CONCLUSION

    Last time i used Planar based headphones was well over 2 years ago so i had forgotten just how good such models are and how much more they deliver compared to dynamic models. Now if i didn't know any better thanks to the detailed and wide soundstage I’d probably describe the FT5 as having a 3D audio filter applied to them compared to the FT3. Separation is cleaner across the board, both highs and mids are extremely crisp and accurate regardless of what music genre you decide to use the FT5 with and as for soundstage (emphasis on the soundstage) again it's spreads wide and certainly not something I’ve encountered a lot to date. The FT3 on the other hand also produce crisp highs and mids but to my surprise they managed to surpass the FT5 in bass and yes even though this isn't nearly enough to pick them over the FT5's it's still worth taking into account. Also, strangely enough even though Planar drivers are supposedly harder to drive this wasn't the case while i was testing the FT5 since its volume was considerably higher than that of the FT3 at the same levels for both the M15 and R7 (i did think that perhaps the M15/R7 didn't have the necessary juice to drive the 350Ohm FT3 but that's not the case). Again, small details which could be very useful for some people when looking to compare the two. In regards to size yes, the FT5 earcups are slightly larger compared to those of the FT3 (60mm vs 90mm drivers) but thanks to the thinner design of those earcups (easily fit the entire ear inside) the FT5 actually feel just as comfortable as the FT3, if not more. The suspension system also works well (not perfect in terms of stability) but it's something we've seen many times to date with similar products (mostly gaming headsets however) so that didn't really come as a surprise. Bundling two sets of earpads was a good choice by FiiO, even though in the end I enjoyed using the suede covered ones more (higher comfort levels). Finally build quality for both the FT3 and FT5 is very good with the FT5 taking the lead in some areas like the exterior of the earcups and the ends of the headband (still both look and feel great when used).

    Right now, you can get your hands on your very own FT3 dynamic or FT5 planar Over-Ear Open Back Headphones by FiiO for USD299/USD429.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 311.56Euros/510.58Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) prices which reflect exactly what you’re getting (actually the FT5 is a steal on the other side of the Atlantic). Overall, i was very satisfied while using both the FT3 and the FT5 these two months with the latter clearly leaving the best impressions to me and so even though the FT3 is certainly worth the Golden Award the FT5 gets the Platinum.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Audio Performance
- Extremely Wide Soundstage (FT5)
- Planar Technology (FT5)
- Bass Levels (FT3)
- Comfortable
- Suspension Design
- 3 Axis Swivel Design
- Bundle
- Available In Black & White (FT3)
- Price (USA)

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- High Impedance (FT3)