hmscott
1000+ Head-Fier
#3 is intriguing, so which host/source/BT device(s) in the @FiiO lineup can, or will when released, send "Snapdragon Sound" Lossless BT audio to the UTWS5?
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FiiO 2022 new product schedule(From JamesFiiO)
(6) New flat-head earbuds preview and existing product information
FiiO's first real earbuds were flat-head earbuds, which were an associated design for the music player M3 at that time. Since the sound quality was quite good, we developed a high-resistance version EMK as a retail model at the request of users.
After the production of the EM3 was discontinued, what was unexpected was that its price on the second-hand market and the prices of some rare new products went up several times more than the original prices. Later, to meet user requirements, we had to restore the production and made some improvements, classifying the EM3K/EM3S as the one with in-line control and the one without.
Later, due to my special emotions towards flat-head earbuds and the persistence of some flat-head fans, we made a bold attempt to combine modern technology/materials, using a beryllium-plated diaphragm and 3D printing, we developed a very personalized flat-head earbud model, the EM5.
In general, in all FiiO product lines, the flat-head series is not profitable with small sales volumes, yet it is very meaningful, being an emotional connection between audiophiles and us.
So, after the EM series has been discontinued, we decided to launch 2 new flat-head earbuds this year. And, they will be given a new name as FF series according to FiiO's latest model naming rules. The following is a general introduction to the two new products.
1, FF3, expected to be available in June
The FF3 is a mid-range flat-head earbud model with an innovative look. With a metal shell and modern design, it makes many breakthroughs in acoustics. Since earbuds do not have many functions and technologies as music players and headphone amplifiers, I would just make a brief introduction to them. More special details will be exposed at the launch event.
2. FF5, expected to be available in September
The outer shell is still made of metal while following the same newest design language as FiiO's other new products. Moreover, it is FiiO's first flat-head earbud that comes with an MMCX detachable-cable design.
Both the two earbud designs are innovative. This is our attitude towards flat-head earbuds. If we continue to use the classic designs and molds of our previous models, it will not make much sense to FiiO, and I think it will not help consumers either. We make flat-head earbuds for brand value over commercial value. In fact, we do not expect a big sale, but to provide those who support us all the way and prefer flat-head earbuds more choices if our time and resources permit.
FiiO's first real earbuds were flat-head earbuds, which were an associated design for the music player M3 at that time. Since the sound quality was quite good, we developed a high-resistance version EMK as a retail model at the request of users.
After the production of the EM3 was discontinued, what was unexpected was that its price on the second-hand market and the prices of some rare new products went up several times more than the original prices. Later, to meet user requirements, we had to restore the production and made some improvements, classifying the EM3K/EM3S as the one with in-line control and the one without.
Later, due to my special emotions towards flat-head earbuds and the persistence of some flat-head fans, we made a bold attempt to combine modern technology/materials, using a beryllium-plated diaphragm and 3D printing, we developed a very personalized flat-head earbud model, the EM5.
In general, in all FiiO product lines, the flat-head series is not profitable with small sales volumes, yet it is very meaningful, being an emotional connection between audiophiles and us.
So, after the EM series has been discontinued, we decided to launch 2 new flat-head earbuds this year. And, they will be given a new name as FF series according to FiiO's latest model naming rules. The following is a general introduction to the two new products.
1, FF3, expected to be available in June
The FF3 is a mid-range flat-head earbud model with an innovative look. With a metal shell and modern design, it makes many breakthroughs in acoustics. Since earbuds do not have many functions and technologies as music players and headphone amplifiers, I would just make a brief introduction to them. More special details will be exposed at the launch event.
2. FF5, expected to be available in September
The outer shell is still made of metal while following the same newest design language as FiiO's other new products. Moreover, it is FiiO's first flat-head earbud that comes with an MMCX detachable-cable design.
Both the two earbud designs are innovative. This is our attitude towards flat-head earbuds. If we continue to use the classic designs and molds of our previous models, it will not make much sense to FiiO, and I think it will not help consumers either. We make flat-head earbuds for brand value over commercial value. In fact, we do not expect a big sale, but to provide those who support us all the way and prefer flat-head earbuds more choices if our time and resources permit.
Dear friend,#3 is intriguing, so which host/source/BT device(s) in the @FiiO lineup can, or will when released, send "Snapdragon Sound" Lossless BT audio to the UTWS5?
Not yet. Some new mobile phones in the market could support this.
Best regards
(7) New hybrid IEMs preview and existing product information
Hybrid in-ear monitors combine merits of both balanced armature and dynamic driver IEMs- well bass texture, great extension and natural charm of dynamic driver, and strong treble resolution and quick frequency response of BA driver, which is why hybrid IEMs are so popular among audiophiles. Also, it has become the longest product line of FiiO at present, including five models: FH1s, FH3, FH5s, FH7 and FH9, among which the FH9 released last December became a super-hot hybrid IEM model by virtue of its wide soundstage, relaxed and well-extended bass, lush mid vocals, clear and gentle highs.
This year, we will launch upgrading IEMs for two veterans, the FH1S and FH7, who have been in the market for many years.
1. FH7s, expected to be available around October
There are many uncertain factors, so the scheduled time may not be so accurate. And the price will basically remain at the same level with just a slight adjustment.
The FH7 was released by FiiO in May 2019, and it has been three years now. In the past three years, FiiO has accumulated a lot of experience and developed a lot of technologies in earphones. Therefore, the FH7s mainly applies some new technologies on the FH9 and other products on the basis of the FH7, and makes some style changes combining FiiO's target frequency response curve.
The appearance and cable will also keep pace with the times for upgrade.
2. FH1K, expected to be available before December
Similarly, the scheduled time is unsure, and the price will be slightly adjusted based on the cost and the price of the FH1s.
The previous-gen FH1s was released in December 2019, and it has been more than two and a half years now. The appearance will be greatly adjusted this time, and it will more closely follow the design style and language of FiiO in recent years. The sound quality will also be adjusted according to FiiO's acoustic progress in the past two years.
Since there are still months from the time when these two earphones will be available and other changes cannot be ruled out, we will not put the design sketch here. Considering that our product line of hybrid IEMs is relatively stable, and the two new IEMs will be coming after a long time, you can grab an existing pair if you need one.
And we have no plan to adjust and upgrade the FH3, FH5s and FH9.
Hybrid in-ear monitors combine merits of both balanced armature and dynamic driver IEMs- well bass texture, great extension and natural charm of dynamic driver, and strong treble resolution and quick frequency response of BA driver, which is why hybrid IEMs are so popular among audiophiles. Also, it has become the longest product line of FiiO at present, including five models: FH1s, FH3, FH5s, FH7 and FH9, among which the FH9 released last December became a super-hot hybrid IEM model by virtue of its wide soundstage, relaxed and well-extended bass, lush mid vocals, clear and gentle highs.
This year, we will launch upgrading IEMs for two veterans, the FH1S and FH7, who have been in the market for many years.
1. FH7s, expected to be available around October
There are many uncertain factors, so the scheduled time may not be so accurate. And the price will basically remain at the same level with just a slight adjustment.
The FH7 was released by FiiO in May 2019, and it has been three years now. In the past three years, FiiO has accumulated a lot of experience and developed a lot of technologies in earphones. Therefore, the FH7s mainly applies some new technologies on the FH9 and other products on the basis of the FH7, and makes some style changes combining FiiO's target frequency response curve.
The appearance and cable will also keep pace with the times for upgrade.
2. FH1K, expected to be available before December
Similarly, the scheduled time is unsure, and the price will be slightly adjusted based on the cost and the price of the FH1s.
The previous-gen FH1s was released in December 2019, and it has been more than two and a half years now. The appearance will be greatly adjusted this time, and it will more closely follow the design style and language of FiiO in recent years. The sound quality will also be adjusted according to FiiO's acoustic progress in the past two years.
Since there are still months from the time when these two earphones will be available and other changes cannot be ruled out, we will not put the design sketch here. Considering that our product line of hybrid IEMs is relatively stable, and the two new IEMs will be coming after a long time, you can grab an existing pair if you need one.
And we have no plan to adjust and upgrade the FH3, FH5s and FH9.
SirBruceLee
New Head-Fier
@FiiO will the BTR7, BTR5, BTR3K and UTWS5 be updated with LC3 and Bluetooth LE Audio support?
scracy
100+ Head-Fier
@FiiO I'm very interested in purchasing BTR7 will there be a black PU leather case for the BTR7? Also just an observation from a long time customer but from a customer point of view it would be nice if FiiO as a company offered genuine leather case options for their DAP's as an accessory, this would make the brand more premium in customers eyes.
If possible please release the mW value for BTR7 as below
3.5 SE : *** mW @ 32ohm
4.4 BAL : ***mW @ 32ohm
Hope BTR7 brings equivalent or more than iFi GoBlu.
3.5 SE : *** mW @ 32ohm
4.4 BAL : ***mW @ 32ohm
Hope BTR7 brings equivalent or more than iFi GoBlu.
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mcnaugha
100+ Head-Fier
Developers have access to new Qualcomm products *years* in advance of a new SoC release, and the QCC5171 materials started coming out in mid-2021, and before that potential customers developers were read into the architecture and roadmap much earlier than that, as much as a year earlier in 2020.
We don't have access to that information, but the partners and customers of Qualcomm certainly had access 2+ years ago, and I would hope @FiiO has been plugged in to that ecosystem of Qualcomm information exchange for over a decade.
That is why I am surprised that @FiiO is holding at the QCC5124 level which probably came out to the developer partner companies in 2018, released in June 2020. @FiiO seems to be holding at 2-3 iterations behind current and soon to be released SoC's.
Here are the QCC5171 public infomation listed with publication dates, software downloads, and hardware information - if you have customer access:
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/application/audio/qcc5100-series/qcc5171#Documentation
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/application/audio/qcc5100-series/qcc5171#Software
https://www.qualcomm.com/products/application/audio/qcc5100-series/qcc5171#Hardware
I assume @FiiO is already signed up with Qualcomm, for others there is a process to sign up and start the verification process that leads to access to the non-public info:
There’s commercial elements to all of this too. Latest also means highest cost which could push a product out of its target price range and margins. The huge phone manufacturers can take the risks on the new SoC’s and their market demands it. They can also take the lower margins thanks to the volume of sales.
Latest can also mean supply constraint. Add to that the pandemic chip shortage and China’s on-going Zero Covid policy potentially affecting production still.
FiiO might also prefer to let SoC’s mature rather than rush to onboard to a new model. It’s boring for enthusiasts but it’s good for business and product quality. I think FiiO has to play it safe for now. Reputation is everything to small producers.
I would however like to see them make USB adapters or small dongles that work with their other products to grant earlier access to the newer BT codecs. If small unknowns can make it happen then surely they could too. The risk of losses is lower with these.
Dear friend,
Thanks for your interest in our product. There will be a leather case comes with the BTR7.
Best regards
Dear friend,
More information will be released in the lauch event. Stay tuned!
Best regards
(8)New Balanced Armature IEMs preview and existing product information
Balanced armature in-ear monitors are also a major category of in-ear monitors. FiiO has developed the FA1, FA7, FA7S, FA9 and other models in history. We have introduced the characteristics of Balanced armature IEMs many times before, and audiophiles must be very familiar with them. Our plan this year is to develop a model with more BA drivers.
I would also like to take this opportunity to talk about the phenomenon of stacking materials in BA IEMs. If you are paying attention to the development of BA IEMs, you may find that there are more and more driver units included in it. Of course, there are suspicions of manufacturers for gimmicks, but in terms of acoustics, there are advantages to including more units. For one thing, it can make the frequency response curve more in line with the tuning target to balance all frequencies. For another, multiple drivers handling each frequency band together help to lessen stress of a single driver, which can thus reduce distortion.
In general, higher-end BA IEMs include more BA drivers. This is not a marketing strategy but is supported by practical acoustic theory and practice.
Back to the topic, our first balanced armature in-ear monitor this year is the FA11. The included BA driver being either 8 or 10 will still be a secret for now, and the price will not be so affordable. The available time is expected at the end of the year. To be honest, we are also worried about whether we can complete it on schedule, so here we will not disclose more details.
For the current old BA IEMs, such as the FA1, FA7S, and FA9, we have no plan to upgrade them. Please don't be worried about taking them home.
Balanced armature in-ear monitors are also a major category of in-ear monitors. FiiO has developed the FA1, FA7, FA7S, FA9 and other models in history. We have introduced the characteristics of Balanced armature IEMs many times before, and audiophiles must be very familiar with them. Our plan this year is to develop a model with more BA drivers.
I would also like to take this opportunity to talk about the phenomenon of stacking materials in BA IEMs. If you are paying attention to the development of BA IEMs, you may find that there are more and more driver units included in it. Of course, there are suspicions of manufacturers for gimmicks, but in terms of acoustics, there are advantages to including more units. For one thing, it can make the frequency response curve more in line with the tuning target to balance all frequencies. For another, multiple drivers handling each frequency band together help to lessen stress of a single driver, which can thus reduce distortion.
In general, higher-end BA IEMs include more BA drivers. This is not a marketing strategy but is supported by practical acoustic theory and practice.
Back to the topic, our first balanced armature in-ear monitor this year is the FA11. The included BA driver being either 8 or 10 will still be a secret for now, and the price will not be so affordable. The available time is expected at the end of the year. To be honest, we are also worried about whether we can complete it on schedule, so here we will not disclose more details.
For the current old BA IEMs, such as the FA1, FA7S, and FA9, we have no plan to upgrade them. Please don't be worried about taking them home.
(9) New over-ear headphones and speaker preview
FiiO's earliest product was actually speakers, but it was positioned as a consumer-oriented small digital speaker at that time, which was abandoned because of fierce competition.
Now our brand and products are positioned as high-quality HiFi products, and product lines are relatively abundant to meet expectations and needs of our old users. After the release of the FiiO K5 Pro, K9 Pro, M17 and other products which were welcomed by users, consumers have been starting to expect that we can also develop speakers and over-ear headphones to match these products.
Therefore, we will formally launch FiiO's over-ear headphones and speakers this year in response to users' calls.
1. FiiO HiFi wired over-ear headphones FT5, targeting the mid-end market, expected to be released in September
At present, the design is basically completed, and it is estimated that the internal test can be started next month. It adopts an open acoustic structure, a 60mm large-diameter dynamic driver, and the cable also uses the Furukawa PCOCC-A high-purity monocrystalline copper wires that we prepared a long time ago, and supports 4.4mm/XLR plugs as standard. The exterior design is surprising, following the latest design styles and elements of FiiO's previous earphones/earbuds.
2. FiiO active speaker SP3, also targeting the mid-end market
The available time is unsure, but we will strive for that before the end of this year. The SP3 is FiiO's first 2.0 system active speaker, the diameter of the bass driver is 3.0 inches. The reason why 3.5, 4.0 or other common sizes are not used is also to consider the connecting issue, because it needs to be connected with FiiO's desktop digital DAC/Amps, so the 3.0 inches is just-right. If the market feedback is positive, we will make it a series with speakers of different calibers, such as 4.0, 5.25, and even 6.0 inches.
The speaker market is very mature. It took us a long time on the appearance design. According to the current design, the first step will be more stable to meet the needs of FiiO old users using FiiO products. I believe that with FiiO's pursuit of quality, service, and targeted sound tuning, the product can be guaranteed. The appearance of the product also has its own character and recognition.
FiiO's earliest product was actually speakers, but it was positioned as a consumer-oriented small digital speaker at that time, which was abandoned because of fierce competition.
Now our brand and products are positioned as high-quality HiFi products, and product lines are relatively abundant to meet expectations and needs of our old users. After the release of the FiiO K5 Pro, K9 Pro, M17 and other products which were welcomed by users, consumers have been starting to expect that we can also develop speakers and over-ear headphones to match these products.
Therefore, we will formally launch FiiO's over-ear headphones and speakers this year in response to users' calls.
1. FiiO HiFi wired over-ear headphones FT5, targeting the mid-end market, expected to be released in September
At present, the design is basically completed, and it is estimated that the internal test can be started next month. It adopts an open acoustic structure, a 60mm large-diameter dynamic driver, and the cable also uses the Furukawa PCOCC-A high-purity monocrystalline copper wires that we prepared a long time ago, and supports 4.4mm/XLR plugs as standard. The exterior design is surprising, following the latest design styles and elements of FiiO's previous earphones/earbuds.
2. FiiO active speaker SP3, also targeting the mid-end market
The available time is unsure, but we will strive for that before the end of this year. The SP3 is FiiO's first 2.0 system active speaker, the diameter of the bass driver is 3.0 inches. The reason why 3.5, 4.0 or other common sizes are not used is also to consider the connecting issue, because it needs to be connected with FiiO's desktop digital DAC/Amps, so the 3.0 inches is just-right. If the market feedback is positive, we will make it a series with speakers of different calibers, such as 4.0, 5.25, and even 6.0 inches.
The speaker market is very mature. It took us a long time on the appearance design. According to the current design, the first step will be more stable to meet the needs of FiiO old users using FiiO products. I believe that with FiiO's pursuit of quality, service, and targeted sound tuning, the product can be guaranteed. The appearance of the product also has its own character and recognition.
EniGmA1987
Head-Fier
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2010
- Posts
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I am curious about that speaker. That seems to be the grill we are seeing on the front, so won't all those lines cause distortion in the sound waves leaving the speaker cone and tweeter? Normally speakers look "boring" with just a fabric grill because you need to keep objects out of the path of the sound waves. It definitely looks cool, just has me worried about aesthetics chosen over audio quality.
Dear friend,
Thanks for your interest in our product. The speaker shows in the picture is not the final design. We will also report your feedback to the product manager.
Best regards
hmscott
1000+ Head-Fier
(9) New over-ear headphones and speaker preview
FiiO's earliest product was actually speakers, but it was positioned as a consumer-oriented small digital speaker at that time, which was abandoned because of fierce competition.
Now our brand and products are positioned as high-quality HiFi products, and product lines are relatively abundant to meet expectations and needs of our old users. After the release of the FiiO K5 Pro, K9 Pro, M17 and other products which were welcomed by users, consumers have been starting to expect that we can also develop speakers and over-ear headphones to match these products.
Therefore, we will formally launch FiiO's over-ear headphones and speakers this year in response to users' calls.
1. FiiO HiFi wired over-ear headphones FT5, targeting the mid-end market, expected to be released in September
At present, the design is basically completed, and it is estimated that the internal test can be started next month. It adopts an open acoustic structure, a 60mm large-diameter dynamic driver, and the cable also uses the Furukawa PCOCC-A high-purity monocrystalline copper wires that we prepared a long time ago, and supports 4.4mm/XLR plugs as standard. The exterior design is surprising, following the latest design styles and elements of FiiO's previous earphones/earbuds.
2. FiiO active speaker SP3, also targeting the mid-end market
The available time is unsure, but we will strive for that before the end of this year. The SP3 is FiiO's first 2.0 system active speaker, the diameter of the bass driver is 3.0 inches. The reason why 3.5, 4.0 or other common sizes are not used is also to consider the connecting issue, because it needs to be connected with FiiO's desktop digital DAC/Amps, so the 3.0 inches is just-right. If the market feedback is positive, we will make it a series with speakers of different calibers, such as 4.0, 5.25, and even 6.0 inches.
The speaker market is very mature. It took us a long time on the appearance design. According to the current design, the first step will be more stable to meet the needs of FiiO old users using FiiO products. I believe that with FiiO's pursuit of quality, service, and targeted sound tuning, the product can be guaranteed. The appearance of the product also has its own character and recognition.
@FiiO - Sculpted speaker covers have been around a long time, but they don't always hold up long term. They tend to dry up and flake off and get quite messy
What audiophiles want is an audio transparent cover that can be easily removed, with a nice frame and design that looks good without the cover on it, because that is how many of us prefer to listen to our speakers, without the cover.
Looks are secondary, we need the sound to be unaffected by the cover, and the speaker frame / driver holes. Nothing fancy needed. If possible take the time to design the speaker such that the audio reflective edges around the drivers are reduced / removed, and each driver is placed time-corrected in relation to the others.
Most have magnetic attachment points around the perimeter of the frame of the cover / speaker so there are no physical attachment points. Magnetic covers are much easier to maintain than the Post/Hole snap-in connections.
I do like the built-in plenum/stand for proper height angled to face the listener at the best distance from speaker to listener.
I'm looking forward to rocking out to a pair of these when they come out
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