Synergy
Efficiency
The FiiO FP3 has an impedance of 36Ω and a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW, making it compatible with laptops, DAPs, and dongle DACs.
I found that I was able to sufficiently drive the FP3 with the onboard 3.5mm out of my 2020 M1 MacBook air, but it did exhibit better sound stage and dynamic range once I paired it with a dedicated dongle.
During my on-the-go testing with the FP3, I paired it with the ddHiFi TC35Pro E2, FiiO BTR13, and 7Hz Artemis39 DAC/AMP. For desktop use, I connected the FP3 to both the FiiO K11 and K11 R2R desktop DAC/AMP via their SE output.
While I achieved acceptable performance through the TC35, BTR13 and Artemis39, I observed better. sound staging and dynamics performance when I paired the FP3 with the K11 and K11 R2R.
Pairings
The FiiO FP3 pairs well with decently powerful sources with a warmer sound signature to counteract the sibilance in the treble region. Throughout my testing, I preferred pairing the FP3 with the FiiO K11 R2R and the FiiO BTR13
I first tried the FP3 with the ddHiFi TC35pro E2. It was able to sufficiently power the FP3, however I found that its neutral sound signature highlighted the fatiguing nature of the FP3.
Pairing the FP3 with the more powerful and warmer sounding BTR13 yielded better results. Alongside a more cohesive sound profile, the convenience of being able to use the FP3 wirelessly made the BTR13 my preferred pairing for on-the-go usage.
For desktop usage, I preferred the K11 R2Rs warmer presentation over the more analytical K11. In fact, the K11 R2R was my preferred pairing across the board when comparing strictly its sound quality.
The R2R architecture’s warmth significantly controlled the sibilance of the FP3, leading to a more pleasing listening experience.
Select Comparisons
Hidizs MP145
Technical
Both IEMs use a single 14.5mm planar magnetic driver, with the MP145 having an impedance and sensitivity of 30Ω and 104 dB, while the FP3 has an impedance of 36Ω and a slightly higher sensitivity of 105 dB/mW @1kHz. In practice, I found that the MP145 was easier to drive than the FP3.
Design
The MP145 uses a CNC machined aluminum shell with a more intricate faceplate. The faceplate is cut by 3 strong edges, forming a fin towards the center of the shell.
The FP3’s shell is made from a separate faceplate and body, with the body being made from 3D printed resin whereas the faceplate is made of a beautifully crafted wooden material with good grain and a shiny resin layer on top.
In day-to-day usage, I found the FP3 smaller and lighter shell to be more comfortable, with the isolation performance being similar between both IEMs.
Performance
The MP145 has a more natural-sounding vocals and midrange, delivering cleaner and more easily positioned vocals compared to the FP3, where female vocals tend to sound more muffled.
The MP145 also provides a warmer and more enjoyable overall sound signature, with better dynamics and a textured mid-bass presentation that allows synths and bass guitars to come through with greater clarity.
However, its soundstage feels more congested than the FP3’s, which offers a wider and more spacious presentation with superior imaging performance.
When it comes to treble, the MP145 strikes a better balance, offering sufficient energy without being as fatiguing or sibilant as the FP3.
While both IEMs can occasionally exhibit sibilance, especially in “S” and “T” vocals, the FP3 is noticeably harsher in this regard, and its snares and cymbals sound sharper and more shrill.
On the other hand, electric guitars are equally detailed on both sets but less prone to sibilance on the MP145.
The FP3 delivers deeper and harder-hitting sub-bass, making it impactful for bass-heavy genres. However, the MP145 compensates with superior bass texture and a more balanced low-end presentation.
Shozy P20
Technical
Both the Shozy P20 and the FiiO FP3 use a single 14.5mm planar magnetic driver, with FiiO’s in-house developed 2nd generation driver having an impedance and sensitivity of 36Ω and 105 dB/mW.
The Shozy P20 has an impedance of 30Ω and an identical 105 dB/mW sensitivity. In practice, I found that the FP3 was harder to drive than the P20
Design
Compared to the P20’s two-dimensional circular pattern with a brushed finish, the FiiO FP3’s dark walnut wood faceplate simply stands out more with a more classic appeal.
I found that the P20 was more resistant to fingerprints, but both IEMs were quite good in resisting micro scratches that occur in daily use.
In day-to-day usage, I found that the P20 was lighter and more comfortable, however the FP3 had better sound isolation performance.
Performance
Compared to the FP3, the P20 and its gentler U-shaped sound signature has a cleaner, more natural sounding mid-range whilst still managing to produce a deep hitting bass response and an energetic treble.
Sub-bass hits on the FP3 are stronger and deeper than that of the P20, however the P20 opts for a more restrained approach that highlights more texture and nuance between the different hits of the kick drums and 808s.
The slightly warmer P20 also gives male vocals a better sense of authority compared wherein vocals have the tendency to sound overly muffled and sibilant at the same time.
Mid-range instruments have cleaner separation and dynamics on the P20, however the FP3 edges out the P20 slightly in mid-range resolution and detail.
The warmer P20 still manages to produce treble with good energy and micro detail. Even in complex pop mixes, they can cut through and provide energy with enough resolution to differentiate different cymbal hits.
The FP3 can deliver more detail and resolution than the P20, but this comes at the cost of a more fatiguing and sibilant treble response. In practice, I found myself preferring the treble presentation of the P20 over the FP3.
LETSHUOER S08
Technical
Both the LETSHUOER S08 and the FiiO FP3 make use of a single planar driver, however the S08 makes use of a 13mm driver compared to the FP3’s larger 14.5mm driver.
The FP3 has an impedance of 36Ω and a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW, while the S08 has an impedance of 26Ω and a sensitivity of 105 dB/mW. In practice, I found the S08 was easier to drive during my testing.
Design
While the FP3 comes with a 3D-printed resin body paired with an expertly crafted wooden faceplate, the LETSHUOER S08’s CNC machined anodized shell also has a similarly striking face plate with “S” and “8” shapes engraved onto it.
The S08 has a more modern utilitarian feel, however I prefer the more rustic and subdued appeal of the dark walnut wood on the FP3
In practice, I found both IEM shells to be quite durable to daily wear and tear, but I found the FP3 to be lighter and more comfortable, whereas the S08 had better isolation performance.
Performance
Percussive instruments, like kick and snare drums, showcase better micro-detail and impact on the S08, while its sub-bass and mid-bass are more textured, though slightly bloated compared to the FP3.
The S08 also delivers a wider soundstage and superior imaging, creating a more immersive listening experience.
In the treble region, the FP3 offers greater resolution, especially in hi-hats and chimes, but the S08’s smoother treble presentation avoids fatigue, providing a more balanced listening experience.
String instruments on the S08 have a more natural and organic tonality, though the FP3 offers better resolution.
Despite this trade-off, the S08’s natural mids and warmer vocals make it more enjoyable for longer sessions. Vocals come through much cleaner with better overall dynamics on the S08.
My Verdict
With striking aesthetics, FiiO’s first foray into the Planar Magnetic IEM space, stands out against the other IEMs in its class.
However, the FP3’s bright-leaning V-shaped sound signature can struggle a little when up against the more balanced tuning of some of its competitors.
With muffled vocals and a sibilant treble presentation, listeners who prefer a more natural and relaxing listening experience may want to look elsewhere.
However, those looking for a sub-$100 pair of planar magnetic IEMs with good treble energy and an attractive design may find the FiiO FP3 an ideal pairing.
FiiO FP3 Technical Specifications
- Driver configuration: 14.5mm Planar Magnetic Driver
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz
- Impedance: 36 Ω
- Sensitivity: 105 dB
- Connector: 0.78mm 2-pin
- Plug: 3.5mm
