Wired IEMs
FiiO FA1
72Good
$99
Full review dataFiiO FA1 vs Moondrop Aria: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Moondrop Aria comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 82. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: Moondrop Aria - Great overall at around $116.
Wired IEMs
Moondrop Aria
82Great
$116
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
FiiO FA1
Sound7.2
Value7.5
Moondrop Aria
Sound8.5
Value8.0
Specifications
| Spec | FiiO FA1 | Moondrop Aria |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $99 | $116 |
| HearWiki score | 72 / 100 · Good | 82 / 100 · Great |
| Released | 2020 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Knowles ED-33357 balanced armature | 10 mm LCP liquid crystal polymer dynamic driver |
| Driver size | - | 10 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 20Hz-40kHz | 5Hz-36kHz |
| Impedance | 15 Ω | 32 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 111 dB/mW | 122 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | - | none |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Companion app | - | No |
| Custom EQ | - | No |
| Wear detection | - | No |
| Controls | - | none |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 4.5 g | 12 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | No |
What reviewers said
FiiO FA1
The FiiO FA1 is a compact, wired single-balanced-armature IEM that delivers a clear, forward, and balanced sound signature, making it a strong value for detail-oriented listeners. Its lightweight build, comfortable fit, and high sensitivity make it easy to drive, though its bass response is notably restrained and may not satisfy those seeking deep low-end impact. While technically capable for the price, its tuning can occasionally sound artificial or slightly harsh in the mids when pushed.
- Pro:Lightweight and comfortable fit
- Pro:Clear, resolving treble and upper mids
- Pro:Solid build quality with detachable cable
- Con:Limited bass extension and impact
- Con:Lower mids can sound smeared or artificial
- Con:Mids may become harsh at higher volumes
Moondrop Aria
The Moondrop Aria is a wired in-ear monitor that delivers a balanced, neutral-leaning sound with a touch of warmth and extra bass punch, making it a strong performer for its price. It's easy to drive from most devices thanks to its high sensitivity and 32-ohm impedance, and it offers solid build quality with a removable 2-pin cable. However, it lacks features like noise cancellation and controls, and its isolation is only average, so it's not ideal for noisy commutes.
- Pro:Excellent tonal balance with natural midrange timbre
- Pro:High sensitivity makes it easy to drive from phones
- Pro:Solid build quality with removable 2-pin cable
- Con:Average isolation, not suited for loud environments
- Con:Cable is prone to tangling and transmits some noise
- Con:No inline controls or microphone
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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