FiiO introduces the FT15, its new flagship model among magnetostatic over-ear headphones. The planar headphone combines 101-millimeter drivers with a diaphragm that is just 800 nanometers thick and fully coated with diamond. Walnut wood, a carbon headband, and a comprehensive accessory package are designed to underscore its premium status.
The FiiO FT15 is the successor to the FT5 and, despite its large planar drivers, is said to not require a particularly powerful headphone amplifier. With an impedance of 24 ohms, the manufacturer claims it can be used with mobile digital audio players and high-performance USB dongles. The price is 499.99 euros.
Diaphragm on a Slimming Regimen
At the heart of the design is a diaphragm just 800 nanometers—or 0.8 micrometers—thick. According to FiiO, this makes it 86.7 percent thinner than the previous generation. Its low moving mass is said to enable fast responses and exceptionally precise sound reproduction.
To ensure that the paper-thin film remains sufficiently rigid, FiiO applies a proprietary diamond coating to its entire surface. The combination of low weight and high strength is designed to reduce unwanted distortion during larger deflections.
101 millimeters for the big stage
The planar drivers have a diameter of 101 millimeters and an effective radiating area of 6,443.5 square millimeters. FiiO expects this large diaphragm area to deliver a spacious soundstage with a corresponding sense of scale.
A patented magnetic field design featuring specially contoured high-performance magnets is intended to drive the diaphragm as evenly as possible. In this way, the manufacturer aims to suppress partial vibrations and distortion before they even occur.
According to FiiO, the company uses a precision electroplating process based on 28-nanometer chip technology for the circuit pattern on the diaphragm. The design is intended to maintain its shape even under constant vibration, thereby enhancing both sound quality and durability.
Planar Headphones Without an Amplifier
Planar magnetic headphones are often considered demanding to drive. The FiiO FT15 is said to be relatively easy to drive in this regard. Its impedance is only 24 ohms, and FiiO specifies its sensitivity as 95 decibels per milliwatt.
While the latter isn’t a record for sensitivity, its low impedance should allow for the use of compact, sufficiently powerful playback devices. In addition to desktop headphone amplifiers, FiiO specifically mentions DAPs and USB dongles—such as its own QX13—as possible pairing options.
Balanced wiring
The included cable is made of monocrystalline 6N copper and, according to the manufacturer, undergoes cryogenic treatment. It comes standard with a balanced 4.4-millimeter Pentaconn connector. Adapters for a 6.35-millimeter jack and the balanced XLR-4 connector are also included in the package.
FiiO thus offers a range that includes both portable players and larger, stationary headphone amplifiers. The FT15 also comes with a matching storage case and two pairs of ear pads with different tuning profiles.
Carbon Meets Walnut
The ear cups are made of North American black walnut wood in the FAS quality grade. Thanks to the natural grain, each pair has a unique look. A carbon headband helps keep the weight of these large headphones down to 425 grams.
While the FT15 isn’t exactly lightweight, its weight remains reasonable for a planar headphone with 101-millimeter drivers. However, a hands-on test would be needed to determine how comfortable the clamping force and weight distribution are during longer listening sessions.
FiiO FT15: Price and Availability
The FiiO FT15 is available now. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price is 499.99 euros. The package includes a balanced 4.4-millimeter cable, adapters for a 6.35-millimeter jack and XLR-4, two pairs of ear pads, and a storage case.
More at: fiio-shop.de
