Fiio FT7 Review – The Goldilocks Zone

Pros — Premium construct supplies: carbon fibre, wooden, and leather-based
– Easy to tune the sound by way of pad swapping
– Very good bass slam, pace, and punch
– Mostly impartial midrange with managed higher treble
– Good decision, separation, and imaging

Cons — Weight distribution on the FT7 could possibly be higher, so could possibly be the headscarf adjustment mechanism
– Stock cable is just too lengthy
– Somewhat “etchy” decrease treble with planar timbre
– Staging could possibly be taller and wider

INTRODUCTION

The full-size planar magnetic headphone market is nothing in need of a massacre.

Firstly, you may have the established manufacturers like Hifiman and Audeze, who personal main market and thoughts share. In truth, most of the applied sciences that different manufacturers undertake are both immediately influenced by these manufacturers, or analogous to no matter they’ve finished to this point.

Then you may have the newcomers within the type of Moondrop, FosiAudio, Sendy Audio, and naturally – Fiio. Fiio is likely one of the largest manufacturers round in terms of general product portfolio, as they’ve lined a number of market segments and value factors over time. A obtrusive omission there was a planar magnetic flagship, or at the least a mid-priced one.

Well, now that the Fiio FT7 are out, that’s not the case anymore. Despite being the present “flagship” in Fiio’s lineup, the FT7 is priced round $700 USD, which is commonly thought of “mid-range” within the bigger panorama of the headphone market. This is maybe Fiio’s means of testing the waters earlier than going all out for the eventual true flagship.

As such, rather a lot rides on FT7’s success: Fiio’s future aspirations for a real flagship, the model’s maturity when it comes to designing headphones, and principally importantly – a showcase of its prowess towards established hierarchy.

PHYSICAL THINGS AND USABILITY

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES

The FT7 packaging is befitting of a flagship, with an outsized field and loads of further equipment. Inside, you get the headphones themselves, a pair of material earpads, an extra-long 3m cable (4.4mm termination), and 6.35mm and 4-pin XLR adapters.

The carrying case is a private favourite of mine, because it not solely has cutouts for the headphones and the cable, however for the assorted termination adapters as nicely. I do want the cable size was shorter. It’s an ideal cable when it comes to supplies used (21 AWG 7N OCC Copper) however the size is an excessive amount of for desk utilization. I want Fiio lowered the size to a extra manageable 2m, however it’s what it’s. At least the cable high quality is way superior to what Hifiman or Audeze consists of, so kudos to Fiio for that.

The packaging is substantial and befitting of a flagship.

The FT7 carrying case is superb, and top-of-the-line I’ve come throughout on this value vary.

I discovered the inventory cable to be too lengthy for desktop use, though the wire high quality is superb.

The FT7, its inventory cable, and adapters might be neatly tucked away within the carrying case for journey.

BUILD QUALITY

Carbon fiber is a giant design theme of the FT7. This explicit materials is well-known for its excessive tensile power and far decrease weight in comparison with different steel alloys. Usually carbon fiber is blended with resin to kind and mildew the elements in varied shapes. That’s why you see the “sheen” on high of the headscarf, for instance, when gentle bounces off of it. The really feel in hand can be that of resin (because the resin is coating the carbon fiber itself), however the stiffness and tensile power is that of CF. The identical materials can be used for the earcup surrounds.

The earcup grille is zebrawood, the place the wooden panels are completely aligned with the bottom magnet array to scale back backwave interference. The cable insert additionally has carbon fiber wrapping on it, in contrast to the resin based mostly carbon fiber that we see on the headscarf or the earcup. The earcup can be screwed all the way down to the hinge, this time with a bigger screw than on the FT1 Pro, making them much less susceptible to failures.

The earpads are very simple to take out and re-attach. Just tug on the backside of the earpad to unclip it, after which press it again firmly to lock it in place. This is particularly welcome because the earpads make a noticeable distinction in tuning and one can simply change between pads relying on the temper or style.

My greatest gripe concerning the general construct can be the finicky headband adjustment mechanism. It feels fiddly and requires uneven power to regulate the steps. Once you may have locked it although, it tends to remain in place. The headband itself feels mushy and distributes the load considerably evenly throughout the highest (extra on this later).

The zebrawood grille catches consideration at first look.

Carbon fiber was used within the headband to scale back weight.

A more in-depth have a look at the lambskin earpad, and much more carbon fiber elements within the earcup.

COMFORT, ISOLATION, AND FIT

Given the panorama of planar headphones, particularly the dual-sided magnet ones (that enhance the load significantly), the FT7 is pretty comfy. I nonetheless discover the 427g weight to be bothersome after 40-50 minutes of use. The extra-long and thick cable additionally provides to the general weight (relying on how a lot slack you may have on the cable).

As a outcome, weight distribution turns into a giant issue, the place the FT7 doesn’t excel. The entirety of the load is distributed throughout the highest of your head as a result of low clamp power. I feel a bit extra padding on the headscarf might assist right here, alongside a special earpad design, so maybe issues that Fiio can think about for its subsequent launch.

SOURCE MATCHING

At 94 dB/mW sensitivity and 25 ohm impedance, Fiio FT7 would require an honest amp. It’s not probably the most energy hungry of planars, however planar drivers respect excessive present supply and the FT7 aren’t any exceptions.

Speaking of the earpads, I desire the leather-based pad to the fabric one. The material pads makes the bass extra linear and has a extra muted treble response, nevertheless it pushes the upper-mids too excessive up for me, making hovering vocals, particularly feminine ones, too ahead. Source is one other issue, as “on paper”, the FT7 is definitely pushed, and it will get loud out of most first rate dongles. However, for the most effective bass response and treble smoothness, you’d desire a good high quality desktop supply that may present excessive present into low-impedance hundreds.

For the vast majority of the evaluate, I used the Questyle CMA Twelve Master and Austrian Audio Full Score One because the sources whereas utilizing the inventory cable.

The Austrian Audio Full Score One drives the FT7 with great authority.

DRIVER SETUP

Fiio FT7 make the most of a big, 106mm planar magnetic driver with 9 magnets on both aspect of the motive force. These magnets are organized within the typical “window-shade” like construction and customarily permits for a extra even distribution of magnetic flux throughout the etched voice coil, whereas their rounded edges assist making the treble sound smoother.

Speaking of the voice coil, the FT7 have an fascinating design the place the internal aspect of the motive force has silver etching on the substrate, whereas the outer aspect has 24K gold plated traces. Usually, silver is used to make the planar driver extra environment friendly (increased conductivity) vs gold which drastically reduces effectivity resulting from a lot decrease conductivity. This is why the likes of Hifiman Susvara are so tough to drive (as they use gold plated diaphragm).

However, gold plating has the optimistic impact of accelerating the stiffness of the fabric with out rising thickness, which ends up in higher stability throughout diaphragm motion. Fiio goes for the “better of each worlds” method and this blended driver design is supposed to extend the bass slam and punch like a gold plated driver would do, whereas not being too laborious to drive resulting from silver plating on the opposite aspect. A balanced compromise on paper.

Finally, the diaphragm itself is 1 micrometer, which is analogous to what some producer refers to as “Nanometer grade” diaphragm. It is likely one of the thinnest diaphragms obtainable out there and would have price considerably extra even a pair years in the past. Thanks to enhancements within the manufacturing processes, these might be now had on the FT7’s value level. Not dangerous in any respect.

A more in-depth have a look at the 106mm planar driver on the FT7.

FIIO FT7 TONALITY AND TECHNICALITIES

The normal tuning of the FT7 relies on the earpads getting used. The lambskin pads enhance the perceived bass presence and has a extra balanced upper-treble response. Meanwhile, the fabric pads have a extra pronounced upper-midrange, linear bass, and a barely subdued upper-treble.

For my tastes, the lambskin pads are the best way to go resulting from their enhanced bass presence and fewer perceived forwardness within the upper-midrange. Your mileage could fluctuate so experimentation is inspired.

FT7 graph — Fiio FT7 frequency response graph, with lambskin and polyester pads. Measurements credit score: Super* Review.

Bass response is superb on the leather-based pads, with a tasteful emphasis positioned on the sub-bass area. Both sub-bass rumble and presence is well-defined. The midbass isn’t any slouch both with snare hits and kick drums having great authority.

The mids are very well tuned, particularly the vary between 1-2kHz the place many competing planars can have scooped out response. Fiio FT7 fills out this area properly, leading to a fuller rendition of male vocals even in hovering deliveries. Female vocals additionally sound nicely balanced on the lambskin pads, whereas they’re pushed additional ahead with the fabric pads. If you like a extra pronounced rendition of feminine vocals and higher-pitched devices, this earpad would be the one to make use of.

Reaching additional into the frequency response, the lower-treble can exhibit some edginess, particularly in terms of the vanguard of cymbals and hi-hats.

Due to the particular alternative of upper-treble tuning right here (one noticeable upper-treble peak as an alternative of a collection of steady peaks and dips), the upper-treble extension could sound abrupt. Cymbals and hi-hats have a outstanding forefront, then a sudden discount of the trailing edge, which once more picks again up across the finish of the observe. It is usually a bit jarring at instances and one space of enchancment for Fiio for the subsequent launch. In Fiio’s protection although, the competitors does this worse even at some increased value factors, so the FT7 is definitely above common on this facet.

When it involves staging, stage depth is fairly good (Amber Rubarth’s Strive, for instance). Stage width does hit an invisible wall even on binaural tracks, a difficulty I’ve seen with different “spherical magnet” planar headphones. The stage peak can be not class main.

Imaging is exact although, and you may pinpoint devices even in ordinal instructions. Stereo pans and sweeps additionally exhibit no apparent gaps. Center imaging could possibly be stronger, nevertheless, so could possibly be microdynamics (refined shifts in quantity). Macrodynamic punch has nice authority then again, as heard on Siamese Youth’s Nariyeh Thanei.

Due to its versatile tuning, the FT7 might be gratifying throughout totally different genres.

FIIO FT7 vs HIFIMAN ARYA STEALTH

Hifiman’s Arya Stealth are well-established planar headphones that used to price over a thousand USD. However, resulting from current value cuts, it has now dropped to $600 USD, which is a bit decrease than even the FT7.

For the additional 100 bucks, you get a much better construct high quality with the FT7, together with superior equipment (Arya Stealth cable wants changing on day 1, for instance). Based on these elements alone, the upper value is sort of justified.

Both headphones are reasonably comfy, with the Arya Stealth being ever so heavier at 430g. However, as a result of egg-shaped earcups, there’s extra floor space for the earpads to contact when worn, leading to higher weight distribution (because the headband mechanism is comparable on each fashions).

Drivability is comparable throughout each fashions, with comparable sensitivity rankings and impedance figures (32 ohms on Arya Stealth). I do discover the Arya Stealth to have higher dynamics on low energy sources than the FT7, however on reasonably highly effective sources (> 1W @ 32 ohms) all of it evens out.

Finally, let’s get to the sound. The bass response on the FT7 is noticeably higher with superior macrodynamic punch and mid-bass slam. Sub-bass rumble can be cleaner and fewer hazy. The mids are equally tuned however the FT7 has a extra even lower-mid to upper-mid transition, which ends up in higher timbre within the mids.

The treble is the place issues trip. Arya Stealth has higher treble decay, so cymbal hits and hi-hats have a extra pure rendition (comparatively), whereas the FT7 is much less fatiguing within the decrease treble. Ultimately, all of it is dependent upon your treble threshold and the way a lot decrease treble you’ll be able to deal with.

In phrases of staging, the Arya Stealth reigns supreme on this value vary. Stage peak and width are higher outlined than the FR7 and rivals even some increased priced fashions. Imaging is comparable on each headphones, however as a result of bigger perceived stage, the Arya Stealth sounds extra “holographic”. Perceived decision is comparable on each with no clear winner.

In the tip, I discover the FT7 to have higher tuning throughout a wide range of genres, whereas the spatial qualities of the Arya Stealth make them extra appropriate for classical, jazz, and stay music.

CONCLUDING REMARKS

Fiio has lastly began hanging round with the massive boys because the FT7 has turn out to be a viable different to the prevailing planar magnetic headphones beneath the kilobuck vary. The proven fact that they commerce blows with the Arya Stealth (which I discover higher general than the upper priced Arya Organic) and are available on high in sure points is kind of an achievement, so kudos to Fiio for that.

However, the staging could possibly be higher, so could possibly be the upper-treble response. These two elements must be at the next degree if Fiio needs to succeed in that coveted “Goldilocks Zone” of a flagship, however I consider the model is nicely conscious of that and are working in the direction of that purpose.

The FT7 earn my suggestion and can be a improbable improve for anybody utilizing the FT1 Pro or Hifiman Sundara, or any such entry-level planar headphones. it’s been fairly some time since I might advocate a pair of planars not named Hifiman within the mid-priced section, and I’m glad that Fiio has stuffed that void.

MY VERDICT

4.25/5

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