FiiO FP3 : Precision meets Musicality

Pros:

1. Balanced Tuning: Fun yet refined sound signature with lush mids, deep bass, and sparkly treble.

2. Technical Performance: Good resolution, imaging, and dynamic range for the price.

3. Premium Build: Lightweight design with solid wood faceplates and a comfortable fit.

4. Accessories: Comes with a quality silver-plated copper cable, a sturdy HB11 case, and multiple ear tips.

5. Versatility: Works well wired or wirelessly with FiiO UTWS5, and is easy to drive.

Cons: 

1. Bass Decay: Slightly slower bass decay may feel rounded for tight bass-heavy genres.

2. Cable Stiffness: The included cable, though premium, is a bit stiff.

3. Soundstage: While good, it’s not the widest or most holographic in its class.

The FiiO FP3 marks the company’s first venture into the burgeoning world of planar in-ear monitors, offering a self-developed, meticulously engineered solution to audiophiles seeking the clarity and detail of planar drivers without sacrificing practicality or affordability. After spending a week with the FP3, both in a wired configuration and paired wirelessly with the FiiO UTWS5 (2025), I’m convinced that this IEM strikes a near-perfect balance between fun and maturity, delivering engaging yet refined sound quality.

Background and Development

The FP3 project began in Q3 2022, during a period when planar IEMs started flooding the market. While many brands opted for off-the-shelf planar drivers, FiiO took the road less traveled, embarking on an ambitious journey of in-house research and development. This decision was motivated by a desire to address the shortcomings of existing planar drivers, such as inconsistent quality, missing frequency ranges, and overly distinct tonal imbalances. Over two years of development, FiiO experimented with various diaphragm materials, coatings, and structural designs, ultimately crafting a 14.5mm planar driver that combines performance, durability, and affordability.

Whats in the box:

The FP3 comes with a selection of accessories, including:

A 392-wire silver-plated copper cable

A premium HB11 storage case

Six pairs of ear tips (balanced and treble-focused)

A quick-start guide

Design and Build Quality

The FP3 doesn’t just perform well; it’s also a visual treat. Featuring a 3D-printed ear shell, a zinc alloy middle frame, and a solid wood faceplate, it has a premium feel without being ostentatious. Two color options—Black Walnut and Rosewood—and looks really classy, with the natural grain of the wood lending a unique character to each unit.

Despite housing a large 14.5mm planar driver, the FP3 is remarkably lightweight at just 6.5g per unit. The ergonomic design ensures a snug, comfortable fit, i have doubts when i first saw the fp3 that it my have fit issues but thanks to its quite long nozzle its really comfortable and sealse very well on my ears rivaling some custom IEMs in fit and seal.

The detachable cable adds to the versatility, featuring 392 wires of silver-plated copper for excellent conductivity and durability. The standard 3.5mm to 0.78mm 2-pin design also ensures compatibility with a wide range of third-party cables, i like the color and material used but i find it just a little bit stiff.. and also Type-C version with DSP decoding is slated for release in late 2025.

Sound Performance

Bass:

The FP3’s bass response is where things get interesting. The subbass extends deep, delivering a satisfying rumble that anchors tracks without overshadowing the mids. There’s a tactile weight to the low end that gives music a palpable sense of depth and dimension. The midbass, on the other hand, is punchy and prominent, with a lush, textured quality. However, it has a slower decay, which works well in adding richness to the mids but may occasionally feel slightly rounded for genres that demand tighter bass control.

In tracks with heavy basslines, like electronic or hip-hop, the FP3 brings the thump you crave while maintaining a sense of musicality. It’s not bass-head territory, but the balance here is more about quality than sheer quantity.

Mids:

The FP3 handles the midrange beautifully, offering a lush and engaging presentation. Male vocals carry warmth and weight, while female vocals are clear and vivid without coming across as sharp or sibilant. The slower midbass decay bleeds a touch into the lower mids, giving them a richer, fuller body, which adds emotional weight to ballads and acoustic tracks.

Instrumental separation in the mids is impressive, especially for this price point. Strings and keys resonate naturally, while guitars maintain a crunchy edge in rock tracks. The mids feel well-balanced, avoiding any overshadowing from the bass or treble.

Treble:

Here’s where the FP3 starts to truly shine. The treble is characterized by a notable peak that acts as the glue tying the entire sound together. It adds a sense of clarity, air, and sparkle, which complements the warm bass and textured mids. This peak doesn’t feel harsh but rather gives life to cymbals, hi-hats, and upper harmonics, ensuring that the FP3 never sounds dull or overly dark.

The treble also plays a crucial role in defining the FP3’s technical performance. The resolution and microdetail retrieval are excellent for a planar IEM in this price range, allowing you to pick up subtle nuances in well-mastered tracks. It’s energetic yet controlled, striking a fine balance that avoids fatigue during longer listening sessions.

Soundstage, Imaging, and Dynamics

The FP3’s soundstage is moderately expansive, offering a good sense of width and depth. It’s not the widest or most holographic presentation out there, but it creates a realistic and engaging listening space. Instruments are well-placed, with imaging that feels precise and deliberate. Whether it’s a jazz trio or a sprawling orchestral piece, the FP3 handles layering with finesse, ensuring each element has its place.

Dynamic range is another highlight. The FP3 transitions smoothly between soft and loud passages, lending emotional impact to tracks with dramatic shifts. The overall presentation is lively and engaging.

Tuning Balance and Synergy

The FP3’s tuning strikes a balance between fun and refinement, appealing to both casual listeners and discerning audiophiles. Its bass and treble complement each other beautifully, with the mids sitting comfortably in the mix. The treble peak, while prominent, adds clarity and excitement without ever becoming grating.

The synergy between the slower bass decay and the energetic treble is particularly noteworthy. This pairing keeps the sound grounded and dynamic, ensuring the FP3 feels neither too analytical nor overly relaxed. It’s a tuning that works across a variety of genres, from pop and rock to classical and jazz.

Technical Highlights:

1. Self-Developed Planar Driver:
The 14.5mm driver features a 1μm diaphragm with titanium-aluminum dual-coating and 14 N52 neodymium magnets. This design ensures excellent resolution, high-frequency extension, and a soundstage that feels expansive and immersive.

2. Tesla Bass Technology:
FiiO’s patented F.T.B.S system enhances bass extension and depth while maintaining clarity and balance across the frequency spectrum.

3. Advanced Manufacturing:
The use of 28nm chip-level coating technology allows for precise etching of the voice coil, improving durability and performance.

4. Easy to Drive:
With a sensitivity of 105dB/mW and an impedance of 32Ω, the FP3 is surprisingly easy to drive for a planar IEM, performing well with USB dongles or portable amplifiers and specially the Fiio UTWS5 bluetooth adaptor.

Concluision:

The FiiO FP3 is a triumph of design and engineering, offering a sound signature that balances fun and refinement with technical prowess that belies its price point. From its deep and tight textured bass to its sparkling treble and moderately sized soundstage, the FP3 excels in delivering a truly engaging listening experience. Combined with its premium build quality, lightweight design, and thoughtful accessories.

At its price point, the FP3 is a true overachiever, delivering a blend of sonic performance, build quality, and versatility that’s tough to match. If you’re hunting for a planar IEM that strikes an impressive balance between musicality and technicality, the FP3 is absolutely worth your attention. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to a friend seeking a well-crafted planar IEM with a premium design and high-quality materials, it’s a standout in its class.

Non-afiliated links:

https://th.aliexpress.com/item/1005007948436998.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2tha

https://hifigo.com/products/fiio-fp...LPz32_LyAJhiTxZTgeo82hgkMLaR4NKLVhmE3SsoVsWbM