FiiO FD3 Review

iem-fiio-fd3-review-headfonia-13

Specifications 

For the nit-pickers 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 FD3 performs.

12mm dynamic driver with DLC diaphragm

The FiiO FD3 shares the same driver as its big brother, the FD5, minus the beryllium coating.

It’ a whole new 12mm dynamic transducer, driven by an N52 magnet, able to output 1.5 Tesla. This driver is basically a shoehorn version of FiiO’s flagship as it also gets a copper-clad aluminum voice coil provided by Daikoku. I never heard of them prior, but looking at how FiiO seems confident about that coil, I bet they are the Nichicon of copper wires.

iem-fiio-fd3-review-headfonia-stockshot-1

It’s a massive driver, moving a lot of air, so turbulences are keener to appear. Thankfully, you have the same Diamond like Coating for the diaphragm’s stiffness, which should reduce “unneeded distortion” and improve transients response..FiiO even provides a clear image, comparing a classic diaphragm to their one, to display how the FD3’s diaphragm behaves. Better of course.

Semi-open design + front acoustic prism

In fact, upfront and behind the driver, FiiO added two new technical gimmicks.

The new acoustic prism was added to address the delay that comes naturally between two sound waves. This conical device, placed upfront, close to the front-end driver, 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.iem-fiio-fd3-review-headfonia-stockshot-2

On the opposite side, we have a small port, hidden behind the MMCX plug, that works as a vent, reducing the sound pressure. By “outing” any standing wave, this patented balanced air-pressure technology lowers the air pressure on the ears, and relieves the listener. It’s a lot like what you get in 64ears IEMs, but in a cheaper counterpart.

And finally, you have the sound tubes. Equally long, those sound tubes have two different diameters and, on paper, deliver two different sound: a large inner tubes (black) for the trebles, small inner tubes (red) for the low. Contrary to the FiiO FD5, the outer diameter doesn’t differ, and you can use the same tips on both tubes.

iem-fiio-fd3-review-headfonia-stockshot-3

Full specs

  • Type: IEM
  • Style: Dynamic driver with DLC Diaphragm
  • Drivers: 12mm large driver with 1.5 Tesla magnetic flux
  • Socket: MMCX
  • Cable: High-purity monocrystalline silver-plated copper (FD3 Pro) // monocrystalline copper cable (FD3)
  • Shell: Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy
  • Weight: 7g per ear
  • Frequency Response: 10Hz- 40kHz
  • Impedance: 32 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 111dB
  • Sound Isolation (up to): 27dB
  • Cable length: 120cm
  • Price: $179 / $139

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

Page 1: About FiiO

Page 2: Design & Build Quality

Page 3: Comfort & Usage

Page 5: Sound performances

Page 6:Tonality and conclusion

4.2/5 - (152 votes)
Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedin

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.

1 Comment

  • Reply November 6, 2021

    john

    hi!!!

    does fd3 SURPASS fh1s in ANY WAY?

    thanks!!!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.