The FiiO FT3 hi-fi headphones are the brand’s first open-back model, featuring impressive specs to provide a high-quality musical experience. They feature 2.4” dynamic transducers that are equipped with a beryllium-plated surround, a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) diaphragm and powerful N52 neodymium magnets. With their high impedance of 350 ohms, these headphones should ideally be used with a powerful hi-fi source. Available for €349, will the FiiO FT3 headphones be able to compete with iconic open-back models such as the Sennheiser HD 660S2?
FiiO FT3: accessories
The FiiO FT3 hi-fi headphones come with a cable that has a 3.5mm mini-jack connector, as well as three adapters (4-pin XLR, 6.35mm jack and 4.4mm mini-jack). The cable is three meters long, which is handy for installations in which the amp isn’t right next to your armchair or sofa. A brown leather case, a soft carrying pouch and two pairs of ear pads, one suede and one leather, are also included.
FiiO FT3: presentation
Design
The FiiO FT3 headphones have an open-back design that ensures a wider soundstage and a more natural, immersive listening experience. Moreover, the open structure provides a better spatialization of instruments and vocals, giving the music a feeling of space and depth.
However, this open design generates sound leakage, which can disturb those around you. Also, sound isolation is reduced, making the headphones only suitable for use in quiet environments without too much background noise.
Aesthetically, the FiiO FT3 hi-fi headphones feature ear cups made entirely of aluminum alloy, giving them a refined, modern appearance. In addition to guaranteeing enhanced durability, the choice of this premium material demonstrates the brand’s quality craftsmanship.
Comfort
The FiiO FT3 open-back headphones are very comfortable despite their weight of 391g, which is ideally distributed thanks to the auto-adjustable headband. The headphones can be worn for many hours without any fatigue or discomfort. However, depending on the user, they may slip if you vigorously nod your head to the music.
Very soft and smooth, the two pairs of earpads both contribute to the headphones’ comfort. The first pair features a leather covering that has been perforated to perfect the acoustic image. The second set has a suede finish. While they’re more comfortable, the latter sometimes make your ears sweat during long listening sessions. Changing the pads is done simply by pulling and pressing on them.
Dynamic transducers
The FiiO FT3 open-back headphones are equipped with a 2.4” dynamic transducer in each earcup, which is considerably larger than the 1.6” and 2” transducers usually used in this type of headphone. Thanks to the latter, the FiiO FT3 headphones are able to move a large quantity of air, providing deeper bass with greater impact. Furthermore, these transducers can handle a high output power, reducing the risk of distortion with high dynamic signals.
The headphones’ meticulous design includes a beryllium-plated surround rim, which reduces the mass of the diaphragm and improves its rigidity. The diaphragm is made of DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), guaranteeing an extended frequency response (7Hz to 40kHz) and enhanced soundstage.
Moreover, the FiiO FT3 headphones are equipped with powerful N52 neodymium magnets, carefully positioned in an optimized asymmetrical internal and external magnetic circuit. This layout balances the movement of the voice coil and diaphragm, particularly during significant dynamic shifts. As a result, magnetic energy is used more efficiently, guaranteeing better control of the voice coil and helping to maximize the sound quality of the headphones, which respond to the slightest input from the amp with great vitality.
Detachable cable and interchangeable connectors
The FiiO FT3 open-back headphones feature a sophisticated cable system. Each earpiece has a mono 3.5mm mini-jack connector designed to accommodate the detachable 3.5mm mini-jack cable included in the box. What’s more, the headphones come with 4.4mm mini-jack, 6.35mm jack and XLR-4 adapters, enabling extended compatibility with a variety of audio devices.
The included cable is made using Furukawa single-crystal copper, renowned for its purity. This high-quality design ensures optimal audio transmission, providing an ideal listening experience with the FiiO FT3.
Measurements
With their large 2.4” transducers, the FiiO FT3 headphones have a wide frequency response, ranging from 7Hz to 40kHz. Our test model had a high sensitivity of 102 dB and an impedance of 350 ohms. A 32 ohm version of these headphones is also available so that they can be paired with any source, such as a smartphone, a tablet or a computer. The 350 ohm version is suitable for more powerful sources, like a headphone amp or a DAP with a high power reserve.
FiiO FT3: key specifications
- Type: open-back
- 2.4” dynamic transducers with DLC diaphragm
- Frequency response: 7Hz – 40kHz
- Nominal impedance: 350 ohms (also available in 32 ohms)
- Sensitivity: 102 dB
- Cable: Furukawa single-crystal copper (3.5mm mini-jack) + 3 adapters (4-pin XLR, 6.35mm jack, 4.4mm mini-jack)
- Headphone connector: double 3.5mm jack
- Weight: 391g
FiiO FT3: listening conditions
We tested the FiiO FT3 hi-fi headphones with the Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition stereo amplifier as well as the FiiO R7 headphone amp. We listened to Hi-Res tracks streamed from Qobuz.
FiiO FT3: listening impressions
From the very first notes, we found that FiiO’s first open-back headphones provided a precise reproduction and a well-defined sonic image, allowing us to fully enjoy the breadth and spatialization of stereophonic recordings.
The sound signature of the FiiO FT3 headphones was analytical, precise, pure and spacious. With Mac Miller’s track Come Back to Earth, the bass was distinct and pronounced, without overpowering the message. The vocals were natural and elegantly highlighted. The instruments were distributed all around us, immersing us in a genuine sound bubble.
With the song Sunny Afternoon by Opa Tsupa, the highs delivered by FiiO FT3 headphones were very slightly bright and harsh. The bass, however, remained punchy and well controlled, giving the recording substance and energy. The mids were still just as impressive. The guitar and violin strings were crisp and precise.
Just as comfortable with pop and rock as they were with jazz and classical music, these headphones provided a remarkable level of detail. They even allowed us to rediscover certain tracks in a new light, revealing details that we hadn’t yet uncovered. It should be noted that, because the FiiO FT3 headphones’ reproduction is very faithful to the original recordings (rather analytical), it is best to listen to high-quality tracks.
FiiO FT3 vs Sennheiser HD660S2
Sennheiser HD 660S2: sold for €599, these Sennheiser headphones have a warmer sound signature with a little more impact and depth in the lows. The FiiO FT3s, however, are more linear and neutral, providing greater detail. Although the HD660S2s offer a better fit, the FiiO model is more comfortable during long listening sessions.
📝 Read the review of the Sennheiser HD 660S2 on the blog!
FiiO FT3: who are they for?
The FiiO FT3 open-back headphones are particularly suitable for mixing engineers or audiophiles who favor a neutral and analytical sound signature. Although they require a powerful source, the FiiO FT3 headphones can be easily paired with any headphone amp, DAC or network player thanks to their different connection solutions. In addition, FiiO’s first open-back model benefits from an elegant and comfortable build that allows you to listen to music for hours on end!
FiiO FT3: conclusion
The Chinese brand has aced its entry into the world of open-back headphones with the FiiO FT3s. These headphones are excellent value for money, offering remarkable performance as well as a high-end build and finish.
We liked
- The accurate reproduction of instruments
- The different included adapters
- The build quality
- How comfortable they were
We would have liked
- For the highs not to have been as bright
- A better fit for all users
