We today take a detailed look at the FiiO FH7S, the company’s new 5-driver hybrid In-Ear Monitor. It’s selling for $429 USD.
Disclaimer: The FiiO FH7S was sent to me by the company itself for this review. It does not need to be returned.
About FiiO
FiiO doesn’t need an introduction. Everybody knows them. You don’t? Then you can go to FiiO’s store here. They now produce almost everything when it comes to portable audio. They want to be competitive in every field they’re operating in, and I respect their work.
We just posted the review of the latest M11 version just this Tuesday; the M11S. You can check that out just below.
Other than that, we’ve reviewed dozens of FiiO gear over the years and you can check them out here. One of the examples is the hybrid flagship FH9:
About FH7S
The FiiO FH7S is FiiO’s new hybrid in-ear monitor that once again introduced a few technologies. The configuration consists of 4 BA drivers with a single dynamic driver.
In terms of its IEMs, the “S” versions represent the open-back design for FiiO. The previous FH7 had a conventional IEM design, but the S version brings more to the table and it’s especially important because of the open-back design. FiiO’s previous IEM that had this design choice was the FH5S, the open version of the FH5:
The housings are made from aluminium, the 4BA drivers are configured with the assistance of Knowles. There’s a specially-engineered notch filter, and a 2nd generation DLC bass driver, which is the same driver from the flagship hybrid FH9, which includes the “S.Turbo” acoustic design.
The IEM is supplied with a silver plated copper cable. This cable has swappable headphone jacks so you’re all covered. FiiO also continues the usage of their acoustic nozzle filters with 3 options, all altering the sound. To top it all off, the new model has a “Sci-Fi Armor” design on the faceplate, retaining the company’s recent design language, similar to the M17 DAP.
Package
FiiO has established a very nice brand image and presentation with its packaging. The box has a premium feel overall with lots of accessories inside. You get a very luxurious carrying case, which has a very nice leather/suede feeling. I liked this carrying case design and I appreciate FiiO’s generosity here. Some more expensive IEMs don’t even come with a case at all, and some have mediocre ones, but not FiiO.
Another feature is the interchangeable headphone jack. You can remove the classic 3.5mm jack and fit 4.4mm depending on your source device. This is done by a new cable design that supports removable jacks. Instead of providing adapters, FiiO has chosen to take a different approach and I liked that as well.
There are a lot of ear-tips inside, a total of 16 pairs. 2 of them are foams, and 2 more pairs are bi-flange tips. There are additional 9 pairs of silicone tips which are divided into “bass”, “vocal” and “balanced”. On top of all that, you get SpinFit tips for the flagship hybrid IEM. These weren’t present with the lower range FH5s model.
The tips are easily recognizable since they all have different colours. Once you memorize their colour you know which is which. Overall FiiO has covered the accessory part very well and you have absolutely everything you need inside. You even have an MMCX tool for making the detachable cable easier to work. Great attention to detail. Overall this is excellent packaging with a great presentation.
Design
The new FiiO FH7S follows the footsteps of its predecessors, but it distinguishes itself with a different, elegant shell and aggressive face plate. I liked the design more than the FH5s, and FH7. If I look at it as a single IEM model, the design is also very impressive. The FH9 looks classier overall, but the FH7S also is very aggressive looking and it represents FiiO’s recent looks cleanly.
Once again this is a distinctive design language by FiiO and I have to say, they’ve come a long way in designing their monitors. To be honest, the FH7S is quite original in its looks and it’s a very classy design thanks to those futuristic-looking faceplates.
Sp12er
What the heck is that comparison list 😂 only Fiios?