than the others as a result of it needed to spotlight their potential, even when it means shedding out on sensitivity.
As such, the FX15 have a sensitivity of 103dB, and whereas that is nonetheless first rate, you will have an excellent supply to take advantage of out of those IEMs. I used the M15S participant more often than not, however I additionally examined the screens with the BTR7 and BTR5.
The FX15 have a wonderful low-end, delivering bass with loads of vigor and enthusiasm. The sub-bass has nice texture and impression, and if you need a bit extra exaggeration, the bass ideas do a unbelievable job on this space. The bass does not get overbearing, however it has a richer physique than different Fiio IEMs I used.
Mids have good decision and imaging, and vocals come by way of with numerous readability. The tonality is what units the FX15 aside on this class, and the screens are at their greatest when listening to ensemble orchestras with numerous devices. Treble is the place the FX15 actually shine, as that is the place the brand new drivers come into their very own.
The EST drivers present further sparkle and airiness to the treble, and it’s positively noticeable. If you would like a extra balanced sound, you get the power to toggle the EST drivers off, and on this state of affairs, the IEMs use the usual dynamic and the BA drivers. Nevertheless, doing so means you lose numerous the vibrancy.
General, the FX15 are the best-sounding Fiio IEMs by a heady margin. Actually, they’re among the many greatest you get within the sub-$1,000 phase, and that is a sizeable achievement. I just like the design fairly a bit, and although the screens do not use unique supplies like titanium, the 3D printed shells with the see-through aesthetic is a giant differentiator.
You additionally get extra equipment than you will use within the field, and the match is among the many greatest on this phase. Sure, you are paying way more than conventional Fiio IEMs, however you are additionally getting much more to your cash.Â
The FX15 embody a chic design with a 3D-printed shell that has a see-through aesthetic. You get a mix of three sound drivers, and the screens have glorious dynamics and a vibrant sound that lends itself properly to most genres. In brief, these are among the many best-sounding IEMs you get underneath $1,000.