FiiO SA1 black (set of 2)

The FiiO SA1 combines comprehensive digital and analog connectivity in a compact form factor, dual ESS digital-to-analog conversion, and a built-in phono preamplifier. This 2-way, 50-watt bass-reflex model features a natural wood fiber woofer and an aluminum-magnesium alloy tweeter, while offering a 31-band equalizer via the dedicated app and LDAC Bluetooth compatibility.

Transducers designed for acoustic fidelity

The 89 mm woofer uses a diaphragm made of natural wood fiber pulp, identical to the process used for the brand’s FT1 earphones. This material combines lightness and rigidity, producing a warm midrange. The 75 mm surround extends frequency response down to 65 Hz. The woofer shares the same dimensions as that of the SP3, with FiiO optimizing fiber proportions to achieve the desired density and compliance.

The 19 mm dome tweeter employs an aluminum-magnesium alloy, a material commonly used in studio monitors for its responsiveness. This driver covers high frequencies up to 20 kHz with uniform off-axis dispersion, enabling coherent listening even when the listener isn’t perfectly centered.

The 12 mm high-density MDF cabinet, reinforced with a 9 mm wood veneer on the side panels, limits unwanted resonances. The rear bass-reflex port requires at least 20 cm of clearance from the wall to optimize low-frequency reproduction.

Dedicated electronics for each way

The amplification architecture is based on two Texas Instruments TPA3118 Class D chips, identical to those in the SP3. Each amplifier independently drives the woofer and tweeter of one speaker. This bi-amping delivers 20 watts to the woofer and 5 watts to the tweeter per channel, totaling 50 watts for the pair. Class D amplifiers offer high energy efficiency and a low noise floor.

Second-order active filtering splits the sound spectrum at 3.5 kHz, the result of a compromise between transducer characteristics and the goal of a coherent response. The electronic crossover acts before amplification, allowing fine-tuning of the transition between the two ways.

The dual ESS ES9068AS digital-to-analog converters are a technical feature uncommon at this price point. FiiO assigns a dedicated DAC to each channel, avoiding crosstalk. These chips handle PCM streams up to 32-bit / 192 kHz, exceeding the resolutions of mainstream audio formats.

Connectivity that covers all uses

The switchable RCA input sets the SA1 apart from many compact active speakers. In “Phono” position, it activates the internal preamplifier calibrated to the RIAA curve, allowing direct connection of a moving magnet turntable. In “RCA” position, it functions as a standard line input. The 3.5 mm mini-jack auxiliary input accepts connections from smartphones, portable players, or laptops.

Digital inputs multiply the possibilities. The USB-C port accepts signals up to 96 kHz / 32-bit, the coaxial input goes up to 192 kHz / 24-bit, while the Toslink optical input tops out at 96 kHz / 24-bit. These three options bypass the source device’s converter and directly leverage the speakers’ DACs.

The Bluetooth 5.4 chip supports the LDAC codec, capable of transmitting up to 990 kbps of audio data for wireless streaming up to 24-bit / 96 kHz. AAC and SBC codecs remain available. The SA1 holds both Hi-Res Audio Wired and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications.

The RCA subwoofer output allows connection of an active subwoofer to extend response below 65 Hz, transforming the 2.0 setup into a 2.1 system.

Sound tuning accessible via app

The FiiO Control app unlocks a lossless 31-band parametric equalizer that acts on all sources. Settings are saved to internal memory and remain active even after disconnecting the smartphone, regardless of the source used thereafter.

Eight sound presets accompany the equalizer: Pop, Jazz, Classical, R&B, Dance, and more, including a “Monitoring” curve aimed at a flat response. Three slots allow saving custom profiles.

The physical knobs on the master speaker provide immediate access to master volume and bass level. RGB status indicators change color according to the selected input. The included infrared remote enables remote control.

FiiO recommends placing the speakers on either side of the screen, spaced 80 to 150 cm apart, with a listening distance between 50 cm and 2 meters. The rear port requires 20 cm of clearance from the wall.

The SA1 features automatic power management: after 20 minutes without a signal, they enter standby before shutting down completely. Wake-up occurs automatically as soon as an audio signal is detected. This function can be disabled via the app.

Differences from the SP3 model

The SP3, FiiO’s first speakers, sit above the SA1. They use die-cast aluminum alloy enclosures instead of wood-veneered MDF, a carbon fiber woofer instead of wood fiber, and a silk tweeter rather than aluminum-magnesium alloy.

Amplification power differs: the SP3 deliver a total of 80 watts (30 watts per woofer and 10 watts per tweeter), versus 50 watts for the SA1. This difference translates into greater authority in dynamics on the SP3.

However, the SA1 adds several elements absent from the base SP3: the built-in phono preamplifier, the subwoofer output, 8 GB of internal memory expandable to 256 GB, the 31-band equalizer, and more digital inputs (USB-C, coaxial, optical). Sonically, the SP3 offer a more substantial low end and a wider soundstage, while the SA1 provides a coherent balance with the advantage of a smaller footprint and superior functional versatility.

Technical Specifications

Acoustic System

• Woofer: 89 mm wood fiber
  • Natural pulp diaphragm
  • 75 mm surround
• Tweeter: 19 mm aluminum-magnesium dome, monitoring-grade
• Frequency response: 65 Hz – 20 kHz
• 2-way active crossover with 3.5 kHz cutoff
• 12 mm MDF cabinet with 9 mm wood veneer
• Rear port for bass optimization
• Sound level adjustable via physical potentiometers (bass and volume)

Amplification and Digital Conversion

• Amplifiers: 2 × TI TPA3118 Class D
  • Low noise and high energy efficiency
  • Output power: 20 W × 2 (bass) + 5 W × 2 (treble)
• Digital-to-analog converters: dual ESS ES9068AS
  • One DAC dedicated per channel
  • Maximum resolution: 32-bit / 192 kHz
• Second-order active filter

Connectivity

• Analog inputs
  • Switchable RCA / PHONO IN
  • 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack AUX
• Digital inputs
  • USB-C: up to 96 kHz / 32-bit
  • Coaxial: up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
  • Optical Toslink: up to 96 kHz / 24-bit
• Output
  • RCA Subwoofer OUT for 2.1 setup
• Wireless connection
  • Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC support (up to 990 kbps)
  • Hi-Res Audio Wireless certification

Audio Processing and Control

• 31-band lossless parametric equalizer
• 8 sound presets: Pop, Jazz, Classical, R&B, Dance, Monitoring, etc.
• 3 savable custom profiles
• FiiO Control app
  • Full sound and EQ management
  • Sleep mode configuration
• Full infrared remote control included
• Physical potentiometers with RGB light indicators

Additional Features

• Built-in phono preamplifier
  • Standard RIAA curve
  • Compatible with turntables without a built-in preamp
  • Switchable to RCA input for turntables with preamp (e.g., FiiO TT13)
• Automatic standby and wake after 20 minutes of inactivity
• 8 GB internal memory
• microSD card expansion up to 256 GB
• Compatible with external player via USB or TF card

Box Contents

• Main speaker × 1
• Secondary speaker × 1
• Infrared remote control × 1 (2 AAA batteries not included)
• Power adapter × 1
• RCA to 3.5 mm mini-jack cable × 1
• Inter-speaker link cable × 1
• Quick start guide × 1