FiiO Santos
Sponsor: FiiO
Hi guys, I am Santos, a freshman from FiiO.
How time flies. Summer came again in a blink of an eye. In this sweltering summer, we FiiO are preparing a launch event for our users, the new earphones FD3/FD3 Pro.
Compared with the flagship FD5 in the FiiO family, the FD3/FD3Pro seems to be more like a kind and warm character. The simple rounded shape always reminds me of those carefree summer times. However, when I started to get to know it, I was shocked by its unusualness.
As usual, let's first take a general look at its main characteristics- all-new DLC diaphragm dynamic driver, front acoustic prism, semi-open acoustic design, aluminum-magnesium alloy body, 2 pairs of interchangeable sound tubes, high-purity monocrystalline copper cable for FD3/exclusive high-purity monocrystalline silver-plated copper cable for the FD3 Pro.
Besides, there are many details and secrets, such as the hand polishing + five-axis CNC processing combination, and the 2.5D film coating glass faceplate. I would like to explain them later in this text. Now we would come to the performance of the new dynamic driver.
Appearance
First of all, the FD3/FD3 Pro comes in two colors: black and gold/silver with a copper-colored cable. The FD3 Pro is black and gold with a monocrystalline silver-plated copper black cable. So we can distinguish the FD3 and the FD3 Pro by the color of the cable.
As a new force in the FiiO of dynamic driver family, it catches our eyes from the beginning among similar products. When I first saw the FD3, I had a crush on its round and gentle appearance. While under its simple look is unsimple craftsmanship- fully hand-polishing and CNC five-axis processing, which achieves uniform texture and dazzling glossiness.
That is why I love the FD3/FD3 Pro so much. The purity and simplicity will make you feel generous in any situation. But when you look carefully, each celluloid panel varies in terms of personality and reservedness. While covered with a 2.5D film coating glass on its faceplate, it presents a pure yet fresh transparent look, making it easier and more pleasurable to carry around.
Specifications
This part is the core of the whole review. As what has been involved in the FD3, "Not just a fresh face", we can see something. We already knew some of the main configurations above. Some of you may have noticed "All-new DLC diaphragm dynamic driver" has already made an appearance on the FD5. Yes, it was. But this time, it is brand-new and totally different.
First of all, let's talk about the characteristics of DLC (Diamond Like Carbon)?
DLC, the abbreviation form of Diamond-Like Carbon, is a class of amorphous carbon material that displays some of the typical properties of diamond. DLC is usually applied as coatings to other materials that could benefit from some of those properties.--Excerpt from Wikipedia.
It has high rigidness, high electrical resistivity, and ultra-small friction coefficient. When applied to the diaphragm of acoustic earphones, the high rigidness helps to effectively reduce the segmentation movement during vibration, while the ultra-small friction coefficient results in ultra-high transient response. The high electrical resistivity controls sound performance with low distortion, instead of raising extra vibration and distortion when the signal transmission halts. To sum up, this type of DLC material is fast, accurate with less vibration when being applied to the diaphragm of earphones.
What are the specifics of the brand new FD3 diaphragm? What are the differences from that of the FD5?
The FD5 as the flagship dynamic series, first took up the role of FiiO's cutting-edge technology pioneer. After the DLC diaphragm widely showed up on the market, it was highly praised by audiophiles. The FD3 inherited the strong features while showing full potential by taking advantage of the 12mm DLC driver diaphragm. Yes, the entire diaphragm was completely coated with Diamond-Like Carbon. It is not only a kind of inheritance, but also a fresh start.
Tips: The difference between FD3 and FD5
FD3 full-size DLC diaphragm; FD5 beryllium-plated diaphragm + DLC diaphragm dome
Another important feature of the FD3 is that it is equipped with the latest FiiO-exclusive front acoustic prism, which is expected to be widely used in subsequent products. Why is it so popular? The reason is simple. After adding such a level of protection inside the limited cavity of the earphone, it brings numerous benefits such as eliminating high frequency standing waves, adjusting phase for ultra-highs, enhancing overall sound wave diffusion, and even effectively solving the problem of time delay caused by sound wave propagation path in the cavity. In other words, its appearance at an earphone lowers the time delay of sound waves yet with more accurate propagation.
Do you still remember the patented balanced pressure relief technology on the FD5? In order to better balance the air pressure in the cavity, the semi-open acoustic design carefully carved by our designers is also continued to the FD3. The difference is that this time the pressure relief hole is placed on top of the MMCX connector to make good use of every corner, which keeps a rounded and simple design for the FD3. In addition, it helps to effectively balance air pressure inside the cavity and eliminate the tension on the eardrum. You will find it delicate after wearing it for a while.
Right here, I guess many of you will be confused that since the FD3 is equipped as a flagship, why will you still release the FD3 Pro at the same time? Yes, in terms of configuration, the FD3 is outstanding, yet low profile just like a gentle ninja. The FD3 can handle most use scenarios of senior audiophiles and freshmen. However, there is a batch of audiophiles just like me, always chasing higher levels. The FD3 Pro, is attentively prepared for us. Since the earphone configurations are already up to the top, the further upgrade we can make is the cable. The standard cable for the FD3 is made of 4-stranded 120-core high-purity monocrystalline copper with a 3.5mm single-ended jack plug. While the standard cable for the FD3 Pro is made of 8-stranded 152-core high-purity monocrystalline silver-plated copper with an interchangeable jack plug design, 2.5/3.5/4.4mm plugs for both single-ended and balanced availability.
Experience
From the moment I got the FD3, I was attracted by the specially processed laser hollowing packaging, and the gradient colors which make the cover glittering. Below the front side of the box, the chip set image produces different looks through different angles of sight. Besides, the design drawings on both sides of the packaging present characteristics of the earphones.
The packaging box can be opened and closed through the suction design on its right side. The first thing we can see after opening is the user manual. It is kinda a reminder for people like me who rarely read it. Taking out the manual, we can see an up-and-down layout. The earphones and the cable settle in the upper space while the black accessory box lies down below. Opening the box, there is a transparent carrying case with all the accessories in it.
Thanks to FiiO's patented balanced pressure relief technology in the dynamic driver series of earphones, my ears have little pressure once I put the FD3 on. Nothing will change even for long listening sessions. Our old friends may be very familiar with our easy-and-convenient-to-use expanded MMCX connectors. But this time, we have made a little progress for the FD3 by designing an angled shape for the MMCX connector, so that it can have a better fit with the curve of the ear. We can find small surprises in daily use, such as the right red and left blue unit markers. Anyway, your feelings and suggestions matter to us.
The participation of the DLC diaphragm helps to reduce unneeded vibration and ensures lower distortion. The result of the ultra-small friction coefficient is super high transient response. Speaking of this, you may know fairly well that the FD3 is overall responsive and dynamic. Plus the acoustic prism at the front cavity, the dynamic driver is able to present more details for high frequencies. Bass and mids are strengths of dynamic drivers all the time. When the diaphragm is fully coated with DLC material, its outstanding rigidness produces explosive bass with shocking authority. In the end, listening experience varies from individuals. I personally think that the FD3 is appropriate for musical styles of the following kind, pop music, vocals as well as Hip-pop.
Summary
How to define a model of earphones as good earphones? We all have our own standards and preferences. For example, they need to be powerful, well-resolute, fashionable and low profile. As one of China's HiFi brands, we FiiO attach great importance to the needs of audiophiles along the way. The first thing we need to do is to listen to them and optimize every detail based on their feedback. Even the small curve of the MMCX connector has gone through literally a thousand times of tests with different ears, so that it can be finalized in the end. Invisible costs were increasing. The FD3 is a great example that shows our perseverance and persistence, represented by the front acoustic prism on flagship products, the patented balance pressure relief technology, the further application of DLC material that has been coated to the entire diaphragm, and even the release of the pro-grade FD3 Pro for us perfectionists at the same time. This is an expression of our sincerity for our users within our ability.
Behind every upgrade is every deep thought. We interact with users and express ourselves by every model of our products. Everything is included in the actual feeling of listening.
I believe that the new rookie, the new force in the dynamic driver field, the FD3/FD3 Pro, will make you a wonderful music journey with its superior configuration and performance.
I am Santos from FiiO. See you in the next story~
How time flies. Summer came again in a blink of an eye. In this sweltering summer, we FiiO are preparing a launch event for our users, the new earphones FD3/FD3 Pro.
Compared with the flagship FD5 in the FiiO family, the FD3/FD3Pro seems to be more like a kind and warm character. The simple rounded shape always reminds me of those carefree summer times. However, when I started to get to know it, I was shocked by its unusualness.
As usual, let's first take a general look at its main characteristics- all-new DLC diaphragm dynamic driver, front acoustic prism, semi-open acoustic design, aluminum-magnesium alloy body, 2 pairs of interchangeable sound tubes, high-purity monocrystalline copper cable for FD3/exclusive high-purity monocrystalline silver-plated copper cable for the FD3 Pro.
Besides, there are many details and secrets, such as the hand polishing + five-axis CNC processing combination, and the 2.5D film coating glass faceplate. I would like to explain them later in this text. Now we would come to the performance of the new dynamic driver.
Appearance
First of all, the FD3/FD3 Pro comes in two colors: black and gold/silver with a copper-colored cable. The FD3 Pro is black and gold with a monocrystalline silver-plated copper black cable. So we can distinguish the FD3 and the FD3 Pro by the color of the cable.
As a new force in the FiiO of dynamic driver family, it catches our eyes from the beginning among similar products. When I first saw the FD3, I had a crush on its round and gentle appearance. While under its simple look is unsimple craftsmanship- fully hand-polishing and CNC five-axis processing, which achieves uniform texture and dazzling glossiness.
That is why I love the FD3/FD3 Pro so much. The purity and simplicity will make you feel generous in any situation. But when you look carefully, each celluloid panel varies in terms of personality and reservedness. While covered with a 2.5D film coating glass on its faceplate, it presents a pure yet fresh transparent look, making it easier and more pleasurable to carry around.
Specifications
This part is the core of the whole review. As what has been involved in the FD3, "Not just a fresh face", we can see something. We already knew some of the main configurations above. Some of you may have noticed "All-new DLC diaphragm dynamic driver" has already made an appearance on the FD5. Yes, it was. But this time, it is brand-new and totally different.
First of all, let's talk about the characteristics of DLC (Diamond Like Carbon)?
DLC, the abbreviation form of Diamond-Like Carbon, is a class of amorphous carbon material that displays some of the typical properties of diamond. DLC is usually applied as coatings to other materials that could benefit from some of those properties.--Excerpt from Wikipedia.
It has high rigidness, high electrical resistivity, and ultra-small friction coefficient. When applied to the diaphragm of acoustic earphones, the high rigidness helps to effectively reduce the segmentation movement during vibration, while the ultra-small friction coefficient results in ultra-high transient response. The high electrical resistivity controls sound performance with low distortion, instead of raising extra vibration and distortion when the signal transmission halts. To sum up, this type of DLC material is fast, accurate with less vibration when being applied to the diaphragm of earphones.
What are the specifics of the brand new FD3 diaphragm? What are the differences from that of the FD5?
The FD5 as the flagship dynamic series, first took up the role of FiiO's cutting-edge technology pioneer. After the DLC diaphragm widely showed up on the market, it was highly praised by audiophiles. The FD3 inherited the strong features while showing full potential by taking advantage of the 12mm DLC driver diaphragm. Yes, the entire diaphragm was completely coated with Diamond-Like Carbon. It is not only a kind of inheritance, but also a fresh start.
Tips: The difference between FD3 and FD5
FD3 full-size DLC diaphragm; FD5 beryllium-plated diaphragm + DLC diaphragm dome
Another important feature of the FD3 is that it is equipped with the latest FiiO-exclusive front acoustic prism, which is expected to be widely used in subsequent products. Why is it so popular? The reason is simple. After adding such a level of protection inside the limited cavity of the earphone, it brings numerous benefits such as eliminating high frequency standing waves, adjusting phase for ultra-highs, enhancing overall sound wave diffusion, and even effectively solving the problem of time delay caused by sound wave propagation path in the cavity. In other words, its appearance at an earphone lowers the time delay of sound waves yet with more accurate propagation.
Do you still remember the patented balanced pressure relief technology on the FD5? In order to better balance the air pressure in the cavity, the semi-open acoustic design carefully carved by our designers is also continued to the FD3. The difference is that this time the pressure relief hole is placed on top of the MMCX connector to make good use of every corner, which keeps a rounded and simple design for the FD3. In addition, it helps to effectively balance air pressure inside the cavity and eliminate the tension on the eardrum. You will find it delicate after wearing it for a while.
Right here, I guess many of you will be confused that since the FD3 is equipped as a flagship, why will you still release the FD3 Pro at the same time? Yes, in terms of configuration, the FD3 is outstanding, yet low profile just like a gentle ninja. The FD3 can handle most use scenarios of senior audiophiles and freshmen. However, there is a batch of audiophiles just like me, always chasing higher levels. The FD3 Pro, is attentively prepared for us. Since the earphone configurations are already up to the top, the further upgrade we can make is the cable. The standard cable for the FD3 is made of 4-stranded 120-core high-purity monocrystalline copper with a 3.5mm single-ended jack plug. While the standard cable for the FD3 Pro is made of 8-stranded 152-core high-purity monocrystalline silver-plated copper with an interchangeable jack plug design, 2.5/3.5/4.4mm plugs for both single-ended and balanced availability.
Experience
From the moment I got the FD3, I was attracted by the specially processed laser hollowing packaging, and the gradient colors which make the cover glittering. Below the front side of the box, the chip set image produces different looks through different angles of sight. Besides, the design drawings on both sides of the packaging present characteristics of the earphones.
The packaging box can be opened and closed through the suction design on its right side. The first thing we can see after opening is the user manual. It is kinda a reminder for people like me who rarely read it. Taking out the manual, we can see an up-and-down layout. The earphones and the cable settle in the upper space while the black accessory box lies down below. Opening the box, there is a transparent carrying case with all the accessories in it.
Thanks to FiiO's patented balanced pressure relief technology in the dynamic driver series of earphones, my ears have little pressure once I put the FD3 on. Nothing will change even for long listening sessions. Our old friends may be very familiar with our easy-and-convenient-to-use expanded MMCX connectors. But this time, we have made a little progress for the FD3 by designing an angled shape for the MMCX connector, so that it can have a better fit with the curve of the ear. We can find small surprises in daily use, such as the right red and left blue unit markers. Anyway, your feelings and suggestions matter to us.
The participation of the DLC diaphragm helps to reduce unneeded vibration and ensures lower distortion. The result of the ultra-small friction coefficient is super high transient response. Speaking of this, you may know fairly well that the FD3 is overall responsive and dynamic. Plus the acoustic prism at the front cavity, the dynamic driver is able to present more details for high frequencies. Bass and mids are strengths of dynamic drivers all the time. When the diaphragm is fully coated with DLC material, its outstanding rigidness produces explosive bass with shocking authority. In the end, listening experience varies from individuals. I personally think that the FD3 is appropriate for musical styles of the following kind, pop music, vocals as well as Hip-pop.
Summary
How to define a model of earphones as good earphones? We all have our own standards and preferences. For example, they need to be powerful, well-resolute, fashionable and low profile. As one of China's HiFi brands, we FiiO attach great importance to the needs of audiophiles along the way. The first thing we need to do is to listen to them and optimize every detail based on their feedback. Even the small curve of the MMCX connector has gone through literally a thousand times of tests with different ears, so that it can be finalized in the end. Invisible costs were increasing. The FD3 is a great example that shows our perseverance and persistence, represented by the front acoustic prism on flagship products, the patented balance pressure relief technology, the further application of DLC material that has been coated to the entire diaphragm, and even the release of the pro-grade FD3 Pro for us perfectionists at the same time. This is an expression of our sincerity for our users within our ability.
Behind every upgrade is every deep thought. We interact with users and express ourselves by every model of our products. Everything is included in the actual feeling of listening.
I believe that the new rookie, the new force in the dynamic driver field, the FD3/FD3 Pro, will make you a wonderful music journey with its superior configuration and performance.
I am Santos from FiiO. See you in the next story~
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