Synergy
Efficiency
The FiiO JD1’s impedance rating of 24Ω and a sensitivity of 109db SPL/mW make it easy to run on any device. You wouldn’t need to worry about needing a high-end source or anything other than your regular device with a 3.5mm jack.
The low load levels and reasonably sensitive performance make it an easy-to-run IEM with any device without experiencing any bad noise or static.
Any dongle, DAC, or device will fit well with the FiiO JD1. It’s best to not worry about purchasing additional gear for it with its impedance and sensitivity.
Pairings
The FiiO JD1 does well with any pairing. A phone with 3.5mm, a CX31993 dongle, or even a dedicated DAP will give you the same performance.
I tested the JCally CX31993 dongle first. The FiiO JD1 runs well with it with no issues. I followed it up with both the Colorfly CDA-M1P and CDA-M2. Both of these also performed the same as the JCally CX31993.
Lastly, I tested it with my phone which has a 3.5mm jack. The performance is the same with no changes to the sound quality.
Select Comparisons
Truthear HOLA
$19.99
Technical
The Truthear HOLA comes with a bigger single 11mm dynamic driver. It has a 120db/Vrms sensitivity and 28Ω impedance, which makes it easy to run off any device.
The 11mm dynamic driver is a PU suspension + LCP dome composite diaphragm. This type of driver is similar to the FiiO JD1’s driver but larger.
There isn’t much difference between these two drivers aside from the size. The Truthear HOLA does have better ways to fight distortion with its PU suspension though.
Design
The Truthear HOLA uses a minimalistic black design that’s similar to the FiiO JD1 I am using. The similarities in their design end there.
The Truthear HOLA has a flower or web-like design on its faceplate, while the FiiO JD1 has text on its faceplate to show its collaboration with Jade Audio.
Then their differences continue with the shell. The Truthear HOLA has a solid black shell that isn’t see-through, while the FiiO JD1 has an opaque see-through shell.
Performance
With the bass, both of them are extremely similar. They give me 90% of the same bass, but the FiiO JD1 is a tad stronger in this aspect and has its bass sound bassier.
The two of them, the FiiO JD1 and Truthear HOLA, are simply bass cannons in the competition. But the FiiO JD1 does better overall in the bass category.
With these mids, this a very subjective since they’re polar opposites of each other. It’s somewhat clean but thin vs the tonally correct but lacks clarity battle.
The mids of the FiiO JD1 have good enough clarity due to how thin it is. Meanwhile, the mids of the Truthear HOLA sounds correct, it has the vocal texture that I like. The Truthear HOLA’s vocals don’t sound shrill like the FiiO JD1 as well. It sounds like what vocals should sound.
The FiiO JD1’s mids are for those who like cleaner and leaner mids to give their bass and treble more emphasis. In other words, if you prefer V-shaped mids then the FiiO is a better choice.
For the treble, they both have similar detail retrieval so nothing much to say about it. With sibilance and instrument tonality, they are on opposite sides once again.
The FiiO JD1 has no sibilance, while the Truthear HOLA is notoriously sibilant. I definitely hear the piercing ‘s’ and ‘sh’ sound with the Truthear HOLA, something which the FiiO JD1 lacks.
For instrument timbre, this is where the Truthear HOLA excels. Like the mids, it sounds like what instruments should sound like unlike what the FiiO JD1 does.
Lastly, their staging and dynamics. Safe to say, their staging and dynamics are completely similar with no difference in either soundstage, imaging, or dynamics.
Hidizs MS1-Galaxy
$16.99
Technical
The Hidizs MS1-Galaxy uses a 10.2mm dual magnetic dynamic driver. It uses a PU + PEEK composite polymer diaphragm for its driver.
This type of polymer diaphragm has been used numerous times already. It promises a cleaner sound and overall better results. It also has a sensitivity of 108 dB and an impedance of 32Ω which makes it easy to run through any device or dongle.
Design
The design of the Hidizs MS1-Galaxy is great. Unlike the FiiO JD1, it doesn’t take the minimalistic look, instead, it goes for a crystal-like faceplate design and resin shell.
The Hidizs MS1-Galaxy has a very eye-pleasing design. When you get the right angle for it, a rainbow-like design can be seen on it. The FiiO JD1’s design will find it difficult to compete with this. Its minimalistic design doesn’t look as good as the Hidizs MS1-Galaxy.
Performance
The Hidizs MS1-Galaxy has an obscene amount of bass. Its bass is mostly focused around the midbass, while the FiiO JD1 has a more balanced bass response.
Their main difference in the bass is clarity and cleanliness. They both have bass bleed, but the Hidizs MS1-Galaxy has a lot more bass bleed.
The clarity of the mids gets impacted a lot due to this. The vocals do not sound good or enjoyable at all due to the massive bass bleed from the Hidizs MS1-Galaxy.
The Hidizs MS1-Galaxy’s unenjoyable mids are paired with vocals that aren’t even forward. It should be the star of the show, but it’s behind all the bass and treble at all times.
The FiiO JD1’s bass bleed, on the other hand, isn’t as bad. The mids still have clarity and forwardness and aren’t a complete mess like the Hidizs MS1-Galaxy.
Treble is also a big difference. The sibilance of the Hidizs MS1-Galaxy is noticeable, while the FiiO JD1 has little to no sibilance.
Staging and dynamics, the Hidizs MS1-Galaxy has a worse soundstage here. It feels cramped, unlike the average soundstage of the FiiO JD1.
Our Verdict
From the great all-rounder FiiO JH5, now we have the bass cannon FiiO JD1. The IEMs they are delivering right now have definitely been above average.
With the FiiO JD1, if you’d like to experience good enjoyable bass that doesn’t break the bank, then this is definitely for you. If sibilance is also an issue for you, then this is also the IEM that will calm it down.
FiiO JD1 Technical Specifications
- Driver Type: 10mm LCP dynamic driver
- Plug: 3.5mm single-ended standard 0.78mm-2pin
- Frequency Response: 20Hz – 40kHz
- Impedance: 24Ω@1kHz
- Sensitivity: 109db SPL/mW
