A Prominent Hi-Fi Brand’s New Audiophile Headphones Are Surprisingly Affordable

In 2023, FiiO released the FT5 and proved that it could make a quality pair of open-back planar magnet headphones for less than $450.

At this week’s Bristol Hi-Fi Show in England, the rising Chinese hi-fi brand has revealed new-and-improved planar magnetic cans that promise elevated performance while still not breaking the bank.

FiiO FT7

FiiO

New planar flagships

The FiiO FT7 are the brand’s new flagship open-back planar magnetic headphones, which the brand describes as “the pinnacle of the lessons learned and technology breakthroughs” in previous open-back cans.

Compared to the FT5, the FT7 has larger 106mm planar magnetic drivers (compared to the FT5’s 90mm) with a 1μm ultra-thin diaphragm and 18 high-performance N52 neodymium magnets on each side. The combination of these promises improved sound quality.

Additionally, the FT7 has a significantly upgraded design from FiiO’s previous models. They feature zebrawood grilles and you have the option of wearing lambskin or suede earpads (both are included).

FiiO

Price and availability

Admittedly, many of the finer details about the FiiO FT7 have yet to be revealed. However, FiiO recommends pairing it with a headphone amp (such as its K19) for “true high-end performance.”

As for price, the company says they will cost “around $800,” which would make them competitive with other budget-friendly planar magnetic headphones by the likes of Audeze and HiFiMan.

The FiiO FT7 will be released “later this year.”

FiiO

FiiO FT7

The FiiO FT7 are flagship open-back planar magnetic headphones that the brand describes as “the pinnacle of the lessons learned and technology breakthroughs” in previous open-back cans. They feature 106mm planar magnetic drivers and standout zebrawood grilles. And at $800, they promise to be one of the more affordable planar magnetic cans on the market.

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