The active desktop loudspeaker category is becoming rather crowded with some excellent options from Audioengine, Q Acoustics, KEF, PSB, and the folks at FiiO.
Building upon the success of the original SP3 Desktop Speakers ($299), FiiO has launched the SP3 BT ($349) which add wireless Bluetooth connectivity and some additional inputs.
What are the FiiO SP3 BT and Who are they for?
The SP3 BT are active Bluetooth loudspeakers available in Black and White finishes and output 2 x 30W (woofer) + 2 x 10W (tweeter).
If you work from home or do not have a lot of space for traditional passive loudspeakers and amplifiers, the FiiO SP3 BT could make a lot of sense on a desktop, bookshelf, kitchen counter, or even media unit.
Core Features
The SP3 BT add USB Type-C, Coaxial and Optical inputs to the stereo RCA and 3.5mm line-in found on the original SP3.
The SP3 BT’s Optical input supports audio up to 24-Bit/96kHz, whilst both the USB Type-C and Coaxial inputs support audio up to 32-Bit/96kHz.
In addition to these new physical inputs, the SP3 BT also feature a host of Bluetooth connectivity options. SBC, AAC, aptX, and aptX Low Latency are on-board, and the SP3 BT also offer Hi-Res wireless audio, thanks to aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, and LDAC support.
The SP3 BT are versatile and will work with host of different devices, including Smartphones, Mac, PC, Digital Audio Players (DAPs), and more.
To further enhance the SP3 BT listening experience, the speakers have been designed to work with the FiiO Control/FiiO Music mobile apps for iOS and Android.
When connected via Bluetooth, the mobile apps allow fine-tuning of the sound via the 10-band Parametric EQ.
Speaker Drivers
Featuring a 3.5-inch Carbon-fibre Midwoofer, together with a 1-inch Silk Tweeter, the SP3 BT claim to offer dynamics and soundstage projection rarely found in a products of this size. The carbon-fibre composition of the midwoofer ensures a rapid transient response and reduced non-linear distortion.
In order that the 3.5-inch Carbon-fibre Midwoofer delivers its full potential, FiiO’s audio engineers have employed a system of powerful Asymmetrical Magnetic Circuits in both models. An auxiliary magnet has been added to the centre of the speakers to improve the strength of the magnetic-field, ensuring reduction of non-linear distortion across the whole frequency band.
The SP3 BT’s Silk Tweeter has been precisely angled for lossless transmission of sound waves, with the speaker’s specially designed horizontal striped pattern diffusing sound effectively throughout a room. In addition, the silk tweeter features a copper-plated aluminium KSV voice coil, allowing the speakers to deliver accurate and clean reproduction of high frequencies, even when listening off-axis.
Desktop Audio
With dimensions designed to compliment both the FiiO R7 and R9 Desktop Streaming Players, the speakers also give users the option of a fully-featured next-gen streaming hi-fi solution when the products are used together.
As with the original SP3, the SP3 BT utilizes an innovative Double-diffused S-shaped Porting Tube. This design allows the speakers to remain compact whilst reproducing a deep, punchy bass. Bass extension and control is enhanced, resulting in fast bass transients and superior audio quality at lower frequencies.
The SP3 BT are supplied with two sets of silicone stands: One set allows the speakers to be positioned with 0-degree elevation, whilst the other gives the speakers a 7° front-facing incline.
These stands allow the user to ensure optimal proximity listening, i.e. when the speakers are placed on a desk. As the supplied stands are made of silicone, they also serve to act as vibration absorbers.
Initial Impression
FiiO has been extremely active over the past 24 months delivering some of the best Dongle DACs, DAPs, and network players we have seen priced for mainstream music listeners. The company is focused on performance and value and we suspect that the new SP3 BT will be a strong competitor for models priced at the bottom end of the market; Audioengine, and Fluance have done well in this space but we suspect the FiiO active loudspeakers will become popular because of their support for all of the hi-resolution Bluetooth codecs and the multitude of connectivity options.
FiiO did not include an internal phono preamp or HDMI ARC option with the SP3 BT, but that might have been too much to ask for at $349 USD. One could easily add an external phono preamp and connect through the RCA stereo inputs on the rear panel.
We have some suggestions priced below $500 worth considering if you think adding a turntable in the future might be an option.
Comparison
| SP3 | SP3 BT | |
| MSRP | $299 | $349 |
| Speaker type | Active Desktop Speakers | Bluetooth Active Desktop Speakers |
| Dimensions | About 163x120x132mm (excluding base) About 170x120x132mm (including 0° flat base) About 182x120x132mm (including 7° angled base) | |
| Bluetooth chip | N/A | Qualcomm QCC5124 |
| Bluetooth codecs | N/A | LDAC, AAC, SBC aptX Adaptive aptX HD aptX LL aptX |
| Weight | 1840g | 1950g |
| 1660g (secondary speaker weight) | ||
| Cabinet material | Aluminum alloy | |
| Cabinet manufacturing method | Liquid die casting | |
| Crossover | 2-way | |
| Frequency response | 65Hz-20kHz (±2dB) | |
| Speaker impedance | 8Ω | |
| Speaker sensitivity | 85dB (1Vrms) @ 1kHz | |
| Output power | 30W x 2 (woofer) + 10W x 2 (tweeter) | |
| Inputs | RCA/AUX | RCA/AUX/Type-C/ COAX/OPT |
| RGB status lights | Blue light: LINE IN 1 (RCA IN) Green light: LINE IN 2 (AUX IN) | Blue light: LINE IN 1 (RCA IN) Green light: LINE IN 2 (AUX IN) Purple light: OPT IN Yellow light: COAX IN Orange light: USB IN Bluetooth: When not paired, the indicator light flashes red and blue alternately. After successful pairing, it displays corresponding colors based on the codec. |
| Indicator light of Bluetooth codecs | N/A | LDAC: Pulsing white light aptX Adaptive: Pulsing green light aptX HD: Pulsing yellow light aptX/aptX LL: Pulsing purple light AAC: Pulsing cyan light SBC: Pulsing blue light |
| Supported sampling rate of USB/Optical/Coaxial decoding | N/A | Supports 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz, with a bit depth of up to 32 |
Price & Availability
The new FiiO SP3 BT Desktop Active Bluetooth Speakers are available now for $349 at Amazon, £319 at Amazon.co.uk, or €379 across Europe.
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