FiiO, which is greatest identified for its wonderful but budget-friendly transportable audio gamers, amp/DACs and IEM model earphones, has simply prolonged its vary of hi-fi audio merchandise with the discharge of its first planar magnetic headphone, the FT5. That includes an open-back design and premium construct high quality, it’s aimed on the rising audiophile market, whereas nonetheless being considerably moderately priced for its class.
The FT5 options 90 mm drivers with 20 neodymium magnets per driver. FiiO claims that the 6μm diaphragm is specifically engineered to steadiness lightness and sturdiness, and has light-weight aluminium-silver alloy coils printed onto it. This leads to excessive sensitivity which, coupled with the low 36Ω impedance, makes it straightforward to drive the headphone from transportable units, as a substitute of requiring a devoted amplifier.
The magnesium aluminium alloy development makes it robust but light-weight. Justifying it as a premium providing are two pairs of included earpads (in “suede and protein leather-based”), a leather-based case, a velvet carrying bag, a premium silver-plated, monocrystalline copper cable, and 4 totally different audio connectors (3.5 mm, 6.35 mm for unbalanced, and 4.4 mm, XLR-4 male for balanced audio).
Planar magnetic drivers have an inherent benefit of being extra correct than dynamic drivers. Within the latter, a stacked voice coil is liable for shifting your complete diaphragm, leading to distortion at increased frequencies. The ‘coil’ of a planar driver (and due to this fact the driving power) is evenly unfold throughout a superbly flat diaphragm, which minimises part distortion and will increase responsiveness. By the way this makes it excellent for taking part in spatial audio.
Whereas the FT5 within reason priced for all that it presents, planar magnetic headphones are now not as unique and unique as they as soon as have been. Many finances fashions are actually available on the market: the stylish Avantone Planar II and the wi-fi, gaming-oriented Audeze Maxwell each price US$300, whereas HiFiMan has a number of well-reviewed fashions just like the Ananda, Sundara and Deva within the sub-400 vary, with its entry stage HE400SE costing simply US$109.
The FT5 is now accessible on AliExpress for US$449, and will probably be accessible shortly on Amazon.
Purchase the retro styled Avantone Planar the II headphones on Amazon, or the extremely priced HiFiMan Sundara closed again planar headphones with wooden earcups.
I’ve at all times been occupied with know-how, however it was my ardour for music-making and pictures that led me to dive deep into audio and imaging know-how and perceive all of the instruments that had fascinated me. I maintain levels in electronics engineering and enterprise administration, and have labored as a software program developer in addition to in advertising. Aside from being an newbie musician and photographer, I take pleasure in studying books, being open air, cooking and these days, operating.
