Meldrick evaluations the FiiO EH11, an reasonably priced set of retro-inspired on-ear Bluetooth 6.0 headphones with LDAC decoding functionality. They’re at present priced at $29.99.
Disclaimer: I acquired this pattern in change for my trustworthy opinion. Headfonics is an impartial web site with no affiliate hyperlinks or providers. I wish to thank FiiO for his or her assist.
You may click on right here to study extra concerning the FiiO audio merchandise beforehand reviewed on Headfonics.
This submit follows our present scoring pointers, which you’ll learn in additional element right here.
FiiO EH11 Assessment
Abstract
The FiiO EH11 is an satisfying and aggressive wi-fi headphone for its worth, with a classy retro design, pleasing tuning, and Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC for lower than $50. Bodily rotary controls are a tactile spotlight, and the 1.5-hour cost time retains every day logistics easy.
Professionals
PEQ Performance.
Intuitive management scheme.
Multi-System Pairing.
Cons
No ANC.
Sub-par passive noise isolation.
FiiO could also be higher identified for his or her DAC/AMPS and wired headphones just like the K13 R2R and FT1, however this time they’re getting into the sub-$50 wi-fi headphone house with the EH11.
The EH11 is a proposition that’s onerous to disregard: with its charming retro aptitude, LDAC hi-res Bluetooth compatibility, and parametric EQ assist, all for round $30.
Coming at an identical worth level to the Anytime headphones launched by FiiO below their SNOWSKY sub-brand, is the EH11 a real improve or only a nostalgic side-grade?
To seek out out, learn my full ideas and comparisons to competing funds on-ear headphones, the Anytime, Wind, and the Koss KPH30i under.
Options
On the core of the EH11 is a 40mm long-throw dynamic driver housed in a semi-open acoustic design, a mix that FiiO says reduces inside strain buildup and promotes a extra pure, spacious presentation in comparison with absolutely sealed alternate options.
Aesthetically, the EH11 leans into its retro identification by a pair of bodily rotary knobs mounted on every of the wood earcups, dealing with quantity and monitor navigation with a satisfying tactile character that contact panels merely can not replicate.
Connectivity is dealt with by Bluetooth 6.0 with LDAC assist for as much as 990kbps wi-fi transmission, alongside SBC and AAC.
Rounding out the function set, the FiiO Management app unlocks a full parametric EQ, giving customers exact, band-by-band management over the EH11’s sound signature past the included style presets.
Design
The EH11 is available in 5 totally different colours: Off-white, Cyan, Burgundy, Clear Black, and the usual Clear variant despatched to me for evaluation.
Even after taking only one have a look at the EH11, it’s troublesome to disregard its resemblance to 80s-90s transportable audio gear, a design motif that’s been steadily gaining steam with the emergence of Y2K-inspired aesthetic traits.
However its wood earcups, clear headband, seen spring metal sliders, and vivid orange coloured earpads mix the retro inspiration with extra trendy minimalist sensibilities, giving it a “retro-futuristic” enchantment that interprets properly in every day utilization.
The headphones are flanked with bodily rotary knobs built-in into every earcup, dealing with quantity and monitor navigation. It is a {hardware} alternative that references classic hi-fi ergonomics and permits assured blind operation.
The froth earcups are replaceable and are available two colours within the field, including sensible longevity and straightforward personalization. The plastic headband, whereas impressively light-weight, doesn’t encourage the identical confidence as a thicker, full metal headband.
That mentioned, for its worth level and audience, the EH11’s visible coherence and character are genuinely commendable.
It’s a considerate design, clearly concentrating on youthful or informal customers who worth each type and performance. Whereas not luxurious, it holds its personal when it comes to construct high quality and aesthetic cohesion at this worth level.
Consolation & Isolation
Coming in at a featherweight 92g, the EH11 is without doubt one of the lightest and most snug items of headgear I’ve tried.
The scarf distributes weight evenly with no noticeable strain factors, and the froth earcups keep cooler over lengthy periods than the artificial leather-based alternate options discovered on competing closed-back fashions.
Each extended stationary and on-the-go listening had been a deal with with the EH11. Its clamp pressure was simply sufficient to remain regular on my head throughout walks, whereas avoiding any irritating strain factors on my cranium.
Its light-weight plastic headband additionally did a very good job spreading the load of the headphones and all built-in electronics evenly throughout the headphones.
Even whereas turning the rotary knobs or urgent the singular button, the EH11 stayed planted on my head.
As a semi-open on-ear design with no ANC, passive isolation is predictably restricted. Ambient conversations and environmental noise filter by with relative ease, and there’s a small diploma of sound leakage outward, making the EH11 much less suited to quiet workplace or library environments.
Throughout my workplace testing, background conversations had been barely audible once I was enjoying music at an affordable listening quantity.
Nonetheless, my music got here off as a faint whisper to these proper subsequent to my desk. Customers who require significant noise attenuation of their every day atmosphere could discover the shortage of ANC a notable disadvantage at this worth level.
Controls
The FiiO EH11 includes a well-designed knob-based management format that’s shockingly intuitive.
Turning the knob on the correct earcup clockwise will increase the quantity, and turning it anti-clockwise reduces the quantity. The left earcup knob oversees triggering the subsequent monitor and former monitor features.
My minor nitpick is how turning the left knob clockwise triggers the earlier monitor, whereas turning it counterclockwise triggers the subsequent monitor.
I personally discover it extra intuitive for the subsequent monitor to be triggered by a clockwise movement, but it surely was not too troublesome to get used to the EH11’s management scheme.
Each knobs have a tactile click on after every rotation. I discovered this to be extraordinarily useful in figuring out whether or not I used to be in a position to set off the command I meant.
The suitable earcup has a small motion button in control of play/pause controls, in addition to triggering the voice assistant button with a double faucet. The button has a tactile really feel and is simple sufficient to press when wanted, and discreet sufficient to remain out of the way in which to stop mis-presses.
Software program
The EH11 is managed by the FiiO Management app, out there on each the Google Play Retailer and Apple App Retailer.
In comparison with companion apps by manufacturers like Sennheiser, FiiO’s implementation is kind of barebones, but it surely provides some key options that permit it stand out from the remaining.
Upon pairing, the app surfaces controls for “Standing” to indicate the lively Bluetooth codec and battery degree, “Equalizer” to set Parametric EQ settings, and “Information” to carry up a digital copy of the person information.
The presence of a 10-band parametric EQ is a big function for a pair of wi-fi headphones at this worth level.
And for these equivalent to myself who aren’t but proficient at dialing the proper Q values and achieve settings, there are a number of community-uploaded EQ profiles that may be downloaded straight from the app’s “Chosen” Equalizer menu.
These profiles vary from normal business targets like Harman V2 and subtle area, all the way in which to the frequency response of different headphones, such because the Koss KSC75.
Throughout my evaluation course of, I discovered myself utilizing community-uploaded EQ profiles for the majority of my listening.
Battery Life
The EH11 is rated for as much as 30 hours of steady playback on a single cost, with a full recharge accomplished in roughly 1.5 hours by way of USB-C.
In observe, 30 hours interprets to roughly two to 4 days of reasonable commuter use earlier than needing a top-up, a aggressive determine at this worth, although it falls wanting the extraordinary battery life provided by some ANC-equipped rivals.
The 1.5-hour cost time is a real comfort benefit over rivals with comparable capacities that require two or extra hours to replenish absolutely.
No fast cost function is formally marketed, however the mixture of sturdy complete capability and a quick recharge cycle means working out of energy mid-day is an unlikely situation in common use. I by no means discovered myself anxious about battery degree earlier than heading out for the day.
Packaging & Equipment
The EH11 arrives in compact retail packaging with the headphones introduced prominently up entrance.
Inside, contents are minimal however thoughtfully chosen: the headphones, a USB-C charging cable, a second set of in another way coloured alternative foam earcups, and a person handbook.
The inclusion of a second pad set is a significant value-add that enables for easy personalization and extends the purposeful lifespan of the headphones with no separate buy.
A carrying case is absent, which is an affordable omission at this worth, although the uncovered wood earcups make some type of pouch or sleeve a worthwhile private funding.
Sound Impressions
Abstract
All listening comparisons had been carried out with my iPhone 14, M1 MacBook Air, and SNOWSKY ECHO MINI DAP.
The EH11 is tuned with a light V-shaped signature the place the mids are barely recessed. Its semi-open design contributes a way of airiness and house that distinguishes it from most closed-back on-ears at this worth.
Nonetheless, its community-uploaded PEQ profiles enhance it drastically. I discovered myself gravitating in the direction of the “Harman-ish” EQ Profile uploaded by Tremendous Critiques throughout my testing interval.
Bass
On its default tuning, the EH11 has a light V-Form that may be a bit lean within the sub-bass. Hip-hop and dance music nonetheless have enough punch and rhythm, however the EH11’s inventory setting doesn’t hit deep sufficient to ship a powerful, satisfying hit.
The Harman-ish EQ profile provides far more sub-bass punch that continues to be clear sufficient as to not muddy up the mid-bass area, giving Hip-hop and trendy pop songs a extra energetic really feel.
Mid-bass is satisfactorily current, lending bass guitars and kick drums an affordable sense of authority that retains rhythm sections from sounding skinny or hole.
On quick or complicated kick drum patterns, the EH11 holds collectively higher than you would possibly count on given its worth, although it doesn’t absolutely articulate particular person hit textures with the layered element of extra premium choices.
The Harman-ish EQ setting maintains comparable mid-bass tuning, giving it a slight heat that doesn’t muddy up the mid-range.
Mids
The midrange on the EH11 is the place the semi-open design earns its hold most clearly. In comparison with a equally priced closed-back on-ear, vocals and devices are rendered with extra air and fewer congestion.
Male vocals carry cheap weight and aren’t dramatically recessed, although they lack the presence and textural richness of a extra midrange-focused tuning.
String devices and acoustic guitar, whereas nice, can lack the micro-detail wanted to completely articulate particular person plucks and harmonic overtones.
In layered or complicated preparations, the midrange can really feel mildly compressed, with devices mixing relatively than occupying clearly distinct spatial positions.
A modest raise within the higher offers feminine vocals extra air and element, however there’s a tendency to come back off as sibilant when listening to poorly mastered tracks.
The Harman-ish EQ profile cools down the sibilance within the higher treble a bit, whereas bettering the harmonics and dynamics of string devices inside the mid-range, giving the EH11 a extra balanced and pleasing sound signature.
Treble
Treble on the EH11 is energetic and contributes a welcome sense of openness and air to the general presentation.
Cymbal strikes have cheap assault and decay, and hi-hats come by with sufficient sparkle to enrich the bass-forward decrease register with out overwhelming it.
The semi-open design contributes a pure treble extension that’s perceptibly extra spacious than what most closed on-ear headphones at this worth can obtain.
Occasional brightness peaks are current, and sensitivity to sibilance could floor on sure vocal recordings throughout prolonged periods.
It’s not a persistent subject and is essentially track-dependent, however listeners who’re notably treble-sensitive could wish to attain for a slight discount within the FiiO Management app’s EQ instruments.
General, the treble is a internet optimistic for the EH11’s presentation; it prevents the sound from feeling darkish or muffled and maintains engagement throughout all kinds of genres.
Imaging
For an on-ear headphone at this worth, it provides a notably wider and extra open sense of house than closed-back rivals, with a way of air round devices that makes listening really feel much less constricted.
Directional cues and lateral stereo unfold are rendered with sufficient readability to make informal gaming and film watching genuinely satisfying.
Imaging precision, nevertheless, is restricted by the headphone’s general decision. In dense mixes, devices are inclined to blur collectively, and pinpointing the precise spatial place of particular person components in a fancy association is troublesome.
It doesn’t supply the identical instrument separation and spatial capabilities as lower-mid vary wired headphones, however inside the context of a sub-$50 pair of wi-fi headphones, its staging and imaging capabilities are respectable at worst, and good at greatest.
Click on on web page 2 under for my wi-fi efficiency impressions and chosen comparisons.
