FiiO FT5 headphones analysis: more than power

FiiO joins the “fever” for high-end headphones planar-magnetic and presents its FT5, the firm’s first device that equips this technology. And unlike traditional dynamic drivers that use a voice coil connected to a diaphragm (usually a cone or dome), the diaphragm of a planar-magnetic headphone is very thin, light and large that is suspended between two sets. of powerful magnets (hence the name “planar-magnetic”), which generate a uniform magnetic field.

These features allow you to respond more quickly and accurately to changes in the audio signal, which is key to delivering more faithful and detailed sound reproduction (especially in the mids and highs). Because the planar-magnetic diaphragm moves as a complete unit rather than concentrating the movement at a single point (as occurs in dynamic drivers), there is typically less distortion.

So why aren’t they as popular as dynamic driver headphones? Firstly, because they tend to be much heavier, precisely due to the use of large magnets, which can make them less comfortable. Secondly, because although the impedance is not always very high, they usually require dedicated amplifiers to extract their maximum potential, which makes their use in mobility scenarios or with portable devices difficult.

It is true that as we saw in our recent analysis of the Edifier Stax Spirit S5, today it is possible to find headphones on the market that combine planar-magnetic technology with Bluetooth. And while it’s a growing trend, promising to combine the best of both worlds (which it does to some extent), discerning audiophiles often argue (rightly) that even with the best wireless codecs currently available (like aptX Lossless , LDAC, or LHDC), lossless audio transmission still has limitations compared to cable transmission.

That being said…what does FiiO offer us in its new FT5 headphones? Most notably, a frequency response spanning from 7 Hz to 40 kHz, using 90 mm drivers with a diaphragm composed of PAR and aluminum. They have an impedance of 36 Ohms and a sensitivity of 110 dB/Vrms at 1 kHz, which allows them to handle a maximum input power of up to 2000 mW.

Technical specifications

• Earphone type: open planar-magnetic
• Frequency response: 7Hz-40kHz
• Driver type: 90mm planar-magnetic
• Driver material: PAR diaphragm + aluminum
• Impedancia: 36 Ohms
• Sensitivity:
  • 110dB/Vrms (1@kHz)
  • 96dB/mW (@1kHz)
• Maximum input power: 2000mW
• Weight: about 456g (excluding cable)
• Pad pressure level: 4.0+0.3N
• Cable length: about 1.5m
• Cable material: 392 high purity wires
• Cable connector: interchangeable FiiO

Design and construction

We told you that headphones of this type are usually heavy and the FiiO FT5 are no exception. But its 456 grams, although they are noticeable, it is fair to recognize that in this model it is distributed in an exceptionally balanced way.

Both the frame, the headband and the lining of the pads are constructed from an aluminum and magnesium alloy, which offers a much more premium look and feel than plastic, in exchange for a relatively similar weight. To improve comfort, it incorporates a double headband that “supports” the weight of the pads, while a third made of synthetic leather is the one that rests on the head.

On the other hand, the FiiO FT5 pads have a larger inner diameter than most models, which once again makes the fit very comfortable, also benefiting from a three-axis rotation mechanism that allows them to be adjusted. rotate freely. The design, which maintains the classic proposal that we see in many of the brand’s devices, does not, however, give up certain modern touches and a premium feel in all the details.

In addition to the headphones themselves, in the packaking We can find a second pair of interchangeable pads (we can choose between suede and leather) very easy to change; 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, as well as adapters for 6.35mm and 4-pin XLR. All of this, perfectly aligned inside a leather case and a velvet bag.

Performance

We are told by the brand that when designing the FiiO FT5, the development team aimed to achieve strict sound performance goals. So after extensive testing, FiiO engineers determined that a thickness of 6um en el diaphragma It represented the ideal balance between sound and reliability.

It is true that in the highest-end planar magnetic headphones we can find thicknesses of 2 to 3 micronswhich offer an excellent response, but they are also usually more fragile and especially careful to maintain their durability.

On the other hand, a thicker diaphragm, as in this case, also has the advantage that although it is not as tremendously detailed in the highs and mids, it does offer a more “full” sound in the lows, perhaps offering a more complete sound. balanced.

It is precisely that feeling of balance that we like the most about these headphones. It certainly does not offer the deepest and roundest bass in its category and the transparent and truly detailed mids and highs can be taken even further in other products, but overall the “paste” in these FiiO FT5 borders on a high level.

Although it is still a headphone from which we are going to take advantage of its full potential when we connect it to a DAC or an amplifier, its sensitivity values ​​(110dB/Vrms and 96dB/mW) indicate that they can reach good volume levels without needing a lot of power. extra. On the other hand, the use of 20 neodymium magnets with 1.5T is impressive. A density of 1.5 Tesla is an impressive specification, especially in headphones of this type, as it promotes controlled and precise movement of the diaphragm.

Conclusions

For 400 euros, few headphones can boast the technical specifications of these FiiO FT5. In practice, they offer excellent sound quality in terms of detail and sensitivity and take advantage of all the benefits of planar-magnetic drivers with a robust and lightweight construction.

They are headphones (despite their weight) that are comfortable to wear and their open design, although it may bother people who share space with us when listening to music, favors long sessions without acoustic fatigue. Highly recommended.