FIIL T1XS TWS Review – More Adventures In HiFi
Nicely-built successor to the T1XS, which was widely touted as the <$100 TWS-du-jour. Well packaged and accessorized for a cheapo (nominally $50, but frequently discounted to $30), with a refreshingly compact charging case.
Pairing is simple but connectivity was initially unreliable—I experienced frequent dropouts or pauses which seem to have mysteriously abated. The accompanying app, which provides for numerous presets, EQ and touch control customization options, is fussy but will appeal to technogeeks.
Touch controls are particularly counter-intuitive (especially if you have multiple TWS, it’s impossible to remember which earpiece or how many taps controls what). 6 hour battery life is so-so in this day and age; there’s no ANC or AptX; passive isolation is good, but note below.
TBH, I came within a whisker of returning these within an hour of receipt—they sounded bass-less and tinny when inserted in the normal, concha-conforming manner, and using the EQ and presets on the app had little audible benefit.
However, almost randomly I found that twisting the buds clockwise 180 degrees (so that they’re worn parallel to the ground) completely transformed their sound to a bright, full-sounding bass-heavy V-shape—it’s virtually like turning on a subwoofer. Note that this wearing style does somewhat compromise stability of fit and seal, although they are lightweight and I didn’t find them uncomfortable for longer sessions.
As optimally fit, the FIIL T1XS present a rich, energetic tonality with an intimate, two-dimensional soundstage but good stereo separation and imaging; despite the somewhat closed-in stage instruments are accurately placed without much congestion. Bass, especially subbass, is clearly the focus here—it’s deep and reasonably tuneful but thumpy and slow in decay, with a valley the midbass region, which places vocals more into the background and emphasizes guitars and synths.
Mids are recessed but very clear, while high end is rolled off while retaining some sheen and sparkle—high hats and cymbals have a nice snap and transients are quick. Some background noise is audible at lower volumes.
The FIIL TX1s tends to sound better overall than the sum of its parts—like a well-recorded cassette player it’s not highly resolving or detailed but has a pleasing analog tonality and is free from harshness and sibilance.
It sounds more exciting, louder and has more timbral body than mainstream players like the Galaxy Buds or Apple Earpods Pro, both of which have far better UI and call quality.
Stepping up to $80 raves like the Lypertek Tevi or Soundpeats H1 gets you a bigger stage and better imaging, more high end detail and the higher level of resolution you’d expect with the AptX codec, although bassheads may actually opt for the T1Xs. Perhaps needless to say, good comparably-priced wired IEMs like the Blon or BQEYZ BQ3 sound much better but, of course, have wires.
Ultimately, the FIIl T1XS aren’t a giant killer, and the quirky controls and ergonomics keep me recommending unreservedly. That said, they are a <$50 TWS which sound better than other <$50 TWS I’ve heard and purely on their musical terms they have that certain inalienable something.
Specifications
- Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC codec
- IPX5 waterproof rating (rain and sweat resistant)
- 6 hours listening on a full charge
- Charging case can charge earpieces fully 3 times
- Comes with 4 sizes ear tips, 3 sizes sport-wings and USB-C cable
- Tested at $30-50
- Available from amaxzon etc.
Disclaimer
I bought the T1XS myself.
Our generic standard disclaimer.
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