Review on 🎧 FiiO FD1 Wired Hi-Res Earbuds with Beryllium-Plated Dynamic Driver, 4-Stranded High-Purity Monocrystalline Copper Cable, 0.78pin, Strong Bass - Blue (No Mic) by Lauren Negron

After unboxing them, the first thing that made me scratch my head was their size. I wouldn't normally expect the case to be this large unless it were crammed with drivers, and certainly not after some other single dynamic driver IEMs I have (E2000 and E2RXR). Nevertheless, they are very light and still fit well. The 2 pin connector is a welcome feature instead of the MMCX which I don't really like. The cable is probably the best I've had in this price range or below (and way better than even the more expensive options, especially the Blessing 2). Just great! Reminds me of a piece of Twizzlers liquorice. The same goes for the FD3, but even more impressively, the FD1 is the cheaper and more budget-friendly option. No complaints... except for the horn tube, which I immediately cut off. A typical Fiios mounting set and a transparent clamshell case are included as standard. True, they lowered the price and threw the jets into rolled-up packages, rather than labeling and dividing them into cards like FD3 did. Unfortunately, as the first in the IEM FD family, the FD1 doesn't have interchangeable heads like the FD3. and FD5. At this price, that's completely normal. But this further reduces the sound combinations you can play with. For me, the Spinfit CP100 had the best combination of fit and sound, but the included bass tips were the second best I've tried. I know I had a really good sounding tip that could have been my Xelastecs, but whatever they were, they didn't reliably fit me. As with any IEM, try any advice you can get. Sounds wise, I confess I really liked these when I received them. I once compared it to the FH3 and at half the price I thought they were a bargain! I've been using them on the go and at work for quite some time due to their lightness and cheap price. And they sounded damn good! Despite being a bit bright, they still had that dynamic driver bass and neither of them drowned out the mids. Quite acceptable for the price. Sometimes it seems to me that expectations of budget devices are modest, and that's why it sounds even better than it actually is. Because of that, I just enjoyed them while I had them. But it was only after the comparisons were made that I began to understand where they sat. Siblings appear, FD3 and FD5. It's immediately clear that the FD1 is inferior in build quality. Lightweight plastic body with visible stitching versus a solid metal body with a seamless look. Oddly enough, the FD1 also looks cheaper because its body is oddly huge. Only when you listen to all 3 pieces of the puzzle does the puzzle begin to fall into place. While Fiio has created a near-perfect chain of command when you level up (as opposed to *cough* Grado *cough*) that really draws attention to the predecessors. FD1 is by far the brightest of the bunch. It has the Fiio heights I've read so much about. Hard, hard, just not so comfortable. The soundstage is smaller than either, although that's to be expected given it's not a semi-open design like the other two. The FD3 is pretty much the best the FD1 has to offer, and not by a long shot. All for an extra $40? EASY choice! I think Fiio lowered the price of the FD1 over the FD3. On the other hand, FD3 to FD5 has a more realistic price structure. That being said, I think the price of the FD1 should come down to $49.99. A comparison with FD5 is useless. Attach the connection cable to both hands and press the big red button. That visceral bass appears, an enveloping soundstage, much more refined highs and the music awakens! Ask me a few months ago and I would have given the FD1 5 stars as it is great value for money. After that experience I hate to say he was exposed so instead I'll just say he was cannibalized by FD3. I still like him, but I can't hear him side by side with his siblings. As with all audio gear, it can be easy to get used to and appreciate over time, but I can't help but hear these comparisons. I'll give it 4 stars, 5 if Fiio decides to drop it $10 ($49.99) to get it below the $50 price point. It would be nice to offer the FD1 in more colors just to further differentiate it from its two more "serious" siblings. Anyway, have these tips ready and get ready!