The world of high-quality audio gear is always changing, with brands constantly pushing the boundaries of sound quality, design, and value. One brand that has consistently delivered on these fronts is FiiO. Renowned for its wide range of audio products from cables and DACs to headphones and IEMs FiiO has built a reputation for quality and innovation. With the release of the FiiO FD15, the company continues its legacy of excellence, offering a successor to the highly acclaimed FD5 that not only improves upon its predecessor but does so at a more affordable price.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Driver | Single dynamic 13.8 mm |
| Diaphragm | Aluminum-magnesium alloy |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz-40kHz |
| Impedance | 32Ω @ 1kHz |
| Sensitivity | 112dB/mW @ 1kHz |
| Cable | 4 strands with 480 wires; a hybrid of silver and Furukawa monocrystalline copper |
| Cable Length | About 1.2 m |
| Earphone Connector | Expanded MMCX |
| Audio Plug | Straight twist-lock swappable connector plug: 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm |
| Ear Tips Included | 5 types |
| Tuning Nozzles | 2 types |
| Packaging | Stackable drawer box |
| Single Unit Weight | About 12g (excluding cable) |
| Finish | Silver or black |
Design and Sound Performance
The FiiO FD15 features a single dynamic driver design, a hallmark of the FD series. However, the FD15 takes this design to new heights with a 13.8mm large magnalium diaphragm DLC driver. This diaphragm, made from a combination of magnesium and aluminum, offers high hardness and low distortion, ensuring a clean and precise sound. The DLC (diamond-like carbon) gasket adds rigidity and flexibility, further enhancing the sound quality by providing a stable platform for the diaphragm to operate.
The FD15’s driver is supported by a W-shaped driver suspension that increases the effective vibration area by 30%, allowing for more dynamic and responsive sound reproduction. Additionally, an 8.6mm voice coil boosts the driver’s power by 78%, ensuring that the FD15 can handle even the most demanding audio tracks with ease. The external 1.5T magnet design maintains consistent performance, while FiiO’s patented Tesla Valve Bass Enhancement technology ensures the deep, high-quality bass that audiophiles crave.
One of the standout features of the FD15 is its adaptive phase adjustment with a frontal acoustic prism. This innovative design enhances high-frequency diffusion, resulting in a more detailed and expansive soundstage. Whether you’re listening to complex orchestral compositions or your favorite pop tracks, the FD15 delivers a listening experience that is both immersive and engaging.
A Glimpse into FiiO’s Legacy
Before diving into the specifics of the FiiO FD15, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the brand’s journey. FiiO has long been a giant in the audio industry, offering a vast array of products that cater to both casual listeners and hardcore audiophiles. Their lineup includes everything from desktop DAC/amps to portable USB dongles, with the flagship KA17 being one of the best USB dongles under $200. FiiO’s journey into the world of in-ear monitors (IEMs) began with the F9 series, which quickly became popular for its high-quality sound and build.
Over the years, FiiO has expanded its IEM offerings, with the FD series standing out for its dynamic driver designs. The FD7 and FD5 were particularly well-received, with the FD7 being hailed as one of the best dynamic drivers IEMs around $600 and the FD5 dominating the $300 price range. However, after a couple of years, it was time for a successor to the FD5. Enter the FiiO FD15 a model that not only builds on the success of the FD5 but also manages to do so at a price point that’s less than half of its predecessor’s launch price.
Introducing the FiiO FD15
At first glance, the FiiO FD15 might seem like just another IEM in FiiO’s extensive lineup. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this is a product designed to exceed expectations. Priced at $149 (Buy Now) significantly lower than the FD5’s $299 launch price the FD15 offers a wealth of technological advancements that make it a worthy successor.
Design and Comfort
While the technical specifications of the FiiO FD15 are impressive, FiiO has also put considerable effort into the design and comfort of the IEMs. At first glance, the FD15 may look similar to the FD5, but upon closer inspection, several key improvements become apparent.
One of the most notable changes is the adjustment of the angle between the sound nozzle and the wearing surface along the Y-axis. FiiO has raised this angle by 6.7° while maintaining the length of the nozzle. This seemingly small change has a significant impact on the overall wearing experience, allowing the earphones to fit more comfortably and securely in the ear canal. This design enhancement reduces pressure points and improves stability, making the FD15 an excellent choice for long listening sessions.
FiiO has also reimagined the shape of the earphones themselves. The common inflexible right-calculated round and hollow MMCX shape has been supplanted with a more ergonomic bent plan that better obliges a more extensive scope of ear sizes. This new shape eliminates the discomfort that can arise when earphones press against the back of the ear, resulting in a more comfortable fit for a broader audience.
In addition to these comfort improvements, FiiO has narrowed the contact area between the front of the IEM and the ear. This design choice reduces movement caused by gaps and minimizes friction, ensuring a secure and stable fit. Despite their relatively substantial weight of 12g per piece, the FD15 offers a comfortable and stress-free wearing experience, with excellent passive noise attenuation.
The FD15 is not only comfortable but also stylish. The ear shells are crafted from 316L medical-grade stainless steel using a special powder metallurgy process. They are then hand-polished and electroplated, resulting in a shiny, beautiful finish that exudes a minimalistic and luxurious appearance. Available in obsidian black and silver finishes, the FD15 is as much a fashion statement as it is a high-performance audio device.
A High-Quality Cable for High-Quality Sound
The FiiO FD15 comes equipped with a high-quality, detachable cable that further enhances the overall listening experience. This link highlights MMCX connectors and is produced using a blend of Furukawa monocrystalline silver-plated copper and Furukawa monocrystalline copper in a braided design. The result is a cable that not only looks great but also delivers outstanding audio performance.
The cable consists of four large strands, each made up of 100 copper wires and 20 silver-plated wires, for an overall total of 480 wires with a cross-sectional area of 22 AWG. This design ensures that the cable is durable, resistant to tangling, and minimizes microphonic noise. However, it is worth noting that the cable is slightly heavier and thicker than some users might prefer for portable use.
In addition to its high-quality construction, the cable also includes a straight turn lock swappable sound fitting, with both 4.4mm and 3.5mm options included in the package. This flexibility allows users to easily switch between different audio sources without having to swap out cables.
Comprehensive Accessories
FiiO has a reputation for including a wide range of accessories with its products, and the FD15 is no exception. The package includes a variety of ear tips, a cleaning tool, and an MMCX removal tool. However, one notable omission is the luxurious carrying case that was included with the FD5. Instead, the FD15 comes with a plain plastic case, which, while functional, lacks the premium feel of its predecessor’s case.
Despite this omission, the FD15 package is still highly comprehensive, offering everything you need to get started with your new IEMs. Whether you prefer foam tips for a more secure fit or silicone tips for a more comfortable seal, the FD15 has you covered.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the FiiO FD15 delivers a performance that is both balanced and engaging. FiiO has made a conscious decision to depart from the V-shaped tuning of the FD5 in favor of a more neutral approach with the FD15. The result is a sound signature that is mildly neutral and balanced, with more prominence in the mid-range rather than the extremities of the frequency spectrum.
Bass Performance
The sub-bass on the FD15 is extended enough to reproduce the deepest notes without overpowering the rest of the frequencies. The bass is almost neutral, with a slight mid-bass prominence that adds warmth and body to the sound while maintaining tonal accuracy. This tuning makes the FD15 well-suited for a variety of genres, including acoustic and classical music, where precise bass reproduction is crucial.
The bass is also precise and resolving, with a clean and well-defined presentation that reveals plenty of micro-detail. The driver’s quick recovery guarantees that the bass is tight and controlled, with fulfilling dynamic differentiation and actual effect. As a result, the bass response is comparable to that of much more expensive IEMs.
Mid-Range Clarity
The mid-range is where the FD15 truly shines. It is perfectly adjusted, with equivalent presence from the lower to the upper mids. The mids are somewhat raised to keep up with clarity and definition without prompting brutality or a shouty sound. This balanced tuning makes the FD15 an excellent choice for listeners who are sensitive to the upper mid-range.
The FD15 excels in reproducing the mid-range with accurate pitch and natural timbre. The sound is expressive and resolving, with the ability to reproduce the full harmonic spectrum with ease. The textures are lush and well-balanced, with good body weight and nicely rounded edges. The mid-range of the FD15 is a marvel, delivering a lifelike and engaging sound that connects the listener with the music.
Treble Performance
The treble on the FD15 is smooth and controlled, without lacking in extension or transparency. It has enough energy and vividness to keep the sound lively, but it avoids sounding bright or sharp. The treble gently rolls off to prevent any spikes that could cause harshness, making the FD15 easy to listen to for extended periods.
The FD15’s treble tuning also contributes to its excellent separation, with a soundstage that is open and spacious. The treble provides the necessary air and lightness, giving the soundstage a three-dimensional quality. The FD15’s ability to produce a natural and airy treble, combined with its balanced tuning, makes it an excellent choice for listeners who enjoy a wide variety of music genres.
Imaging and Soundstage
The FiiO FD15 excels in delivering a wide and open soundstage with good imaging and separation. The frontal acoustic prism design plays a significant role in enhancing high-frequency diffusion, creating an expansive soundstage that feels natural and immersive. The result is a listening experience that is both detailed and spacious, with excellent instrument separation and positioning.
However, it is worth noting that the FD15 may struggle slightly with positioning accuracy in busier tracks, particularly in the lower frequencies. While the imaging is generally very good, it may not be as precise as some higher-end models in the FiiO lineup. Nevertheless, the overall soundstage and imaging performance of the FD15 is impressive, especially considering its price point.
Sound Customization with Swappable Nozzles
One of the standout features of the FD15 is its swappable sound nozzles, which allow users to fine-tune their listening experience. The FD15 comes with two pairs of nozzles, each offering a different sound signature. The black nozzle provides a more neutral sound, ideal for listeners who prefer a balanced and accurate sound signature. The red nozzle, on the other hand, slightly enhances the bass and mid-range while subduing the treble, resulting in a warmer and smoother sound.
This level of customization is rare in IEMs at this price point and adds significant value to the FD15. Whether you prefer a more analytical sound or a warmer, more musical presentation, the FD15 has you covered.
Comparison of the FiiO FD15 with FD5 and Simgot EA1000
FiiO FD15 vs. FiiO FD5
Design and Comfort:
- FD15: Slightly improved ergonomics and more comfortable fit. Costs about half of the FD5’s launch price. Lacks the luxurious carrying case that comes with the FD5.
- FD5: Similar appearance to the FD15 but might be less comfortable due to slightly less refined ergonomics. Comes with a high-end carrying case but is priced higher.
Sound Profile:
- FD15: More balanced and neutrally tuned. Offers better tonal accuracy with less emphasis on mid-bass, making it more controlled and technically proficient. The midrange is balanced and present, while the treble is extended but smoother compared to the FD5.
- FD5: V-shaped sound profile with more prominent bass and treble. The bass is more extended and impactful, but the midrange is slightly recessed. Treble is bright and energetic, providing more resolution and detail but can be less forgiving.
Price:
- FD15: More affordable, offering good value for money with a well-rounded sound profile.
- FD5: Higher price, justified by the luxurious carrying case and slightly more pronounced bass and treble.
Which to Choose?
- If you prefer a balanced sound profile and better ergonomics at a lower price, the FD15 is a great choice. However, if you value a more pronounced bass and treble along with a premium carrying case, the FD5 might be worth the extra cost.
FiiO FD15 vs. Simgot EA1000
Design and Comfort:
- FD15: Slightly bulkier but comfortable. Comes without a carrying case, which is a disadvantage compared to the EA1000. Cable quality is high, with a hybrid of silver and copper.
- EA1000: Lightweight and compact with a luxurious carrying case. However, the cable is of lower quality and features a 3.5mm plug.
Sound Profile:
- FD15: Offers a balanced sound with a neutral bass, controlled midrange, and smooth treble. It excels in tonal accuracy and control, making it a good all-rounder.
- EA1000: More V-shaped sound profile with prominent bass and treble. The bass is heavier and more emphasized, but less controlled compared to the FD15. Treble is more extended and brighter, but can be sibilant and metallic.
Price:
- FD15: Priced higher than the EA1000 but offers better build quality and cable.
- EA1000: More affordable with a luxurious carrying case but lacks the refined cable and build quality of the FD15.
Which to Choose?
- If you value a balanced sound profile and higher build quality, the FD15 is a better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a more pronounced bass and treble with a luxurious carrying case at a lower price, the EA1000 might suit you better.
Summary
- FiiO FD15: Best for those seeking balanced sound, better comfort, and a lower price. It’s a solid option for those who want a more controlled and technically proficient earphone without breaking the bank.
- FiiO FD5: Ideal for those who prefer a more pronounced bass and treble with the added luxury of a high-end carrying case, and don’t mind paying a premium.
- Simgot EA1000: A good budget-friendly alternative for those who prefer a V-shaped sound with an emphasis on bass and treble, and value a luxurious carrying case over a higher-quality cable.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your preferences for sound signature, comfort, and budget.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent Sound Quality: The 13.8 mm dynamic driver and aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragm deliver a rich, clear sound across a wide frequency range (10Hz-40kHz).
- High Sensitivity: With a sensitivity of 112dB/mW at 1kHz, these earphones provide impressive volume levels without needing much power.
- Customizable Fit: Includes five types of ear tips and two types of tuning nozzles, allowing for a tailored listening experience.
- Durable Cable: The 4-strand, 480-wire cable features a hybrid of Furukawa monocrystalline copper and silver for a high-quality, long-lasting connection.
- Versatile Connectivity: Comes with a straight twist-lock swappable connector plug for both 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm audio jacks, enhancing compatibility with various devices.
- Aesthetic Options: Available in both silver and black finishes to match personal style.
Cons:
- High Impedance: With an impedance of 320 ohms at 1kHz, these earphones might require a powerful source or amplifier to reach optimal performance.
- Price: Premium features like high-quality materials and customizable options might come with a higher price tag.
- Cable Length: At approximately 1.2 meters, the cable might be short for some users, especially if they need extra reach for comfortable use.
- Complex Setup: The various ear tips and tuning nozzles can be overwhelming for users who prefer a more straightforward setup.
- Single Unit Weight: At around 12 grams excluding the cable, they might feel a bit bulky compared to lighter earphones.
Conclusion
In the crowded world of audiophile IEMs, the FiiO FD15 is a remarkable achievement. It offers a level of sound quality, build, and customization that is rare at its $159 price point. At the same time, it may not include the luxurious carrying case of its predecessor, the FD15 more than makes up for it with its impressive performance and comfortable design.
For audiophiles looking for a high-quality IEM that won’t break the bank, the FiiO FD15 is an excellent choice. Its balanced sound signature, ergonomic design, and high-quality cable make it a compelling option for both casual listeners and dedicated audiophiles alike.
The FD15 is a testament to FiiO’s commitment to delivering exceptional audio products at every price point. Whether you’re new to the world of high-end audio or a seasoned audiophile, the FiiO FD15 is sure to impress. It’s not just a successor to the FD5 it’s a new benchmark in affordable audiophile IEMs.