FiiO FD15 REVIEW
FiiO FD15 REVIEW introduction
I just released an article about the highly regarded FiiO FD5, and its successor is the FiiO FD15. There was a need to review the FD5 because of its outstanding features, even though it is no longer manufactured. Its wonderful warm tone is evocative of the small Sennheiser IE800S, an in-ear monitor that I really like.
The folks at FiiO claim they slashed the FD5’s price by half while also making it better. Whether I believe they have succeeded or not is something I will address later, but there are numerous adjustments that appear to be improvements:
With a new W-shaped gasket, the effective vibrating area is increased by 30%, the diaphragm is effectively 40% larger, the new magnet can generate a magnetic flux of up to 1.5 Tesla, which is a 70% increase, and the driver power is increased by 78% with a larger 8.6 mm voice coil. A new bass vent system, the Tesla Valve, is also available; it’s purpose is to improve the bass response acoustically.
An alloy diaphragm made of magnesium and aluminum, referred to as “magnalium” by FiiO, is featured in the FD15. The highly regarded Elear and Clear headphones from Focal made use of a comparable metal. The material’s modest weight and rigidity are key characteristics for achieving minimal deformation.
Similar to the FD5, the FD15 is built with the midrange and vocals in mind. An engineer from FiiO has some things to say about the FD15:
As one of FiiO’s most balanced in-ear monitors, the FD15 delivers a thick, rich vocal performance. It accurately conveys emotions in mid-range and low-frequency singers without compromising resolution. Deep, coherent bass makes drums sound forceful. Though not as detailed as the greatest multi-driver balanced armature earphones, it has clear treble even in dynamic and complicated musical passages.
FiiO FD15 SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver: single dynamic 13.8 mm
- Diaphragm: aluminum-magnesium alloy
- Frequency response: 10Hz-40kHz
- Impedance: 320@1kHz
- Sensitivity: 112dB/mW@1kHz
- Cable: 4 strands with 480 wires, featuring a hybrid of silver and Furukawa monocrystalline copper.
- Cable length: about 1.2 m
- Earphone connector: expanded MMCX
- Audio plug: straight twist-lock swappable connector plug: 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm
- 5 types of ear tips included
- 2 types of tuning nozzles
- Stackable drawer box
- Single unit weight: about 12g (excluding cable)
- Silver or black finish
FiiO FD15 IN THE BOX
- Earphones*1
- Earphone cable*1
- Balanced eartips S/M/L*3 pairs (M pre-installed)
- Vocal eartips S/M/L*3 pairs
- Bass eartips S/M/L*3 pairs
- Foam earips M*2 pairs
- HS18 eartips S/M/L*3 pairs
- Storage case HB11*1
- MMCX quick release tool*1
- Cleaning brush*1
- 3.5/4.4mm swappable plugs*1
- Red/Black swappable sound nozzles*2 pairs
- Quick start guide*1
BUILD AND COMFORT
FD15 is all metal and feels solid. Small, but not light. However, they fit comfortably in my ear. Although not an issue for me, I would prefer rounded edges on the faceplate because certain people may find it uncomfortable.
The cable is great, the tips are great, and the stackable mini-drawer case is compact and compatible with LEGO bricks. AliExpress lets you buy cases individually to build your own IEM stack.
ABOUT TIPS AND NOZZLES
The FD15 features five different kinds of ear tips minimum. I am unable to possibly try them all and compare them. I have decided to follow my most often used suggestions, the CP145 and the AZLA SednaEarFit Crystal ones. They fit me exactly, and I know how they would likely alter the sound.
Having said that, the great selection of advice provided with the FD15 allows you many possibilities to obtain the sound and the comfort exactly.
Additionally, two varieties of tuning nozzles are included. The earphones’ black-ringed nozzles and an extra pair of nozzles that are red-ringed. They are metal tubes with no filter within. The red ring nozzle is minutely smaller in diameter, which is the sole distinguishing feature between the two.
According to FiiO, these are the main differences:
- Black sound nozzle: enhances high frequencies, making it easier to pick out details.
- Red sound nozzle: enhances bass, gives lusher vocals.
There are a grand total of ten tuning combinations available between the two nozzle types and the five ear tips. I obtain four different combinations, which I find distinguishable in this way, since I only use two kinds of tips:
1 . Warm, luscious, enveloping sound is produced by black ring nozzles and CP145 tips.
2 . More open, cooler, and crisp with black ring nozzles and AZLA SednaEarFit Crystal tips.
3 . The combination of CP145 tips and red ring nozzles produces the most inviting sound.
4 . Equally comparable to option 1 are black ring nozzles and the AZLA SednaEarFit Crystal.
Regardless, it is pleasant to have the option to precisely adjust the listening experience with tips and nozzles. I appreciate the fact that the nozzles have the ability to make delicate adjustments that might enhance the impact of different types of tips.
STANDALONE LISTENING IMPRESSIONS
Related hardware: an RME ADI-2 DAC FS feeding an A90 amplifier. Even though the RME is great on its own, I find that the Topping is the more practical option. The Spinfit CP145 ear tips, which I previously indicated, are quite comfortable and produce a pleasant sound when used with the FD15. I utilized the FD15’s pre-installed black ring nozzles, which are the most neutral nozzles.
Jambi by Tool
While the FD15’s bass isn’t the most defined or textured, it’s rich and engaging, and the guitars sound warm and full-bodied. The vocals sound great, with clean separation and no sibilance problems.
Rocket Man by Bob James Trio
The presentation is inviting, warm, expressive, and all-encompassing. The imagery, layering, and depth of the soundstage are superb, creating a spacious impression.
Aquela Muhler by Vinicius Cantuaria
The vocals are friendly and engaging, while the bass is full and deep. Warmth and clarity coexist on the guitar. The percussion is silky and roomy.
The Golden Age by Beck
The FD15 allows the guitar and vocals to shine while the bass just backs them up. It was more forceful and clear the last time I heard it. A holographic rendition enhances the intimate presentation’s pleasant soundscape.
Lazarus by David Bowie
Along with the warm, rich tones of the guitar and saxophone, there is an energetic and captivating bass guitar sound. The singing is beautiful.
Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
Stunningly lovely are Norah Jones’s vocals. The electric guitar adds a lovely touch, and the mids have a unique radiance. Considering how excellent everything else is, the little soundstage is almost insignificant.
Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots by The Flaming Lips
Without resorting to its occasional roughness, the guitar is sharp without being violent. Warm and nuanced vocals complement the bass’s deep tones. A lot of care went into rendering the treble details.
Escape Route by Boris Blank
The bass is present and rounded with the FD15, but it isn’t overpowering. The emphasis is on the midrange, particularly the trumpet. There’s a lot of depth; the show is personal and engulfing.
Maple Noise by Greene Serene
The FD15 brings out the best in this energetic music, creating a welcoming and immersive listening environment. The trumpet has a wonderful tone and presence, while the bass is full-bodied and tactile. The percussion is lively and full of life, and the piano is played with a lighthearted attitude. It has a decent soundstage as well.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
On the FD15, you may hear lovely, present, and nuanced vocals. Peppy percussion complements a full-bodied bass that isn’t the tightest. The top end is nice and easygoing.
Never Enough by Loren Allred
On the FD15, you may hear lovely, present, and nuanced vocals. Peppy percussion complements a full-bodied bass that isn’t the tightest. The top end is nice and easygoing.
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
Although the FD15 gives a respectable performance, I do not believe that this track makes the most of its capabilities.
Mahler’s Symphony No.2 III by Paavo Järvi
While it’s capable of producing a fairly laid-back and thick sound, the FD15 also produces a reasonably expansive and delicate tone. But when you swap out the tips for the wider bore AZLA SednaEarFit Crystal ones, the sound is completely different—clearer and more expansive. Superior definition, texture, and spatiality are present, along with increased clarity.
Young Vivaldi Violin Concerto RV 820 III by Ensemble Modo Antiquo
Similarly, the CP145 tips make the sound a little too muted, but the wide bore AZLA SednaEarFit Crystal tips are great.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
With an emphasis on the midrange, the FD15 provides a well-rounded presentation. Maintaining a fairly balanced tonality, it provides a warm tuning that isn’t dark.
Treble
There is never any harshness or darkness in the treble; it is resolved and refined, silky and delicate.
Midrange
In terms of intermediate devices, the FiiO FD15 is unparalleled. With plenty of body and soul, it’s resolved, tasty, and slightly thick.
Bass
The bass is pleasant and controlled, if not the most precise or tight. The FD15’s musical tone is enhanced by its full and warm sound, which is not overpowering in quantity. But it isn’t that remarkable when taken alone.
Soundstage and Imaging
The FD15 has excellent soundstage and imaging when used independently. But they aren’t necessarily spectacular when compared to other high-quality IEMs in the same price range. Alternatives with more accurate images and a more welcoming tone are available. However, there is a cost to this: the soundstage will inevitably grow more intimate if you like a warm, full-bodied presentation.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
The FD15 does decent work for the money when it comes to detail. Instead of being the most forceful “in your face” presentation, it reveals subtler details. The dynamics are decent, but nothing spectacular. The concept of timbre provides a compelling rationale for this. To get the most out of the FD15, timbre is key.
It really shines in that regard. The midrange is just breathtaking, and the treble is almost as remarkable for its smoothness and delicacy. The bass isn’t very noteworthy, but it works well with the mids and highs and provides a cohesive whole.
COMPARISONS
Related hardware: an RME ADI-2 DAC FS feeding an A90 amplifier. All of my in-ear monitors have Spinfit CP145 ear tips.
SIMGOT SuperMix 4 vs. FiiO FD15
Dynamic, balanced armature, planar magnetic, and piezoelectric drivers are all part of Simgot’s latest hybrid, the SuperMix 4. It has a very different sound from the FD15, yet it performed admirably in my most recent assessment.
They both have a treble and are quite refined, but the Supermix 4 has an even more natural sound and more detail.
In the middle, things change drastically. A warm, full-bodied, and personal tone emanates from the FD15. It has great timbre and is both lively and tactile. The Supermix 4 has a far lower temperature. Despite its superb timbre, clarity, and overall sound quality when played alone, it sounds significantly thinner when compared.
The FD15’s bass is full-bodied and warm, but it could use more definition and accuracy compared to the Supermix 4’s deep, dynamic bass.
You can’t beat it in terms of soundstage and imaging. Though competent, the FD15’s rich tone makes creating a massive soundstage an impossibility. Superior imaging and substantially more room between instruments characterize the Supermix 4.
Both of these IEMs are great options because they serve various purposes and have their own unique advantages.
SIMGOT EA1000 vs. FiiO FD15
The FD15 and the $219 Simgot EA1000 are very similar. Their shared characteristics include a metal chassis, a single dynamic driver, and an organic, pleasing tone that is both powerful and upfront.
They both have a treble and are quite refined, but the Supermix 4 has an even more natural sound and more detail.
In the middle, things change drastically. A warm, full-bodied, and personal tone emanates from the FD15. It has great timbre and is both lively and tactile. The Supermix 4 has a far lower temperature. Despite its superb timbre, clarity, and overall sound quality when played alone, it sounds significantly thinner when compared.
The FD15’s bass is full-bodied and warm, but it could use more definition and accuracy compared to the Supermix 4’s deep, dynamic bass.
You can’t beat it in terms of soundstage and imaging. Though competent, the FD15’s rich tone makes creating a massive soundstage an impossibility. Superior imaging and substantially more room between instruments characterize the Supermix 4.
Both of these IEMs are great options because they serve various purposes and have their own unique advantages.
