INTRODUCTION

   The lack of cables may be the primary reason as to why TWS (true wireless stereo) headsets/earsets are very convenient (and have thus taken over the market) but for demanding consumers and audiophiles nothing beats a wired model. This is why there's a huge number of audio equipment manufacturers out there which still support wired models and with some of the best ones to date released just the last 2 years alone i don't expect thing to stop anytime soon. FiiO in particular has outdone themselves by releasing numerous models some of which have already gathered a plethora of positive reviews by consumers and of course awards from media all over the world. The FD3 model is arguably the most popular IEM models released by them recently and my review of it is finally here.

   FiiO was established in 2007 and has experience in researching and developing countless portable music products of different types, and sell FiiO-branded products through sales agents worldwide. The brand name FiiO is composed of Fi(fidelity from HiFi) and iO(number 1&0), representing the real feeling and convenient life that digital brings to life. Meanwhile, the Chinese “飞傲” is the transliteration of FiiO, indicating the positive and innovative spirit as thriving as spring. FiiO is focused on product quality, adheres strictly to ISO9001 standards in quality management and works hard to attain the lowest repair-related product returns rate.

   For their latest FD3 (and FD3 Pro) model FiiO has used single 12mm DLC (diamond like carbon) Diaphragm Dynamic Drivers that sport Hi-Res audio frequency of 10Hz-40KHz with 111dB sensitivity and 32Ohm impedance (100mW max input power). In order to deliver optimal audio performance FiiO also used a semi-open design for both housings and the same acoustic prism and interchangeable sound tubes as the higher-end FD5 model. As for the housings themselves well they are made out of aluminum magnesium alloy (combination of five-axis CNC processing and hand polishing) and feature a celluloid fascia covered with 2.5D glass coating. Needless to say, even though the FD3 is a mid-end model still FiiO has equipped it with MMCX connectors for easy cable swapping and a high-quality 1.2 meter long cable made out of 4 strands of monocrystalline copper wires (120 in total). So, time to get close and personal with the FD3 IEM and see if it really delivers where it counts.