Quality headphones with many details to consider. That’s what FiiO offers us with its FT3, its first open-back headphones that, at least on paper, do just about everything: 60mm beryllium-coated drivers, 350 Ω impedance and a modular cable. And why open?

Because with a nod to those who enjoy their music most at home, FiiO joins the bandwagon of those considering an open-back design that reduces unwanted vibrations and resonances and results in a wider soundstage, similar to a live concert experience. In exchange, of course, we won’t find any noise cancellation technology, neither passive nor active.

In principle, such large drivers should offer us great sound quality with deep bass and a very wide frequency response, with an emphasis on details and textures. On the other hand, the fact that in order to achieve this goal an impedance of 350 Ω is needed for headphones, which, although they do not fall into the category of audiophiles (certainly not at a price of around 300 euros), can work against them. don’t count on the sa house suitable headphone amplifier. As always when we talk about this type of headphones, the right balance is found in va “sweet spot” very determined and that is not always easy to achieve. That said, these FT3s are promising.

Specifications

• Headphone type: Open dynamic
• Frequency response: 7Hz – 40kHz
• Driver type: Dynamic 60mm
• Diaphragm material: Beryllium + DLC
• Impedance: 350 ohms
• Weight: 391g
• Cable length: approx. 3m
• Cable material: Furukawa monocrystalline copper
• Headphone jack: dual 3.5mm
• Adapter from 3.5 mm to 6.35 mm
• Adapter 4.4 mm to XLR-4
• Leather case

More than beautiful design

For the design of its new headphones, FiiO opted for a futuristic look. The exterior is made of aluminum alloy. Ear pads and pads are attached to a steel frame “suspended” above a floating leather headband. The open back is covered with aluminum alloy hollow mesh and resin sheets, which together offer that sci-fi image. In other words: if you’re interested in having eye-catching headphones inspired by aesthetics playing gamesbut with a more elegant look you have a good option here.

All this translates into a weight that is close to 400 (391) grams, which makes them a bit heavier than we would like. It’s own structure also puts a bit of excessive strain on the earmuffs, so if you usually wear glasses like me, they can become a bit uncomfortable to wear after a while.

At FiiO they say that one of the The big secrets of your FT3 are found in the diaphragm. We discussed how the FT3 driver board is beryllium coated. The result is not only a lighter joint, but also a stiffer joint that can better handle the movement of the large dynamic driver to reduce distortion. On the other hand, the FT3 diaphragm is made of DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), which is very durable and lightweight compared to other materials, meaning the driver is less prone to cracking.

Before we told you how we were surprised by this high impedance (350 Ω) in this price range and how it forced us to have a suitable amplifier (probably if all we do is connect them to our computer, we will not achieve the expected performance). To handle this and promise us a frequency response between 7Hz and 40 kHz, it uses N52 neodymium magnets.

The headphones are accompanied by a monocrystalline copper cable 3 m Furukawa with modular connectivity, something that FiiO has adopted and includes in many of its products and which is a real advantage as it allows you to connect 3.5mm, 4.4mm, 6.35mm and XLR-4 connectors, meaning the FT3 can be used with a wide range of amplifiers or DACs.

Performance

All of the above offers us more than remarkable sound quality in its price range and again delivers on what FiiO promises: more (quality) for less (money).

In general, these are very balanced headphones that tend towards a neutral sound, incorporating almost no processing or emphasizing (like many) the bass at the expense of the mids. The sound is clearly defined, without distortion, even with more than remarkable volumes and maintaining a great body. That said, this balance can work against true lovers of deep bass full of personality. And here it is like everything, a matter of taste.

The mids are the bread and butter of the FT3, not so much because the mids are boosted (except for the lift in the upper mids), but because the bass and treble are relatively neutral. As a result, the FT3 has a forward midrange, but not so forward that it becomes overbearing.

Mid-range instruments and vocals also maintain this neutral tone, but are warm enough to sound organic and natural, with plenty of amplitude to clearly appreciate all the details. Finally, the highs maintain a pleasant timbre, without excess brightness or steepness, which guarantees greater clarity, also thanks to its open design.

In short, the FiiO FT3 offers a great listening experience with very few ifs and buts. The build quality is excellent, the sound is always balanced and transparent, its modular cable and even the elegant leather case. A great brand debut in this design, of course.