In this article we review the FiiO SA1, the brand’s latest desktop active speaker selling for $199 USD.
Disclaimer: FiiO sent us the SA1 free of charge, for the purpose of this review. In exchange, we’re going to give our honest opinion, as always.
FiiO
Born in 2007, FiiO has become a powerhouse in the audiophile realm, offering an impressive line-up of affordable and high-quality products. From IEMs, headphone amps, DACs, to DAPs, FiiO has consistently delivered top-notch devices, setting benchmarks for other brands to follow like the FiiO M23, the mighty FiiO Q15, or the everlasting E10K, which has remained on the market for over a decade.
An unceasing saga of success, propelled not only by a steady flow of high-end devices but also by the introduction of smart, budget-friendly products. Their latest series of USB DAC/Amps being a prime example – compact dongle-sized gadgets that hark back to the venerable FiiO E5 and E3, first revealed over a decade ago.
An expansive range that includes the delightful FiiO KA13, the formidable FiiO KA5, the diminutive FiiO KA1, and KA2, or the mighty FiiO K17.
A fantastic DAC/AMP nonetheless, designed as an affordable TOTL endpoint for every modern audiophile, thanks to its wide array of inputs/outputs, dual AKM chipset and an uncompromised experience with a large LCD screen.
Yagiz had the chance to get a review unit, and was more than pleased by the device, granting the K17 the highly sought-after HFN recommended award. A quote for your reading pleasure:
“The FiiO K17 is, to me, a rare example of solid engineering. It doesn’t chase specs for bragging rights or lean on artificial sharpness to simulate detail. Instead, it focuses on balance to find a happy medium between resolution and musicality. Pretty safe to say that it nails it.
Rather than trying to outshine the K19 by force, it carves its own path with a tuning that’s more natural and musical. Its realistic tonality, combined with strong technical performance, makes it a genuinely capable all-in-one. Add in streaming support, full DSP EQ, a responsive UI, and a robust build, and you’ve got one of the most impressive devices FiiO has released to date.”
A desktop device that’s supposed to be paired with their new high-end headphone – the FiiO FT7 – and the new-and-upcoming FiiO SP7/SP5, their beefy speakers, designed as a maxxed-out SP3.
Yet, there’ll be none of that today and, instead, we’ll shift gears to check out something a bit different: the FiiO SA1. A tiny set of powered speaker, priced just below the symbolic $200 mark – fitting below the lovely SP3 – packing a surprising number of clever ideas and thoughtful features, in a retro package, following the trend initiated by the TT13, CP13 and the (wonderful) FiiO DM13.
But will that be enough for the SA1 to carve out its own space among the competition? Let’s find out.
FiiO SA1
Designed to fit in their new “retro” line-up, the FiiO SA1 displayed an ambivalent design – at least to my eyes.
Casing
I’ll be honest here, if I’m a big fan of the futuristic blocky design of the SP3/SP3 BT, I’m a lot more perplexed with the SA1. Sure, aesthetic is a very personal thing, but to my eyes, those were one of the least interesting product the brand sent to me in a long time. From the silverly grill, to the side wood-panel, up to the control buttons, I couldn’t find any appealing feature to my eyes.
Which is kind a shame, because apart from that, those are some very solid speakers for the price. With a case made of 12mm thick high-density MDF, an integrated laminar bass-port, and a solid range of inputs/outputs, those tiny, but mighty, speakers left a very good impression overall.
Sure, they can’t compete with the insanely die-casted SP3, but if you’re more wood than metal, the SA1 might be a much better option.
Designed to fit a desk, or a small side-board, they also share the tiny foot print of their “big” sister: 185 mm tall, 135mm wide and 155mm deep, and just 1.75kg for the main unit (100g less for the secondary one). A form factor that should allow you to fit them even in the most cramped space, which is usually the goal with entry-level speakers as those one.
And, as usual with the brand, build quality is absolutely flawless, with no gaps and impeccable fit everywhere your eye can see. However, compared to the SP3 (again), a closer look will reveal some of the typical shortcuts you’d expect at this price point: visible screws along the back panel, a grill that feel a bit clunky, and a cabinet that feels a bit “hollow” when tapped – much more than its die-cast siblings, for sure.
A clean build all-in-all, but you won’t be able to escape that lightweight feel you get, when handling more budget-friendly gear.
Still, none of this is really surprising for a sub-$200 pair a speaker and I never got the sense that FiiO skimped where it actually matters. It’s a solid effort, and if you set your expectations accordingly, there’s nothing shocking or off-putting about the way the SA1 is put together – apart from the look, but that’s just me.
How about the layout then ?
Layout
Surprise surprise, in terms of I/O, the FiiO SA1 completely outperforms the SP3, providing an extended range of inputs to fit all and every use. And where the SP3 only got two inputs – a RCA and a 3.5mm line input – the new model covers both analog AND digital needs..
And so, at the back of the primary speaker, you have :
- a coaxial input, to connect your digital sources
- an optical input, same as the above
- an USB-C input, to pair your computer or any digital sources able to connect via USB
- a RCA input that also doubles as a Phono input, to either add an analog source, or a turntable (like the FiiO TT13)
- an Aux in, in addition to the RCA port – nice
- and, last but not least, a subwoofer output! A feature that I dearly miss on my SP3…
In addition to that, you’ll also find
- a 12V DC input, to power the speakers
- a 4-pin Din plug that pair the main speaker to the secondary set
Finally, for the control, this time you’ll find them on the side. From top to bottom you get:
- a signal input button / volume adjustment knob
- a bass level knob
- the power button
A great layout, so let’s install them now.
The article continues on Page two, after the click here, or after the jump
Page 1: About FiiO, Design & Build Quality,
Page 2: UI&Usage, Bundle, Specs
Page 3: Sound, Conclusion, Summary
