FiiO FP3
FiiO is a brand known for producing a wide range of in-ear monitors (IEMs) featuring various driver configurations—from single dynamic driver models like the FD11, to multi-driver setups such as the flagship FX17.
However, despite their extensive catalog, a planar magnetic driver earphone was missing—until now. The FiiO FP3 stands out as the brand’s first-ever IEM utilizing a planar magnetic driver. It's a modestly priced debut aimed at budget-conscious audiophiles.
Technical stuff
The FP3 is equipped with FiiO’s self-developed, second-generation 14.5mm planar magnetic driver. It features a 1μm ultra-thin PET diaphragm with a patented dual coating of aluminum and titanium. This construction enhances conductivity, rigidity, and treble clarity.
A unique feature is FiiO’s proprietary Tesla Valve Bass Enhancement—a type of acoustic technology designed to deliver deep bass without compromising the overall sound quality. To ensure comfort and a lightweight design, the development team placed an array of seven N52 high-performance neodymium magnets on each side of the driver, totaling 14 in all.
Learn more about the FiiO FP3 here:
https://www.fiio.com/fp3
Non Audio stuff
The FP3 is FiiO’s first earphone to feature wooden faceplates, available in rosewood or walnut finishes. A thin resin film covers the wood to protect it. These are arguably the most beautiful earphones FiiO has produced, thanks to the natural appearance and unique grain patterns of the wood. While both finishes are stunning, my personal preference is the black walnut.
The main body of the FP3 shell is made from medical-grade resin, crafted with high-precision 3D printing technology to achieve an anatomically shaped design. This part of the shell minimizes contact with the ear, reducing pressure. A shiny metallic ring joins the faceplates to the shell. The build quality and aesthetics of the FP3 far exceed its price point.
Ergonomics stuff
Although the earbuds appear somewhat bulky at first glance, they are lightweight and very comfortable. Each earpiece weighs about 6.5g. Even though they don’t have a fully custom-like shape, they fit securely without causing discomfort over extended listening periods. Noise isolation is good, though not top-tier, which is understandable given the ear-shell design.
Cable and Accessories
The earphones come with a 0.78mm 2-pin detachable cable that naturally curves to enhance wearing comfort. The 1.2-meter-long cable is made of silver-plated copper wires in a four-strand twisted design.
It’s a well-made cable with an aluminum splitter and a plastic L-shaped 3.5mm plug. It feels durable and does not generate much microphonic noise, though it is a bit stiff. It's worth noting that many competitors now include higher-quality cables with modular plugs.
Also included is FiiO’s entry-level plastic storage case, which is bulky, has a drawer-like design, and resembles a LEGO brick. It's not particularly attractive or practical—other brands offer far better cases. Two types of silicone ear tips (treble and balanced) in three sizes each are also included.
Sensitivity stuff
Planar magnetic earphones are often difficult to drive, but the FP3—rated at 36Ω impedance and 105dB/mW sensitivity—is relatively easy to pair with most portable sources. However, lower-output sources like the Violectric Chronos or the FiiO JA11, which I tested, were only marginally adequate. The FiiO KA15, on the other hand, performed much better when using its balanced output. This makes a strong case for why FiiO should have included a balanced cable.
Audio stuff
FiiO’s first planar magnetic IEM features a mainstream tuning designed to appeal to a wide audience. Considering its affordable price, this approach is understandable. A more specialized tuning could have limited its mass-market appeal, so FiiO made a wise decision.
The FP3’s tuning is a variation of the Harman target curve, with a more forward midrange and lively treble. Its standout traits include excellent clarity and the typical planar technical performance in the bass region.
The low-end begins with strong sub-bass extension, followed by an emphasized mid-bass—aimed more at delivering a fun sound rather than a neutral reference. Still, FiiO avoided excessive boosting, maintaining balance and preventing bass bleed into the mids, which makes it suitable for occasional critical listening.
While the FP3’s bass is punchy, it lacks the physical impact and dynamic range of IEMs that use large dynamic drivers. Planar drivers generally require a higher budget to rival the slam and textured warmth of dynamic drivers. The FP3’s bass, however, offers a level of technical performance that is rarely matched by similarly priced dynamic IEMs. It's tight, fast, and precise, with top-tier layering and definition—capable of keeping up with complex, fast-paced tracks. For its price, the FP3 delivers an excellent introduction to high-quality planar bass.
The midrange is present and slightly elevated in the upper region. It can sound a bit forward but never harsh. Clarity and transparency are among the best in its class. Although it doesn’t capture the full harmonic richness of some tracks, it excels in articulation and definition.
Overall, the sound is fast and energetic, with a touch of aggressiveness—though not to the point of being fatiguing. Some overtones may sound slightly veiled, but not enough to cause tonal imbalance or artificiality. This tuning feels youthful and is more suited to contemporary music than reference-grade listening.
The treble is bright, clear, and sparkly, but stays on the right side of listenability. Since most users will likely be in noisy environments, this brighter tuning helps counteract background noise while preserving clarity and detail retrieval.
At home, the FP3 may sound slightly sharp depending on the recording. But most of the time, it presents as airy and energetic, delivering ample brightness without sounding thin or metallic. Its timbre may not be perfectly natural or organic, but it doesn’t come across as fake either.
The soundstage is relatively flat but impressively expansive and spacious. Imaging and positional accuracy exceed expectations for the price. While the FP3 isn’t ideal for conveying the full scale of music, it doesn’t feel cramped or congested.
Conclusion
With the FP3, FiiO has crafted an appealing planar magnetic IEM that combines excellent build quality, beautiful aesthetics, and great comfort. For a modest investment, it offers a compelling taste of planar magnetic sound, presented in a modern tuning that suits everyday casual listening.
This is a solid first attempt from FiiO. It could have been even more competitive had they invested more in the cable and accessories. Nonetheless, the FP3 is a promising entry-level planar IEM and a hopeful sign of even better models to come as the FP series evolves.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I don't use affiliate links.
The price of the FiiO FP3 is $89.99 and you can buy it from here.
Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, most parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.
FiiO is a brand known for producing a wide range of in-ear monitors (IEMs) featuring various driver configurations—from single dynamic driver models like the FD11, to multi-driver setups such as the flagship FX17.
However, despite their extensive catalog, a planar magnetic driver earphone was missing—until now. The FiiO FP3 stands out as the brand’s first-ever IEM utilizing a planar magnetic driver. It's a modestly priced debut aimed at budget-conscious audiophiles.
Technical stuff
The FP3 is equipped with FiiO’s self-developed, second-generation 14.5mm planar magnetic driver. It features a 1μm ultra-thin PET diaphragm with a patented dual coating of aluminum and titanium. This construction enhances conductivity, rigidity, and treble clarity.
A unique feature is FiiO’s proprietary Tesla Valve Bass Enhancement—a type of acoustic technology designed to deliver deep bass without compromising the overall sound quality. To ensure comfort and a lightweight design, the development team placed an array of seven N52 high-performance neodymium magnets on each side of the driver, totaling 14 in all.
Learn more about the FiiO FP3 here:
https://www.fiio.com/fp3
Non Audio stuff
The FP3 is FiiO’s first earphone to feature wooden faceplates, available in rosewood or walnut finishes. A thin resin film covers the wood to protect it. These are arguably the most beautiful earphones FiiO has produced, thanks to the natural appearance and unique grain patterns of the wood. While both finishes are stunning, my personal preference is the black walnut.
The main body of the FP3 shell is made from medical-grade resin, crafted with high-precision 3D printing technology to achieve an anatomically shaped design. This part of the shell minimizes contact with the ear, reducing pressure. A shiny metallic ring joins the faceplates to the shell. The build quality and aesthetics of the FP3 far exceed its price point.
Ergonomics stuff
Although the earbuds appear somewhat bulky at first glance, they are lightweight and very comfortable. Each earpiece weighs about 6.5g. Even though they don’t have a fully custom-like shape, they fit securely without causing discomfort over extended listening periods. Noise isolation is good, though not top-tier, which is understandable given the ear-shell design.
Cable and Accessories
The earphones come with a 0.78mm 2-pin detachable cable that naturally curves to enhance wearing comfort. The 1.2-meter-long cable is made of silver-plated copper wires in a four-strand twisted design.
It’s a well-made cable with an aluminum splitter and a plastic L-shaped 3.5mm plug. It feels durable and does not generate much microphonic noise, though it is a bit stiff. It's worth noting that many competitors now include higher-quality cables with modular plugs.
Also included is FiiO’s entry-level plastic storage case, which is bulky, has a drawer-like design, and resembles a LEGO brick. It's not particularly attractive or practical—other brands offer far better cases. Two types of silicone ear tips (treble and balanced) in three sizes each are also included.
Sensitivity stuff
Planar magnetic earphones are often difficult to drive, but the FP3—rated at 36Ω impedance and 105dB/mW sensitivity—is relatively easy to pair with most portable sources. However, lower-output sources like the Violectric Chronos or the FiiO JA11, which I tested, were only marginally adequate. The FiiO KA15, on the other hand, performed much better when using its balanced output. This makes a strong case for why FiiO should have included a balanced cable.
Audio stuff
FiiO’s first planar magnetic IEM features a mainstream tuning designed to appeal to a wide audience. Considering its affordable price, this approach is understandable. A more specialized tuning could have limited its mass-market appeal, so FiiO made a wise decision.
The FP3’s tuning is a variation of the Harman target curve, with a more forward midrange and lively treble. Its standout traits include excellent clarity and the typical planar technical performance in the bass region.
The low-end begins with strong sub-bass extension, followed by an emphasized mid-bass—aimed more at delivering a fun sound rather than a neutral reference. Still, FiiO avoided excessive boosting, maintaining balance and preventing bass bleed into the mids, which makes it suitable for occasional critical listening.
While the FP3’s bass is punchy, it lacks the physical impact and dynamic range of IEMs that use large dynamic drivers. Planar drivers generally require a higher budget to rival the slam and textured warmth of dynamic drivers. The FP3’s bass, however, offers a level of technical performance that is rarely matched by similarly priced dynamic IEMs. It's tight, fast, and precise, with top-tier layering and definition—capable of keeping up with complex, fast-paced tracks. For its price, the FP3 delivers an excellent introduction to high-quality planar bass.
The midrange is present and slightly elevated in the upper region. It can sound a bit forward but never harsh. Clarity and transparency are among the best in its class. Although it doesn’t capture the full harmonic richness of some tracks, it excels in articulation and definition.
Overall, the sound is fast and energetic, with a touch of aggressiveness—though not to the point of being fatiguing. Some overtones may sound slightly veiled, but not enough to cause tonal imbalance or artificiality. This tuning feels youthful and is more suited to contemporary music than reference-grade listening.
The treble is bright, clear, and sparkly, but stays on the right side of listenability. Since most users will likely be in noisy environments, this brighter tuning helps counteract background noise while preserving clarity and detail retrieval.
At home, the FP3 may sound slightly sharp depending on the recording. But most of the time, it presents as airy and energetic, delivering ample brightness without sounding thin or metallic. Its timbre may not be perfectly natural or organic, but it doesn’t come across as fake either.
The soundstage is relatively flat but impressively expansive and spacious. Imaging and positional accuracy exceed expectations for the price. While the FP3 isn’t ideal for conveying the full scale of music, it doesn’t feel cramped or congested.
Conclusion
With the FP3, FiiO has crafted an appealing planar magnetic IEM that combines excellent build quality, beautiful aesthetics, and great comfort. For a modest investment, it offers a compelling taste of planar magnetic sound, presented in a modern tuning that suits everyday casual listening.
This is a solid first attempt from FiiO. It could have been even more competitive had they invested more in the cable and accessories. Nonetheless, the FP3 is a promising entry-level planar IEM and a hopeful sign of even better models to come as the FP series evolves.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I don't use affiliate links.
The price of the FiiO FP3 is $89.99 and you can buy it from here.
Disclaimer: For various Google indexing reasons, most parts of this review have been processed with an automatic paragraph rewriting tool. However it reads exactly the same as the original content that is available in my website.
Disclaimer
Hello everyone! I want to make everything clear and say that the FP3 reviewed here today was sent to me by FiiO for a review, but they didn’t ask me to write anything specific or try to influence me in any way. Everything written here is my honest opinion, based entirely on my own experience with the product. FiiO also didn’t give me any timeline or direction for this review, so all the feedback here is genuinely my own.
I want to thank FiiO for giving me the chance to review the FP3 and, most importantly, thank you for your trust and for taking the time to read my review. It really means a lot to me!
The full review can also be found on https://mobileaudiophile.com/, via this link
Introduction
So FiiO has announced their very first planar magnetic IEM, the FP3, and I couldn’t wait to check it out. To me planar drivers are always an exciting choice, because if they are tuned properly, they can give excellent performance. But what really got me excited was that FiiO developed their own planar driver. I know, they are pretty late to the "Planar IEM party", but better late than never. So here FiiO steps into the planar IEM world, and it shows how committed they are to giving the community what they are waiting for. So let’s dive in and see how it performs!
Unboxing
Unboxing the FiiO FP3 reminded me a lot of unboxing the FH5 or the FD15, as it got that familiar FiiO mid tier IEM vibe. The box isn't as simple as, for example, the JD1, and not as premium as the FH19 or the FA19, but it still gives a good vibe, and everything inside is well organized, which I always appreciate.
The FP3 themselves are front, up, and center, showing off their cool wooden faceplates. The detachable cable, which uses a 3.5mm plug and 2-pin connector, is preinstalled on the FP3, and the rest of it is packed separately underneath. You also get two sets of silicone ear tips, six pairs in each set (S, M, and L), so you’ve got options but not that much, and, for instance, I would have loved to see the HS18 in there as well.
Instead of a typical carrying case, FiiO went again with a Lego like storage box (HB11). It’s a bit different, and it's pretty tricky to get the IEMs inside, as the cables stick to the plastic of the case and make it hard to close without deforming the cable. I would love to see a shift towards a regular carrying case. Overall, it’s a simple but satisfying unboxing experience!
Technical specifications
Specs
- Driver: 14.5mm self-developed planar magnetic driver
- Diaphragm: 1μm thick with titanium + aluminum dual-coating
- Frequency Response: 10Hz – 40kHz
- Sensitivity: 105dB/mW @ 1kHz
- Impedance: 32Ω @ 1kHz
- Connector: 3.5mm to 0.78mm 2pin detachable cable
- Cable: 392 wires of silver-plated copper
- Weight: 6.5g per earbud (without cable)
- Materials: Zinc alloy middle frame, 3D-printed ear shell, solid wood faceplate (Black Walnut or Rosewood)
- Hi-Res Audio Certified
- Accessories: Storage case, headphone cable, balanced ear tips (S/M/L), treble ear tips (S/M/L), quick start guide
Build Quality
The FiiO FP3 feels super solid. The shells are 3D-printed and have a zinc alloy frame, so they’re lightweight but tough. The faceplates are made of real wood, either Black Walnut or Rosewood, and they look really classy, and I really think that's way nicer than your usual IEMs. They are vented, and the vent is similar to the FD15, which is the Tesla valve design, and it is supposed to enhance the bass.
Driver
The FP3 uses FiiO’s own 14.5mm planar magnetic driver, and that’s pretty special. They made this one themselves. It has a super thin 1μm diaphragm with titanium and aluminum coating, which they claim helps the driver give a better clearer and more detailed sound. There are 14 strong magnets working to drive it, so it’s sensitive enough to work with pretty much any gear, whether it’s a simple dongle or something more powerful. But it is still a planar driver, and it is definitely harder to drive than a regular dynamic driver.
Cable
The FP3 comes with a detachable cable that’s really well made. It uses 0.78mm 2-pin connectors, so you can easily swap it out if you want. The stock cable has 392 silver plated copper wires and ends in a 3.5mm plug. As always with FiiO cables, they are good in quality, but they are very stiff and springy. FiiO’s also planning to release a Type C version of the cable soon, which will include built in DSP and EQ options. The only thing that I don't like about this cable is the connectors that go to the IEM. I just really don't like the clear look, as it looks cheap to me.
Sound Performance
Bass
The bass on the FP3 is pretty deep, but focuses more in the midbass, and it has a lot of power there. It gives a punchy, full feeling to the music. However, it can get a little muddy at times, especially when there’s a lot going on in the low end. That said, because these are planar magnetic drivers, the bass decay is fast enough to prevent it from muddying things too much, which I really appreciate. It's definitely good for electronic music, and the bass hits hard, but not to the level of basshead.
Mids
The mids on the FP3 are a bit recessed and, honestly, they can feel a little veiled at times. Male vocals sound okay and thick, but female vocals can sometimes get lost in the mix. The recessed mids, combined with the increased treble, make them sometimes a bit sharp and sometimes too recessed. So, while the mids are not the strongest point of the FP3, it still doesn’t ruin the music too much, and it will be good for genres like electronic music where the focus isn’t always on vocals.
Treble
The treble on the FP3 is quite prominent and and goes forward in the mix. It's bright and can be a little sharp on louder tracks, but I actually like it, and I feel how it makes everything more detailed and gives that sparkle in the highs. It's a bit boosted, which gives the treble a good sense, though it might not be the best for people sensitive to treble or those looking for a more balanced sound.
Technical Performance
For the price, the technical performance of the FP3 is impressive. The soundstage is wide and open, which is something I’ve noticed FiiO does really well with their IEMs. The imaging is also spot on, so it’s easy to pick out where sounds are coming from in the mix. There’s also a good level of detail, and the layering is solid, although I did notice a bit of struggle in more complex and full of elements tracks. Overall, I find this planar driver to be very solid, especially for an IEM at this price range. I feel like the FP3 really shines in terms of technical aspects for the price.
Comparing the FiiO FP3 to the TinHiFi DUDU
Both the FiiO FP3 and TinHiFi DUDU are budget planar IEMs, but they are focusing on different things.
Sound Signature
The FP3 has a fun, V-shaped sound with a pretty punchy bass and boosted treble, which is great for electronic. However, the mids feel recessed, and the treble can get sharp. The DUDU is more neutral, with tight, controlled bass that lacks the deep punch but doesn’t bleed into other frequencies at all, yet is still there and does its job nicely. Its mids are clean and natural, especially for female vocals, and the treble is crisp and pretty extended without being harsh.
Technicalities
The FP3 is ahead here in terms of soundstage and more air and details, especially in the treble region. The DUDU has decent technicalities, but its soundstage is smaller, and I do feel that it has a bit less details. But they are pretty close in terms of technicalities overall.
Build and Comfort
The FP3 has a lightweight resin shell with wooden faceplates, making it easier to wear for long periods. The DUDU’s metal build feels sturdier but heavier. They are both comfortable in their own way, and I liked them both, though keep in mind that the nozzle of the FP3 is pretty long, so it can go much deeper.
Accessories
The FP3 includes a nice silver plated and pretty thick copper cable, 2 different sets of ear tips, and a Lego style storage box. The DUDU comes with two different cables (3.5mm and Type-C), 2 different sets of silicone ear tips, and an additional set of foam tips. The cables are nice, but they are thin, and neither IEM includes a proper carrying case, though the FP3 comes with this storage box.
Final Thoughts
The FP3 is ideal if you want a more V shaped, energetic sound with a unique design and wooden faceplates. The DUDU is better for those who want a neutral, pretty technical sound with excellent overall tuning. Both are solid picks, but the choice depends on your preferred sound signature.
Conclusion
The FiiO FP3 is FiiO’s first step into planar IEMs, and honestly, I think they have done a pretty solid job. The bass has a nice punch, and the forward treble makes it a nice choice for genres like electronic, pop, or anything that needs that extra energy. The mids, though, can feel a little recessed or veiled at times, which is a bit of a drawback for me. But the technical part of things is great. The soundstage, imaging, and overall detail are pretty impressive for the price.
Of course, it’s not perfect. The mids being pushed back and it does make the bass feel stronger than it really is, because it is still not a basshead level of bass. It can also sometimes get a little muddy. Still, thanks to the planar driver’s speed, things stay relatively clean and don’t completely lose control.
All in all, I think the FP3 offers good value. If you are curious about planar IEMs and want something fun to listen to without spending a lot of money, this is worth checking out. It’s not the most balanced or reference tuned IEM out there, but it’s enjoyable, well made, and those wooden faceplates are absolutely gorgeous. I’m excited to see how FiiO builds on this in the future!
Where to buy: (Non-affiliated! None of my reviews use affiliated links!)
FiiO Official AliExpress Store
FIIO FP3
Single Planar Driver
$85 USD
Before we dive in, a huge thanks to FIIO for sending the FP3 for this review.
But, as always, this review is 100% my honest opinion.
Check the IEM here : https://www.fiio.com/fp3
Here's what you’ll get inside the box :
Build Quality
Now let’s talk about the build, The FP3 honestly the thing looks amazing. I believe the faceplate is made from real wood, there's two versions: rose wood and black walnut , which looks very premium for its price. As for the rest of the body, I believe it is made from some kind of resin.
As for the cable, it's just OK, and for some reason FIIO decided to use 2 pin connector instead of mmcx (YES!), though, nothing premium, also sadly it didn’t come with a modular option, it only comes in one option only, and its 3.5mm single ended.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, this IEM has an OK comfort, I can wear this for like 2 hours max before I get some kind of discomfort around my ears near the area where 2 pin connectors are placed.
At first I thought the circular design of the shell is the one that gonna give me some kind of discomfort, but actually I think the included cable or the earhooks is a bit too stiff for my ears
As for getting the initial seal itself it's pretty easy because this IEM has long nozzles and is very light weight, so it doesn’t press downwards on your ear canal, hence why I can get a very good seal with this IEM
Sound
Setup I used:
I would like to describe the FP3 sound signature as near to W-Shaped,
And what do I mean by W-shaped? It has a pronounced thick bass, forward midrange with forward treble.
Bass :
I believe the bass is where the FP3 shines. The bass is very speedy but thick and punch like a planar bass, because it is a planar IEM, also probably thanks to the fact that FP3 uses the “tesla valve” patented bass enhancement acoustic technology.
The mids are probably the one that I will nitpick the most from this IEM since I’m a fan of a very good midrange presentation.
For some reason, FIIO decided to add an extra 3db around 2.6kHz from the harman target curve.
It indeed resulted in a more forward vocal but not in a good way.
Since I’m doing mixing and mastering as my side project too, the extra 3db on 2.6khz might give the IEM a sense of some clarity and more intengilibility to the vocal but it resulted to make the vocal sounds a bit shrill, and on top of that since the FP3 is using a planar driver, the timbre of the planar accentuated the shrillness even more.
End results ? Vocals could feel a bit unnatural at times.
Thankfully the vocal didn’t sound too shouty and has zero sibilance issues.
As for the instruments, I tested the FP3 on the Violet Evergarden OST’s "The Ultimate Price", the piano and violin felt forward and intense, but it didn’t sound wrong to my ears.
Treble :
Lively without sounding too forward or piercing
For $85 USD, the technical performance is good
Also I found the FP3 to be easy to power, even just plugged straight to my Poco M6 Pro, It sounds loud and decent.
It doesn’t really require much amplification to get the FP3 to sound loud and decent.
Comparison
I will compare the FP3 to Moondrop Aria 2, a single DD costing a bit more at $99 USD
Conclusion
So, is the FP3 worth it?
It depends.
For $85 USD if you’re into a very satisfying bass response, then yeah. The build quality, the feel of luxury of the wood faceplate, accessories except the just OK cable, and technical performance make the FP3 a great option to choose from the crowded sub $100 USD market. But just a reminder, the vocal presentation is not the best but its also not the worst on the sub $100 USD market.
Thanks so much for sticking around to the end! If you found this review helpful, do me a favor, kindly check my video review of this IEM, leave a like, hit subscribe, and share this review with your friends.
I’ll catch you in the next one. Bye for now!
-littlenezt.
Single Planar Driver
$85 USD
Before we dive in, a huge thanks to FIIO for sending the FP3 for this review.
But, as always, this review is 100% my honest opinion.
Check the IEM here : https://www.fiio.com/fp3
Unboxing
- The IEM
- Cable
- 2 Sets of Eartips
- Manual
- Hard Case
Build Quality
Now let’s talk about the build, The FP3 honestly the thing looks amazing. I believe the faceplate is made from real wood, there's two versions: rose wood and black walnut , which looks very premium for its price. As for the rest of the body, I believe it is made from some kind of resin.
As for the cable, it's just OK, and for some reason FIIO decided to use 2 pin connector instead of mmcx (YES!), though, nothing premium, also sadly it didn’t come with a modular option, it only comes in one option only, and its 3.5mm single ended.
Comfort
When it comes to comfort, this IEM has an OK comfort, I can wear this for like 2 hours max before I get some kind of discomfort around my ears near the area where 2 pin connectors are placed.
At first I thought the circular design of the shell is the one that gonna give me some kind of discomfort, but actually I think the included cable or the earhooks is a bit too stiff for my ears
As for getting the initial seal itself it's pretty easy because this IEM has long nozzles and is very light weight, so it doesn’t press downwards on your ear canal, hence why I can get a very good seal with this IEM
Sound
Setup I used:
- Stock Cable
- FIIO UTWS5, FIIO KA15, Poco M6 Pro
- Stock Eartips (blue stems)
- Music from Apple Music and Spotify, covering J-POP, Rock, EDM, Metal, Jazz, and Rap
I would like to describe the FP3 sound signature as near to W-Shaped,
And what do I mean by W-shaped? It has a pronounced thick bass, forward midrange with forward treble.
Bass :
I believe the bass is where the FP3 shines. The bass is very speedy but thick and punch like a planar bass, because it is a planar IEM, also probably thanks to the fact that FP3 uses the “tesla valve” patented bass enhancement acoustic technology.
- Whether it’s the raw punch energy in EDM tracks or the speed precision in metal double pedals, the bass delivers a deep, impactful and full of texture.
- It’s technically not a basshead IEM from the quantity, but it does present the bass in a very good way that is very enjoyable to listen to, so if you’re a bass lovers, but not a basshead, you’ll definitely enjoy the presentation of the FP3 bass.
The mids are probably the one that I will nitpick the most from this IEM since I’m a fan of a very good midrange presentation.
For some reason, FIIO decided to add an extra 3db around 2.6kHz from the harman target curve.
It indeed resulted in a more forward vocal but not in a good way.
Since I’m doing mixing and mastering as my side project too, the extra 3db on 2.6khz might give the IEM a sense of some clarity and more intengilibility to the vocal but it resulted to make the vocal sounds a bit shrill, and on top of that since the FP3 is using a planar driver, the timbre of the planar accentuated the shrillness even more.
End results ? Vocals could feel a bit unnatural at times.
Thankfully the vocal didn’t sound too shouty and has zero sibilance issues.
As for the instruments, I tested the FP3 on the Violet Evergarden OST’s "The Ultimate Price", the piano and violin felt forward and intense, but it didn’t sound wrong to my ears.
Treble :
Lively without sounding too forward or piercing
- There’s a good amount of energy on the lower treble, but it’s not overly bright and thankfully it's not piercing to listen to.
It give a sense of balanced sound because of how thick the bass is presented on the FP3. - As for the treble extension itself, its decent, nothing special.
- For the price, the treble detail is very good.
For $85 USD, the technical performance is good
- Soundstage : it’s medium sized, with more width than depth. It creates an oval-shaped stage that feels slightly weird. Especially if you use it for FPS gaming, I cannot judge confidently where's the enemy because of the oval shaped soundstage, but for music use, it's completely fine.
- Imaging : Very good, not quite holographic, but it feels like almost there, and for context purely for imaging at $85USD that's very good
- Separation & Positioning : The Separation and positioning of FP3 is great, keeping everything clear even in busy tracks that are full of bass, probably thanks to the 2.6khz sacrifice in the tuning and due to the boosted lower treble.
Also I found the FP3 to be easy to power, even just plugged straight to my Poco M6 Pro, It sounds loud and decent.
It doesn’t really require much amplification to get the FP3 to sound loud and decent.
Comparison
I will compare the FP3 to Moondrop Aria 2, a single DD costing a bit more at $99 USD
- Build Quality : In terms of material itself, the Aria 2 gave me a sense that those thing could last since it's made out of metal, but the Aria 2 lacks the feeling of luxury that FP3 has.
- Accessories : Aria 2 has modular cable, FIIO only single ended 3.5mm
- Comfort : I found the Aria 2 to be more comfortable than the FP3, but to get that perfect initial seal, I had to shove the Aria 2 to my ear canal and tweak the position a lot, while the FP3, I can just put it in and that's it.
- Sound :
- Aria 2 is more or less like your typical Moondrop single DD VDSF Target, basically a modified harman target with a bit of extra mid bass.
- The FP3 has better more satisfying thick bass presentation
- Vocal and instruments sounds more correct in timbre on Aria 2
- As for the treble, Aria 2 has more relaxed treble presentation, while the FP3 have a more forward lower treble presentation
- Technicalities : I actually would give the edge to FP3, probably due to the fact FP3 uses a planar driver.
Conclusion
So, is the FP3 worth it?
It depends.
For $85 USD if you’re into a very satisfying bass response, then yeah. The build quality, the feel of luxury of the wood faceplate, accessories except the just OK cable, and technical performance make the FP3 a great option to choose from the crowded sub $100 USD market. But just a reminder, the vocal presentation is not the best but its also not the worst on the sub $100 USD market.
Thanks so much for sticking around to the end! If you found this review helpful, do me a favor, kindly check my video review of this IEM, leave a like, hit subscribe, and share this review with your friends.
I’ll catch you in the next one. Bye for now!
-littlenezt.
The FiiO FP3 marks the company’s first venture into the burgeoning world of planar in-ear monitors, offering a self-developed, meticulously engineered solution to audiophiles seeking the clarity and detail of planar drivers without sacrificing practicality or affordability. After spending a week with the FP3, both in a wired configuration and paired wirelessly with the FiiO UTWS5 (2025), I’m convinced that this IEM strikes a near-perfect balance between fun and maturity, delivering engaging yet refined sound quality.
Background and Development
The FP3 project began in Q3 2022, during a period when planar IEMs started flooding the market. While many brands opted for off-the-shelf planar drivers, FiiO took the road less traveled, embarking on an ambitious journey of in-house research and development. This decision was motivated by a desire to address the shortcomings of existing planar drivers, such as inconsistent quality, missing frequency ranges, and overly distinct tonal imbalances. Over two years of development, FiiO experimented with various diaphragm materials, coatings, and structural designs, ultimately crafting a 14.5mm planar driver that combines performance, durability, and affordability.
Whats in the box:
The FP3 comes with a selection of accessories, including:
A 392-wire silver-plated copper cable
A premium HB11 storage case
Six pairs of ear tips (balanced and treble-focused)
A quick-start guide
Design and Build Quality
The FP3 doesn’t just perform well; it’s also a visual treat. Featuring a 3D-printed ear shell, a zinc alloy middle frame, and a solid wood faceplate, it has a premium feel without being ostentatious. Two color options—Black Walnut and Rosewood—and looks really classy, with the natural grain of the wood lending a unique character to each unit.
Despite housing a large 14.5mm planar driver, the FP3 is remarkably lightweight at just 6.5g per unit. The ergonomic design ensures a snug, comfortable fit, i have doubts when i first saw the fp3 that it my have fit issues but thanks to its quite long nozzle its really comfortable and sealse very well on my ears rivaling some custom IEMs in fit and seal.
The detachable cable adds to the versatility, featuring 392 wires of silver-plated copper for excellent conductivity and durability. The standard 3.5mm to 0.78mm 2-pin design also ensures compatibility with a wide range of third-party cables, i like the color and material used but i find it just a little bit stiff.. and also Type-C version with DSP decoding is slated for release in late 2025.
Sound Performance
Bass:
The FP3’s bass response is where things get interesting. The subbass extends deep, delivering a satisfying rumble that anchors tracks without overshadowing the mids. There’s a tactile weight to the low end that gives music a palpable sense of depth and dimension. The midbass, on the other hand, is punchy and prominent, with a lush, textured quality. However, it has a slower decay, which works well in adding richness to the mids but may occasionally feel slightly rounded for genres that demand tighter bass control.
In tracks with heavy basslines, like electronic or hip-hop, the FP3 brings the thump you crave while maintaining a sense of musicality. It’s not bass-head territory, but the balance here is more about quality than sheer quantity.
Mids:
The FP3 handles the midrange beautifully, offering a lush and engaging presentation. Male vocals carry warmth and weight, while female vocals are clear and vivid without coming across as sharp or sibilant. The slower midbass decay bleeds a touch into the lower mids, giving them a richer, fuller body, which adds emotional weight to ballads and acoustic tracks.
Instrumental separation in the mids is impressive, especially for this price point. Strings and keys resonate naturally, while guitars maintain a crunchy edge in rock tracks. The mids feel well-balanced, avoiding any overshadowing from the bass or treble.
Treble:
Here’s where the FP3 starts to truly shine. The treble is characterized by a notable peak that acts as the glue tying the entire sound together. It adds a sense of clarity, air, and sparkle, which complements the warm bass and textured mids. This peak doesn’t feel harsh but rather gives life to cymbals, hi-hats, and upper harmonics, ensuring that the FP3 never sounds dull or overly dark.
The treble also plays a crucial role in defining the FP3’s technical performance. The resolution and microdetail retrieval are excellent for a planar IEM in this price range, allowing you to pick up subtle nuances in well-mastered tracks. It’s energetic yet controlled, striking a fine balance that avoids fatigue during longer listening sessions.
Soundstage, Imaging, and Dynamics
The FP3’s soundstage is moderately expansive, offering a good sense of width and depth. It’s not the widest or most holographic presentation out there, but it creates a realistic and engaging listening space. Instruments are well-placed, with imaging that feels precise and deliberate. Whether it’s a jazz trio or a sprawling orchestral piece, the FP3 handles layering with finesse, ensuring each element has its place.
Dynamic range is another highlight. The FP3 transitions smoothly between soft and loud passages, lending emotional impact to tracks with dramatic shifts. The overall presentation is lively and engaging.
Tuning Balance and Synergy
The FP3’s tuning strikes a balance between fun and refinement, appealing to both casual listeners and discerning audiophiles. Its bass and treble complement each other beautifully, with the mids sitting comfortably in the mix. The treble peak, while prominent, adds clarity and excitement without ever becoming grating.
The synergy between the slower bass decay and the energetic treble is particularly noteworthy. This pairing keeps the sound grounded and dynamic, ensuring the FP3 feels neither too analytical nor overly relaxed. It’s a tuning that works across a variety of genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz.
Technical Highlights:
1. Self-Developed Planar Driver:
The 14.5mm driver features a 1μm diaphragm with titanium-aluminum dual-coating and 14 N52 neodymium magnets. This design ensures excellent resolution, high-frequency extension, and a soundstage that feels expansive and immersive.
2. Tesla Bass Technology:
FiiO’s patented F.T.B.S system enhances bass extension and depth while maintaining clarity and balance across the frequency spectrum.
3. Advanced Manufacturing:
The use of 28nm chip-level coating technology allows for precise etching of the voice coil, improving durability and performance.
4. Easy to Drive:
With a sensitivity of 105dB/mW and an impedance of 32Ω, the FP3 is surprisingly easy to drive for a planar IEM, performing well with USB dongles or portable amplifiers and specially the Fiio UTWS5 bluetooth adaptor.
Concluision:
The FiiO FP3 is a triumph of design and engineering, offering a sound signature that balances fun and refinement with technical prowess that belies its price point. From its deep and tight textured bass to its sparkling treble and moderately sized soundstage, the FP3 excels in delivering a truly engaging listening experience. Combined with its premium build quality, lightweight design, and thoughtful accessories.
At its price point, the FP3 is a true overachiever, delivering a blend of sonic performance, build quality, and versatility that’s tough to match. If you’re hunting for a planar IEM that strikes an impressive balance between musicality and technicality, the FP3 is absolutely worth your attention. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to a friend seeking a well-crafted planar IEM with a premium design and high-quality materials, it’s a standout in its class.
Non-afiliated links:
https://th.aliexpress.com/item/1005007948436998.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2tha
https://hifigo.com/products/fiio-fp...LPz32_LyAJhiTxZTgeo82hgkMLaR4NKLVhmE3SsoVsWbM
It's my first review on Headfi, I apologize if I'm too direct and simple in what I have to say, I promise to improve in the written reviews, I'm a Brazilian reviewer, but my main role is as a DJ and producer, therefore, I have a lot of vision to test products based on how they can be a reference for electronic music lovers
The FP3 was very kindly sent by FiiO, one of the brands I have most enjoyed testing in 2024
Review in Portuguese
UNBOXING: in my opinion, is simple, but it has 6 pairs of tips that are of good quality and an HB11 storage case,
Ergonomics are a little similar to the FD11, although the shell is made of resin and lighter, with good insulation, another thing that is very similar to the FD11 is the cable, good quality, no complaints
BASS: My favorite part, it is very heavy, with a very full bass drum and for electronic music tracks it is ideal and very FUN, but it is weakened in technicality by the excess of midbass in passages of tracks like Sepultura - Ratamahatta, but the weight is very engaging in Kyle Watson, Sam Divine & Tristan Henry - Too Hot.
MIDS: They are very warm and engaging, male voices gain a lot of body, but the weight does not make it a reference tuning for monitoring mixes, but ideal for performing as a DJ, and I say this now in the text because the mids and bass are my points favorites, but they conflict with what I think is balanced when trying to produce a track, female voices have good alignment and less body, in my opinion they sound more natural than male voices.
TREBLE: It's the part I like least, I don't hear strong inconsistencies, but it becomes a complement to a fun tuning, timbre could be better and reminds me a little of SIVGA QUE and DUNU Kima Classic.
Technicalities: It is a point that does not stand out as much as other planars, but it still does an interesting job on the soundstage, it does not sound wide, but it is far from claustrophobia, nice instrument separation, with a small observation regarding the separation of the kick drum and the mid-bass that bleed a little.
Conclusion: I could recommend this IEM to people looking for upgrades to headphones like Tanchjim Tanya DSP, QKZ x HBB, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a reference tuning, and anyone looking for a good headphone construction, during my tests one of the filters on the nozzle fell off, but I managed to find it and put it back, if you have this problem, FiiO is willing to send a kit, and in this aspect I was happy to know that the brand kept in touch to find out how it was working, given the concern from your QC
Test Playlist, Rock Playlist, EDM Playlist
Equipments: Fiio K11, Hiby R4, Celest CD20, iFi Uno
The FP3 was very kindly sent by FiiO, one of the brands I have most enjoyed testing in 2024
Review in Portuguese
UNBOXING: in my opinion, is simple, but it has 6 pairs of tips that are of good quality and an HB11 storage case,
Ergonomics are a little similar to the FD11, although the shell is made of resin and lighter, with good insulation, another thing that is very similar to the FD11 is the cable, good quality, no complaints
BASS: My favorite part, it is very heavy, with a very full bass drum and for electronic music tracks it is ideal and very FUN, but it is weakened in technicality by the excess of midbass in passages of tracks like Sepultura - Ratamahatta, but the weight is very engaging in Kyle Watson, Sam Divine & Tristan Henry - Too Hot.
MIDS: They are very warm and engaging, male voices gain a lot of body, but the weight does not make it a reference tuning for monitoring mixes, but ideal for performing as a DJ, and I say this now in the text because the mids and bass are my points favorites, but they conflict with what I think is balanced when trying to produce a track, female voices have good alignment and less body, in my opinion they sound more natural than male voices.
TREBLE: It's the part I like least, I don't hear strong inconsistencies, but it becomes a complement to a fun tuning, timbre could be better and reminds me a little of SIVGA QUE and DUNU Kima Classic.
Technicalities: It is a point that does not stand out as much as other planars, but it still does an interesting job on the soundstage, it does not sound wide, but it is far from claustrophobia, nice instrument separation, with a small observation regarding the separation of the kick drum and the mid-bass that bleed a little.
Conclusion: I could recommend this IEM to people looking for upgrades to headphones like Tanchjim Tanya DSP, QKZ x HBB, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a reference tuning, and anyone looking for a good headphone construction, during my tests one of the filters on the nozzle fell off, but I managed to find it and put it back, if you have this problem, FiiO is willing to send a kit, and in this aspect I was happy to know that the brand kept in touch to find out how it was working, given the concern from your QC
Test Playlist, Rock Playlist, EDM Playlist
Equipments: Fiio K11, Hiby R4, Celest CD20, iFi Uno
Attachments
General/Build/Comfort/Packaging
I had reviewed several Fiio’s IEM before and generally I liked most of them. The FP3 is their first planar IEM and let’s see how it puts itself with the rest . Most should be quite familiar with Fiio as they are very well known for many categories of product. The FP3 sports a 14.5mm planar driver within it, rather than opting for off the shelf drivers, Fiio went on with the R&D route to develop their own planar driver. Overall build quality is solid in my opinion, the wood panel faceplate is something refreshing in the market for this price bucket, the packaging is in fact rather similar across most Fiio’s products, the IEM itself, the storage case, cable and few sets of eartips. The stock cable does look high quality but it is slightly prone to tangling possibly due to the outer layer of the cable. In terms of comfort, I have been listening to it for a long session of approximately 3-4 hours and I did not feel any discomfort at all.
Gears used for this review
- Fiio KA15
- Dita Navigator
- Fiio’s UTWS4 2025
- FP3 Stock Cable and Eartips
My review is solely based on what I hear via my equipment and I never consider my reviews to be objective in any way rather a subjective approach. Do take into consideration that everyone’s ear anatomy is not the same, so the psychoacoustics perception might be different as well, but i believe it will not stray too far
Sound Impression
*The unit has been put through the looping of pink noise for 20+ hours
The FP3’s tonality is leaning towards slight V shaped and borderline thin note weight, there’s a hint of planar timbre but other than that, in terms of price performance ratio, it is really good. If you’re sensitive to the highs, tip rolling will help, Final Type E can help to tame the treble and also slightly boost up the note weight. Prior to the burn in, out of the box impression, the FP3 is bright but somehow after the burn in, it is slightly smoother, also the pre-installed “treble eartip” doesn’t really help, switching it to the balanced eartip does smoothen the treble to a tolerable level for me
Bass
- Sub bass does rumble but it doesn’t go that deep to bass head territory, sufficient to add “fun” to overall listening experience
- Mid bass is punchy and has good body to it overall, speed is rather good
- Thankfully, the bass doesn’t bleed into the mids
- On certain tracks, the bass can be really fun, such as some low fi music or EDM, but on certain tracks, it can be slightly overwhelming, depending on your personal preferences, occasionally, i do find it quite fun and i enjoy it
- Overall, the bass has quite good texture with coupled with fairly good control and clean sounding
- Mids are not recessed but not too forward either
- Vocal has good enough texture and body for both male and female
- Female vocal somehow sounded a little bit more energetic due to slight lift from the upper mids, but never shouty
- Male vocal is borderline thin in my opinion, but pairing it with a warmer source does somehow boost the weight and gives additional warmth
- The mids are not thin sounding nor has a very good body overall, somewhere in between
- The treble based on my listening impression, does have quite an energetic profile, with sufficient air and sparkles
- They do have quite an energetic profile, but they’re not harsh nor sibilant, personally, i am a little sensitive hence i’m using it with the balanced tip to bring down the treble a little and it is good for me
- Detail retrieval is good for the asking price
- Imaging is good as instruments can be pinpointed easily
- Soundstage is good for the price, it is wide and have good depth to it, lacking height to contribute to overall in terms of sounding big, nonetheless, considered very good given the asking price
- The overall technicalities is good and there’s nothing to nitpick about
- FP3 does requires a bit of power to sound good, pairing it with a weaker source will make it sound quite harsh and bass aren’t that controlled
- Tried using it with Apple’s dongle and sure, it does sound loud but it is lacking in terms of dynamics, bass control and treble response as well
- It does benefit with some amplification, using it with my desktop source Aune S9c, it exhibited better control overall (slightly tighter bass and bigger soundstage)
- Melody features slightly smaller planar driver and resin shell with matte faceplate finishing
- In terms of tonality, Melody is more on the V shaped sound profile compared to FP3 which is slightly V shaped sounding
- Bass on the Melody is stronger and it does rumbles harder compared to FP3, but mid bass is weaker compared to FP3
- FP3 has better technicalities compared to Melody
- In terms of treble profile, they are more or less quite similar
- In terms of packing, FP3 is definitely running circles around Melody
I have to admit, the out of the box listening impression is rather bad for me in terms of the highs, then I decided to burn in the Melody for about 20 hours +- and it does tone down a little, the bass is also tighter and slightly better in terms of control.
If you like a bit of fun or looking to get your first planar IEM without breaking the bank, get the FP3. This is not to say that the FP3 is without cons, for one, the treble might not suit everyone’s taste and also the bass quantity might not satisfy everyone, i wouldn’t say this is a con rather it is the tuning direction of Fiio, i have to reiterate sound is very subjective and differs from one person to another.
Fiio certainly hit the right spot in terms of their releases, with this planar offering from the brand, they’re set to capture more audiophiles to the brand
Fiio FP3 was sent over by Fiio for this review. I thank them for the opportunity as always.
Head over to the store if you are interested in getting one:
Fiio’s FP3 Product Page
DISCLAIMER
I bought the Fiio FP3 from Aliexpress at a discounted price.
It can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256807762122246.html (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of treble silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of balanced silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- HB11 storage case
For something retailing at sub-$100 USD, the accessories are okay. I would have preferred a modular cable and perhaps foam tips, but the included accessories are nevertheless serviceable.
We have 2 variants of silicone tips; the "treble" wider-bore ones boost treble, as per its namesake, and expand soundstage. The "balanced" narrower-bore tips increase bass, with some compression in staging.
Fiio has included a 2-pin silver-plated stock copper cable. Although it is only 3.5 mm terminated, this cable is well-braided via a Litz configuration, with minimal tangling and negligible microphonics. There's a chin cinch too.
The Fiio HB11 storage case is made of tough plastic, and is durable. This case uses an innovative lego stacking concept, so additional cases can be combined on top of it. This case even has a handle - it functions similar to a sock drawer - and the transparent walls allow users to view the innards. The HB11 is also space-conserving, with a thickness of 2 mm for the walls, and it weighs 118 g, and measures 116 x 72 x 39 mm.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock balanced silicone eartips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The shells are 3D printed, and each is thereafter manually polished and UV coated. When placing an order, one can opt between a rosewood or black walnut faceplate.
The earpieces are ovoid shaped and quite ergonomic, with a concave auricular design to assist in fit. Weighing 6.5 g apiece, the housings are light and this IEM is quite comfortable for daily usage despite the slightly longer nozzles.
Isolation is bang average, though I appreciate that there was no driver flex.
INTERNALS
It is an open secret that most of the current CHIFI planar IEMs use a similar planar driver, probably sourced from the same factories (or are OEMs). In contrast, Fiio markets that the FP3 utilizes an in-house 14.5 mm driver with a dual coated titanium and aluminum ultra-thin diaphragm, with each driver packing 14 N52 neodynium magnets per side.
The FP3 also incorporates the TESLA valve bass enhancement tech - this is also seen in the Fiio FD15 - which deliberately elongates sound tubes so as to filter away higher frequencies and boost bass.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Fiio FP3 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA15 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM has moderate requirements to drive. While it can be powered off weaker smartphones, it scales with juice, in dynamics, soundstage and bass tightness.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the Fiio FP3 via IEC711 coupler. 8 khz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the FP3 sports a bright V-shape profile, and will suit trebleheads to a T.
The FP3 has a clean sounding profile, with fast transients and stellar technical chops. Soundstage is wide, and we hear excellent layering, detailing and imaging, even with complex tracks. Micro-details are likewise captured well.
The bass is well-textured and speedy, focused mainly at the mid-bass. There is zero mid-bass bleed, with good punch and control retained, though there is a sub-bass roll-off. In essence, the FP3 pursues quality over quantity here.
The lower midrange has a bit of a scoop-out, and note weight is thinner at this area. So those yearning for a lush and thick midrange might need to consider alternatives. However, the mids are transparent and crystal-clear as a compromise. Upper mids hit about 11 dB ear gain which is just at the border for shoutiness - this is more prominent at louder volumes as per the Fletcher Munson curve - but this should be acceptable for non pinna-gain sensitive folk at lower to moderate volumes.
There is good clarity and resolution in the treble. Trebleheads will enjoy the sparkle, though sibilance is slightly present. Conversely, treble-sensitive folk will probably need mods or eartip swaps to mitigate this frequency band. But once again, treble sensitivity depends on multiple factors, such as hearing health, ear anatomy, sources, eartips, volume played at etc, so YMMV.
Where the FP3 loses marks, is in timbral accuracy. Planar timbre - due to the very fast note transients cutting off the tail-end of notes and resulting in a hollowed tone - is a bugbear which plagues most planar sets, and the FP3 unexpectedly inherits this undesirable trait. Timbre-sensitive listeners might wince when acoustic instruments like brasses and woodwinds come out to play.
COMPARISONS
The FP3 will be compared against other planars residing around the low $100 USD bracket. Single DDs, BAs and hybrids are left out of the conversation, as the different transducer types have their own pros and cons.
Letshuoer S08
The S08 is a polar opposite from the FP3, epsousing a warm L-shaped thick-sounding signature.
The S08 has a more natural timbre, with a fuller note weight, albeit with a darker and less resolving treble. What we hear is a smoother and laid-back soundscape, but there are compromises in technicalities - soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing are a league behind in the S08.
KEFINE Klanar
The Klanar bestows a warm V-shaped profile. It has more bass, though the bass isn't as textured and tight, and the Klanar's midrange is even more recessed than the FP3's.
The Klanar also suffers from planar timbre, but it is weaker in soundstage and imaging, though micro-detailing is on par.
CONCLUSIONS
For Fiio's first foray into the planar fray, the FP3 holds up, and is a decent sub-$100 USD planar to consider. It brings to the table excellent technical chops that planar IEMs are generally known for - with imaging, layering and soundstage the stars of the show.
However, exceptions aside, employing planar tech may result in some concessions like planar timbre, and the FP3 doesn't escape from said timbral issues. Hence, those that are fastidious about timbral accuracy will find the FP3 to be not their cup of tea.
Otherwise, the FP3 boasts of a very textured and bleed-free mid-bass, with clarity and resolution in spades in the upper frequencies. However, the emphasized treble band may be a tinge hot for the treble-sensitive amongst us, and there is a admittedly a sub-bass roll-off.
For non-sonic aspects, the FP3 has a comfortable fit - despite the longer nozzles - and while it can be driven off weak sources, it does takes some juice to scale better.
In a nutshell, the FP3 has some flaws, but the pros outweigh the cons. If you are a treblehead or analytical junkie - and are not averse to an artificial timbre - then do consider the FP3 as an option, for a technical sub-$100 USD planar set.
I bought the Fiio FP3 from Aliexpress at a discounted price.
It can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3256807762122246.html (no affiliate links).
SPECIFICATIONS
- Driver configuration: 14.5 mm planar driver
- Frequency response: 10 Hz - 40000 Hz
- Impedance: 36 Ω
- Sensitivity: 105 dB/mW
- Cable: 2-pin 0.78 mm; silver-plated copper cable; 3.5 mm termination
- Tested at: $84 USD
ACCESSORIES
Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of treble silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of balanced silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- HB11 storage case
For something retailing at sub-$100 USD, the accessories are okay. I would have preferred a modular cable and perhaps foam tips, but the included accessories are nevertheless serviceable.
We have 2 variants of silicone tips; the "treble" wider-bore ones boost treble, as per its namesake, and expand soundstage. The "balanced" narrower-bore tips increase bass, with some compression in staging.
Fiio has included a 2-pin silver-plated stock copper cable. Although it is only 3.5 mm terminated, this cable is well-braided via a Litz configuration, with minimal tangling and negligible microphonics. There's a chin cinch too.
The Fiio HB11 storage case is made of tough plastic, and is durable. This case uses an innovative lego stacking concept, so additional cases can be combined on top of it. This case even has a handle - it functions similar to a sock drawer - and the transparent walls allow users to view the innards. The HB11 is also space-conserving, with a thickness of 2 mm for the walls, and it weighs 118 g, and measures 116 x 72 x 39 mm.
The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock balanced silicone eartips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.
BUILD/COMFORT
The shells are 3D printed, and each is thereafter manually polished and UV coated. When placing an order, one can opt between a rosewood or black walnut faceplate.
The earpieces are ovoid shaped and quite ergonomic, with a concave auricular design to assist in fit. Weighing 6.5 g apiece, the housings are light and this IEM is quite comfortable for daily usage despite the slightly longer nozzles.
Isolation is bang average, though I appreciate that there was no driver flex.
INTERNALS
It is an open secret that most of the current CHIFI planar IEMs use a similar planar driver, probably sourced from the same factories (or are OEMs). In contrast, Fiio markets that the FP3 utilizes an in-house 14.5 mm driver with a dual coated titanium and aluminum ultra-thin diaphragm, with each driver packing 14 N52 neodynium magnets per side.
The FP3 also incorporates the TESLA valve bass enhancement tech - this is also seen in the Fiio FD15 - which deliberately elongates sound tubes so as to filter away higher frequencies and boost bass.
DRIVABILITY
I tested the Fiio FP3 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA15 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone
This IEM has moderate requirements to drive. While it can be powered off weaker smartphones, it scales with juice, in dynamics, soundstage and bass tightness.
SOUND & TECHNICALITIES
Graph of the Fiio FP3 via IEC711 coupler. 8 khz is a coupler artefact peak.
Tonally, the FP3 sports a bright V-shape profile, and will suit trebleheads to a T.
The FP3 has a clean sounding profile, with fast transients and stellar technical chops. Soundstage is wide, and we hear excellent layering, detailing and imaging, even with complex tracks. Micro-details are likewise captured well.
The bass is well-textured and speedy, focused mainly at the mid-bass. There is zero mid-bass bleed, with good punch and control retained, though there is a sub-bass roll-off. In essence, the FP3 pursues quality over quantity here.
The lower midrange has a bit of a scoop-out, and note weight is thinner at this area. So those yearning for a lush and thick midrange might need to consider alternatives. However, the mids are transparent and crystal-clear as a compromise. Upper mids hit about 11 dB ear gain which is just at the border for shoutiness - this is more prominent at louder volumes as per the Fletcher Munson curve - but this should be acceptable for non pinna-gain sensitive folk at lower to moderate volumes.
There is good clarity and resolution in the treble. Trebleheads will enjoy the sparkle, though sibilance is slightly present. Conversely, treble-sensitive folk will probably need mods or eartip swaps to mitigate this frequency band. But once again, treble sensitivity depends on multiple factors, such as hearing health, ear anatomy, sources, eartips, volume played at etc, so YMMV.
Where the FP3 loses marks, is in timbral accuracy. Planar timbre - due to the very fast note transients cutting off the tail-end of notes and resulting in a hollowed tone - is a bugbear which plagues most planar sets, and the FP3 unexpectedly inherits this undesirable trait. Timbre-sensitive listeners might wince when acoustic instruments like brasses and woodwinds come out to play.
COMPARISONS
The FP3 will be compared against other planars residing around the low $100 USD bracket. Single DDs, BAs and hybrids are left out of the conversation, as the different transducer types have their own pros and cons.
Letshuoer S08
The S08 is a polar opposite from the FP3, epsousing a warm L-shaped thick-sounding signature.
The S08 has a more natural timbre, with a fuller note weight, albeit with a darker and less resolving treble. What we hear is a smoother and laid-back soundscape, but there are compromises in technicalities - soundstage, imaging and micro-detailing are a league behind in the S08.
KEFINE Klanar
The Klanar bestows a warm V-shaped profile. It has more bass, though the bass isn't as textured and tight, and the Klanar's midrange is even more recessed than the FP3's.
The Klanar also suffers from planar timbre, but it is weaker in soundstage and imaging, though micro-detailing is on par.
CONCLUSIONS
For Fiio's first foray into the planar fray, the FP3 holds up, and is a decent sub-$100 USD planar to consider. It brings to the table excellent technical chops that planar IEMs are generally known for - with imaging, layering and soundstage the stars of the show.
However, exceptions aside, employing planar tech may result in some concessions like planar timbre, and the FP3 doesn't escape from said timbral issues. Hence, those that are fastidious about timbral accuracy will find the FP3 to be not their cup of tea.
Otherwise, the FP3 boasts of a very textured and bleed-free mid-bass, with clarity and resolution in spades in the upper frequencies. However, the emphasized treble band may be a tinge hot for the treble-sensitive amongst us, and there is a admittedly a sub-bass roll-off.
For non-sonic aspects, the FP3 has a comfortable fit - despite the longer nozzles - and while it can be driven off weak sources, it does takes some juice to scale better.
In a nutshell, the FP3 has some flaws, but the pros outweigh the cons. If you are a treblehead or analytical junkie - and are not averse to an artificial timbre - then do consider the FP3 as an option, for a technical sub-$100 USD planar set.
Disclaimer: FiiO provided me with a review unit. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Introduction
During the heights of the so-called “IEM Planar War” in 2021-2022, FiiO was noticeably absent, not participating at all in the flurry of releases from manufacturers big and small. As it turned out, they were not resting on their laurels and have been developing a planar IEM of their own since 2022. As it was eventually revealed, most of the earlier planar IEMs were sourcing similar planar drivers, hence resulting in very minor differences. On the other hand, FiiO took their time to set up their own design and production of their own planar driver with FiiO FP3 ($89.89).So, being late to the party (or war?), does this strategy pay off for FiiO?
Packaging, Build & Specifications
Based on the marketing materials, the planar driver has a 1μm thin diaphragm with titanium and aluminium dual-coating using a 28 nm-grade process. It also features 0.055mm ultra-fine traces and 14 N52 neodymium magnets in dual-sided configuration. Since the specifications of the standard planar drivers used in other IEMs is not made public, it is hard to make a direct comparison. That said, it shows FiiO’s seriousness in tackling the planar IEM design properly.
Packaging is quite similar to other FiiO IEMs in the similar price range: the IEMs, the cable, 6 sets of eartips (treble and balance tips, S/M/L sizes each), HB11 organising case, and user manual. The cable is only available in 3.5mm sadly and I will make yet another complaint about the HB11 organising case: it’s not great as a carrying case. I wish FiiO would have included the HB1 case instead (the waterproof case).
The FP3 IEM itself is beautiful. I received the dark walnut option and it looks gorgeous up close and at a distance. The inner part of the IEM is constructed of 3D-printed resin. The middle frame is made of some lightweight material containing their F.T.B.S technology (FiiO Tesla Bass Sound) that was first released with the FD15. It’s a resonance chamber using working principles of the Tesla valve. The wooden faceplate seems to not be part of the acoustic chamber, so I think it is purely decorative, feel free to pick whichever wood material that suits your fancy.
I think packaging and accessories are decent overall.
Sound Impressions
Sources: FiiO M23, SMSL HO150X+D-6S stackSetup: Stock balanced L tips (treble and balanced), stock cable, Hakugei Black Bean 4.4mm cable (for balanced connection testing)
Music Sources: Youtube Music, Tidal Masters, Apple Music Lossless
The IEM has undergone a 24-hour burn-in at a medium volume prior to the review. Listening impression is a very subjective experience depending on individual ear shape, choice of eartips, music library, and personal preferences, so your experience may vary. I personally listen mostly to pop, jazz, some rock, and very limited metal.
The FP3 can be described as a bright, slightly V-shaped tuned IEM. The tonal balance does shift more to the upper frequencies, with the ‘zing’ that’s commonly associated with planar drivers. The overall tone weight is slightly on the thinner side due to its fast transients. To tame the treble and possibly add some thicker tonality, I highly suggest using the balanced tips instead of the pre-installed treble tips. Take note that even though the nozzle looks long, due to the overall shape, it ended up being a shallower fit for my ears.
There is quite a decent amount of bass, with ample texture and good subbass extension. The midbass is slightly more resonant, probably due to the Tesla valve effect. Overall, the bass is fast, punchy, albeit not as weighty as DD bass. With a warmer source, the bass does mellow out more. The bassline in “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes works well to demonstrate the texturing and depth of FP3’s bass, allowing you to pick out the individual plucks of the downpitched guitar strings.
Midrange is sufficient, but slightly recessed. The quick transients allow the mids to be very detailed and layered. This also causes the mids to fizzle pretty quickly, leaving male vocals to be missing some bite. Experimenting with eartips, I find that narrower bore eartips would help here. Female vocals shine better with FP3, especially with such tracks like “Hope Is The Thing With Feathers” by HOYO-MIX and Chevy.
Treble is definitely the star of the show, teetering on the verge of sibilance and still enjoyable. The airy details are crystal clear and very well extended to the highest frequencies. With certain eartips, it may very well push into sibilant range, so be careful about that. However, for a treblehead, try with wide bore eartips for that skull-scratching highs that some crave. With my current treble-piercing test track "Hyururirapappa" by tuki, the treble is detailed, precise, and not too sharp.
Technicalities are also excellent with FP3, being yet another typical strong point for planar IEMs. The resolution and layering are top-notch, beyond its price range. Soundstage is really dependent on eartips and source, and FP3 can sound wide when powered well, with pretty accurate imaging too. Timbre is still having some planar flavour, so it may very well be a love-or-hate situation, but I find them to be pretty tame compared to some of the earlier planar IEMs.
For power requirements, FP3 is quite tricky. It does require a moderate amount of power, but not as much as some think. I think the FP3 works best with a warmer, slower source, to balance out the speed of the driver. Despite having access to powerful DAPs and desktop amps, some of my more enjoyable experiences with FP3 are driven by KA11. While the technicalities like resolution and dynamics do suffer with KA11, the tonal weight and balance are more rounded off with better timbre.
Select Comparisons
FiiO JH5 ($89.99):JH5 is a 1+4 hybrid IEM that’s somewhat similar in DNA to the FP3, having the similar bright-leaning, slight V-shaped tuning. However, due to the differences in driver, the final result is different, especially in timbre. The FP3 is more technical, faster, and leaner, while the JH5 is thicker, more musical, and more “familiar” sounding. When listening to both, it’s like looking at a picture through two different mediums: a high-definition 4K monitor (FP3) or very realistic oil painting (JH5). In my experience, there are definitely more elevated experiences listening through FP3, but the JH5 is indeed more for laid-back experience.
NiceHCK F1 Pro ($99):
The F1 Pro used to be my go-to recommendation for planar, reaching close to the technical levels of my favourite 7Hz Timeless at a fraction of the price. I think F1 Pro is punchier in the bass and more aggressive in the treble, giving a very forward dynamics. FP3 is taking it more delicately, more reserved dynamics but better layering and spacing. I think they’re offering quite different experiences, but I do feel that FP3 currently presents a more mature approach to the planar IEM tuning.
KZ PRX ($54):
The PRX is the latest in the PR series of planar IEMs from KZ, which happens to be my current favourite among them. I personally think that it has one of the most pleasant tonality in a planar IEMs in the market, but at the cost of almost damping the technical advantages of the planar driver. Dynamic wise, PRX is not as wide-ranging as FP3, with more safely-tuned treble and relatively stiff bass. PRX can only come alive with serious amplification too, while FP3 is way easier to drive. While I do prefer the PRX tonality, ultimately there were too many compromises over the FP3 that it is hard to choose it over the FP3.
Conclusion
FiiO’s first entry into planar IEM is definitely a late, but very welcomed one. Going with a more bespoke driver, it does set the example for other manufacturers to follow suit rather than re-tuning the same driver used by everyone else. I think this shows the seriousness from FiiO regarding this driver. Considering that this is the number ‘3’ of the series, I’m curious what FiiO could do with ‘5’ or ‘7’ grade version of this planar IEM. As of now, it is a very safe, 4-star pick.
Bill