In their approach to the market of personal audio Fiio try to cover a maximum of segments, practically in everyone achieving notable successes. Not so long ago, they began their movement in the segment of super budgetary solutions, introducing the M3 player, complete with which came the headphones-inserts. To develop the success, the company decided to launch another headset with a similar form factor, but higher in "level".
New , the case is the same as the model supplied with the M3 (it is logical to assume that the headphones have the EM1 index), but the increased impedance gives the use of another radiator. Everything else is completely similar to the "younger brother", so the price is expected to be low, EM3 is sold for about $ 10.
Specifications
- Emitter: dynamic, 14.8 mm
- Frequency range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Impedance: 47Ω
- Sensitivity: 109 dB / mW
- Cable: symmetrical, 1.2 m
- Plug: angled, gold-plated TRRS, 3.5 mm (CTIA standard)
- Weight: 13.6 grams
Packing and design
Headphones are sold in a simple oblong box of cardboard with restrained printing. Inside, the EM3 and three pairs of foam nozzles are neatly packaged.
The headphones use the same mold as the complete model from the M3, the difference is only in the color of the plastic used, here it is black (although the EM3 version in white also announced). The appearance of these inserts is the simplest, although not so much as with the Venture Electronics models. To the benefit of appearance are glossy plastic, neat "legs" of headphones and a metal mesh speaker. Fiio said that the production of this model deals with some of their OEM-partner, who has a rich experience in the production of headphones for famous brands. In general, this is felt, everything is collected for its price well.
Headphones normally sit in the ears, although with a foam nozzle, I personally get better fixation. Wearing comfortable, soundproofing is traditionally close to zero for the form factor.
The cable is also quite simple, although it does not harden and does not strongly microphone in the frost. On the wire leading to the right earpiece, there is a one-button headset that works with different smartphones, and with Apple players.
In general, everything is subject to the principle of "modestly, but cleanly," if the headphones did not cost $ 10, you could find fault, but they cost just that much.
Sound
The following equipment was used for listening:
- NuPrime DAC-10H and Resonessence Labs Concero HP as DAC and Amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2013 as a source
- Fidelia as a player
- Fiio X7 and Luxury & Precission L5Pro as portable players
- VSonic Gr01, Dunu Titan 1 and Dunu DN-2000J as headphones for comparison
- High Definition Records in Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening to the headphones were warmed for 48 hours.
The main thing that should be taken into account when reading the reviews on the "loose leaves" is that they are incredibly dependent on planting, and the shape of the auricle is unique for everyone, so each listener's personal experience with such models may vary greatly. Even simple pressing the headphones with your fingers "deeper" gives a noticeable change in the sound. I use these headphones with foam nozzles and when I try to always try to press them harder, this allows me to achieve more bass. In general, Fiio took a rather unexpected step and tuned the sound of the EM3 in a neutral key, without the typical U-shaped color, typical for most low-cost models. Please note that I take into account the price of this model and build your feedback with the initial segment taken into account.
The bass is very tight, but neutral. Quantitatively, it is slightly smaller than in EM1, but it has better texture and dynamics. This is clearly not a model for bassheads and fans of "kacha", but the basis for music bass here asks pretty well. In addition, the bass does not creep on the midrange, and it's also expensive.
The average frequencies are surprisingly good both in detail and in the overall balance. These inserts are quite good at playing out the separation of plans, they are slightly pushing the vocal forward against the background of other instruments, and this is in favor of simple sources, which usually have a completely shallow sound. More or less normally, EM3 can handle the emotions and character of the instruments. The imaginary scene is slightly better than the average in width, the form factor of this model helps it a lot.
The HF is bright enough, the headphones do not try to mask them, so without the baits they sound rather harsh. With HF drills, the HF becomes more collected, the excessive lordship leaves, although at the price of this is a small decrease in the permit for MF. I think that the compromise here would have nozzles with a hole in the center, but I have not yet gotten the hands to experiment.
Naturally, this review would not be complete without comparison with the main competitor in the face of VE Monk (the first version, the second I did not hear). Monk have a more massive and "fascinating" sound, they have a heavier bass and slightly less high frequencies. On the other hand, EM3 has better emotion and resolution for MF, so they do not have such a noticeable effect of simplifying the nature of instruments. Roughly speaking, Monk will be better for mass genres such as modern pop music, electronics, rap, and the strong side of EM3 is classic, jazz, vocal and other similar genres.
Compatibility
It is very good that in this model Fiio increased the impedance. 47Ω is a value that is comfortable for most smartphones and for modern players. Naturally, these inserts are aimed at entry-level devices and play well even with smartphones. Of course, the EM3 is also good with the entry-level players Fiio M3 and X1.
The genre model is universal enough with a correction for filing, so first of all I would address it to financially limited fans of monitor feed. Critical to the quality of the record - the average, somewhere on 6 points out of 10.
The headset microphone is surprisingly good. Of course, it's better to bring it closer to the mouth during conversations, but the quality of voice transmission is quite good.
conclusions
A very interesting step from Fiio. In fact, they offer the bought M3 another, more neutral and balanced supply, without spending too much money. In this section, we can assume that the EM3 is a "probe" of a more adult sound, allowing you to understand whether you should even think about raising the level of the entire bundle. Separately, I want to note that I am pleased with the growth in quality of liners, observed recently, it is very likely that this form factor is soon awaiting a new round of interest.
The article is based on materials .
Comments
Post a Comment