Fiio FA19 VS Ice Labs Prismatica

IEM Comparison: Expert & Community Scores Side-by-Side

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Fiio FA19 and Ice Labs Prismatica use 10BA and 5BA driver setups respectively. Fiio FA19 costs $999 while Ice Labs Prismatica costs $900. Fiio FA19 is $99 more expensive. Fiio FA19 holds a slight 0.1-point edge in reviewer scores (7.1 vs 7). Fiio FA19 has better mids with a 0.5-point edge, Fiio FA19 has better treble with a 0.8-point edge, Fiio FA19 has significantly better dynamics with a 1.8-point edge and Fiio FA19 has significantly better soundstage with a 2-point edge.

Insights

Metric Fiio FA19 Ice Labs Prismatica
Bass 7.1 6.8
Mids 6 5.5
Treble 8 7.2
Details 7.1 6.5
Soundstage 8 6
Imaging 7.1 7
Dynamics 8 6.2
Tonality 7.3 6.7
Technicalities 8 7

Fiio FA19 Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Super* Review
Gizaudio Axel
Jaytiss Head-Fi.org
Fresh Reviews

Average Reviewer Score:

7.1

Generally Favorable


Ice Labs Prismatica Aggregated Review Score

Average Reviewer Scores

Jaytiss Precogvision
Smirk Audio Head-Fi.org
Yifang

Average Reviewer Score:

7

Generally Favorable


Reviews Comparison

Fiio FA19 reviewed by Jaytiss

2025-08-09
Jaytiss 8.5 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A+ Tech
Nice All BA set!
Youtube Video Summary

Fiio FA19 brings a premium feel: a sturdy, slightly translucent shell with visible BA packs, comfy fit, and a plush eight-wire cable that terminates in 4.4mm. The MMCX sockets aren’t ideal, but the shell is vented, holds tips well, and the magnetic case feels upmarket. Sonically, this 10-BA set leans warm-neutral with a rich, cohesive presentation—male vocals sound full, some female vocals come off a bit husky, and bass has quantity more than tightness. There’s a touch of 5–6 kHz energy and slight hiss; treble is clean and pleasant rather than showy. The bass switch mostly bumps mid-bass; the lower setting keeps things tidier. Overall it’s Fiio’s most well-rounded tuning to date, just shy of “exceptional” because of that soft mid-bass and a mildly flabby midrange.

Versus peers, FD15 sounds more neutrally tuned (if less special), while all-BA options like Supernova feel more natural and controlled down low. In the wider field, sets like Letshuoer Mystic 8 (a bit of a sleeper), ThieAudio Monarch MK4 (cleaner upper-mids, dual bass settings), ZiiGaat Luna (tighter, crisper for far less money), or even budget-friendlier picks such as YU9 can offer a stronger value proposition. At around $1,000, FA19 earns a solid recommendation for those who enjoy a warmer, airy BA take—graded roughly A4 / S-—but it’s a demo-first purchase and shines much brighter if found used around $300–$400. Not a new benchmark, yet a very good Fiio with treble finesse and a smooth, easygoing signature that many will simply enjoy.

Mids: B Treble: A+ Dynamics: A+ Soundstage: A+

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
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Ice Labs Prismatica reviewed by Jaytiss

2025-09-03
Jaytiss 6.3 Reviewer Score
C+ Tuning
A- Tech
WARM!

Jaytiss original ranking

Jaytiss Youtube Channel
Mids: C- Treble: A- Dynamics: C+ Soundstage: B

Fiio FA19 reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 8.5 * score rescaled + normalized
6 community members have rated the FiiO FA19 at an average of 4.7/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Exceptional.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Ice Labs Prismatica reviewed by Head-Fi.org

Head-Fi.org 7.5 * score rescaled + normalized
3 community members have rated the Ice Labs Prismatica at an average of 4.0/5 on Head-Fi. Overall sentiment: Very Positive.

URL to full Review

Head-Fi.org original ranking

Fiio FA19 (more reviews)

Fiio FA19 reviewed by Fresh Reviews

Fresh Reviews 9* * The score of this reviewer influences only the Gaming Score
Youtube Video Summary

Fiio FA19 arrives as a true kilobuck treat, pairing monumental bass impact with high-end finesse. A 10-BA array (including custom bass drivers), a clever negative-feedback system, and an audio-grade crossover deliver deep, clean low end without clouding the mids—male vocals stay forward, natural, and ultra-clear. Up top, cymbal work has sparkle, air, and detail yet remains smooth and sibilance-free, while separation and layering feel studio-grade. At $1,000, this tuning reads as resolving, fast in attack/decay, and unmistakably fun.

For pure performance, the FA19 brings pinpoint imaging, beautiful depth perception, and a wide, well-ventilated stage that elevate both music and play. The bass toggle dip-switch can push sub-bass and mid-bass into downright addictive territory; switching it off reins things in for a more reference-leaning balance. Even against strong mid-tier contenders, micro-detail and retrieval step up a notch here—airy treble textures, subtle room cues, and layered backgrounds all come through with ease.

Competitive gamers get a standout edge: Valorant tracking feels “wall-hack” precise, Call of Duty benefits from immersive LFE without masking cues (especially with the switch off), and Rainbow Six Siege showcases clear vertical and positional info. The only caution is that the switch-on mode can be a touch sub-bass heavy in titles like Apex; otherwise this is an A-tier pick for the Wall-Hack Certified list—an analytical beast that blends clarity with grin-inducing punch.


Fresh Reviews original ranking

Fresh Reviews Youtube Channel

Fiio FA19 reviewed by Gizaudio Axel

Gizaudio Axel 7.5 Reviewer Score
A- Tuning
A+ Tech
Great resolution and micro-details. Warm V-shaped sound with bassy lows, sparkly treble, and excellent resolution. Bass quality could be better and treble is bright.

Gizaudio Axel original ranking

Gizaudio Axel Youtube Channel

Fiio FA19 reviewed by Super* Review

Super* Review 4* * score rescaled + normalized
I can't recommend this IEM. Even if it would be 1/10 of it's price.
Youtube Video Summary

Fiio’s FA19 brings a lavish unboxing at a $1,000 ticket: a premium case, a magnetic cable tie, cleaning and MMCX tools, and a mountain of ear tips (silicone sets, dual-flange, foams, full SpinFits, and HS18). The cable uses swappable terminations executed cleanly, though it’s a bit stiff, and the MMCX hardware rotates freely. The clear resin shells feel dense and well-finished, with a small nozzle and a medium fit that’s comfortable but not very secure—the MMCX rotation often requires a nudge to keep placement in the ear. Inside are 10 BAs per side and a tuning switch that Fiio markets as “monitor” vs “hi-fi.”

On the ear, FA19 reads as a warm, dense V-shape even in the so-called monitor mode. The switch simply means “more bass” vs “a lot of bass,” lifting the entire low end for thickness but yielding drone and blur rather than punch or texture—described as farty, flat-backed bass. Up top there’s sparkle, but treble control is lacking, pushing sibilance on vocals and cymbals; stage is fairly narrow and imaging unremarkable, though mid/upper-treble lift can tease out some vocal grain and breath. Against a key rival, the 64 Audio U4s (with M12), the Fiio feels outclassed: U4s offers tighter, better-balanced bass, a more neutral midrange, and non-fatiguing treble with enough extension to stay lively. Verdict: despite stellar accessories and build, FA19’s tuning and technicals don’t justify its price; not recommended at $1,000—and there are stronger options even far cheaper.


Super* Review original ranking

Super* Review Youtube Channel

Ice Labs Prismatica (more reviews)

Ice Labs Prismatica reviewed by Yifang

Yifang 8 Reviewer Score
A+ Tuning
A Tech

Ice Labs Prismatica reviewed by Smirk Audio

Smirk Audio 7.3 Reviewer Score
A Tuning
A- Tech
check links for more info:

Smirk Audio original ranking

Smirk Audio Head-Fi Profile

Bass: A Mids: A Treble: A Dynamics: A Details: A- Imaging: A-

Ice Labs Prismatica reviewed by Precogvision

Precogvision 6.1 Reviewer Score
B Tuning
B Tech
Fairly palatable, musical sound with some tonal oddity in the midrange.

Precogvision original ranking

Precogvision Youtube Channel
Bass: B Mids: C+ Treble: A- Dynamics: B Details: B Imaging: A-

Fiio FA19 User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Ice Labs Prismatica User Review Score

Average User Scores

Average User Score: n/a

Based on 0 user reviews

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Fiio FA19 Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

8.1

Gaming Grade

A+

Ice Labs Prismatica Gaming Score

Gaming Score & Grade

  • The gaming score is prioritizing technical capabilities of the IEM (Separation, Layering, Soundstage) and good value.

Gaming Score

5.9

Gaming Grade

B-

Fiio FA19 Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

A-
  • A smooth, agreeable balance keeps the presentation engaging without obvious flaws. Only sensitive ears will nitpick the bumps.

Average Technical Grade

A+
  • It sounds refined and controlled, keeping instruments neatly separated with immersive staging. Busy arrangements remain neatly organized.
Mids B
The region sounds composed and expressive, giving vocals a natural spotlight. It keeps vocals front and center nicely.
Treble A+
The treble performance feels luxurious, marrying air, control, and excitement. You can place every high-frequency element.
Dynamics A+
The presentation feels expansive, letting micro and macro dynamics breathe. There's a sense of limitless headroom.
Soundstage A+
Three-dimensional layering becomes effortless, placing performers on a lifelike virtual stage. Venue ambience wraps around convincingly.
Gaming A+
Reliable positional tracking with good environmental awareness. Maintains clarity during busy scenes while conveying atmospheric depth. Premium pricing warrants consideration of gaming-first alternatives for lower cost

Ice Labs Prismatica Scorings

Average Technical & Tuning Grades

Average Tunign Grade

B+
  • Expect a friendly tonal balance that could use polish but remains inviting. Great for casual listening, less so for purists.

Average Technical Grade

A-
  • You get a controlled, composed performance, marrying decent clarity with a still-modest sense of space. A safe technical performer for the price bracket.
Bass B+
You get a lively bass response that balances energy with discipline. It balances punch with respectable control.
Mids B-
It presents a stable midrange foundation suitable for everyday listening. Clarity is serviceable without standing out.
Treble A-
It provides outstanding treble finesse, balancing brightness and control gracefully. It's engaging yet remarkably controlled.
Dynamics B
You get confident dynamics that track both macro swings and rhythmic drive. There's life in every crescendo.
Soundstage B
Lateral spread stretches comfortably while front/back cues start to feel convincing. You can trace front-to-back movement.
Details B+
You hear inner textures easily, even when the arrangement piles on layers. You can hear subtle studio effects.
Imaging A-
Each element locks into a steady coordinate even as the mix grows dense. Imaging holds even during busy segments.
Gaming B-
Moderate spatial presentation conveys general directionality. Suitable for casual play where precision isn't critical. Bad value-to-cost for gaming purpose - not recommended

Fiio FA19 User Reviews

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Ice Labs Prismatica User Reviews

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