FiiO SP3 BT Review

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Technical Performance

The FiiO SP3 presents a wide soundstage that’s immersive but lacks depth compared to higher-end speakers. While it falls short of delivering the expansive 3D experience of premium models, its presentation draws you in, creating an engaging listening environment. However, there’s room for improvement in depth and length to truly elevate the spaciousness.

Stereo imaging is clean and precise, offering clarity and focus. Each instrument and vocal occupies its own space within the soundstage, contributing to a well-defined sonic landscape. As a desktop speaker, the SP3 maintains a balanced and neutral sound profile, faithfully reproducing audio without adding colouration.

Detail retrieval is impressive, capturing subtle nuances with finesse. Combined with its dynamic performance, the SP3 delivers an enjoyable listening experience. Overall, while the SP3 may not reach the pinnacle of high-end audio, its solid performance and engaging sound make it a compelling choice for desktop listening for an entry-level speaker.

The SP3 struggles to give the texture overall, especially in the mid-range, where tonality feels a bit off. The overall sound presentation is often ”papery”. Since it excels in key areas like resolution and imaging, I feel that there’s more potential to be unlocked in the concept. Another weak point of the SP3 is the lack of pace and separation in very complex and saturated moments in the music. When many instruments are playing simultaneously, the SP3 BT struggles to keep up in terms of transients.

Bluetooth Sound and Experience

When it comes to the wireless sound performance, the SP3 BT is good, but not great. Especially when compared to the wired scenarios, the BT sound is a bit too bright, one-dimensional and rolled off. Not only that, but the SP3’s disadvantages in the sound department get worse with a BT connection, in my opinion. The BT functionality is a nice addition to this model but if any user would use this as a desktop speaker, I’m sure they can set up a suitable wired system anyway.

If you like to have fewer cables in your desktop system then it’s completely understandable to have the BT feature, but otherwise, it’s not necessary to me. That is unless you plan to use the SP3 BT in another place, where you don’t have any space for a PC or another source. In that case, you can put the speakers anywhere in the house and connect them from your PC or phone wirelessly, which is quite comfortable. I would still find some source to set up a wired connection even in that case for sound quality alone, but of course, these are all individual choices.

Conclusion

For those stepping into the realm of desktop speakers, the FiiO SP3 BT offers a solid starting point, especially for PC users. Its sleek design complements any desk setup, and its functionality is top-notch. Exceptionally well-built, compact, and easy to set up, these speakers seamlessly integrate into FiiO’s lineup.

While they may not rival higher-end options like the KEF LSX, the SP3 BT provides impressive performance given its price and size. Paired with a quality source, they deliver a satisfying listening experience.

If you’re in the market for versatile, compact active speakers that don’t compromise on sound quality or aesthetics, the FiiO SP3 BT is a worthy choice. Say goodbye to cheap generic PC speakers and elevate your audio experience with the SP3 BT.

Summary

Pros:

• Great build quality for the price
• Good design with RGB and angled base accessories
• Satisfying packaging with high-quality cables
• Neutral, balanced, resolving sound
• Overall good performance and design for an entry-level desktop speaker

Cons:

• Lacks some stage depth
• Layering isn’t exceptional
• Mid-range needs better tonality and texture
• Struggles to cope with complex passages
• BT sound isn’t impressive

Page 1: About, Features, Packaging, I/O

Page 2: User Experience, Sound Quality