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Other than the redesigned shell, this change in the dynamic driver material constitutes the main difference between the FD3 and its older brother the FD5. Highs are softer and more rolled off with Autumn, yet less grainy and better controlled and balanced than FD3 too. FiiO FD3 is just an exemplary example of such art, I admire him (or rather, before the people who did it). Tonal balance is a bit similar with those two, but FD3 is notably more boosted in mid bass and overall more V shape and bassy in it’s presentation with less well separeted bass and more fowards and energic presentation.
Bass is certainly fuller, weightier, more tight, better controlled and layered with greater dynamic contrast and impact. The FD3 offers also two different Interchangeable Sound Tubes like the FD5, one bass and one balanced sound tube. It’s a very cool-looking IEM, thanks to the diamond-cut faceplate and I still use them at this very moment. Treble is enhanced using the pro cable and the treble filter which provide the greatest treble energy and sparkle out of all the configurations. You mention it has a pretty dull tuning overall while at the same time claiming that it is tuned by Fiio while keeping the fun factor in mind.On desktop- N6ii LO and A30s (Burson V5i D) and XDUOO MT602 Sylvania tubes (not so beautiful pairing but then low gain on N6ii and also volume at 04 ) has been used. The FiiO FD3 has a nicely airy, bright and detailed treble presentation with a good sense of control, even with the black sound tuning tube that gives a slightly boost to the lower and upper treble regions.
Moreover, it comes with some interesting features such like an acoustic prism design, changeable sound tuning tubes and a semi acoustic open design. I used the Tenhz SPC cable since I didn’t have any mmcx good SPC cable with me, there was increased depth, better balance in the notes, better separation and good air. There is a specific dip in the midrange, followed by a peak in the upper midrange that gives music energy and good overall detail, but which can sound unnatural with rock in particular, turning some cymbals hot. Accessory pack is the same excluding the FH3 cable which is an old style design of worse quality while we consider the FD3 to fit more comfortably and securely in the ear.Similar to the FD5, the FD3/Pro is also equipped with an acoustic prism that will eliminate high frequency standing waves, while enhancing overall sound wave diffusion. The midbass are fairly pronounced, from instruments like the cross drum, up to the trumpets, while the general presentation is musical and entertaining. The FD3 comes with a Pelican-style hardshell storage case, three sets of S/M/L silicon tips (Balanced, Vocal, and Bass), two sets of medium memory foam tips, an MMCX tool, a cleaning brush, a set of treble tuning nozzles (in addition to the installed bass nozzles), and cable.
When it comes to instrument presentation in this area, I can say that the FiiO FD3 shows a warmer than neutral tonality, along with a pretty vibrant, musical and smooth character. But nothing could save this IEM for me or give it a big enough push in performance for me to rate it any better than I have here. This collection includes 9 pairs of silicone ear tips (Bass, Balanced and Vocal) and 2 pairs of memory foam ear tips. FD3 is fairly easy to drive and doesn't require much in terms of source, but they will scale nicely with a better source. Putting it to High gain did increase some stage height but I think it’s the volume that made me feel it rather than current driven into the iem.The actual sound is more peppy in the treble on FD3, which has more sparkle and air, while Meteor sounds more smooth and rolled off in the treble. The semi-open design of the FD3 is based on FiiO’s patented technology for balanced air pressure within brings several advantages. Since I don’t like black filter and feel it become agressive bright, slightly sibilant and a bit unbalanced, this review is all about red filter but black filter sure add more treble energy and bite which might please treble head.
Notes are nicely defined except the edges, which feel to have been having less extension or blunted.
Bass: As mentioned above, the bass is extremely percussive in character, and is given a quite healthy boost in quantity in addition to its excellent extension. My one complaint is that the MMCX cable connectors spin somewhat easily out of box, which gives me a bit of cause for concern regarding longevity. The same can be said about the way FD3 presents music, there are lots of textures and they have good resolution, but they never get harsh, fatiguing, sibilant or metallic.
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