Fiio FT3 review: There’s a new value king in town

Recent months have seen Chinese audio makers that historically deal with IEMs — like Moondrop and Thieaudio — introduce over-ear headphones, they usually’ve had various ranges of success at doing so. Moondrop’s first effort was the Void, and it did not hit the mark. Thankfully, the model redeemed itself with the $599 Venus, providing an beautiful design and huge planar drivers with a wonderful soundstage. Similarly, Thieaudio’s Wraith did not fairly get the tuning proper, so the model pivoted to the price range phase with the $129 Ghost.Fiio is now the newest 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 had been set to debut on the finish of final 12 months, however the launch was pushed to early 2023, they usually’re now accessible for buy in most international markets for $299.That value level already makes the FT3 very attractive, so let’s discover out if Fiio managed to nail the method on the primary try to whether or not the FT3 can go up towards the likes of the Sennheiser HD6XX.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)As at all times, let’s begin with the design. Fiio has a singular design aesthetic that favors a daring styling with sharp strains, and this language is seen all through its portfolio, together with DACs just like the Q7 and K9 Pro. As such, it is no surprise 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 wonderful construct high quality. The outdoors of the ear cups characteristic a spoke-like design with the Fiio brand within the center, and whereas it would not precisely scream premium, it’s a distinctive look, and it matches with the remainder of Fiio’s product line.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Design decisions apart, there’s lots 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 headband and the suspension system is made out of leather-based, and the latter has ample 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 load is evenly distributed over your head.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)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 powerful clamping power, so they do not exert an excessive amount of stress in your ears, and that is a superb factor. You get first rate swivel for the ear cups as effectively, making certain you get a superb match. On that be aware, Fiio bundles suede and leather-based ear cushions with the FT3, and I desire the previous as they’re just a little extra snug throughout prolonged listening classes.Image 1 of 4(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)While I do not normally discuss 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 attractive. 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’re going to discover on this class, and personally, I’m glad Fiio went with a big cable right here.Image 1 of 3(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)The cable connects to the FT3 by way of normal 3.5mm plugs, and the opposite aspect options an interchangeable connector that allows you to use any jack of selection. 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 normal) 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 a superb job on this space.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Having used the HD6XX for a number of months final 12 months, I used to be keen on 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 day by day use, and an enormous a part of that’s right down to the low clamping power. The padded headband additionally performed an element in ensuring the load of the FT3 is distributed evenly, and that is among the many most snug headsets in my assortment, alongside the Meze 99 Classics.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Fiio went with bigger 60mm dynamic drivers right here, and used a DLC coating and beryllium-plated gasket to scale back the load and create much less distortion. As for the sound, the FT3 has a terrific low-end that lends itself effectively to bass-focused tracks, with a pronounced sub-bass that is filled with vitality. The mid-bass is the place issues get notably fascinating, and also you get a number of rumble with wonderful element and vibrancy. These are on par with the HD6XX in terms of an pleasurable low-end, and Fiio nailed the temporary on this regard.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Vocals come by clearly and with loads of character, and the mids are detailed, with wonderful instrument separation and tonality. The FT3 has a superb treble extension, and there is no sibilance to the sound. The total timbre is great, and the FT3 is well-suited to numerous genres, with kick drums coming throughout simply as clear as violins in an orchestral ensemble.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)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, they usually made the FT3 sound overly heat and brilliant, so my suggestion can be to make use of the suede possibility as normal.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)At 350Ω, the FT3 is energy hungry, so for those who’re utilizing a conveyable supply, you will have to verify it might ship sufficient energy. I used the K9 Pro for a bulk of the testing, and for moveable use, I went with Fiio’s newest M15S audio participant (assessment coming quickly). Any of Fiio’s moveable 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 Pro to take full benefit of the FT3. On that be aware, the FT3 pairs extremely effectively with the R7 community streamer.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)Overall, 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, they usually maintain their very own towards the likes of the HD6XX. The sturdy design mixed with the snug match and the big variety of equipment give the FT3 an edge, and I just like the exhausting shell carry case fairly a bit; I’ve headsets costing 4 instances as a lot that do not have a case this good.(Image credit score: Harish Jonnalagadda / Android Central)But what you are right here for is the sound, and in that space, the FT3 does all the precise issues. There’s wonderful character to the bass, loads of element within the mids and treble, and the soundstage is the most effective of any $299 headset I’ve used up to now. Fiio took its time in releasing the FT3, and now that it is accessible, I can truthfully say that it was well worth the wait.