It seems that FiiO are beginning to seriously adopt the model of Apple’s behavior, it is noticeable in everything from trends in the General open offline stores to the manner of presentation for the announcement of key products. The summer keynote we were pleased with the announcements FiiO X7 Mark II, Mark III X3, new portable headphone F9 and combine entry-level Q1 Mk2. I did not have time before the end of the “handle” all the novelties of this presentation (I promise, Q1 Mk2 will be soon), how the company organized a new presentation of her talk today.
This time the novelties of the “iron” was smaller, but less interesting it became, because the company decided firmly to speak, and on the software front, presenting your own software player for iOS (already out) and Android (in active development). In General, the step is quite logical, since the release of FiiO portable DAC/amps that are oriented for using with smartphones, provide them with branded “experience of use”, similar to the players by the company will help.
Of course, on both platforms there is already a solution for audiophiles, as cross-platform type Hiby Music and exclusive like a Neutron, and so on. But I can’t say that another competing free solution here will hurt, especially if it makes the developer iron. A your software player FiiO opens up a lot of possibilities, starting with some software “improvers” for their devices and ending corporate music store (though I doubt they’ll do it). While most of the ideas lie more in the field of the hypothetical, but even that is now — happy.
The player interface is already familiar to those who have used Android-solutions company, everything is organized very familiar (and, in my opinion, comfortable). When you first start the program prompts you to scan your device for the presence of music, and is scanned and a private folder of the device library and iTunes. FiiO Music for iOS understands the most popular formats (FLAC, ALAC, APE, etc.) with a resolution of up to 384 kHz/24 bit. Since such formats the standard library does not understand, the files should be poured directly into the program folder, you can do this either using iTunes File Sharing or use some file Manager. For example, I very conveniently put the music over Wi-Fi using iMazing.
Of course, the main task of the player — music on the connected USB DACs, and there are also good supporting all resolutions, including Native DSD, which will please owners of DACs that support this format.
Can’t draw one more parallel with Apple, but the company’s presentation from Cupertino too often first is something from before you go to the “main program number”, also from FiiO, the key event was the presentation of the new flagship portable DAC/amp Q5. To begin with — the movie, done in a familiar style.
What is before us? Portable DAC that allows to use the amplifier modules from X7, Bluetooth and two AK4490 in balanced mode. It comes complete with a stylish design, a good package and support for almost any format.
“Complete” is promised a complete set of inputs and outputs, including balanced. Price new will be $ 350, which is good, because according to the “level” Q5 needs, perhaps, to fit Mark 2 X7.
Of course, for one Q5, even with a new softinkoy, to assemble a presentation no one would, so “after” was presented and two models of headphones. As I have noted in the reviews, the FiiO has long been some confusion in the names of the models IEM, and they decided to deal with this.
The first of the two presented models is FH1, according to the scheme above it is clear that this dvuhdverny hybrids with dynamic and reinforcing emitters.
For their $ 75 buyer will receive two cable included: balanced 2.5 mm silver-plated copper 3.5 mm headset, a good set of tools and robust case. For the fans of trendy colors will be able to choose the desired option.
Overall, given the tuning, the headphones promise to be interesting.
Well, for starters, FiiO left the presentation of the flagship models of their IEM. Traindriver hybrids F9 was very warmly welcomed by the market, although their peak in RF liked, not all users. It is first and foremost and aims to improve the model, simply named F9 Pro.
In General, the prescription of novelty is simple: other radiators for MF/HF, smoother frequency response, improved package and ergonomics, the new Titan silver shade. The price tag is an improved model will be $ 140, and if FiiO manage to cope with the peak on the treble — we are waiting for a potential hit segment.
That was this fall presentation, I’m going to pose as an analyst and to try to draw any conclusions from the photos, but better to wait for the devices themselves and talk about them in detail.
The results of the autumn presentation FiiO — portable device, headphones and software
Pavel Dmitriev