FiiO SA1 white (pack 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 preamp. 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, delivering a warm midrange. The 75 mm surround extends the frequency response down to 65 Hz. The woofer shares the same dimensions as that of the SP3, with FiiO optimizing the fiber proportions to achieve the desired density and compliance.

The 19 mm dome tweeter uses an aluminum-magnesium alloy, a material commonly found in studio monitors for its responsiveness. This transducer covers high frequencies up to 20 kHz with uniform off-axis dispersion, enabling coherent listening even when the listener is not perfectly centered.

The 12 mm high-density MDF cabinet, reinforced by 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 a speaker. This bi-amplification delivers 20 watts to the woofer and 5 watts to the tweeter per channel, for a total of 50 watts for the pair. Class D amplifiers provide 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 the characteristics of the transducers and the goal of a coherent response. The electronic crossover operates before amplification, enabling a refined transition between the two ways.

The dual ESS ES9068AS digital-to-analog converters are an uncommon technical feature at this price point. FiiO assigns a separate 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 every use

The switchable RCA input sets the SA1 apart from many compact active speakers. In “Phono” position, it activates the internal preamp 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 receives a signal up to 96 kHz / 32-bit, the coaxial input goes up to 192 kHz / 24-bit, while the optical Toslink 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 wired Hi-Res Audio and Hi-Res Audio Wireless certifications.

The RCA subwoofer output allows you to connect an active subwoofer to extend the response below 65 Hz, turning 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 applies to all sources. Settings are saved in the 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”-type curve aiming for a flat response. Three slots allow you to store custom profiles.

The physical knobs on the master speaker provide immediate access to master volume and bass level. RGB status lights change color depending on 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 switch to standby before shutting down completely. Wake-up occurs automatically as soon as an audio signal arrives. This function can be disabled via the app.

Differences compared with the SP3 model

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

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

However, the SA1 adds several elements absent from the base SP3: the built-in phono preamp, 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 offers fuller bass reproduction and a wider soundstage, while the SA1 provides a coherent balance with the advantage of a smaller footprint and superior functional versatility.

Frequently asked questions

Can the SA1 be used without the left passive speaker?

No, the system must be used as a pair. The right active speaker houses all the electronics and powers the left passive speaker via the supplied link cable. Both cabinets must remain connected to produce stereo sound.

Does the 31-band equalizer work with all sources?

Yes, the EQ is applied uniformly regardless of the input used (Bluetooth, USB, coaxial, optical, RCA, or auxiliary). Once settings are applied via the FiiO Control app, they are stored in the speaker and remain active even after disconnecting the smartphone.

Can the SA1 replace studio monitor speakers?

The SA1 includes a monitoring-style preset aimed at a flat response, and the 31-band EQ allows further refinement of this linearity. However, their limited low-end response (from 65 Hz) and modest power confine them to nearfield desktop use. For critical monitoring in music production, larger dedicated monitors will offer more precise and extended low-frequency reproduction.

What is the autonomy with automatic standby?

The speakers enter standby after 20 minutes of inactivity, with the RGB indicator turning red. After an additional 20 minutes, they shut down completely. Wake-up occurs automatically upon detection of an audio signal. This power management can be disabled in the FiiO Control app to keep the speakers permanently on.

Technical specifications

Acoustic system

• Woofer: 89 mm wood fiber
  • Natural pulp cone
  • 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

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

Additional features

• Built-in phono preamplifier
  • Standard RIAA equalization
  • Compatible with turntables without a built-in preamp
  • Switchable to RCA input for turntables with preamp (e.g., FiiO TT13)
• Auto 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 × 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