FiiO FD15 - 13.8mm Magnalium Diaphragm, 1.5T Mag Flux, Furukawa Cable, Need I Say More?

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

Paul, I want to thank you for this EXCELLENT review. I'll try to audition a pair next time I visit my local headphone store. I heard a FiiO last time I was there but don't recall their sound signature, due to alot of auditioning fatigue.

[@PaulWasabii]

Lucky to be able to give them a try. Its different than most other sets so worth a listen

[@fiddlix]

Thank you so much, Paul, with the mid centric set like this it was a no-brainer. I just ordered me a set.

[@PaulWasabii]

Should be interesting with your sources. But yeah, its a no brainer to try it

[@mr.nakamura9088]

Great review with excellent freq graph sound discussion @4:31

[@PaulWasabii]

Yes, the graph is quite nice if that tuning or parts of it are in your prefs.

[@jesuscostantino2925]

Not sure I've ever heard you sound so excited in a review!

[@PaulWasabii]

True, it happens on occasion, or rare occasion. And it almost needs to be the same 3, driver, tuning, and price. Most sets get 2 out of 3 right. At $150, its a rare set.

[@RosemarySoriano-n6v]

Thank you, we appreciate it so much!😊

[@m_yy_m]

Thanks for the review. 👍👍 I always learn something from your videos... 13mm iems are very interesting. I bought the Q1 after watching your review and then the D13 curious about the driver could do with EQ. The FD15 sound like something I'd like, but have a better hybrid next in my list. If eventually I can pick it at half off like the D13 I'll go for it. These mid centric tuning at first can sound odd, but the brain gets used to it after short while. And, with technically decent sets things fall into place and enough details and layering are there.

[@PaulWasabii]

There aren't enough mid centrics out there so it requires some thought. Chicken and egg problem, there would be more if more people heard them

[@watashi1793]

Hi Paul, I was wondering if the FD15 would be a suitable choice given that I already own the Cadenza 4, as they appear to graph similarly. In your opinion, is the Cadenza 4 overall superior to the FD15 due to its additional drivers and similar tuning, or do they excel in different areas? Thank you!

[@PaulWasabii]

I'd probably not own both and my daily would be the Cad4. Some people just like 1DD sets so FD15 for them. FD15 is very nice but that DD in the CAD4 is also very nice.

[@Dazer-x4n]

Hello Paul, Thank you for your interesting review(s). I wanted to ask you how this IEM compares from the Kiwi Ears Orchestra Lite. You reviewed both of these and they graph rather similarly. I saw that there is a 10k peak on many measurements, including yours. You did not mention it in your review. So I guess it is not a big deal? I also wondered how the isolation of the FD15 is. Just like the Kiwis, they seem vented and the material seems good, but the form of the shells might be not helpful for isolation. Are they usable in public transport? Thank you

[@PaulWasabii]

That is an interesting pair, all BA vs 1DD. My first thought is the FD15 has better extension at both ends. The tradeoff is BAs are better on the sharp edges, note definition, but can sound like BAs where DD sound natural. Those two are tough, even if the graphs were perfectly aligned, you would notice these traits that come from the drivers. But your gut is right, both are more midcentric and would be cool to have both in your toolbox.

[@kettlebro]

I was hoping for FD15 on sale today, based on your review I think it would suit me the most, but I'm also looking at some alternatives (from Klean, latest XLS X-One up to Falcon Ultra). Do you consider Fiio a better executed IEM overall than sub $100 1DDs (shell/vents+driver quality) or it's only a matter of tuning and accessories? I have almost no experience with 1DDs and I wanted to grab one, you seem to have the most sober stand on 1DDs and their pricing so I would value your advice how to look at it.

[@PaulWasabii]

FD15 is a bit of a specialist, one not like the others which is what caught my eye. If you just want to get a middle of the road set to figure out what you like, Klean or KZ EDC Pro or KZ Saga Balanced. These 1DD sets are similar and will help figure out what you want next.

[@kettlebro]

@PaulWasabii are you talking about getting cheap DD to find out desired tuning and update to another, more expensive DD with similar signature or updating to more expensive planar/hybrid/other driver setup?

[@miurasvlamborghini]

Zeos is trying to do a collaboration with this one. He told me he would def add more bass. If he does, I'm getting one. I own the FD5, so I appreciate more bass.

[@Musicophile-p5l]

Off course the first change he'll make will be the bass, no surprise here 😅

[@PaulWasabii]

I'd probably like that in a different way. It would throw off the balance and probably everything I liked about the tuning. On the other hand, that driver might do something special in that style as well.

[@mysteriousstranger332]

EQ??

[@Musicophile-p5l]

@@mysteriousstranger332 That's a good point, why don't the collaborators release custom EQ instead of a whole new IEM with the same drivers 😛

[@Rose_Butterfly98]

​@@Musicophile-p5l To sell more. Plus it's not like we need custom eqs, frankly even with a different tune we might still need to eq it. Eq is for personal preference anyway.

[@Kenbousou]

New to IEMs, been using the ATH-M50x for years, and just got one of these. Loving all the detail I hear from music now. May I ask how the FD15 compares to the Mangird Tea Pro? I’m noob to all this audio stuff, but it’s fun learning

[@PaulWasabii]

Tea Pro is more of a style, thicker, bassier but nice detail uprange. Hybrids have a different mid and more so upper with BAs. Some people like BAs, some people will always prefer a single DD as it is more natural.

[@Kenbousou]

@ Thank you for the reply and the breakdown. Do appreciate it

[@aniecchi]

Hello, does it need power to shine, or is something in the range of 70mw sufficient?

[@PaulWasabii]

That should be fine. The planars and a couple dual DD sets are harder to drive but FD15 is fine.

[@davegorthuis679]

Compared to Sivga que and Letshuoer S08?

[@PaulWasabii]

Not as warm as either of those two. I briefly mentioned this, midcentric tuning is really hard with too much warmth or treble, You need almost a neutral balance. Que and S08 are closer to V shapes, heavier lower end.

[@5silentrain]

May I ask about the implementation of MMCX? Do they rotate freely in their connectors, as is the case with the BGVP DMA, or do you have to apply force to rotate them in the connectors, as was the case with the FiiO FD5? 🤔

[@5silentrain]

If they are initially tight in their connectors, is there any hope that over time the mechanism itself will develop or weaken and they will start to rotate more freely, as normal MMCX should?

[@PaulWasabii]

I'd say they rotate freely but also had to send them back so that is 99% from what I remember. I'd also say the MMCX was tough to pull out as in you would want to use an mmcx tool to do it. I definitely didn't notice any tension trying to rotate, just unplugging was tough.

[@5silentrain]

@@PaulWasabii Thanks Paul! They will arrive today, so I can check it personally.

[@rustyshakelford1466]

I love this set, it's my favorite 1DD after Tanchjim Origin actually. It needs some EQ to add zing IMO, it's very neutral-warm polite otherwise, but man that venting and suspension system really work. The bass is totally in the realm of audiophile bass and away from the basshead approach, the accuracy oh hits, timbre, decay on the bass is amazing. Great shells and cable too, way better than the norm at this price.

[@PaulWasabii]

I can easily see it being #2. Grabbed me right away.

[@VanDungLe2510]

Yep, i know this graph's gonna be a winner from a graph perspective as it looks kinda similar to the DM

[@PaulWasabii]

Its straight porn for those who know what that sounds like

[@Ratchet98]

Once you hear the mids in full force, it’s hard to un-hear it.

[@3ildcard]

599$ single DD iem?

[@Ratchet98]

@@3ildcard yeah, the DM was $599. It has a pretty special driver and tuning, so that’s why it was that much.

[@ExplainedExplanation]

Given the similar price point would this be a better buy than the Explorer for someone who enjoys warm tunings?

[@PaulWasabii]

Yeah, I think Explorer is still your warm one. Save a couple dollars as well

[@usmantjandra2840]

hi Paul, sound/price wise is it worth against the Polaris or against the CCA CRA+ ? thank you and 🙏 pls answer

[@paulosilva8200]

Are you comparing lada with Ferrari?

[@usmantjandra2840]

@@paulosilva8200 mother fucker ! yes I do comparing, so what ! both of them sound and get you to the destination !

[@PaulWasabii]

FD15 is a specific tuning and that is worth it to some people. To most people, or people looking for something similar to what they have, it won't make sense. I think FiiO has other sets that might be a better match for a U or V shape like Polaris or CRA+.

[@usmantjandra2840]

@@paulosilva8200 mother fucker! yes I do compare, so what!?!?

[@paulosilva8200]

Perfect for loud volumes. 13.8 uauuuu

[@PaulWasabii]

As I said, some people are sensitive to all the mids. Its not like too much treble, but some people don't like it or it works better on some styles than others.

[@paulosilva8200]

@PaulWasabii like myself .I listen to music at 90db. Can't do less. Lol. And I notice that iem with elevated mid bass and low treble or mud as they say,becomes perfect at high volumes. Wish I could land you iem for reviews. I have so many sets. Around 80 now. But I live in dubai too far

[@spamcan9208]

Are there any budget sets with a similar style of tuning to get a general idea?

[@PaulWasabii]

Not really, more have that bass curve but over boost the ear gain. It is rare to see both, more like MiM Dark Magician

[@TheRebelLion13]

Saw the specs on a local on-line seller here. They seem to have put in some work on the engineering and components of it, other than the driver material. i guess that explains the $150 price tag. ...i've yet to have a mid-centric tuning set. Hmmmm...

[@PaulWasabii]

FiiO has a nice range of products at different price levels. At the end of 2024, it does get difficult to put out a 1DD >$100 without standing out so I think they accomplished it better than most.

[@brano5006]

How are the mids in FD15 different from the mids in *ALBA* ?

[@PaulWasabii]

Different tuning style, Alba isn't midcentric, closer to modified Harman/shallow V. FD15 is inverted, mids over bass and treble..or close to it.

[@janardhanshetty6136]

fiio fd15, hidiz mp145, cca hydro which one is the better amongst all?

[@PaulWasabii]

3 different sets, there isn't a best. Some people like midcentric tuning, some like 1DD best, those are FD15 people. Some people like musicality with techs, those are hydro and mp145. MP145 is planar so a different animal with a large shell to deal with.

[@fuzailkhan4598]

How much different than Ew300

[@PaulWasabii]

EW300 tuning is different and people who are willing to pay $150 for a 1DD are typically 1DD loyalists. They prefer 1DD over hybrids

[@fuzailkhan4598]

@@PaulWasabii got it brother

[@lasttempoinparis]

Slightly over priced, if you look at previous Fiio iem FD3 and 3 Pro : + $40 for the 8 cores cable and modular jack 2.5/3.5/4.4 between the 2. 🥴 I get the mid centric tunning and stage ability but I'm already pleased with the Hidizs Mp145 and tuning nozzles for that ( _and I get pick my own extra QDC 2.5 cable to swap from the 4.4 or better buy a solid nicehck jack adapter for every IEM_ )

[@PaulWasabii]

Mp145 and planars are more my thing than $100+ 1DD sets, but I will acknowledge FD15 is something different which people will buy and enjoy. 1DD in that price range is dicey, many are just ok, nothing different.

[@3ildcard]

@@PaulWasabii And that's what we love about you - objectivity and brutal honesty.