So, aftter more time spent with the FT-5's, i have not noticed any significant FR changes.
These have a rich, slightly dark tone, ... its warm, with good detail.
I would suggest silver/copper balanced cables, and something like the Ultra Clean Aune X1S-GT to power them, as this type of clean power and a warm headphone, is a perfect connection.
The FT5's Treble is good , the Bass is full and commendable, and the midrange is rich, and not recessed. (Cloth Pads).
The instrument separation is pretty good, but, as the sound stage is not wide, you can only have so much separation, in this case.
I can't use the comfy Pleather Pad, as this just dials up too much SLAM for my taste.
And Similar..... in one regard, they are to the Mezy Empy's= is the fact that this FiiO gear is not trying to get you to evaluate your headphones, using music.
The FT-5's are not a set a sonic microscopes.
They are not designed to be used to X-RAY your music.
This gear, wants you to enjoy your tunes, vs, analyze all the parts.
If anyone remembers the PHILIPS Fidelio X3...
This was a unique Fidelio, as it was not a V-shaped Bass Canon, whereas the previous incarnations, were really "V" shaped, but sound very good.
I'd take all 3 of the Phillips Fidelio's over something like a MSR7 Audio Technica, or M50.
But on the other Hand, i'd take a Sendy Peacock over a 1st Gen. Hifiman Stealth, all day and night, forever.
I think only Z-Reviews and myself, mostly enjoyed the Sendy Peacock, .. whereas Joshua V. ... and DMS and The Headphone Show, and all the other "big review guns"... (wink)....HATED the Sendy Peacock.
I like it.
Its a unique sound, and i generally like unique sounding Headphones.
Another one i like a lot is the CrossZone CZ-1.
It has a very unique sound, and i really like it.
Its not a Susvara or a Utopia or a LCD-5 or a ZMF Caldera, ,... so, i dont expect it to be one..... and they can't do what it does... regarding your listening enjoyment.
You know, a few Years ago the Meze Empyrean came out and it became the instant gold standard, until "they" decided that it "isnt that good".'
"They" now tell you....."well all the other TOT's" have more DETAIL DETAIL DETAIL DETAL....'"""""""
You've heard that and read that.... and maybe that is not so important, as THEY think it is......
So, "they" decided that because its not a Susvara or a Utopia, detail wise, then "they" concluded for you... that the MEZE Empyrean....can't be " all that good".
But when "they" first reviewed it, "they" all said it was amazing.
And it is., but its not a set of microscopes, and the "headphone industry", has been trying to make you believe that if the gear is not chasing that last slice of detail retrieval at the expense of "it just sounds good", then you have wasted your money.
So, "they" are wrong about that, Reader.
Reader, just allow each set of Headphones to be what they are, and enjoy each VOICE.. as that is what they are producing for you.
Each has their own Voice.. and some you will not like and some you will love.
Its just like hearing a SINGER.
Not everyone loves STING's Voice, or Adele's Voice, ...
Its the same with headphones.
Just enjoy them, or sell them..
And have fun on the way there...
So, the V3 Fidelio, and this Fiio, possess some sonic similarities.
Both are rich, warm, and smooth. Both are made for listening, and not for dissecting.