Technical Performance & Synergy
The soundstage is fairly wide and deep with the FT3 32 Ohm, so I wouldn’t say this is a very narrow staging performance. Since this price range isn’t exceptional for staging with any headphone, it would be harsh to criticize it regardless. It’s worth noting that the majority of the music is perceived in your head with the FT3, so it’s important to have realistic expectations when compared to higher-end models. While the width of the soundstage is nice, there is still room for improvement in terms of depth and length. Yet, I find it to have a better staging performance with less powerful sources against the 350 Ohm version.
For the price, stereo imaging is clean, but the 350 is sharper in that regard. This mid-range performance provides a nice focus and engagement, but the overall airiness and spaciousness are lacking a bit. The leather earpads help to have a better presentation in terms of imaging.
The balance of the headphone is ideal for audiophiles who are looking for an entry-level full-size. Sure, it has the musical touch and warmth in the mid-range which makes it a bit too thick, but it has a very natural presentation. So coherency is a strong point of the FT3.
Although the FT3 may not be particularly impressive in terms of pure transparency, dynamics, and PRaT, there is one aspect of it that I found appealing – its overall control. Even at high volumes, there are no issues with harshness, congestion, sibilance, distortion, or anything else that may commonly occur. The driver driver is capable of handling anything thrown at it, which is a highly impressive feat.
Matching the FT3 32 Ohm with different gear is not a problem at all, as it delivers a consistent performance with a wide range of equipment. Since it does not require as much power to drive it compared to the original version, it works well with almost any gear. That includes HIBY R3II, FIIO R7, HIBY RS2, and iFi Audio Go Bar.
Comparisons
The original FT3, with its very high 350 Ohm impedance, requires a full desktop system to shine. However, when driven properly, it simply has better resolution, transparency and crispness in its sound, with sharper focus and better PRaT.
Considering the cost of putting together a formidable desktop system, the 350-ohm version might not be feasible for monetary reasons though. After all, FIIO’s own R7 desktop machine goes great with the FT3, but it costs 749$. If one would go with that route, it might be better to get a higher-end full-size headphone model in the first place with a bigger budget. So the new 32 Ohm version makes sense in terms of putting together a reasonable setup with fewer resources.
The new planar FT5 is an exciting entrance from FIIO into the planar HP market. It has an identical unboxing experience, yet I think the FT5 has a superior design with its earcups in particular. In sound, the FT5 has better clarity, imaging, detail and sharpness. The FT5 has a wider soundstage compared to the FT3. Additionally, the FT5 has a more extended and definitive treble compared to the FT3. The mid-range of the FT5 is more transparent with good tonality, but it’s not as forward and musical as the FT3. If you want the best FIIO headphone of today, the FT5 is the obvious choice.
The Apollo is a great headphone for those who love a lot of bass in their music. It has a planar design and its bass response is particularly impressive. The bass quality in Apollo is impressive considering its price range. It has a great texture, decay, and impact that make the music sound fuller and more dynamic. On the other hand, the FT3 32 Ohm has a more conventional bass delivery with a softer touch. Both headphones are impressive, but the Apollo stands out with its better bass texture.
The mid-range is more musical with the FT3, whilst Apollo lacks pure transparency and it also doesn’t have the musicality or organic, natural timbre of the FT3 32 Ohm. The treble is very smooth and lacking transparency in both models. The FT3 has a bit better soundstage though.
Other than sound, the materials of the Apollo are just as impressive, and the design is more authentic. It’s also more comfortable in my opinion.
The Sundara Closed-Back, with its gorgeous wooden earcups, looks more impressive than the FT3 32 Ohm. On the comfort side, it also fits better to the head but has a stronger clamping force. FiiO’s packaging is much more impressive though, with a 4.4mm cable option with switchable adapters.
In terms of sound quality, the FT3 is the clear winner when it comes to bass, delivering a lush, full and musical response. However, if you prefer a more realistic bass, the Sundara Closed Back is also a great option. The FT3 provides more space and a better sound stage, resulting in a more immersive listening experience.
Both the FT3 and the Sundara C deliver good mid-range performance, but the FT3 provides a more forward sound, while the Sundara C may sound a bit congested in that range. In the treble, the Hifiman performs well with better articulation, but the FT3 has better control, especially in the lower treble region (when using leather pads). Technically, the Sundara C may be superior, but the FT3 offers a more enjoyable listening experience.
Conclusion
The new FiiO FT3 32 Ohm is a sensible update from FIIO to make the model more appealing to a bigger crowd. Obviously the original version had too much resistance in its drivers to handle, so the new model unlocks more opportunities to play around. Although I think the original has better technical performance when properly driven, this model makes more sense for smaller budgets. The headphone’s mid-forward presentation and excellent body create an easy-to-listen experience with great musicality. FiiO’s tuning appeals to a more general consumer crowd.
The build quality is remarkable, considering its price point, and it comes with great accessories. However, I believe that the FT3 models have more potential for improvement. FiiO could enhance the treble, bass texture, and overall soundstage/imaging performance. The design choices are also questionable, and the comfort level could be improved by having bigger and deeper ear cups.
Regardless, this new FT3 variant is a commendable addition to the market. It’s likely to appeal to those who appreciate excellent musical quality and a warm sound signature.
Pros:
- Great packaging
- Excellent build quality
- Musical, enjoyable signature
- Easy to drive
- Forward, lush mids
Cons:
- Earcups are too small
- The design is uninspiring
- The treble is rolled off
- Transparency is not great
- Needs more clarity
Page 1: Info, Package, Design, Build, Comfort
Page 2: Sound Quality
