Fiio switched its focus to the desktop section 18 months in the past, and it led to a wave of merchandise that unlocked new use circumstances whereas nonetheless retaining the model’s value-driven ethos. One product I used to be eager on taking a look at was the SP3, so when the audio producer launched the lively audio system again in Might 2023, I instantly had to have a look.
The SP3 is obtainable for simply $299 on Amazon, and that makes it an attractive selection if you’d like powered audio system to make use of in a desktop setting. As is the case with most of its merchandise, Fiio bundles an honest variety of equipment within the field, together with a 3.5mm to RCA cable, and two units of rubber pads — a normal set and one with a 7-degree elevation.
This evaluation was made attainable with a evaluation unit supplied by Fiio. The model didn’t see the contents of the evaluation earlier than publishing.
Unboxing the SP3, my preliminary thought was that the audio system look smaller than I imagined them to be. With a quantity of simply 2.35 liters, they do not take up a lot room in any respect, and when you’ve got restricted area in your desk, the SP3 could be an amazing selection. I paired the lively audio system with the excellent R7 all-in-one streamer, and it is clear that these two merchandise had been designed collectively.
The SP3 cupboard is machined out of steel, and it has excellent construct high quality; whereas the dimensions is on the smaller measurement, every speaker unit is significantly heavy, with a complete weight of seven.4lb (3.4kg). The SP3 has a grooved design that appears good, and it seems rather more upmarket than its price ticket would recommend.
In fact, the truth that there’s RGB lighting on the backside means the SP3 ticks all the correct containers in my guide; the lighting is refined and does not distract from the design, however I prefer it simply the identical. I used the SP3 with the elevated rubber pads, and that gave the unit barely higher presence.
On that be aware, in case you just like the look of the SP3 and are contemplating shopping for the audio system, I might recommend getting the white mannequin. Fiio despatched the common black model of the SP3 and R7 for evaluation, and whereas they each look good, they positively don’t stand out anyplace as a lot because the white fashions.
The fitting facet of the SP3 homes all of the controls and connectors, with the left performing as only a speaker. Whereas Fiio normally does an amazing job with connectivity, the SP3 does not get all that a lot by way of ports: you get a 3.5mm in and line in, and that is about it. There is not any optical connectivity, and the speaker misses out on Bluetooth connectivity. There is not any distant both, so you will want to make use of the amount and bass dials behind the unit to vary quantity and alter bass.
One other omission is the shortage of a subwoofer out. Whereas the SP3 produces nice sound in its personal proper, it is clear that the power to connect with a subwoofer would have made the audio system that rather more inviting. Because it stands, the audio system produce 80W of energy in whole: there are two 3.5-inch subwoofer items that put out 30W every, and there is a 1-inch silk dome tweeter on every unit that goes as much as 10W.
Fiio says it’s utilizing a double-diffused porting tube to maximise the sound potential of the SP3, and that’s certainly the case. I used to be pleasantly astonished by the sound popping out of the SP3, and whereas the speaker has a diminutive stature, it is ready to produce room-filling sound with relative ease.
A giant a part of that’s using the three.5-inch subwoofer; Fiio says it went with a carbon composite materials to avoid wasting weight whereas providing a inflexible construction, and mixed with the 1-inch dome tweeter, you get an in depth sound with no distortion even at excessive quantity.
Coming to the sound, the bass is proscribed due to the inherent measurement of the audio system, however you get a clear articulation, and a few vibrancy. In fact, having a devoted subwoofer would have made all of the distinction, however in its personal proper, the SP3 is first rate sufficient contemplating its measurement.
The mid-range is the place the SP3 comes into its personal, delivering a clear sound with loads of readability and definition. You get full-bodied vocals that sound terrific, and so they positively punch above their section on this space. The treble is energetic and ethereal, and also you get a balanced sound with none harshness in any respect — Fiio nailed the tuning on this regard.
Clearly, there are plenty of nice selections in case you’re seeking to get powered audio system on this class, and most merchandise have Bluetooth connectivity and digital ports as customary. Whereas the Fiio is within the backfoot relating to connectivity, the sound high quality finally redeems the SP3; you simply do not get such a refined sound on this section.
So if you’d like a pair of powered audio system that do not take up an excessive amount of room and ship a strong sound that belies their measurement, the SP3 could be the perfect selection on your use case.
Fiio’s powered audio system do not take up a lot room and nonetheless handle to ship an amazing sound. You do not get Bluetooth or a distant, however in case you simply want nice sound and wish one thing with a sturdy construct high quality, the SP3 is an efficient choice on this class.