The FiiO FX15 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 FX15 is $749 and you can buy it from FiiO.eu.
FiiO FX15 Review
FiiO is renowned for its exceptional knowledge and experience in the realm of in-ear monitors. Their vast range comprises numerous models featuring diverse driver setups and price points. Starting from the JD3, an entry-level 1DD FiiO, to their former flagship, the FH9 boasting 1DD+6BA, the brand has consistently delivered unparalleled quality. However, now they have introduced the FX15, their latest flagship. This remarkable earphone marks FiiO’s first foray into the tribrid category, boasting the inclusion of electrostatic drivers.
Technical highlights
The FiiO FX15 is a unique tribrid earphone, featuring one dynamic driver (1DD), one balanced armature driver (1BA), and four electrostatic drivers. This makes it the first of its kind produced by FiiO.
To ensure exceptional low-frequency performance, the FX15 incorporates a 10mm DLC dynamic driver known for its high rigidity and damping coefficient. The R&D team went the extra mile by redesigning the structure of the dynamic driver to achieve optimal harmony with the BA and electrostatic drivers. Additionally, each earpiece is equipped with a vent to alleviate internal pressure, providing a fatigue-free listening experience.
For the mids and lower treble frequencies, the FX15 utilizes the renowned Knowles ED-29689 balanced armature driver. The R&D team took measures to reduce the sensitivity of this BA driver through shell design and other methods. This ensures that the BA and electrostatic drivers can output their respective frequency ranges without any interference.
The true stars of the FX15 are the four electrostatic drivers developed by Sonion, which primarily handle the high and ultra-high frequencies above 15kHz. FiiO has even included a switch that allows users to instantly compare the sound with and without the electrostatic drivers, adding a level of versatility to the listening experience.
Full technical specifications are available here.
Appearance and fit
FiiO has collaborated with HeyGears, a renowned company, to develop the FX15 earshell. This earshell is crafted using the advanced DLP-3D printing technique, ensuring a printing accuracy of up to 0.0375mm. The material used is photosensitive resin, which offers exceptional impact resistance, providing reliable protection for the electrostatic and balanced armature drivers.
The FX15 boasts a custom-like triangular shape that not only offers a comfortable fit but also ensures a secure placement in the listener’s ear. Additionally, the mildly extended nozzle enhances isolation, resulting in an immersive listening experience. Despite its lightweight design, the FX15 provides excellent durability, making it ideal for extended listening sessions. The unique appearance of the earphone features a beautiful and discreet design pattern on the faceplate. Overall, the FX15 stands out as one of FiiO’s most comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and well-crafted earphones to date.
Cable
The FiiO FX15 cable is truly deserving of its flagship status. It boasts a meticulously crafted detachable cable that is both user-friendly and durable, thanks to its expanded MMCX connectors. This high-quality cable is made of pure silver, consisting of a remarkable 224 wires that are divided into 8 strands, with each strand containing 28 wires. Each wire is individually insulated, and the cable itself features Litz braiding and an outer sheath made from environmentally friendly TPU. Additionally, the cable offers the convenience of interchangeable, twist-lock plugs in both 3.5mm and 4.4mm sizes. While there may be thinner and lighter flagship cables available, the FiiO FX15 cable stands out as an exceptional choice.
Accessories
FiiO consistently demonstrates generosity when it comes to the accompanying accessories. The contents of the FX15 package can be observed in the photo provided below.
Power requirements and associated gear
The FiiO FX15 (24Ω/103dB) is quite simple to power, yet it exhibits remarkable scalability due to its exceptional transparency and impeccable fidelity, which necessitate the utilization of top-notch audio sources. If you prefer a warmer sound profile, opt for a warmer source, and vice versa. The FiiO FX15 unfailingly reflects the distinct sonic traits of each source, ensuring an immersive listening experience. Throughout this evaluation, my primary audio sources were the FiiO M15S, EarMen Angel, and iBasso DX320.
Listening impressions
The FiiO FX15 offers exceptional clarity, impeccable fidelity, unparalleled transparency, and stands out as one of the finest and most precise earphones available, without venturing into the high-priced kilobuck territory. With its remarkable technical capabilities and captivating sound signature, the FiiO FX15 delivers a balanced tuning that meticulously caters to every aspect of the frequency spectrum.
The FiiO FX15 excels in sub-bass extension, effortlessly reproducing the first octave while maintaining a balanced sound across all frequencies. The low-end is impactful, dynamic, and well-layered, providing a realistic contrast. Although the texture may not be extremely visceral, it is still tight and fast, allowing it to keep up with the speed of the electrostatic drivers. The bass remains crystal clear, controlled, and well-defined. While the upper bass is slightly emphasized, it does not compromise the accuracy of the tonal balance or interfere with the clarity and presence of the mid-range.
The overall sound signature leans slightly towards warmth, and you have the option to enhance the mid-bass with balanced or bass ear-tips for a more enjoyable and relaxed listening experience. Alternatively, you can switch to vocal or SpinFit ear-tips for a more neutral bass tuning, ideal for critical listening. If you prefer an even more neutral bass response, the FiiO HS18 ear-tips can be used, but be aware that they may result in a drier, leaner, and brighter sound.
More listening impressions
The mid-range truly stands out due to its precise tonal accuracy, the richness of harmonics, and the realistic timbre. The FX15 delivers a musical and captivating experience, with slightly emphasized vocals and instruments that maintain their presence and individuality. Surprisingly, despite using only one BA for reproducing mid frequencies, the FX15 remains articulate, resolving, and refined. The texture is slightly lean, yet not dry or clinical. The mid-range offers a genuine tonality for both instruments and vocals, without any hint of balanced armature timbre. The tonal balance is well-maintained, with a slight emphasis on the upper mid-range that does not lead to listener fatigue, unless the material being listened to is poorly recorded.
The high notes are gentle, delicate, and elegant, resembling a meticulously crafted spider web that may appear fragile initially, but possesses enough strength to endure harsh weather conditions. This is precisely the character of the FX15’s high notes, which are exquisitely designed and sleek, yet possess a remarkable level of power and clarity with a strong range, exceptional transparency, and outstanding definition. They are vibrant, lively, and light, radiating with a bright and sunny glow, without being sharp or piercing, nor harsh or rough, and completely devoid of any metallic sound.
The FiiO FX15 is designed to deliver exceptional high frequencies, offering listeners a remarkable level of clarity, superior quality, and intricate sound reproduction. It caters to those who appreciate a refined and ethereal audio experience, without the analytical, overly bright, and clinical characteristics commonly found in other earphones. Despite its undeniable emphasis on treble, the FiiO FX15 has quickly become one of my personal favorites. Its refined and ethereal nature makes it impossible for the sound to come across as bright or piercing.
Technicalities
FiiO has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in implementing the drivers, ensuring that the delicate and ethereal sound of the electrostatic drivers remains prominent without being overshadowed by the mid and lower frequencies. Simultaneously, the four electrostatic drivers do not behave like spoiled prima donnas attempting to steal the spotlight; instead, they synergize flawlessly with the other components, resulting in an exceptionally unified and consistent sound.
The FX15 offers a spacious and expansive soundstage, free from any signs of congestion. The performers are surrounded by ample air and space, resulting in exceptional positioning accuracy and imaging. The depth layering is superb, and there is an abundance of ambient information that enhances the overall sense of immersion and realism. However, the presentation may feel somewhat intimate, giving the listener the sensation of sitting too close to the performers. Additionally, the soundstage lacks a holographic expansion and a grand feeling.
The FiiO FX15 offers a delightful listening experience across a wide range of music genres. Its versatility is enhanced by the inclusion of different ear-tips, allowing for precise adjustments to the sound. However, it is worth noting that this particular set is specifically designed for discerning listeners who appreciate classical and acoustic music. The superior recording quality and source will greatly enhance your overall listening pleasure, as this earphone demonstrates exceptional scalability.
The tuning switch
This functionality may not be of much value unless you have a keen interest in exploring the sound capabilities of the FX15 when its electrostatic drivers are tampered with. By deactivating the electrostatic drivers, you can convert the FX15 from a top-of-the-line flagship into an earphone that may offer a slightly milder and less bright treble, but at the cost of compromised treble quality, tonal balance, and overall coherence. One potential scenario where this switch could come in handy is when you want to listen to poorly recorded or excessively harsh audio, or when you are dealing with a source that produces a hissing sound.
The Lavricables Ultimate upgrade cable
The sonic performance of the FiiO FX15 can be significantly improved by simply upgrading the cable. As mentioned before, I am a big fan of the Lavricables pure silver cables, which I frequently use for both reviewing and enjoying music. The Lavricables Ultimate is an impeccably crafted cable that not only looks stunning but also offers high-quality plugs, a comfortable texture, and exceptional handling. However, it is important to note that these attributes alone may not be compelling enough to replace the already outstanding stock cable.
Consider giving the Lavricables Ultimate a try as it can potentially enhance the transparency of the FX15. It has the ability to make the sound more natural and refined, particularly in the treble. Additionally, it improves the realism of the timbre and provides better control and definition to the bass. However, it’s important to note that the differences will be more noticeable with a high-quality source, and the enhancements are subtle rather than spectacular. Cable upgrades are like the cherry on top of the cake, adding that extra touch of perfection when the rest of your audio setup is already well-matched.
Vs the FiiO FH9
The FiiO FH9, the former flagship model, is a semi-open, hybrid earphone equipped with a substantial 13.6mm dynamic driver and 6 balanced armatures. Due to the inclusion of multiple drivers, the FH9 requires a larger housing, resulting in a bulkier and heavier design compared to the FX15. Nevertheless, despite its size, the FH9 still offers a comfortable fit. However, it falls short in terms of providing the same level of supreme comfort as the FX15, which is also more efficient in blocking external noise.
Sound comparison
When it comes to sound, the FiiO FH9 exhibits a sound signature that is primarily focused on bass, yet it maintains a well-balanced and distinct tonal quality across the entire frequency spectrum. With that being said, the bass on the FX15 is marginally quicker and more controlled, displaying enhanced refinement and layering. Although the FX15 possesses ample power and dynamism, it cannot rival the sheer potency, thunderous dynamics, and raw impact of the FH9.
The FH9 offers a slightly higher level of resolution and refinement in the mid-range, resulting in a fuller and weightier sound. The tonal balance and timbre realism remain consistent between both earphones. However, when it comes to the treble and higher frequencies, the FX15 takes the lead. It not only provides superior resolution and refinement but also delivers a more natural sound without any metallic timbre. The FX15 extends better, offering crispier and more energetic audio with enhanced definition and finer articulation.
The FiiO FH9 provides a cinematic, speaker-like experience with a broader and more extensive soundstage, delivering a grander and more holographic presentation. It creates a sense of spaciousness and airiness around the performers. On the other hand, the FX15 excels in capturing ambient details and accurately positioning sound sources. Although it may not have the same grandeur, it offers a more immersive and communicative experience.
In the end
The FX15 stands out as FiiO’s most sophisticated and refined earphone to date. It excels in critical listening, delivering a musical and enjoyable experience across various genres. It defies the notion that frequency measurements alone determine sound quality. Despite its seemingly bright tuning, the FX15 avoids any harshness or piercing sensations, maintaining a superb balance throughout the entire frequency range without causing listener fatigue.
While the FX15 carries a higher price tag compared to other FiiO earphones, it still upholds the company’s unmatched price-to-performance ratio. Although there may be superior options available, they come at a considerably higher cost, making the FiiO FX15 a flagship-level performer without the flagship price.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Class leading transparency + Tonal balance + Definition and fidelity + Resolution and refinement + Lively and crisp treble + Natural timbre + Impressive treble performance + Immersive soundstage + Lightweight and fitting like a glove + Passive noise attenuation + Visually appealing and well made + High quality modular cable + Accessories + Overall value - Slightly lean textures - Could be more dynamic and impactful - Mid range performance needs improvement - Not much use for the tuning switch
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