FiiO FT3 350 Ohms

The FiiO FT3 350Ω marks a turning point in FiiO’s strategy, a brand renowned for its DACs and audiophile players. This first open-back circumaural headphone from the Chinese company shakes up established norms with premium technologies usually reserved for much more expensive models. Awarded the 2024 Diapason d’Or, it immediately establishes itself as a benchmark in its category, offering a level of performance that directly challenges the established competition.

High-End Technical Design

The FT3 350Ω is built around a 60 mm dynamic driver, an exceptional size in this price range. This large diaphragm combines a DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) center with a beryllium-plated rim. This hybrid architecture leverages the properties of diamond-like carbon—especially its remarkable sound propagation speed—while benefiting from the lightness and rigidity of beryllium to reduce moving mass and minimize distortion.

The internal and external asymmetric magnetic system uses N52 neodymium magnets, among the most powerful available. This configuration optimizes control of the voice coil, especially during significant dynamic swings, allowing for more efficient use of magnetic energy.

The open-back architecture features a distinctive helical mesh design, blending modern aesthetics with acoustic functionality. This design unleashes the driver’s capabilities by reducing unwanted resonances and naturally expanding the soundstage.

Refined Sound Performance

The FT3 350Ω’s signature favors analytical precision without sacrificing musical engagement. Its extended response from 7 Hz to 40 kHz amply covers the audible spectrum and beyond, ensuring full reproduction of the subtlest harmonics.

The sound character stands out for its crystalline transparency and microscopic level of detail. The mids display remarkable neutrality, enabling faithful reproduction of vocals and acoustic instruments. The bass, though sometimes described as slightly dry, retains impact and dynamism while avoiding excessive coloration.

Soundstage is one of the FT3’s major strengths, delivering a wide scene with precise source placement. This quality stems directly from the open-back architecture and large driver, creating a particularly striking open-field listening sensation.

FiiO’s “blackground” concept translates into an exceptionally low noise floor, a sine qua non for revealing the most delicate micro-details in recordings.

Ergonomics and User Comfort

Despite its large driver, the FT3 keeps its weight to 391 grams, a remarkable achievement thanks to its hollowed aluminum alloy construction. The main headband, lined with a synthetic leather strap, efficiently distributes the load across the head.

The three-axis rotation system automatically adapts to individual head shapes, ensuring optimal driver positioning. This adaptability significantly contributes to comfort during long listening sessions.

Two sets of earpads come with the headphones: perforated synthetic leather and suede. Each material subtly influences the sound signature, with suede generally adding warmth to the mids while synthetic leather preserves analytical precision.

The clamping force, measured at 4.0 N±0.3 N, ensures a secure fit without excessive discomfort—a delicate balance FiiO has mastered perfectly.

Connectivity and Accessory Ecosystem

The FT3 350Ω comes with a three-meter modular cable made of Furukawa single-crystal copper, a material renowned for its conductive qualities. This generous length is ideal for living room setups with power amplifiers placed at a distance.

The interchangeable connector system covers all standards: 3.5 mm jack, 4.4 mm Pentaconn, 4-pin XLR, and 6.35 mm jack. This versatility ensures universal compatibility with all types of sources, from audiophile players to home amplifiers.

The accessory set includes a hard leather case, a black velvet carrying pouch, and multiple connectors in a scratch-resistant tray. This bundle, unusually generous in the industry, reflects FiiO’s ambition to offer a complete solution right out of the box.

Amplification and Technical Compatibility

The FT3’s 350-ohm impedance requires a source capable of delivering significant voltage swings. Contrary to popular belief, its 102 dB sensitivity makes the headphones relatively easy to drive in terms of volume, but only powerful sources will fully reveal its dynamic potential.

Recommended amplifiers naturally include FiiO solutions like the R7 or K9, but also references such as the EarMen Angel or Aune S9c Pro. For portable use, DAC/amplifiers like the FiiO Q7 or M17 are more than sufficient.

This amplification requirement, far from being a drawback, is a guarantee of scalability. The FT3 350Ω gradually reveals its qualities depending on the upstream chain’s quality—a hallmark of truly high-end headphones.

Technical Specifications

Design and Technology

• Open-back circumaural headphones
• Hi-Res Audio certification
• 60 mm dynamic driver
  • Beryllium coating
  • DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) diaphragm
• Asymmetric internal and external magnetic circuit system

Audio Performance

• Frequency response: 7 Hz – 40 kHz
• Impedance: 350 Ω or 32 Ω
• Sensitivity: 102 dB (1 Vrms) at 1 kHz

Connectivity and Cables

• Y-cable configuration
• Length: approximately 3 m
• Cable technical specifications:
  • Conductor: Furukawa single-crystal copper wire
  • Outer sheath: TPE
  • Shielding: PCOCC-A (26/0.12X2)
  • Insulation: PFA
  • Main conductor: PCOCC-A (3/20/0.8X2AWG23)
  • Outer diameter: 2.4 mm x 2 (parallel structure)
• Ear cup connectors: dual 3.5 mm
• Note: the interchangeable audio plugs are officially protected by FABRILOUS patent

Comfort and Ergonomics

• Earpads: synthetic leather and velour
• Headband: synthetic leather
• Replaceable parts: cable and earpads
• Ear cup pressure: 4.0 N ± 0.3 N

Package Contents

• Fiio FT3 headphones
• Cable with interchangeable 3.5 mm plug
• Cable with interchangeable 4.4 mm plug
• 3.5 mm female to 6.35 mm male adapter
• 4.4 mm female to XLR-4 male balanced adapter
• Carrying case
• Artificial leather earpads
• Velour earpads

General Specifications

• Weight: approximately 391 g (without cable)