FiiO FH9 earphones - new step for signature hybrids

FiiO's hybrid flagship model uses a 13.6 mm ADLC dynamic driver and 6 balanced armatures to create a fun, but mature sound
Official site: fiio.com/fh9
0:00 - Introduction
1:39 - Package, accessories, and design
7:17 - Sound
17:28 - Pairings and comparisons
Tracks, mentioned in the review
Massive Attack - Black Milk
Christy Baron - This Must Be Love
Éric Serra - La Raya
Amber Rubarth - Tundra
Danny Elfman - End Tag
John Coltrane - Locomotion
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@mrfrosty3]

Another quality review! I like the aesthetic, a bit retro futurist and fun.

[@avavaviv1]

FH3s worked for me great. I'll keep note of these should I want to move to the top end.

[@PortaFi]

good choice :)

[@davidb9531]

These are amazing, never experienced iems so comfortable and well weighted in the ear, I’ve never been able to wear silicone tips before these as iems always moved and lost seal, there’s nothing on the market at this price or much higher that get near the quality

[@gercam3]

Thank you again for your great videos, they are really useful for the buyers, I was wondering if FH7 and FH9 sound noticeably different, not if one is better than the other one, and if you have to pick one which one would you pick Thanks...

[@PortaFi]

If you mean "old" FH7, then FH9 is a winner here, it's more technical, more balanced, etc. If we spoke about recent FH7S, then FH9 is still more natural, more detailed, and so on, but FH7S has an extremely "fun" sound signature, so it's a good choice for those who prefer such sound

[@gercam3]

Thanks

[@ItsFckenAriel]

Hey, thanks for the review. :D I have a question. I've looked online, and I can't seem to get a clear answer. My question is, can an amp/preamp damage the FiiO FH9?

[@PortaFi]

well, yes. really powerful amp can damage almost any earphones. under regular conditions it's really unlikely, but it's still better to avoid owerpowering IEMs. there is a common belief that "more power is better", but it's definitely not always so

[@icervoid]

YES. I damaged my FH5 with a M 11 PRO and one channel is dead. So before the audition set the sound to 30 units. I wanted these but outside they are useless .... sorry FIIO. I own now a pair of FH3 and i am happy. And for indoor i use a AKG K 712 PRO and a BURSON V2+.

[@styx1272]

Hi thanks for review. I'm wondering if using these with A&K Norma sr15 is overkill or would be fh7 be better or any other suggestions . I'm finding it difficult to get some earphones that control the brightness So I can run my music at a loud volume . Hope alls well where you are !

[@PortaFi]

Hello, it's not like RPG game "to use this sword you need to be a level 25 barbarian" :) There is no "overkill" in pairings (except for a really big difference between levels), so the main question here is what you need in terms of sound. If you want a less bright sound, then FH9 will be not optimal choice as it's a more neutral model and it will have more noticeable treble

[@styx1272]

@@PortaFi Thanks for your prompt rely! I did see your review of the sr15 , perhaps you might suggest a high end budget :-) iems that give a warm detailed sound .

[@PortaFi]

@@styx1272 unfortunately, it's almost a mutually opposite requirement, to make sound warmer, you'll need to sacrifice some details. Actually, FiR Audio 5x5 is probably close to what you need, leaning towards a warmer sound, but not overmuffled. Probably there are much more options that I didn't test yet… )))

[@ericburgos]

Shanling M6 Ulra!

[@chargeninja]

Seeing as its semi open ,is the outside noise much noticeable ?..Im using fh7 at present and enjoy the isolation i

[@PortaFi]

Yes, outside noise is more noticeable than in fully-closed models. For me difference isn't huge, but it's still present

[@raghidalshairi3608]

Hello, is the bass better and deeper than fh7 ? I have a Fh7 now , do you recommend upgrading to FH9 or it won't make a big difference ? I would like better and deeper bass ....... Thank you very much

[@PortaFi]

bass is deeper, but in general, difference isn't huge. so it's better to test them before buying

[@arcsephiroth]

@@PortaFi if the difference isn't day/night, would you recommend buying just for the cable? 😬. I have the FH7 but the cable is coming to its end of life. I was thinking about getting Dunu interchangeable cable for 300$ but for double the price I can get the FH9 with better cable yeah

[@PortaFi]

@@arcsephiroth no, it's definitely not that huge (at least by my scale). FH9 isn't just about the cable, it's open and sounds different. But the main question here is if you like FH7 signature, or want to change it :) If FH7 signature is ok for you, just get a new cable (by the way, FiiO have a bunch of cheaper, but pretty nice options). But FH9 will be a more refined IEMs in general

[@arcsephiroth]

@@PortaFi FH7 is perfect for me and yet curious about the FH9. My final one I am hoping to get Sony IER-Z1R and be done with it 😁

[@marcolombardi5759]

It is better than fh7 but slightly the difference does not justify the price

[@ewqqweasddsazxc]

Great review. thank you for this deep and analytical video. I would like to ask whether you suggest fa9 or fh9 to someone looking for a rock and metal listener and planning to listen via mobile phone and usb dac on Spotify. I know you said fh9 is fun and fa9 is neutral but it is not so easy to grasp which one is more suitable for my taste. thanks again.

[@PortaFi]

Hello, subjectively, I'd prefer FH9. In general, I like more neutral and monitoring IEMs for heavy genres, but lots of great metal/rock albums are recorded and mastered pretty bad. So, a bit more forgiving IEMs (in this case a bit less monitoring FH9) will be more reasonable choice for "daily usage". Also, lots of albums in this genre will benefit from dynamic driver on lows, giving more weight

[@ewqqweasddsazxc]

@@PortaFi thanks a lot. as a follow up question, what about fh9s isolation and sound leakage? does being semi open back create disadvantage while using public transportation?

[@PortaFi]

@@ewqqweasddsazxc well, it's a subjective thing. I don't have a subway or other "noisy" transport in my city, so for a daily commute, including bus or tram - it's pretty OK for me. I hear outside noise, but it doesn't distract me. Anyway, hearing what's going on outside is a good idea (especially for me in Ukraine :), but in other places it's also a good thing)

[@ewqqweasddsazxc]

@@PortaFi what about its leakage? will my colleagues listen what I listen in my office or will I disturb others in bus? thank you.

[@PortaFi]

@@ewqqweasddsazxc if you won't raise volume really high, then they won't be able to hear details. But in quiet environment it'll be audible that you listening something

[@amanchawla6441]

Do you suggest the FH9 , FA9 or the SE 846 Shure ? I’ve tried the SE846 but these look better price wise ..

[@PortaFi]

FH9 is more "fun", while FA9 is more neutral and "precise", so it's a matter of taste here as for Shure, haven't test them

[@arcsephiroth]

@@PortaFi I have the FH7 and my brother the Shure 846 and there is no comparison bud. Shure 846 sounded like a 100$ modern in ear compared to FH7. Obviously back in the day Shure was the benchmark but technology and drivers and tuning has evolved to the level that old flagships of old that costs 1000$ are now surpassed by 200-500$ units of late. I'll stick with FH7 and might get an FD7/FH9 just for that sexy multi port mmcx cable but I hope the day comes when my savings for the ultimate Sony IER-Z1R completes and that would be my last totl

[@PortaFi]

@@arcsephiroth thank you for sharing! I think it'll be a really helpful for other viewers!

[@teibo6710]

How does this sound along side Fiio FH5 . . I use mine with the BTR5

[@PortaFi]

FH5 is more wighty, with more dense sound and less refined treble but if you like the sound of FH5, it's better to try this before buying, as their sound is noticeably different

[@teibo6710]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@rinderkappajoe]

Hey there, thanks for this great review! :) I own the FH3 and i am pretty happy with the fun fator and the bass but i want to step up in terms of better mids and highs performance. Did you listen to the FH3 and can maybe tell me if the FH9 could be a good choice for me? I would totally sacrifice a bit of that bass from the FH3 but not too much... :) Best Regards Philipp

[@PortaFi]

hello, sure, FH9 is a noticeable upgrade over FH3, but as usual in such cases it's better to try them before buying

[@rinderkappajoe]

@@PortaFi Thanks for your reply! sure would love to try them all but its not always that easy due to different reasons, thats why i try to find out as much as possible :) For now I ordered a Mangird Tea 2 and am very curious how it will perform

[@PortaFi]

@@rinderkappajoe haven't test Tea 2, but hopefully, you'll enjoy them

[@rinderkappajoe]

Thanks a lot! :)

[@JoshFisher567]

I just got these but now I'm wondering 8f I should have gotten the Mexe ADVAR's based on reviews. The downside of those is the stock cable is 3.5mm stereo. They are charging extra (more the. It should be) for 2.5mm/4.4mm balanced cables.

[@miloedo]

Hello friend... I Had the IMR R1. And like a lot but lookin to give a step or two... Comparing R1 VS Fh9 its too much Diference?? And hoy you compare FH9 vs Opis Mia and Semper??

[@PortaFi]

Hello, unfortunately I didn't compare FH9 with IEMs you've mentioned, so can't add much to a review. Of course FH9 will be an improvement over R1, but more recent models of IMR offers a pretty different representation due to unusual set of drivers.

[@miloedo]

@@PortaFi Soo, may be better move to IMR Semper or Mia than Fiio? Actually I got the IMR R1 because your recomendation. And they are great i like a Lot but i m looking for next steep.. i m looking for an Iem that sounds out of the head with good layering.. I was thinking about FH9 o Moondrop variations. Or maybe semper

[@PortaFi]

@@miloedo well, I'm a bit biased, as I'm a big fan of IMR. But in general, this FiiO is more neutral than typical IMR tuning, so the question is whether you want a more neutral sound or not

[@nitinthakur4407]

I'm confused between this one Vs Audio oracle plz plz plz plz suggest me which one do you prefer for me I'm using with Bluetooth adapter with I phone

[@PortaFi]

sorry, I didn't test this model

[@criticactual]

Hello! I listen to various music such as dance, electronic, pop from the 80s and 90s, ambient, movie music, so I was looking for a versatile iem. Could you help me choose between the FA9, FH9 or FX15? Thank you!

[@PortaFi]

Hello. If you don't have an option to listen them all, then FH9 will be the most "safe" choice. It's a bit less "taste-dependent" than FA9 and less critical for a poorly recorded tracks than FX15

[@criticactual]

@@PortaFi in my country Fh9 480€, Fx15 800€

[@PortaFi]

@@criticactual that's yet another big argument for FH9

[@LandsPlanes]

Hi! I want a upgrade over my Timeless. Could you tell me main differences on sound between Dunu Est112 and Fiio Fh9?

[@PortaFi]

Roughly speaking, EST112 is more "airy", more spacious, with better treble layering and has a slightly more focus on microcontrast. While FH9 is better distributing weight, has a bit tighter lows, and better delivers macrodynamics

[@LandsPlanes]

@@PortaFi thanks! So, I think Est112 is more complete.

[@PortaFi]

main thing here is that both models are great, so you can't make a "wrong" choice here :)

[@markmorrison3090]

Is the sound stage of the fd5 similar to the fh9 and fd7?

[@PortaFi]

FD7 and FH9 are better

[@markmorrison3090]

@@PortaFi okay thanks

[@jptwentyfour887]

@@PortaFi pretty simple run of the mill “spend more money” answer

[@false-set]

@@jptwentyfour887 that’s generally how products are valued

[@timothyblitzkreepisaac7448]

I have ThieAudio Oracle’s, should I even consider the FH9?

[@PortaFi]

sorry, I didn't test this ThieAudio model

[@satithunsa1868]

Please compare fh9 to Sony IER-Z1R in term of sound signature and natural sound. Thank you. (I have M11 Plus + FD5.)

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately I don't have this Sony, and it's not really likely that I'll managed to get one

[@shahkhan110]

hi, fh9 vs est112 or sa6 plzz...?

[@PortaFi]

it's a really different models in terms of signature, so it's a matter of your preference

[@ricardoavi123]

Can you compare with the campfire Andromeda 2019? Thank you.

[@PortaFi]

Andromeda is a bit faster on lows, but less punchy. And in general, Andro sound more "fun clored" to me, while FH9 trying to be more neutral

[@ricardoavi123]

@@PortaFi thank you

[@mysteriousstranger332]

Hello, how is the subbass on these :-) ? Thanks in advance

[@PortaFi]

It's not subbas, but deep bass. We don't hear subbass by ears, so it's impossible for earphones to represent it. But that deep layers of bass are pretty good here, 13mm DD can deliver a great punch and weight, so when it's necessary for the track, it does that efortlessly. But at the same time it's not a basshead model, so it doesn't try to pop your eyeballs with bass

[@mysteriousstranger332]

​@@PortaFi thank you very much. You are really an expert in this hobby !

[@PortaFi]

@@mysteriousstranger332 thank you! it's a pleasure to me, help others

[@mst4001]

It's not about fh9 but i have fiio btr3k. Should i upgrade to btr5 For iem, i use moondrop kato and fiio fh3

[@PortaFi]

if you want more neutral and resolving sound, then yes

[@mst4001]

@@PortaFi then it's definitely for me. Thx uu

[@TV-np4zr]

Подскажите пожалуйста, для студии, свидения, мастиренга, записи вокала, какие будут лучше? Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro, или akg k371 не бт И можно ли заменить полноразмерные на внутриканальные гибриды допустим те же fiio fh 9, или fa9, fh7, или арматурные? Для этих же задачь. Стиль музыки попса, реп, хипхоп и т.д

[@x-techgaming]

FD7 vs FH9 vs EJ07..? X_X IMPOSSIBLE to choose!!! Must buy them all, and compare.

[@PortaFi]

well, it's an option of course, but I think you can start with one of the models, try it, and then decide what you'd like to change (or not)

[@TheCorstenn]

How looks compassion to moondrop blessing 2 dusk?

[@PortaFi]

I don't know, didn't test Blessing

[@barberismeable]

FH9 is better overall, but very slightly. I just tested both today. Soundstage is wider on FH9. I almost feels like a headphone

[@gsv9773]

How is this for watching movies?

[@PortaFi]

pretty good to my taste

[@criticactual]

And upgrade of that Fiio Fh9?

[@PortaFi]

sure, there are many good IEMs in 1000+ range that will be a decent upgrade

[@criticactual]

@@PortaFi but below 900€?

[@PortaFi]

TBH, I don't know any IEMs under 900 eur that I can objectively call FH9 upgrade. For a bit more, for example, you can get new CA Supermoon, and they should be a killer value. Also I really like Meze Advar, but it's more of subjective choice

[@criticactual]

How is comoare with Yanyin Cannon?

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately I haven't heard any Yanyin model

[@criticactual]

@@PortaFi and vs Fiio Fx15 or Hidisz Ms5? Thanks a lot.

[@PortaFi]

@@criticactual TBH, it's quite an unusual options, as they are really different in sound. I really like FX15, but keep in mind that poorly recorded tracks won't sound good with them

[@criticactual]

Fh9 or Raptgo Hook?

[@PortaFi]

I'd probably prefered FH9, but it's a subjective matter

[@Mehrdad_rad]

is loud ?

[@PortaFi]

for me yes, but I'm trying to avoid unhealthy loudness levels

[@ellison438]

FH7S vs FH9 comparison please.

[@PortaFi]

in short, FH9 is more neutral, more refined, more audiophiliac. FH7S created for fun: punchy base, sparkling treble, boosted emotions, etc. so it's a question of signature you prefer having both is a great option, but expensive of course :)

[@ellison438]

@@PortaFi Thank you so much! Now I'm gonna get the FH9. I love neutral sounding IEMs and it's been 4 years since I bought my last IEM.

[@PortaFi]

@@ellison438 great choice! enjoy it! :)

[@MannyScoot]

I really believe that the age of MMCX is over for me ......

[@PortaFi]

yep, MMCX sometimes can be faulty but unfortunately other connectors too

[@suicideme]

are this for real? omg

[@PortaFi]

nope, I've printed them on 3D printer to make fun ))) of course they are real

[@suicideme]

@@PortaFi, that makes more sense than fiio releasing another iem of that obsolete series

[@PortaFi]

@@suicideme it's actually not even close to being obsolete