FiiO, the leader in lossless audio players, recently announced the FiiO FT3, its latest addition to their headphones offering. The lossless audio brand is known for consistently pushing boundaries and delivering exceptional sound quality. With the launch of the new FiiO FT3 lossless headphones, FiiO aims to redefine the standards of over-ear headphones.
The Art of Sonic Engineering
The FiiO FT3 features a massive 60mm dynamic driver, uncommon in its class. Compared to a smaller driver, the FT3 can push more air and convert energy into the sound more efficiently, resulting in a more natural sound with an expansive soundstage. It also enables the diaphragm to handle a higher output power, thereby reducing distortion and producing deeper bass frequencies.
To further enhance the sound quality, FiiO has chosen a beryllium-plated gasket and a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) diaphragm for the FT3. The beryllium-plated gasket provides a lighter and more rigid structure, reducing distortion and ensuring accurate sound reproduction. The DLC diaphragm, known for its sturdiness and lightweight nature, extends the frequency response and improves the overall soundstage of the headphones.
Pure Sound with High Impedance
With an impedance of 350Ω, FiiO FT3 effectively filters out noise, resulting in a purer sound with a higher signal-to-noise ratio performance. The headphones utilises an ultra-fine Japanese copper-clad aluminium voice coil made of high-purity Furukawa monocrystalline copper wire. The cable features a flame-retardant shockproof nylon braided strap, ensuring durability and reliability. The cable’s design incorporates various shielding layers and insulating materials to minimise interference and ensure optimal signal transmission over a wide frequency range.
In addition, the FT3 utilises powerful N52 neodymium magnets to maximise sound quality under its 350Ω impedance design. These magnets have been arranged in an optimised asymmetrical internal and external magnetic circuit system. When the voice coil starts to move during the reproduction of sound, the optimised magnetic circuit balances this movement of the voice coil and diaphragm, especially during large dynamic changes. This improved control maximises the utilisation of magnetic energy, resulting in a more accurate and controlled sound reproduction.
Design for truly immersive music
The FT3’s design starts with an open-back design that serves to enable a larger soundstage and more natural sound reproduction. It reduces unwanted vibrations and resonances, allowing the details in the music to come through clearly and naturally, as if you are listening to a live performance.
Comfort is a crucial factor when it comes to over-ear headphones, and FiiO has prioritised it with the FT3. The headphones feature a lightweight hollow mesh design, reducing weight and providing greater listening comfort. The hexagonal elements combined with the open-back design give the FT3 a bold sci-fi appearance, while the hollowed-out mesh enhances comfort and maximises the capabilities of the driver.
The exterior of the FT3 is made entirely of aluminium alloy that not only feels luxurious to the touch, but is also highly rigid yet lightweight. This gives the FT3 the perfect combination of being comfortable to listen to and being durable enough to withstand life’s challenges.
The FT3’s drivers are angled parallel to the ears when worn, reducing high-frequency response caused by waves hitting the ear contours. This design also minimises unwanted reflections, resulting in reduced frequency response distortion. Additionally, FiiO has incorporated a reflective tip at the rear of the headphones to prevent unwanted soundwave interference, further enhancing the overall sound quality.
Wide Compatibility and Accessories
FiiO understands the importance of compatibility in today’s diverse audio landscape. The FT3 comes with four swappable audio plugs, including 3.5mm and 4.4mm connectors, as well as adapters for 6.35mm and XLR-4 balanced connections.
To cater to different preferences, FiiO also included 2 sets of ear pads with the headphones. The suede earpads offer a balanced sound with enhanced ambience, providing a majestic listening experience. On the other hand, the protein leather earpads deliver a clear sound with a large soundstage and highly detailed audio reproduction. With these interchangeable earpads, users can customise their listening experience to suit their personal preferences.
This wide range of accessories ensure that the FT3 will be comfortable to wear for extended hours, and can be easily connected to various audio sources, from smartphones to high-end audio equipment, suited to your listening habits.
Technical Specifications
- Headphone type: Dynamic driver headphones
- Frequency response: 7Hz-40kHz
- Driver type: 60mm dynamic driver
- Diaphragm material: Beryllium-plated gasket + DLC diaphragm
- Impedance: 350Ω
- Sensitivity: 102dB (1Vrms)@1kHz
- Weight: About 391g (excluding cable)
- Earpad pressure: 4.0N±0.3N
- Cable length: About 3m
- Cable material: Furukawa monocrystalline copper wire
- Headphone connector: Dual 3.5mm
Pricing and availability
FiiO FT3 will retail for SGD 479/- (including GST) and will be immediately available at AV One, Connect IT, Stereo Electronics, Sam Audio, TK Foto and TREOO.
