FiiO has steadily built a reputation for crafting high-quality audio gear that blends modern engineering with refined design, and the FiiO FT7 planar magnetic headphones represent a bold step forward. Their latest entry into the over-ear headphone market aims to deliver premium craftsmanship with advanced engineering for an experience that appeals to both casual listeners and dedicated enthusiasts. Let’s dive deep into the FT7’s design, soundstage, and tonal balance to see if these headphones truly deliver on their high-end promise.
What You Get
- Quick start guide
- Headphone cable
- XLR-4 male to 4.4mm female balanced adapter
- 4.4mm to 6.35mm adapter
- Lambskin ear pads (pre-installed)
- Breathable fabric pads
- Headphones
- Linen storage bag
- FT7 box
Look & Feel
Fiio has produced some attractive headphones in the past, with the FT1 and FT1 Pro being notable standouts in this product line. The FT7 takes it to a whole new level, with the most premium build that Fiio has made for a pair of headphones so far. The FT7 has a combination of carbon fiber and zebra wood materials that gives the headphones a unique appearance. Carbon fiber is used to complete its metal frame, while zebra wood is used to make up its surrounding grille. They come with swithcable earpads, one set of lambskin pads, and one set of fabric pads. Both of these pads are equally comfortable and help secure your ear well. The FT7 is also very lightweight, which makes it easier to wear for multiple hours.
Design
The Fiio FT7 is a planar magnetic headphone with a 106mm transducer. It uses a dual-sided push-pull magnetic circuit system, with 18 N52 neodymium magnets that help ensure more powerful transients. While impedance seems low at 25 Ohms, the FT7 requires a DAC/Amp to drive it with. I used the FT7 with the Fiio KA17 for this review.
Soundstage
Most of my soundstage impressions are based on how the Fiio FT7 sounds with its lambskin earpads. These pads feature the best version of the FT7’s soundstage, providing better width and compelling spatial imaging. I expected the FT7 to have a big soundstage, and while it definitely delivers in terms of width, the overall headspace is more intimate. The left and right channels have good spatial identity, allowing instruments to be localized in specific positions throughout the mix.
Every layer of sound appears properly individualized, sculpting an organized stereo field with plenty of dimension. I tended to feel with some tracks that the stage could be expanded even further, but the FT7 felt like it had a barrier that it could not exceed. You can hear instruments all around you, but the FT7 doesn’t do much to propel the sound outward or add any vertical space. This results in a very hard stereo soundstage that has great separation and air, but is more tightly compacted than you may think
Low End
With the lambskin pads, the bass on the FT7 is super clean and transparent. You get a full sense of notes that feature a tightly controlled attack that responds quickly. There’s a subtle layer of tone underneath that elevates the bass frequencies just enough to have a noticeable shape. I wouldn’t consider this a bass head profile, but I can’t imagine anyone who likes a detailed low end wouldn’t find the FT7 impressive. There’s a bit of thump in the mid-bass, but the FT7 doesn’t approach its lows with any kind of theatricality. They’re dynamic and have presence when called upon. It’s almost like a surgical response with the amount of clarity it has on display, but it sounds more fun than that. If it’s not quite fun enough, though, switching to the fabric pads gives the lows more weight and resonance. You’ll miss some of the finesse and note clarity from the lambskin, but elements like synth pads will have more sweeteners and sound overall more enthralling.
Mids
Separation and detail are the most consistent qualities of the FT7’s midrange. It’s a roomy response that features a full body of tone. However, switching up the pads reveals some key differences. The lambskin pads feature a lusher and more articulate midrange, displaying instruments and vocals on an even field. Performances here display realism and control in a way that favors physical instruments like horns, piano keys, and acoustic guitar. Meanwhile, the fabric pads act much differently in the mids. The tone appears to have a bigger surface, with more substantial scale. Layered instruments cut over each other more, resulting in more coloration. You might like these pads if you prefer a warmer timbre for your mids.
Highs
In the highs, I think using the lambskin pads does more for the tonality of the frequencies over the fabric. If you like your treble to be more reserved to a point that dampens the tone, go with the fabric. The lambskin pads feature a more fulfilling treble tone, with splashy cymbals and reverb tails that ring out into the open air. There’s a far more colorful timbre to the frequencies here that the fabric almost mutes. There’s no overwhelming brightness or piercing textures you need to worry about, just exceptional sizzle and artifact retrieval.
Summary
The FiiO FT7 is more than just a beautifully crafted pair of planar magnetic headphones; it’s a showcase of how thoughtful design and precision engineering can elevate the listening experience. From the clean, transparent bass to the detailed mids and lively highs, the FT7 offers an articulate and immersive sound profile that adapts depending on which pads you prefer. While its soundstage leans toward an intimate presentation rather than an expansive one, its imaging and separation are exceptional, giving instruments and vocals a natural space to shine. For listeners seeking premium build quality, versatile tuning options, and audiophile-grade performance without the extreme price tag of luxury competitors, the FiiO FT7 stands out as one of the most compelling releases in FiiO’s headphone lineup to date.
The Fiio FT7 is available at Audio46.
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