FiiO JD3 Review

Bundle

Inside the box

As you might expect for a $15 USD IEM, the retail box is pretty simple: a small, crystal case, only displaying the IEM through a window, and some spec sheets written on the back.

Of course, a simple box also means that you get a simple bundle, as, you get:

• the FiiO JD3
• a set of silicon sleeves
• a synthetic pouch for travel
• some papers

A scarce bundle, but for the price, I didn’t expect much. If you want more, you shall look for something a bit expensive, like the FiiO FD3 Pro.

Additional accessories

If you want to go further with your FiiO JD3, there are only one upgrades you should do:

• get a DAP or a DAC to drive them nicely 

It could be something as simple as a ddHiFi TC35C or something a bit more fancy like the FiiO KA3, but please don’t use your computer headphone out (unless it’s the new MacBook Pro, which is pretty impressive in this regard).

Specifications

For the nitpickers and nerdy ones here, I’m giving the specs and technical sheets. For all the others, you can just go lower to see how the FiiO JD3 performs.

Dual-cavity Dynamic Driver + Semi-acoustic design

Even if the FiiO JD3 is entry-level IEMs, that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy the same features found in upper models.

Made from “carefully chosen” materials, the composite diaphragm of the new 9.2mm wide dynamic driver is driven by a powerful neodymium magnet driver, with a CCAW voice coil.

Combined with a clever reflection-absorbing system, made of a foam ring encapsulated in a specially designed outer cavity frame, and a dual-cavity construction, the JD3 advertises “deep bass, lush mids, and vibrant treble”.

To that two features, you can also add the same semi-open acoustic design, now available across the whole FiiO range, and introduced on the FiiO FD5. This setup offers numerous benefits like:

• less air pressure on the eardrum
• reduced distortion for cleaner bass
• deeper bass at low volume

And a quick look at the tuning response, and you know that FiiO didn’t intend to make a linear-sounding IEM, and more of a lively one – which isn’t a bad thing in my opinion. In fact, the brand even advertises “bottomless bass”, so I’d be pretty curious to hear them!

Sensitivity / Hiss 

Impedance is very low (32ohm), sensitivity is good (107dB/mW), so you should have no problem driving those IEMs with your usual DAP, even your phone.

On my FiiO KA3, the IEM behaves exceptionally well. Same with my ddHiFi TC35C or even plugged into my computer, all were able to drive the IEM with ease, even in noisy environments.

Last but not least, hiss never was an issue.

Full specs

• Type: IEM
• Style: 1DD
• Drivers: 1x 9.2mm composite diaphragm dynamic driver
• Socket: soldered cable (non-detachable)
• Cable: Oxygen-free copper – 3.5mm straight
• Shell: stainless steel
• Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20 KHz
• Impedance: 16 ohms
• Sensitivity: 107dB
• Sound Isolation (up to): 30 dB
• Cable length: 120 cm 
• Weight: 19.3g (including cable)
• Price: $15.19

Page 1: About the brand, design and build quality

Page 3: Sound Performances