FiiO FD11

To be brief, I am really surprised that FD11 can be considered a competitive IEM (I do understand that Fiio supports a lot of reviewers to cheer them (Fiio) up, I am not one of them, I wasted my money with this purchase to be blunt and to the point).

I got FD11 only because of the $25 offer.
It is definitely not worth much more than $20 to me, if to compare FD11 to Hola, D-Fi, TangZu Princess Le, and even Linlong, Chu, etc - all of these IEMs I prefer by sound and build.

FD11 sounds OK with its bass emphasized for the masses and some semblance to "V" - nothing bad, but nothing exciting and nothing competitive to me, especially with meagre accesories, shabbily made shells and a proprietary cable.

When I saw the announcement of FD11 on Head-Fi, I was torn. On the one hand, I am not too enthusiastic when manufacturers race to the bottom because the end products tend to sound similar and offer little more than a temporary stop on the audio journey of many listeners. On the other hand, I can’t help but being curious about what FiiO can do with FD11, since their previous release, the JD7, has been and is still my favourite single dynamic drive IEM at the budget-friendly side of the market.

Well, wonder no more. Today, we are going to talk about FiiO FD11.

Forewords​

• What I look for in an IEM is immersion. I want to feel the orchestra around me, track individual instruments, and hear all of their textures and details. I’m not picky about tonality, as long as it does not get in the way of immersion.
• I rate IEMs within with a consistent scale from 1 (poor) to 3 (Adequate) to 5 (outstanding). Ratings are assigned by A/B tests against benchmark IEMs, regardless of the retail price.
• Ranking list and measurement database are on my IEM review blog.
• This review is based on a review sample from FiiO (Thank you!). I have no affiliation with or financial interest in FiiO. The unit retails for $40 at the time this review was published. Australian folks can grab a unit from Addicted to Audio. For others, please find your local distributor on FiiO’s website or grab one from Aliexpress.

Listening Setup​

Source chains for listening tests:

• Reference Chain: MacBook -> FiiO K7
• Portable Setup: Shanling M6 Ultra
• Dongle: FiiO KA3

Local FLAC files ripped from CDs or bought from Qobuz were used for most casual listening and A/B tests. My playlist for A/B tests can be found on Apple Music here.

Specs​

• Driver: 10mm dynamic driver
• Connector Type: 2-pin
• Impedance: 24ohm@1kHz
• Sensitivity: 111dB/mW

Build and Comfort​

Accessories: The included accessories for the FD11 are surprisingly minimal compared to other FiiO products. Alongside the IEM, you will only find a cable and three sets of silicone tips. Notably absent are additional items like a pelican case or HS18 tips. It’s evident that FiiO has prioritized investing the budget in the IEM itself.

Stock cable: The stock cable provided with the FD11 is functional. It features a rubbery, greyish coating that lacks a premium look and feels. However, it does not produce any rubbing noises and behaves well. It’s worth noting that since the earpiece cavity is explicitly designed for the stock cable, there may be compatibility issues with other 2-pin cables. While I managed to connect the FD11 to a few cables with longer pins without any problems, the resulting appearance was not as sleek as with the stock cable. Considering the price of the FD11, the high sensitivity of these IEMs, and the likelihood that they are the first IEM for many users, I don’t believe cable compatibility will be a significant concern.



Earpieces: The earpieces of the FD11 have an appearance and feel that are more high-end than their price tag. They are constructed from a Zinc alloy, providing a substantial weight. The earpieces feature a decorative faceplate rather than vents like the FD5, FD7, and JD7. Unlike the previous generation FD1, the FD11 adopts a cylindrical shape rather than a pseudo-custom IEM design. The nozzle size and length are average, consistent with other cylindrical IEMs from FiiO.

Comfort and isolation: Now, let’s address a potential concern with the FD11: the seal. For the first time with an IEM, I encountered such difficulty achieving a good seal in my right ear. Without a proper seal, these IEMs can sound bright and harsh, lacking bass response. Eventually, I had to rely on Final Audio Type E ear tips and finesse the earpieces into place, similar to wearing an Etymotic IEM. Fortunately, I experienced good isolation and comfort once the seal was established.

Tonality​

Frequency response of FD11 against the Harman in-ear target. Measurements were done with an IEC-711-compliant coupler and might only be compared with other measurements from this same coupler. Visit my graph database for more comparisons.



Tonality or “tuning” is where objectivity and subjectivity meet. Objectivity exists in the squiggly lines above, called Frequency Response (FR) graphs. They are created by sweeping a signal from 20Hz to 20kHz and measuring the corresponding loudness coming from an IEM. Unless a human operator deliberately tampers with the microphone or the data, FR does not care about the price or prestige of an IEM and, therefore, is “objective.”

However, human listeners are not microphones. Our ears and brain interpret the sound and decide whether it is “enjoyable.” It is also beneficial to remember that when you play a note on a musical instrument, multiple sounds (fundamental and harmonic) appear simultaneously and mix together. Achieving a life-like balance between frequencies and adding a tasteful amount of imbalance (“colouring the sound”) is the hallmark of an excellent tonality.

Sound signature:

The FD11 follows the Harman-inspired house sound common among most FiiO FD series IEMs. This sound signature can be described as “casual” or “fun.” It incorporates a bass boost, an upper-midrange boost highlighting female vocals, and a slightly subdued treble to prevent harshness. The overall tuning includes prominent peaks that add sharpness and perceived clarity to the sound.

Both mid-bass (around 150Hz, known as the “punch” region) and the sub-bass are emphasized, adding presence and punch to drums and bass guitars without overpowering the overall sound signature. The bass quality exceeds expectations for an entry-level IEM. For example, when listening to Battle Bar, I noticed clean drum attacks with a tangible physical sensation. While the bass lacks the large and rapid dynamic swings of high-end IEMs, it is more than satisfactory for an entry-level option.

The midrange of the FD11 aligns with what one would anticipate from an FD series IEM. Most instruments and vocals sound natural, realistic, and energetic, with a crisp and almost sharp character. The strong upper midrange boost, influenced by the Harman target, accentuates higher voices and brighter notes of musical instruments. Like other FD series IEMs, the FD11 exhibits “cat ears,” which are twin peaks at 2.5kHz and 5kHz. These peaks contribute to a lively, almost edgy sensation in vocals and instruments. The vibrancy and energy of this presentation would likely appeal to the intended audience of the FD11. However, I prefer the smoother yet more detailed midrange of the JD7.

The treble response of the FD11 is polite. For example, when listening to Eye of the Tiger by Survivor, I observed that cymbals and hi-hats were barely audible in the mix, overshadowed by the prominent drums and vocals. While this tuning avoids harshness and treble fatigue, I found the music somewhat lacking in the sparkle and shimmer of cymbals, hi-hats, and chimes. The quality and extension of the treble are adequate, even commendable, for an entry-level IEM. It may not provide an immersive experience regarding treble nuances, texture, and ambience. At the same time, it also doesn’t detract from the overall listening experience.

Soundstage Imaging​

Stereo imaging or “soundstage” is a psychoacoustic illusion that different recording elements appear at various locations inside and around your head. Your brain creates based on the cues in the recording, which are enhanced or diminushed by your IEMs, your DAC, and your amplifier. Some IEMs present a wide but flat soundstage. Some present a “3D” soundstage with layering, depth, and height. In rare cases, with some specific songs, some IEMs can trick you into thinking that the sound comes from the environment (a.k.a., “holographic”)

The FD11 continues the legacy of the FiiO FD series in terms of delivering a spacious and open soundstage, although not to the extent of previous releases like the JD7, which featured a semi-open design for enhanced openness. The soundstage of the FD11 leans towards the larger side, allowing instruments ample space to spread out. However, the heightened sense of openness that comes with a semi-open design is absent in this model.

Soundstage imaging with music (One Winged Angel by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra): The oval-shaped soundstage feels wider than it does deep. The centre of the soundstage is positioned forward, creating a sense of sitting closer to the orchestra. This placement reduces the perception of depth. The instrument positioning is decent, with stable and usually clear boundaries between instruments unless the music becomes very busy. While the sense of layering is not particularly strong, there is still a general perception of instrument distance. However, the outermost background layer of the soundstage, like the choir, is not very pronounced and doesn’t provide a distinct sense of distance from the main mass of sound at the centre of the soundstage.

Soundstage imaging with games (CS GO Gameplay by Throneful): The soundstage shape appears predominantly flat, with the majority of sound positioning occurring from left to right. Locating the distance of sounds from the front or back becomes more challenging in this scenario.

Resolution​

Resolution is a fascinating subject due to the difficulty of pinning down what it really is. To me, “resolution” can be broken down into three components:

1. Sharpness, incisiveness, or “definition” of note attacks (see the figure above).
2. The separation of instruments and vocals, especially when they overlap on the soundstage.
3. The texture and details in the decay side of the notes.

The first two give music clarity and make it easy to track individual elements of a mix. The last provides music details and nuances. Generally, a smooth frequency response and good drivers give the best resolution.

Clarity and Separation (One Winged Angel by the Danish National Symphony Orchestra): Regarding clarity and instrument separation, the FD11 performs at an average level. Still, it stands out as excellent within its price range. The energetic tuning of the FD11 allows for a relatively clear outline of each instrument. Notably, the cellos section on the stage’s right side, close to the middle, exhibits excellent texture. However, during busier music sections, such as around 2:30 in the mentioned track, the FD11 loses some ability to cleanly separate overlapping instruments. Nevertheless, for the most part, and if one doesn’t scrutinize too closely, the FD11 delivers a clean and clear sound.

Detail retrieval (Paganini Caprice 24 by Daniel Lozakovich): I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the detail retrieval capabilities of the FD11. Within the broader context of IEMs, it performs at least at an average level. It is pretty impressive, considering its price point. I can discern some micro details, such as finger tapping on the fingerboard and the sympathetic resonance of the strings. It’s important to note that these details may require more effort to detect, and some may not be as prominent. Nevertheless, enough details are present to avoid an overly smoothed-out and textureless presentation. The FD11 also adequately reveals the reverb of the violin in the recording hall, showcasing a decent but not exaggerated extension in the treble.

Source Pairing​

The FD11 is easy to drive. It can achieve plenty of volume output from any dongle, yet it does not highlight hissing noise. One of the most significant advantages is that there is minimal loss in sound quality when transitioning from a desktop setup to a low-end dongle.

Apple dongle:

Switching from the FiiO K7 to the Apple dongle, I noticed two key differences in the sound of the FD11. Firstly, the attack of bass notes becomes less incisive. There also appears to be a slight decrease in bass extension. However, these differences are relatively subtle and require careful A/B testing to discern. Secondly, the stereo image becomes flatter and less separated. The background layer of the soundstage no longer projects further into the background, away from the listener. Once again, the differences are only noticeable when conducting A/B tests with suitable tracks.

Average dongle (FiiO KA3):

When pairing the FD11 with the KA3 dongle, I observed the midrange being pushed forward more than usual. This effect is a known characteristic of the KA3. The bass regains its incisiveness and punchiness, and the sense of separation between the centre of the stage and the background is restored. The difference in sound quality between this pairing and the K7 pairing is negligible, making it a pretty sweet spot in terms of price/performance ratio.

Comparison and Rating​

Tonality:

The tonality of the FD11 is vibrant without being harsh or overwhelmingly bassy. The tuning leans towards a more edgy and sharp midrange, which enhances its perceived clarity. While there are a few aspects I would personally change, such as smoothening the midrange, reducing the ear-gain, and extending the treble, I believe FiiO’s tuning is a good match for the targeted audience, which includes casual listeners and beginners. Overall, I would rate the tonality as good (4/5)

Percussion Rendering: Aria (3/5) < FD11 (4/5) = Blessing 2 (4/5) < U12T / E5000 (5/5)

The bass of the FD11 is punchy and satisfying, and surprisingly, it exhibits solid quality. I can discern a decently snappy attack and good sub-bass extension, which are notable strengths of the FD11’s performance. 4/5 - Good.

Resolution: Aria (3/5) <= FD11 (3/5) < Blessing 2 (4/5) < Andromeda 2020 (4.5/5) < U12T (5/5)

When it comes to resolution, the FD11 falls somewhere between the “adequate” level offered by a good single dynamic driver (DD) IEM like the Moondrop Aria and the “good” level provided by the Blessing 2. The vibrant tuning of the FD11 contributes to better perceived clarity compared to the Aria, although the true resolution remains within a similar range. I would rate the resolution of the FD11 as adequate (3/5)

Soundstage: Aria (3/5) = FD11 (3/5) < Blessing 2 (4/5) < Andromeda 2020 (5/5)

In terms of soundstage and imaging, the FD11 performs at a level similar to that of a good single dynamic driver IEM like the Moondrop Aria. The soundstage does not feel congested and exhibits relatively well-defined stereo imaging. However, it lacks a certain degree of precision compared to higher-tier models. I would rate the soundstage of the FD11 as adequate (3/5)

Special Comparisons​

When reviewing the FD11, one of the main questions I had was how close it would come to the sound quality of another FiiO release and my personal favorite within its price range, the JD7. Upon listening, I immediately noticed two distinct approaches to the Harman-inspired tuning. The FD11 follows the typical FD tuning by adding some edginess to enhance clarity and energy. On the other hand, the JD7 offers a smoother sound, allowing micro details to shine through at the expense of some perceived clarity.

In terms of soundstage imaging, the JD7 has a clear advantage. It creates a more open and spacious soundstage, offering a wider and more three-dimensional presentation compared to the smaller and tighter soundstage of the FD11. However, the FD11 does have a slight edge when it comes to bass quality, as its bass feels slightly tighter.

So, which one should you choose? Personally, I still prefer the JD7 with an aftermarket cable because of its more elegant tuning and spacious soundstage. However, the FD11 fulfills its intended purpose admirably at a lower price point, making it a solid choice for those seeking a simple IEM.

Conclusion​

The FD11 from FiiO is a solid budget release. It boasts a vibrant sound signature. The treble is well controlled, avoiding any sibilance or harshness that can be fatiguing over time. The bass is deep and snappy, delivering a satisfying punch. Additionally, the FD11 exhibits decent resolution and imaging. However, it is important to note the possibility of fit and seal issues. The fit and seal are my only concern about FD11, as beginners and casual listeners would not have a drawer of ear tips to try to mitigate the problem, should they fail to achieve a good seal. And without a good seal, FD11 sounds thin and harsh with very little bass.

In terms of target audience, I think FD11 is suitable for casual listeners who prioritize affordability and a good sound experience without getting too caught up in the concepts of “scaling” and “synergy” that often come with higher-end equipment. FD11 also serves as an excellent entry point for beginner head-fiers who are exploring the world of IEM.

Pros:

• Vibrant sound signature
• Well controlled treble that is not sibilant or harsh
• Deep and snappy bass
• Decent resolution and imaging

Cons:

• Potential fit and seal problem

Updated: June 17, 2023

DISCLAIMER

I would like to thank Fiio for providing this review unit.
The Fiio FD11 can be gotten here (no affliate links): https://www.fiio.com/fd11





SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: dual-cavity 10 mm dynamic driver (carbon based diaphragm)
• Impedance: 24 Ohms
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 111 dB/mW
• Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm, high-purity 4-strand oxygen-free copper wire
• Tested at $39.99 USD

ACCESSORIES




Other than the IEM, these are included:
- Cable
- 3 pairs of eartips (S/M/L)





To be honest, for a sub $50 USD set, the accessories are a bit wanting. I would have preferred the inclusion of a pouch or case, and perhaps a wider selection of tips (be it foam or silicone). Nevertheless, I'm sure readers would rather have a good sounding pair of IEMs with limited accessories, over a set packed to the gills but with crappy sound.

The provided eartips are thankfully serviceable in terms of fit, comfort and isolation.

The stock cable is nothing to write home about. It is a high-purity 4-strand oxygen-free copper wire, and is thin with some microphonics and the conspicuous absence of a chin cinch. Nevertheless, it has a gold-plated 3.5 mm terminal and a 2-pin connector, which is generally more robust than an MMCX one when it comes to longevity, especially with frequent cable changes.




Strangely, Fiio decided to use a recessed circular design on the FD11's housing, so the majority of aftermarket cables may not fit the FD11, unless the cable has very long pins or one shaves away the sheath of the cable to accommodate the round recessed port.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT

The shells are manufactured from liquid die-casted zinc alloy with electroplating. Indeed, the shells are built like a tank and I've no complaints on the build-front. However, the round shells are on the heavier side, with a stubby nozzle - select users might have fit issues - but no biggie finding some longer aftermarket nozzles (eg Spinfits) to get a more secure fit.


While preparing for this review, I had to lie in wait for hours for the Ramshorn snails in my aquarium to make a guest appearance!

The FD11 literally looks like a snail - Fiio terms this the "C-shaped acoustic flute" design - and this acoustic concept is not by chance. Companies like Smabat have used an acoustic labyrinth concept to lengthen the sound tubes so as to increase sub-bass quantity, because higher frequency sounds are dissipated first. Earbuds are generally slated for having weak sub-bass, but if you have heard a Smabat earbud, these generally have huge sub-bass because of this creative configuration.

Indeed, the FD11's snail shell composition translates to a visceral sub-bass rumble, which we will discuss below.

Isolation is below average, as the FD11 is vented. I did not encounter any driver flex but this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of eartips used, so YMMV.


INTERNALS

The Fiio FD11 uses a dual-cavity 10 mm dynamic driver (carbon based diaphragm), which is also found in the FH15 and FF5. This diaphragm is purportedly 9 times stronger than steel, with 1/4 the weight of an equivalent beryllium diaphragm.

The earpieces have asymmetrical internal and external magnetic circuits, housing N52 neodymium magnets, with the aforementioned C-Shaped acoustic flute concept to lengthen the acoustic tubes.




DRIVABILITY

I tested the FD11 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Colorfly CDA M1 DAC/AMP dongle
- Creative Sound Blaster X5
- E1DA DAC/AMP dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Khadas Tone Board -> Topping L30 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

The Fiio FD11 is easy to drive, albeit it does scale slightly with amplification. There's a slight hiss with sources with poor noise control, though this is not apparent once music starts playing.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES

Graph of the Fiio FD11 via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.


Tonally, the FD11 sports a balanced V-shaped profile. This is quite all-rounder for most music genres and consumer preferences.

The FD11 has organic timbre - vocals and acoustic instruments sound very natural.

Technicalities are more than decent for a budget single DD. Soundstage is about average in width, but has good height and depth. Imaging is actually very well done, though micro-detailing and instrument separation are just above average.

The FD11 is sub-bass focused, and is just a level or two shy of being a bona-fide basshead set. The sub-bass extends deep, with a visceral rumble, assuming a good eartip fit is obtained. The mid-bass has good thump too. In terms of bass quality, the FD11 does a good job - texturing is above average with moderately fast bass lines. With the copious bass on tap, there's an inevitable tinge of mid-bass bleed though.

This mid-bass bleed warms the lower midrange and adds lushness and heft to the mids. The notes in this region are thick and sweet, though a bit of clarity and transparency is admittedly lost in the mix. With a 9dB ear gain, the vocals are pushed forwards without overt shoutiness.

For the treble, the FD11 has a spike around the 5 kHz band, but it is usually not the most fatiguing area for human ears (which is the 1 - 3 kHz region), and the big bass balances out this area, so overall, the FD11 sounds very balanced, and not too fatiguing; there's some brightness without harshness. Sibilance is minor, and I would say the treble is suitable for even treble sensitive folk.


COMPARISONS




Comparisons were made with other budget single DD IEMs around the $30 - 40 USD range. Planars, hybrids and pure BA types were left out of the equation as the different transducers have their pros and cons.


BLON X HBB Z300

The BLON Z300 is more "fun" sounding, with a darker treble. The Z300 is also a bassy IEM, but the bass isn't as tight with more mid-bass bleed and a slower driver. Additionally, the Z300 has less air and sparkle.

In technicalities, the Z300 has poorer imaging, micro-detailing and instrument separation, and generally sounds more congested.


Kiwi Ears Cadenza

The Kiwi Ears Cadenza is tuned to a milder V-shape, with less bass and treble. The Cadenza is a bit shoutier in the upper midrange though.

The Cadenza is weaker in soundstage, instrument separation and imaging.


CONCLUSIONS

The FD11 is one of the better budget single DD releases of 2023, boasting excellent build and a unique snail shell design that is not for show - it does offer bring a robust rumble to the sub-bass, due to the creatively lengthened acoustic tubes.




The well-balanced V-shaped profile should let the FD11 synergize with most music genres, and to top it off, the FD11 is no slouch in timbral accuracy or technical chops, when compared against similarly priced single DD competitors.

Unfortunately, accessories are somewhat limited, and the round recessed 2-pin connector may pose a challenge should one want to source for aftermarket cables. Nevertheless, I can heartily recommend the Fiio FD11 for consumers searching for an affordable beginner single DD set.

前提
的
作为飞傲今年进军低价耳机市场，FD11以39.99元的价格展现出足够的诚意。通过将高端驱动技术融入入门级产品，这种产品策略让人无法抗拒。



相较于FD1，FD11在外观、规格、工艺等方面都进行了全面升级，并不为过。乍一看，显得更加精致，同时音质也有了明显的提升。令人惊讶的是，它的价格更低。这无疑给人留下了深刻的印象，因为它在工艺、规格和产品精致度方面有了显着提高，同时为消费者提供了更低的价格。这表明飞傲对当前市场的诚意更大。



关于司机
的
FD11 采用单个动态驱动单元，拥有绝对的力量和令人印象深刻的声音表现。采用10mm碳基振膜动圈驱动单元。该驱动器单元结合了 PU 悬架和碳基硬圆顶振膜。与铝和铍材料相比，碳基振膜更轻、密度更好、强度更高、刚性更高、分振更小。它也更容易驱动，从而产生出色的整体分辨率，尤其是在高频性能方面。根据飞傲的官方测试，FD11 在以 1mW 输入功率驱动时，在整个频率范围（20Hz-20kHz）内的失真水平低于 0.5%。

关于外观
的
当我拿到 FD11 时的第一印象只有一件事：“这东西具有惊人的制造质量。”

FD11采用锌合金外壳，镜面抛光电镀处理，美观大方。它的优点在于外观出众，耐用性强，虽然略重一些。FD11的挂耳设计比较舒适。

外观设计采用“小海螺”造型，符合人体工程学，非常贴合耳朵。即使长时间佩戴也能保持舒适，并且不会因剧烈运动而轻易脱落。

关于声音
的
FD11吸取了旗舰级动圈单元和大尺寸耳机的设计经验，采用易于驱动的单元，提供出色的音质表现。特别是在中音人声表现方面，碳基圆顶振膜的设计使得人声在密度、丰满度和音色方面可以与高端产品相媲美。演奏精准，吐字恰到好处，富有韵味。在入门级产品中，可谓是令人神往的人声体验。


高频延伸也很出色，虽然算不上炫目，但足够突出。乐器泛音表达得很好，齿音清晰呈现。虽然高频表现可能不如低频和人声表现出色，但考虑到其低价入门级的特性，高频表现也令人印象深刻。


得益于FD11的“C型声阻抗管”设计，在这个声阻抗管的上方，可以看到一个排气孔，呈现出一个延伸到后腔的C型结构。这种设计用于调节后腔的气流并优化中低频的性能。这是通过实际聆听体验验证的。低频的量感没有过分强调，而是控制在了理想的状态。整体的存在感不过分突出，但营造出良好的氛围。质感的表现也很出色，在弹性和深度上给人一种非常舒适的感觉。虽然低频延伸可能不是特别深，但弹性好，回弹速度快。在处理大型动态场景时，它提供了意想不到的出色性能。听一听，完全不像是这个价位段的产品。

结论

总体而言，FD11耳机是一款售价39.99美元的入门级耳机，在工艺和佩戴体验上都表现出色。它们的音质也很出众，风格清爽舒适，适合欣赏管弦乐、流行女声、二次元音乐等。但是，存在一些小问题，例如与某些耳机插孔的兼容性不完全。尽管如此，这并不妨碍它在这个价位段是一款绝对优秀的耳机。无论是外观设计还是音质表现，都能轻松超越同价位竞品。因此，这款耳机可以被认为是一款出色的产品，通过提供卓越的价格价值获得了更大的粉丝群。

Fiio FD11

Fiio makes IEMs at all levels including the budget sector. It is no secret that today's budget level IEM is not the same stuff you bought even a few years back. With the movement of what the industry considers a proper tuning. Usually a variant of the harmon tuning which seems to be the norm nowadays. Gone are the days of budget stuff that sounded like a slightly upgraded free earbud you got on your domestic flight to the next province or state to visit the family. Far from it, today's budget sets will put up a good fight in sound quality against IEMs priced in the $100 range or above.

Case in point, the new Fiio FD11 is Fiios newest single dynamic IEM but one based on Fiios extensive know-how and industry standards to get the sound level to something that you would never expect from its RP of $49.99 currently being sold for $34.99

True value for IEMs nowadays can arguably be found from the budget sector. Unlike the high end IEMs that charge for every single aspect of its tuning and sound. The excellent performing and sounding budget IEM brings a surprising level of polish and refinements to the table but at a price everyone can afford. Usually budget sets are relegated for the gym, during work or while playing outdoors. Either way when something happens to a budget set, well there is not much of a loss. Listening to the new FD11 will make you think twice about sweating all over them however.

Just due to the sheer fact that they sound remarkably, non budget. Beyond the sound however, their build is very much comparable to some of the best $100 level IEMs and that is what makes the FD11 a real bargain.

With that I would like to thank Fiio for providing a sample of the FD11 for the purpose of a review. You can purchase yourself a set from their aliexpress pages here. They have been burned in for a period of a week's time and are now ready for evaluation using my sources. Fiio K9 ESS, K9, IBasso DX300Max, Fiio M15S, M15, Shanling M6 pro, IFI Gryphon, IFI Signature.

What you get. Build
What you get for the FD11 is the IEMs, a set of silicones with a matching OFC cable in single ended and that is what you get. However where the value comes from is the actual sound and the build itself. Not too many budget level IEMs with a solid Zinc Alloy metal shell. This build is quite similar to Fiios competitors that use the same type of shape and shell for IEMs that cost up to 6x as much. I actually prefer metal shells for budget level IEMS for several reasons. It will be the budget set that gets the most casual usage out of any other types of IEMs, which makes something like using an alloy metal shell more ideal vs your cheaper plastic housing. Sure they are physically heavier vs the plastic shell but I am willing to bet you these will last a lifetime as long as you treat them how you would treat your more expensive sets.

Then there is the cable. This is really the only issue I have with the FD11. I will be the first to admit the proprietary circular 2 pin cable Fiio is using on the FD11 is not ideal for folks that like to tinker with cable pairings. The reason why they went with this particular design. It fits snugly and looks seamless due to a recessed circular socket not to be confused with a recessed rectangular socket standard 2 pins use. It certainly looks good on the shells and fits very sturdy on the shells of the FD11.

However, using any aftermarket standard 2 pin cables will bring some frustration as it will not fit the recessed round 2 pin socket. Making all of your 2 pin cables obsolete as far as trying to use them on the FD11. Unless you're OK with filing down the protrusion part of the 2 pin to be more rounded. Forget about using any flat 2 pin connector; those will only fit the edges of the 2 pin and the shells will fall out. Fiio themselves in their marketing pages state the cable is interchangeable but what they do not readily go over on this set is that only a specialized protruding circular 2 pin cable will fit the FD11. So this leaves only Fiio cables to be able to fit the FD11. But wait, as far as I know I haven’t seen any aftermarket circular 2 pin cables made by Fiio. Which begs the question. Why?

If you accept that the included cable will be it as far as changeable cables goes then none of what I just wrote matters. IEMs about 10 years ago were all attached permanently so even though technically it is replaceable. Well yes and no.

Sound
Now let's dig into what makes the FD11 a worthwhile addition to your collection. The new FD11 is using a newer carbon based 10mm dynamic that is also tuned with a dual cavity system using some very strong N52 magnets. This combination I have seen from others but once again charging double or more of the price of the FD11. So you're essentially getting something comparable to some of the best sets in the $100 price level for sound quality. The new FD11 is tuned with a mild V shaped variant of the harmon tuning. It's got the type of sound that is exactly what I personally am looking for when outdoors and out and about. You're not getting a neutral set in the FD11. Of all the IEMs the FD11 reminds me of is Fiios own FD5 but retailing at a substantial discount. Of course they are not the FD5 but the sound tuning is definitely from the same family.

Trebles for harmon tuned IEMs basically have good treble presence with a purposeful roll off toward the upper treble regions for better treble balancing. Too much or too little in any part of the treble tunings can create glare or unevenness in how trebles are perceived. I have not experienced treble glare or the lack of treble presence for the FD11. Its extension is moderate and has good detailed and accurate treble notes. It could use just a hint more upper trebles for my own likes in treble tunings but otherwise nothing really to complain about for trebles. Trebles plays a bit safe on the FD11 and is well controlled and clearly shows it can hit treble notes with good accurate depictions of the trebles. There is something to using a thin yet strong carbon based dynamic and its use of some very strong magnets in the N52. I have seen this particular magnet being used on IEMs that cost a whole heck of a lot more and we get some of Fiios best tech in the FD11. The choice of a carbon based thinner membrane dynamic with a very good resolving ability shows in the FD11. What the strong magnets get you for trebles and for its sound in general is a quicker transient response that bodes extremely well for IEMs. Trebles here benefit from the materials. I have no issue with how the trebles are portrayed for the FD11. If anything the treble tuning here is ideal to not fatigue but clearly has good ability for the region.

Mids of the FD11 are interesting in that its upper mids are slightly more forward in the FD11 tuning than the rest of the signature. This brings some forward presence to vocals but at the same time imbalances the mids presence a touch with a slight lack of body for the important mids note weight . Upper harmonics are clean, clear and have a slight forwardness but at the same time feels a bit lacking for its lower mids body and emphasis. I would have liked to see about 2dbs of less upper mids adding that to the mids emphasis around 600-1Khz range instead to give better balance to the mids presentation of the FD11. This tuning is pretty much catered for the Asian crowd in that it's no secret Asian enthusiasts want their female vocals up front and center and hence that is what this tuning is really catering to. The slight lack of emphasis for its base mids character is not as important for female vocals vs male vocals hence we have a tuning catering more for what Asian enthusiasts like.

Makes sense as Fiio is a Chinese company first. I have no issue with this tuning emphasis per se as Harmon based tunings are a marked improvement from the steep v curve budget sets of yesteryear. Harmon based sets have a good standard for proper balance for a sound but at the same time, caters to upper frequencies more so. Its upper mids emphasis is roughly around 10dbs according to Fiios graph but sounds a bit more than that actually. It has a slightly cooler tonal character which indicates some emphasis above 10dbs. Otherwise the sound comes fairly natural and images quite well. Its technicalities are actually very good at the price range. Instrument separation, details in the form of macro to micro levels are all comparable to sets that cost more to achieve the same levels. Tonality and timbre are both clean and accurate at the price here but the one aspect I feel the tuning could have done better is its mids body of note. Hence they sound a bit more V shaped to me due to this aspect. It has more bass and trebles than the uneven mids presence. Mids overall is actually capable and much more detailed than you would expect coming from a single dynamic at the price. But at the same time the mids could have been tuned a bit better balanced, in my opinion. Lower harmonics are what is lacking on this set for its mids presentation and hence I would have loved to use some better cables to mitigate the issue here. But alas we can’t use aftermarket cables.

Bass end of the FD11 is surprisingly capable and is a strong suit. Speedy, punchy, tight and well defined. The bass end will please folks that like to have some thump with their harmon tunings.
I believe the mids in how it is tuned does have an affect on bass vs the other way around. You always read about bass encroaching on the mids when reading reviews but how about a lesser emphasis in the mids to emphasize the bass? That is what is happening to the FD11. It sounds like it has more bass than it has due to the mids not being as forward in the balancing minus its upper mids. This gives a cleaner access and ability to the bass note. Budget sets have to have bass as I feel having some good bass in an IEM mitigates the shortcomings of other aspects for budget sets and what sets the FD11 apart from other budget sets is it has an above average sound quality in terms of technicalities and detail but also has some good bass to go with it. Which overall given its energetic spacious presentation some wow factor when listening to them for the first time.

These are not at a basshead level but have good representation for its bass end. Bass has always been a foundational aspect of the Fiio tunings and here we get that with the FD11. Bass is definitely elevated above its mids presence which again is how I like to hear my tunes when out and about. And for a budget set to have a bold capable bass end to get you into your music is definitely not a bad thing. None of that sloppy one note type bass that can happen at this price. Believe me I have done reviews of just that. There is no sloppiness with the FD11 sound in general and its bass end is the addictive get you into your music type of bass end that shows how good the drivers are with its strong magnets. Sub bass texture is another strong suit for the FD11 and yes my friends a capable bass infused budget set with good solid rumble is not much to ask. The FD11 is good like that.

In the end the FD11 is a capable set and one that surprised me. On one hand it does not surprise that Fiio threw in a lot of their know-how and tech into this set and has a relatively balanced tonal quality which bodes well for versatility in your musical tastes. The FD11 is the type of IEM you give to your loved ones and friends and they will smile from ear to ear. It is the set you want when you go out and about walking or running or doing your daily mundane chores. It is the type of set that will get used day in and day out when you feel the need to get into your music with not much fuss. It is so close to being the ideal budget set that it clearly shows its value in pure sound quality fresh out of the box even. However it isn’t without its issues. It's so good I wish it was tuned just a bit better balanced for its mids presentation. I do wish Fiio would reconsider releasing a version without using their circular 2 pin cable. Oh well it is what it is and if taken for what they are, these will still be very successful as the sound quality is there. If you're looking for an excellent budget set the FD11 is an easy recommendation as it does so much right. Dynamic in sound quality, outgoing in style, solid in its build. Fiio has yet another winner on their hands. Thanks for taking the time to read.