đŸ”¶ FiiO FH3 2BA 1DD

This is very fascinating. I don’t know if it’s a coincidence or something but I also started noticing the balance was off right after I tried different tips. And to my understanding, my dynamic driver failed as well. I can’t quite describe it. It felt as if the bass is lacking but not completely gone in one ear. Sounds very unpleasant, to say the least.

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That’s amazing! :smiley: You are also right about the fact that more musicians are into technical prog stuff. I remember a student saying "Animals As Leaders is a band every guitar teacher listens to :rofl: "

I hope the next two units of FH3’s I ordered won’t have the same balance issue. (One can hope :sweat_smile:). Seems like someone from Head-Fi encountered the same.

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yes, I did @Fiio so hopefully they respond in some way.

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UGH! This sucks. Step it up Fiio!

I just registered at HeadFi. Just waiting for a mod to approve my account.

For anyone contacting Fiio directly for a replacement, please let us know how that experience goes. Very interested in how they treat you and how hard they work to make the situation right. Thanks!

I believe I remember reading there is a one year warranty on Fiio products direct from Fiio. Please let me know if I’m wrong.

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By your description and what I heard myself, that makes complete sense that the DD stopped working on one side. That would explain the drop in bass and the channel imbalance.

Thank you :slight_smile:

I will check this out!
Do you got the cable from amazon ge ?

Yes, I ordered the cable from Amazon. I had written more in my comment but the site ate it. :thinking:

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I’m returning my pair of FH3s. My set had extreme driver flex on both sides. I couldn’t move at all without hearing it, regardless of tips (foam, spinfit, standard silicone). I found the set pleasant, but not fantastic like everyone is raving. I’m wondering if I got a bad pair.

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You def got a bad pair in terms of driver flex, but I would agree that they might be being overblown in terms of capability lol, I find them pretty enjoyable and nice for the price, but it’s no giant killer to me (most things rarely are), it’s just very competent for it’s performance bracket that really doesn’t do anything that offensive to me which is good since others in this range I typically have qualms with

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Thought I’d drop this here for FH5 comparisons to the FH3.

For those of you keeping track (if anyone even cares)


I was sent the wrong color FH5 and I was very unimpressed with their sound. Well
 I received the proper set today.

I’m getting pretty tired of this. They sound nothing like the previous set I received. These sound great. The mids are about perfect and the treble sits right about in-between the FH3 and FH7. I’m reserving judgement on the bass for more listening/critical listening.

Why
 Why
 Why can’t these sets sound the same? I feel like I have to take back my impressions of the products constantly. It’s really upsetting never knowing what you’re going to get, let alone trying to help others understand what they sound like or what they might get if they purchase a pair. UGH.

UPDATE: After listening to this FH5 for hours, I can say that this set sounds the most like listening to studio speakers of any IEM I have. Good or bad.

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 It seems like chifi is improving on the sound department at the cost of QC


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That appears to be the case with as many issues being reported.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying the FH5 sounds “better” by describing them like speakers. This is going to be another example of different flavors.

Some quick comparisons now that I have proper Fiio sets. Maybe. :thinking:

The FH3 has the most bass, has more recessed mids and treble compared to the other Fiio hybrids. Might be too “fun” for those wanting a balanced listening experience.

The FH5 is the most balanced and natural sounding of the Fiio hybrids. Might sound boring for those wanting a dynamic/energetic replay.

The FH7 has the most treble energy. It’s bass sounds the softest of the Fiio hybrids. Treble detail might be too much for some. Can be sibilant at times.

The FD1 is a dynamic beast and has a very wide sound stage, even compared to the FH3.

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Just got my FH3s today. Lazy question here
 any suggestions on where I can grab a test track or two that will help me keep an ear out for the potential DD death issue? I still consider myself pretty much a noob at this stuff and listen to a wide variety of music. That just makes me question whether I’d have the ability to instantly pick out DD death if it occurs.

This is good for seal and bass to test the functioning of the dd in both channels- https://youtu.be/Hr92tRTUayM

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what FiiO IEM’s are current? when I checked models listed on their site a few months back, most came up as ‘unavailable’ everywhere.

Ha! I actually put on Timbres and Bubbles to make sure the DDs weren’t DOA out of the box. Things are definitely more persistent on the low end in this track though so thank you!

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Thanks for doing the comparison, looks like this set is way more in line with my tastes than the others. I do like a BIT more treble but I can (and have) EQ that problem.

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Don’t worry. You’ll know it when you hear it. Sigh. You’ll lose bass, the set will just sound “bad” and the center imaging will shift toward the side the DD has failed.

My go-to bass track I have for testing deep bass is Big Boi, Kill Jill. Not my kind of music, but can’t deny that ridiculous sub bass. Enjoy! It’s also a perfect sibilance test as well with the female Asian vocalist in the very beginning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcQbKMf8vJo

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Since you have got the proper set of FH5, do you still prefer the FH3 over the FH5 or the latter? Also, " The FH3 has the most bass, has more recessed mids and treble compared to the other Fiio hybrids." Does this mean that the FH3 has the most relaxed treble among them?

If you mean current as in new or still relevant.

Fiio FD1/Jadeaudio EA1
Fiio FH3
Fiio FH5
Fiio FH7
Fiio FA9