FiiO FT13 Review: Ideal Headphones for Aspiring Audiophiles

Dive into the world of audiophile-quality sound with FiiO FT13 headphones, perfect for beginners craving rich bass and expressive highs.

Starting Your Audiophile Journey with FiiO FT13

If you’re stepping into the audiophile realm, the FiiO FT13 headphones might just be your perfect first companion. These headphones pack a punch with their warm, deep bass and crisp, expressive highs—ready to impress both Bluetooth casuals and users accustomed to high-end wired models.

With hefty 60mm dynamic drivers, every bass line and melody felt alive and immersive during my listening sessions. Sure, seasoned audiophiles might wish for bass that’s a bit more controlled, but I adored the indulgence in loud low frequencies—they added a luxurious depth to my favorite tracks. The FT13 also shines with its versatile connectivity, boasting three types of connections and the bonus of not requiring a DAC to deliver high-quality audio. Score!

But do they fit your needs? Let me walk you through the ins and outs of the FiiO FT13 in this detailed review.

FiiO FT13 at a Glance

• What are they? Entry-level audiophile headphones for those venturing into wired audio.
• Price: Roughly $329
• Likes: Deep, rich, and warmly textured sound
• Dislikes: High frequencies can be a bit sharp in certain genres

FiiO FT13 Specifications

Price and Availability

Priced at around $329, the FT13s sit comfortably in the reasonable range for audiophile-grade reference headphones. I recently tried out the Meze 99 Classics Gen 2, slightly pricier at around $349, which might serve better for long studio sessions due to their lighter feel.

Similarly priced Sennheiser HD 505 headphones also compete here at about $329. For those eyeing open-back designs, Sennheiser’s premium HD 650 at $579 offers a wider soundstage, thanks to the open design that lets air flow around the drivers. This means a broader soundscape but also some sound leakage both in and out.

For beginners keen to explore audiophile sound, the FT13 is a stellar pick. Just a heads up: to unlock their full potential, a headphone amplifier might be needed, adding a bit to your budget.

I tested the FT13 both plugged into my laptop and paired with the FiiO K11 DAC/amp, which costs about $175. The K11 certainly enhanced the sound’s spaciousness and depth. However, even connected to my MacBook Air M2, the FT13 still delivered solid sound—perfect if you’re looking to save some money.

Design That’s Almost Perfect

Design Highlights:

• No vegan options available
• Plastic ear cushions
• Extremely comfortable fit

The FT13 headphones really are a treat. Their purple wood accents, velvety ear cups, and mandala-inspired floral design on the driver casings make them stand out beautifully. They could have been legendary.

But—and here’s the kicker—the glossy plastic coating covering the wood smacks of cheapness and sadly undermines the natural wooden elegance. Why ruin such exquisite purpleheart wood with a shiny plastic shell? It’s a real head-scratcher.

I hope FiiO takes a leaf out of Meze’s book with their 99 Classics Gen 2 design, which also utilizes wood but boasts a matte finish that feels far more upscale and refined.

Looking ahead, I’d love to see a vegan option from FiiO on future iterations. Leather cushions, no matter how plush, aren’t for me. I always opt for vegan alternatives. Some high-end brands like Bowers & Wilkins use real leather, but it remains a no-go for many.

All that said, leather and suede cushions on the FT13 are very comfortable, and the headphones feel solidly built. Functionality-wise, they’re near perfect. The only real gripe is that flashy wood finish and the lack of vegan options.

Connectivity Features

Connectivity Details:

• Comes with two 3.5mm connectors, one 6.35mm, and an XLR plug
• Long braided copper cable included
• Works great with or without a DAC

As mentioned earlier, I used the FT13 headphones with and without the FiiO K11 DAC/amp. True audiophiles might chide me for skipping the DAC, but for beginners or budget-conscious listeners, you don’t absolutely need one.

The K11 certainly amplified the music’s depth and width, but FT13 already sound impressive straight from a laptop or phone. Whether to invest in a DAC is up to you.

With four connector options included—two 3.5mm (for the headphones themselves), a 6.35mm, and an XLR—these headphones cater to studio musicians and audiophiles alike, covering all sorts of gear.

Sound Quality That Wins Hearts

Sound Highlights:

• Masterful bass for audiophile headphones
• Slight sibilance in heavier genres
• Impressive, expansive sound staging

Let’s get to what you really came for—the sound. The FiiO FT13 are closed-back headphones, yet they deliver a surprisingly spacious soundstage. Of course, open-back headphones generally provide the widest soundscapes, but FT13 still impress with their immersive sound for closed cans.

I tested them with Qobuz, my go-to high-res streaming service, across various genres, but three tracks stood out:

• “Golden Brown” by The Stranglers: The track’s atmospheric ending features stereo vocals layered over a harpsichord melody. The vocals seemed to whisper directly into my ears, while the music danced distinctively in each ear. The bass was unexpectedly rich and warm, a rarity in many audiophile headphones I’ve tried.
• “Angel” by Massive Attack: The track’s luminous bass lines rose and fell beautifully, with the low frequencies especially standing out. The punchy bass over slightly hissy percussion let the FT13 flex their muscles. Vocals were a bit subdued, but I was happily absorbed in the groove.
• “All I Am” by Ninajirachi: This energetic EDM tune with sparkling synths and gritty bass layered over soft vocals had me tapping my feet and nodding along. The FT13 handled everything from glitchy synths to pounding drum machines with aplomb.

Overall, the sound quality matches what you’d expect from premium headphones. Instrument separation is fantastic, and every genre feels full-bodied. Note: tracks like Muse’s “Unravelling” and Die Spitz’s “RIDING WITH MY GIRLS” did reveal slight sibilance (that sharp hissing on highs), but it didn’t ruin my listening enjoyment.

Final Verdict

All things considered, the FiiO FT13 are outstanding headphones for audiophile newcomers. They’d look right at home in a room decked out with Focal speakers or Meze headphones.

Sure, serious audiophiles might want something with less bass and more precise mids, but for beginners, FT13 strikes a perfect balance. Compared to Meze’s 99 Classics Gen 2, which offer lighter weight and more accurate midrange, FT13 delivers more bass punch with a slightly simpler midrange — which aligns well with my personal taste.

Still, I’d recommend the 99 Classics for studio musicians or producers who need that precision for long hours.

That said, I remain a huge fan of the FT13—they’re simply fantastic headphones that will delight any audiophile just starting out.

I really think FiiO was close to a home run with the FT13 design, then stumbled at the finish line.

FAQ

• What kind of drivers do the FiiO FT13 use?
  They feature 60mm dynamic drivers, delivering rich and powerful sound suited for audiophiles.
• Are these headphones suitable without a DAC?
  Yes! While using a DAC like the FiiO K11 DAC/amp enhances sound quality, the FT13 perform very well even when plugged directly into devices like laptops or smartphones.
• How comfortable are the FiiO FT13 for long listening sessions?
  They are quite comfortable, featuring plastic ear cushions that fit snugly, though they lack vegan or alternative materials, which some users might prefer.
• Do FiiO FT13 headphones have open or closed-back design?
  They are closed-back headphones, which helps isolate sound but still offer a surprisingly spacious soundstage.
• What connectors come with the FiiO FT13?
  The package includes two 3.5mm connectors, a 6.35mm adapter, and an XLR cable, making them versatile for various audio setups.

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