FiiO FF3: Lush Looks matched with Good Performance!
Summary:
Launched in June'2022, The FF3 is an earbud launched by FiiO. FF3 comes with a 14.2mm dynamic driver with dual cavities. FiiO promises this to be a great performer and carries the FiiO Signature tuning.
Disclaimer: @FiiO had sent me a review unit for my impressions & views. The opinions below are based on my experiences with the unit and my own.
Introduction:
Let's quickly dive into what the FiiO has to offer. The FF3 carries some new DRUM like bass cavity and a bass enhancing flute-type design.
The FiiO is priced at $99
Design & Build:
It is described as the following on the website:
Specifications:
The FiiO comes at $99 price tag.
The specifications are as below:
https://fiio.com/ff3
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004396885661.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt
The Box & Accessories:
The Accessories:
The package includes…
NOW LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SOUND....
Items Used for this Review:
DAC/AMP & Dongles: @Questyle M15 Dongle
Portable Players / Sources : Lotoo Paw Gold Touch, A&K SP1000M,
@Questyle QP2R
Streaming Source: QOBUZ
Tracks Used:
The tracks I have used can be found from the below playlist that I have used and generally use for most reviews...
FiiO FF3 Sound Impressions in Short:
The BASS:
Bass is where FiiO had put much emphasis and likewise the earbuds come with quite a punchy bass performance. There are some details coming from the sub-bass region, but the mid-bass is quite prominent and packs quite a bit of punch. In tracks like: "
Fools Paradise (LP Version) – Donna Lewis" and "
Chocolate Chip Trip - Tool" you can feel the mid-bass puch & slam is quite prominent while the sub-bass is underwhelming.
The MIDS:
The midrange is quite a bit recessed on the FF3. However, there is good amount of muscle and texture and the instruments sound very lively and enjoyable. Vocals seem good and both male and female vocals come with ample amount of details and feel very real. Transients are also good. In tracks like: "
Anchor - Trace Bundy", "
A dog named Freedom – Kinky Friedman" and "
Ruby Tuesday – Franco Battiato" though the midrange is enjoyable, but you feel a bit left out and long for more.
The TREBLE:
The treble carries the typical FiiO signature which some people may like - unfortunately I don't. It has few peaks here and there and may get quite piercing in some cases specially the Cymbals. This can be realized from tracks like “
Chocolate Chip Trip – Tool”.
The SOUNDSTAGE:
The Staging capabilities of the FF3 is the quite good and above average for price range. It comes with good amount of width, height, however, depth felt lacking a bit. Tracks like: “
The Secret Drawer – Bela Fleck and the Flecktones” or “
She Don’t know – Melody Gardot” or “
Bohemian Rhapsody (live aid) – Queen” sound good & enjoyable.
Separation & Imaging:
Imaging is quite spot on and location of each instrument can be felt quite clearly on the FF3. Tracks like: “
Rotterdam (Or Anywhere) - The Beautiful South “or “
Hello Again - Howard Carpendale & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra” just shine through. However, the separation is something you feel could be better.
Conclusion:
The FiiO FF3 is a nice new earbud release from FiiO and aimed towards bass lovers. I'm quite confident that a lot of bass lovers will love this.