Fiio’s entry-level merchandise are among the many greatest you will discover within the phase, and the explanation for that’s the model’s give attention to worth. Having examined almost two dozen Fiio merchandise over the course of the final 18 months, I can say with some assure that the model often gives the perfect worth in no matter phase it’s concentrating on.
And whereas hero merchandise just like the K9 Professional DAC and R7 all-in-one community streamer do a fantastic job bringing consideration to the model, it is price range IEMs just like the FH11 that lead gross sales charts. The FH11 is a hybrid IEM that makes use of a 10mm dynamic driver along with a balanced armature driver, and what makes it stand out is the design and affordability — coming in at just $54 on Amazon, the FH11 is certainly one of Fiio’s most reasonably priced IEMs but.
Observe: This overview was made potential with a overview unit offered by Fiio. The model didn’t see the contents of the overview earlier than publishing.
The FH11 has an fascinating design that does not have many similarities to the remainder of the model’s IEM portfolio. Fiio dubs this design Bionic Conch, noting that it creates a “sense of circulate” and elevated sound high quality. What I like is that the zinc alloy chassis appears to be like nice, and the design appears to be like far more upmarket than the entry-level price ticket.
The faceplate has a star sample that appears elegant, and the one challenge I’ve with the design is that the faceplate tends to select up smudges simply. Fiio is understood to bundle loads of equipment with its IEMs, and also you get six units of ear suggestions with the FH11 — three balanced and three bass-focused. You need to have the ability to discover one thing that matches with relative ease.
The metallic shells are clearly constructed to final and have higher construct high quality than most IEMs on this phase, however they’re on the heavier aspect, coming in at 10g every. That impacts the consolation, and whereas I did not have any points getting these to suit, they exert strain on the internal ear, and it’s noticeable with prolonged use. The design permits for standout noise isolation, significantly for those who’re utilizing the bass suggestions.
Fiio hasn’t made many adjustments on the cable aspect of issues, and also you get an honest 4-strand braided cable that ends in a 3.5mm jack. The cable connects to the shell through customary 2-pin connectors, with blue and purple indicators (left and proper).
With a sensitivity of 111dB and 24Ω, the FH11 is straightforward to drive with any supply. That mentioned, you will want to make use of an excellent dongle DAC to get probably the most out of the se IEMs, and in my testing, I paired it with Fiio’s KA5 and the M15S audio participant. Utilizing a strong supply unlocks the potential of the sound, resulting in a way more vibrant profile.
On that be aware, the FH11 is designed to ship an lively bass; if you need higher decision and imaging, it’s best to think about the FD11 as a substitute. Each IEMs share the identical design and aesthetics, however they differ within the drivers and tuning. The FH11 makes use of a customized 10mm carbon dynamic driver — just like that of the $200 FH15 — and this driver is lighter whereas having a excessive tensile energy, permitting it to ship sooner transients and fewer distortion.
That’s clearly evident within the sound; the FH11 has an elevated bass shelf that provides it a definite sound attribute, and the low-end has plenty of exuberance that generally bleeds into the mid-range. The mids are a bit recessed, however you continue to get readability on the larger finish of the frequency vary, and vocals shine via. The treble is overly shiny at instances, and also you do get some sibilance.
On the entire although, the FH11 manages to supply a enjoyable sound that pairs effectively with plenty of genres, and what’s misses out in technicality, it greater than makes up with vibrancy. You do not purchase this IEM if you need a impartial sound with good decision — you get this if you need the perfect bass within the price range phase.
The FH11 has a sturdy design with wonderful construct high quality, and also you get an enticing sound that is predominantly bass-focused.Â
