FiiO FF3S Drum Type Dual-Cavity Earbuds

The FiiO FF3S is an open earbud, the classic style that rests in the outer ear, with real bass. FiiO’s dual “drum” bass cavities and a bass-enhancing acoustic flute tube work with a large 14.2mm driver with a beryllium-plated dome, and the matte aluminium body weighs just 3.9g per earbud, 52% lighter than the FF3. A detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable of silver-plated monocrystalline copper with twist-lock 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, two types of foam cover and silicone wing hooks for outdoor use are included.

Lighter, with a new feel

The FF3S is built from aluminium alloy with a matte finish, subtle but clearly more luxurious than its predecessor, and lighter too: each earbud is only 3.9g, 52% lighter than the FF3, for comfortable long sessions even if your ears are sensitive to weight. A raised dot on the left earbud lets you tell left from right by feel.

“Drum” bass cavities

Inspired by the drum, FiiO designed a bass cavity that harnesses resonance to bring out the texture of bass notes and reproduce the timbre of music with surprising agility.

A bass-enhancing acoustic flute

FiiO made full use of the space inside the housing to fit a bass-enhancing acoustic tube. It extends the airflow path and increases air damping, lowering the earbud’s resonance point. Measured by FiiO on a Brüel & Kjær head and torso simulator, the FF3S reaches down to 90Hz in normal open wear without foam covers, with an effective frequency range down to 42.5Hz: truly deep bass for an earbud.

14.2mm beryllium-plated driver

The large 14.2mm driver releases more energy for a clean, natural sound with vigorous drums and energetic dynamics. After many tests, FiiO chose a beryllium-plated dome, rigid yet light to reduce unwanted vibration and distortion, with a PU surround for detailed, textured bass. Vocals are lush and the treble is greatly improved, with an effective range up to 17kHz that also gives the impression of a larger soundstage. An ultra-fine Japanese Daikoku copper-clad aluminium voice coil, just 0.033mm in diameter, lightens the moving parts for faster response and better treble resolution.

Two kinds of foam cover

Bass-enhancing and transparent foam covers are included, so you can choose the sound for different music and your own taste. Silicone rings in two sizes are included too.

Ready for the outdoors

Because earbuds are open, they let you hear what’s around you, which makes the FF3S safer for outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling. Silicone wing hooks are included to keep the earbuds in place.

Detachable cable, twist-lock plugs

Listening to users, FiiO gave the FF3S a detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable for endless upgrade options. The included cable has 152 wires of high-purity silver-plated monocrystalline copper, chosen because the silver plating improves treble resolution and reduces sibilance, in a German TPU sheath that resists yellowing and hardening and stays flexible, for comfort and less cable noise. All-aluminium twist-lock plugs (a design licensed from FABRILOUS) swap between 3.5mm and 4.4mm.

Good to know

• FiiO ships either the new or the older design of interchangeable plug; both are genuine and the cable is the same.
• In the box: FF3S, cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, six pairs each of donut and full foam covers, silicone wing hooks, three pairs each of medium and large silicone rings, and HB11 storage case.
• Other FiiO earbuds: the 14.2mm carbon-driver FF5 and the beryllium-plated FF1.