Fiio FD7 REVIEW! It's BETTER, but ENOUGH?

[@SuperReview]

Looking for the audience Q&A portion? It's right here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/anTMhI2HlMmZbKs

[@joopvandijk2383]

Thanks for the review Mark! KZbin managed to not let me know you were live unfortunately. Will have a look at the Q&A shortly. Bit of a bummer about the mid-bass bleeding into the mids but nothing unexpected after seeing the graphs. I think I will keep the FD7 on top of my watchlist because of it's tonality but do hope they drop a $100... drftr

[@GadZookz]

As you suggested, I spent some time comparing the Dunu Zen and Zen Pro. To me, the Zen Pro sounds like a new model rather than an upgrade or a Zen replacement. There is more of a difference between these than there is between many Moondrop models. The Pro’s sound is fulsome and engaging while the Zen sounds quite sober and more sharply focused. As you note though, the Zen has a bit more bass. Still, the Zen sounds closer to the Luna than the Pro which wasn’t what I expected. For me, they are both keepers.

[@joopvandijk2383]

Since you asked yourself this question in the Q&A, these are the single DD IEMs that I had on my watchlist within a $200 range from the FD7: 450 JVC/Drop FWX1 600 Oriolus Isabellae * 600 Shozy Black Hole Mini 630 FiiO FD7 * 640 Simphonio RX10 * 700 Dunu Zen * 800 Cayin Fantasy 800 Moondrop Illumination 800 Sennheiser IE800 800 Shozy Black Hole The starred ones were the ones making it to my shortlist.

[@itzrandalll6077]

I keep buying headphones and still don’t know half of the lingo lol although for the first time I heard the difference between my 660s and 800s lol and now I have some Fiio fh7 to see what they sound like

[@SuperReview]

TBH a lot of the language is more personal than universal.

[@abuanwp]

Sennheiser IE80s with its adjustable bass response covered every FD version there is. lol!

[@Hijynx87]

I thought the fd7 had a wide soundstage? Interesting

[@fatihtuncer7230]

What would you say for the upgrade from Kato? I've always liked dynamic drives more than ba's. It may sound silly, but ba's tire my ears. Dynamic drivers make my ear feel more comfortable and sound more spacious.

[@SuperReview]

Next better from KATO is Zen Pro.

[@Heldermaior]

Could you try this cable (seems same as the FH5s Pro) on the FH5s? Not saying it is going to change anything just very curious.

[@SuperReview]

If there's confirmation that this is the same cable, I'd be happy to measure with it. But not sure how to tell, Fiio's website doesn't seem to say.

[@Heldermaior]

@@SuperReview you are right. It isn't this is a silver cable and the fh5s pro use copper cable. Sorry for the mistake. Just really curious if the pros do sound different. I literally just got my FH3 too... This hobby is a botomless pit...

[@Vaterraman]

Just ordered the FD7. Was gonna go for the Empire Ears Bravado MK2, but the cost of the FD7 was just a little easier to fork out.

[@Harry-jz1dn]

If the FD7 were say around £300-350, how would you rate it for value? I'm asking as someone who loves the FD5

[@SuperReview]

I like FDX1 better, and it's $250.

[@stress5451]

I’ve been looking at these and the Sennheiser ie 300s, and which do think is better because I just can’t decide which to get.

[@SuperReview]

Blessing 2: Dusk

[@davidlaurence3744]

Great review. Thank you. Can I ask what your watch is? Love it. Thank you.

[@SuperReview]

Pebble 2.

[@NisxmErsyad]

This compared to variations? I want to buy 500-600 dollar iem for endgame and won't spend in audio anymore in near future. Which would you recommend?

[@SuperReview]

Variations by a long shot, for my preferences.

[@ilianto]

Hey bud! Thanks for the review, once again. Could you describe in brief how do they compare with the FH3? Would they be a good upgrade? Graph looks like they would sound a little thicker in the mids with less sub-bass and a little more lively up top...

[@SuperReview]

Vs. FH3, FD7 is a bit thicker and dense sounding. FH3 is a cleaner midrange, with bass that's more focused in the sub-bass frequencies (which I like). Personal preference is FH3.

[@x-techgaming]

Everyone says the soundstage of FD5 & FD7 is huge 0_0 I agree!

[@joopvandijk2383]

I'm currently using the Sony XM4 and wonder if I would end up with a similar mid-bass / lower mids kinda soup if moving to the FD7?

[@SuperReview]

I didn't compare head to head, but I think I like XM4 better than FD7, especially with a bit of in-app EQ..

[@zhongtiger6575]

What DAC/AMP is best for this earphone?

[@zhongtiger6575]

What's the difference between this and the FDX? Do they sound any different?

[@SuperReview]

I haven't heard FDX, my understanding is the difference is only in the aesthetic, not sound.

[@Weareonenation303]

Makes me wonder if the FD7 has a pure Bery driver?

[@SuperReview]

Part of why I don't really pay much attention to driver materials is it's not something I can validate or falsify -- it just doesn't have a predictable experiential result I can confirm.

[@JuanAuribus]

Most likely PET with a coating. Doesn't matter much.

[@SriRamaKrishnaD]

I have been waiting for this review. How this compares to illumination? Entire FiiO thread on head-fi is talking about burn in and FiiO representative himself confirmed 200 hours burn in is required to hear its full potential. I am really confused now. I have been looking for an IEM with soundstage and I thought FD7 was it.

[@SuperReview]

I'd say it's similar level to Illumination overall. I like Illumination's tuning better, it's lighter on bass, which I like. But it's also a bit softer and duller sounding all around, where the FD7 sounds better defined. I saw the Head-Fi thread. I'm not saying it's impossible, but I have never personally experienced a headphone or earphone perceptibly changing sound after "burn-in."

[@SriRamaKrishnaD]

@@SuperReview Makes sense, thanks for the comparison.

[@niccerkadoabuckado8256]

Can you do the Timeless next please? It would be cool if you compared it to o2/hana and Kato.

[@SuperReview]

Yes, next.

[@gordonfreeman4491]

How about a spreadsheet where we can see all your rankings of IEMs?

[@SuperReview]

I'll do you one better: squig.link/list/

[@gordonfreeman4491]

@@SuperReview Okay, THAT is cool :)

[@Harry-jz1dn]

@@SuperReview interesting list, from looking a lot more of your 5 stars seen to be neutral, bright neutral. Would you say you have a personal preference, maybe even bias? Again, I'd have to look further but more v shaped or bassy IEMs seem lower on your star ratings.

[@ionescugeorge2003]

How do they compare to Fiio FH7 overall? I like my FH7 a lot.

[@SuperReview]

I never heard FH7, sorry.

[@dilip_1997]

what do u use ur fh7 with phone or dap ?

[@MTheoOA]

Can i ask you something? I do really respect you, and i think your opinions are pretty valid to me. I think i will go with Hana 2021, and i saw more than 3 persons in Internet saying that they lose the searching for Full sized headphones after the IEMS. Can you give me some insight (even if it's subjective) about Hana and a mid-fi headphone, like a Sennheiser hd6__, or anything you have in your memory? Thanks. I want to pick a Sundara, but after thinking a bit about it, maybe not... worth, just by enjoyement and sound quality?

[@SuperReview]

They sound different, so hard to compare really. I personally use IEMs much more often because they fit my life better -- no sound leaking, so I can use IEMs in the same room as my wife, and I can sleep with IEMs where I can't sleep with headphones. Those are the big reasons I use them instead of headphones. For sound, I prefer HD 600, but again, very different sound from Hana21. IEMs do better with bass than open back headphones.

[@audiofile1178]

As long as you are not under powering them, Sundara is going to be way ahead of budget or even Mid-Fi IEMs. The sound stage size, Imaging... are on a grander scale on headphones when compared to IEMs. IMO the biggest draw back comes from usability. Headphones are not the most practical gear when it comes to on the go usage so while I'd always recommend them for desktop use, IEMs are the way for portability. I'd rec getting Sundara for desktop use and getting IEMs for anything else.

[@MTheoOA]

@@SuperReview I see! Understood that, in my experience with my Tin T2 against my open full sized, it's somewhat like this too. the AKG have a very spacious, more vast experience, than a ''point in space making large size sounds''. And when you said that Hana do excelent imaging, and i never experienced this in IEM, i get just hyped by IEM. Cheers blue eyed man :).

[@MTheoOA]

@@audiofile1178 Nice one. Maybe i need to buy both LOL. Sometimes i prefer to use my openbacks in my garden than my IEMS, just to feel music, and i do something very nuts, which is: i go outside with my openback. Yeah, that's a crime for the comunity. i just like to sit in a chair outside to see nature or anything. You do think the Sundara could run with a dongle and a LG/samsung phone? I have a Hiby FC3 (32 ohm 70mw)

[@audiofile1178]

@@MTheoOA I have the LG G7 & & G8x both of which don't have enough power to drive Sundara properly. The sound from said combo is very thin and lacks weight. Dongles like DACPort HD might be sufficient. I personally use the iDSD Signature, but Hip-DAC (Balanced Out) or XD-05 Plus/BAL should also pair nicely with the sundara.

[@blitzkreep4905]

I'm curious.. Did you burn them in?

[@SuperReview]

I used them for two weeks.

[@moonabhinav]

I'm curious if burining in does anything other than you wait burining in past the replacement/return window.

[@blitzkreep4905]

@@moonabhinav I think burn in has a certain truth to it. Especially with dynamic drivers. Since the speaker diaphragm actually flexes. But to each his own, not here to argue with anyone.

[@moonabhinav]

@@blitzkreep4905 most of the companies do it during their tuning and more over as a consultant I know this a marketing tactics to make user wait past the return window. I own a B2 and FD5 i did not noticed any difference from start to last but I liked my FD5 for the v shape signature. Super Review did a comparison for FD5 before and after burn in but did not noticed any noticeable difference in frequency response. So its up to you to decide do you really think it a IEM sounds wierd and do you think it will get an drastic change after 200hours of burning?

[@mardiyantoriskihartono1944]

With that price?? I choose Illumination instead.. If i got money and want that.. 🤣 As usual nice review mark ryan.. Appreciate it..

[@SuperReview]

If one wants a flagship 1xDD, I'd save for Dunu Zen Pro.

[@RetroKids29]

Does the eartips make a difference?

[@SuperReview]

Mostly for fit.

[@RetroKids29]

@@SuperReview gotcha. Thanks!

[@zhongtiger6575]

How strong is the bass? And is it deep? I want to use these for FPS gaming

[@zhongtiger6575]

It's the bass detailed? Is it fun to listen to?

[@llysender]

Yes the bass is very thight and nuanced. Personally i find it very fun to listen to. I would actually compare it to the original hana which warm neutral with accented vocals . One thing of note is that the fd7 is very sauce sensative so you want a nice clean dac to get that nice microdetail.

[@alshmmriahmed.i.j9442]

@@llysender What do you think of fd5 with utws3?

[@llysender]

@@alshmmriahmed.i.j9442 No idea I dont have the utws3 sorry, but it should fit well. Seems powerful enough. Sorry I can't help.

[@karnort]

Hey Mark! I read that the fd7 requires a lot of burn in. Do you notice any improvements post burn in ?

[@SuperReview]

Zero.

[@karnort]

Thanks! I was trying to decide between fd7 and fh7. I want to upgrade from fh3 and I have been a fan of it so far..so I reckon the fh7 is the better buy ...

[@slothninja5180]

You should review the 7HZ Timeless.

[@SuperReview]

Next. squig.link/?share=Super_Review_Target,7Hz_Timeless

[@slothninja5180]

@@SuperReview I own them and in my opinion they are a stellar IEM especially for the price. Really curious to hear your thoughts.

[@TWidXugA]

Thanks for the review! Notable is the absence of any mention to "burn in", this IEM being the perfect trio: Fiio, single DD, Beryllium. I am aware that you used the FD7 for 2 weeks, more than enough time to notice some difference, if it mattered... Btw, +1 on a video about IEM measurements, since I've started doing my own.

[@JuanAuribus]

Cope harder.

[@TWidXugA]

@@JuanAuribus I am aware that Mark doesn't care for burn in, and I respect that. A while ago, he did make a video about "burn in". In that video he mentioned that he might do some more measurements before and after IEM use in future. I was just pointing it out, because the FD7 is the perfect candidate for "burn in" demystification. This review was quite comprehensive, and I am sure Mark would have mentioned if there were any changes that mattered after his listening time.

[@JuanAuribus]

@@TWidXugA what makes FD7 special? Clearly that didn't happen. Take your coping elsewhere, and quit pushing snakeoil to justify your chifi purchases.

[@TWidXugA]

@@JuanAuribus To clarify, I don't own the FD7. I don't have any skin on the "burn in" debate either, just curiosity, as I explained. Thanks for helping me see why one would avoid touching the subject, though.

[@JuanAuribus]

@@TWidXugA so you're just basing your claims on nothing? Good to know.

[@redrich2000]

Cable is also pure silver wire

[@pmdthewizard]

Waiting for the Timeless review, wanna hear your thoughts on it

[@SuperReview]

Next.

[@aceofspades6667]

@@SuperReview refreshing daily to see this review... I have this iem in my cart awaiting order once you review it.

[@SzymonSaysStuff]

Ok but hear me out: Kay Zed when?

[@SuperReview]

OK, I give in. 2023.

[@SzymonSaysStuff]

@@SuperReview it’s a start. Now I have to hurry your butt up.

[@bombadt-yt9818]

Even if the driver is coated with pure Unobtanium for the price it offers it better blow everything on the price range out of the water because after looking at many other impressions and reviews.... The competition preeeeetty much gets everything right to justify their price. Oh Fiio.

[@SuperReview]

It seems important to some people 🤷‍♀️

[@bombadt-yt9818]

@@SuperReview Them Berylliums man!

[@Raaj_new]

Waiting for 7hz timeless review

[@SuperReview]

Next.

[@yooanto9465]

every fiio iem is bad tunning wise.

[@SuperReview]

FH3 and FH5 pretty good IMO.

[@yooanto9465]

@@SuperReview better than fd7 and 5?

[@SuperReview]

IMO yes.

[@yooanto9465]

@@SuperReview in what way?

[@yooanto9465]

@@SuperReview I mean which one sound more natural?