It would be interesting to see how this compares to the Final Audio A8000. Especially tonally, since both are of similar driver configuration. Dsnuts, would you have any prior experience with the Final Audio A8000?

I have a Dunu Luna. Never got the A8000. At the time of purchasing the word was the Luna was more musical and the A8000 had your typical higher end emphasized treble. Folks seem to like them but Luna was more my liking. I went with the Luna. I can tell you the FD7 is easily as resolving as my Luna that is how I was able to tell it was using a true Beryllium dynamic.

Thanks for that info!! And comparing the Luna to the FD7, in addition to it being as resolving as the Luna, how do the FD7s fare in comparison; musicality wise?

Luna is more focused on upper mids with the rest of the sound being more neutral in tone and balance. it is more a modern take on the audiophile tuning. the FD7 got more bass emphasis, has a bit of a wider stage in comparison. Balancing on the FD7 is superb. Luna is a bit more vocal forward is perfect for Jazz or anything vocal related. FD7 is more versatile as it sounds a more dynamic to me from bass to treble and since it has 3 tuning nozzles can adapt to a persons treble preference. Value it greater on the FD7 easily. All with the resolving ability level equal to the Luna. Its detail retrevial is right up there. Luna is more mids focussed IEM with the bass and trebles playing supporting roles. The FD7 is got all 3 parts to be equal in emphasis there for more versatile. Great for eclectic music tastes.

Thank you for those detailed comments! Appreciate it

> I know some folks don’t do it for whatever reason

Because FiiO says it's not needed and won't change the sound.

So it's no surprise people don't do it. They are not to blame

Thanks for the excellent review. I have been following all your posts on FD7 thread. I am getting one as soon as it's available in India.

An excellent in depth review

Was trying to get away from iems but this FD7 might be up next. Nice review!

It felt more like a commercial than a review

Sounds like FD5 is still the soundstage King!

"...the most affordable true Beryllium dynamic in the market today..." Shame KB Believe isn't around anymore, at $170!

I got a review unit of the NiceHCK Lofty which claims to be pure beryllium. I am very certain it comes from the same factory that did the believe earphones. It is not a pure Beryllium. I can tell as there is a clear drop off in resolution. It is no where near the same refinement level as the FD7 or my Luna. I would assume the Believe was using a very similar driver as the RP price for the Believe and Lofty is similar.

It is speculation on my part but once you hear the FD7 and then go to something like that. It is not even in the same ballpark in what they do. To me it sounds more like a coated dynamic vs a real one.

Have you ever given a review below 4 stars or is everything just awesome?

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/reecho-spring.25341/reviews#review-26468

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/lz-a2pro.25454/reviews#review-26878

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/apesonic-rain.25103/reviews#review-25729

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/apesonic-rain.25103/reviews#review-25729

https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/opera-factory-om1.23417/

Believe it or not I actually reject a lot of stuff and send stuff back or don't bother writing about. Stuff I write about Jones is the good stuff.

I base a review based on SQ at the given price level vs over SQ alone. Unless it is an outright fail most earphones have good traits to them and have obvious flaws. But you can't expect a $50 earphone to sound like a $500 one.

"Coarse" differences with a pure DD (like Dark Sky) in terms of sound?
Do you think LPGT amplification will be enough?
Thank you

Should be fine. Most modern DAPs should have plenty of power to push the FD7 especially in balanced. Does great with small portable amps as well.

and compared to a classic DD such as Dark Sky, what are the main differences from beryllium?

Cant say. Never heard the Dark Sky. Looks like a dual dynamic composite material DLC and Fiber dynamic. Could be a good sounding unit but at almost double the cost I am just guessing the FD7 will have a better value vs those.

I think the FD7 is comparable to the Dunu Luna more like a side grade to them. The reason I gave it a 5 star rating is that I feel its value is way better than the price would indicate.

Thanks for the complete reply

What do you think of the Periodic Audio Beryllium?