Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones swing for exceptional sound in an eye-catching package

Fiio FA19 IEMs
(Image credit: Fiio)

Fiio has announced the release of its new flagship in-ear monitors. The Fiio FA19 have been designed from the ground up to deliver what the brand promises will be a pair of "outstanding IEMs" that offer an "incredibly musical sound and robust impactful bass alongside a dynamic and balanced soundstage". 

The new in-ear wired headphones incorporate 10 balanced armature drivers per earpiece. Crafted in collaboration with audio manufacturers Knowles, Fiio has tuned its latest in-ear monitors to optimise the FA19's mid and high-frequency drivers for a "detailed, smooth sound output". 

The FA19's casing shell, meanwhile, has been designed to guide the IEM's lower frequencies into the unit's rear cavity, lowering the resultant resonant frequency for enhanced, more powerful bass reproduction. This "negative feedback system" also strives for increased comfort, as proper ventilation for the front cavity reduces excess pressure from the headphones.

Fiio FA19 IEMs

(Image credit: Fiio)

The new FA19 utilises film capacitors for its electronic crossover components in the pursuit of greater sonic precision, with a quoted error tolerance from Fiio of just 0.1 per cent. Further, Fiio’s "S. Turbo Acoustic design" aims to eliminate high-frequency sound waves from the bass drivers for a smoother transition between low and mid frequencies.

The Chinese brand's new wired in-ears also allow users to choose between two different listening modes via a switch on the back of the headphones: Monitor Mode for a cleaner, more detailed sound and Hi-fi Mode for accentuating the midrange and bass.

The flagship IEMs are supplied with a stranded silver cable composed of independently insulated wires, as well as two twist-lock jack plugs: one single 3.5mm single-ended and one 4.4mm balanced. You're also provided with a vast array of small, medium and large eartips depending on your favoured sound profile, including foam, bass, balanced and vocal options.   

Fiio will be demonstrating the FA19 alongside a range of its other products at this year's High End Munich in Hall 1, Booth B05, from 9-12th May. We'll be heading to Munich next week to catch the best that the show has to offer, so stay tuned to see if we manage to get some hands-on time with the new FA19.

The Fiio FA19 will be available from May, priced at £999 / €1099 / $999.

MORE: 

Read our recent Fiio FT3 review

The best in-ear headphones: tried and tested earbuds at all price points 

26 of the best piano tracks to test your hi-fi

Spotify's subscription rejig could be great news for budget-conscious music fans

Harry McKerrell
Senior staff writer

Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.

Read more
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position
A close-up of the FiiO FT7 headphones' earcups.
FiiO's FT7 flagship headphones take the fight to pricier rivals
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro MKII on head shot
Beyerdynamic’s new in-ear monitors promise ultimate sonic precision for your music
Final ZE3000 SV ANC earbuds
Hate that blocked feeling? Final’s wireless earbuds have a Comfort ANC mode to help take the pressure off
Noble Audio Knight IEMs on a black background
Noble Audio's eye-catching 'Knight' IEMs vow to bring royal sound quality to the masses
Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds on table with coffee and book
Technics celebrates 60th anniversary with AZ100 flagship wireless earbuds
Latest in Wireless Earbuds
The AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 2 in their charging cases standing side by side on a wooden surface with a hand out flat behind them.
All three current in-ear AirPods are up to 32% off at Amazon – here's which pair you should buy
HMD amped buds in blue on a blue background
Never worry about your smartphone running out of juice again: these earbuds' charging case has a super-useful feature
The Xiaomi Buds 5 Pro in a black carry case, next to white and silver carry cases, on a grey background.
The world's first wi-fi earbuds are here... but there's a catch
Sony WF-C700N held in the hand
I can’t wait for new flagship Sony wireless earbuds – but I’m more excited about its leaked cheaper pair
Sony WF-C700N held in the hand
Sony WF-C700N sequel leak teases improved ANC and battery, but will they get better codec support?
Final ZE3000 SV ANC earbuds
Hate that blocked feeling? Final’s wireless earbuds have a Comfort ANC mode to help take the pressure off
Latest in News
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position
Apple AirPods Max 2024 in blue finish on bookshelf
Lossless audio and wired listening finally comes to AirPods Max
iFi Valkyrie in gold with a laptop
iFi's flagship iDSD Valkyrie DAC/amp teases cutting-edge tech for a sound that's worthy of Valhalla