FiiO FT5 Review: Planar Magnetic Excellence in Affordable Headphones

Explore the FiiO FT5 planar magnetic headphones delivering exceptional sound quality and design at an accessible price point.

FiiO FT5: The New Player in Planar Magnetic Headphones

When it comes to high-fidelity audio gear, FiiO DACs, headphone amplifiers, and accompanying equipment, FiiO has long been a trailblazer. Recently, the company has set its sights on conquering the full-size headphone market. After the solid impression left by the FiiO FT3 headphones last summer, the spotlight now shifts to their planar magnetic marvel, the FiiO FT5 headphones. These headphones aim to shake up the "affordable audiophile" segment—a category often dominated by a few stalwarts. The big question: Could the FT5 become the go-to wired headphones for most listeners?

With a retail price hovering around $449, the FiiO FT5 enters a rarified field where planar magnetic headphones are scarce but not unheard of. Competitors like Audeze headphones and HiFiMan headphones offer models that rival the FT5’s specs, but FiiO seeks to carve out its niche with distinctive features and pricing.

Availability and Compatibility

The FiiO FT5 headphones are widely available through various specialized audio retailers and large electronics stores, ensuring easy accessibility. Thanks to FiiO’s official presence, buyers also benefit from authorized service centers, which simplifies warranty support and repairs.

One notable advantage of the FT5 is its low impedance, which allows them to pair smoothly with popular Hi-Fi players—including FiiO’s own portable devices—without the need for bulky desktop amplifiers. So whether you’re using an on-the-go setup or a home rig, these headphones promise versatility.

FiiO FT5: Design and Features That Impress

At the heart of the FT5 lies its standout feature: 90mm planar magnetic drivers. Unlike the typical dynamic drivers that saturate this price bracket, FiiO boldly embraces a less-trodden path. These drivers are impressively thin—just 6 microns—with 20 neodymium magnets surrounding each membrane to deliver an expansive frequency range from 7 Hz up to 40 kHz.

This design accounts for the relatively large ear cups and the overall heft of the headphones, weighing in at 456 grams sans cable. Still, with a sensitivity of 96 dB/mW at 1 kHz, the FT5 are easier to drive than many other planar magnetic contenders.

FiiO goes the extra mile by offering four different connection options: 3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced, 6.3mm, and a 4-pin XLR. These versatile plugs come in a neat leather carrying case alongside a 1.5-meter braided cable made from silver-plated monocrystalline copper, splitting into two 3.5mm connectors for each earcup. Switching between connectors is seamless.

Ambience matters too, and FiiO thoughtfully includes two sets of ear pads: protein leather for that crisp, spacious sound, and suede for a warmer, more atmospheric vibe. Swapping them out takes seconds, letting you tailor the experience.

Performance: Energetic, Dynamic, and Detailed

Right from the first notes, the FT5 make it clear that they’re not here to tiptoe around with sterile neutrality. Instead, these headphones strike a thrilling balance—slightly warmer than neutral, they favor punchy attack and energy over clinical precision.

The bass runs deep, lush, and textured, while the trebles shine with clarity and power. Midrange vocals breathe freely, capturing nuances from vocalists of all skill levels. The soundstage is expansive and well-defined, effortlessly mapping out even the most complex arrangements.

The FT5 “breathe” dynamically, adept at highlighting subtle shifts in volume and tone without missing a beat. Even the faintest details at the edges of the soundstage are captured and contextualized, making every listening session engaging.

Bass control is tight and confident, ensuring rhythms hit just right without overwhelming. The overall sound enthusiastically invites listeners to dive deep into their favorite tracks.

For more laid-back or ambient music, the FT5 may seem like they’re waiting to burst into action, but it’s never intrusive—a playful readiness rather than impatience. Unlike some rivals that falter outside their sweet spot, these headphones maintain composure across genres and volumes.

Even when fed compressed MP3 files from older smartphones, the FT5 hold their character intact. While detail and clarity naturally take a hit, the listening experience remains enjoyable and lively.

Design and Comfort: Metal Build for Durability and Sound

Unlike many plastic-bodied competitors, the FT5 sports a predominantly metal construction. The magnesium-aluminum alloy used is lighter than standard aluminum yet durable, contributing to the headphones’ 456-gram weight. The intricately engineered headband distributes this weight evenly for surprisingly comfortable wear over hours.

The metal chassis isn’t just about looks—it offers acoustic benefits too. It dampens unwanted vibrations more effectively than plastic and acts as a sound-isolating shield. The back of the ear cups features a complex design that controls airflow, extending treble response and enhancing the soundstage.

Though non-folding, the ear cups swivel on three axes, allowing a secure and adjustable fit—assuming your head isn't unusually small. When off your ears, the headphones stow neatly in a sturdy leather case, making travel easy.

Final Verdict: FiiO FT5 Stands Tall Among Planar Magnetic Headphones

FiiO strikes again with a product that punches above its weight. The FT5 headphones combine superior craftsmanship with lively, immersive sound that might irk the purist audiophile with their energetic style, but will undoubtedly thrill everyone else.

If you’re weighing options, the Audeze LCD-1 headphones might come to mind. Although their planar magnetic sound is excellent, the FT5 edges ahead in terms of perceived value and build quality.

“FiiO FT5 are created to show your ears what they’re really capable of.” – From the review insights

FAQ

• What type of drivers do the FiiO FT5 use?
  The FT5 features 90mm planar magnetic drivers with ultra-thin membranes and 20 neodymium magnets per driver.
• Are the FiiO FT5 headphones comfortable for long sessions?
  Yes, the magnesium-aluminum alloy headband distributes weight evenly, and the ear cups swivel for a customizable fit.
• Can the FT5 be used with portable devices?
  Absolutely. Their low impedance makes them easy to drive with portable Hi-Fi players and even smartphones.
• What connection options are available?
  The FT5 comes with four connectors: 3.5mm, 4.4mm balanced, 6.3mm, and 4-pin XLR, all housed in a premium leather case.
• How do the FT5 handle different music genres?
  They excel in energetic and detailed playback but stay balanced enough to perform well even with soft or minimalistic tracks.

If this review has you dreaming of a sonic upgrade, why not bring that passion into your space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at Architeg Prints and surround yourself with the vibe that moves your music experience.