Fiio Autumn Product Launch Event 2017
Well, Fiio certainly are a busy, busy bunch. Just recently they launched their BTR1 and Q1 Mark II.
Now, they’ve introduced the world to their greatly anticipated Q5 DAC/AMP and F9 Pro IEMs. However, they also surprised us with two more announcements – their FH1 dual-hybrid IEM, as well as their very own music player app for iOS.
Q5
This product was mentioned well over a year ago, quite possibly more than two years ago. The premise was that it would be a DAC/AMP combo with built in wireless functionality and swappable amp modules like we’ve seen on the original X7 and recently released X7 Mark II.
Well, Fiio certainly delivered. The Q5 looks to be a handsome bugger, sharing a number of design elements from Fiio’s DAPs. The swappable amp modules are the exact same ones used by the X7-series of devices, so those modules will be cross-compatible. Fiio clearly spent a lot of time on the Q5.
Inside are a pair of AK4490EN DAC chips. This seems to be the exact same setup used in the X5 3rd Gen. As such we can only speculate that the Q5 would have a similar sound to the X5 3rd Gen, but we’d have to wait and see how the Q5 performs in real life.
Unfortunately, there is no Wi-Fi capability, but the Q5 can act as a bluetooth DAC. Essentially, Fiio have pretty much built the BTR1 into the Q5, albeit with more complex and higher quality components.
A price-tag of $349.99 has been announced for units sold in the US.
Read: Fiio X7 Mark II Music Player Review
F9 Pro
Not long after announcing the F9, Fiio also announced that they’ll be releasing a ‘Pro’ version, as well as a Limited Edition version as well. No info on the Limited Edition model has been released, but the F9 Pro is now officially been introduced.
Like the regular F9, the F9 Pro is a triple driver hybrid design consisting of a dynamic driver, as well as a dual balanced armature driver (basically, to BA’s stuck together to make it a single package). Compared to the regular F9, the F9 Pro’s dual balanced armature driver unit has been changed to a Knowles TWFK-30017-000 unit.
However, Fiio’s published frequency response graphs for both the F9 and F9 Pro appear to be identical, so one can only speculate if the Pro version has any acoustical advantage over the regular version.
The F9 Pro does up the ante with more included bits and pieces than the original F9. A total of 12 pairs of eartips of varying sizes and types are included, as well as a neoprene pouch along with the same HB1 case included with the F9 and F5. US-pricing will be $139.99.
Read: Fiio F9 In Ear Headphone Review
FH1
Adding to their more budget-friendly line (under-$100 range), Fiio announced their FH1 IEM.
Where as both the regular F9 and F9 Pro houses a triple driver hybrid design, the FH1 is a dual driver hybrid design. In following with Fiio’s #InfinitySound, the FH1 comes with both a regular 3.5mm single ended cable, as well as a 2.5mm balanced cable.
Judging from the frequency response graph provided by Fiio, the FH1 it seems will be tilted toward a slightly more bassy signature.
The FH1 will also be available in 4 different colours.
Pricing in the US for the FH1 has been set at $74.99
Check out our range of Fiio products!
Fiio Music iOS App
The final surprise of the event was the introduction of Fiio’s own music player app.
Unfortunately, it’s only for iOS – at least for the moment, as the Android version is apparently still under development.
DSD fans rejoice! The app brings native DSD capability to your iOS device.
