The FiiO FT7 planar magnetic headphones are here, and they're making waves. This flagship model promises to deliver a premium audio experience at a surprisingly competitive price point. Forget everything you thought you knew about budget-friendly headphones; the FT7 boasts a luxurious unboxing experience, complete with a high-quality carry case and a meticulously crafted cable, setting a high standard from the outset. But the real story lies in the sound.Built with meticulous attention to detail, the FT7 utilizes cutting-edge technology, including exceptionally large and thin drivers, a powerful double-sided magnet structure, and comfortable, interchangeable earpads. This review delves into every aspect of the FT7 experience, from its impressive build quality and ergonomic design to its breathtaking audio performance, comparing it to industry giants and meticulously examining its strengths and subtle weaknesses. Discover if the FiiO FT7 lives up to the hype and whether it truly deserves a place among the audiophile elite.
Pros And Cons
- High build quality with premium materials (carbon fiber, wood, aluminum, leather)
- Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear (3+ hours)
- Large, high-quality detachable cable with multiple connectors included
- Two pairs of earpads included (Lambskin and breathable fabric)
- Large (106mm) and thin (1 micron) drivers
- Strong neodymium magnets (N52, 1.5 Tesla)
- Impressive resolution, inner detail, and transparency
- Wide and open soundstage
- Good dynamics and impactful bass
- Scales well with higher-quality amplifiers
- Earcups don't swivel much, limiting placement options
- Requires slightly more pressure to adjust on the head
- Treble can be slightly sharp with leather earpads and certain amplifiers, though mitigable with fabric earpads or a different amplifier
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Unboxing and Accessories
The FiiO FT7 unboxing experience is premium, echoing the FT3 and FT5. A sturdy, high-quality carry case is included, perfect for travel. The included cable is a standout feature, made with high-purity monocrystalline copper conductors and boasting minimal microphonics.
It features 3.5mm jacks on the headphone end and terminates with a 4.4mm balanced pentaconn connector. Adapters for quarter-inch and four-pin XLR connections provide compatibility with a wide array of devices, making it a versatile choice for both portable and desktop setups.
Two sets of ear pads – lambskin and breathable fabric – are also provided, offering variations in sound signature. The thoughtful inclusion of these high-quality accessories immediately establishes the FT7’s premium positioning.
Build Quality and Design
The FiiO FT7 boasts a lightweight yet robust build, primarily using carbon fiber in the frame and earcups. The inclusion of wooden earcup covers, aluminum, and plastic components results in a premium feel. The leather headband adds a touch of luxury and comfort.
Weighing in at 427g, these are exceptionally lightweight for planar magnetic headphones. The comfort is remarkable; extended listening sessions (3+ hours) are achievable without discomfort. The only minor drawbacks are limited swivel and a slightly firmer clamping force than some competitors.
The larger earcups compared to previous FiiO models and the angled headphone connectors contribute to an improved and more comfortable fit. This attention to detail showcases FiiO's commitment to both performance and user experience.
Technical Specifications and Driver Technology
The FiiO FT7 are open-back planar magnetic headphones featuring exceptionally large (106mm) and thin (one micron) drivers. This unique combination, comparable to high-end models like the Hifiman Susvara, promises exceptional speed and detail retrieval.
The headphones utilize a double-sided magnet structure with 18 magnets (nine per side), resulting in a uniform magnetic field. These are powerful N52 neodymium magnets with a magnetic flux of 1.5 Tesla, delivering a powerful and precise sound.
With a 25-ohm impedance and 94dB sensitivity, the FT7s are relatively easy to drive but will benefit significantly from a dedicated headphone amplifier for optimal performance. This ensures the full potential of their advanced driver technology is unlocked.
Sound Quality and Comparisons
The FiiO FT7 significantly surpasses its predecessors (FT3 and FT5) and even competes favorably with significantly pricier headphones. The soundstage is expansive and open, comparable to the legendary HD800. However, the bass response is tighter and punchier, along with added energy and sharpness in the treble.
Compared to the Hifiman HE1000se, the FT7 exhibits a remarkable closeness in technical performance, showcasing impressive resolution, transient response, depth, and openness. While not perfectly matched, the FT7's performance is surprising considering the vast price difference.
The mid-range varies slightly based on earpad choice. The lambskin pads provide a warmer, more emotional presentation, particularly for female vocals, while the fabric pads offer a slightly leaner sound. The treble can be quite bright with the leather pads but is more manageable with the fabric ones. A sweeter-sounding amp or DAC can mitigate any harshness.
Measurements and Final Thoughts
Measurements show ultra-fast decay and low distortion (below 1% at 85dB SPL). There's a notable difference in frequency response between the leather and fabric earpads, particularly in the upper midrange and treble. No driver rattle was detected, showcasing excellent build quality.
FiiO has clearly moved beyond entry-level headphones, offering a compelling alternative to much more expensive models. Key features include superior build quality, exceptional comfort, remarkable resolution and detail, a spacious soundstage, impactful dynamics, and a well-balanced tonal signature (with the caveat of treble brightness).
While a slight sharpness in the treble (mostly with leather pads) could be improved, the overall performance and value proposition of the FiiO FT7 are undeniable. The exceptional sound quality, coupled with the high-quality construction and accessories, justifies its price tag. These are truly high-performance headphones punching far above their weight class.