Disclaimer: The FiiO FH1 was sent me from FiiO directly as a review sample. The current price of this model is 74,99$. This review won't be very very detailed, as I've reviewed the F9 & F9 Pro already so there's no need to keeping it long. You can always feel free to ask your questions and state your opinions on the comments section.
INTRO
Looks like FiiO are not only interested in releasing IEMs, but also in diversifying them to appeal to larger crowds with different price levels. I think this model, the FiiO FH1, is a result of that strategy. At the same time I also think that their starter of this new series – the F9 – is slowly becoming somewhat obsolete. That’s obviously not pretty for early F9 owners, but that’s only my opinion.
Manufacturers releasing IEMs with 1 or 2 drivers is very common lately, and the FH1 is no exception. This one has 1 larger Dynamic driver + 1 Balanced Armature driver, instead of the 1+2 setup of the F9 Series. But, the BA driver is also Knowles branded, like the F9 Pro. So that means we’ll have somewhat similar quality & control of the F9 Pro. Also, it has its own distinguishing features, such as a slightly bigger dynamic bass driver and unique nozzle design. So this IEM maybe is the cheapest of the three, but it’s definitely no slouch. Let’s focus on that in the sound section though.
DESIGN & BUILD
The FiiO FH1 has the same shape as the F9 Series, but the housing is now different for both looks & material. It now has a silver elliptic frame -which looks very cool- and its made from plastic material this time around. Downgrading from full aluminum to plastic is of course not great, but I saw many IEMs made from ABS material while having much higher price brackets than the FH1. Therefore, this is not something that I can criticize, especially when this one has a lower price than the other two.
And I have to say, the housing doesn’t feel cheap in any way, and it has its own advantages like the reduced weight to have a more comfortable fit. The blue colored version looks to me the coolest, but I got a black variant to review. Compared to the F9 models, this one brings a fresh look to the table. This is all about personal taste of course but I like all these IEMs from FiiO looks-wise. Good job.
FiiO FH1
FIT
The fit and isolation is the same as the F9 and the F9 Pro. This housing shape and design is sufficient for a nice and good isolating fit, which was proven many times in the past from different brands as well. I tend to use foam tips for a snug fit and good amount of isolation. Silicone doesn’t do very good for me with these IEMs. The process of finding the best fit is always going to be a personal matter though.
CONTENT
FiiO supplies several tips with the package but it doesn’t contain the foam tips I mentioned above. Only the F9 Pro model comes with those. Even so, it’s understandable based on the lower price level. It also doesn’t have the small zipper bag which comes supplied with the F9 Pro. Actually the package is exactly the same as with the original F9: One stock cable with mic and in line controls, one 2.5mm balanced cable which sounds better than the stock cable, 6 pairs of ear tips and the carrying case which I loved from the start.
USAGE
The small improvements made on the F9 Pro are also included here: Cables have red & blue colors around the connectors and the earpieces have L&R marks which are easy to see.
An addition to the FH1 is that the inside parts of the earpieces also have blue & red colors for matching the cables with the IEMs. Pretty nice for making things easier. The stock cable works very well with smartphones, and overall the IEMs are very easy to work with.
FiiO FH1
NOZZLE
Now the new thing here is the nozzle itself. The material chosen for the nozzle is brass, which is not a regular material we see with IEMs. Certain brands used this material before, but FiiO decided to use it exclusively for the nozzle. Also, they thought using the BA driver inside the nozzle is a good idea. Let me quote them from the product page:
To achieve the highest sound quality possible, we put the Knowles balanced armature inside the sound tube (to minimize its distance to ear) made of brass (with its higher density than aluminum). All of this results in a natural, yet effortless sound.
I’ll evaluate the sound shortly, but this brass nozzle looks just beautiful and gives quite a premium look. Especially with the blue version it looks very stylish.
VIDEO
For all three latest models from FiiO, you can check out my video post below if you haven’t seen it yet. I’ve talked about all three models and their differences in terms of looks and design. Sorry in advance for the focusing, it was a one-off problem and it won’t happen again.
Continue to PAGE 2 for sound impressions
dale thorn
Good to have a detailed informative review at this price point.
Berkhan
Thank you Dale.
Juan
Hi,I’m currently using the Mee audio M6 Pro,it is worth to changed to the fh1?
Berkhan
I don’t think so. I never listened to the M6 Pro but if you’re going to change your earphones, it would be better to select a higher level one.
ALBERTO MARTINEZ
Fantastic review, I always think this last one can’t be improved but you do it one after the other.
I am waiting for the coming HiBy R3 DAP. My around $100 shortlist to pair with this device is composed of iBasso IT01, FiiO FH1 and Brainwavz B200.
I will use the selected one connected to the 2.5mm TRRS balanced output, playing Tidal and listening 70’s classical and progressive rock and jazz guitar. Which one do you recommend?
I could ride budget to $150 if there is other model really worth.
Thanks and congrats.
Berkhan
Hi,
I never listened the Brainwavz one, but between FH1 and IT01 I would recomment the IT01 most definitely.
And thank you too.
ALBERTO MARTINEZ
Thanks for recommendation, I will go with IT01. Only one last thing, which MMCX balanced 2.5mm TRRS cable do you recommend for IT01, as it’s not included as stock?
Cheers
Berkhan
I can’t recommend a specific cable for that, you should do a research and pick one
Omer
Thanks for the review!
Do you have any guess on how well the Shanling M2s should pair with the FH1 considering its fairly high output impedance of 4.8Ω?
Berkhan
I think the M3S would be a much better pair.
Sk
Hi, very nice comprehensive review. I’m using RHA MA750 and wanna change it bcz i don’t like its fit. Can you compare it with FH1, or have any suggestions for my next purchase.
Berkhan
Thanks.
Don’t know about the RHA I’m afraid. It’s not in my possession.
Darryl
A couple of weeks or so ago, I left a comment on the video, wondering if the FH1 is enough of an upgrade from the Fiio EX1 2nd generation to consider purchasing. Have you compared them? Thanks.
Berkhan
No I haven’t, but considering these models are best from FiiO yet, FH1 should be much better than the EX1 mk2.
Darryl
Thanks for the reply. Now that Amazon has the blue version in stock, I might give it a try.
Andres
These or the Massdrop Nuforce EDC 3? Regardless of the price 25$ price difference which would you choose?
Berkhan
Different reviewers unfortunately. I don’t have the Nuforce.
Andres
Ah, no problem. Thanks for responding
Trelag
Thanks for the review! I just wanted to ask if you’re able to compare the FH1 with the Fiio F5 as well? There’s currently around $15 price difference between the two.
Berkhan
No idea, I don’t have the F5.
DR.ALİ
Thank you for nice review. I am realy enjoying while I was reading.
I will buy this earphone in near future but I don’t have any music player without my phone (Xiaomi Mi5).
I don’t know maybe I won’t use portable music player. Maybe I have a desire. Therefore I don’t want to buy expensive DAP. I was thinking to buy Cayin N5ii but now I thing to buy a amplifier for my mobile phone with Fiio FH1. I will listen to music on Spotify or Tidal.
Do you suggest an amplifier or N5ii? If your answer is a amplifier which one?
Thank you…
Berkhan
Hi. Thank you for that.
I would always recommend a dedicated DAP. Using an amp with the phone is not the best portable solution for me. I would definitely recommend the N5II to you, as it’s one of the best price / performance players around.
No need to have an amp with the N5II.
Ricardo Pinheiro
How you think it will sound with the Cayin N3? I have a tinaudio T2 and wanted to upgrade. You can also compare these with the ibasso t01?
Berkhan
IT01 has a better fit and ergonomics. Sound wise IT01 has better treble, better resolution and separation and better tonal balance. Sound stage is almost the same.
FH1 would be very good with the N3, they’ll make a nice pair. But I can definitely recommend the IT01 a little more and I’ll go in detail in its review of course.
HUGO SILVA
hello friend, I am in doubt between Fiio F9 PRO and Fiio FH1. In the case of POP music like Demi Lovato, Rita Ora, Dua Lipa, which one would suit the best or would both perform well this style? Many thanks for the answers.
Berkhan
I recommend the FH1 for pop music.
Madhur Verma
Hi!
Can you tell me if the FH1 would be a good match with the Astell & Kern AK70?
I currently own a pair of Klipsch X4i, however I’m looking to upgrade and these seem to be a good buy in the <100$ range.
Thanks!
Berkhan
If you have the AK70, I recommend to raise your budget and go for a little more premium IEM.
But, the new iBasso IT01 is excellent for 100$. I recommend that one. As for FH1, yes, it’ll sound very nice with it but for AK70 you can try to get better IEMs.
Maybe IT03?
Madhur Verma
Thanks for responding! I was trying to get something below the $200 range, but I will certainly consider the iBasso recommendation.
Berkhan
Thank you too and good luck!
Reggie
Hi all, How about Fiio FH1 VS. Vsonic GR07 (37 anniversary or Classic)?
Berkhan
Hard to say really. I listened the GR07 years ago. I wouldn’t compare with such a distant memory.
Durga Prasad
Hi Sir, I have Sony xb50ap. that is good for me. Bass & Sound clarity. But FH1 is how much better than the sony?
pls reply me..
Thanks..
Aman
Hi Durga
You can’t compare Sony XB 50 ap with fiio FH1. Sony is a commercial earphone brand with extra bass, it doesn’t gives you the clear bass with the miss and low fadding away. FH1 is a premium IEM compared to Sony and are very decently price. If you have the budget FH1 would sound way better than Sony with your fiio X1. I picked mine from gurgaon and love them. Just go for it.
Durga Prasad
my DAP is Fiio X1.
thanks
Franky
Hi, it is worth to upgrade to these earphones from the akg that comes with the galaxy s8?
Adil
Is it worth upgrading from Bose SoundSport wire to Fiio FH1? Is there significant sound quality difference? I went with bose for sweat proof and comfort.
Jorge
Hola, ¿El fh1 será buen complemento para un shanling m0?
sagar shah
FH1 or IT01 which will be good to pair with Shanling M0?
Berkhan
IT01
Lastwood79
Fiio FH1 pair it with fiio K3 it will be good?
Berkhan
I guess so, but you have to try.
Markus Arike
Why would the F9 be obsoleted by the FH1? That’s a pretty stupid theory. A great sounding IEM is still great sounding even when a shiny new pair is released. Besides, if the F9 had more bass, I would hate it. I was hoping the review would be of higher quality than the YouTube video, but…
Berkhan
Hello Markus,
To me the F9 is obsoleted because of the FH1 AND the F9 Pro models. With these two being available, there’s no point getting the F9, since it has problems in its sound presentation, especially sibilance. It’s not a theory, it’s an opinion and you can always buy the F9 if you want to. Not sure why you’re using the word “stupid”, but I guess you need to read reviews better first.
I would’ve loved to see a higher quality comment.
Erwin Comendador
Hello Sir Berkhan, I have a Sony NW-A45. Have you made a review for this? I just want to know how’s it perform against other dap’s. Thank you.