Being able to deliver high quality headphones while maintaining an affordable price for almost all budgets. This has long been one of the hallmarks of FiiO, the Chinese manufacturer that we have already talked about on other occasions and which in this case presents its first open hi-fi headphones: FiiO FT3.

In line with the other products of the brand, FiiO gives us headphones that pay maximum attention to materials, betting on high-quality aluminum and synthetic leather as a presentation letter of a tough, almost industrial design, which is more preferred by the gamer public than hi-fi fans.

They may be too bulky and heavy as they appear, but their headband and counterweight systems ensure that they are comfortable to wear when placed on the head. And while it’s certainly hard to forget their nearly 400 grams (391 gr.), it never bothered us during the time we’ve been testing them. Exactly opposite.

But apart from the design, the important thing about the new FiiO FT3 is the design that goes through a large 60mm dynamic driver, capable due to its large size to support more output power, generating less distortion. In addition, it has a beryllium-plated seal and its diaphragm is made of DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon). According to the brand, this combination has some advantages over others that we find on the market: lower weight (compared to what we usually find in this type of drivers), but at the same time more resistance to vibrations (the driver is less prone to breakage) and again less distortion .

Of course, there is a fee to move this large driver. And in this case it is reflected in the impedance 350 ohms, so we will have to use an amplifier if we want to take full advantage of what this device can offer us. This is common when we talk about headphones that are aimed at this segment and that a higher impedance usually not only translates into more power, but also allows the reproduction of a more accurate and detailed sound with a better response throughout the spectrum. dynamic range.

Both the connectors and the cable that FiiO supplies with these headphones deserve a special mention. In this sense, the Asian manufacturer includes interchangeable 3.5 mm, 4.4 mm and XLR connectors. Also included is a 3.5mm to 6.3mm adapter and a second pair of ear tips, along with a three-meter cable made from high-purity materials such as Furukawa monocrystalline copper.

The set is completed with an elegant leather case with which you can carry the headphones starting at a recommended price of 329 euros, which on paper promises great value for money.

Specifications

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

Sound quality

Now that we’ve established that we’ll need an amplifier to enjoy these headphones, let’s see how they sound. The first thing to point out is that it greatly favors its open design creating a full sound, very enveloping, in which the headphones “breathe” without causing fatigue after hours of use. Without the need for technologies such as “surround audio” or Dolby Atmos, they give us the feeling of listening to music directly from the stage. Is not it too little.

The FiiO FT3, already a hallmark of the brand, offers a very clear and balanced sound, with a great dynamic range, a clean and raw sound, in line with the needs of anyone who is thinking of buying “serious” headphones.

In quality live recordings, we are able to distinguish very subtle details such as breathing, a slight cough, the audience in the background maybe making low-voice comments…a whole set of tiny details that take us even further back to the moment when the album was recorded.

The bass is not only deep and powerful, but also very controlled. They do not distort at high volume levels and maintain a constant sound delivery throughout the range, very present. Mids and highs on the headphones are clear, accurate and detailed. Its 60mm driver reproduces voices and instruments very naturally, without distortion or hiss, with a response between 7Hz and 40kHz, meaning it can reproduce all frequencies of the audible spectrum.

Conclusions

The FiiO FT3 are a great choice for music fans who want to enjoy almost everything premium Hi-Fi headphones have to offer at a reasonable price.

They are characteristically in the middle range of the market, but according to perceptions, they offer much more, with a wonderful surround sound, deep bass and clean mids and highs, and with great attention to detail throughout the dynamic range.

Built-in aluminum and body, perhaps the only “but” we can say is the design, which does not exactly convey the premium feeling that we find in everything else. All in all, these are highly recommended headphones for which we recommend having a dedicated amplifier.