Current months have seen Chinese language audio makers that historically concentrate on IEMs — like Moondrop and Thieaudio — introduce over-ear headphones, and so they’ve had various ranges of success at doing so. Moondrop’s first effort was the Void, and it didn’t hit the mark. Fortunately, the model redeemed itself with the $599 Venus, providing an beautiful design and enormous planar drivers with a wonderful soundstage. Equally, Thieaudio’s Wraith did not fairly get the tuning proper, so the model pivoted to the funds phase with the $129 Ghost.
Fiio is now the most recent model vying to make its mark on this class with the introduction of its first over-ear headphones, the FT3. Fiio churns out extra merchandise than Moondrop and Thieaudio mixed, and the launch of the FT3 was extremely anticipated. The headphones have been set to debut on the finish of final yr, however the launch was pushed to early 2023, and so they’re now out there for buy in most international markets for $299.
That worth level already makes the FT3 very engaging, so let’s discover out if Fiio managed to nail the system on the primary attempt to whether or not the FT3 can go up towards the likes of the Sennheiser HD6XX.
As at all times, let’s begin with the design. Fiio has a novel design aesthetic that favors a daring styling with sharp strains, and this language is seen all through its portfolio, together with DACs just like the Q7 and K9 Professional. As such, it is no marvel that the FT3 characteristic an aggressive design, and the look will not be to everybody’s tastes.
To Fiio’s credit score, the model did not skimp out on supplies, and the FT3 options an all-aluminum chassis with glorious construct high quality. The surface of the ear cups characteristic a spoke-like design with the Fiio emblem within the center, and whereas it does not precisely scream premium, it’s a distinctive look, and it matches with the remainder of Fiio’s product line.
Design decisions apart, there’s rather a lot to love with the FT3. The open-back nature of the headset means there’s loads of airflow, and Fiio went with a self-adjusting suspension-style headband that is snug to put on. The scarf and the suspension system is made out of leather-based, and the latter has ample padding. The FT is available in at 391g, and whereas it’s on the heavier aspect, it is not as cumbersome because the Venus or Wraith, and the design ensures the load is evenly distributed over your head.
I used the FT3 for just below three weeks now, and coming from the Venus, they’re considerably simpler to put on. For one factor, they do not have a robust clamping pressure, so they do not exert an excessive amount of stress in your ears, and that is factor. You get respectable swivel for the ear cups as properly, guaranteeing you get match. On that observe, Fiio bundles suede and leather-based ear cushions with the FT3, and I want the previous as they’re a little bit extra snug throughout prolonged listening periods.
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Whereas I do not normally speak about equipment, I’ve to say the case that Fiio bundles within the bundle. The FT3 comes with a tough carry case made out of fake leather-based, and it’s beautiful. The case is right for carrying the FT3 on the go, and the within is molded to carry the headset and the bundled cable. As for the cable itself, it makes use of Furukawa’s monocrystalline copper conductor and has a paracord design that is sturdy. The 3m cable is considerably longer than the usual 1.2 meter choices that you will discover on this class, and personally, I am glad Fiio went with a big cable right here.
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The cable connects to the FT3 by way of normal 3.5mm plugs, and the opposite aspect options an interchangeable connector that permits you to use any jack of alternative. Fiio bundles a single-ended 3.5mm plug together with a 6.35mm connector, and also you get balanced 4.4mm jack (which I used as normal) together with an XLR connector! I like the concept of interchangeable plugs because it negates the necessity for a number of cables, and Fiio did an excellent job on this space.
Having used the HD6XX for a number of months final yr, I used to be considering seeing how the FT3 maintain up on the consolation entrance, and after prolonged use, I can confidently say that I like Fiio’s choice on this space. The FT3 is extra snug in every day use, and an enormous a part of that’s right down to the low clamping pressure. The padded headband additionally performed an element in ensuring the load of the FT3 is distributed evenly, and that is among the many most snug headsets in my assortment, alongside the Meze 99 Classics.
Fiio went with bigger 60mm dynamic drivers right here, and used a DLC coating and beryllium-plated gasket to scale back the load and create much less distortion. As for the sound, the FT3 has a terrific low-end that lends itself properly to bass-focused tracks, with a pronounced sub-bass that is filled with vitality. The mid-bass is the place issues get notably fascinating, and also you get plenty of rumble with glorious element and vibrancy. These are on par with the HD6XX in relation to an pleasing low-end, and Fiio nailed the temporary on this regard.
Vocals come by way of clearly and with loads of character, and the mids are detailed, with glorious instrument separation and tonality. The FT3 has treble extension, and there is no sibilance to the sound. The general timbre is superb, and the FT3 is well-suited to various genres, with kick drums coming throughout simply as clear as violins in an orchestral ensemble.
Imaging is the place the FT3 really comes into its personal, and the bigger drivers mixed with the angled design and tuning produce a full of life and sensible sound that is unmatched on this class. I discussed earlier that I used the suede pads for a lot of the testing; I switched to the leather-based pads to see if there is a distinction, and so they made the FT3 sound overly heat and vivid, so my advice could be to make use of the suede choice as normal.
At 350Ω, the FT3 is energy hungry, so in the event you’re utilizing a transportable supply, you will want to ensure it could actually ship sufficient energy. I used the K9 Professional for a bulk of the testing, and for transportable use, I went with Fiio’s newest M15S audio participant (assessment coming quickly). Any of Fiio’s transportable sources — just like the BTR7 — ought to do the job, however you will want a beefier choice just like the M11S, Q7, or the K5 Professional to take full benefit of the FT3. On that observe, the FT3 pairs extremely properly with the R7 community streamer.
General, Fiio did an unbelievable job with the FT3. The design of the headset will not be to everybody’s liking, however do not let that dissuade you — these are among the many best-sounding headphones on this class, and so they maintain their very own towards the likes of the HD6XX. The sturdy design mixed with the snug match and the wide range of equipment give the FT3 an edge, and I just like the arduous shell carry case fairly a bit; I’ve headsets costing 4 occasions as a lot that do not have a case this good.
However what you are right here for is the sound, and in that space, the FT3 does all the proper issues. There’s glorious character to the bass, loads of element within the mids and treble, and the soundstage is the perfect of any $299 headset I’ve used thus far. Fiio took its time in releasing the FT3, and now that it is out there, I can truthfully say that it was definitely worth the wait.
