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FiiO SP3 - Review & Measurements by Erin

VintageFlanker

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It sucks big time...
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Really don't understand why often such active/DSP speakers are tuned to badly when it is so easy to tuned them better and the knowledge how to do so is easily and freely available...
 
Really don't understand why often such active/DSP speakers are tuned to badly when it is so easy to tuned them better and the knowledge how to do so is easily and freely available...
He measured even (way) worse lately. This one is so bad that he said it won't even deserve his time for a video review...
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He measured even (way) worse lately. This one is so bad that he said it won't even deserve his time for a video review...
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Horrifying. And to attach that to a nominal "pro audio" brand is pretty gross. Although I am not sure what you can really expect from a $100 monitor. Kali at least shows we should expect better in the $300 range.
 
I actually have these speakers and I was going to do a quasi-anechoic measurement (more for my own learning / practise) but maybe I won't bother. I did find them super bright and the bass totally disappearing as per Erin measurements. There is actually a bass adjustment dial on the back and I already turned that down almost all the way which did get rid of that 70hz peak down to what I could call "normality". My plan is to use them with minidsp (to sort out the FR) and a subwoofer (under my office desk). I do like how small they are and how well built they feel.
 
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It's the first speaker by a company that made DAPs and portable audio stuff for years. Not really surprising
 
At least the similar priced FiiO FT3 headphone sounds and performs better. That one works fine out of my FiiO X3.
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Being honest, I've almost bought these speakers as there are A LOT of positive reviews through the internet.

Now I'm just curious if there are any better options within the next criteria:
- black color
- SMALL form factor (max of 15-16cm depth/width)
- 300$ price range

I don't have a desk big enough, I even considered those Eiris 3.5s just because of their form-factor. but they seem to large for me.
At the moment I'm using Razer Nommo (it's really funny to mention Razer speakers here on ASR =) ), but the reason is simple - they are compact and they can be bass-adjusted not to sound like a GAMING device.

Can anyone suggest a solid replacement option other than Fiio SP3 IN THE SAME SIZE, if i want really capable tiny desktop speakers?
I already have SMSL SU-1 as a DAC, which will be an overkill here, so it doesnt matter if theyhave DAC inside.

Options I've found:
- Genelecs are nice, but cost 3 times more.
- iLoud micro monitors seem good but design is specific as far as feedbacks on them are mixed.
- Audioengines are not really small.
 
Ahhh, I'm sad to hear these measure so poorly. I'm really looking for some powered desktop speakers with a small form factor and these look fantastic in white. I have no idea what good alternatives are as most other options in this price range are pretty mediocre too but I don't want to up the budget as I primarily use headphones.

Maybe wait for a pair of 8010aw's to pop up at a good price?
 
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Have a look at his recent measurements of Vanatoo speakers.
Thanks! The T1's are too big but I love the size comparison they give for the Transparent Zero Plus:

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Too bad they only come in black and they're wood rather than aluminium. And they're not cheap, 50% over budget.
 
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