FIIO FA9 REVIEW: Smooth naturalness with mature neutral tuning

FIIO really impress me this time with how maturely tuned is their FA9 IEM, it isn’t an easy task to offer such a well-balanced sound using that many drivers and the tonal cohesion are very fluid. I admire the new acoustic design and the use of a super long sound tube for the dual woofer BA sure worth my respect. I see the FA9 like a laboratory for new future tunings experiment that opens new doors for balanced armature sound projection. While the sound switch did not turn as useful as I thought due to overly subtle change in sound signature, I respect the effort and think it could be quite a plus for those enamored with the overall tonality of FA9.

For 500$, the FIIO FA9 offers a well-built universal custom that is very comfortable and has high passive noise isolation, incredible packaging with a lot of accessories and ear tips and a smooth neutral sound that is perfect for a long listening session. The FA9 isn’t a fun sounding iem and even if the bass dig deep it isn’t for basshead at all, it’s neither for the treble head, but perhaps more interesting for serious mids lover that search life-like vocal and instrument in this range. The resolution is high without sounding analytical or cold, it’s calm and limpid like a beautiful lake on sunset with water that is perfectly lukewarm for a relaxing and contemplative musical immersion.

For those who like serenely lush neutrality and enjoy IEM like Final Audio E4000 or wish that Final Audio B3 sound smoother, I think the FA9 can be an interesting step up to for even better macro-resolution and cleaner mids. While the FA9 isn’t a giant killer in terms of value, it offers a sound that became tastier and tastier with time, like a fine wine full of nuance to be discovered by the mature audiophile gourmet.

--------------------------------------------

Author: rikfictif; From: nobsaudiophile.wordpress.com

Head over to the site to continue the reading: >> Click here