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

These features allow for a faster and more accurate response to changes in the audio signal, which is key to providing more faithful and detailed sound reproduction (especially in the mids and treble). Since the planar magnetic diaphragm moves as a complete unit, rather than concentrating the movement at a single point (as happens with dynamic drivers), there is usually less distortion.

So why aren’t they as popular as headphones with dynamic drivers? Firstly, because they tend to be much heavier, precisely because of the use of large magnets, which can make them uncomfortable. Second, because even though the impedance is not always very high, they usually require dedicated amplifiers to use their maximum potential, making them difficult to use in mobility scenarios or with portable devices.

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 that promises 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 have in store for us in their new FT5 headphones? Most notable is the frequency response ranging from 7 Hz to 40 kHz using 90 mm drivers with a membrane 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 power of up to 2000 mW.

Technical specifications

• Headphone type: open planar-magnetic
• Frequency response: 7Hz-40kHz
• Driver type: 90mm planar-magnetic
• Converter material: PAR membrane + aluminum
• Impedance: 36 Ohms
• Sensitivity:
  • 110dB/Vrms (1@kHz)
  • 96dB/mW (@1kHz)
• Maximum power: 2000mW
• Weight: approx. 456 g (without cable)
• Pad pressure level: 4.0+0.3N
• Cable length: approx. 1.5m
• Cable material: 392 high purity wires
• Cable connector: replaceable FiiO

Design and construction

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

The frame, head bridge, and pad lining are made from an aluminum magnesium alloy, offering a much more premium look and feel than plastic in exchange for a relatively similar weight. To improve comfort, it includes a double headband that “carries” the weight of the pads, while a third one made of synthetic leather rests on the head.

On the other hand, the FiiO FT5 pads have a larger inner diameter than most models, which again makes them very comfortable to wear, and they also benefit from a three-axis rotation mechanism that allows them to be freely adjusted. A design that preserves the classic design that we see in many devices of the brand, but does not give up certain modern elements and a premium impression in all details.

In addition to the headphones themselves, the packaging Here we find a second pair of replaceable pads (we can choose between suede and leather) very easily replaceable; 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, as well as adapters for 6.35mm and 4-pin XLR. All perfectly coordinated inside a leather case and velvet bag.

Performance

The brand tells us that when designing the FiiO FT5, the development team focused on achieving strict audio performance goals. So after extensive testing, FiiO engineers determined that the thickness 6um on the membrane It represented the ideal balance between sound and reliability.

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

On the other hand, a thicker diaphragm, as in this case, also has the advantage that, while not being as tremendously detailed in the highs and mids, it offers a “fuller” sound in the bass, perhaps offering a fuller balanced sound.

It’s exactly that sense of balance that we like best about these headphones. It certainly doesn’t offer the deepest and roundest bass in its class, and the transparent and truly detailed mids and highs can be pushed even further with other products, but overall the “trap” in these FiiO FT5s borders on the high level.

Although these are still headphones that we will use to their full potential when connected to a DAC or amplifier, their sensitivity values ​​(110dB/Vrms and 96dB/mW) indicate that they can achieve good volume. levels without requiring much power. 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 for 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 use all the advantages of planar-magnetic drivers with a robust and light construction.

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