Wired IEMs
FiiO FD7
84Great
$445
Full review dataFiiO FD7 vs Grado GR8e: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the FiiO FD7 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.
Our pick: FiiO FD7 - Great overall at around $445.
Score breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
FiiO FD7
Sound8.5
Value7.0
Grado GR8e
Sound7.0
Value5.5
Specifications
| Spec | FiiO FD7 | Grado GR8e |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Wired IEMs | Wired IEMs |
| Price (USD) | $445 | $299 |
| HearWiki score | 84 / 100 · Great | 66 / 100 · Good |
| Released | 2023 | 2015 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | 12mm pure beryllium diaphragm dynamic driver | moving armature |
| Driver size | 12 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10Hz-40kHz | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Impedance | 50 Ω | 120 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 111 dB/mW | 118 dB/mW |
| Features | ||
| Controls | buttons | - |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 11 g | 9 g |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | - | No |
What reviewers said
FiiO FD7
The FiiO FD7 is a wired, flagship-grade in-ear monitor built around a single 12mm pure beryllium dynamic driver, housed in a semi-open design. It offers a spacious, refined sound with clean tonality, strong dynamics, and impressive detail retrieval, supported by a modular cable and tuning accessories. While easy to drive from most sources, its premium price and semi-open nature mean it targets enthusiasts seeking a high-end, natural presentation rather than casual listeners.
- Pro:Excellent clarity and natural tonal balance
- Pro:Wide, well-defined soundstage with strong imaging
- Pro:Highly resolving with good dynamics and detail
- Con:Lacks noise isolation due to semi-open design
- Con:Premium price may not suit budget-focused buyers
- Con:Requires burn-in or source matching for best results
Grado GR8e
The Grado GR8e is a lightweight, wired in-ear monitor with a single balanced armature driver, delivering a detailed and articulate sound with a clear midrange focus and a notably spacious presentation. Its compact build and comfortable fit are strong points, though it lacks modern conveniences like remote controls and noise cancellation, and its sound signature may not suit bass-heavy listeners.
- Pro:Very comfortable and lightweight fit
- Pro:Detailed, articulate sound with good separation
- Pro:Solid build quality and minimal design
- Con:No remote or inline controls
- Con:Bass and treble can be somewhat emphasized
- Con:High impedance may require a stronger source
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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