FiiO is moving forward through 2026 at a particularly brisk pace. Following a string of new releases in the hi-fi world, the company is now making its debut in the gaming market. We had already introduced the FG3 headphones when they were first announced, but their official launch is now accompanied by a wealth of technical details. The most notable feature is their dual coaxial driver architecture, a technology that’s virtually unheard of in consumer headphones.
A coaxial design that is virtually unprecedented
The FiiO FG3 stand out above all for their acoustic design. Each ear piece features two coaxially mounted dynamic transducers: a 50 mm midbass driver dedicated to bass and midrange frequencies, paired with a second 16 mm driver handling the high frequencies. A two-way electronic crossover divides the signal between the two drivers, which emit sound from a single acoustic point.
This coaxial architecture is relatively common in the world of high-end in-ear monitors, where space constraints favor this type of design. In contrast, it remains virtually nonexistent in headphones. Examples can be counted on one hand, notably including the oBravo HAMT-1, which was introduced several years ago but has remained relatively unknown. Until now, this design has been largely limited to a few rare models from specialized manufacturers, with no real adoption by the major brands in the industry.
FiiO has therefore become one of the first major players in the industry to bring this approach to gaming headphones, with the goal of improving phase coherence and the precision of the soundstage through a single acoustic source.
Key specifications
- Closed-back over-ear gaming headphones
- Dual coaxial transducer (50 mm + 16 mm)
- Composite diaphragms (50 mm) and titanium diaphragms (16 mm)
- Frequency response: 10 Hz to 40 kHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Detachable microphone
- Ear pads: interchangeable, made of breathable mesh fabric with memory foam
- USB-C connection
- Weight: 315 g
A design tailored for gaming
As FiiO’s first-ever gaming headphones, the FG3 mark a new milestone in the company’s diversification. Known for designing DAPs, DACs, amplifiers, and earbuds, the brand is now taking its first steps into the gaming market with a dedicated product line.
- Read: FiiO FG3 and FG5: the audiophile brand takes on the gaming market with two very ambitious headphones
This model features a closed-back, over-ear design with a detachable microphone and a USB-C connection. The manufacturer has also paid special attention to comfort, with interchangeable ear pads made of breathable mesh fabric and memory foam. This design promotes airflow, reduces heat buildup during long gaming sessions, and makes the headphones easier to maintain. The stainless steel headband rounds out the design by providing additional rigidity. Weighing approximately 315 g, the FG3 are relatively lightweight given their build.
The FG3 also feature virtual 7.1 audio processing designed to recreate a multichannel soundstage from a stereo source. Unlike a true 7.1 system that relies on multiple drivers, this technology uses digital signal processing to expand the sense of spatial depth. It allows users to better perceive movement, ambient effects, and variations in depth in compatible games, while enhancing immersion when watching movies.
The dual-transducer design complements this approach. The 50 mm driver reproduces bass and midrange frequencies, while the 16 mm driver handles the high frequencies. This division allows each transducer to operate within its optimal range and contributes to a more balanced sound reproduction. Combined with the coaxial layout, which radiates sound from both transducers from a single acoustic point, this architecture also aims to improve phase coherence and the precision of the soundstage.
Summary
With the FG3, FiiO isn’t just launching its first pair of gaming headphones. More importantly, the brand is introducing a dual-coaxial transducer design—a technology previously reserved for a handful of niche headphone models. By adapting this design to a model intended for the general public, the manufacturer is offering an original approach that could pave the way for new acoustic architectures in the gaming headphones market.
