Fiio i1 Lightning DAC/AMP Review

Verdict –

DSC02859-9So while the benefits the i1 brings over the stock output/dongle may seem questionable from perusal of its specifications, in real world testing, the i1 serves to be the ever more listenable and engaging source. Musicality is a difficult term to define, I suppose many would characterise is as an almost analogue quality as opposed to the sterility of “digital” sounding sources; a sound that finds greater synergy with the majority of higher end earphones. This is the same reason why you see people paying so much for old 80GB iPods and 1st Generation Nano’s with their famed Wolfson DACs; these devices, while technically inferior in all measurements to their modern counterparts, possess such musicality. And that’s where the i1 comes in, it possesses the cleanliness and digital prowess of a modern Apple device combined with the organic timbre of those before.

Verdict – 8/10, The i1 isn’t a huge upgrade over the modern IOS device, but it’s more natural tonality, enhanced build and added functionality well deserve the increased asking price. Their more effortless sense of detail combined with a more musical tone all go far to enhance the user’s listening experience.

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ABOUT AUTHOR

Ryan Soo

Ryan Soo

Avid writer, passionate photographer and sleep-deprived medical student, Ryan has an ongoing desire to bring quality products to the regular reader.

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7 Responses

  1. Thanks a lot, this was really a detailed and well explained article. But if you add Pros and Cons of products then it will be more effective.

  2. I do trust all the ideas you’ve offered for your post.

    They are really convincing and will definitely work.
    Nonetheless, the posts are very quick for newbies. Could you please extend them a little from subsequent time?
    Thank you for the post.

  3. I haven’t had a chance to give Shure’s new lightning cable a go, but it may be a better choice if you are using an MMCX earphone and don’t mind the higher price. The Fiio can be used on all wired earphones and is considerably cheaper, it’s a clean source that works really well for iems. Really depends on what earphone you’re using the adaptor with and your budget.

  4. I think you should add something about its sound low and highs…. I want to buy it. Can you tell me where can i buy in discounts…. thanks

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