FiiO is a top-notch manufacturer of affordable, high-quality headphones, amplifiers, and other audio gear. Recently, the company released a Hi-Res Audio-certified planar IEM, which we will feature in our FiiO FP3 Review.
Like most FiiO products, the FP3 is a self-developed unit, and the company designed all its components. This IEM uses dual-layer metal voice coil coating and a thin diaphragm, setting it apart from the competition.
With the FP3. FiiO also addresses the shortcomings of competing products. Our FiiO FP3 Review will discuss all the essential features and determine if it is worth purchasing.
FiiO FP3 Packaging
FiiO FP3 Review – Design and Functionality
The FP3 has a pure wooden face plate inspired by a mini wooden bowl. It is available in walnut or rosewood finishes. The FiiO logo is displayed elegantly in gold on each earbud.
The front shell has a flexible shape, providing comfort when worn. It has a manually polished finish with UV coating, offering a luxurious texture. In addition, the IEM has a zinc alloy middle frame, while the inner part of the IEM uses 3D-printed resin.
This IEM weighs only 6.5g and has ergonomic features that provide comfort when worn for long periods. Thanks to its design, we did not experience discomfort when we used the IEM for this FiiO FP3 Review.
The FP3 uses the FTBS (FiiO Tesla Bass Sound) technology. It is a resonance chamber that functions with the principles of the Tesla valve.
The planar diaphragm comprises the standard material and patented voice coil with dual coating. FiiO engineered this with a thinner design to reduce the IEM’s weight.
A noteworthy aspect of its design, which we want to highlight in our FiiO FP3 Review, is the detachable stock cable. It features a 3.5mm to 0.78mm 2-pin design. FiiO plans to eventually introduce a wire with a USB-C connector with DSP decoding and PEQ adjustment.
Key Features of the FiiO FP3
What makes this IEM different from its competitors? Does it have better features and technologies that deliver superior audio quality to meet various audio demands? Our FiiO FP3 Review will discuss its primary features to determine what this IEM offers.
Mini Planar IEM
FiiO started researching and developing the mini planar IEM in 2022. Unlike over-ear headphones with large planar drivers, creating the mini planar IEM posed numerous challenges. FiiO wanted to retain the high resolution, broad frequency response, and full sound within the compact form factor of an IEM.
After two years, the company successfully developed the FP3, an in-house designed IEM with a self-developed 14.5mm planar driver. Its diaphragm is only 1μm, making it the thinnest FiiO achieved with the help of its new dual-coating patented technology.
Second-Generation In-House Designed 14.5mm In-Ear Planar Driver
The FP3 uses its self-developed 14.5mm in-ear planar driver with a titanium and aluminium coating. FiiO designed every aspect of this driver, including its magnetic circuit, bracket fixings, diaphragm, and conductive trace width. Unlike conventional off-the-shelf drivers, the FP3 driver is customisable to your preferred acoustic system.
Ultra-Thin Diaphragm
FiiO engineers achieved the development of the 1μm ultra-thin diaphragm. The lightweight design allows the IEM to deliver lightning-fast responsiveness. It also reduces subtle sounds in the high-frequency range and provides excellent dynamic range.
Patented Dual Coating Technology
The planar driver of the FP3 features aluminium and titanium coating to enhance the response across frequency ranges. As a result, it improves audio resolution to deliver nuanced sound quality.
28nm-Grade Process Technology
FiiO manufactured the FP3 driver with unparalleled precision at the nanometre level. As a result, the company achieved the ideal coating thickness and optimal acoustics.
The Finest Conductive Traces
FiiO designed the conductive traces of the FP3 planar driver with hair-like thinness to achieve superior precision. The total length of 486.5mm enhances the diaphragm’s driving force and improves headphone sensitivity.
Dual-Sided 14x Neodymium Magnets
The development team equipped the FP3 with seven N52 high-performance neodymium magnets on each side. The balanced magnet design ensures uniform distribution of dual-coated traces within the magnetic field.
The FP3 engineering forms a matrix-style magnetic circuit system that effectively reduces distortion. Thanks to this design, we enjoyed high-fidelity sound when we tested the IEM for this FiiO FP3 Review.
Silver-Plated Copper Wiring
The FP3 features premium silver-plated copper wiring crafted for optimal performance. Its 392 wires consist of 14 high-purity strands twisted into smaller bundles, with every seven bundles grouped into one strand.
This meticulous Litz-style braiding and individual enamelling enhances durability while improving high-frequency response for better listening experiences.
With an L-shaped 0.78mm 2-pin detachable cable, the FP3 offers versatility for sound upgrades. It allows easy swaps for a tailored audio experience.
Hands-on with the FiiO FP3
We thoroughly tested the product to provide our insights in this FiiO FP3 review. The FP3 impressed us with its bright sound signature and slightly V-shaped tuning.
Its tonal balance leaned towards the higher frequencies, resulting in a distinctive sparkle and liveliness commonly associated with planar magnetic drivers.
One of the FP3’s standout characteristics was its fast transients, which contributed to a thinner tonal weight while delivering exceptional clarity and resolution.
Despite the lighter tonal body, the FP3 excelled in producing detailed high frequencies, a spacious soundstage, and impressive treble extension. This balance made it a compelling choice for listeners who value precision and airiness in their audio.
The bass performance of the FP3 was another highlight. While it leaned towards a lighter, faster response, the bass retained impressive texture and punch. The sub-bass offered excellent extension, providing depth and rumble when required, while the mid-bass benefited from Tesla magnetic technology, offering a resonant and defined presence.
This combination ensured a clean, non-overpowering low-end that complemented the overall tuning.
In the mid-range, the FP3 presented a slightly recessed character, consistent with its V-shaped tuning. However, this did not detract from the overall listening experience.
Thanks to its fast transients, the FP3 unlocked finer details and layering in the mids, allowing instruments and vocals to remain distinct and engaging. This attention to detail added richness and clarity to tracks across various genres.
The treble performance of the FP3 was arguably its strongest attribute. It was crisp, precise, and extended effortlessly into the highest frequencies. While there was a hint of sibilance at times, it never became overly sharp or fatiguing, maintaining an enjoyable listening experience.
We found that choosing the right ear tips significantly affected treble behaviour and overall comfort. During our tests, experimenting with different ear tips revealed variations in sibilance and audio quality, making it worth taking the time to find the ideal fit.
The FP3 also stood out for its resolution and treble layering, which were exceptional for its price point. Details emerged effortlessly, with intricate sound elements captured in high fidelity.
Its ability to resolve minute details surpassed many competitors in its range, delivering an elevated listening experience.
The soundstage quality was another area where the FP3 shone. When powered adequately and paired with suitable ear tips, the IEM offered a broad and immersive soundstage with accurate imaging. Layering was equally impressive, providing a sense of depth and spatial separation that enhanced the listening experience.
The soundstage was highly responsive to the connected audio source, further demonstrating the FP3’s capability to adapt and excel with proper equipment.
In summary, the FiiO FP3 is an IEM that delivers an engaging and detailed listening experience with its bright, airy sound signature and exceptional resolution. Its fast bass, refined mids, and outstanding treble performance make it a versatile option for audiophiles who enjoy clarity and precision.
With the right setup and ear tips, the FP3 elevates audio playback, offering a soundstage and imaging quality that punches well above its price range.
FiiO FP3 Review Summary
The FiiO FP3 is a standout planar magnetic IEM that combines innovative engineering with exceptional audio performance. Its bright, airy sound signature and slightly V-shaped tuning make it an engaging option for audiophiles seeking precision and clarity.
Despite its compact size, the FP3 delivers impressive resolution, fast transients, and a soundstage that rivals higher-priced models.
FiiO’s dedication to quality is evident in the FP3’s design and features. The ultra-thin diaphragm, dual-coated planar drivers, and Tesla Bass Sound technology contribute to its refined sound output.
The bass is textured and punchy, the mids are detailed and layered, and the treble offers crisp, extended highs with minimal sibilance. The inclusion of premium materials, like the silver-plated copper cable, enhances durability and high-frequency response.
The FP3’s ergonomic build and lightweight design provide comfort for extended listening sessions, while its detachable cable offers versatility for future upgrades.
With the right ear tips and a suitable audio source, the FP3 unlocks its full potential, offering a spacious and immersive soundstage with excellent imaging.
The FiiO FP3 represents a leap forward in planar IEM technology, delivering high-resolution audio in a sleek and portable package. Whether you’re an audiophile or a casual listener looking to upgrade, the FP3 offers outstanding value with performance that exceeds expectations.
