FiiO FD7 Review

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 FD7 performs.

Pure beryllium diaphragm 

Again, FiiO uses a variation of the same driver. If the FD3 used a DLC diamond diaphragm driver and the FD5 the same one plus beryllium coating, the FD7 goes even further with a full beryllium one. This new driver is said to deliver “thunderous explosive sound”, thanks to its superior rigidity (4 times more than steel) and low weight (a quarter of titanium).

The diameter is identical and the 12mm dynamic transducer, driven by a N52 magnet able to output 1.5 Tesla. This driver, also gets a copper-clad aluminum voice coil provided by Daikoku, that should work exquisitely well, now that diaphragm is three times faster than before.

FiiO even provides a clear image, comparing a classic diaphragm to its one, to display how the FD7’s diaphragm behaves. Better of course, but there’s more to that.

Volcanic design + front acoustic prism

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

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.

On the opposite side, we have the intriguing volcanic field, named like that because the plastic piece does the exact opposite process, reducing the sound pressure by “outing” any standing wave. This semi-open design reminds me of the Beyerdynamic approach on their DT series, relieving air pressure for long listening sessions.

An IEM that sounds “wonderfully pleasant, relaxed and natural”. 

Bundle

Inside the box

Like many flagships, the FiiO FD7 comes with a very nice bundle. In the box, you get:

• the FiiO FD7
• an LC-RE(+) cable – full silver -with 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm termination plugs
• the new HB5 storage case 
• three sound tubes set (red/green/black)
• a tool for MMCX cable replacement (provided by Final as it seems)
• 6 bass eartips, 6 balanced eartips, 6 vocal eartips, 6 Spinfits, 2 triple-flange tips, and 4 foam tips
• a cleaning brush
• and a magnetic cable organizer, which is not as cool as the one provided by ddHiFi, but it’s still 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 internal spacer for your IEM and the cable, love that, and the cable removal tool from Final. 

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

Additional accessories

Honestly, the FiiO FD7 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

• Type: IEM
• Style: Dynamic Driver
• Drivers: 12mm Pure Beryllium DLC diaphragm
• Socket: MMCX + swappable termination
• Cable: High-purity monocrystalline silver
• Shell: Stainless steel
• Frequency Response: 10Hz- 40kHz
• Impedance: 50 ohms
• Sensitivity: 111dB
• Sound Isolation (up to): meh
• Cable length: 120cm
• Price: $629

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