FiiO A3From real comments

Name: FiiO A3
Rating: 2.8 (13 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 13 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment42%

PROS 42%

CONS 58%

Rank based on 13 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want a cheap, simple bass-boosting amp for casual headphones
You're new to amps and want a noticeable upgrade over phone output
You mainly listen without needing to charge and play at the same time

What users love

Noticeable Bass and Clarity Boost0 mentions

Strongly positive

Good for Budget Buyers0 mentions

Widely praised

Solid Long-Term Reliability for Some0 mentions

Widely praised

Powers Well From Phone Sources0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You need a built-in DAC, since the A3 doesn't actually have one
You're sensitive to hiss when charging while listening
You want a modern, undistorted sound at higher volumes

What users complain about

Hiss When Charging and Listening Simultaneously0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Reported Dead Units0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Not Actually a DAC0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Battery Replacement Harder Than Advertised0 mentions

Generally negative

Colored, Bass-Heavy Sound With Distortion0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice

1Premium

SMSL VMV D2

Natural, non-fatiguing soundMQA and AK4499 chip appealClear upgrade over harsher rivalsUncertain heat outputHigh priceNo sharper sound signature option

SMSL VMV D2

Natural, non-fatiguing sound

MQA and AK4499 chip appeal

Clear upgrade over harsher rivals

Uncertain heat output

High price

No sharper sound signature option

2Premium

SMSL H400

Strong power deliveryReliable alternative to competitorsSound-tuning flexibilityCosts more than cheaper alternativesHigh price

SMSL H400

Strong power delivery

Reliable alternative to competitors

Sound-tuning flexibility

Costs more than cheaper alternatives

High price

HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10

Fully Balanced ArchitecturePremium, Understated BuildRich Tube Sound

HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10

Fully Balanced Architecture

Premium, Understated Build

Rich Tube Sound

4Premium

iFi iCAN

Drives almost any headphoneUnique xBass and 3D tuning controlsMusical, layered, engaging soundHigh price questionedOverdamped decay / odd dynamics reportedCannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently

iFi iCAN

Drives almost any headphone

Unique xBass and 3D tuning controls

Musical, layered, engaging sound

High price questioned

Overdamped decay / odd dynamics reported

Cannot switch preamp and headphone outputs independently

5Budget

SMSL VMV SAP1

Excellent value for moneyDrives demanding headphones with easeExceeds initial expectationsInconsistent regional pricingCheap-feeling volume knobLimited availability at some retailers

SMSL VMV SAP1

Excellent value for money

Drives demanding headphones with ease

Exceeds initial expectations

Inconsistent regional pricing

Cheap-feeling volume knob

Limited availability at some retailers

6Premium

iFi Pro iCAN

Extremely versatile tuning options

iFi Pro iCAN

Extremely versatile tuning options

7Mid

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887

Balanced XLR ConnectivitySought for Driving Hard-to-Drive HeadphonesSolid Metal Volume Knob

Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887

Balanced XLR Connectivity

Sought for Driving Hard-to-Drive Headphones

Solid Metal Volume Knob

8Mid

Creative Sound Blaster E3

Strong Value on SaleGaming Software FeaturesImproved Dynamic RangeFull Price Feels HighUncertain Value vs E5

Creative Sound Blaster E3

Strong Value on Sale

Gaming Software Features

Improved Dynamic Range

Full Price Feels High

Uncertain Value vs E5

9Budget

SMSL RAW-HA1

Strong speaker amp performance

SMSL RAW-HA1

Strong speaker amp performance

10Mid

iFi Hip-DAC

Detailed, engaging sound

iFi Hip-DAC

Detailed, engaging sound

You are here

31Budget

FiiO A3

Noticeable Bass and Clarity BoostGood for Budget BuyersPowers Well From Phone SourcesHiss When Charging and Listening SimultaneouslyReported Dead UnitsBattery Replacement Harder Than Advertised

FiiO A3

Noticeable Bass and Clarity Boost

Good for Budget Buyers

Powers Well From Phone Sources

Hiss When Charging and Listening Simultaneously

Reported Dead Units

Battery Replacement Harder Than Advertised

Expensive
1. SMSL VMV D2arrow_downward2
2. iFi iCANarrow_downward3
3. SMSL H400arrow_downward3
Powerful
1. SMSL H400arrow_upward2
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward2
Build quality
1. HiFiMan Goldenwave GA10arrow_upward1
2. Monoprice Monolith THX AAA 887arrow_upward1
Reliable
1. SMSL H400arrow_upward1
2. SMSL VMV SAP1arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

Newcomers hear a real upgrade in bass and clarity. Multiple first-time amp buyers describe the A3 as a significant step up from stock phone output, particularly boosting bass on headphones like Sennheiser 280 Pro and Audio-Technica ATH-M30. One user estimated roughly a 10-20% quality boost and said it felt like hearing music for the first time, while another called the sound with a Zenfone source crisp, robust and vivid.

Charging-while-listening hiss is a recurring complaint. Several commenters independently report a hiss that appears specifically when the A3 is charging and playing audio at the same time, whether from a PC or other source. One user works around it by not plugging in the USB charger while listening. This appears to be a known, repeatable quirk rather than an isolated defect, though it doesn't stop normal use.

DAC confusion and durability doubts temper enthusiasm. One commenter flatly states the A3 doesn't actually contain a DAC despite marketing suggesting otherwise, calling it misleading. Another says the advertised user-replaceable battery actually requires a soldering iron. A critical reviewer adds that the sound is thick and bassy with distortion at higher volumes, and two other owners reported units that simply stopped working.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

graphic_eqNoticeable Bass and Clarity Boost

2 mentions

Strongly positive

Multiple users, especially newer listeners, report a clear improvement in bass and overall sound quality when adding the A3 to their headphones. One estimated a 10-20% quality boost over headphones alone.

@SpectrumInsights

I picked up the Fiio A3 to go w/ my Seinheizer 280Pros. Now, im not an audiophile by any stretch but the difference was significant when going from the phones ear buds to the 280 Pros and a significant difference when adding the Filio A3. It was like I was hearing music for the first time. I fully recognize that the 280's are not the best headset and technically studio cans, but the Bass boost is enough to bring out those lows. Id hazard a guess that the A3 added a %10-20 boost in sound quality. To my newbie ears, its a huge upgrade in sound before the A3 and 280 Pros.

smart_display

September 21, 2020

@TheRasta4ri

power supplied by phone Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe ZS570KL through micro USB to FiioA3/E11K works well your review sealed the deal will test on 5.1 surround system. crisp robust vivid sound

smart_display

October 20, 2017

attach_moneyGood for Budget Buyers

1 mentions

Widely praised

Buyers on a budget chose the A3 for good-enough sound quality without needing to be audiophiles, reporting satisfying results with headphones like the ATH-M30.

@antonkazlouski4307

Good review. I was really confused on what I should to buy right after I watched it. Unfortunately I have no possibility to test the devices before purchase.\nLong story short, I've bought Fiio A3. There are a few reasons:\n- I'm not really an audiophile, just wanted to have a good quality sound.\n- Low on budget.\nI'm using it with AudioTechica ATH-M30 + Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Global and it sounds amazing to me. You've mentioned that there is a little hiss when charging. That's true, but ONLY when you charging and listening from a PC simultaneously.

smart_display

December 30, 2018

check_circleSolid Long-Term Reliability for Some

1 mentions

Widely praised

At least one owner reports the amp working without problems for a full year when paired with Beyerdynamic Custom One Pro headphones.

@1sonyzz

I have the same portable amplifier, been working no problem for one year now with beyerdynamic custom one pro +

smart_display

February 11, 2017

battery_fullPowers Well From Phone Sources

1 mentions

Widely praised

A user powering the amp via a phone's micro USB reported the setup worked well, delivering crisp, robust, vivid sound.

@TheRasta4ri

power supplied by phone Asus Zenfone 3 Deluxe ZS570KL through micro USB to FiioA3/E11K works well your review sealed the deal will test on 5.1 surround system. crisp robust vivid sound

smart_display

October 20, 2017

warningHiss When Charging and Listening Simultaneously

3 mentions

Frequently criticized

Several commenters confirm a hiss occurs specifically when the device is charging while audio is playing, whether from a PC or other source, forcing some to avoid charging during use.

@Cyba_IT

So, what does it sound like with the TI chips? I'm just waiting on an A3 that I picked up used. Hopefully it doesn't have the mono short issue but good to know the batt is easy to swap. Cheers man, new sub here\n\nAlso, some reviewers say there's a hiss when you charge and play simultaneously. Have you ever found that and if so found a fix? Thanks again.

smart_display

August 22, 2021

@kwf9225

I need someone to answer this:\n I got the Fiio A3 to go with my Shure SRH840's for use on my PC. \n I don't have the USB charger plugged in, because of the hiss, but I have it plugged in like this: \n Headphones -> Fiio A3 -> AUX -> PC\nWill it stop working without the charger cable?

smart_display

May 12, 2019

@antonkazlouski4307

smart_display

December 30, 2018

power_offReported Dead Units

2 mentions

Frequently criticized

Two separate users reported their A3 stopped working entirely, with one noting only the blue light turns on with no amplification.

@haohmaruhanzo7575

Mine doesn't work, only the blue light turns on and that's it

smart_displayTranslated from Spanish

July 7, 2026

@haohmaruhanzo7575

Hi friend I have a little problem, my FiiO A-3 doesn't work, it doesn't amplify my player, if you send it to me so you can fix it for me please.

smart_displayTranslated from Spanish

July 19, 2024

errorNot Actually a DAC

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A commenter states outright that the A3 lacks a built-in DAC despite claims suggesting otherwise, calling the marketing misleading or fraudulent.

@Newton14alan

How does Fiio get away with stating that The A3 has a DAC when it doesn't? Sounds like blatant fraud to me.

smart_display

July 12, 2020

buildBattery Replacement Harder Than Advertised

1 mentions

Generally negative

One commenter says the claimed easy battery replacement actually requires a soldering iron, making it less user-friendly than marketed.

@Foxingban

claiming you can replace the battery is a bit naughty of them you cant really you need a soldering iron

smart_display

March 13, 2023

trending_downColored, Bass-Heavy Sound With Distortion

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A detailed critical review says the A3 thickens and colors the sound, narrowing soundstage, and distorts at higher volumes, calling it dated compared to modern budget dongles.

@Harry-jz1dn

Very dated amp. It was £40 in 2016, and would be placed in the £20 range in today's market where you can get MUCH smaller DAC/Amps that provide clearer and equally as powerful sound. The A3 colours the sound, makes it overly thick and bassy. It has a lot of power, but it distorts the higher it goes. The thickness it adds narrows the width so sounds rage suffers. FIIO has much improved it's budget range nearly a decade after... As you'd expect tbf. Moondrop, hidizs and hiby all offer better. You'll find the A3 on the second hand market a lot... But normally at prices it's just not worth. If you can get it £25 and under as you don't need a DAC Amp combo dongle, then that's as much as you should pay. I've seen some ppl look for £80+ 😂

smart_display

December 16, 2025

FiiO A3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Expensive

Powerful

Build quality

Reliable

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

FiiO A3From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression