FiiO = FT5 Planar : Initial Impressions

[jeromeoflaherty]

I just got my FT5 and the cable has the wrong plug on the end. Can’t use a 1/4” adapter to use in my amps.

They provide a bunch of different adapters, so you swap the plug on the end of the cable - it is a very clever design - if you are swapping from 4.4mm to 3.5mm just make sure you align the 4-pins when you unscrew and screw in the alternative adapter.

 

[Beagle]

They provide a bunch of different adapters, so you swap the plug on the end of the cable - it is a very clever design - if you are swapping from 4.4mm to 3.5mm just make sure you align the 4-pins when you unscrew and screw in the alternative adapter.

Ahh yes thank you. I’ve never experienced such a variety of options in a $400 headphone before. Well done Fiio.

 

[kgs51]

I am looking to purchase an amp/dac which is portable. Would the FiiO KA5 be a good option for these headphones?

 

[politel]

I also have the FiiO FT5 and the KA5 (balanced = 2x 265mW). They fit together perfectly.
The new KA17 has even more power

 

[M3NTAL]

Ahh yes thank you. I’ve never experienced such a variety of options in a $400 headphone before. Well done Fiio.

If Beagle is pleased in anyway - you've got something good.

 

[nephilim32]

I’m joining the FT5 party .

My initial thoughts so far using *Suede pads* only are that the FT5 sound signature is ‘warm relaxed’ with a very tame upper mid range. I’m enjoying the FT5 immensely right now on my desktop system. Using a chord Qutest, p.s audio P3 Stellar Powerplant, Cyrus CDi and the Pathos Acoustics Aurium Amplifier to start.

Just a quick note. The FT5 really does mainly benefit from using more substantial amplification/desktop equipment. Issuing just a DAP is not enough. I tried using my KANN max on super gain and I felt it was an epic fail.
The specs of the FT5 are a bit misleading. You need more vigorous amplification!

With that said. The FT5 sounds great when pushed to louder volumes. The tame midrange allows this to be so. I also feel the FT5 really benefits from the Chord sound. Having a punchy, vivid DAC awakens this headphone very nicely. Pairing a chord Qutest thus far is excellent with the included suede pads on the FT5. I’ve yet to try the leather pads. I will do so shortly later on. Just getting a feel for the sound. More impressions to come. I’ve got 2 more desktop amps to throw at the FT5. Woo Audio WA22 and the Schiit Audio Kara.
So far the Pathos Aurium does a tremendous job handling the FT5. I honestly couldn’t ask for more. I think in general the Aurium is a planar specialist. At least the ones that aren’t stupidly demanding for power requirements.

More thoughts soon, but so far I think the FT5 eclipses it’s $500 price point by a fair margin.

 

[Ilomaenkimi]

I have had Fiio FT 5 about two and half months now. Now i have been listening to Sash Tres SE for a couple of weeks, and Fiio FT5 has rested in the closet. Today at the end of listening it was time to listen Fiio FT5.
Yes, these are two very different headphones; just as Sash fulfills the requirements of the ”hifi headphone” in all respects, Fiio on the other hand, immediately puts your foot to move. It has a little ”foggy” and thick, darkish voice if compared to Sash.

Of course, Sash also conveys the feeling of the music very nicely and is quite fun to listen to. At the same time however there is so much separation, big and dimensional sound image, tonal, fast and airy bass that at times the attention may shift from the music itself to the side track. To admire the divine sound quality. Where everything still feels perfectly right and in balance. Nothing to criticize. Brilliant sound quality at its best. This headphone does not need an eq at all.
I don't use eq on others either.

The Fiio FT5 is a cool case; the frequency balance is, to say the least, strange in the hifi mind. Sound imaging and the general accuracy in every respect is not the same level to Sash, but when the music starts playing somehow automatically you forget all the sonic aspects, the music just works and draws attention to itself.
And that frequency balance somehow tempts you to turn the volume knob bigger, these are great for jamming all kinds of stuff. Always works.

A really good headphone in its own way. For enjoying music, not for hifi fans.
A great counterbalance to Sash.

I find Fiio's ability to draw music similar to, for example, the Linn Majik 109 speaker.

 

[politel]

The Fiio FT5 is a cool case; the frequency balance is, to say the least, strange in the hifi mind. Sound imaging and the general accuracy in every respect is not the same level to Sash, but when the music starts playing somehow automatically you forget all the sonic aspects, the music just works and draws attention to itself.
And that frequency balance somehow tempts you to turn the volume knob bigger, these are great for jamming all kinds of stuff. Always works.

A really good headphone in its own way. For enjoying music, not for hifi fans.
A great counterbalance to Sash.

I find Fiio's ability to draw music similar to, for example, the Linn Majik 109 speaker.

I can absolutely agree with you, because the FT5 gives the impression that you are sitting between two very good speakers.
Whether this is less HiFi or not is up to the freaks to decide.