INTRODUCTION

    One of the things I’ve always liked about the electronics industry is that no matter how expensive a device is it will eventually become affordable and available for the masses. This of course applies to every single segment of the electronics industry but probably the product categories that stand out the most are large LCD screens, PC hardware and peripherals, smartphones/tablets and yes, even headphones/headsets. For example, even though planar based headphones have been around for roughly 2 decades now they've always been quite expensive thus targeted solely towards very demanding audiophiles and professionals. Last year FiiO released their first two over-ear Hi-Res headphones, the dynamic FT3 and planar FT5 both of which I’ve been using for almost 2 months now.

    FIIO was established in 2007 and has experience in researching and developing countless portable music products of different types, and sell FIIO-branded products through sales agents worldwide. The brand name FIIO is composed of Fi (fidelity from HiFi) and iO (number 1&0), representing the real feeling and convenient life that digital brings to life. Meanwhile, the Chinese “飞傲” is the transliteration of FIIO, indicating the positive and innovative spirit as thriving as spring. FIIO is focused on product quality, adheres strictly to ISO9001 standards in quality management and works hard to attain the lowest repair-related product returns rate.

    Both the 60mm dynamic driver based FT3 and the 90mm planar driver based FT5 are over-ear open back design models that feature a Hi-Res frequency response of 7Hz-40kHz together with 350/36 Ohm impedance and 105/110dB sensitivity. Inside the FT3 we find angled drivers with DLC diaphragms and beryllium plated gaskets whereas in the higher-end FT5 FiiO has placed a grand total of 40 neodymium magnets (N52) alongside 6nm ultra-thin PAR diaphragms. Both the FT3 and FT5 feature suspension headbands, 3-axis swivel design, metal frames (aluminum for the FT3 and magnesium for the FT5), left/right audio jacks and easy to remove earpads. As for bundle FiiO packs a monocrystalline copper cable (3 meters for the FT3 and 1.5 meters for the FT5), 4 different audio plugs (total), 2 pairs of earpads (suede & protein leather) and a sturdy leatherette storage case with both headphones. FiiO seems to have done a great job with both the FT3 and FT5 models so let's see if that's really the case or not.