Fiio is best-known for its value-focused merchandise, but it surely has delved into the high-end section during the last 18 months. The K9 Pro continues to be top-of-the-line DACs you should buy as we speak, and the R7 community streamer is an all-in-one gadget that gives an unmatched worth. While Fiio has a number of dozen IEMs on provide, it was lacking a halo product. Until now.The FX15 makes use of a mixture of three drivers — it has a dynamic driver, a balanced armature driver, and an electrostatic driver — and that distinguishes the IEMs from the remainder of the choices within the model’s portfolio. The design can also be distinctive, and Fiio bundles an entire load of equipment with the package deal, however that is not astonishing contemplating these are the model’s flagship IEMs. The FX15 can be found for $749 on Amazon and main audio retailers all over the world.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Let’s begin with the design, as a result of there’s loads to speak about on this space. The FX15 function a stunning design that features a frond-like sample across the faceplate, and this makes the IEMs look elegant. The shell is 3D printed and makes use of a photosensitive resin materials, with Fiio noting that it as soon as once more collaborated with HeyGears over the manufacture of the shell.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)What stands out in regards to the FX15 is that the shell is definitely see-through, the resin is translucent, and also you get view of the drivers and the sound tubes. I’m an enormous fan of merchandise with see-through designs — just like the Nothing Ear (2) and Sharge Storm 2 — and Fiio deserves a whole lot of credit score for the design of the FX15. Photos do not actually do the product justice; you will want to carry and use the IEMs to actually respect the class of the design.Image 1 of 7(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Going the 3D printing route offers Fiio tighter tolerances and higher consistency, and at simply 6g, they’re extremely mild as effectively. Another distinctive trait is a toggle swap that permits you to disable the electrostatic driver. Fiio says it added the swap so you’ll be able to clearly make out the nuances which can be delivered with the introduction of the electrostatic drivers, and that half is true — switching off the drivers results in a flatter sound that is not anyplace as partaking.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The construct high quality is among the many better of any IEMs I’ve used, together with the $2,299 Letshuoer Cadenza 12 I reviewed a couple of months in the past. The design of the IEMs permits the sound nozzle to softly extrude outward, and so they ship a cushty match that does not exert a lot stress even after a number of hours of use.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)You get a whole lot of equipment with the FX15; Fiio bundles 19 ear suggestions in complete, masking reminiscence foam, silicone, and the model’s bass and treble-focused variants. You additionally get a cleansing brush, and a high-quality leather-based case. The case by itself prices $15 (the mannequin identify is HB5), and Fiio gives top-of-the-line bundled cables on this class.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Fiio bundles a high-purity pure silver cable of 224 complete wires which can be divided into eight strands, and the Litz-style braid will increase conduction. The better part in regards to the cable is that it has interchangeable connectors, so you’ll be able to simply swap between the single-ended 3.5mm and balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm ports with the identical cable with none trouble in any respect. The cable connects to the IEMs by way of commonplace MMCX connectors.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Coming to the sound high quality, Fiio’s IEMs are recognized to ship a impartial sound with a whole lot of technicality, and that is no completely different with the FX15. Each earbud makes use of a single 10mm dynamic driver, one Knowles balanced armature driver (ED-29689), and 4 Sonion electrostatic drivers. Fiio says it’s went with 4 electrostatic drivers regardless that they price much more than the others as a result of it needed to focus on their potential, even when it means dropping out on sensitivity.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)As such, the FX15 have a sensitivity of 103dB, and whereas that is nonetheless first rate, you will want supply to take advantage of out of those IEMs. I used the M15S participant more often than not, however I additionally examined the screens with the BTR7 and BTR5.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The FX15 have a superb low-end, delivering bass with loads of vigor and enthusiasm. The sub-bass has nice texture and influence, and if you would like a bit extra exaggeration, the bass suggestions do a improbable job on this space. The bass does not get overbearing, but it surely has a richer physique than different Fiio IEMs I used.Mids have good decision and imaging, and vocals come via with a whole lot of readability. The tonality is what units the FX15 aside on this class, and the screens are at their finest when listening to ensemble orchestras with a whole lot of devices. Treble is the place the FX15 really shine, as that is the place the brand new drivers come into their very own.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)The EST drivers present extra sparkle and airiness to the treble, and it’s undoubtedly noticeable. If you desire a extra balanced sound, you get the power to toggle the EST drivers off, and on this state of affairs, the IEMs use the usual dynamic and the BA drivers. However, doing so means you lose a whole lot of the vibrancy.(Image credit score: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)Overall, the FX15 are the best-sounding Fiio IEMs by a heady margin. In truth, they’re among the many finest you get within the sub-$1,000 section, and that is a sizeable achievement. I just like the design fairly a bit, and regardless that the screens do not use unique supplies like titanium, the 3D printed shells with the see-through aesthetic is an enormous differentiator.You additionally get extra equipment than you will use within the field, and the match is among the many finest on this section. Yes, you are paying far more than conventional Fiio IEMs, however you are additionally getting much more to your cash.
The FX15 embody a chic design with a 3D-printed shell that has a see-through aesthetic. You get a mixture of three sound drivers, and the screens have glorious dynamics and a vibrant sound that lends itself effectively to most genres. In quick, these are among the many best-sounding IEMs you get underneath $1,000.