Closer Examination

FiiO has introduced a few different upgrade cables this year, including many modular cables that use different connection mechanisms for the plugs. Some of these even have support for digital plugs with an integrated DAC similar to what DUNU has done, but those remain an aftermarket option at this time. The cable bundled with the FiiO FH7S is quite imposing nonetheless with a simpler push-fit mechanism for its 3.5 mm TRS single-ended and 4.4 mm TRRS balanced plug connections headed to the source. I initially thought this unit was perhaps missing the 2.5 mm balanced plug, only to realize the FH7S is deliberately omiting it. It's an interesting thought, and one I do agree with now that the 2.5 mm connector has been mostly superceded with the 4.4 mm one for those who want a balanced connection, but it also means the FH7S with its stock cable is not the most compatible even with FiiO's own portable DAC/amps released as early as this year itself. The cable itself is 8-stranded with 152 wires (19 per strand) of silver-plated monocrystalline copper, with individual isolation and Litz braiding in a grayish brown sleeve. The various metal elements get a glossy gunmetal gray finish to better match the rest of the cable, including the splitter with FiiO branding, and the source plug housing with a knurled finish to aid in the swapping. The cable cinch could be tighter but does the job in holding the two split channels in place down the back of your head or under your chin, depending on how you orient the cable. It's also not microphonic in the slightest, which is arguably the most important task for IEM cables, and is easy enough to re-shape as necessary. A thicker, transparent plastic sheathing comes up closer to the ends, where we see pre-formed ear hooks to naturally fit around and over your ears. The physical connection to the IEMs is via an expanded MMCX connector on each end, which is housed inside a transparent plug case with blue and red rings to denote the left and right channels. All the plugs are gold-plated for oxidation resistance.


Semi-open IEMs were a new thing to me back when I reviewed the FiiO FH5s, and yet the months since have brought up a variety of semi-open back IEMs from companies including FiiO, 64 Audio, and Raptgo to name a few. With the FH7S, FiiO is using what it calls a 2nd gen semi-open design that comes in the form of a face plate with layers built into it that have air-guide nets placed underneath holes cut into the shell material. There are silver and gold-colored trims for aesthetics and to help clearly mark the closed vs. open sections of the CNC-machined aluminium alloy shells, which are supposedly designed to look like science fiction armor. Okay then! What matters more to me is that the shells continue to have ergonomics in mind with rounded corners given the many sides making up the form factor here, and overall build quality is quite good given the all-metal construction.


Here's a closer look at the face plates and the layered semi-open back with the chamfered edges that get the decorative trims. In person it's a lot more subtle and I will also mention here that the FiiO FH7S only comes in this black color option that gets a matte finish. A smaller vent is on the inside next to L/R markings to help indicate the left and right channels but FiiO goes extra here with blue/red rings around the MMCX connectors as on the cable itself. The side view also reveals that the two-piece construction of these shells includes a relatively thick face plate section itself. These already come with a generic set of silicone ear tips in place, and removing them provides a closer look at the relatively stubby stainless steel nozzle which also acts as a tuning filter. There is a pre-installed metal mesh on the end to help prevent contaminants from entering the acoustic chamber.


As suspected, the balanced tuning filters/tubes/nozzles with the white O-rings, come installed out of the box. Unscrewing one provides a closer look at the (what I suspect to be) Knowles dampers acting as notch filters and we also see one of the BA drivers used in the FA7S itself. Comparing the three different types of tuning filters reveals different levels of dampers used, to where we can expect to see bass/balanced/treble-optimized tuning that ultimately will just dictate how much the BA driver present in the nozzle affects the overall tonality.


There are far too many ear tips included with the FiiO FH7s to review them all, so I will only show here the two new ones in the form of the FiiO HS18 ultra-thin silicone ear tips, as well as the SpinFit CP145 both in size M next to the pre-installed generic silicone tips in sized M too. I have to say these new FiiO HS18 tips are very comfortable in that you almost don't feel them at all. These would be quite handy with IEMs that have a wide nozzle that the FH7S itself doesn't, with its fairly typical 5.5 mm nozzle. The HS18 also has a larger bore that is uniform throughout the length of the ear tips and FiiO claims this helps reduce unwanted resonances. On the other hand, the SpinFit CP145 features a unique pivot point that you can take advantage of to get a more secure fit if you have ear canals that take a turn one way or another. The bottom line is that you should make sure to try out the various ear tips and sizes, and keep in mind that both ear canals don't need to have the best seal with the same size or set, either. Regardless of which ear tips you go with, the next step is to re-connect the cable by carefully identifying the matching channels and orienting the ear hooks around your ear when connecting the IEMs using the MMCX connectors—don't worry if you feel it requires more force to get them in with a satisfying click. Now connect the 3.5 mm TRS or 4.4 mm TRRS plug with the source of your choice. I know there are many who prefer using IEMs throughout, but I like to use over-ear headphones when sitting down and IEMs on the go. I paired the FiiO FH7S with many of the portable DAC/amps tested to date and thought the FiiO BTR7 (review coming soon) was excellent.