Sound performance
My main sources were: iBasso DX300 / FiiO M15 / EarMen Sparrow 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 home too!
Overall signature
So, how does FiiO’s new dynamic flagship compares to its own siblings?
FiiO could have made the best looking, most advanced dynamic drive, it would mean nothing if the FD7 doesn’t sound, at least, as good as the FD5 or FA9. Thankfully, they do so, but… I have to confess that I expected more.
Don’t get me wrong, out of the box, and paired with the FiiO M15 the song is absolutely exquisite. You get the typical FiiO sound signature, with deep lows and a slight emphasis on highs – especially with the aforementioned tips – which makes the FD7 a nice all-rounder that should fit most listeners. Highs are sharpers and the new IEM is slightly more sensitive, which is especially nice with well-mixed tracks or old school rap like The message from NAS
Yet, as good as they sound, I expected a bit more than just an FD5+. The soundstage is equally good, but not wider. Dynamic is superb, but not better. And, most of all, low didn’t go deeper even if they are a tad faster now, which is a good thing of course. But, I wanted a little more magic.
That said, FiiO did an amazing job the first time, so it’s always hard to improve what’s already great. It always feels natural, soothing, even when I cranked up the volume, or played my usual Techno tracklist. You never feel like throwing back and, once again aspect, the FiiO FD7 sounds much more like an open-back headphone, than an IEM. Which remains quite a feat.
Okay, to be fair bass is still amazing. Lows are deep, clean, and dwells deeply into my eardrum, without overpowering the rest of the spectrum. It’s a cool rumble, one that carries you through your musical journey and leaves you in a better shape than you were when you embarked. Yes, it’s not better than before, but out of FiiO’s portfolio, that’s the best you will get. Even with a low-budget source like the FiiO’s M3 Pro, the FD7 stood its ground.
The low impedance and high sensitivity combo is a sure hit, and those ears are able to extract every sweet gem, once hidden deep inside your favorite tracks. Of course, the more, the merrier, and the FiiO FD7 really shine when paired with a good source, even more, if you can go balanced. Hook up some nice players like the FiiO M11 Plus, or EarMen Sparrow and you’ll be amazed by how crazy good it can sounds.
Resolution and clarity are sublime, but that’s not surprising anymore. It’s quick, clean, and you can immediately feel the brand touch, where vocals take a really special part. 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.
Flush mids, exquisite voices, powerful bass, and excellent clarity, the FiiO FD7 overthrow the FH5 and the FH7(finally) but the FA9 keeps a special place in my heat. The latter offers better textures and a little more definition in the low mids, whilst the FD7 appears (a lot) more natural in the long run. It’s a question of taste, and I’d suggest that you take some time listening to both ears, so you can narrow your choice, depending on your tastes.
Long story short: the FiiO FD7 sounds supremely good, but I’m greedy, and I wanted a bit… more.
Sensitivity / Hiss
Impedance is neither low nor high, sensitivity is relatively high so yes, you can drive those IEM’s with almost anything, but it will shine only when hooked to a good DAC or DAP
No hiss with all my sources, Hurray!
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
Hugues
Thank you for this test. I have The M11 pro and i still esitate betwin fh7 (399€ only since few days), fa9 and this fd7. To me good mediums is the most important, natural voices and realistic acoustic instruments.
Tom Fontanella
Great review. It seems like there is a consensus about this IEM that it is very good but not “special”. My modest collection of two other quality IEMs use strictly BAs, so these seems like a good complementary unit that won’t break the bank.