The world of high-fidelity audio is ever-evolving, with new players constantly emerging to challenge the established names. FiiO, a brand known for its expertise in digital audio players and DACs, has now ventured into the competitive arena of high-end headphones. With the release of the FT5, FiiO aims to carve out a niche in the planar magnetic headphone market, a segment dominated by well-respected names like Audeze, Grado, and HiFiMan. In this review, we’ll explore what makes the FiiO FT5 a noteworthy contender and whether it lives up to the brand’s reputation for delivering quality at an aggressive price point.
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The Tech Basic Verdict
The FiiO FT5 achieves an impressive balance in all aspects, from its construction and design to its sound quality. If you’re seeking perfectly neutral audio, they might not be your ideal choice. However, if you prefer an engaging and lively sound with a touch of audiophile refinement, they’re worth a listen
Pros:
- Build Quality: The FiiO FT5 is built to last, with high-quality materials and a durable design that can withstand daily use. The magnesium-aluminum alloy frame provides a good balance between weight and strength, making the headphones both sturdy and comfortable to wear.
- Sound Quality: The FT5 delivers an engaging and detailed sound, with a warm tonal balance and excellent dynamic range. The planar magnetic drivers provide a natural and expansive soundstage, making the FT5 an excellent choice for a wide range of music genres.
- Comfort: Despite its weight, the FT5 is comfortable to wear for extended periods, thanks to the ergonomic design and well-distributed weight. The earcups swivel and rotate to ensure a secure fit, while the included earpads provide a good seal and fit.
- Connectivity: The FT5 offers a wide range of connectivity options, including 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 6.3mm jacks, and a 4-pin XLR connector. This ensures that the headphones can be used with a variety of audio sources, from portable devices to high-end desktop setups.
- Customization: The FT5 comes with two pairs of earpads, allowing you to customize the sound to your liking. The suede pads offer a warmer and more diffuse sound, while the protein leather pads provide a tighter seal and more focused presentation.
Cons:
- Weight: At 456 grams without cables, the FT5 is on the heavier side for planar magnetic headphones. While the weight is well-distributed, some users may find the headphones uncomfortable during extended use.
- Clamping Force: The earcups of the FT5 are spring-loaded, which can result in a tight clamping force on your head. While this provides a secure fit, some users may find it uncomfortable, especially during long listening sessions.
- Price: While the FT5 offers excellent value for money, it is still a significant investment, particularly for those who are new to high-end headphones. The price may be a barrier for some users, especially compared to other market options.
Technical Specifications and Features
| Specifications | Details |
| Drivers | 90mm planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 36 Ohms nominal |
| Weight | 456g (without cable) |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 6.3mm, 4-pin XLR |
| Frequency Response | 7Hz – 40kHz |
| Cable Length | 1.5m silver-plated monocrystalline copper |
The FiiO FT5 is equipped with 90mm planar magnetic drivers, a choice that sets it apart from many of its competitors in this price range. Planar magnetic technology is known for its ability to deliver a detailed and dynamic sound, and FiiO has gone to great lengths to optimize this technology in the FT5.
The planar magnetic drivers in the FT5 are extraordinarily thin, measuring just 6µm, and are backed by 11 neodymium magnets on one side and nine on the other. This configuration allows the FT5 to achieve a frequency response of 7Hz to 40kHz, with a sensitivity of 96dB/mW at 1kHz. The result is a pair of headphones that are easy to drive, even with portable sources, yet capable of delivering a wide and detailed soundstage.
Connectivity options are plentiful with the FT5. The headphones come with a 1.5-meter monocrystalline copper braided silver-plated cable that terminates in a 3.5mm pair of connectors, one for each earcup. The other end of the cable features a variety of swappable connections, including 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 6.3mm jacks, and a 4-pin XLR. This ensures that you can connect the FT5 to virtually any audio source, whether you’re using a portable DAC/amp or a high-end desktop setup.
FiiO has also included two pairs of earpads with the FT5, one made of suede and the other of protein leather. The choice of earpad material can have a significant impact on the sound signature, and FiiO’s claims about the sonic differences between the two are intriguing. The suede earpads are described as “magnificently vigorous,” while the protein leather pads are said to be “highly detailed.” Swapping between the two is simple, allowing you to tailor the listening experience to your preferences.
Overview
FiiO is no stranger to the audio industry, having established a solid reputation with its range of desktop and portable audio products. However, the Fiio FT5 marks the brand’s ambitious foray into the planar magnetic headphone market. Released on December 1, 2023, the FT5 comes with a price tag of $449, £429, or AU$799, depending on your region. This pricing puts the FT5 in direct competition with other planar magnetic headphones, though its feature set and design suggest that FiiO is aiming to offer something unique and compelling.
Unboxing and First Impressions
The unboxing experience of the FiiO FT5 sets the tone for what is intended to be a premium product. The headphones come housed in a luxurious tan leather carry case that exudes quality. Inside, you’ll find the headphones themselves, along with a variety of cables and connectors, ensuring that you’re well-equipped to use the FT5 with a range of audio sources.
The FT5’s design is both bold and functional. The headphones are constructed primarily from magnesium-aluminum alloy, a material that offers a good balance between strength and weight. At 456 grams without cables, the FT5 is not the lightest pair of headphones on the market, but FiiO has taken steps to ensure that they remain comfortable during extended listening sessions. The hangar arrangement of dual-band, which structures a headband of slim leather inside an alloy suspension, helps distribute the weight evenly across your head.
One of the standout features of the FT5’s design is the pattern on the rear of the earcups. While it may seem purely decorative, this pattern serves a specific function: it controls and accelerates the airflow generated when the large planar magnetic driver is in motion. This design choice has acoustic benefits, particularly in terms of sound staging and high-frequency response.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the FiiO FT5 is a testament to the brand’s attention to detail and commitment to quality. The use of magnesium aluminum alloy not only contributes to the headphones’ durability but also helps keep the weight manageable. The dual-band hangar system, with its combination of a leather headband and alloy suspension, provides a secure and comfortable fit, even during long listening sessions.
The earcups of the FT5 are designed to move through three axes, ensuring that the headphones can accommodate a wide range of head shapes and sizes. This flexibility, combined with the adjustable headband, makes it easy to achieve a good fit and seal, which is crucial for optimal sound quality.
While the FT5 is on the heavier side for planar magnetic headphones, the weight is well-distributed, making them more comfortable to wear than you might expect. However, it’s worth noting that the earcups are spring-loaded, which can affect the amount of clamping force on your head. Some users may find this comfortable, while others might feel the need to adjust the fit after extended use.
FiiO has also taken steps to ensure that the FT5 remains clean and tidy over time. The included carry case is both rigid and spacious, with enough room to store the headphones and all their accessories. The case’s retractable carry handle and luxurious leather finish make it a practical and stylish addition to the package.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the FiiO FT5 does not disappoint. The headphones offer an open and spacious soundstage, with a detailed and naturalistic sound that is both entertaining and analytical. From the moment you put them on, the FT5 delivers a full and unfiltered listening experience, revealing the nuances of your music with impressive clarity.
The FT5’s tonal balance is slightly warm, with a hint of heat that adds character without detracting from accuracy. The frequency response is not entirely flat, with a slight emphasis on the midrange that brings vocals and other midrange elements to the forefront. This characteristic gives the FT5 a lively and engaging sound that is well-suited to a wide range of music genres.
Treble reproduction is bright and textured, but never harsh or sibilant. The FT5 handles high-frequency sounds with precision, ensuring that details are preserved without becoming fatiguing. At the other end of the spectrum, bass sounds are rich and full-bodied, with plenty of detail and variation. The FT5’s control of the low end is confident, providing a solid foundation for your music without overpowering the rest of the frequency range.
One of the most impressive aspects of the FT5’s sound quality is its ability to maintain clarity and separation, even in complex or congested recordings. The headphones create a well-defined soundstage, with both the front/back and left/right planes accurately represented. This makes the FT5 an excellent choice for listening to orchestral music, where the placement of instruments and depth of the soundstage is crucial.
Dynamic headroom is another area where the FT5 excels. The headphones handle large shifts in volume and intensity with ease, delivering powerful crescendos without distortion. The FT5 is also adept at capturing the subtleties of harmonic variation, making it a versatile and expressive pair of headphones.
FiiO’s decision to include two pairs of earpads with the FT5 allows you to customize the sound to your liking. The suede pads offer a slightly warmer and more diffuse sound, with a wider sense of the stage, while the protein leather pads provide a snappier, more focused presentation. The choice of earpads can significantly impact the overall sound signature, making this a valuable feature for audiophiles who enjoy experimenting with different setups.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is a crucial factor when it comes to high-end headphones, and the FiiO FT5 delivers in this regard. Despite their weight, the headphones are designed to be as comfortable as possible, thanks to the combination of the dual-band hangar system and adjustable earcups. The headband distributes the weight evenly across your head, while the earcups swivel and rotate to ensure a secure fit.
The FT5’s earpads are also designed with comfort in mind. The suede pads, in particular, are soft and plush, making them ideal for long listening sessions. The protein leather pads, while slightly firmer, provide a better seal and are more suited to those who prioritize sound isolation.
One potential downside to the FT5’s design is the amount of clamping force exerted by the earcups. While some users may appreciate the secure fit, others might find it a bit too tight, especially during extended use. However, this is a matter of personal preference, and the ability to adjust the fit should help mitigate any discomfort.
Audio Performance and Frequency Response
The FiiO FT5’s audio performance is impressive across the board, with a sound signature that is both engaging and detailed. The 90mm planar magnetic drivers deliver a warm and natural sound, with a slight emphasis on the midrange that adds a touch of character to the overall presentation.
The FT5’s frequency response is generally well-balanced, with a slight dip in the sub-bass region and a small bump in the midrange. This tuning gives the headphones a warm tonality, with a focus on vocals and midrange instruments. The bass is punchy and well-defined, while the treble is bright and articulate, with plenty of detail.
One of the most notable aspects of the FT5’s audio performance is its dynamic range. The headphones are capable of handling large shifts in volume and intensity with ease, delivering powerful crescendos without distortion. The FT5 also excels at capturing the subtleties of harmonic variation, making it a versatile and expressive pair of headphones.
The FT5’s soundstage is another strong point, with a wide and immersive presentation that allows you to easily locate instruments and other sonic elements within the mix. The headphones create a sense of depth and space that is particularly impressive when listening to orchestral or live recordings.
Comparison with Competitors
The FiiO FT5 enters a crowded market, where it faces competition from established brands like Audeze, Grado, and HiFiMan. However, the FT5’s unique combination of design, features, and sound quality make it a compelling alternative to these more established names.
One of the FT5’s main competitors is the HiFiMan Sundara, a planar magnetic headphone that is similarly priced and well-regarded for its neutral sound signature and excellent build quality. While the Sundara offers a more neutral and balanced sound, the FT5’s warmer tonality and dynamic presentation make it a more engaging option for those who prefer a livelier sound.
Another competitor is the Audeze LCD-1, a planar magnetic headphone that is known for its detailed and accurate sound. The LCD-1 offers a more analytical sound signature, with a focus on detail and clarity. While the FT5 is not as clinical as the LCD-1, it offers a more enjoyable listening experience for those who prefer a warmer and more musical sound.
Grado’s headphones, such as the SR325e, are also worth considering as competitors to the FT5. Grado headphones are known for their bright and energetic sound, with a focus on treble and midrange detail. The FT5, on the other hand, offers a more balanced and refined sound, with better bass response and a wider soundstage.
Overall, the FiiO FT5 holds its own against these competitors, offering a unique sound signature and feature set that makes it a worthy contender in the high-end headphone market.
Build Quality and Durability
Build quality is an essential consideration for any high-end headphones, and the FiiO FT5 does not disappoint. The headphones are constructed from high-quality materials, with a magnesium-aluminum alloy frame that is both lightweight and durable. The dual-band hangar system and adjustable earcups provide a secure and comfortable fit, while the included earpads are soft and plush.
The FT5’s design is also highly functional, with a focus on practicality and ease of use. The headphones come with a variety of connectivity options, including 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 6.3mm jacks, and a 4-pin XLR connector. This ensures that the FT5 can be used with a wide range of audio sources, from portable devices to high-end desktop setups.
FiiO has also included a luxurious carry case with the FT5, which is both rigid and spacious enough to store the headphones and all their accessories. The case’s retractable carry handle and luxurious leather finish make it a practical and stylish addition to the package.
Accessories and Packaging
The FiiO FT5 comes with a generous selection of accessories, which add to the overall value of the package. In addition to the headphones themselves, you’ll find a variety of cables and connectors, including a 1.5-meter braided silver-plated monocrystalline copper cable that terminates in a 3.5mm pair of connectors, one for each earcup. The other end of the cable features a variety of swappable connections, including 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and 6.3mm jacks, and a 4-pin XLR connector.
The FT5 also comes with two pairs of earpads, one made of suede and the other of protein leather. The choice of earpad material can have a significant impact on the sound signature, and FiiO’s claims about the sonic differences between the two are intriguing. The suede earpads are described as “magnificently vigorous,” while the protein leather pads are said to be “highly detailed.” Swapping between the two is simple, allowing you to tailor the listening experience to your preferences.
FiiO has also included a luxurious carry case with the FT5, which is both rigid and spacious enough to store the headphones and all their accessories. The case’s retractable carry handle and luxurious leather finish make it a practical and stylish addition to the package.
User Experience and Practicality
The FiiO FT5 is designed with user experience in mind, offering a combination of comfort, functionality, and ease of use. The headphones are easy to drive, with a sensitivity of 96dB/mW at 1kHz, making them suitable for use with portable devices as well as high-end desktop setups. The variety of connectivity options ensures that you can use the FT5 with virtually any audio source, while the included earpads allow you to customize the sound to your liking.
The FT5’s design is also highly practical, with a focus on durability and ease of maintenance. The headphones are constructed from high-quality materials, with a magnesium-aluminum alloy frame that is both lightweight and durable. The dual-band hangar system and adjustable earcups provide a secure and comfortable fit, while the included earpads are soft and plush.
FiiO has also taken steps to ensure that the FT5 remains clean and tidy over time. The included carry case is both rigid and spacious, with enough room to store the headphones and all their accessories. The case’s retractable carry handle and luxurious leather finish make it a practical and stylish addition to the package.
Conclusion
The FiiO FT5 is an impressive entry into the high-end headphone market, offering a unique combination of design, features, and sound quality. The headphones deliver an engaging and detailed sound, with a warm tonal balance and excellent dynamic range. The build quality is top-notch, with high-quality materials and a durable design that can withstand daily use.
While the FT5 is on the heavier side for planar magnetic headphones, the weight is well-distributed, making them comfortable to wear for extended periods. The headphones offer a wide range of connectivity options, ensuring that they can be used with virtually any audio source. The included earpads allow you to customize the sound to your liking, making the FT5 a versatile and expressive pair of headphones.
Overall, the FiiO FT5 is a worthy contender in the high-end headphone market, offering a unique and compelling alternative to more established names. Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or new to planar magnetic headphones, the FT5 provides a fun and dynamic listening experience that is hard to beat at this price point.