FiiO FD15 Review
FiiO FD15 Review
Introduction:
The FiiO FD15 is the latest addition to the company’s FD series of dynamic driver In-Ear Monitors. At its core lies a 13.8mm large Magnalium DLC Dynamic Driver, a unique combination of a magnesium-aluminum alloy dome diaphragm with DLC suspension and a W-shaped independent suspension design. This driver is integrated with a W-shaped independent suspension system. To optimize low-frequency performance, the FD15 incorporates FiiO’s F.T.B.S “Tesla Valve” low-frequency loading acoustic patent technology and advanced powder metallurgy. The FD15 comes with a high-purity Furukawa single crystal copper detachable cable featuring silver plating and FiiO’s latest straight twist-lock swappable audio plug design.
This review will delve into the FD15’s performance, build quality, comfort, and overall sound characteristics.
Disclaimer:
I would like to thank FiiO for providing the FiiO FD15 as review sample. I am not affiliated with FiiO beyond this review and all these words are reflecting my true and unaltered opinions about the product.
Price & Availability:
The actual price of the FiiO FD15 is 149.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the links below;
Package & Accessories:
The FIIO FD15 comes in a sleek and minimalist box design. The exterior is predominantly light grey with the FIIO logo and product branding prominently displayed. The overall aesthetic is clean and professional.
This box of the FiiO FD15 comes with the following items/accessories:
- 1 pair x FiiO FD15 In-Ear Monitors
- 1 piece x Detachable cable with MMCX Connectors and Modular Plug Design
- 3 pairs x Balanced ear tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs x Vocal ear tips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs x Bass ear tips (S/M/L)
- 2 pairs x Foam ear tips (M)
- 3 pairs x HS18 ear tips (S/M/L)
- 1 piece x HB11 Storage case
- 1 piece x Cleaning brush
- 1 piece x 3.5/4.4mm swappable plugs
- 2 pairs x Red/Black swappable sound nozzles
- 1 piece x Quick start guide
The FiiO FD15 comes with a variety of ear tips, including balanced, vocal, bass, foam, and HS18 ear tips. The HS18 ear tips are a new type of ear tip from FiiO, made from skin-friendly silicone material. They are designed to be more comfortable and durable than traditional silicone ear tips.
The HB11 transparent storage case provides a convenient and protective way to carry the FD15 and its accessories. Its top features an eye-catching LEGO-like pattern, which is an interesting design choice.
The box also includes 2 pairs of swapable sound tuning nozzles, 2 straight twist-lock swappable audio plug and a cleaning tool.
Design & Build Quality:
The FiiO FD15 presents a modern, closed-back design characterized by clean lines and a metallic finish. Crafted from 316L medical-grade stainless steel and meticulously hand-polished, the monitor housing exhibits a robust, mirror-like finish available in obsidian black and racing silver color options. My review unit showcases the latter. The FD15’s design uses carefully placed surfaces to create an elegant interplay of light and shadow, offering a visually striking aesthetic.
The circular faceplate features a raised section using FiiO’s patented F.T.B.S. ‘Tesla Valve’ bass enhancement acoustic design technology. Three small openings on the top of the raised section are part of the patented F.T.B.S. bass enhancement acoustic design.
A protrusion adjacent to the circular faceplate houses the MMCX connector, with the FiiO logo displayed on its front.
At the core of each monitor lies a substantial 13.8mm diameter Magnalium DLC Dynamic Driver, featuring a magnesium-aluminum alloy dome diaphragm with DLC suspension and a unique W-shaped independent suspension design.
The rear side of the monitor housing displays L (Left) / R (Right) markings, a pressure relief vent, and a slightly removable sound nozzle.
The FD15 includes two interchangeable audio filters, marked with black (Treble) and red (Bass) O-rings.
Each filter is equipped with a fine metal mesh to prevent the entry of foreign particles such as dust and earwax.
The top of the monitor shell incorporates a female MMCX (Micro Miniature Coaxial) connector design with blue (left) / red (right) indicator circles, providing a more stable connection.
The FiiO FD15 earphones include a detachable cable constructed with Furukawa’s high-purity monocrystalline copper. Composed of four large strands, each containing 100 copper and 20 silver-plated wires, the cable offers a total of 480 conductors. With a 22AWG cross-sectional area and undergoing 1080° high-temperature smelting.
The cable has a braided design with while each strand features a relative soft isolation in light brown color that is resistant against yellowing after long-term use and against stiffening when in low-temperature environments.
The slightly angled MMCX connectors do have a transparent plastic housing with left “blue” and right “red” indicators make it easy to connect and detach FD15.
Near the MMCX connectors are transparent heat-shrink ear hooks for a better over the era wearing experience.
The cable sports a chin slider and y splitter made of metal in silver color. The y splitter has the FiiO branding on the top.
The detachable cable of the FD15 features FiiO’s Twist-lock swappable audio plugs available in two terminations, which are the 3.5mm Single Ended (TRS) and the 4.4mm Balanced (TRRRS) Pentaconn plug.
The housing of the headphone plug has a strait profile and is made of the same metal material in silver metal color.
Comfort & Isolation:
The FiiO FD15 has an ergonomic monitor shape and is relatively lightweight at approximately 12 grams per earpiece, despite its stainless steel construction. The curved cylindrical design promotes comfortable extended listening sessions for users with average ear concha size.
The FD15 shows a quite efficient performance in terms of passive noise isolation suitable for the use in moderately noisy environments like subways or buses.
Efficiency & Pairing:
The FiiO FD15 is relatively easy to drive, with an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of approximately 112 dB/mW. This makes the FD15 compatible with a wide range of audio sources, from smartphones and tablets to USB DAC/AMP dongles.
Technical Specifications:
- Driver Configuration : 13.8mm diameter Magnalium DLC Dynamic Driver
- Frequency Resp. : 10Hz ~ 40kHz
- Sensitivity : 112dB/mW@1kHz
- Impedance : 32Ω@1kHz
- Plug : Interchangeable Plugs (3.5mm SE & 4.4mm Balanced)
- Connector Type : MMCX Connector
- Cord Length : approx. 120cm
- Wearing Type : Over the Ear
- Weight : about 12gram (Single Monitor)
Sources used for this review:
- IEM : FiiO FD15, Kinera Celest Phoenixcall
- DAP/DAC/AMP : FiiO M23, FiiO Q15, FiiO KA17
Albums & tracks used for this review:
- Norah Jones – Come Away With Me (Apple Music Lossless)
- Adele – My Little Love (Apple Music Lossless)
- Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
- Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Radiohead – Live in Berlin “Album” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Radiohead – Pyramid Song (Apple Music Lossless)
- U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Bear McCreary’s – Valkyries (Deezer HiFi)
- Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
- Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Daft Punk – Instant Crush (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
- Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
- Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Apple Music Lossless)
- Hans Zimmer – The Dark Knight OST (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Tchaikovsky – Symphony No. 5 (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Clair de Lune – Claude Debussy (Spotify)
- Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Apple Music Lossless)
- Pink Floyd – Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Apple Music Lossless)
- Miles Davis – So What (Deezer HiFi)
- Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
- Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Metallica – Dyers Eve (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
- Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
- Rush’s – Tom Sawyer (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
- Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
- Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
- Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)
The Sound:
The FiiO FD15 presents a well-rounded sonic character, especially considering its price point. The bass response is notable for its depth and impact, without overshadowing other frequencies. The midrange is clear and natural, offering a respectable performance for vocals. Treble is well-controlled, avoiding harshness while providing sufficient detail. The FD15’s soundstage is adequate for the price category, creating a satisfactory sense of space.
One of the standout features of the FD15 is its included filters, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences. The Black filter emphasizes clarity and detail, while the Red filter delivers a warmer, more impactful low-end.
The FiiO FD15 review is based on approximately 80 hours of burn-in. Sound impressions were formed using the stock detachable cable, HS18 silicone ear tips, and the included Black Sound Tuning Filter. The primary listening devices for this review were the FiiO M23 (DAP), FiiO Q15 (DAC/AMP), and FiiO KA17 (USB DAC/AMP dongle).
Bass:
The FiiO FD15 delivers a well-rounded bass performance that offers a satisfying balance of quantity and quality for an IEM at this price level. The low-end is characterized by its depth and impact, while it keeps the sound spectrum pretty unaffected. Tracks like Armin van Buuren’s “Vini Vici” showcase the FD15’s ability to deliver decent sub-bass rumble, though it doesn’t reach the subterranean depths of flagship models. The mid-bass is reasonably punchy, as audible in Lorde’s “Royals,” contributing to a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Gogo Penguin’s “Raven” highlights the FD15’s bass speed and control, essential for complex and dynamic basslines.
The included filters allow for some customization of the bass response. The Black filter subtly enhances the clarity and definition of the bass presentation, as evident in the intricate basslines of “Raven.” This filter option can provide a slightly more energetic and detailed low-end experience. For those seeking a more pronounced low-end, the Red filter significantly increases the bass quantity, delivering a deeper and more impactful experience, as showcased in the sub-bass rumble of “Vini Vici.”. Despite the filter options, the FD15 maintains a controlled and articulate bass character, preventing it from becoming muddy or overly bloated.
Midrange:
The FD15’s midrange is respectable for its price category. Vocals are presented with clarity and naturalness, although they may not exhibit the same level of detail and emotional depth as higher-end IEMs. Tracks like Norah Jones’ “Don’t Know Why,” Adele’s “My Little Love,” and Edith Piaf’s “Non Je Ne Regrette Rien” demonstrate the FD15’s ability to convey vocal nuances, but some listeners may find the midrange slightly forward or lacking in the richest timbre. Male vocals, as represented by George Michael’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” David Bowie’s “Heroes,” and Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” are reproduced with adequate clarity and body.
The Black filter subtly enhances the upper midrange detail, providing a slightly more forward and defined presentation, which benefits instrument separation and vocal clarity, as noticeable in the intricate details of Norah Jones’ vocals. This filter option can also add a touch of brightness to the overall sound. Conversely, the Red filter introduces a slight warmth to the midrange presentation, resulting in a smoother and more relaxed tonal balance.
Treble:
The FiiO FD15’s treble is generally well-balanced, avoiding excessive brightness or harshness. While it may not possess the extended sparkle of flagship models, it provides sufficient detail for most listeners. Tracks like Megadeth’s “Sweating Bullets” demonstrate the FD15’s ability to handle complex treble passages without sounding overly fatiguing.
The Black filter adds a touch of extra sparkle and airiness to the treble, creating a more open and detailed soundstage. This filter option is beneficial for listeners who enjoy a brighter and more energetic treble presentation. The Red filter slightly smooths out the treble presentation, reducing potential harshness and fatigue. This filter option can be preferred by listeners who are sensitive to high frequencies or prefer a warmer overall sound.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The FD15 presents a respectable soundstage for its price point. While it may not offer the expansive and immersive soundstage of higher-end models, it provides adequate instrument separation and imaging. Tracks like Yosi Horikawa’s “Bubbles” demonstrate the FD15’s ability to create a sense of space, which is quite satisfactory for an IEM in this category. The included filters have a minimal impact on the overall soundstage presentation.
Comparison:
FiiO FD15 vs. Kinera Celest Phoenixcall:
The FiiO FD15 and Kinera Celest Phoenixcall offer distinct sonic profiles within the mid-tier IEM market.
The FD15 delivers a well-rounded performance with a slight edge in bass impact and depth compared to its competitor. Its low-end is characterized by sufficient punch and control, providing a satisfying foundation for various musical genres. The midrange is presented with clarity and naturalness, offering a balanced and engaging vocal performance. While the treble lacks the extreme sparkle of some higher-end options, it remains smooth and inoffensive, avoiding listener fatigue. Overall, the FD15 presents a coherent and enjoyable sonic experience.
The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall offers a fairly dynamic and detailed sound signature, but its treble presentation can be a point of contention. While it shows a decent level of resolution and texture, the upper frequencies do sound a bit bright and sharp. The bass response is solid, with good depth and authority, although it doesn’t quite match the impact of the FD15. The midrange is characterized by warmth and transparency, but some instruments do lack the necessary body and fullness that the FD15 offers. The Phoenixcall’s soundstage is commendable, offering good expansion and instrument separation, whit a bit more depth and wideness compared to the FD15.
In conclusion, the FiiO FD15 provides a more balanced and forgiving sound with a slightly stronger bass performance, making it a suitable choice for a wider range of listeners. The Kinera Celest Phoenixcall, while offering a good sense of detail and resolution, may not be as universally appealing due to its bright and somewhat unnatural sounding upper midrange and treble profile.
Conclusion:
The FiiO FD15 presents a strong contender in the mid-tier IEM category, delivering solid performance within its price range. Its sound signature is well-balanced and adaptable, thanks to sound tuning nozzles that cater to a wide range of listener preferences through customizable filter options. Sonically, the FD15 offers robust and controlled bass, clear and natural midrange, and well-managed treble, while providing a commendable soundstage for its category. FiiO’s dedication to quality is evident in the FD15’s premium build, featuring high-quality materials. The inclusion of a detachable cable with FiiO’s twist-lock swappable audio plug design and a wide variety of ear tip options enhances user comfort and customization.
Pros & Cons:
- + Balanced sound signature with slightly emphasis on bass
- + Good clarity and detail for the price
- + Customizable sound with included filters
- + Modern, sleek design with high-quality materials
- + Decent Detachable cable with twist-lock swappable audio plug design
- + Rich Set of accessories (MMCX quick-release tool, Storage case HB11, various Ear Tips)
- – Treble lacks some extension and sparkle
- – Bass can be overpowering with the Red filter
Thank you for the Read!
