To Fiio to develop its range of headphones with such speed that comes on the heels themselves. Models come out faster than they have time to write, and each next is better than the last. Did not have time to market normally to be fixed EX1-II and F5 (of course, I’m exaggerating here, models come out about once a quarter) as the year of the presentation of the Fiio announced traindriver hybrids F9, combining an affordable price with good quality.
To consolidate the market headphones Fiio decided to go with trumps and after a series of dynamic models in different price categories has produced a hybrid in — ear headphones with bass range meets the dynamic emitter membrane from polyetherketone, and for midrange and tweeter, two transmitters with a balanced anchor. This scheme allows to obtain from each drivers best: the massiveness and density of the bass, resolution and micro-dynamics of medium and high frequencies.
Added to this interesting aluminum body with a beautiful wavy texture, the internal volume of headphones are also specifically designed for providing better sound. Despite its highly affordable price (the recommended price is about $ 110), the model is equipped with replaceable wires with MMCX connector, and the kit even put two cables: with headset and balanced.
On the basis of F9 in the company are going to do a whole line of headphones. F9SE (already out on the market) lacks a replacement set, but is $ 10 cheaper. Also planned F9 Pro with reinforcing emitters and F9, LE, is made of more premium materials. No details yet, the Pro version promised to release in the second half of the fall, and LE — more later.
However, the current version is F9 and it turned out to be quite interesting and competitive, so let’s look at it in detail.
Specifications
- Transducers: dynamic + 2 x balanced armature
- Frequency range: 15 Hz – 40 kHz
- Sensitivity: 106 dB/mW
- Impedance: 28Ω
- Maximum input power: 100 mW
- Cable: 2 x 1.2 m, exchangeable with MMCX connectors
- Plug: 3.5 mm TRRS, TRRS 2.5 mm balanced
- Weight: 3.76 oz. (1 headphone, without the wires)
Packing and delivery
Box — traditional for the company, made in two layers. The appearance of thin cardboard decorated in dark colors with a minimum of printing. Expected hiding inside another box of cardboard of the same black color, which are composed of headphones and accessories. The package includes:
- two sets of 3 pairs silicone ear tips of different size nozzles allow to change the sound
- handy plastic case for storage and carrying
- two removable wire, twisted with a 2.5 mm balanced plug and a conventional three-button headset Android-standard
- the user manual and warranty card
Overall, for this price range, all very good.
Design and comfortable wearing
Over the developers, as it should have worked. Having learned from previous experience with Fiio X5-3, the company decided to produce headphones in two variants — black and red, I chose black, more suitable color to my X5-3. The body is made of aluminum and is designed for behind-the-ear wear. The ergonomic shape provides a comfortable fit and convenience even when worn for long, and the wavy texture looks interesting, but not gaudy. Of course, the build quality is very high, no blemishes or flaws.
The sound channel is made at a comfortable angle and has an average length, so soundproofing is normal, but not outrageous, which is traditional for models of this form factor.
Like the F5, the core wire is made for “balanced” connector with a separate ground. Fiio have made it clear what that connection will be the main for their products, because everything they presented at the last presentation is equipped with a 2.5 mm TRRS. Balanced cable is twisted, it is soft, very comfortable, almost not harden MIC effect is weak. The second wire looks simpler, but is also made qualitatively, it is equipped with a 3-button headset that works with Android phones and iPods the company, iOS users remains to be content with one Central button.
The wires themselves are using MMCX connectors, so if you want buyers to be able to find an alternative. Connectors standard cables are made tighter than F5, offering a nearly optimal balance of reliability and ease of replacement.
Sound
To listen following equipment was used.
- Yulong DA9 and Resonessence Labs Concero HP in the role of DAC and amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2016 as the source
- Fidelia in the role of player
- Lotoo PAW Gold, theBit OPUS#2 and iBasso DX200 and the role of other portable players
- Recording high-resolution Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky have The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening headphones were heated for 48 hours, a noticeable change in the sound was observed.
The sound of F9 was interesting, their moderately V-shaped frequency response is focused on fans of “entertaining” flow. Except for the different accents on the treble, the frequency response model was similar to the Titan 1, however, to call these headphones similar will be a strong stretch. Traditionally, the character of the sound is highly dependent on fit, so spend some time and play around with the different nozzles to choose the one that gives you maximum insulation and optimum sound.
Bass at F9 is served full-bodied and energetically present and deep bass, but the main emphasis is on the Central part of the range, which is logical because that is where the ‘useful information’ of real instruments. Of course there is not bass reinforcement-dry, they are served without unnecessary hlestkost, but have good dynamics and thus come to cope with wagering textures. Bass well controlled and not drown out the rest of the range.
The midrange is slightly lowered relative to the midbass, however, all the difference there is about 10 dB, so the infamous “taste the colour” is expressed very slightly and carefully correlated with the typical curve of perception of hearing. SCH F9 have good resolution without at the same time in cold analyticity. However, emotions on “the middle,” the headphones don’t add, so the model requires high-quality recordings and a decent source. An imaginary scene on a good for this category-level depth a little more than average width. Expected for reinforcing drivers no problems with the split tool here.
HF is characterized by a visible peak around 7-8 kHz, very reminiscent, oddly enough, the new HiFiMan Re800. So if you are among the opposers of RF from the model side of the bypass, will save nerves and time. For me, for example, this peak in most cases the problem is not, especially if it is to compensate for (horror of horrors!) equalizer or just use bright player with good control of the HF (who tells X5-3?). In General, RF is typically for reinforcing emitters differ in the speed and working of the attacks, and that the peak adds very many songs a feeling of airiness, but it is still the question of your personal preferences.
I have neither the opportunity nor the time to compare F9 with all models that exist in the market, so briefly describe the difference to several models of a similar category from among those that were at hand.
Dunu Titan1/Fiio EX-1 Model, which has become one of the most discussed and divided the listeners into two camps: for some, “titans” was a revelation, someone can’t stand them. If you compare them with F9, the hybrids sound “more hybrid” (surprising, I know): more tight bass, going a little deeper, a little less emotional midrange and different areas of emphasis in the treble. At F9 peak in the 7-8 kHz higher in the T1 more lifting around 3-6 kHz, although both models are in General not Vchalov. Comparing with the EX1-II is easy to extrapolate by reading any comparative overview of first and second generation EX-1.
Fiio F5/Dunu Titan 5 Despite the presence of a difference between the two models (at least my pair), they are very close, which allows to consider them together. The titans are slightly less dense flow of bass and slightly softer on LF, but at HF, they are similar to F9 with the only difference that they peak at 6 kHz. In General, “other things being equal” I would prefer F9, despite the price difference, they sound more effectively and carry more convenient.
12 Meze Classic If you throw aside the difference in price and design/materials and compare only the sound from Meze headphones offer a comfortable flow, less effective on some tracks, more “universal” for those who don’t like HF.
MEEAudio Pinnacle P1 new P2 While waiting for me at the post office, the P1 remains one of the leaders in its price segment, offering not only the unsurpassed build quality and materials, but also unusual spectacular sound. In General, the main difference of models lies in the field of RF. Both models have a rather accentuated “top”, but F9 is that the peak in the 7-8 kHz, and the P1 suddenly extended HF in region 9 kHz and above (where the vast majority of other models already starts declining). At medium frequencies the headphone around parity (the difference, of course, but it is necessary especially to hear), bass from P1 a little more quantitatively, but he also decorated a little worse, however, the difference here is not large.
MEEAdio M7Pro New from MEE is designed primarily for musicians, especially playing in the rhythm section. The model was created in cooperation with several drummers and bass guitarists, hence, more accented, though, and fast bass that determines the main difference in the sound of the models. The rest of the band, of course, also varies, but it is related to NCH will play a crucial role here.
Compatibility
Fiio F9 is well balanced in terms of sensitivity and impedance they are quite different smarttoolengine swing, but also powerful players will not be with them needless to be quiet. Choosing a source is to look at the players without the emphasis on the treble and with good control of the other frequencies, but, of course, for most buyers the main choice will be the model from Fiio themselves (especially when you go offers “kits”).
Stylistically headphones very versatile (if you go to do to the peak on the treble or ready to take him out with EQ). Of course, poorly written styles of the different type of cord will fit them less, but this is again a matter of preference, I personally like the saying goes “rules”. To record headphones sensitive, somewhere in the 8 out of 10 points.
Some tracks as example
The Alan Parsons Project — La Sagrada Familia Modern science knows two ways to die from an overdose of serotonin. The first was to burst a dimpled plastic sheeting during sex, and the second is to go to Barcelona and go to the temple of the Holy Family, listening to the title track of Alan Parsons. If you take a good pair of headphones like F9, in the moment of transition the entry to the main topic you obviously will be at risk, so great fun. Although it is worth noting that many impressionable music lovers lose out from the vocals of John miles for another entry.
Perturbator — Eclipse (Remaster) If, after Barcelona you will be transported somewhere in the nightlife streets of Tokyo and switch the track on this — you will be guaranteed to hit straight to the cyberpunk movie of the mid-80s. Dark electronic music that has a surprisingly attractive rhythm at the same time gives a sense of a future in which humanity is almost gone, and paranoia from the fact that someone is watching you. Fiio F9 and then show yourself “on a level” playing and dynamic bass-the party and lace of solo synths.
Leonard Cohen — A Thousand Kisses Deep And complete is the virtual (and maybe real for some people) travel I would suggest somewhere on the rainy streets of autumn in new York. A broken heart and a flask of whiskey in his pocket — optional, but highly desirable. It is for these situations created by the music of Leonard Cohen, with good headphones (yeah, yeah) his husky vocals, accompanied by female “buck” will immerse you at the bottom to navigate through a catharsis and pushed off from the bottom with a powerful kick to send your mood back up…
Insights
So, what is before us? The next sensation, extending the scope of personal audio? Of course not. “Killer of giants” offers a sound that is comparable to the models for tons of dollars? There is none (although some much more expensive models can still be killed in a good blind taste test, but it is rather their own “merit”). Fiio just made another very honest headphones, traditionally offering a good value for the price and quality, complemented by excellent design and technical execution.
Overview headphones Fiio F9 — first hybrid of the company
Pavel Dmitriev