Introduction
We at Audiomonsta have been covering most of FiiO’s products and they are honestly a great innovative brand that doesn’t hold back on their products with boldness and quality in the back of their mind. With technology getting better and better, we as a human race have been rewarded with better, affordable products and FiiO has indeed been rewarding us with their amazing value products that have a strong performance such as the recently released KA5 and Q11 that breaks boundaries of how a budget product should be. Recently they have released a new iteration of their entry level dynamic based IEM with a completely new revamped design, the FD11. It is equipped with a ‘C’ shaped bass flute, an inspiration taken from a conch shell that FiiO claims will increase the depth of the bass response.
A huge thanks to Ryan from Red Ape Headphones Store for providing this unit for a review. How will they perform in this hotly contested throne of the budget realm? We shall find out.
Functions & Specifications
Before we start the review, here are the specifications of the FiiO FD11;
- Driver: 10mm dual cavity carbon based diaphragm with N52 magnets
- Shell: Liquid die-cast zinc alloy with C type acoustic flute
- Cable: 2 core OFC 120 cores each, 0.78mm to 3.5mm(angled)
- Eartips : FiiO HS18 silicone eartips
- Frequency Range: 20hz – 20khz
- Impedance: 24 ohms @ 1hz
- Sensitivity: 111dB/mW
Retail Price & Where to Get
The FiiO FD11 can be purchased from Red Ape Headphones Store as they are an official FiiO reseller here in Malaysia.
Shopee : https://invl.io/clj3bc1
LAZADA : https://invol.co/clj3bcp
Packaging & Accessories
Well FiiO have been known to make a step up in their packaging department but sadly, the FD11 might be the simplest packaged FiiO product ever. It only came with a 3.5mm cable with a new recessed 0.78mm termination, 3 pairs of FiiO HS18 eartips, a user manual and the earphones itself. No case or pouch included nor any extra type of eartips which is kind of sad but given it is fairly priced, it is acceptable for me.
Design
The FD11 has a new design that brings a new conch flute design at the back with a C shaped bass tube for a deeper bass response inside a solid liquid cast zinc alloy shell that has some weight to it and the build is impeccable with their curves with no sharp edges. The zinc alloy body is certainly a step up in terms of their durability and it is more scratch resistant than stainless steel design. They are certainly not plagued with micro scratches as I have been using them extensively and no annoying micro scratches are visible.
The FD11 has what FiiO calls a triangular shape to have a great fit and comfort which is true but due to their slightly heavy shell, they are finicky with the fit for me on certain soft eartips. Due to their weight, they are not suitable for workouts in my opinion.
The FD11 has a hexagon artwork faceplate that resembles the FiiO FF3 design and has the futuristic looks of FiiO. Simply put, they are gorgeously designed and don’t look cheap whatsoever. The vents are located at the bottom back and another vent for pressure relief near the nozzle. They possess zero flex which means they are well designed with good venting.
They are equipped with a slightly smaller, 10mm dual cavity carbon based diaphragm dynamic driver versus the 14.8mm beryllium coated driver of the FD1. The magnets used the strong N52 magnets that have a symmetrical internal and external circuit that promises a strong, speedy bass response. Cable that comes with the FD11 is a 4 core OFC cable that has a twisted braid with gold plated angled 3.5mm and a new recessed 0.78mm 2 pin at the earphones side that is rather high quality but they lack a chin slider. The implementation of this new 2 pin might be problematic for users who wanted to cable roll as they are a smaller, round recessed type that will not fit the normal 2 pin cable but users can shave off the plug edges to make it fit or use a longer prong pin type to fit. The sound of these cables is actually quite good even when used with my other IEM and they sounded clear and balanced with a thick sound.
Gears Used for Comparisons
FiiO M17
Questyle M15
FiiO BTR7
Letshuoer D13
FloAudio Lily
Tangzu Heyday
BQEYZ Winter
Hidizs MD4
Unique Melody 3DT
Dunu EST112
Songs list
Tone and Presentation
The tone of the FD11 for me is a borderline ‘U’ shaped nearing a W shaped signature that has a rather aggressive tone to them making them a highly energetic IEM to start with but they aren’t offensive for my taste. The bass is certainly boosted along with a strong high range presence but the midrange isn’t overshadowed. They have an amazing bass response along with a deep sub-bass presentation with a thick midrange and a smooth but strong high range. They have an overall good clarity and all details are presented quite well with an intimate, musical sound. They are tuned more towards a fun, organic and warm sound that doesn’t sound cold at all but do lack a clinical performance as they do lack technically instead aiming for a jovial experience.
Soundstage
Soundstage that the FD11 provides is actually quite good for their price as they are able to give out an average height but a good width for a more airy presentation. Their headroom size is rather small but it doesn’t feel boxy or claustrophobic. Placements on the soundstage are accurate and suitable for gaming and movies as well as they are immersive and holographic enough.
Separation and Timbre
As a single dynamic driver responsible for the full range of sound, the FD11 does excel in this region as they have an amazing cohesive separation with no crosstalk issue here. They are able to churn out a full range sound with a highly musical sound with some aggression. Timbre has a thicker, organic sound with some colouration in their midrange but still managed to sound organic but for purists, they do lack a pure neutral, balanced sound as some instruments and vocals may lack brilliance.
Drivability
The FD11 is rated at 111db at 32 ohm load which is rather easy to drive and they are indeed easily driven with any source but source matching is important to lean down the bass. Scalability is evident and they do sound cleaner overall with a good source especially in their details and clarity. They are quite prone to picking up noise in low quality sources as they are high in their sensitivity, so a clean source is very much in favour of driving the FD11. They are not revealing in their presentation and not picky with the type of files played which can be a plus for music streaming but not so with higher bitrate music.
The Bass (Low)
The bass present on the FD11 is the star of the show as they are boosted in a good way as they are deep, impactful, clean and clear. The bass has a tight solid impact with an energetic authoritative sound that is suitable for jazz, hip-hop and EDM genres. They have a decent amount of details and sounded clear without any bleed or bloat present but resolution here is a little mediocre due to their strong presence. The ‘C’ shaped flute seems to work wonders as the bass is very well extended with tasty mid-bass lift and they do possess some air in their presentation. They are a little strong for my taste, but bass lovers might find the bass on the FD11 a treat but not for hardcore bassheads or purists. Sub-bass extends deep and has an average amount of rumble. Overall, an aggressive fun bass that is suitable for an enjoyable experience without sacrificing the quality of the music played but it is slightly overpowering at times with certain sources and eartips that has a boosted bass.
The Mids
Midrange in the FD11 is a balanced type of midrange that is thick, intimate and warm. They have an average amount of details but manage to sound clear with a good amount of resolution with a good presence even though the overall tuning of the FD11 is boosted in the lower and higher frequencies. Macro details are amazing here with a healthy amount of micro details as well. They are not really a true vocal performer as they do lack some brilliance to make vocals sound lively but they are great with instrumental music with an energetic, soulful sound. The vocals presentation is much more suited for male vocals while female vocals do lack some lushness on the higher range. Transparency on the midrange is quite good as they do not sound veiled in my listening experience and music sounded accurate without any coloration which is great for a more natural sound reproduction. In general, the midrange is pleasing for instrumental with a lush, soulful sound that grabs your attention but they do lack brilliance with a mild dip in the higher mids region.
The Highs
High range present on the FD11 is forward signature with a strong projection that manages to sound smooth and inoffensive as they possess no peaks nor shout in my usage. They have a healthy amount of detail and clarity here and play well with the rest of the frequencies to sound full. They have a decent amount of sparkle but lack a crisp presentation and top end brilliance that contributes in making certain music livelier. The highs do have a good amount of energy but they are inoffensive and users do get a velvety smooth sound that is fatigue free suited for a long listening session. Treble here has a good balance of intensity that has a medium amount of energy but still able to sound fun for most music played and the highs does sound organic without any metallic sound present. Extension here is mediocre as they do roll off mildly at the end producing an average air in their high frequency. Overall, a safe, strong yet inoffensive tuning with a smooth presentation that is no slouch in their performance.
Comparisons
VS FloAudio Lily
The FloAudio Lily that is one of my main daily drivers as they are inoffensive and a comfortable pair of IEN from the up and coming new brand that has a high value versus performance index. Equipped with a full range single balanced armature and they are slightly cheaper than the FD11 and the metal build of the FD11 is more robust but heavier than the full resin Lily.
High range
Highs on both of these units is similar with a neutral laid-back style that is smooth and inoffensive with the FD11 having a little better presence and bite. The clarity and details is more prominent on the FD11 and they have a better sparkle and a slightly crisper sound.
Midrange
Both have a thick midrange but the FD11 has a more forward presentation with a better clarity overall. The Lily mids are more intimate with better resolution. Vocals on the Lily are better while the FD11 is suited more for instruments.
Bass
Bass on the FD11 has the edge in quantity as well as quality for their more dynamic, solid bass response along with a deeper sub-bass extension. Details and clarity are on par with each other. The bass on the Lily is less overpowering than the FD11.
Soundstage
FD11 possesses better width while height is similar along with similar airiness and headroom.
VS Letshuoer D13
The D13 from Letshuoer is a single DLC dynamic driver that in my opinion is overlooked as they possess a great performance along with a design that is rarely found in their price. They are priced nearly double the price of the FD11 but they are equipped with tuning nozzles along with a more complete unboxing package.
High region
While the FD11 has a more laid-back style, the D13 is more neutral with a flatter response that sounds livelier with slightly more details and a crisper presentation. Sparkle on the FD11 is better while extension on the D13 is better.
Midrange
Midrange on the D13 has a more balanced presentation with a more versatile sound versus the thicker, warmer mids on the FD11. Details and clarity is almost the same but the D13 sounded more accurate whereas the FD11 is lusher. Resolution on the D13 is better along with better transparency.
Bass
The amount of bass on the FD11 is bigger, more energetic and goes deeper in the sub-bass versus the neutral flat bass of the D13. Details and clarity here are the same on both but the D13 sounded more organic and balanced in the overall presentation than the slightly boosted bass of the FD11.
Synergy
Questyle M15
The Questyle M15 is the go-to dongle DAC/amplifier of my choice as they sounded really sublime with Questyle’s signature direct current amplification and I have been a true fan of this dongle since the day it was launched. They are a neutral to bright sounding device for a portable usage with a great extension on both ends.
Bass sounded slightly leaner and more balanced overall with added details and transparency. Bass seems to have been cleaned out and I really do enjoy the improvements here as they are now a much better quality bass while keeping their amount.
Midrange has a clearer presentation along with better details overall. Resolution has a more holographic sound that has greater transparency. Vocals sound fuller but still lack brilliance but they are slightly better here.
High range do sound livelier but they are still a little rolled off. Sparkle is more evident and has a crisper sound. Details and clarity have a minor improvement overall.
Soundstage has seen improved depth, width and height but it is not significant.
Overall, they are a good pairing as they do lean out the bass response and bring up their high range for a livelier presentation.
FiiO M17
The proud beast of FiiO’s digital audio player line, the M17 that houses 2 ES9038pro chipset with 2 THX788+ amplification and they sound supreme with praises all over the community. This pairing will decide the scalability for the FD11.
Bass aggressiveness has been tamed down a little but the amount remains the same with added clarity and details. Sub-bass depth is the same but they do sound cleaner overall.
Midrange has a more balanced presentation and the mid highs dip is slightly brought up forward making the brilliance more evident for a better vocal presentation. Details, clarity, resolution and transparency is top notch here and they punch way above their asking price.
Highs is a little more forward and has a slight harshness in some music on higher volume. Details and clarity have been added but mildly. Extension is better with a slight air added.
Soundstage height is better with a wider sound overall along with a bigger headroom sized soundscape.
Scalability here is quite prominent and the FD11 does profit from a good source and source matching is very important as I do prefer the matching with the Questyle M15 than the FiiO M17.
Who Is It For?
The FiiO FD11 is an easy recommendation for their low price and for those who want some energy in their sound. They have a superb solid build that I believe will last through tough usage. They have an aggressive yet controlled sound that isn’t too harsh overall. They are more suited for jazz, hip-hop, EDM and instrumental music but may lack brilliance for vocals, especially on female vocals. They are also well suited for gaming and movies as well for their immersive and accurate sound. Though the FD11 has great overall clarity and details, they may lack a well balanced, clinical sound for purists as the FD11 is focused mainly to provide a fun sound for users.
Final words
FiiO has certainly done it this time as I truly enjoyed this set of amazingly tuned IEM in this price range, portraying a well made single dynamic driver that ticks most of the boxes in their sound and most importantly, their affordability. They are super fun to listen to on a daily basis and they have a very well controlled overall energetic signature without any major harshness. The sound might not be for purists, but they are without a doubt superbly fun tuned IEM that brings joy to my ears. Build is no doubt one of the best, if not the best in this price range as they are robust and solid but they do have some weight to them. The new circular recessed 2 pin might be cumbersome for cable rolling but by shaving off a recessed type 0.78mm cable, it will fit. One might say that the packaging is too barebone, but given their low price along with an excellent build and solid sound, one can turn a blind eye. Very well done FiiO as the FD11 is surely my recommended product in this price range for 2023.
I would rate this product 4 and a half over 5 stars
Pros
- Amazing price VS performance
- Solidly built with a beautiful design
- Snuggy, comfy fit
- Organically musical
- Fun, aggressive, energetic sound
- Good technicality for the price
- Immersive, authoritative bass
- Decent overall clarity and resolution
- Deep sub-bass
- Smooth, strong but inoffensive highs
- Good soundstage width
- Nice quality cable
Cons
- Lack brilliance for vocals
- Mild roll off at the highs
- Sound refinement (can be remedied with good matching of source and eartips)
- Slightly overpowered mid bass
- Soundstage height and average overall size
- Lack crispness
- Not a clinical performer
- Heavy shell
- No pouch or case included
- New circular recessed 2 pin plug
