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
- Good bass response when a proper seal is achieved with the ears, providing a smooth and rumbly sub-bass with warm male vocals
- Good treble extension with a bit of air, contributing to a wider soundstage
- Standout tonality, timbre, and texture, delivering a sound that is very polished and organic
- High-quality resin earpieces that feel substantial
Product Considerations
- Requires a really good fit or seal to achieve optimal bass response, potentially necessitating tip-rolling
- Detail and separation are not the best, especially for the price
- Lacks extension at both ends, focusing on the mid-bass to lower midrange
- Isolation was not great
- Nozzles are very thick, too thick for many third-party eartips
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Moondrop Variations has a better soundstage
- Isabellae has more soundstage than the Oracle
- The Isabellae is smoother with thicker bass and natural timbre compared to the drier and leaner presentation of the LETSHUOER EJ07M
- The Isabellae is warmer and 'fuzzier' compared to the sharper and more analytical Unique Melody 3DT
- The Isabellae sounds smoother and more mature compared to the 'harder' sound of the Moondrop KATO
Takeaway: The Isabellae is a well-tuned IEM with great vocals and a smooth, warm sound. The IEM is very polished, making it a great option for listeners who want a high-end sound.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Isabellae
reviews
[{"title":"THE HYPE IS REAL?! Oriolus Isabellae IEM Review","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cipQSBl6pJk","source":"Gizaudio","datePublished":"2021"},{"title":"Oriolus Isabellae Review and Impressions *Recommended*","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8c8wYSpGXo","source":"Gizaudio","datePublished":"2022"},{"title":"BQEYZ Winter vs Sonic Memory SM2 vs Isabellae, Jasper, Oxygen - Single DD Middle Weights","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjED__sNeC8","source":"Porta.Fi","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Oriolus Isabellae Review - Japanese Politeness","link":"https://www.audioreviews.org/oriolus-isabellae-review-jk","source":"audioreviews.org","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Product ID: Isabellae
- Body Material: 3D Printing Photopolymer
- Transducer Type: Customized 9.8mm Dynamic Drivers*1
- Sensitivity: 113dB/mW
- Frequency Response: 10Hz〜40kHz
- Impedance: 30Ω
- Cord: High grade pure OFC with silver-plated
- Plug Type: 4.4mm Balanced
Description
The Isabellae developed in year 2021 features a single high efficiency Dynamic Driver created as a collaboration item between Oriolus and Jaben China. The project has been started since the early days of the brand's founding, and it took about seven years until the design gets mature to be released, after countless of trial and error and material testing.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
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:
Select products
Select product comparisons
Traillii Japan Version
- Positioning: The entry-level unit designed for affordability and compactness.
- Description: Features a straightforward design with reliable circuit performance that works well for small rooms and modest sonic goals. Compared to other offerings like Mellianus JP or Isabellae, it offers basic functionality without advanced processing and is best for buyers with tighter budgets and simpler use cases.
Mellianus JP
- Positioning: A mid-range model balancing performance with cost effectiveness.
- Description: Incorporates improved build quality and refined circuit design that delivers clearer sound details for medium-sized spaces. Compared to the entry-level Traillii while not reaching the high-end sophistication of the Monachaa-1, it provides a noticeable step up in technology and sonic refinement.
Monachaa-1
- Positioning: A performance-focused unit aimed at enthusiasts looking for richer sound reproduction.
- Description: Introduces novel signal processing enhancements and a more nuanced circuit layout which offer a marked improvement in dynamic range and clarity. While it outperforms both Traillii and Mellianus in technical complexity, it remains a notch below the advanced features found in the Isabellae and Szalayi series.
Isabellae
- Positioning: A high-end product engineered for advanced audiophiles demanding greater technical performance.
- Description: Brings a refined power management system combined with enhanced signal integrity that suits larger rooms and higher sonic expectations. In comparison with the Monachaa-1 and Mellianus, it offers elevated build quality and more complex internal design while still positioned below the flagship Szalayi in terms of complete functionality.
Szalayi
- Positioning: The flagship offering that features the best available technology in the lineup.
- Description: Uses state-of-the-art components and advanced circuit design to achieve superior sound fidelity, wide soundstage control, and additional functionalities suitable for the most demanding setups. Compared to all others in the range, including Isabellae's high-end performance, Szalayi stands out with the most advanced features for buyers who prioritize maximum technical sophistication and versatility.
See All Products
Avg. Product Price
$501-$1,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
817
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
10
Founding Year
2015
Our take on the brand
Oriolus is a Tokyo-based hifi brand best known for the Traillii IEM, which achieved near-mythic status at ~$6,000 through its unconventional all-balanced-armature design. Using 8 balanced armatures for lows/mids and 4 electrostatics for treble, it delivers unusually natural bass speed and holographic staging. The brand regularly releases Japan-specific editions and focuses on sound-first engineering over flashy packaging.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
.
Brand Page
Used
Oriolus
All of the Brand's Used Products
What if you spend more?
.png){kind=small}
Oriolus
Monachaa
2000
2000
/
3
Reviews
Oriolus is a Tokyo-based hifi brand best known for the Traillii IEM, which achieved near-mythic status at ~$6,000 through its unconventional all-balanced-armature design. Using 8 balanced armatures for lows/mids and 4 electrostatics for treble, it delivers unusually natural bass speed and holographic staging. The brand regularly releases Japan-specific editions and focuses on sound-first engineering over flashy packaging.
Expand Details
.svg)
Product Strengths
- Excellent sub-bass extension
- Very good midrange clarity
- Comfortable fit due to the wide nozzle, and lightweight shell design
- Well-built, and user-friendly cable made by PW Audio ('Ensembl')
- Comes with a very high quality, and useful Van Nuys case
Product Considerations
- Slightly bright mid-treble
- Conservative shell aesthetics
- Overall tone may not work for everyone
- Not a small IEM, it can be a bit bulky
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The reviewer prefers the Kiwi Ears 4 smoothness
- The reviewer prefers the Custom Art for Bray's nice flat mids
- The reviewer prefers the Oriolus Isabellae's mix of amber and wood plates
Takeaway: The Oriolus Monachaa is a quad-dynamic driver IEM with excellent bass and midrange clarity, which provides a comfortable fit. It also comes with a high-quality cable, and a very useful carrying case.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Oriolus is a Tokyo-based hifi brand best known for the Traillii IEM, which achieved near-mythic status at ~$6,000 through its unconventional all-balanced-armature design. Using 8 balanced armatures for lows/mids and 4 electrostatics for treble, it delivers unusually natural bass speed and holographic staging. The brand regularly releases Japan-specific editions and focuses on sound-first engineering over flashy packaging.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=small}
Campfire Audio
Astrolith
2199
2199
/
13
Reviews
Campfire Audio is a hifi headphone brand known for their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for balanced armatures and Solid Body Design that mounts drivers into a single 3D-printed "engine block" to improve tuning and reliability. The brand has pioneered several unique approaches, such as crossoverless dual-planar architecture, beryllium-PVD dynamic diaphragms, and 3D-printed ceramic acoustic structures. Their Andromeda model long held a reputation as a benchmark reference for hifi IEM performance.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Impressive technical performance, clarity, detail retrieval, and resolution due to its planar magnetic drivers.
- Features a new, comfortable, and ergonomic shell design that's also lightweight and durable.
- Includes two upgraded Time Stream Metal cables, providing both 3.5mm and 4.4mm terminations.
- Delivers a strong, extended bass response, with texture and speed, plus a nimble, airy top-end.
- Exhibits a spacious, wide, and holographic soundstage with good imaging and instrument separation.
Product Considerations
- Lower sensitivity might require a dedicated DAP or amplifier for optimal performance, and can sound anemic when paired with just a phone.
- Can be sensitive to source pairings, warmer DACs might wash out the mids and some pairings may bring out sibilance.
- Stock tips might not provide the best seal for everyone, and the stock tip selection is poor.
- Silicone eartips can make the treble sound harsh.
- The mirror-finished stainless steel faceplate is prone to fingerprints and smudges.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Campfire Audio Bonneville: Astrolith has superior mids, clarity, detail and transparency, and better treble extension, articulation, and overall resolution.
- Vs 64 Audio Volür: Astrolith offers bigger bass and a more exciting presentation, as well as faster and more resolving sound, but Volür is more accurate overall.
- Vs. Oriolus Monachaa: Astrolith has a faster and more controlled bass with better texture, a more natural and realistic midrange with a fabulous timbre.
- Vs. Elysian Acoustic Labs Annihilator: Astrolith delivers a more robust and organic mid-range with realistic and natural timbre and more defined lower mids.
Takeaway: The Astrolith is a technically impressive IEM with a comfortable design that delivers a powerful and detailed sound. It could be a great pick for listeners who want high-end sound that can play all kinds of music well.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Campfire Audio is a hifi headphone brand known for their Tuned Acoustic Expansion Chamber (TAEC) for balanced armatures and Solid Body Design that mounts drivers into a single 3D-printed "engine block" to improve tuning and reliability. The brand has pioneered several unique approaches, such as crossoverless dual-planar architecture, beryllium-PVD dynamic diaphragms, and 3D-printed ceramic acoustic structures. Their Andromeda model long held a reputation as a benchmark reference for hifi IEM performance.
Product Page
Product Page
HIFIMAN
Svanar
1999
1999
/
13
Reviews
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Captures the sound of the original Svanar, with a balanced tuning emphasizing bass and treble while maintaining the mids
- Incredible imaging performance, offering a wide, well-rounded, three-dimensional soundstage with excellent positioning and separation—highly competitive, even compared to non-TWS IEMs under $1000
- Has an R2R DAC which permits unreachable technical performance
- Very light and comfortable
- Excellent connectivity and usability
Product Considerations
- LDAC connectivity issues with invasive intermittence and noise cutting
- ANC and Transparency mode aren’t very useful and lack dynamic, delivering leaner dynamic, less musicality
- Plastic build might not be most durable if dropped
- High-frequencies are quite sensible to the source, making it one of the least forgiving TWS
- Hiss is also present
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Svanar Wireless is punchier, with better bass detail and imaging, and a wider soundstage, while the Final ZE8000 has a warmer, more neutral sound
- The Svanar Wireless has stronger imaging performance, a wider soundstage, and a better balance between separation and cohesion
- The Svanar Wireless is superior in technicalities and tonal balance, as well as timbre and tone naturalness, and ultimately musicality
- The Svanar Wireless' soundstage is taller and wider but not as deep, since clarity isn’t as sharp and clean, silence being more "noisy"
- The Svanar Wireless has better sound and performs better technically
- The Sony TWS has bloated bass that overwhelms everything else; in comparison, the soundstage and treble performance of the Svanar Wireless is miles ahead, presenting a much more detailed, natural, and sophisticated kind of sound
Takeaway: The Svanar Wireless sounds impressive for wireless earbuds, and it has great connectivity and features. For those seeking high-end wireless sound, these are worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
HIFIMAN is a hifi brand known for its planar magnetic headphones that use extremely thin diaphragms and acoustically transparent "Stealth Magnets" to reduce sound distortion. The company pioneered high-resolution portable audio players and creates electrostatic headphones that bring high-end sound quality to more accessible price points, as well as widely renowned flagship models such as the Susvara.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=small}
Letshuoer
Cadenza
1999
1999
/
13
Reviews
Letshuoer is a hifi audio brand known for democratizing planar-magnetic IEMs with their S12 model, which brought exceptional technical performance to the $150 price point. The brand sets itself apart through unconventional driver architectures like their proprietary R-Sonic passive filtering module for pressure relief and staging expansion.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Praised for its beautiful design
- Very comfortable, almost expected from an IEM based on resin
- Easy to drive due to its low impedance and high sensitivity
- Provides a lot of clarity
- Has a very natural tonality, even with balanced drivers
Product Considerations
- Its design might be too fragile and prone to scratches
- May lack impact and slam for music with a lot of low-octave focus
- Some amplifiers might not synergize well, needing experimentation
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Moondrop variations, the Cadenza is preferred for its handling of transitions
Takeaway: The Cadenza is a beautiful IEM with great clarity that's also comfortable to wear. It is an easy to drive IEM, with great potential to provide enjoyable listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Letshuoer is a hifi audio brand known for democratizing planar-magnetic IEMs with their S12 model, which brought exceptional technical performance to the $150 price point. The brand sets itself apart through unconventional driver architectures like their proprietary R-Sonic passive filtering module for pressure relief and staging expansion.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
.png){kind=small}
Oriolus
Szalayi
890
/
Released
2022
Szalayi - Oriolus's first planar magnetic 3-way hybrid with a fast 14mm, 2μm thin driver membrane, continuous the brand's tuning methodology to fuse authentic vocal experience with extreme micro-detail retrieval power that could extract all subtleties within the music.
Oriolus is a Tokyo-based hifi brand best known for the Traillii IEM, which achieved near-mythic status at ~$6,000 through its unconventional all-balanced-armature design. Using 8 balanced armatures for lows/mids and 4 electrostatics for treble, it delivers unusually natural bass speed and holographic staging. The brand regularly releases Japan-specific editions and focuses on sound-first engineering over flashy packaging.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Thunderous bass response that goes deep and hits hard
- The mid-range is rich, organic, lush, smooth, clear, and crisp
- It combines three different driver technologies into a cohesive and satisfying sound experience
Product Considerations
- The stock cable is basic and not a keeper
- It lacks a carrying case, which is expected at this price point
- The treble is on the softer side and not the most detailed or resolving
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audio Monarch Mk2, the Szalayi has a more powerful and pronounced bass response, while Monarch Mk2 has a more refined bass representation
Takeaway: The Szalayi is great for those who love bass, but it does not sacrifice a clean and rich mid-range. It sounds like music and is a true gem for music lovers.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Oriolus is a Tokyo-based hifi brand best known for the Traillii IEM, which achieved near-mythic status at ~$6,000 through its unconventional all-balanced-armature design. Using 8 balanced armatures for lows/mids and 4 electrostatics for treble, it delivers unusually natural bass speed and holographic staging. The brand regularly releases Japan-specific editions and focuses on sound-first engineering over flashy packaging.
Product Page
Product Page
Thieaudio
Monarch MKIII
999
/
Released
2023
At their times, the original Monarch and the Monarch MKII set new standards for best-in-class performance in the global IEM industry. Not only did it redefine the price-to-performance bracket, but it forever changed how IEM manufacturers engineer and tune IEM's. Keeping with the times, the Monarch has undergone another revision to revamp its technical and tonal performance.
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Product Page
Product Page
Sennheiser
IE 600
899
/
Released
2022
Simply beautiful sound, and the lengths Sennheiser will go to achieve it — that is the story of the IE 600. These in-ear devices not only reproduce the detail and emotion of a recording, they transcend it. Because each earphone is a masterpiece. From the hand-finished amorphous metal housing to high-end audio components developed and made by Sennheiser, everything is manufactured to the strictest tolerances.
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Agreeable, natural sonic signature
- Sounds very good, feels tough, and comes with most of the accessories needed
- Precision-milled housings follow the company’s IE 900, IE 200, and IE 300 models, shape wise, and therefore comfort wise
- A well-engineered product that sounds excellent
- Measured performance closely aligns with a headphone preference curve, so it sounds excellent
Product Considerations
- Basic silicone eartips that don’t fit everyone
- The MMCX connector is an atypical version that will not work with most other cables
- The texture of the AMLOY-ZR01 finish is not everyone's favorite to wear
- Treble is a bit subdued with cymbals resolving reasonably well, but way behind the IE 900
- Stock tips that come with Sennheiser's earphones are poorly designed; the silicone lacks rigidity to the point of which it more often than not collapses against the ear when one inserts the IEMs, thus making a proper seal very difficult to achieve
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs IE 900: The easier-to-drive IE 900 have a tighter, less thumpy low end and a leaner midrange, which results in better separation between the two, and also in better midrange resolution and clarity
- Vs IE 900: The IE 900 also have a much superior (perceived) treble extension and resolution, and a much wider soundstage
- Vs Final E5000: The final E5000 offer fuller voices, more bass, but less treble than the IE 600, and a narrower stage
- Vs Meze ADVAR: The ADVAR's sound is taller than the IE 600, the latter has more width, and imaging is tight and well-produced in both IEMs, with the IE 600 edging out the ADVAR by the slightest of margins
Takeaway: The IE 600 is a great set of earphones that will appeal to listeners owing to their punchy tonality and is pretty much unparalleled in their class. With the IE 600, listeners get undistorted audio and great isolation, and durable materials that will always sound good.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Product Page
Product Page
.png){kind=small}
Westone Audio
MACH 60
846
/
Released
2022
Its six-driver system delivers a balanced, natural soundstage with crisp highs and detailed mids and lows. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the MACH 60
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Very comfortable, suitable for long listening sessions and wearing in bed, due to its small size, lightweight design, and ergonomic shape
- Delivers a neutral and natural sound presentation, making it appropriate for stage and studio monitoring
- Excellent sound isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
- Good detail retrieval and resolution, presenting information accurately
Product Considerations
- May sound a bit boring or dull if one is looking for a more dynamic and engaging sound with more bass and treble emphasis
- The plastic build quality may not feel as premium as some other IEMs
- Requires a bit more power to drive it to sound best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mach 60 has a more neutral presentation, while ADV M512D is more elevated in the mids and treble and has more bass impact
- Mach 60 is more neutral and natural, while Unique Melody MEST delivers excellent detail and resolution
Takeaway: The Westone Mach 60 is a comfortable and well-built in-ear monitor that delivers a neutral and natural sound, great for musicians and audiophiles looking for an accurate representation of their music. It is a great tool as a stage monitor and comfortable for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
Product Page
Product Page
FIIO
FH9
558
/
Released
2021
FiiO's new flagship hybrid IEMs, the FH9, is the result of two years' worth of intense research on how to fully take advantage of the strengths of hybrid IEMs and push the boundaries of what they can sound like. This 1 dynamic 6 BA driver design (7 in total) features a 2nd generation 13.6mm DLC diaphragm dynamic bass driver fully capable of extending to the lowest frequencies with ample punch. Mid and high frequencies are handled by a custom 6 Knowles BA setup that accurately reproduces every last musical detail.
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Expand Details
Our Summary
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
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Product Page
Product Page
How to buy
Headphones
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
