The FiiO FH19 was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the FiiO FH19 is $599 and you can buy it from here.
FiiO FH19 / Technical highlights
The FH19 replaces the FH9 as FiiO’s flagship in the hybrid a series that features earphones with a mix of dynamic and balanced armature drivers.
The FiiO FH19 combines two dynamic drivers in a push – pull arrangement together with 6 balanced armature drivers. The push – pull technology was developed by FiiO with close collaboration with Tokyo Onkyo and employs two, 13.7mm, high-magnetic dynamic drivers with PU+DLC diaphragms arranged in opposing configuration. Compared to typical dynamic drivers, a push – pull arrangement requires only half the amplitude to achieve the target sound pressure level.
The mid to high frequencies are assigned to six Knowles balanced armature drivers. The mid-frequency driver is developed in close collaboration with FiiO and features acoustic vents strategically positioned at the rear cavity.
Just like the FH9, the FiiO FH19 utilizes a semi-open design specifically tuned to combine with FiiO’s front and rear cavity balanced pressure relief technology. This design effectively protects the eardrum from acoustic pressure while it also enhances the openness of the soundstage.
The FiiO FH19 incorporates many other novel technologies that are described in detail here.
Swappable audio filters
The FiiO FH19 comes with three pairs of swappable audio filters. Each filter has different internal damping and mesh density, allowing to achieve three slightly different sound profiles that we are going to discuss later on.
Updated wearing ergonomics
The FH19 features various enhancements over the previous model that result in improved wearing ergonomics.
Based on user feedback and numerous optimizations, the angle between the ear nozzle and the wearing surface along the Y-axis is precisely 10° while the length of the ear nozzle has remained unchanged.
The FH19 features an entirely new rear cavity design that is more three-dimensional, while ear-friendly protrusions ensure a snug and stable fit by minimizing any unwanted movement.
The brand-new rear cavity design features a slight reduction about 1mm in thickness in the area that corresponds to the fold of the human ear. This structural design significantly reduces the sensation of pressure and compression on the ear caused by the earphones.
Design and build quality
The mid-frame of the FH19 is made from titanium alloy that has a luxurious appearance and a charming black color albeit some people might find it too dark looking. This titanium mid-frame has rigidity and corrosion resistance properties that protect the rest of the earphone’s shell that is made from 7000 series aluminum, a material which ensures a durable and strong shell. The FH19 is exceptionally well made and finished while it has an industrial-like design that gives it a unique and intriguing appearance.
Wearing comfort and isolation
Compared to the FH9, the FH19 features more compact and anatomically shaped ear-shells while it is also less heavy. The FiiO FH19 might be a little bulky and heavier compared to other earphones but it doesn’t protrude too much outside the ears and fits exceptionally well. It feels very comfortable even after hours of use and offers great user experience while it is aesthetically pleasing.
Noise isolation is good despite the semi-open design but not class leading because the ear-shells don’t fit too deep and like a glove. You can take the FiiO FH19 around the town but it is best enjoyed in a quieter environment.
The stock cable
The cable that comes with the FiiO FH19 is made from high-purity, pure silver wires in 8 strands consisting of 28 wires each totaling 224 wires. Each individual wire is insulated with enamel, and the cable is twisted in Litz braids. The outer sheath is made from transparent eco-friendly TPU that is durable and effectively prevents the cable from yellowing over extended use.
The cable features straight, twist-lock swappable plugs and expanded MMCX connectors for better stability. The package includes 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs. This is a well made and durable cable with low microphonic noise, it bends easily and doesn’t get tangled but is a little bulky and heavy.
Accessories
The bundle includes a total of 22 pairs of ear-tips in various shapes and sizes. Except for the usual silicone ear-tips, for boosting the bass or enhancing the vocals, the buyer is also provided with SpinFit and FiiO’s self-made HS18 and HS20 ear-tips. A high quality carrying case with a hexagonal shape is also included together with various other accessories. An all-inclusive package that adds great value to your purchase.
Power requirements
Rated at 16Ω of impedance and 109dB of sensitivity, the FiiO FH19 is easy to drive even from weaker sources. However the source must be of high standards because the FH19 is sensitive to background noise and it also scales very well, taking advantage of higher quality sources. It plays well with USB DAC dongles like the FiiO KA15 and it does even better with DAPs like the FiiO M23 or the iBasso DX180.
Listening impressions
(The general listening impressions apply to the green sound filter)
The FiiO FH19 has an exceptionally balanced tuning where all frequency bands are treated with equal importance. The sub-bass extension is deep but it doesn’t come off as overpowering, the bass is slightly boosted, the mids have solid presence and the treble is vivid but still smooth enough.
The tonality is almost ideal and the FH19 is suitable for listening to all kinds of music, a true all-rounder earphone that is going to make both the discerning audiophiles and the casual audience smile with happiness. The tuning is not strictly speaking neutral, especially when it comes to the low-end, but it still has a compelling tonal accuracy to keep everyone satisfied.
The sub-bass extension is more than enough to reach as low as 20-30Hz without attenuation, it sounds like a well calibrated subwoofer that adds the first octave without appearing dominant. The bass is tilted towards mid-bass but in a gentle manner and with respect to the mid-range. Strictly speaking, it is not a neutrally tuned low-end and the critical listener will find it slightly colored and lacking in precision but not as much to exclude listening to classical music. However, where the FH19 really shines is with all other kinds of music (rock, pop, electronic etc) as it offers a bass intense listening experience without lacking in mid-range presence and treble clarity.
More listening impressions
Technicalities are excellent for the category, the bass is tight and controlled with great definition and layering. It is fast and responsive, punchy and impactful with realistic dynamic contrasts and visceral textures, all while staying free from reverberation and bloating echo. The low-end of the FiiO FH19 strikes the perfect balance between enjoyment and technical prowess while it carefully balances between a reference and a casual attitude.
The mid-range is the star of the show, it has excellent tonal balance and great transparency despite the prominent bass. It is characterized by exceptional sonic coherency, all the way from the lower mids to the upper mid-range that is not emphasized as it usually happens these days. The FH19 is free from sibilance, it doesn’t sound sharp or fatiguing while not lacking at all in definition and resolution.
The textures are lush and weighty but not muddy or thick while the timbre is blooming with colorful harmonies. Tonal accuracy is class-leading, voices and instruments sound alive and strikingly realistic. The FH19 is musical and engaging, melodious and organic, sophisticated and mature, yet fun and youthful.
And some more…
The treble is in balance with the rest of the frequencies to add vividness and air to the presentation without venturing into brightness and sharpness. Just in the right amount to avoid an overly dark and warm sound signature while staying smooth and under control. Some people might consider it as slightly subdued or lacking in sparkle but most others will appreciate its docile character while offering plenty of detail retrieval and resolution.
The textures are full bodied in accordance with the lower frequencies so the treble of the FH19 doesn’t sound paper thin or dry. The pitch is more than acceptable and the overall timbre is quite natural without metallic or “balanced armature” artificiality. As a whole, the tuning of the FiiO FH19 is exceptionally coherent, the drivers are well integrated and don’t sound disconnected or out of phase.
Just like the FH9, the soundstage of the FH19 is extra wide and spacious but also adaptable to the size of the ensemble. And it further surpasses the FH9 in positioning accuracy and depth layering making for an immersive listening experience with plenty of 3D holography and ambient information. The soundstage of the FH19 is truly exceptional and it should be considered as a class leader within its category.
A few notes about the sound filters
The sound filters of the FH19 are quite effectively working and offer three distinct sound profiles that add a welcomed versatility and adaptability to various music genres and listening habits.
The black filter is considered as the balanced one and switching to the red one (bass) results in slightly boosted bass in conjunction with a mild attenuation in the presence area. The sound becomes darker and bass prominent with some loss in clarity and treble energy. Bass technicalities are not that affected and the red filter is a solid choice for anyone seeking for a warmer and bass prominent sound signature.
The green filter (treble) works in the opposite direction as it slightly attenuates the bass while mildly boosting the presence area making for a more balanced tuning. The low-end gains in tonal precision and the treble gets some extra clarity and transparency, the sound becomes energetic and more suitable for critical listening.
Vs the FiiO FH9
The FiiO FH9 is different from the FH19 both when it comes to its aesthetics and sound signature. Slightly bulkier and heavier than the FH19, it is not as comfortable but is more premium looking with a luxurious design that fits better the status of the flagship, at least according to my subjective view.
When it comes to the sound signature, the FH9 represents a classic “V” shaped tuning with boosted bass and treble while not being that shy on the mids. The sub-bass has a deeper extension on the FH9 which manages to sound like having a subwoofer implanted in your ears. The bass is expressed fuller and more powerful in the FH9 but the FH19 surpasses it in technical prowess. The FH9 offers more sparkle and vividness on the treble, the sound is cleaner and more transparent but it flirts with brightness and the timbre is not as natural and organic as in the FH19. The FH9 is a bit more resolving but the FH19 has more refined textures and better tonal coherency. The major difference comes down to the mid-range where it gets the lion’s share and sounds more musical and engaging on the FH19.
In the end, is the FH19 better than the FH9? Well it depends, if tonal balance and coherency as well as natural and organic timbre are your quests, then yes it is. But if you are after thundering and more fun sounding bass while maintaining a good amount of mid-range presence and treble clarity, then you should grab an FH9 while stock still lasts.
In the end
With the FH19, FiiO has managed to create the perfect all-rounder earphone, as it has a tuning suitable for both critical and casual listening while staying technically competent.
The FiiO FH19 has the ideal tonal balance to sound great with everything you throw at it and is also very versatile thanks to the three sound filters that allow for some extra fine-tuning.
Exceptionally well made, especially comfortable despite its size, generously accessorized and rightfully priced, the FiiO FH19 is a solid choice and one of the best offerings available at the time of writing this review.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Bass intense yet balanced tuning
+ Solid sub-bass extension
+ Excellent bass technicalities
+ Exceptionally balanced mid-range
+ Vivid yet smooth treble
+ Natural and organic timbre
+ Very musical and engaging
+ Suitable for all kinds of music and listening habits
+ Wide and immersive soundstage
+ Three audio filters
+ Comfortable despite the size
+ High quality cable with swappable plugs
+ Very well made and generously accessorized
+ Rightfully priced
- The bass is not that neutral for critical listening
- Slightly bulky and heavy ear-shells
- The cable is a bit thick and heavy
- Rather dull appearance
- Will not satisfy treble or bass heads
- Average noise isolation
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