FiiO FF3S (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005006078629914.html
After trying out their over-ear headphones, the FT3, I was curious to see what FiiO had to offer in terms of more pocketable earphones. The company’s latest addition in this range is the FF3S, a revamped version of the FF3. Costing €110 on the official AliExpress store at the time of writing, it comes with the following items:
Specs of the FiiO FF3S can be found below:
As with other FiiO products, the FF3S packs a premium build quality. The aluminium shell of the earpieces ensure that they are sturdy and the matte finish endows them with a nice look and finish while making them lightweight.
Of note, each earpiece’s cable is detachable, which is a rather uncommon feature of earphones. But then again, these are not common earphones but €110 ones. Having detachable cables is a very welcome feature as it enables replacement in case of damage or to swap with cables of different materials easier. Also swappable is the plug. The default 3.5mm plug can be unscrewed and swapped with an included 4.4mm one, further catering to a wider range of uses and repairability.
While in use, the FF3S reflects FiiO’s audio expertise. The large 14.2mm dynamic driver outputs a clear soundscape, with textured bass, balanced mid and treble that combine to make subtle audio cues discernible. The audio quality is also enhanced thanks to the combination of a beryllium-plated dome and PU gasket dynamic driver.
It’s an adequate companion for listening to your playlists on a dedicated audio player like the FiiO M15S or to enjoy gaming soundtracks on a handheld like the AYANEO Pocket Air. The latter has been my main use case for the FF3S thanks to its portability and the included velcro strap helps keep the cable from tangling while stored in my bag or pocket.
While the FF3S won’t disappoint in terms of audio, there are some areas where FiiO could still improve. As with the FT3, comfort could be improved. Even if the FF3S comes with a range of different covers for the earpieces, they are not that comfortable, Comfort would be enhanced if they were more padded, allowing them to be used for longer stretches. Another aspect that could be improved is with in-line controls. This might be up to personal preferences but I prefer being able to control at least the volume from the earpiece, rather than having to reach out to the source device.
Even if the FiiO FF3S is a pricey pair of earphones, it will definitely appeal to audiophiles and those looking for a pair of high quality, durable and pocketable earphones. It could be improved in terms of comfort but the high quality audio output and replaceable components help set it apart.
Verdict
- High quality audio output
- Build quality
- Detachable cable and plug
- Covers could be more padded
- No in-line controls
Reviews
RayNeo Air 2 AR glasses and JoyDock Gaming Bundle
Augmented reality (AR) glasses have become popular gaming companions recently. TCL’s AR branch, RayNeo even has a dedicated bundle, featuring the RayNeo Air 2 and JoyDock, aimed at the Nintendo Switch. Is this the AR gaming upgrade you’ve been looking for?
Outcast 2: A New Beginning
Outcast 2: A New Beginning is an Action-Adventure game available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Read Only Memories: Neurodriver
Collect clues in your subject's memories, fix distorted fragments inside them, and push the Golden Butterfly out!
FiiO CP13
The CP13 cassette player is the first in FiiO’s Retro line of products. Does the audio specialist do a good job at bringing back analogue music players?
NuPhy Gem80 Mechanical Keyboard
An exclusively-barebones keyboard, we check out NuPhy’s latest release in the Gem80!
Site & Scene News
New Hot Discussed
Review RayNeo Air 2 AR glasses and JoyDock Gaming Bundle
Dan Houser's Absurd Ventures to launch an audio fiction series set in their upcoming game's universe
Pimax introduces new 'Trial Payment, Final Payment' model for its VR headsets
Co-op horror FPS 'Ripout' to exit Early Access this month
Review Read Only Memories: Neurodriver
Ubisoft reveals 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' which is set to launch later this year
RetroArch is now available in the Apple Store for iOS devices
Review NuPhy Gem80 Mechanical Keyboard
PS1 emulator "Gamma" has been added to the Apple Store for iOS devices
ArticBase, a tool to broadcast your 3DS games to an emulator, has been released
Nintendo Switch firmware update 18.0.1 has been released
Nintendo officially confirms Switch successor console, announces Nintendo Direct for next month
New static recompiler tool N64Recomp aims to seamlessly modernize N64 games
TheFloW releases new PPPwn kernel exploit for PS4, works on firmware 11.00
Delta emulator now available on the App Store for iOS
Nintendo takes down Gmod content from Steam's Workshop
Name the Switch successor: what should Nintendo call its new console?
A prototype of the original "The Legend of Zelda" for NES has been found and preserved
Anbernic reveals specs details of pocket-sized RG28XX retro handheld
DOOM has been ported to the retro game console in Persona 5 Royal
Name the Switch successor: what should Nintendo call its new console?
Nintendo officially confirms Switch successor console, announces Nintendo Direct for next month
Nintendo takes down Gmod content from Steam's Workshop
New static recompiler tool N64Recomp aims to seamlessly modernize N64 games
Delta emulator now available on the App Store for iOS
Nintendo Switch firmware update 18.0.1 has been released
TheFloW releases new PPPwn kernel exploit for PS4, works on firmware 11.00
"Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition", a new NES Remix-like game, launching July 18th
DOOM has been ported to the retro game console in Persona 5 Royal
Ubisoft reveals 'Assassin's Creed Shadows' which is set to launch later this year