Fiio switched its focus to the desktop phase 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 energetic audio system again in Could 2023, I instantly had to have a look.
The SP3 is offered for simply $299 on Amazon, and that makes it an attractive selection if you would like powered audio system to make use of in a desktop setting. As is the case with most of its merchandise, Fiio bundles a good variety of equipment within the field, together with a 3.5mm to RCA cable, and two units of rubber pads — a typical set and one with a 7-degree elevation.
This evaluate was made attainable with a evaluate unit offered by Fiio. The model didn’t see the contents of the evaluate 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 if in case you have restricted house in your desk, the SP3 may be an awesome selection. I paired the energetic 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 metallic, and it has excellent construct high quality; whereas the scale 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 to be rather more upmarket than its price ticket would counsel.
In fact, the truth that there’s RGB lighting on the backside means the SP3 ticks all the proper packing containers in my ebook; the lighting is refined and would 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 notice, when you just like the look of the SP3 and are contemplating shopping for the audio system, I would counsel getting the white mannequin. Fiio despatched the common black model of the SP3 and R7 for evaluate, and whereas they each look good, they undoubtedly don’t stand out anyplace as a lot because the white fashions.
The precise aspect of the SP3 homes all of the controls and connectors, with the left appearing as only a speaker. Whereas Fiio often does an awesome job with connectivity, the SP3 would 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 no optical connectivity, and the speaker misses out on Bluetooth connectivity. There is no distant both, so you may want to make use of the amount and bass dials behind the unit to vary quantity and alter bass.
One other omission is the dearth of a subwoofer out. Whereas the SP3 produces nice sound in its personal proper, it is clear that the power to hook up 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 models 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 save lots of 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 restricted 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 respectable 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, they usually undoubtedly punch above their phase on this space. The treble is energetic and ethereal, and also you get a balanced sound with none harshness in anyway — Fiio nailed the tuning on this regard.
Clearly, there are a whole lot of nice selections when you’re trying 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 with regards to connectivity, the sound high quality in the end redeems the SP3; you simply do not get such a refined sound on this phase.
So if you would 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 may be the best selection in your use case.
Fiio’s powered audio system do not take up a lot room and nonetheless handle to ship an awesome sound. You aren’t getting Bluetooth or a distant, however when you simply want nice sound and need one thing with a sturdy construct high quality, the SP3 is an efficient choice on this class.Â
