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Current months have seen Chinese language audio makers that historically give attention to 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 huge planar drivers with a superb soundstage. Equally, Thieaudio’s Wraith did not fairly get the tuning proper, so the model pivoted to the finances section 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 12 months, however the launch was pushed to early 2023, and so they’re now accessible for buy in most world markets for $299.
That value level already makes the FT3 very attractive, so let’s discover out if Fiio managed to nail the components on the primary try to whether or not the FT3 can go up towards the likes of the Sennheiser HD6XX.
As all the time, let’s begin with the design. Fiio has a novel design aesthetic that favors a daring styling with sharp traces, 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 might 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 skin of the ear cups characteristic a spoke-like design with the Fiio brand 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 so much 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 headscarf and the suspension system is made out of leather-based, and the latter has enough 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 burden is evenly distributed over your head.
I used the FT3 for slightly 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 strain in your ears, and that is an excellent factor. You get first rate swivel for the ear cups as properly, guaranteeing you get an excellent match. On that notice, Fiio bundles suede and leather-based ear cushions with the FT3, and I choose the previous as they’re a bit extra snug throughout prolonged listening classes.
Whereas I do not often 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.
The cable connects to the FT3 by way of customary 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 customary) together with an XLR connector! I like the thought 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 12 months, I used to be taken with seeing how the FT3 maintain up on the consolation entrance, and after prolonged use, I can confidently say that I like Fiio’s possibility 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 burden 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 cut back the burden 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 stuffed with power. The mid-bass is the place issues get significantly attention-grabbing, and also you get lots of rumble with glorious element and vibrancy. These are on par with the HD6XX in relation to an pleasurable low-end, and Fiio nailed the temporary on this regard.
Vocals come by means of clearly and with loads of character, and the mids are detailed, with glorious instrument separation and tonality. The FT3 has an excellent treble extension, and there is not any sibilance to the sound. The general timbre is great, 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 actually comes into its personal, and the bigger drivers mixed with the angled design and tuning produce a vigorous and real looking sound that is unmatched on this class. I discussed earlier that I used the suede pads for many 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 vibrant, so my advice could be to make use of the suede possibility as customary.
At 350Ω, the FT3 is energy hungry, so for those who’re utilizing a transportable supply, you will have to ensure it may well 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 (evaluate coming quickly). Any of Fiio’s transportable sources — just like the BTR7 — ought to do the job, however you will have a beefier possibility just like the M11S, Q7, or the K5 Professional to take full benefit of the FT3. On that notice, the FT3 pairs extremely properly with the R7 community streamer.
Total, Fiio did an unimaginable 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 onerous 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 correct issues. There’s glorious character to the bass, loads of element within the mids and treble, and the soundstage is the very best of any $299 headset I’ve used to this point. Fiio took its time in releasing the FT3, and now that it is accessible, I can actually say that it was definitely worth the wait.
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