Ideal for use with computers, the FiiO SP3 PC speakers feature a uniquely designed metal chassis. A discreet, customizable LED strip decorates the base of the chassis. The FiiO SP3 BT speakers also offer additional connectors and Bluetooth support. As for audio, the 3.5″ midbass drivers and 1″ soft-dome tweeters are powered by a 40-watt amplification system. Are these speakers the ideal desktop companion?
Presentation
Concept and design
The FiiO SP3 speakers stand out with their minimalist, elegant design. Their striated aluminum cabinet, available in black or white, gives them a modern, refined look. With their clean lines and rounded sides, they’re sure to impress. Their ultra-compact dimensions of 120 x 163 x 132mm make them ideal for use when working from home or in open-plan offices.
This modern design is further enhanced by the black metal grille protecting the tweeter, and the use of carbon fiber for the midbass driver. Aesthetics seemingly inspired by cars, recalling the grille of a Bugatti Type 57. A feeling accentuated by the choice of materials. The speaker is very stable and gives a real impression of sturdiness.
As usual, the Chinese manufacturer pays particular care to the finish, giving the FiiO SP3 speakers a premium appearance. The LED strip at the base of the chassis adds color, without overdoing it. A style that may appeal to gamers for integration into a gaming setup or for pairing with FiiO R7 or FiiO R9 network players. Visually, the only criticism we have is the joint between the two parts of the chassis, which could have been more discreet.
Controls and connections are situated on the rear of the right speaker. It offers two RCA inputs and a 3.5mm mini-jack port, capable of accommodating a wide range of sources such as a DAC, smartphone, network player or PC. A button is used to select the input to be broadcast to the speakers. There are also two potentiometers for adjusting the volume and bass level from -8 dB to 0 dB. A second button provides access to the FiiO SP3 speaker’s LED presets. Twenty-four colors are available, allowing you to match the FiiO SP3 speakers to your setup’s RGB lighting.
Finally, a switch allows you to invert the stereo. A solution that eliminates the need to fiddle with connectors and makes it easy to share speakers between two users. This option can be used, for example, to turn the speakers towards a listener facing you, so that they can hear the left and right channels consistently. It also makes it easy to install the speaker with the connectors close to the sources, whether to the left or right of the listener.
Acoustic design
The FiiO SP3 desktop speakers feature classic 1″ soft dome tweeters, each capable of handling 10 watts of power. They are equipped with copper-plated aluminum voice coils to maximize dynamics. A large cavity at the rear of the tweeter lets unwanted sound waves escape. A design that drastically reduces distortion.
For the mid/bass section, FiiO has opted for a small 3.5″ carbon fiber driver, capable of handling up to 30 watts of power. This light, rigid material provides excellent transient response, while limiting distortion. It is driven by two asymmetrical circuits to reinforce the magnetic field. In practice, even at low volume, the dynamic range is respected. A good point for desktop speakers that can be used to listen to music in the background, when working, for example.
These two-way speakers also have a bass-reflex enclosure, thanks to an S-shaped port at the rear of the cabinet. The Chinese manufacturer’s technology maximizes air circulation while limiting turbulence. This structure uses damping, positioned at the entrance and exit of the tube. In this way, residual noise is filtered out naturally, while reinforcing the bass produced by the midbass driver.
Specifications
- 2-way speaker
- Bass-reflex with S-port at the rear of the speaker
- Aluminum cabinet
- 1x 3.5″ carbon fiber midbass driver with dual magnet system
- 1x 1″ soft-dome tweeter with rear damping system
- Amplification power: 2 x 30W + 2 x 10W RMS
- Frequency response: 65 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: 85 dB
- THD: ≤ 0.02%.
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 120 x 163 x 132mm
Listening conditions
For this test, the speakers were placed on a desk designed for remote working, gaming and streaming, positioned at ear height and around 50cm from the user. In this configuration, a PC was connected to the FiiO SP3 speakers via the 3.5mm mini-jack input. Daily use allowed us to try out numerous sources such as Spotify, Qobuz and YouTube, as well as video games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Watch Dogs: Legion.
Listening impressions
Right from the first listening session, we were impressed by the breadth of the stereo image. Despite their compact size, FiiO SP3 speakers offered a beautiful soundstage that enveloped the listener. We particularly appreciated this quality when playing video games, as it adds to the immersion. The sounds of London in Watch Dogs: Legion, especially the rain, were more lifelike than ever. Cyberpunk 2077‘s excellent soundtrack is also excellently reproduced. The stereo bought Night City to life and, more importantly, we were able to pinpoint enemy shots perfectly.
In an attempt to put the FiiO SP3 speakers’ bass to the test during a music listening session, we played Micropoint’s Bloque Cerveau, which was perfectly rendered. A track that usually generates saturation, both through its intermingling frequencies and its “old school” mix. Despite violent kicks, the speakers remained stable, although more depth in the infrabass would have been appreciated. However, it was an appropriate acoustic balance for desktop use, avoiding unwanted vibrations through the structure of the furniture on which the speakers were installed.
On Billie Eilish’s track Bad Guy, the FiiO SP3 speakers did equally well. Again, the now iconic bass riff was accurate, and the synth loop demonstrated that the FiiO SP3 speakers’ sound reproduction was also well-balanced and free from distortion. Even at high volumes, vibrations were completely under control, helped by the two rubber bases included with the speakers. A very good point for speakers designed to be placed on a desk with many potential sources of vibration.
The tweeters were also impressive: on the track Milk Lizard by The Dillinger Escape Plan, the cymbals, battered by Gil Sharone, really benefit from the 1″ soft domes. The typical mathcore guitars delivered their unique sound, often tinged with high notes, especially during the solo. The arrival of the horns on the track was clear and accurately rendered, despite all the energy deployed by the American band. The piano notes that enhance this skillful blend were just as audible. Finally, the closing double pedal was transparent and intelligible. Even on such a complex track, the FiiO SP3 speakers performed excellently.
For everyday use, such as watching videos, these FiiO SP3 speakers were also capable of reproducing voices intelligibly. The same was true of dialogue in films, TV series and video games. These multiple sources, all different, highlight their versatility. A very good point, since they can also be used for multimedia purposes on a PC, where YouTube videos, for example, offer highly variable audio qualities and mixes.
FiiO SP3 BT: Bluetooth and enhanced connectors
At the time of writing this review, FiiO presented a new version, integrating Bluetooth support. These are the FiiO SP3 BT desktop speakers, featuring the same characteristics as their predecessors, but have additional optical, coaxial and USB-C connectors. This evolution improves the connectivity of the original model.
Compatible with LDAC and aptX Adaptive codecs thanks to a Bluetooth 5.0 module, the FiiO SP3 BT desktop speakers allow you to enjoy Hi-Res Audio wirelessly. They simplify connection to smartphones, tablets and DAPs such as the FiiO M23 or FiiO M11 Plus ESS, for example.
At €349, they complete the range with a model offering even more connection possibilities. Indispensable for some users, these new features promise greater versatility. The FiiO SP3 BT speakers can be used for a wide range of purposes.
Who are the FiiO SP3 speakers designed for?
If you want to enjoy hi-fi sound at your desk for music, movies and video games, the FiiO SP3 speakers are an excellent choice. They can also accompany a network player such as the FiiO R7 and FiiO R9, or a DAP. With their elegant, ultra-compact design, they can be seamlessly integrated on a desk, on either side of the screen.
The FiiO SP3 speakers are ideal if you want to take your desktop to the next level. They provide outstanding listening quality and stand out from the competition in this sector. What’s more, these speakers are attractively priced at €319, while delivering a very comfortable 2 x 40 watts of power. They will appeal to music lovers as well as fans of entertainment such as films, video games and web content.
Conclusion
The FiiO SP3 desktop speakers are an excellent surprise in a market that is somewhat neglected by hi-fi equipment manufacturers. Their compactness, power and extensive stereo image are impressive for a model of this caliber. The all-metal casing also gives them great stability and an attractive design. An added bonus for any desktop. Bravo FiiO!
We liked
The stereo image
The balanced frequency ranges
The build quality and design
The discreet, elegant LED strip
The small footprint
We would have liked
Deeper bass
A subwoofer output
Front panel volume control
