FiiO FH19 Review – The Technical Champion
2DD+6BA Flagship IEM
The FiiO FH19 is a new hybrid in-ear monitor (IEM) set with specially designed drivers and advanced technology. They aim to rival high-end models from well-known brands such as Sennheiser and Shure. The FH19 allows users to customize sound profiles, making it a great option for audiophiles who want a personalized listening experience.
The FH9 was introduced three years ago as FiiO’s first high-end flagship hybrid earphone. Featuring vibrant dynamics, an expansive soundstage, and pleasing audio quality, it garnered enthusiastic acclaim from HiFi enthusiasts globally at the time of its launch. Over time, it has established itself within the audiophile community as an exemplary model of “balanced earphones,” surpassing FiiO’s initial expectations in terms of popularity. Even today, it remains a formidable contender in the earphone market.
The new FiiO FH19 is a major improvement, built from user suggestions. It keeps the unique sound and top-quality build of the FH9, and it was developed in collaboration with Tokyo Onkyo Ltd. in Japan and Knowles in the USA. This model boasts an advanced acoustic design. Plus, the fit has been reworked to better match the shape of the human ear, ensuring a comfortable experience.
Two dynamic six BA driver configuration
The new FiiO FH19 features a flagship-worthy dual dynamic and six-balanced armature driver configuration. Handling the bass is an all-new push-pull dual dynamic driver unit co-developed with Tokyo Onkyo Ltd. in Japan. This driver features greatly enhanced low-frequency extension, cohesion, and speed.
The mid-to-high frequencies are handled by specially customized Knowles-enhanced midrange balanced armature drivers, which achieve greater sound energy density.
Push-pull dual dynamic driver unit
FiiO, in collaboration with Tokyo Onkyo Co. Ltd., has developed a push-pull dual dynamic driver unit for the FH19, based on push-pull technology used in high-end audio. This technology employs two 13.7mm high-magnetic dynamic drivers with PU+DLC composite diaphragms, arranged in an opposing configuration. When the diaphragms move back and forth, the overall movement direction of the two dynamic drivers remains consistent, ensuring phase consistency. This effectively doubles the driving force, and the diaphragms can provide air damping to each other. This makes the dynamic drivers exhibit more stable movement and fully suppress any residual sound after the audio signal stops.
Compared to typical dynamic drivers, push-pull dual dynamic drivers require only half the amplitude to achieve the target sound pressure level. This results in smaller diaphragm displacement, significantly improving linear driving performance and further reducing intermodulation distortion, allowing the driver unit to deliver cleaner sound.
Custom Knowles – Enhanced mids BAs
The FiiO FH19 uses six Knowles balanced armature drivers as its mid and high-frequency sound units. To achieve even higher levels of vocal sound quality, FiiO collaborated with Knowles to create a custom mid-frequency-enhanced balanced armature driver.
By adding acoustic vents to the rear cavity of the driver, the mid-frequency driver gains more sound energy compared to typical mid-frequency drivers. This further unlocks the inherent advantages of the mid-frequency driver.
Semi-open design
The semi-open design has been highly praised in the FiiO FH9, FH7S, FH5S, and FD5. In the FH19, this proven semi-open design is once again utilized and has been specially tuned to combine with FiiO’s front and rear cavity balanced pressure relief technology – resulting in a more natural and relaxed sound, with a wide soundstage.
This design efficiently balances the internal air pressure, eliminating the feeling of pressure on the eardrum which also helps to protect your hearing.
Mid-frequency notch filter
The FH19 features a variety of different drivers and acoustic design principles. Scientifically tuning each part so that they work in a harmonious whole is the essence of high-level tuning. To achieve this, the FiiO development team has specially designed a “mid-frequency notch filter” for the FH19 hybrid earphones.
- Further upgraded mids
Testing shows that the mid-frequency notch filter device of the FH19 not only allows the BA drivers to retain their high resolution and clarity but also enhances the mid-frequency sound pressure level. This makes the vocals denser and fuller while also ensuring a smooth transition between the dynamic driver and the mid-frequency BA driver.
- Eliminating sibilance
The FH19’s mid-frequency notch filter effectively filters out the high-frequency 8kHz peak produced by the mid-frequency drivers. This reduces the overlap between the sound produced by the mid-frequency and high-frequency drivers, thus eliminating sibilance while still ensuring high sound quality.
- Easily gained highs
The mid-frequency notch filter can also advance the crossover point of the balanced armature units. This ensures these drivers have a truly independent frequency-producing area and avoids any disorder with the other drivers, enabling the high-frequency drivers to fully unleash their performance.
FH19 mid-frequency notch filter working principle:
When the frequency of the sound wave is close to the natural frequency of the resonant cavity, the inner wall of the resonant cavity and the air produce vibrational friction, converting the sound energy of specific frequency bands into mechanical and thermal energy, thereby consuming sound energy and achieving a sound absorption effect. Conversely, when the sound wave frequency is far from the natural frequency of the resonant cavity, the resonance effect within the cavity is weaker, resulting in less sound absorption. This principle forms the basis of how the FH19’s mid-frequency notch filter works to adjust the sound produced by the mid-frequency drivers, achieving a physical pass-through crossover effect.
Suspended voice coil
To achieve flagship-level driver performance, the FiiO FH19 utilizes a suspended voice coil design. In this design, the voice coil leads are routed directly from the center hole beneath the diaphragm, allowing them to float within the gap. This approach eliminates unnecessary contact and avoids additional adhesive load.
Compared to conventional diaphragms, the suspended voice coil design ensures uniform and smooth diaphragm movement, minimizing interference from other factors and fully unleashing the inherent potential of the diaphragm.
Rubycon audiophile-grade film capacitor crossovers
Crafted with meticulous attention to sound quality, the flagship FH19 features the same high-precision Japanese film crossover capacitors as the FA19 that exhibit exceptional accuracy in phase alignment. While conventional resistor-based crossover components typically have an accuracy error of around 1%, the FH19 achieves an impressively low error rate of 0.1%.
Furthermore, compared to ordinary ceramic capacitors, the FH19 not only achieves more precise crossover points but also effectively enhances high-frequency resolution.
Patented S.Turbo design
Inspired by turbochargers found in supercars, the FiiO development team meticulously created the S.Turbo patented acoustic design. This design ingeniously leverages sound wave guidance properties, enhancing bass performance through a turbine-shaped structure.
The result is deep and vibrant bass. Additionally, the design cleverly filters out excess mid-to-high frequencies from the dynamic driver, ensuring smooth transitions between the low and mid-high frequencies.
Titanium+7000 series aluminum construction
The FiiO FH19 exemplifies flagship build quality, highlighted by its titanium midframe. This luxurious material not only adds a high-end aesthetic with its distinctive titanium color but also ensures durability. The midframe’s rigidity and corrosion resistance protect the earphones from daily wear.
The FH19’s shell is crafted from 7000 series aluminum, renowned for its strength and lightweight properties, ensuring durability without compromising comfort. This aerospace-grade material, used in aircraft components for its high strength and rigidity, enhances the FH19’s robustness and longevity while maintaining a comfortable fit despite its complex acoustic design.
10° angle nozzle: Based on user feedback and numerous optimizations, the angle between the ear nozzle and the wearing surface along the Y-axis is precisely 10° while the length of the ear nozzle is unchanged. This adjustment allows the earphones to fit more accurately into the ear canal, significantly improving both wearing comfort and stability.
Gap-free comfortable fit: The FH19 features an entirely new rear cavity design that is more three-dimensional. Numerous tests resulted in many ergonomic optimizations, such as ear-friendly protrusions with a thickness of approximately 1.4mm that ensure a snug and stable fit by minimizing any unwanted movement.
Minimized pressure on the ear: The brand-new FH19 rear cavity design features a slight reduction – about 1mm – in thickness in the area that corresponds to the fold of the human ear. This structural design significantly reduces the sensation of pressure and compression on the ear caused by the earphones.
High-purity monocrystalline silver cable
The FH19 comes standard with a high-purity pure silver cable. Each of the 8 strands consists of 28 wires totaling 224 wires. Each wire is insulated with enamel, and the cable is twisted in Litz braids. The outer sheath is made from imported transparent eco-friendly TPU, enhancing its transparent appearance. Additionally, this material effectively prevents the cable from yellowing over extended use and becoming stiff in low-temperature environments.
22 pairs of ear tips included
As a top model, the FH19 comes with 22 pairs of ear tips in different shapes and sizes, ensuring a comfortable listening experience for everyone. It includes the well-known HS18 and SpinFit ear tips, along with the new HS20 silicone ear tips.
Unboxing
- FiiO FH19 Flagship Hybrid earphones
- HS20 silicone ear tips, 3 pairs (S/M/L)
- HS18 ear tips, 3 pairs(S/M/L)
- SpinFit ear tips, 3 pairs (S/M/L)
- Foam ear tips, 2 pairs (M)
- Bass ear tips, 3 pairs (S/M/L)
- Balanced ear tips, 3 pairs (S/M/L) (M size pre-installed)
- Vocal ear tips, 3 pairs (S/M/L)
- Dual-flange ear tips, 2 pairs (M)
- HB7 carrying case
- Cleaning brush |MMCX quick-release tool |Magnetic cable clip
- Red/black/green exchangeable audio filters
- Pure silver swappable plug earphone cable
- 3.5/4.4mm swappable plugs (4.4mm pre-installed)
- Quick start guide
Features
- Push-pull dual dynamic driver units
- Custom Knowles enhanced mids BAs
- Titanium+7000 series aluminum construction
- Semi-open design
- Mid-frequency notch filter Four-way acoustic design
- Patented S.Turbo design
- Swappable audio filters
Specs
- Dynamic-Balanced Armature Hybrid In-ear Monitors
- Drivers Per Ear 2 x Push-pull Dynamic, 4 x Custom Knowles Enhanced Mid-frequency Balanced Armature, 2 x Knowles SWFK Treble Balanced Armature
- Frequency Response 8Hz — 40kHz
- Impedance 16Ω @ 1kHz
- Sensitivity 109dB/mW@1kHz
- Cable 8 Strands (Totalling 224 Wires) of High-purity Monocrystalline Sterling Silver
- Cable Length 1.2M
- Earphone Connector Expanded MMCX
- Audio Plug 3.5mm & 4.4mm (Straight Twist-lock Swappable)
- Ear unit weight: About 12g (excluding cable)
- Price: $608.15
I want to thank FiiO for providing me with the review sample of the FH19.
Sound
Swappable audio filters
The FH19 comes with three pairs of swappable audio filters. Each filter has different internal damping and mesh density, allowing you to adjust the sound according to your preference:
- Red (Bass) Filter: Enhances bass frequencies, providing powerful and impactful bass.
- Black (Balanced) Filter: Offers a balanced sound with clear and transparent audio.
- Green (Treble) Filter: Delivers refined and detailed treble.
One great thing about the FH19 is that they can pump up the volume without distortion, making them a solid choice for those times when you just want to blast your favorite tracks and enjoy the music. They handle rock music like a champ, but they’re not limited to any specific genre. Plus, they do a decent job of masking some lower-quality audio flaws, so they sound pretty good with just about any modern source.
The FiiO FH19 features a pleasing degree of mid-bass impact, a clear and articulate high-frequency response, and a remarkably smooth midrange that possesses a distinct yet relatively neutral tonal quality, presenting a fairly balanced sound signature with a pronounced focus on the bass region.
Lows
The push-pull dual dynamic bass driver can take very large amounts of boosting and is probably one of the best FiiO bass implementations up to date. I never heard of so many layers in low frequencies before. From the first track to the last track I tested, the bass always left the greatest impression on me. It delivers an expressive low-end that protrudes outward and fills the frequency response with a gratifying heft. There’s a richness to it that will easily satisfy bass-heads, with its extended sub-bass that reaches a surface while venturing into a deep resonance.
The FH19 delivers a substantial presence that enriches the bass frequencies with a satisfying depth that remains enjoyable throughout. The mid-bass contributes significantly to the overall timbre, providing a robust emphasis to the sound. While there is a commendable level of detail present, the balance may not be optimal; however, for those seeking an enjoyable listening experience, the bass timbre is sure to please.
Mids
After the power of the low-end, you’d expect the midrange to take a dip, but that’s not what happens on the FH19. There’s a great amount of clarity in the mids, and while they don’t obtain the body of the lows, the frequencies retain a respectable amount of neutral detail. Its timbre never suffers from the colorful extension of the bass, treating its tone with a sustainable cleanness that keeps the sound signature fairly even throughout the frequency response.
The midrange has just a slight amount of forwardness, almost unperceivable as such but it just adds some character and presence which enhances detail and transparency.
Instrumentals and vocals showcase some emphasis at the bottom and top end of the midrange, but the fundamental frequency bands never suffer from their texture. At its best, the midrange can highlight some dramatic details but presents an overall smooth response.
Highs
FH19’s treble is vivid and energetic, giving the sound signature a certain shine, and delivering sparkle and crispness without inducing fatigue or sibilance. It beautifully reproduces high treble, with effortless extension to the top octave. The resolution and transparency in this region are impressive, ranking among the best.
The highs are well-extended and are managed with good control, adding a sense of openness that enhances the overall sound image. They add tonal highlights when needed, giving energy and enriching the overall sound quality.
The high frequencies have a lot of presence and have a forward, airy, and well-defined character. If you want good highs from an IEM this set will most likely please you.
Soundstage
The semi-open design gives some initial ideas about the soundstage of the FH19. Listening to the FH19, I could distinctly notice the expanded depth. This IEM has the best soundstage performance of any IEM I tried, just wow.
FH19 does not focus on a linear stereo field, where the far left and right positions extend beyond the earphone’s shell. Rather, the FH19 maintains a spatial representation that more accurately reflects the intended mix, while also ensuring the soundstage is airy and exhibits clear separation.
These in-ear monitors excel in micro placement, offering a remarkable level of micro-detail. For example, the high frequencies can be positioned with precision, while the midrange exhibits outstanding depth and height, complemented by a nearly omnidirectional bass response. The layering of sound is executed effectively, allowing the audio elements to be arranged in a realistic manner that maintains their natural characteristics.
Sum-Up
The FH19 stands out with its amazing soundstage, bass performance, and technicalities. At around $600, it’s a great option for those who want a rich sound experience. Offering an immersive and dynamic presentation across various genres. Delivering impressive resolution and remarkable tonal accuracy throughout the frequency range. The FH19 is not only technically proficient but also delivers a fun and captivating listening experience.