FiiO SA1 Review – Active Speakers With LDAC
FiiO has officially released its SA1 high-fidelity desktop speakers, blending premium audio hardware with thoughtful design touches. Available in two finishes, Twilight Black and Morning Cloud White, these speakers are priced at $200 and aim to deliver studio-level sound in a compact, stylish package.
The FiiO SA1 is a pair of relatively compact desktop speakers. Measuring 13.6 x 15.6 x 18.5 cm (5.4 x 6.1 x 7.3 in) and weighing 1.75 kg (3.86 lb), each speaker is equipped with a 90 mm wood-fibre woofer and a 20 mm aluminium-magnesium tweeter driven by a 20-watt and 5-watt amp, respectively.
The SA1 features a 3.5-inch wood fiber mid-bass driver and a 3/4-inch aluminum-magnesium alloy dome tweeter. This combination delivers smooth frequency transitions, offering warm mids, rich vocals, and crisp highs. The wood fiber diaphragm balances lightness and stiffness to enhance sound texture, while the alloy tweeter provides clean, smooth high-frequency response for a refined listening experience.
This setup enables the speakers to achieve a frequency response of 65 Hz to 20 kHz, according to FiiO. One unique feature is the inclusion of a 31-band equaliser in the companion smartphone app, which allows users to customise the audio output to suit their preferences and room conditions. The app also includes presets for various music genres. Furthermore, the FiiO SA1 can connect to an optional active subwoofer and features knobs for adjusting volume and bass separately.
It has an internal Texas Instruments TPA3118 digital amplifier, supporting independent four-channel power output. Each mid-bass driver receives 20W of power, and each tweeter gets 5W, ensuring clear, dynamic sound across various types of audio content. It sports a wide frequency response of 65Hz to 20kHz, offering deep bass and bright treble that handle everything from music and movies to games.
The speaker system features a full range of input and output options. It comes with RCA/PHONO inputs, a 3.5mm AUX input, a USB Type-C port supporting up to 96kHz/32-bit decoding, a coaxial input supporting up to 192kHz/24-bit, and an optical input supporting 96kHz/24-bit audio. It also equips a dedicated subwoofer output (SUB OUT), making it easy to upgrade to a 2.1-channel system for extra low-end punch.
On the wireless front, it sports Bluetooth 5.4 with support for LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs. LDAC allows wireless streaming at up to 990kbps, making high-resolution audio playback possible without cables. The SA1 also has a built-in LP phono preamp, supporting both PHONO and RCA input modes for direct connection to turntables.
The cabinet features a sturdy build with 12 mm-thick high-density MDF wood and 9mm simulated wood veneer side panels that help reduce unwanted resonance. The main speaker weighs about 1,750g, while the secondary speaker weighs around 1,660g, giving the setup a solid presence on the desk. It also comes with two large physical control knobs and an RGB status indicator for easy, intuitive adjustments. Additionally, the package sports a remote control, allowing users to tweak settings and switch inputs from across the room.
Unboxing
- Primary speaker *1
- Secondary speaker *1
- Power adapter *1
- AC power cable *1
- RCA to 3.5mm audio input cable
- Primary and secondary speaker connection cable
- Instruction manual
Specs
| Model | SA1 |
| Product type | Desktop active speaker |
| Cabinet material | High-density MDF |
| Color | Twilight black/Cloud white |
| Dimensions | Main unit: About 135.5×155.6x185mm (including feet)
Secondary unit: About 129×141.6x185mm (including feet) |
| Weight | Main unit: About 1750g
Secondary unit: About 1660g |
| Bluetooth codec support | LDAC/AAC/SBC |
| Bluetooth version | 5.4 |
| Speaker crossover | Two-way active electronic, crossover point at 3.5 kHz |
| Driver size | Woofer: 3.5 inches
Tweeter: 3/4 inches |
| Diaphragm material | Woofer: Wood fiber cone
Tweeter: Aluminum-magnesium alloy diaphragm |
| Frequency response | 65~20kHz |
| Power output | Woofer: 20W*2
Tweeter: 5W*2 |
| Bass adjustment | -6dB~0dB |
| Inputs | RCA/PHONO IN, AUX IN, USB IN, COAX IN, OPTICAL IN |
| Outputs | Subwoofer output (SUB OUT) |
| Signal input indicators
|
Sky blue: RCA, Pink: PHONO, Green: AUX, Purple: Optical
Yellow: Coaxial, Orange: USB, Blue: Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth indicator | Lights flash red and blue when not connected in Bluetooth mode, light will stay blue after successful pairing and connection in Bluetooth mode. |
| USB/Optical/Coaxial support | USB: 96k/32bit
Coaxial: 192k/24bit Optical: 96k/24bit |
FiiO App
Sound
The FiiO SA1 demonstrates remarkable performance immediately upon unboxing. Its default sound profile exhibits a well-proportioned balance throughout the frequency range. The engineers’ expertise is apparent in the design of the crossover and filtering, resulting in smooth transitions between frequencies without any one range significantly overshadowing the others. Notably, the treble and midrange frequencies are particularly well-balanced.
Despite the small size and the limited separation between the speakers, the SA1 delivers a good soundstage performance with a 3D effect. The speakers perform admirably even when positioned straight, without needing to be angled towards the listener.
From an auditory perspective, the inherent sound profile of the FiiO SA1 is quite appealing. The audio output is exceptionally well-balanced, showcasing the meticulous efforts of the brand’s engineers in the filtering process, with the crossover frequency precisely tailored to the speaker’s design. Throughout my experience, I have not observed the treble overshadowing the midrange, even when engaging with challenging or poorly mixed tracks.
The FiiO SA1’s lows are on the lighter side, especially if the bass knob remains untouched. Those seeking deep, rumbling bass might find the SA1 lacking, particularly in the sub-bass frequencies. While the bass-reflex design improves performance when placed near a wall, the low end maintains a flat and neutral profile. Over time, listeners may appreciate the realistic presentation, although increasing the bass knob can inject some desired punch for those seeking excitement.
The mid-range of the SA1 is neutral, with minimal colouration, offering decent layering and dynamics. The resolution is commendable, and there’s ample space, with respectable separation and transparency. However, the mid-range timbre may leave something to be desired, occasionally sounding slightly honky. Improvement in this area could provide more emotion and texture to instruments, as the mid-range isn’t the SA1’s strongest aspect. The dynamic is very good, even more so if you use high-end sources like I did.
The SA1’s treble performance is its most impressive feature, characterized by a technically proficient and controlled presentation that avoids excessive brightness. Despite its energetic nature, the treble maintains impressive extension, especially when paired with a high-quality source. It offers delightful crispiness, excellent definition, and abundant detail.
The treble exhibits good resolution, extending highs and providing ample airiness to the soundstage. With a clear and open sound, the treble contributes to an immersive listening experience. The aluminum-magnesium alloy dome tweeter operates brilliantly, and even with the basic settings, I found it deeply impressive in this respect. Even compared to higher-end models, the small SA1 remain truly impressive.
Testing the Bluetooth connectivity, I was impressed by the quality, especially when using LDAC. It wasn’t as robust as the wired audio, but it came pretty close.
Sum-Up
The FiiO SA1 serves as an excellent entry-level option for individuals venturing into desktop speakers, particularly for PC users. Its elegant design enhances any workspace, while its performance is outstanding. Exceptionally constructed, compact, and user-friendly, these speakers integrate effortlessly on our desktop.
If you’re in the market for versatile, compact active speakers that don’t compromise on sound quality or aesthetics, the FiiO SA1 is a worthy choice.