In this article we review the latest IEM from the brand’s sublet – Jade Audio – the FiiO JD1, priced at just $14.99 USD.
Disclaimer: the FiiO JD1 was sent to us, free of charge, by the brand in exchange for our honest opinion.
About FiiO
Founded in 2007, FiiO is one of the pillars of the portable audiophile world, with companies like Astell&Kern, iBasso, and Meze. IEMs, headphone amps, DACs, and obviously DAPs, they did it all and did it well, filling each and every corner with an endless list of multi-awarded devices, like the K9 Pro, BTR5, Q15, or the M15S.
And if the brand began as a chi-fi maker, with cheap but nice products, FiiO has been constantly moving upmarket and, nowadays, it’d be hard to truly label them as “chi-fi”, rather than Hi-Fi – their most affordable player beginning at $500 nowadays.
An amazing player, I considered “one, if not the best player you can get in this price range – as long as you’re okay to carry this little brick with you – that was gifted an “Headfonia Award” for best DAP, thanks to its amazing performances, sheer power and unrivalled versatility .
But, this time it’s all about an IEM and, more importantly, an affordable one! Meet the Fiio JD1. Last time I reviewed the FiiO JD3 which introduced their new entry-level dynamic range, followed by the JH3 a few months after. Both stood apart from the FA9 (full-BA) and FH7 (hybrid) by using a sole Beryllium-coated diaphragm, with good measure. Then came the FiiO JH5, another great-sounding-cheap-priced multi-drivers IEM with a new design and top specs.
And today, we are keeping on that trend, as we review another sub $20 USD IEM, the FiiO JD1! Another addition to the Jade audio series, following the FiiO KB3 we previously reviewed – amazing keyboard IMO, go check that review too – to the ever evolving range of the Chinese brand.
A quick word about Jade audio
FiiO sent us some references about Jade audio, here is a copy:
“Jade Audio” is a subsidiary brand of FiiO Electronics Technology Co., LTD. It is a stylish, technological, and youth-oriented brand aiming to provide high-quality yet cost-effective audio products with an excellent listening experience for the younger generation all around the world. The entity’s Chinese name is derived from “翡声” (Fei Sheng), meaning “the sound of Jade”. The name “Jade Audio” conveys our mission towards providing consumers with a crisp and pleasant listening experience while maintaining audio fidelity
Once more, this new product fits in the brands Jade Audio sub-category. A sub-brand advertised as a new quality/price queen. But I’ll let the brand’s marketing team explain that for me:
“Jade Audio” is a subsidiary brand of FiiO Electronics Technology Co., LTD. It is a stylish, technological, and youth-oriented brand aiming to provide high-quality yet cost-effective audio products with an excellent listening experience for the younger generation all around the world. The entity’s Chinese name is derived from “翡声” (Fei Sheng), meaning “the sound of Jade”. The name “Jade Audio” conveys our mission towards providing consumers with a crisp and pleasant listening experience while maintaining audio fidelity
As a matter of fact, there are now more and more Jade Audio devices such as:
- FiiO KA1 : a DAC/Amp with a single ES9281AC Pro chip (reviewed)
- FiiO KA2 : a DAC/Amp with a dual CS43131 chip (reviewed)
- FiiO KA3 : a DAC/Amp with a single ES9038Q2M Pro chip (reviewed)
- FiiO KA5 : a DAC/Amp with a dual CS43198 chip (reviewed)
- FiiO KA13 : a DAC/Amp with a dual CS43131 chip (reviewed)
- FiiO FF3 : a new-gen earbud with a 14.2mm large dynamic driver (reviewed)
- FiiO FF5 : same but different earbud with a 14.2mm large dynamic driver (reviewed)
- FiiO Q11 : a portable DAC/AMP with a battery, replacing the Q3 (reviewed)
- FiiO JW1 : a new-gen earbud, wireless (reviewed)
- FiiO JH5 : an hybrid IEM packing 1 DD and 4BA (reviewed)
- FiiO JD1: a new-gen IEM with a 10mm LCP driver (today’s review)
Design & Build Quality
Casing
Compared to the JD3, which came in a full-metal body with a bullet-like design, the FiiO JD1 gives a very different vibe, enjoying a much more “audiophile” preset, thanks to its semi-custom shell.
When the prior displayed an clean, but simple look, mimicking TinHiFi with its T3/T4 series, this new model falls more in-line with the new FiiO FD11, giving a two-tone design with a liquid die-cast zinc alloy faceplate – available either in black or silver – and a clear acrylic body on the inner side. Top that with an aluminum alloy sound nozzle, a see-through design, and a mirror-like finish on the faceplate, making the JD1 quite appealing.
And for less than $20 USD, it’s hard to nit-pick, FiiO delivering the same stream-line experience seen on the JD11 and previous JD3 – even if compared to FiiO’s classic products, the Jade Audio series remains a tad less impressive.
In fact, compared to the JD3, the FiiO JD1 even gain a detachable cable socket, and a cable with embedded control button that doubles as a true portable DAC with an USB-C termination. Talk about bang for buck!
Build Quality
As usual, build quality is very good, and if the FiiO JH5 are one of the most affordable IEM the brand has to offer, they don’t feel like a cheap knock-off you’d buy in an airport lounge – up to a certain degree. Because, if there are no steps, no cracks, nor bruises, the thin line separating the metal shell from the acrylic body betrays the entry-level positioning of the earphones, breaking an almost seamless design.
That said, in hand, the JD1 feels like any other entry-level IEM and shall withstand some daily abuse like being thrown at the bottom of a bag, or being carelessly shove into a jean’s pocket, with no second thought. Sure, they aren’t as “bullet-proof” as the JD3 could be with their full-metal body, but unless you step on them or really really harshly treat those, you should be good.
On the other hand, I may not be as confident regarding the cable. It is quite good, even if the tangle-free sheath takes a little time to untangle, in addition to being quite rigid, but the remote control, combined with a 2-pin socket and an USB-C port, all make me a bit more anxious than a regular cable – or something higher-end like ddHiFi’s M120B.
Thankfully, during my review I didn’t encounter any issue and I was able to use it on the go, connected to my iPhone through the ddHiFi TC28, and in the train with my Steam Deck.
So far, so good.
Comfort
As expected, with a semi-custom design and lightweight shell, the FiiO JD1 is a breeze to wear.
Enjoying FiiO’s latest generation of their own semi-custom design, this new model – combined with the right tips – completely filled my ears, but didn’t feel cumbersome either. And if the JD3 were by no means uncomfortable, the JD1 remains on top, thanks to their shape – advertised as a Triangular ergonomic shape by the way.
And, thanks to their semi-custom shell, they were able to match much premium models, like my Nostalgia Audio Camelot, even surpassing classical in-ears like the Hifiman Svanar.
The only issue I could point out was the 2-pin socket, which doesn’t rotate like the MMCX one. Apart from that, there isn’t much to complain about: the cable doesn’t transmit microphonics despite its apparent flimsiness, the tips are numerous, and even long listening sessions didn’t put any strain on my ears
The article continues on Page two, after the click here, or after the jump
Page 1: About the brand, comfort,
Page 2: Isolation, Bundle, Specs, Sensitivity
Page 3: Sound performance
