Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Comfortable fit, suitable for long listening sessions
- Clear and detailed sound, especially in the mids and highs
- Unique and attractive design
- Good build quality for the price
- Easy to drive with various devices
Product Considerations
- Bass response may be lacking for bass-heavy music genres
- The included cable can tangle easily
- Balanced armature drivers are more sensitive to damage from drops
- Treble can be a bit raw and fatiguing for some listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- FA1 has a sound signature more closely matching the reviewer's preferences than the FiiO FH1.
- FA1 has a similar molded in-ear monitor style to the 10 Hertz P4 Pro.
- FA1 has similar detail but less bass than the FIIO FH7.
- FA1 has better build quality and a more solid sound with better bass extension and wider soundstage than the Brainwavz KOEL.
Takeaway: The FiiO FA1 is a great choice for listeners who appreciate clarity and detail in their music and want a comfortable in-ear monitor for extended use. It provides a unique listening experience, making it a valuable addition to any audiophile's collection.
All
FA1
reviews

Manufacturer details
- Single Earbud Weight: 4.5g
- Maximum Input Power: 100mW
- Driver Type: Knowles ED-33357
- Plug Type: 3.5mm
- Sensitivity: 111dB (1kHz@1mW)
- Cord Length: 120cm
- Frequency Response: 20Hz - 40kHz
- Impedance: 15Ω@1kHz
- Headphone Type: Over-the-ear
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- FIIO combines Bluetooth capability, high power output, and a desktop mode in their portable DAC/amp designs.
- They offer a high degree of user customization through their control app, allowing for adjustments such as parametric EQ and device behaviors.
Select products
K7
- Positioning: An all-in-one balanced desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed for affordability and compact convenience.
- Description: Uses THX AAA 788+ amplifier technology and a six-stage audio circuit to provide clean, balanced sound suitable for everyday listening in small room setups. Compared to the other models, its feature set is streamlined without some of the advanced digital processing and power management found in the higher-end products.
K9AKM
- Positioning: A desktop DAC and headphone amplifier built around AKM DAC chips to offer enhanced audio clarity at a moderate price point.
- Description: Focuses on a refined AKM-based design that delivers lower distortion and improved detail over the entry-level K7 while keeping the design compact and easy to use. In comparison with more premium models, it strikes a balance between performance and cost, offering better resolution.
K19
- Positioning: A high-power DAC and headphone amplifier aimed at users who need robust output for driving demanding headphones.
- Description: Incorporates advanced circuitry and a design optimized for high-current performance to maintain clear and natural sound even at louder volumes. Relative to the K7 and K9AKM, the K19 adds more power and precise output control while being less digitally complex than the top-tier models.
K11R2R
- Positioning: A desktop DAC and headphone amplifier that employs a fully differential 24-bit R2R resistor ladder for superior resolution and detail.
- Description: Offers dual NOS and OS modes along with a high-quality electronic volume control to enhance dynamic range and clarity. Compared to the more basic K7 and K9AKM, its advanced resistor architecture and multi-stage power supply deliver lower noise and customizable gain settings.
K17
- Positioning: A high-end desktop DAC and headphone amplifier designed for uncompromising performance and extensive functionality.
- Description: Features a fully discrete amplifier circuit with advanced DSP, dual AK4499 DAC chips, and separate analog/digital circuitry to ensure smooth, natural sound with high output power. In contrast to other products in the lineup, the K17 provides top-tier build quality, multiple protection systems, and an extensive set of digital processing features.
Our take on the brand
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Used
FIIO
What if you spend more?
Product Strengths
- Convincingly balanced sound performance with a slight bass emphasis
- A wide and deep soundstage
- High-quality build, using a titanium housing, making it feel robust
- Good clarity and sparkle in the highs, with a natural and airy treble that feels relaxed
- Comes with a decorative, braided balanced cable made of silver wire, with interchangeable ends
Product Considerations
- A larger earbud which may affect the fit for some users
- A slight emphasis in the bass area and a sober sound, which may be a matter of taste
- Semi-open design is less isolating
- High frequencies might be too elevated for some
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FiiO FH5s: Better bass texture, transparency, resolution, and treble definition, and sounds more cohesive and balanced
- Vs FiiO FH7: Better design, a better carrying case, more accessories, better build quality, better refinement, more resolution, transparency, treble definition, dynamism, and a wider and deeper soundstage
- Vs Kinera Norn: Better mid-range definition, tonality, and transparency, the Norn has a more V-shaped sound signature with splashy and aggressive treble
Takeaway: The FiiO FH9 is a well-crafted IEM with a balanced sound signature and customizable options, making it enjoyable for a wide range of listeners. It has excellent detail retrieval and a wide soundstage that immerses the listener in the music.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Product Strengths
- Excellent selection of eartips ensures a good fit and optimal sound
- The FA19 build is very nice with a premium feel, nice and smooth, and good-looking
- Bass performance is reminiscent of high end dynamic driver setups, while keeping the clarity and speed characteristic of balanced armature drivers
- Provides a very comfortable fit for long listening sessions with a lightweight and ergonomic shell design
Product Considerations
- Treble response may be too spicy for some, requiring EQ adjustments, and some reviewers note the treble is unexceptional for the price range
- The 'HiFi mode' (bass boost) may sound bloated and muddy, compromising clarity and detail
- The cable is a bit stiff, making it springy, which could be a minor inconvenience
- Isolation of outside noises is only okay because there is a vent for the base driver, which lets in a little bit of outside noise
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs 64 Audio U4S: The U4S is better overall, has better balanced bass, more neutral midrange, and smoother treble than the FA19
- Vs Westone Mach-60: The Mach-60 is more neutral with more details and resolution, while the FA19 has a larger and deeper soundstage
- Vs FiiO FX15: FX15 has more pronounced V-shaped tuning with a more detailed and sophisticated treble and brighter sound profile
Takeaway: The FiiO FA19 IEMs are a comfortable set of earphones that come with a great selection of accessories. They offer a good balance of musicality and technical precision making for a great sound experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Plentiful and excellent quality accessories including two carry cases, a wide variety of ear tips, and adjustable filter tips to change the sound signature
- Features an all-metal body, inspiring confidence in its long-term durability, with an ergonomically efficient design suitable for many ears
- Has a neutral-ish sound signature that can extend either way in the sound spectrum, performing well with all genres and sources
- Bass is deep and fast, retaining a lot of detail, and punches hard and rumbles when required
- Mids are prominent, clear, and detailed, highs are crisp and emphasized with a lot of detail
Product Considerations
- The stock cable can be prone to tangling and retains some memory in its form
- The shell is metallic and on the larger side, which might affect the fit for some users
- Sound isolation is below average due to the vents on each earpiece
- Highs can be a little too much with the wrong source, potentially leading to sibilance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FiiO FH5: FH7 is a direct upgrade with better balance in bass regions, crisper treble, more detail, larger soundstage and better imaging
- Vs Campfire Audio Polaris 2: FH7 is more refined and nuanced, with better accuracy and micro-detail retrieval
- Vs Fearless Audio S8Z: FH7 provides more warmth and enhanced low end, whereas S8Z is more revealing and transparent
- Vs Final Audio B3: Both offer similar tonality towards neutral clarity, but the FH7 feels like a B3 with extra fun
Takeaway: The FiiO FH7 is an excellent all-rounder IEM with a robust build, generous accessory set, and a sound signature that can be tweaked to suit various preferences. Its balanced and detailed sound makes it a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- High-quality pure silver cable with swappable plugs
- Many accessories are included, such as a variety of ear tips
- Well-built with a great look
- More natural and organic sounding than other FIIO IEMs
- Good detail retrieval and transparency
- Wide and deep soundstage
Product Considerations
- Requires a lot of power and might need an external amp to get the full experience
- Can have a sibilance peak in the lower treble area
- Treble lacks air and extension
- Bass does not hit as hard
- Mid-bass has a little bit of a tendency to drone
- Fit security might not be the greatest, it might not stay in the ear during activities like talking or chewing
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FD5: More neutral and has better technical performance
- Vs Dunu Zen: The Dunu Zen has more interesting character to the bass
- Vs Sony M7: Has a similar warm, neutral signature but more energy than the M7
Takeaway: The FD7 is a well-built IEM that comes with many accessories and has a natural, detailed sound. If the user likes the FD5 and wants something more refined with a good soundstage, the FD7 is a solid upgrade.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and clean sound, putting plenty of micro-details on the foreground
- Good build quality and comfortable design
- Swappable audio plugs included
- Tuning switches featured
- Open and wide soundstage
Product Considerations
- Treble can be a bit sharp and metallic sounding
- A dedicated DAP, Bluetooth dongle, or external DAC/Amp is needed to shine
- Below-average noise isolation due to its semi-open nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Approaches the FiiO FH7 closely, but is not exactly as punchy and engaging when bass notes are coming to play, FH7 has a better midrange rendition
- The FH5s gives a harder edge to treble notes, but at the same time creates a wider and more spacious soundstage
- The FiiO FD5 emphasizes warmth, smoothness, and a lush sound with prominent bass and midrange, where the FH5S has a more textured midrange, and a cleaner bass with less emphasis
Takeaway: The FiiO FH5S provides an outstanding unboxing experience and impressive features, along with a clear sound. The IEM allows for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-constructed with a nice design, comfortable for long listening sessions with no rough edges
- Versatile IEM suitable for various genres with good sub-bass and treble extension, and uncongested vocals
- Good soundstage, wider than average for IEMs under $150 or even $200
- Package offers great value with a wide selection of ear tips and carry cases
- Good imaging, fast attack, and nuanced texture
Product Considerations
- Mid-bass can feel textureless with weak details
- Some reviewers find the bass boomy, lacking articulation, and being slightly out of balance with the other drivers
- The cable may have a memory, not hanging straight, and being somewhat rubbery/stiff
- Has a more intimate rather than wide-open soundstage
- There is fairly significant driver flex
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the FH5, the FH5 is more detailed, neutral, and cleaner sounding overall, while the FH3 is more V-shaped and fun to listen to
- Compared to the Moondrop Starfield, the FH3 has much stronger imaging and separation, while the Starfield is smoother and more relaxing with a more forward upper mid-range
Takeaway: The FH3 is a great choice if someone wants fun sound and good soundstage in an IEM at a reasonable price. This IEM provides a great listening experience that will not be fatiguing.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Cohesive sound due to single dynamic driver design.
- Nostalgic design reminiscent of 1940s with beautifully built stainless steel and chrome finish.
- Comes with a high-quality 8-core silver coated copper cable with swappable plugs (3.5mm, 2.5mm balanced, 4.4mm Pentaconn).
- Full-bodied and punchy bass, warm and well-defined mids, and smooth, liquid highs.
- Wide soundstage compared to other IEMs, with instruments rendered with natural timbre and great separation.
Product Considerations
- Treble can get shouty and harsh at higher volumes, possibly requiring longer burn-in.
- Stock sound signature is a bass-heavy v-shape, which might veil the mid-range for some listeners.
- Included tri-flange tips and interchangeable tubes may not significantly change the sound.
- Semi-open design offers mediocre isolation, making it unsuitable for very noisy environments.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs FD3: FD5 is a little more refined and has sufficient detail for the price, whereas FD3 is a little too veiled.
- Vs Softears Twilight/Kingfisher: Softears Twilight and Kingfisher completely outperform the FD5 in sheer level of tuning and detail.
- Vs Letshuoer S12: The S12 tunes better with a bass that is just as strong as the FT5, while not bleeding into the mid-range in any way.
- Vs SIVGA Nightingale: The Nightingale has a somewhat larger sound with more air, and the imaging is more precise, but the FD5 has a fuller sounding midrange and stronger midbass presence.
- Vs FiiO FH5S: FD5 is thick, warm, smooth, and lush, the FH5S offers crisper highs, a more textured midrange, and a tighter bass with less fullness.
Takeaway: The FD5 offers a cohesive and nostalgic listening experience. With great build and an included modular cable, this IEM is a good choice for listeners who enjoy a bass-forward sound with musicality.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Well-extended treble
- Good bass extension capability
- Tuning filters to adjust sound signature, though the difference is minimal
- Good detail retrieval
- High-quality accessories
Product Considerations
- Bass bleeds into the lower mids, creating a bloat sensation
- Small vertical soundstage
- Fit security is so-so
- A 2.5mm connector is omitted
- The cable may be a little bit stiff
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Dunu Vulcan: The Dunu Vulcan has the best bass of the bunch
- Vs Zenz Mangard T2: The Zenz Mangard T2 is the most neutral of the three
- Vs FH5S: The FH7S has a better top end than the FH5S
Takeaway: The FH7S is a well-built IEM with good treble tuning, and its bassy sound is fun to listen to. It can be suitable for a wide range of sources, and its head stage is quite wide.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent build with skin-friendly resin making the IEM transparent and solid
- Very comfortable
- Very balanced sound across the whole frequency range, while still sounding energetic, lively, and slightly warm
- Excellent and well-tuned mids; vocals sound very clear and distinct
- Offers a wide selection of accessories including Spin-Fit ear tips and a leather carry case
Product Considerations
- The metal grill or mesh covering on the nozzle can come off
- Silicone tips can create slight pressure in the ear when moving the head, though foam tips resolve this but dampen the highs
- The tuning switches, while effective, can be difficult to adjust without a tool
- The soundstage is not particularly massive or open
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the FiiO FA7, the FA9 has a higher degree of detail, a higher transparency, and a faster pace, while the FA7 has a softer bass, which lingers longer
- Compared to the FiiO FH7, the FA9 has a slightly less sub-bass performance and thump
Takeaway: The Fiio FA9 is a premium IEM that is comfortable, well-built and comes with plenty of accessories. It has a balanced, lively sound that makes music sound great.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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