- Basic specifications
- Unboxing
- Fit
- Sound Quality
- Recording signature
- Final verdict
- Recommended articles
This article is a translation of the following Japanese article.
In this article, we will focus on the FiiO FD1. FiiO is one of China's top audio brands, and especially in the field of digital audio players (DAPs), FiiO is a reigning market winner alongside Sony and Astell & Kern. On the other hand, FiiO also continues to actively develop products in the field of earphones, and continues to provide the world with products with high build quality and sound quality.
The FiiO FD1 is the talk of the town because of its beryllium-coated dynamic drivers.
Basic specifications
- Frequency responce: 10hz-40kHz
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Sensitivity: 109dB
- Cable connector: 0.78mm 2pin
Unboxing
The package for the earbuds is pretty plush, above the norm for this price range: two S/M/L silicone ear tips (red axis/gray), a foam-type earpiece, a manual, and a pelican-type carrying case. Frankly, it's a much more luxurious package for a sub-$100 package. The Pelican case in particular is easy to carry along with the earpieces, which I'm personally happy about.
Fit
The universal IEM type design provides a good fit. The resin ear shells are lightweight and not at all burdensome.
Sound Quality
Measuring equipment
- SAMURA HATS Type3500RHR System: HEAD & TORSO, left and right S-Type ear model (Type4565 / 4566: IEC60268-7 compliant)
- AWA type 6162 711 ear simulator
- Microphone preamplifier: Type4053
- Type5050 microphone amplifier power supply
- Audio interface: ROLAND Rubix 24
- Analyzer software: TypeDSSF3-L
*Due to the response of the ear simulator, the reliability below 20hz and above 16khz is not high.
Frequency response
In order,
- [AET07 S attached] Separate left and right
- [AET07 S attached] Average left and right
- [AET07 S attached] Separate left and right (free sound field corrected)
- [AET07 S attached] Left-right average (free sound field corrected)
- [Standard eartip S (Red Axis) attached] Separate left and right
- [Standard eartip S (Red Axis) attached] Average left and right
- [Standard eartip S (Red Axis) attached] Separate left and right (free sound field corrected)
- [Standard eartip S (Red Axis) attached] Left-right average (free sound field corrected)
- [Standard eartip S (Gray) attached] Separate left and right
- [Standard eartip S (Gray) attached] Average left and right
- [Standard eartip S (Gray) attached] Separate left and right (free sound field corrected)
- [Standard eartip S (Gray) attached] Left-right average (free sound field corrected)
- Comparison (free sound field corrected)
- Comparison (free sound field corrected/2khz-24khz)
* "AET 07 S size" is the reference eartip for measurement of this blog. All other eartips are standard with this earphone package unless otherwise noted.
In terms of sound signature, when viewed as a whole, it has a gentle U shape with good balance in each register, but there is a pinpoint emphasis on the weight of the low frequencies and the brilliance of the high frequencies, so I think it sounds rather V-shaped. To me, the sound sounds a bit dry, but the midrange is forward and sufficiently clear, with plenty of height and airiness, and the soundstage is rather open.
The low end is deep and slightly weighted, with a geothermal feel and warmth. In general, the bass is darker and has more body emphasis and feels more stable, but I personally find the edges to be a bit subdued and somewhat docile. The bass drum kick is rather clear and weighted, so the rhythms in the low range will sound lively. Overall, the emphasis is on weight and heat, so it may be a little noisy for some people in rock music.
The heat in the low range blends into the midrange a bit in some cases, but the midrange is reasonably separate from the low range and has plenty of clarity. The vocals are a bit far out, but there is enough sweetness and the body is rich and plush and glossy. It's not at the forefront, so it's not sparkling and lively, but it's still sufficiently coquettish and the vocal nuances aren't bad. Generally, the consonants are not sharp and a little upward but it is not shouty and comfortable to listen to. It is relaxed and only a little breathing is emphasized. The vocal area is not muddy or hard to hear, but it is not so clean.
The mid-high frequencies are sufficiently forward leaning, contributing to the glare, attack and sharpness of the sound. You'll also get a good sense of depth, and you'll feel enough space in front and back around the vocals. The highs are a bit flashy and shimmery and crisp, but the warmth of the low end balances out and doesn't feel painful to the ears. The hi-hats are rather silky and crisp, or rather crunchy and fine detailed.
The balance is rather good, with good dynamism and airiness, but with a mildness that is moderately adjusted for listening comfort.
Comparison with FiiO FH1s
It compares to the FiiO FH1s, which is close in price, comes from the same FiiO and is a comparable product in build quality and package content.
The graph above shows the free-field-corrected frequency response of FH1s and FD1s, adjusted to cross at 1khz. The eartips are AET07.
In the big picture, the FiiO FH1s generally have better mid-range clarity and vocal appeal, while the FD1s are more V-shaped, with more heat and weight, especially in the low frequencies. If you like a crisper, clearer sound, you'll like the FH1s, and if you like a hotter, warmer, tighter sound in the midrange, you'll like the FD1s.
Recording Signature Comparison
Recording signature
Please refer to the following for the basic principles of recording signatures and how to enjoy them.
The recording signature is posted for advisory. Free sound field adjustment is added. The source is FiiO M15 and the gain is high. The eartips used are the "Standard silicon (Gray) S size".
The music used in the recording signature is from the game maker Nippon Falcom, which I love.
JAZZ
-
Sophisticated Fight / Sora No Kiseki First Chapter & Second Chapter Super Arrange Version
/ Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation
-
町「ペンタウァ」 / Falcom Best Sound Collection - All in All -
-
Desire / The Songs of Zemeth ~Ys VI Vocal Version
-
花と風のうた / Zwei!! Super Arrange Version
OST
-
Sophisticated Fight / The Legend of Heroes: Sora No Kiseki FC Evolution Original Sound Track
-
浮遊大陸アルジェス -Introduction- / Zwei!! Original Sound Track 2008
-
QUATERA WOODS / イースVI -ナピシュテムの匣- オリジナル・サウンドトラック
-
永劫の夢、大空の記憶 -Online Version- (Bonus Track) / Zwei!! Original Sound Track 2008
-
ユルギナイツヨサ / The Legend of Heroes : Zero No Kiseki Super Arrange Version
-
アプリエス神殿 / Zwei!! Original Sound Track 2008 / Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation
Classical
- Sophisticated Fight / We Love Sora No Kiseki
- FEENA / イース ピアノコレクション
-
第3部「白き魔女」: 白き魔女 / Symphony Gagharv Trilogy
-
組曲 LILIA (ファルコム ネオクラシック フロム スタディオズ イン ロンドンシティ) / Very Best of Ys
Rock
- Sophisticated Fight / Sora No Kiseki Zanmai (Original Soundtrack) / Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation
- TO MAKE THE END OF BATTLE / Ys Ⅰ&Ⅱ ベストサウンドコレクション
- The Decisive Collision / The Legend of Heroes: Sen No Kiseki Super Arrange Version
- GENS D'ARMES / Ys VIII -Lacrimosa of DANA- Original Soundtrack Complete
- Mighty Obstacle (2003) / Music From The History Of Ys / Copyright © Nihon Falcom Corporation
Final verdict
| Comprehensive evaluation: | ★★★★★ |
|---|
For a price of less than $100, these earphones have a satisfying package content and quality, and the sound quality is rather balanced, and on top of that, you can fully enjoy the dynamism of the earphones. They are also high-resolution certified, so even if you say "I won't buy them unless they're high-resolution earphones," you can buy them with confidence. The biggest competitor is the same FiiO FH1s, which are comparable in packaging and build quality. The sound quality of the FiiO FH1s is more transparent in the midrange, so if you're looking for vocals, piano, or a brighter soundstage, you might want to choose the FH1s.
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