Are you aware who makes a number of the finest wired earbuds out there?
Earlier this 12 months, I put a few of FiiO‘s hottest wired earbuds to the take a look at towards twenty different fashions from a number of the largest manufacturers within the class beneath $250 and so they had been convincing winners.
The entire fashions confronted the identical rigorous testing which included being subjected to the weather while working on the Jersey Shore in lower than perfect circumstances and with a variety of DAPs and Dongle DACs.
Not solely does FiiO make a number of the finest DAPs and Dongle DAC/Headphone amplifiers — however they actually know what they’re doing within the common earbud class and the construct high quality is second to none on the respective worth factors.
The authentic FiiO FF3 ($99 at Amazon) flew underneath the radar right here however I’ve had a pair in my drawer for over a 12 months and while the tonal steadiness undoubtedly favors those that like a darker sounding pair of earbuds with a laid again presentation and well mannered sounding treble — in addition they supply wonderful bass efficiency that’s each impactful and taut.
In case you hate bass heavy earbuds that lack definition and element — these $99 earbuds will impress you with their low finish solidity and backbone.
The midrange is hotter sounding with some apparent coloration, however they’re additionally very comfy with extra ahead sounding sources and DACs; you’ll be able to actually form their tonal steadiness and presentation together with your supply gear.
For a $99 pair of earbuds, in addition they require extra energy than you’ll assume; the FF3 are 45 ohms and I discovered that they benefitted from DAPs or Dongles that would ship near 1 watt of output which some would possibly discover extreme however the bass response was superior and the marginally reticent sounding treble opened up extra.
FiiO knew that the FF3 confirmed lots of promise and determined to return to the drafting board on a brand new iteration that has simply been introduced.
FiiO FF3S
The FF3S options an aluminum alloy building with a matte end, making for a delicate but clearly extra luxurious look than discovered on its predecessor. One other profit of the aluminum alloy building is the lighter weight.
Every earbud of the FF3S is simply 3.9 grams, making every earbud 52% lighter than the FF3. This may give an entire one other stage of consolation for longer listening classes, particularly these with ears that are very delicate to weight.
FIIO listened to person suggestions and outfitted the FF3S with a 0.78mm 2-pin removable cable, permitting customers limitless improve potentialities in enhancing their listening expertise.
Additionally, an easy-to-feel level was added to the left earbud with a purpose to extra simply distinguish between the left and proper earbuds for a really ergonomic design.
Silicone Ear Hooks for These Morning Runs within the Rain
Because of the open nature of the earbuds, the FF3S is safer and appropriate for out of doors actions reminiscent of mountaineering or biking. Thus, commonplace with the FF3S are silicone wing hooks to assist the earbuds keep in your ears.
Beryllium-plated dome + PU gasket diaphragm
After many assessments by the FIIO R&D workforce, a beryllium-plated dome + PU gasket 14.2mm dynamic driver was chosen for the FF3S.
The beryllium-plated diaphragm is each extremely inflexible but light-weight, lowering undesirable vibration and thus undesirable distortion. PU is used for the dynamic driver’s gasket, and its traits permit extra detailed and textured bass.
FiiO Claims that the brand new FF3S prolong to virtually 17kHz and supply a extra open sounding treble than the earlier mannequin and improved readability and element general.
Did they alter the midrange coloration that made the FF3 an natural sounding pair of earbuds that labored very well with extra impartial sounding sources?
I’ve a pair coming from China and can let you realize someday this month however we suspect that they are going to be one of many higher choices beneath $100 this Christmas so long as FiiO didn’t alter the tonal steadiness too far come what may.
The place to purchase: $89.99 at AliExpress
For extra info: fiio.com/ff3s