Fiio offers exciting products across a range of categories, but IEMs still take center stage. The brand offers several dozen IEMs, including traditional dynamic driver designs, hybrid models that use dynamic and balanced armature (BA) drivers, and tribrid models that include electrostatic drivers in addition to dynamic and BA drivers.
The FX15 is Fiio’s only Tribrid IEM as of this writing, and at $749, it’s significantly more expensive than the brand’s other offerings – until now. Fiio also makes IEMs that exclusively use BA drivers, and the FA19 is the latest product in this series. With 10 BA drivers in each earbud and priced at $999 on Amazon, these are also the brand’s most expensive IEMs to date.
Fiio says the FA19 is not an upgrade of the FA9; Instead, it’s a fundamental reinterpretation of the brand’s BA offering and features unique bass-focused drivers, giving it a distinct low-frequency presence not evident in its siblings. The brand worked with Knowles – the largest manufacturer of BA drivers – to develop a custom driver with a larger opening that delivers better bass.
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I’ll get to the sound in a moment, but first let’s talk about the design. Fiio uses 3D printed resin shells for many of its products, and the FA19 is no different. The resin shells make the FA19 lightweight and the contoured design ensures a comfortable fit. I’ve been using the FA19 for almost two weeks now and, even with extended use, I haven’t noticed any issues with comfort.
The front panel has a custom design that bears no similarities to other Fiio IEMs, but I still prefer the frond design of the FX15. There is a switch on the FA19 that allows you to switch between mastering and hi-fi mode; The mastering mode has a neutral sound and is designed for monitoring, and the latter has an exaggerated bass that sounds great.
The enclosures have a see-through design so you can see the individual drivers and sound tubes that direct the sound to the nozzle. There is a vent on the back that significantly affects noise isolation. The IEMs connect via MMCX connectors, and while these tend not to be as easy to use as standard 2-pin connectors, Fiio has done an excellent job in this area and the included tool allows you to easily disconnect the cable.
In this regard, the FA19 has one of the best accessory packages in this category. You get a total of 18 pairs of earplugs, including balanced silicone earplugs, bass-focused earplugs, and voice plugs, as well as memory foam options. The extensive selection means you’re guaranteed a great fit, and Fiio also offers the same HB5 case that you get with the FX15. The leather bag is exquisite; It’s just the right size and easily holds the IEMs and cable.
The cable itself is really good; The 8-core silver cable has a braided design and jacket that gives it extra durability, and it features a modular connector that allows you to easily switch between 4.4mm and 3.5mm.
As for sound, the FA19 features ten Knowles BA drivers in each earbud; There are four custom bass drivers, two ED midrange drivers and four SWFK tweeter drivers. Fiio uses a negative feedback bass enhancement system that reduces low-frequency sounds into the back cavity of the earbud, delivering detailed bass. There is also the brand’s S.Turbo, which prevents the low frequencies from crossing into the mids.
In addition to the custom bass driver, Fiio says it worked closely with Knowles to optimize the sound of the midrange and treble drivers. The result is a sound signature that is very different from that of most BA IEMs; The bass in particular is incredible, with a lot of energy and liveliness. Switching the IEMs to Hi-Fi mode takes things a step further, with the sub-bass and mid-bass frequencies becoming even more pronounced.
The midrange is clean and detailed, with a forward presentation for vocals. There is good instrument separation, great dynamics and from a technical point of view the FA19 gets to the heart of the matter. The treble has a good range and there are no hissing noises; It’s not as detailed as the FX15, but it comes close.
With a sensitivity of 106 dB and 10 Ω, the FA19 can be controlled effortlessly. I used it with the K19 DAC, M23 audio player and KA13 dongle. Ideally, you need something on the same level as the KA13 to get the most out of the IEMs.
Overall, Fiio has done an excellent job with the FA19. The BA IEM segment is not as extensive as hybrid options, and by using a vented design along with tailored bass drivers, the FA19 manages to deliver detailed bass closer to that of large dynamic drivers. The soundstage is wide and inviting, and you get a comfortable seat thanks to the generous options in the box. I still prefer the sound of the FX15 – especially with the music I listen to – but the FA19 is a technical powerhouse, and if so If you have IEMs with All-BA drivers, it is an excellent choice.
The FA19 has it all: a great design with durable cabinets, great customizable sound and a comfortable fit.