Packaging and Accessories

FiiO's packaging and unboxing experience is usually a strong first statement, and the FA7s is no exception. We get a thick cardboard box with a black base and glossy iridescent printing that changes color depending on the viewing angle and that of incident light. On the front is the company logo and product name with a large render of one of the IEMs and salient marketing features. This continues on the back and sides with engineering drawings, company contact information, and a creatively illustrated list of contents. The side shows a two-piece packaging with an outer sleeve over the inner box that is easily slid off.


The inner box is made out of thick cardboard in a matte black finish and simpler render of the shells with the FiiO slogan "born for music" below. The lid opens up from the side akin to a thick book, and a generic FiiO IEM user manual (online copy here) is first up. It goes over how to install and remove the IEM cable with the MMCX tool and best use the included modular IEM cable. These are all teasers for what follows as the IEMs are neatly packed in a thick foam sheet with the cable pre-installed. The carry case is in its own foam compartment.


The same FiiO HB1 hard case as with the FiiO FD3 and FHE:Eclipse IEMs is used, and I am a fan overall. It has a see-through polycarbonate lid and is a sturdy, element-resistant storage and travel option. FiiO claims it is waterproof, but that is a bold claim without mentioning testing conditions, and the lack of an O-ring seal makes it harder to believe. Regardless, this case with a sturdy hinge and lock on the side is a very good option for daily use. Inside is the MMCX tool, which is just a simple piece of stamped metal with the FiiO musical notes logo. It will come in handy once we have removed the IEMs and cable from the packaging.


The bottom layer is where FiiO makes its mark again with plenty of accessories: A cleaning brush, white PU leather two-way magnetic clasp with the FiiO logo, modular connector plugs for 2.5 and 4.4 mm TRRS balanced connections, and whole host of ear tips are neatly labeled and placed inside a foam sheet of their own. These come in different sizes and materials—silicone and memory foam. There are tips designed for bass, vocals, and balanced music playback, as well as double-flanged ones for a deeper, more isolating fit.


I previously removed the pre-installed size-M balanced ear tips and placed them in the group photo, but FiiO packages the FA7s with the cable and tips pre-installed. It's a small touch that adds a lot to the rather involved unboxing experience as impatient customers might not want to fuss around with various options to instead try the earphones out as soon as possible. Regardless, for our closer separate examination, we need to take them apart. This is where the MMCX tool comes in since FiiO's MMCX connectors can be notoriously tight. Use it as a lever to carefully separate the cable from the ear buds without damaging anything.