FiiO FH7s Hybrid In-Ear Monitors

The FiiO FH7s is a five-driver hybrid in-ear monitor that channels the essence of the flagship FH9 into a four-armature design. It uses the same second-generation 13.6mm DLC dynamic driver as the FH9, with four Knowles balanced armatures (custom DFK units for the mids, SWFK-31736 units for the treble), FiiO’s second-generation semi-open design, a notch filter against sibilance and the patented S.Turbo bass tube. Three tuning filters, FiiO’s HS18 ear tips and a 152-wire silver-plated cable with swappable 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs are included. It won a VGP 2024 Summer award.

One dynamic driver, four Knowles armatures

The FH9’s 13.6mm DLC driver

The large 13.6mm diaphragm produces more energy for better-extended bass, robust yet natural. Its DLC (diamond-like carbon) material is highly damped, rigid and light, so the driver responds quickly, for bass you can feel.

Vocals and treble from Knowles

FiiO and Knowles created the DFK midrange armatures exclusively for the FH7s to make vocals natural and musical. Adjusting their air permeability gives a smoother, more natural join between bass, mids and highs, with clearer, more captivating vocals and just the right richness. The SWFK-31736, with its high resonant frequency, brings detail and air to the highs and widens the soundstage, while staying relaxed to listen to.

S.Turbo bass and a notch filter

FiiO’s patented S.Turbo design (patent ZL2018211416279) guides sound through a turbine-shaped tube to strengthen the bass, so drums sound thunderous and bold while keeping nuance and texture. Using finite element analysis and many experiments, FiiO also developed a notch filter that removes unwanted resonances between the shell, sound tube and ear canal, curbing sibilance for a detailed, transparent sound that doesn’t tire.

Second-generation semi-open design

FiiO’s balanced pressure relief between the front and rear cavities means the drivers meet less resistance as they move air, for a smoother yet detailed sound, natural timbre, a large soundstage and precise imaging. It also greatly reduces pressure on your eardrums, so you can listen for longer without fatigue.

Sci-fi armour

The FH7s takes its look from sci-fi armour and futuristic machinery: neat layers of holes on the faceplate form the semi-open vents, with silver and gold trim and air-guide mesh. The overall shape stays rounded to fit the ear comfortably on long sessions.

Three tuning filters

HS18 ear tips

The FH7s debuted FiiO’s HS18 silicone tips. The surface that touches your ear is only 0.4mm thick for better comfort and seal, and the wide bore matches the sound tube, reducing high-frequency loss for more resolution.

152-wire cable, twist-lock plugs

The cable has 8 strands of 19 wires (152 in all) of silver-plated monocrystalline copper, each insulated and Litz-braided to reduce resistance from skin and proximity effects, for better transmission and resolution. New to the FH7s, twist-lock plugs (a design licensed from FABRILOUS) swap between 3.5mm and 4.4mm, and expanded MMCX connectors attach it.

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: FH7s, cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, green, white and red filters, HB5 carry case, magnetic clip, MMCX assist tool, cleaning brush, manual and ear tips: three pairs each of HS18, SpinFit, balanced (fitted), vocal and bass, plus two pairs each of dual-flange and foam.
• FiiO’s flagship with six Knowles armatures is the FiiO FH9.