[theintention]

Warm, relaxed, and that graph has me back interested. Gizaudio dropped some impressions it seems as well with the Para.

 

[Shane D]

Warm, relaxed, and that graph has me back interested. Gizaudio dropped some impressions it seems as well with the Para.

Not what I wanted to hear about the mids, but I think he and I have different preferences.

More reviews please.

 

[theintention]

Not what I wanted to hear about the mids, but I think he and I have different preferences.

More views please.

agreed, i find his preference boooooring so this was kind of good news to me imo

 

[hotsnacx]

Just going to leave this here

 

[rkt31]

Does it?




Let's not judge based on marketing figures, the FT5 is closer to a Meze planar set than a Hifiman set.

These are now actual measurements for which I was waiting. Fiio's own graph has clearly a peak. But this graph suggests very good bass extension and treble but that scoop in mids could have been avoided. Ft3 has better fr.

 

[rkt31]

Does it?




Let's not judge based on marketing figures, the FT5 is closer to a Meze planar set than a Hifiman set.

Can you post the link of full review?

 

[hotsnacx]

Would @FiiO Lee explain why “scooped mids” in ft5?

 

[NexusOne]

If you are looking for a headphone which is easy to drive the choice is limited. The advantage of these headphones is that you can use it nearly everywhere (smartphone dongle, headphone output from the tv). There are not much headphones which offer this usability. I only know Denon 5200, Sennheiser HD560S or AKG K371. My questions are:

- I think the Fiio FT5 is a stage above the headphones I mentioned above? How would you rank the FT5 if you have to compare it with Hifiman? XS / Ananda - Level or between them and Arya?

- Is the sound quality better with an headphone amp like K7 or EF400 or is there no difference while using it with a KA2 or Dawn Pro because it is efficient?

 

[rkt31]

Thanks for the graphs.

First thought was the HarmonicDyne G200 which had similar midrange wonkiness due to it's pads. But yeah does seem to resemble a Meze Elite in tuning anyway.



What's your initial subjective listening impressions?

Link of this review?

 

[Audiowood]

I just got the FT5. Ok pretty impressive for the price. Have been enjoying so far. More details to follow. It does have a "pleasing" tonality. Very easy to fall in love with such "safe" tonality. Nothing goes wrong so far. Very safe headphone lol.

 

[Shane D]

I just got the FT5. Ok pretty impressive for the price. Have been enjoying so far. More details to follow. It does have a "pleasing" tonality. Very easy to fall in love with such "safe" tonality. Nothing goes wrong so far. Very safe headphone lol.

That's the vibe I am getting reading some reviews and feedback. Nice looking 'phones, well built and nice sound. Solid value.
Doesn't exactly scream must haves to me.

I am thinking more about some screamin' deals from HiFiman. Sundara closed backs @ $149.00 and HE-R10D's @ $409.00 (less without wireless).
I am not a huge fan of closed backs, but I am always on the hunt for a fun sound.

Both will likely be a love it or hate it kind of thing. As opposed to a safe/nice purchase.

 

[Audiowood]

Fiio FT5 review (approx 100hrs burn-in): A Mesmerizing Blend of Bass, Treble, and Clarity

The Fiio FT5 stands out primarily for its robust bass reproduction, effortlessly encompassing both mid and sub-bass, especially when paired with the leather pad. This is a notable achievement, as most planar headphones typically excel in sub-bass but fall short in mid-bass. The FT5, however, breaks this mold, delivering a bass experience that is both full-bodied and deeply satisfying.

Fans of the warm, inviting Sennheiser sound profile, reminiscent of the iconic HD650, will find the FT5 a joy to listen to. These headphones combine the fast response typical of planar models with superior resolution and an extended treble range, offering a listening experience that is both immersive and detailed. The bass is not just deep; it’s a delightful journey through the lower frequencies, outperforming many planar competitors in bass quantity.

However, the FT5's bass is slightly different – it's a bit slower, with a longer decay, more akin to dynamic bass than the quick decay typical of planar bass. This lends a natural and enjoyable character to the sound. It's by no means a sluggish or boomy bass; rather, it strikes a balance, being reasonably fast for a dynamic but not as rapid as some planar models.

The vocals on the FT5 are clear and lifelike, though they don't quite match the romantic quality of the HD650, mainly because the extended high and low ends slightly overshadow the midrange. Nonetheless, the vocals are still impressive, with a warmth and clarity that add a new dimension to the sound. While they may not rival the natural tonality of the HD6XX series or the accuracy of the Numan NDH30, they do offer a similar warmth and boldness, with an added layer of clarity to the mentioned headphones. You are basically getting a romantic vocal, with a lot more resolution and clarity than both the HD650 sound profile. Die-hard vocal fans of the HD6XX series will find it a little lacking in tonal accuracies, but then they are comparing it to the king of vocals headphones of all time. I suspect most people coming from Hifiman Arya or He1000 will love the more relaxed and romantic vocal of the FT5. It's like the middle ground between the super relaxed HD6xx series and the "too" energetic Hifiman Arya/HE1000. It's just the right blend. Good thing - there is no sibilance on the vocal, just shouty at times when needed.

The FT5 also manages to control sibilance effectively, a common issue with many planar headphones. This makes for a more pleasant listening experience at higher volumes, with an impressive level of detail and resolution that rivals even the Arya/HE1000 in terms of detail. - it's not there yet, but pretty darn close. I would rather give up some super resolutions and stay sibilance-free. The Arya and HIfiman cross into the sibilance level and although it sounds great in the first 2 hrs, fatigue slowly sets in. I have to take it off, the FT5, I can wear all day long. No issue.

Soundstage-wise, the FT5 impresses with its spaciousness, ranking just a notch or two below the expansive soundstage of the HD800. It feels similar at least very slightly wider to both the Arya and HE1000 presentations, providing an open and airy listening experience. The leather ear cups play a significant role in enhancing the space and bass, making it punchier and more profound, a rare feat for open-back planar headphones. It's remarkable how the FT5 manages to sound like a closed-back bass punch while still offering the benefits of an open-back soundstage. It's definitely punchier and has more bass qty than Arya/HE1000, HD650, and Neuman NDH 30. (need time to test others soon).

The Fiio FT5 shines not just with its robust bass reproduction, but also with its treble, which is my second favorite feature. The treble delivery is something many planar headphones struggle with, but the FT5 excels in this area. It offers a relaxed treble that is free from harshness, yet still manages to deliver crisp edges and realistic crashes. Impressively, it achieves this while completely avoiding sibilance – a rare feat in mid-level planar headphones today.

The treble resolution of the FT5 is pretty good, surpassing the HD6xx series. It extends to the level of Hifiman Arya/HE1000 in terms of range, but without the sibilance and harshness often associated with those models. The FT5 strikes just the right balance of brightness, making it a pleasure to listen to. I particularly enjoy the highs on the FT5; they allow me to play even the harshest music at higher volumes without experiencing fatigue. While its resolution and crispness may not match the Arya or HE1000, the lack of fatigue-inducing sibilance more than makes up for it. This balance is precisely what I look for in high-quality headphones.

Priced at just $499, the Fiio FT5 is an exceptional value, offering deep, punchy bass and an expansive soundstage that is hard to find in other planar headphones in this price range. While it may not match the top-of-the-line planar headphones in every aspect, it stands out as an excellent choice for its price. These are just my initial impressions, and I look forward to exploring these headphones further and comparing them against other models. But as of now, the FT5 has truly impressed me with its overall sound quality and the level of depth and punch it brings to the table, best of all, $499 and comes with a not-too-bad cable. hah!.. and they throw in a cute brown pleather case.

The construction of the headphones is high quality. It feels like an Audeze LCD X, all metal constructions that are lighter and way more comfortable. The cups are large enough to cover all my ears. The Hifiman Arya and HE1000 are still the king of comfort in my opinion, with barely any weight and a super large cup. It's a middle ground between the Audeze and Hifiman in comfort level. They do feel more well-built than most planar headphones out there, with no creaking sound whatsoever.

I suspect the FT5 will go down to become one of those legendary headphones that are affordable and sound really good with not much technical fault. It's a safe headphone with a pleasing tonality. I also think it will pop up in the hall of fame on some reviewer website sitting next to those legendary phones like the Sennheiser 6xx, Hifiman Ananda/Arya, Focal Clear, and many others in the mid-range section.. now add Fiio FT5 to that list.

3-word summary - Well done Fiio.

 

[Shane D]

Fiio FT5 impression (approx 100hrs burn-in): A Mesmerizing Blend of Bass, Treble, and Clarity

The Fiio FT5 stands out primarily for its robust bass reproduction, effortlessly encompassing both mid and sub-bass, especially when paired with the leather pad. This is a notable achievement, as most planar headphones typically excel in sub-bass but fall short in mid-bass. The FT5, however, breaks this mold, delivering a bass experience that is both full-bodied and deeply satisfying.

Fans of the warm, inviting Sennheiser sound profile, reminiscent of the iconic HD650, will find the FT5 a joy to listen to. These headphones combine the fast response typical of planar models with superior resolution and an extended treble range, offering a listening experience that is both immersive and detailed. The bass is not just deep; it’s a delightful journey through the lower frequencies, outperforming many planar competitors in bass quantity.

However, the FT5's bass is slightly different – it's a bit slower, with a longer decay, more akin to dynamic bass than the quick decay typical of planar bass. This lends a natural and enjoyable character to the sound. It's by no means a sluggish or boomy bass; rather, it strikes a balance, being reasonably fast for a dynamic but not as rapid as some planar models.

The vocals on the FT5 are clear and lifelike, though they don't quite match the romantic quality of the HD650, mainly because the extended high and low ends slightly overshadow the midrange. Nonetheless, the vocals are still impressive, with a warmth and clarity that add a new dimension to the sound. While they may not rival the natural tonality of the HD6XX series or the accuracy of the Numan NDH30, they do offer a similar warmth and boldness, with an added layer of clarity to the mentioned headphones. You are basically getting a romantic vocal, with a lot more resolution and clarity than both the HD650 sound profile. Die-hard vocal fans of the HD6XX series will find it a little lacking in tonal accuracies, but then they are comparing it to the king of vocals headphones of all time. I suspect most people coming from Hifiman Arya or He1000 will love the more relaxed and romantic vocal of the FT5. It's like the middle ground between the super relaxed HD6xx series and the "too" energetic Hifiman Arya/HE1000. It's just the right blend. Good thing - there is no sibilance on the vocal, just shouty at times when needed.

The FT5 also manages to control sibilance effectively, a common issue with many planar headphones. This makes for a more pleasant listening experience at higher volumes, with an impressive level of detail and resolution that rivals even the Arya/HE1000 in terms of detail. - it's not there yet, but pretty darn close. I would rather give up some super resolutions and stay sibilance-free. The Arya and HIfiman cross into the sibilance level and although it sounds great in the first 2 hrs, fatigue slowly sets in. I have to take it off, the FT5, I can wear all day long. No issue.

Soundstage-wise, the FT5 impresses with its spaciousness, ranking just a notch or two below the expansive soundstage of the HD800. It feels similar at least very slightly wider to both the Arya and HE1000 presentations, providing an open and airy listening experience. The leather ear cups play a significant role in enhancing the space and bass, making it punchier and more profound, a rare feat for open-back planar headphones. It's remarkable how the FT5 manages to sound like a closed-back bass punch while still offering the benefits of an open-back soundstage. It's definitely punchier and has more bass qty than Arya/HE1000, HD650, and Neuman NDH 30. (need time to test others soon).

The Fiio FT5 shines not just with its robust bass reproduction, but also with its treble, which is my second favorite feature. The treble delivery is something many planar headphones struggle with, but the FT5 excels in this area. It offers a relaxed treble that is free from harshness, yet still manages to deliver crisp edges and realistic crashes. Impressively, it achieves this while completely avoiding sibilance – a rare feat in mid-level planar headphones today.

The treble resolution of the FT5 is pretty good, surpassing the HD6xx series. It extends to the level of Hifiman Arya/HE1000 in terms of range, but without the sibilance and harshness often associated with those models. The FT5 strikes just the right balance of brightness, making it a pleasure to listen to. I particularly enjoy the highs on the FT5; they allow me to play even the harshest music at higher volumes without experiencing fatigue. While its resolution and crispness may not match the Arya or HE1000, the lack of fatigue-inducing sibilance more than makes up for it. This balance is precisely what I look for in high-quality headphones.

Priced at just $499, the Fiio FT5 is an exceptional value, offering deep, punchy bass and an expansive soundstage that is hard to find in other planar headphones in this price range. While it may not match the top-of-the-line planar headphones in every aspect, it stands out as an excellent choice for its price. These are just my initial impressions, and I look forward to exploring these headphones further and comparing them against other models. But as of now, the FT5 has truly impressed me with its overall sound quality and the level of depth and punch it brings to the table, best of all, $499 and comes with a not-too-bad cable. hah!.. and they throw in a cute brown pleather case.

The construction of the headphones is high quality. It feels like an Audeze LCD X, all metal constructions that are lighter and way more comfortable. The cups are large enough to cover all my ears. The Hifiman Arya and HE1000 are still the king of comfort in my opinion, with barely any weight and a super large cup. It's a middle ground between the Audeze and Hifiman in comfort level. They do feel more well-built than most planar headphones out there, with no creaking sound whatsoever.

I suspect the FT5 will go down to become one of those legendary headphones that are affordable and sound really good with not much technical fault. It's a safe headphone with a pleasing tonality. I also think it will pop up in the hall of fame on some reviewer website sitting next to those legendary phones like the Sennheiser 6xx, Hifiman Ananda/Arya, Focal Clear, and many others in the mid-range section.. now add Fiio FT5 to that list.

3-word summary - Well done Fiio.

Wow, you Really like the HD6XX'S/HD650's.

Congrats on finding a set of affordable headphones that you will be using for years! That is what we all look and hope for.

 

[Audiowood]

I do luv the HD6XX series, and now the NDH 30.

 

[Shane D]

I do luv the HD6XX series, and now the NDH 30.

Wow, you and I really have different tastes. I hope I read some other reviews on these headphones that are as enthusiastic as yours. We're all looking for that that hidden gem.