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For the longest time, FiiO was mostly known for its portable players, but the Chinese company was never one to shy away from a challenge. In recent years, it started going in new directions, releasing a batch of eye-catching DACs and even speakers. And FT3 is one of the company’s flagship headphones, offering serious features for a quite liberal $299.99.
$299.99 is not cheap, but in the world of serious headphones, the price is nothing. FiiO is ready to challenge its more well-known competitors and enter a completely new market, and we will be rooting for them all the way. Why? Because it’s fun. In trying to shake up the market, FiiO comes up with some of the most exciting ideas, and what they offer for the price is impossible to ignore. In some ways, the FT3 32 Ω is one of the best headphones for this price we’ve ever heard.
The FiiO FT3 are over-ear headphones available in a 32-ohm impedance variant. They feature a large 60mm dynamic driver with an LCP diaphragm coated in aluminum. The headphones have an open-back design.
The headphones utilize a powerful neodymium magnet system in an optimized asymmetric internal and external magnetic circuit to control the large driver’s movement precisely. A high-purity oxygen-free copper cable is included, with interchangeable 3.5mm, 4.4mm, and 6.35mm connectors.
Read also: FiiO SP3 active speakers review: heavy metal performers
Design and comfort
FiiO sure loves metal — not the music genre (although, why not) but the material. The FiiO SP3 active speakers we discussed earlier are also clad in aluminum, and the FT3 are the same. We expected them to be quite heavy because of that, but in everyday use, we noticed no discomfort at all (the suspension band definitely helps!). In fact, we find these extremely nice to use for long periods of time.
The design, though, is questionable. This is a solely subjective moment, but the way these look, they have a sort of a skater/gamer aesthetic — not something you typically associate with a pair of $299.99 open-back headphones. Not really our cup of tea, but then again, this is hardly a deal breaker. Unlike the others, the FiiO SP3 are at least memorable and instantly recognizable.
The size, though, is no joke: the case, included in the box, is gorgeous, but it does not fit into the biggest bag I have. To us, these are headphones for home when you can relax in a quiet environment.
The build quality is excellent — of everything. That shouldn’t be a surprise, knowing FiiO, but still. The headphones are sturdy and have heft to them. The case looks classy. The high-quality 392-core oxygen-free copper cable that measures 1.5 meters in length is also fantastic.
The set is very good here: ever-generous, FiiO has put a lot of stuff here: a “leather” case, an additional pair of pads (which are actually different), additional adapters, and a soft bag. The box looks premium, and the whole package feels more expensive than it actually is.
Read also: Bloody M320 and MH390 Headphones Review
Sound
Before we start, there’s one thing we need to make clear: FiiO has two headphone models that look identical. The 350Ω model came out earlier and had a few things different (mostly it’s the cable and the fact that they are 350Ω). Sound-wise they seem to be mostly identical, but for most, the 32 Ω makes a lot more sense — at least you don’t need a powerful amplifier just to drive them.
We found the FT3 to be neutral sounding. They strive for clarity, without adding bass where it doesn’t belong. The sound is fairly warm and the soundstage is wide. Different pads offer different sound signatures in theory, but they are mostly alike — these are more about personal preference. The headphones work well with most genres and are easy to drive.
Even though the 32 Ω model can be used on the go, there are some potential issues for a modern consumer. When I am on the move, convenience is more important to me than clear sound. The FT3 don’t have either BT or ANC, so they can struggle in crowded places. Then open-back design also means that you will hear the others and they will definitely hear your music. Still, the fantastic case makes carrying them as convenient as it can be, and even phones can drive them with no problems.
After spending two weeks with this pair, we’ve grown to appreciate them for their measured, neutral sound and wide stage.
Verdict
The SP3 is FiiO doing its best to conquer new markets. They’ve already tried (and in our eyes, succeded) in making speakers, and the headphones are about as good. Comfortable, with an impressive 60mm dynamic driver and impeccable built quality, they are not yet ready to go one-on-one with some of the leaders, but I believe FiiO has what it takes to shake down the market. For this price, the FiiO SP3 is already one of the best.