FiiO FA7 earphones review

[@jason96]

I thing that I like about fiio products is they know how to design. The fa7 looks great

[@PortaFi]

yep, they really nailed the design

[@daikisan_4390]

so many teeps, great review!

[@glmaudio8131]

Very good review, as always. Thank you for your work. I am the happy one who have the DM6 and I can confirm they are indeed the best IEM I ever use. I have no complain about them. Looking forward to see your impresion when you have DM6.

[@PortaFi]

great you like them, hope I'll test them one day too

[@k-doggy1762]

I've been considering the DM6 too but they just look cheap and flimsy compared to FA7.

[@glmaudio8131]

@@k-doggy1762 DM6 sounds excellent , better than FA7 and looks very good.

[@PortaFi]

@@k-doggy1762 but according to reviews, some people like them more :)

[@k-doggy1762]

I've just ordered these, can't wait to start using them! Had to FH5 for a couple of weeks but sending it back due to a fault with the MMCX connector on the left earpiece. Besides I much prefer the look of the FA7. I just hope I'm happy with the sound 🤞

[@PortaFi]

I hope you'll like them. Design is really incredible. As for sound, mids and treble are better in FA7, and if you're OK with more lows, then FA7 will suit you :)

[@k-doggy1762]

@@PortaFi just received them today. I wouldn't say the sound is better or worse than the FH5 but they feel and fit so much better! Extremely pleased with these 😊

[@PortaFi]

@@k-doggy1762 that's exactly my thoughts, it's a subjective difference in sound signature. But design is great!

[@twistedtree01]

These are good reviews wish I found this earlier

[@PortaFi]

better late then never

[@khangtran2771]

Thanks for great review! Which do you recommend between fh5 and fa7? I like neutral sound, a little v-shape but not too bassy or harsh but bright enough, I don’t need extended bass but tight bass. I hear that fh5 is similar to f9 pro with a little bit harsh and sibs sometimes.

[@PortaFi]

well, in this case you probably should consider some non-FiiO models, because both FH5 and FA7 have lows accent. so, probably some models like Oriveti or FLC (or some others) will be better

[@Juanjorya97]

I was thinking of buying these headphones. I'm a big fan of Behemoth. How is the listening experience with other Behemoth songs?

[@PortaFi]

it's a matter of subjective preferences. I prefer more neutral representation with metal in general

[@Flavius7]

Blow your trumpets Gabriel...did I told you I JUST LOVE YOUR TASTE IN MUSIC? Well...I DID AND YOU'RE GONNA HERE IT AGAIN! :)) Good review, man, RESPECT!

[@PortaFi]

I'm glad you like it \m/ :)

[@shadowbanned15]

Was supposed to get some today but couriers suck. Great review thanks - background music is same as L.A. Beast haha (stupid but funny videos).

[@PortaFi]

well, probably they also took this track from Kevin MacLeod, he has a good collection of free music :)

[@darrencotter8206]

Thanks for the review. Does the FH7 have a longer nozzle than the FH5, as I find the FH5's fit a bit shallow.

[@PortaFi]

as far as I remember, it doesn't, but I can be wrong here

[@therighttone5769]

Yes it does

[@Gatominobaldo]

By the sound description, it seems to be similar to the Hifi Boy OSV3. In your opinion, there is much of a a difference in sound quality and sound signature between the FA7 and the OSV3? Thanks in advance.

[@PortaFi]

no, they are absolutely different from HiFiBoy, OS V3 is neutral, while FA7 has pretty big lows accent

[@Gatominobaldo]

@@PortaFi Thanks for the answer. In overall, do you think that the OSV3 is a better sound/value than the FA7?

[@PortaFi]

@@Gatominobaldo it's a matter of subjective preferences. if you'd like more neutral signature, then OS V3 will be better. if you like warm sound, then FA7

[@andrewstewartjacobs9678]

Hi - Just subscribed after watching many of your FiiO reviews. Thank you for taking the time to upload them in English but moreover for your forthright and direct opinion(s). Which bring me to asking you if you think that adding an FiiO A5 amp and a pair of the FA7's would improve the sound and overall output, including loudness, of my X5 Gen 3. My current IEMS are the FiiO F9 pro's and they are just to much on the high end. Anyway thank you in adavnce, to you or anyone who can give me any advise on this.

[@PortaFi]

Hello, thank you for your feedback No, A5 won't improve the sound of the FA7, X5-3 is already really powerful, and FA7 is a pretty sensitive model, so there is no need in buying an amp. You can use spare money for some other entertainment or you can invest them in the upgrade to M11 (or to get FH7, unless you definitely want a warmer signature of FA7 and X5-3). A5 will be a good investment in case you're planning to get some power hungry plannars But of course it's a subjective opinion

[@andrewstewartjacobs9678]

Thank you friend for your reply.. I only bought the X5 about 3 months ago, and perhaps it's a bit to early to sell.. But I value your advise and I will buy the FA7, and I will watch your review of the M11. Best Wishes.

[@PortaFi]

@@andrewstewartjacobs9678 yep, in this case it's a bit early for an upgrade :)

[@andrewstewartjacobs9678]

@@PortaFiJust in case I do decide to upgrade, the main reason that I would so early (and believe me it is the most annoying) is ,not just the bugginess and lag of the Android OS, but also the 'File not Found' error' in the FiiO stock music player, which I think is better then the paid version of Poweramp. That said my friend, would the M11 be vastly different? Because £499 GBP, and a loss on the X5 Gen 3 would (and dependent on your opinion) be easier to accept.

[@PortaFi]

@@andrewstewartjacobs9678 to be honest, I can't comment about that, I never faced this issue both on X5-3 or M11. Did you try to contact FiiO's support, maybe they can say something based on logs?

[@JamJamToast69]

It would be great to see an FA1 review, with a comparison to the Fa7

[@PortaFi]

I didn't get FA1 yet

[@Marius.1926]

hello i have the fa1 and i like, is this a upgrade o is better the fh5?

[@PortaFi]

it depends on sound you'd like to achieve, FA7 is more bassy and warmer on lower half of spectrum than FH5

[@AliArghavan]

Nice review as always. Can we expect CA Solaris review anytime soon?

[@PortaFi]

well, let me estimate… they are on their way to me, hope I'll get them at the end of this week, so at the end of next week, probably, or early the week after that

[@AliArghavan]

@@PortaFi great. I hope you can recommend a good source for them around 500$.

[@PortaFi]

@@AliArghavan I think it should be SR15 or, probably something more expensive, as reviews saying that level of Solaris is really high…

[@AliArghavan]

@@PortaFi yeah but I spent most of my money on Solaris. Can you test them with xDSD or Fiio Q5? I don't need the DAP functionality so maybe I can save money.

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately I don't have them both :( But first I have to listen to Solaris themselves :)

[@younusyounus3873]

Hello I want buy fiio fh1s or fa7 . I looking for balance, warm, clear, crisp sound. Can you help me to choice please.

[@PortaFi]

hm… it's a models from a totally different price segment and with a totally different sound. FH1S is neutral, bit dry and monitoring sounding. FA7 has additional weight and is overall on the warmer side of things as for you requirements, sound can't be warmed and balanced at the same time, warm means additional lows, that is deviation from balanced signature maybe you can consider new FH3, it's a classical V-shaped FR tuning

[@user-yn8oi3yh3p]

Would you take FA7 or Oriveti New Primacy, based on sound quality alone?

[@PortaFi]

it's a subjective choice, as FA7 has noticeably more bass, so it's a matter of your preference

[@markholt1901]

How do you think they compare to the BGVP DMGs?

[@PortaFi]

FA7 a bit more detailed on lows, but have more extended lows accent, also FA7 have more linear treble

[@1998mukund]

I'm coming from Shure425's, which one should I go for: FA7 or FH5?

[@PortaFi]

FA7 has a really unusual tuning with a big accent on lows/mids, so it's a good choice if you want a really thick and weighty sound, otherwise, it's better to consider something more neutral

[@1998mukund]

@@PortaFi Thank you for the quick and detailed reply. I'm not so good with technical details 😅 My 425's are great have a nice a neutral sound but are underwhelming in bass. I'm just looking for a step up and an IEM that are "fun" to listen to. Was consedering between FH5 and FA7 because I've heard great things about them

[@PortaFi]

@@1998mukund well, probably in this case I'd said it simple: don't buy FA7 without listening :) FH5 most probably will be a better option (or some other models from other companies like iBasso, Dunu, and many others)

[@tonyynot484]

I am planning to buy a new iem. Which do u suggest, this one or the fh5?

[@PortaFi]

I described difference at the comparison part of reviews. They are about the same level, so it's a matter of taste, which one will be better for you

[@k-doggy1762]

I've had both and I would have the FA7 over FH5 any day! Not necessarily because they sound better but they have a much better fit for my ears. They're also much more compact making them look better on the ears too.

[@garygriffiths7353]

Would you say these or fh5 are good for a fan of black/death/doom metal?

[@PortaFi]

it depends on your tastes. some people like massive representation of FH5 for those genres, I prefer more neutral models with a bit of added aggression, it's a matter of taste

[@garygriffiths7353]

@@PortaFi I generally prefer more neutral too. What would you recommend?

[@PortaFi]

@@garygriffiths7353 FLC 8n, Dunu's DN-2000, Oriveti New Primacy and many others

[@garygriffiths7353]

@@PortaFi thanks I really appreciate your quick replies. What's your personal favourite as it sounds like you like a similar sound to me?

[@PortaFi]

@@garygriffiths7353 you know, I like all of them, and probably I can't pick "the best one" sonically. But if you can't listen them before buying, go for FLC. It has tunable sound, so it's more likely you'll find the option that will suit your tastes

[@manuelmorales9841]

Hello, can you help me choose between Fa7, ibasso it03 or tin p1?

[@PortaFi]

Hello, FA7 has a big accent on lows and mids, so it sounds warmer and with added weight on lows and mids, engaging signature, but not for everyone iBasso IT03 is more or less neutral, but with punchy lows, and clean mids/treble (but with less wight) P1 is fast, bright and neutral, great resolution, but less lows then usual and they require a powerful source to drive so, main question is the signature you'd like to achieve

[@manuelmorales9841]

@@PortaFi Thank you for responding so soon, I am used to listening to all kinds of music, but I prefer the details above all that it is a hearing aid that adapts to all types of music and that is not exhausting, I like the bass, but that they are not so invasive , mainly the music that I usually listen to the most is rock, pop and electronic music. Thanks for your help.

[@PortaFi]

@@manuelmorales9841 I'd rather assume that iBasso will be the best choice for you, first, it's balanced (good resolution and nice weight), second, it's not that hard to drive as P1

[@manuelmorales9841]

@@PortaFi Thank you very much, I was already convinced of the FA7 but I will analyze the Ibasso better, I thought about P1 because I will use it with an Ibasso DX160.

[@therighttone5769]

Are you buying these fiio products or do they send them to you?

[@PortaFi]

sometimes I'm buying review items, sometimes - getting a loan, some items I'm getting for free, it depends

[@therighttone5769]

@@PortaFi thank you for answering :)

[@MrThemarty915]

For you, who is the best iem sub US$ 300? Or maybe a top 3?

[@PortaFi]

sorry, I can't make any "top lists", there are lots of good models: FiiO's FH5 and FA7, FLC8n, Dunu's Hybrids and many others actually it's a mater of tastes and *subjective* preferences

[@MrThemarty915]

Porta_Fi fa7 is better than Falcon C?

[@PortaFi]

they are totally different, absolutely. Falcons are more neutral with less bass and it gives totally different representation

[@MrThemarty915]

Porta_Fi thanks.

[@alexandrosacholos746]

Ι have both FA7 and BGVP DM6.... Anyone able to compare those two in order of sound signature??

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately I don't have DM6 yet

[@doubledown4957]

Why not give us your impressions and comparison?

[@alexandrosacholos746]

@@doubledown4957 Got it on Friday and havent found any free time to unbox it yet....

[@alexandrosacholos746]

plus.....i am a bit afraid of being let down.....since my latest listening experience was DM6 ...I really believe since DM6 arrived that its quite hard to find any better sound quality at this price range at least......

[@PortaFi]

well, I didn't hear DM6 yet, but they should be totally different based on reviews… :)

[@hippieshake2580]

I love the look and the build of these IEMs but the BGVP DM6 have better reviews. What annoys me about these and like a lot of IEMs is that the tip selection doesn't really caters for people with small ears, as comply tips say that medium fit 90% of people but I'm definitely small tips. Thanks for another great review.

[@PortaFi]

well, I didn't hear DM6, so I can't comment anything about them yet, but based on reviews, DM6 are more neutral in tuning, so subjective tastes will be #1 driver of choice here

[@hippieshake2580]

@@PortaFi hopefully you'll be able to get hold of a pair to review I would be looking forward to it.😀

[@PortaFi]

I'm waiting more then a month for that moment… But I also hope I'll get 'em :)

[@hippieshake2580]

@@PortaFi sweet :)

[@MikeHoopes]

The "medium" foam tips that come with the FA7 are actually on the small side, and it does come with a few different small silicone tips. I haven't listened to the DM6, so I can't really comment on how it sounds in comparison. The DM6 are considerably less expensive, though they have a much longer lead time at the moment. The DM6 has the same huge bass BA as the FA7, and the same high-freq BA as the F9 Pro. I have no idea about their "custom composite" drivers. I can say that the FA7 is a bit over-boosted in the mid-bass, so I've equalized it down 2.5-3.5 dB between 63-250 Hz. Highly-detailed presentation. Great ergonomics.

[@jullzsta]

You should check out a band called 'Acoustic Alchemy' I think you will like it, keep up the good work :)

[@PortaFi]

thank you, will do that! :)

[@KiT.02]

First