FiiO - FD15

Check out my full review of the Fiio FD15 here: https://mobileaudiophile.com/in-ear-earphones-iem-iems-reviews/fiio-fd15-review-2/ Fiio FD15 Review -13.8 Single Dynamic Driver -#2 Tuning Nozzles Hello everyone, well I was finally able to review this latest iem from Fiio Audio named the Fiio FD15. If you didn't know, the FD15 is actually the predecessor to one of Fiio's most beloved iems, the Fiio FD5. Halving said that, there are a lot of differences between them sonically. Something I speak on in my review. Really, the FD15 is a very well crafted, very well built, designed, and well tuned iem which is outfitted with the best from Fiio. It has a massive 13.8 mm Dynamic Driver, two tuning nozzles (which make a marginal difference) and a very healthy unboxing. In fact, the cable which comes with the package is fantastic in my opinion. I’m up against a time crunch at the moment and so I'll be short here but the FD15 is a special set folks. Great for any vocal lovers the midrange is forward, wonderfully natural timbre and an utterly musical sound that I have greatly enjoyed. The bass is moderate in weight and authority but it is very well textured, very clean, well-defined, well layered as well. The treble is one which seeks not to offend, brilliant enough, smooth all the way out and well extended. The FD15 has a fairly grand soundstage with nice depth, intimate but full, wide, and really helps to help the FD15 feel very engaging. Just a fine set for the price. Of course, no iem comes without some issues and downsides and I do speak on those throughout the review. Still, at the end of the day I am very happy with the FD15. I hope each and every one of you is well and good. If you have any questions go ahead and ask and take good care. Comparison: Fiio FD5 🔥🔥FD15 Pros🔥🔥👇 -Build Quality is really impressive (just as good as the FD5, FD7) -I absolutely love the design of this set, it’s striking -As per usual Fiio gives a great unboxing experience -Wonderful Furukawa modular cable (slick looking) -13.8 massive dynamic driver -Some of the best organic timbre anywhere near its price point -The bass is great, well-defined, clean, textured, punchy -Midrange is very musical, clean, clear, and tuneful, great for vocals -Treble comes across sparkly enough yet never offensive to my ears -well layered, great imaging -Open and expansive stage with good depth of field -Really a well-tuned iem 🥶🥶FD15 Cons🥶🥶👇 -Fit may not be wonderful for everyone -Carrying case cannot actually be carried. What do you call this thing? -The FD15 is going to get cold in the winter outside (is this a con?) -Could use some dynamism as the FD15 is a smoother, calmer approach -The FD15 isn’t for bass-bois, not a bass heavy set (not really a con, per se) -Not the world’s most detailed set. Certainly, aimed at musicality first. Check out my full review of the Fiio FD15 here: https://mobileaudiophile.com/in-ear-earphones-iem-iems-reviews/fiio-fd15-review-2/

Bro, I totally understand. As amazing as the Kima 2 is, and it is good. The Fiio FD15 is a step up for me. In fact, I don't see any other single DD set eclipsing the FD15 under $175. If not more. Yes it is comparable to the Origin.

Yes man, the weight distribution is fantastic! One of the most comfortable sets.

Just quickly took a peek, FD3 is like 7g... this is 12g. As someone who has the FD15, this IEM feels legitimately heavy. Like it really has material put into it if you know what I mean. :P But I can handle it, it stays in my ears if that is the question. It is supposedly made to be more accomodating.

Origin is amazing, as are Etymotic and Cadenza 4 but in a way none of them are good blind buys. Origin is for DD enthusiasts, and people who like Tanchjim sound specifically, so you should probably try the 4U first. Etymotic IEMs are very mid-focused neutral and also have a very deep fit that you will love or hate. Cadenza 4 is a bit more approachable but still very neutral and upper mids focused, to the point of being clinical and dry to some people. FiiO FD15 is another good rec but it leans neutral-warm with safe treble, like the Hexa though some people find it too neutral, not enough excitement factor. Now you could go for other hyped hybrids like Aful P5+2, Simgot SM4, or something from Ziigaat but they aren't as neutral, you would probably find the bass to be over-prominent and the highs bordering on too much. So from your description I would say Origin is the best for you. Not too much bass but you can feel it, vocal prominence that has weight for both female and male but never gets harsh, highs extension but not over-brightness. The graphs make it look brighter than it is IRL; and oh man the layering is something else, better than any other 1DD in my collection. But like I said before you might want to try the 4U first for a taste of the Tanchjim 1DD sound.

Kima does have comfort going for it, but the fd15 is pretty comfortable as well, probably not a fit for everyone though. I’m going to have to compare these with my falcon ultra, which is my favorite single dd in my collection.

Using penon liqueur tips I can’t even tell that they weigh as much as they do. Also no issues with them popping out 👍. Damn good set, listening to Bilmuri with them right now.

I want that cable lol. I don’t need any more single dd iems though. Tanchjim origin, dunu falcon ultra, fiio fd15, ea500lm, tripowin Olina se and kz zenith have been great for me. Everyone is sleeping on that fiio, imo I like it more than origin.

Fiio is always going to be a hit or miss, most of the time being a miss, but I love the fd15, fh9 and my first set, the fh3.

I’d say the et142 is a fantastic choice, same with timeless 2, but since you like the lm the et142 would be closer. Both have 4 different nozzles to tame or boost the upper mids/lower treble. Timeless 2 also has those bullet nozzles that create a spacious sound…a little different but spacious. Ea1000 is pretty much the lm with red nozzles (or the og ea500) but slightly better. I prefer the dunu falcon ultra and tanchjim origin for single dd in that range (also fiio fd15, which is $150). Rather than those 2 planars I’d get the s12 2024, imo it’s still the best planar aside from s15

If you like midbass, avoid the Fatfreq Deuce - It's primarily a sub-bass iem. How willing are you to use equalization? There are some IEMs that can take a stupid heavy bass shelf that are well, well under $300. First one that comes to mind is Fiio FD15, it's got a goofy 13.8mm dynamic driver that takes EQ extremely well for how large the shell is. However, if you're not willing to use EQ, it's only gently warm tilted, so not a first line recommendation. If you don't mind me asking, what have you tried before, IEM-wise, and what were their shortcomings on the upper end? I know most IEMs provide OK bass, but it's not really a huge quantity, so let's focus on things like mids and treble if you can.

Even though the sm4 graph shows alot of sub bass the dip in the mid bass makes it sound faint. The lower midrange pretty important if you want more like "presence" and "weight" to the vocals/instruments. I always felt like sm4 was close to great but its held back by the pzt implementation. Sometimes you get a strong sting of it and it can be good/bad depending on song quality. It can get very fatiguing if you're not used to pzt/planar zing in the higher regions. I think if you like the single dd sound and want to refine it get the fd15. Its a vast improvement over salnotes zero. It sounds more tighter and defined/punchy in the bass. Vocals sounds extremely vivid and musical. The treble is my favorite part of it because it sound airy and sparkly yet non harsh. I would of recommended original moondrop kato (if you can find it 2nd hand or used market) but It might lack some of that treble energy from salnotes zero in exchange for better weight and mid clarity.