FiiO FA7S Review

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Specifications 

 

For the nitpickers and nerdy ones here, I’m giving the specs and technical sheets. For all the others, you can just go to the next page to see how the FiiO FA7S performs.

Six balanced drivers + three-way crossover

While the first FA7 only carried four drivers, the new FiiO FA7S were gifted no less than three drivers, mounted in a 2:2:2 configuration. A fancy way to say that each pair takes care of a specific frequency range, two drivers for the low, two drivers for the mids, and two for the lows. A classic configuration overall, but a nice improvement compared to the previous model.

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Again, FiiO asked Knowles for the lows and highs, but trusted Dibei for the mids. And if you get two separate ones for the trebles (Knowles 33518), mids (Dibei 646006), and lows (Hovdtek 31618) use a dual-chamber setup. Compared to the FD7, we’ll have to see if those new transducers manage to reach the same peak in terms of dynamic range, where the latter simply excels. On paper, this setup should give “greatly extended, robust, yet controlled bass as well as highly detailed, delicate, treble”. We’ll check later on that.

Last but not least, a quick look at the tech sheets show how sensitive those IEM will be: 18ohm of impedance and 111dB of sensitivity, allowing those ear to be driven by almost anything, even if a good source should always be a priority. 

316L stainless steel + 3rd generation industrial design

If the inner side seems pretty classic, the design and shape are more interesting. 

In fact, the FiiO FA7S is the first IEM from the brand to benefit from the brand-new production line. From top to bottom, those ears are absolutely flawless and the use of steel instead of aluminum gives a real presence, thanks to their hefty weight.

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While the shell itself is molded, the faceplates are still carved through CNC milling, to achieve the new peculiar form, before someone hand-polish them to get the mirror-like finish. Finally, the whole shell goes through PVD electroplating coating, to reinforce the metal rigidity of the whole IEM.

The acoustic prism is supposed to address the delay that comes naturally between two sound waves. This conical device, placed upfront, close to the front-end, helps to eliminate high-frequency standing waves and enhances the overall sound wave diffusion. In a simpler way, think of it as a magnifying glass, for sound.

Available in silver/blue – the one I got for this review – FiiO also produces a black/golden version that appears slightly more luxurious, even if that all end up to be a personal choice.

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Bundle

Inside the box

Like the previous model, the FiiO FA7S comes with a very nice bundle. In the box, you get:

  • the FiiO FA7S
  • an LC-RE cable with 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm termination plugs
  • a cristal case 
  • a tool for MMCX cable replacement 
  • 6 bass eartips, 6 balanced eartips, 6 vocal eartips, 2 triple-flange tips, and 4 foam tips
  • a cleaning brush
  • and a magnetic cable organizer, which if not as cool as the one provided by ddHiFi, remains plenty useful

A comprehensive bundle, that reminds me of the BGVP DM8 we previously reviewed, as all adapters are now directly provided by the brand. Bonus point for the case which gets an internal spacer for your IEM and the cable, love that, and the cable removal tool

I already said it, but It’s so useful that it should be included in EVERY IEM bundle.

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Additional accessories

Honestly, the FiiO FA7S comes with everything you might need. So, the only thing that you could add, would be a good DAC or DAP. Personally, I chose the FiiO M15 as my main source and the EarMen Sparrow + ddHifi TC28i on the go, but it’s up to you. 

The FiiO M11 Plus Ltd is another good option but as the name implies, it’s a limited run so…

Full specs are below but the article continues on Page Four, after the click here

Full specs

  • Model:  FiiO FA7S
  • Type: IEM
  • Style: multi-balanced drivers
  • Drivers: Knowles HODVTEC-31618 (Bass); Knowles RAD-33518 (Highs); DIBEI db646006 (Mids)
  • Socket: MMCX + swappable termination
  • Cable: High-purity monocrystalline copper, silver plated
  • Shell: 316L Stainless steel
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz- 40kHz
  • Impedance: 18 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 111dB
  • Sound Isolation (up to): meh
  • Cable length: 120cm
  • Price: $349

The review continues on Page Four, after the click HERE or by using the jump below.

Page 1: Fiio overview

Page 2: Design & Build Quality, comfort, Isolation

Page 3: Specifications, Bundle

Page 4: Sound part 1, 

Page 5: Sound Part 2 + Conclusion

4.4/5 - (27 votes)
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A nerdy guy with a passion for audio and gadgets, he likes to combine his DAC and his swiss knife. Even after more than 10 years of experience, Nanotechnos still collects all gear he gets, even his first MPMAN MP3 player. He likes spreadsheets, technical specs and all this amazing(ly boring) numbers. But most of all, he loves music: electro, classical, dubstep, Debussy : the daily playlist.

2 Comments

  • Reply December 9, 2021

    Sean

    Nice review! From what I’m reading, the good ol’ single beryllium driver of the FD7 outshines the FA7S. It seems as though this new model is taking the shell of the FD7 (shape and material) and combining it with balanced armatures.

    I love the FD7, by far the best IEM purchase I’ve made. Last IEM was the Campfire Orion…I sort of lost interest in IEMs because of the Orion. Weak bass, silibance, took nothing to cause distortion. The FD7…they’d blow up my eardrums before I heard distortion, and the sound is just so nice from the bass to the soundstage

  • Reply February 13, 2022

    Ilias

    Will this pair nicely with an ibasso DX160, or a better dap is necessary? I am using ao far FHS3 and i am very happy with the setup so far

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