Sound performance
My main sources were: FiiO KA3 / iBasso DC04 Pro / ddHiFi TC44C, trusted sources from trusted brands that I used extensively for the past months.
Files were played from either Apple Music / Spotify or my own music library. Some tracks will be highlighted, just so you can try them at home too!
Overall signature
So, how does FiiO latest creation fare compared to the FD3 or JD3? Pretty good actually, even if some trade-off had to be done.
In fact, the FiiO FD11 sounds a lot like his sibling, with a tad less finesse. Even though on a daily basis the difference is noticeable, even more when paired with high-quality sources like the M17, this new IEM isn’t laughable at all. Far from it even!
Out of the box, I just plugged them into my iPhone and the TC35i, to see how they’d cope with a “simple setup”. And honestly, this went far better than I expected. You get the typical FiiO sound signature, with deep lows and a slight emphasis on highs – especially with the aforementioned tips – which should make the FD1 a nice all-rounder that should fit most listeners.
On my FiiO KA5, plugged with the OG cable, the FD11 systematically surpassed the JD3 and JH3, two alternatives from the brand, available in the same price bracket. Voice clarity is surprisingly good and, as promised, distortion levels are minimal, even at moderately high volumes. Add to that the increased sensitivity and there is an immediate sense of fullness as soon as you start pushing the volume.
Fed by a mid/range source, the FiiO M11S in my cas, bass remains superb. It’s deep, pure, and dwells deeply into my eardrum, without overpowering the rest of the spectrum. As it appears, the C-shape + dual cavity combo provides great results and for anyone seeking quality lows, without breaking the bank, this is a very very good option.
It’s a cool rumble, and even with a basic source like my computer, the FD11 hits right, but pair it with something like the FiiO M11 Plus, and you’ll be amazed by the result. Okay, it’s not as « magical » as the FD3 – or the FD5 – in this aspect – the big brother really feels like an open-back – but the FD11 definitely keeps the upper hand on its predecessor. To me, that’s the perfect alternative to the old-but-still-good- FiiO F9 Pro. You’ll enjoy a better soundstage, improved layering, and far better lows, for less than a third of its original price.
Out of curiosity, I compared the FiiO FD11 with the JD7, another new-gen dynamic driver IEM from the brand. Unsurprisingly, the latter surpassed the newcomer on every level, but that was to be expected. What’s uncanny, however, is the level of sound pressure that IEM was able to output, never to display any distortion, even on complex tracks like Manipulator from Infected Mushrooms. Helped by the low impedance and high sensitivity combo, those ears are able to extract a lot of details and sweet gems.
For anyone in need of “big sound” on the go, with something that could be driven by a potato, the FiiO FD11 appears to be the solution. They’ll excel on Techno-music, rock, metal or even deep-house, but classical users might be a little more skeptical – even if they could work, with a good source. Still, those are great all-rounder, one that can be used daily and still surprises you, when conditions are met.
Of course, the more the merrier, and if your budget can go a little higher, I’d stick with the FD3, even more if you can go balanced. But if I had to choose between the JH3, FD1, JD3, I’d alway pick the FD11. Overall, resolution and clarity remain a step above on the brand’s latest creation, but that should not surprise you anymore.
Tonality
Highs: impressive. Not the best highs you could get from FiiO’s line-up, but definitely not the worse. There is no sibilant and you can confidently raise the volume never to encounter any harshness. The highs/super-highs difference didn’t strike me, but if you prefer highs over lows, you’ll hear a real difference/improvement.
Good test-track : Through and Through – Leaving Laurel
Mids: rich and full. Exceptional soundstage and clean mids make for a very pleasant experience. As usual, FiiO’s done an excellent job in this regard: voices are bliss, and the earphone can fully immerse you, in just a few seconds. The most impressive sensation remaining is the 3D effect of those voices when paired with a good source like the M11S. And remember, this is a $39 IEM!
Good test-track: Money – Pink Floyd
Bass: clean and deep. Compared to the FF5 I reviewed last time, the FiiO FD11 make a worldy difference, but that’s not surprising. The FD11 can go deep, even plugged through a basic source, thanks to their high-sensitivity. If you need more lows, go for the JD7, but those are a lot more expensive.
Good test-track: Sacrifice – Sara Landry
Sensitivity / Hiss
Impedance is low, sensitivity is high and isolation is good, so yes, you can easily drive those IEM with… almost anything. Paired with the ddHiFi TC44C, even with the 3.5mm port the IEM gave me really good bass, but with the FiiO M11S, things even become bombastic.
My top choice? Stay within your budget, and get a FiiO KA1 or KA2. If you want to go for higher, get the KA5 or the DC04 Pro, those are exceptionally gifted dongle DAC that will perfectly fit the FD11.
And for the hiss, I encountered a slight level of hiss on bad grounded sources, but on a DAC or DAP, you should not encounter any issue.
Conclusion
For $39 USD, the FiiO FD11 is more than a pleasant surprise, it’s a true gem.
Build quality is exceptional, design is nice and for less than forty bucks, you get a very compelling sound, with solid lows and great staging, in a life-lasting shell. If I didn’t expect much from those ears at first, I became immediately hooked the moment I put them in my ears. It outperformed the JD3 by far, and matches the FD3 on many level – without being able to exceed it though.
If you budget goes even lower, or if you simply need a spare pair of IEM, get the Moondrop Chu – featured a few weeks ago, loved it – but if you can go up to $50, I strongly recommend the FiiO FD11 as an alternative. What a great time to be an audiophile!
Pros :
- impressive sound quality
- great build and solid shell
- affordable price
- can be driven by anything
Cons:
- not the finesse king
- not enough eartips
