The second open-back model from FiiO, the FiiO FT5 headphones benefit from 3.5” Planar Magnetic transducers with an ultra-thin diaphragm and an aluminum-silver alloy voice coil. The ideal combination for a rich and detailed sound? Find out in our review of the FiiO FT5.
Revealed for the first time in France during the 2023 PAVS, the FiiO FT5 open-back headphones have many compelling characteristics. They have an impedance of 36 Ω, making them the ideal choice for audiophiles looking for high-performance headphones that don’t require high power to operate efficiently. Sold for €590, are the FiiO FT5 the best value open-back Planar Magnetic headphones currently available?
Inside the box
The FiiO FT5 hi-fi headphones come with a 1.5-meter detachable Y cable. The latter features an interchangeable 3.5mm or 4.4mm mini-jack connector. Two convenient adapters – one 3.5mm to 6.35mm and one 4.4mm to 4-pin XLR – expand connectivity options.
In addition to these accessories, the FiiO FT5 headphones come with a hard brown leather case for optimum protection during transport, and a velvet bag for practical, elegant storage. Last but not least, there are two pairs of ear pads, one in suede and one in leather, allowing you to customize the listening experience according to your preferences.
A presentation of the FiiO FT5 headphones
Design
The FiiO FT5 hi-fi headphones are instantly captivating with their minimalist, industrial all-metal look. With no plastic parts whatsoever, the headphones boast excellent build quality. Every element, from the ear cups to the headband and the grilles, is created using an aluminum and magnesium alloy, giving the headphones a robust feel.
The black finish of the ear cups is elegant, and gives the headphones a refined, high-end look. Their modern design, featuring grooves running in several directions, adds an artistic touch.
The FiiO FT5 headphones have an open-back design, characterized by a wide soundstage and a more natural, immersive listening experience. This configuration also ensures better spatial imaging for the instruments and vocals, creating an airy and deep musical atmosphere.
Note that this design allows the sound to leak, which may disturb those around you. Moreover, attenuation of ambient noise is limited, making these headphones suitable for use in quiet environments, free from unwanted noise.
Comfort
Weighing 456 grams, the FiiO FT5 open-back headphones can cause a little discomfort after long listening sessions, as they exert some pressure. Nevertheless, the weight is in line with the average for headphones in this format, which use this type of transducer and adopt an aluminum structure.
Unlike most competing models, the earpieces don’t slide. Instead, the self-adjusting headband automatically adjusts to the shape of the listener’s head. You simply have to place the headphones comfortably over your ears, and pull the earcups as required. This positions the headphones perfectly. The design was particularly effective, ensuring both optimum distribution of the headset’s weight and excellent fit. In addition, the earcups feature a three-axis swivel design for maximum comfort.
Remarkably soft and flexible, the two pairs of earpads make the headphones comfortable. The first set features perforated patent leatherette, offering greater detail and clarity. The second set features a suede lining that’s soft and pleasant to the touch, offering a more balanced sound. It’s easy to switch from one pair to another, thanks to a system of clips on the ear pads.
Planar Magnetic transducers
The FiiO FT5 hi-fi headphones feature Planar-Magnetic transducers. With a diameter of 3.5”, they promise a detailed and dynamic sound, free from distortion. The diaphragms, machined to the scale of a 28 nm etched chip, are just 6 μm thick. FiiO’s development team has worked hard with cutting-edge technologies to achieve the perfect balance between sonic performance and reliability.
In addition, each of the FiiO FT5 open-back headphones’ earpieces incorporate twenty N52 neodymium magnets, for a magnetic force of up to 1.5 tesla. The headphones reach a high sensitivity of 110 dB/1 Vrms at 1kHz combined with an impedance of 32 ohms, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of sources.
Combined with a scientifically engineered grille to control airflow, the ingenious design of the cups housing each transducer acts as a sound wave deflector. Together, these features give the FiiO FT5 headphones excellent high-frequency definition and a very wide soundstage.
The aluminum-silver alloy coils are printed onto the PAR (polyarylate) diaphragms using a nanometric process used in semiconductor manufacturing. This reduces vibrations while maintaining optimum conductivity. This design preserves high-frequency nuances for a rich, immersive listening experience.
Detachable cable and interchangeable connectors
The FiiO FT5 comes with a high-quality cable with interchangeable connectors. Each earcup features a 3.5mm mono mini-jack connector specially designed to accommodate the detachable 1.5-meter jack cable included in the package.
At the source, users can choose between a 3.5mm mini-jack and a 4.4mm Pentaconn connector. An ingenious screw-fastening system makes it easy to switch between the two. What’s more, the headphones come with 6.35mm jack and XLR-4 adapters, extending their compatibility with a wide variety of audio devices.
The included cable is composed of 392 silver-plated monocrystalline copper wires, each with a diameter of 23 AWG. This composition of highly purified copper wires contributes to optimal audio transmission, thus ensuring an optimal listening experience.
Key specifications
- Type: open-back
- 3.5” Planar-Magnetic transducers
- Frequency response: 7Hz – 40kHz
- Nominal impedance: 36 ohms
- Sensitivity: 110 dB
- Y cable, 1.5m, 392 silver-plated high-purity monocrystalline copper wires (3.5mm mini-jack, 4.4mm Pentaconn jack; 4-pin XLR and 6.35mm adapters)
- Headphone connectors: 3.5mm mini-jack
- Weight: 456g
Listening conditions
With an impedance of 36Ω, the FiiO FT5 headphones are easy to power, and can therefore be paired with a DAP or a smartphone and portable DAC. To enjoy the best performance, we tested the FiiO FT5 headphones with the FiiO R7 headphone amplifier. We listened to Hi-Res music streamed from Qobuz.
Listening impressions
After breaking them in for several hours, the FiiO FT5 headphones provided a very pleasant sound. On paper, FiiO states indicates a slightly V-shaped response curve. In practice, the bass was indeed more impactful and powerful than the majority of Planar-Magnetic headphones. We found this to be true with Petra Magoni’s Fever, where the bass was deep but never overpowering. The FiiO FT5 headphones also revealed a wide soundstage. The various instruments were positioned naturally, seeming to unfold in space. We were able to close our eyes and imagine the artists performing in front of us.
With Pink Floyd’s track Breathe (in the Air) (2023 Remaster), the sound was incredibly detailed. The highs were reproduced with precision and smoothness. The vocals were nicely highlighted. The instruments were positioned all around us, creating a genuine sound bubble.
Note that the sound signature of the FiiO FT5 headphones varies somewhat depending on the ear pads you use. The suede ear pads favor a warmer sound signature with rounder, deeper bass. By contrast, when leather pads are fitted, bass and low-mids are reduced, while the upper-mids become more pronounced, offering a more neutral listening experience.
Comparison
FiiO FT5 VS FiiO FT3
The FiiO FT3 headphones marked FiiO’s entry into the world of open-back headphones. Their build quality is just as good, but the FiiO FT5 are more comfortable. Sound-wise, the FiiO FT3 headphones are more neutral and analytical, while the FT5 present a warm sound profile with a wider soundstage.
FiiO FT5 VS Sennheiser HD 660S2
Sennheiser HD 660S2: available for €599 at their release (€469 currently), the Sennheiser headphones have been lauded by the specialist press. The latter deliver slightly deeper and more well-defined bass. However, the FiiO FT5 headphones are more comfortable and provide a better fit. The two pairs of earpads and the single cable compatible with a wide variety of sources are real advantages for the FiiO headphones.
Headphones for hi-fi sessions at home
The FiiO FT5 open-back headphones are ideal for those who enjoy listening to their favorite tracks in the comfort of their own home, prioritizing an immersive audio experience in a quiet environment. With their warm sound signature, the FiiO FT5 will delight fans of jazz, pop and even rock, providing a detailed and captivating reproduction. The multiple connection options allow the FiiO FT5 headphones to easily adapt to any headphone amp or DAC.
In addition, their remarkable build quality with an aluminum/magnesium alloy structure make these headphones a durable investment that promises to provide a premium listening experience for years to come. The FiiO FT5 headphones are ideal for music lovers who want a model that combines acoustic performance, comfort and durability.
Conclusion
The FiiO FT5 open-back headphones blend a high-quality construction with an elegant design. They offer excellent wearing comfort and, above all, excellent sound quality. The bass is punchy, the midrange clear and the highs detailed, suitable for a wide range of musical genres. Last but not least, the cable offers a wide range of connection options, making it easy to combine with a variety of sources.
We liked
- The deep and impactful bass
- The various adapters
- The build quality
- The auto-adjustable headband
We would have liked
- For them to have been lighter
