FiiO FT15 Planar Headphones Are Designed To Be Easier To Drive

FiiO has launched the FT15, a pair of open-back planar magnetic headphones with large 101mm drivers, natural walnut earcups and a price of £499, €499.99 or $499.99.

The FT15 sits at the more ambitious end of Starting Out, but its 24-ohm impedance and relatively high sensitivity mean it is designed to work with portable players and compact USB DACs rather than demanding a huge desktop amplifier.

Quick Reference

• Product: FiiO FT15
• Type: Open-back planar magnetic headphones
• Driver: 101mm planar magnetic
• Impedance: 24 ohms
• Sensitivity: 95dB/mW
• Weight: 425g
• Price: £499, €499.99 or $499.99

Planar Drivers In Plain English

Most headphones use a cone or dome moved by a voice coil. A planar magnetic driver instead moves a thin, flat diaphragm across a magnetic field. The aim is to move a larger surface evenly, which can help with detail, speed and control.

FiiO says the FT15 uses an 800-nanometre diaphragm that is 86.7 per cent thinner than the one in its earlier FT5. A diamond coating is applied across the diaphragm to increase rigidity, while a shaped magnet system is intended to distribute force more evenly.

Designed To Work With Modest Sources

Planar headphones have a reputation for needing powerful amplification, but the FT15 is specified at 24 ohms with a sensitivity of 95dB/mW. FiiO says it can be used with digital audio players, USB dongle DACs and desktop headphone amplifiers.

That does not mean every phone adaptor will drive it equally well. Buyers should check that their source has a suitable headphone output and enough power, particularly if they listen loudly or play recordings with a wide dynamic range.

An Open Back Design For Home Listening

The earcups are open at the rear, allowing air and sound to pass through. Open-back headphones can produce a more spacious presentation than sealed models, but they also leak music into the room and provide little isolation from outside noise.

That makes the FT15 a home-listening headphone rather than an obvious choice for commuting, shared offices or quiet public spaces. The walnut earcups and carbon-fibre headband contribute to a total weight of 425g.

Cable And Accessories

The supplied cable terminates in a 4.4mm balanced plug. FiiO also includes adapters for 6.35mm and four-pin XLR connections, two different sets of earpads and a storage case.

There is no standard 3.5mm adapter in the listed package, so users planning to connect the FT15 to a typical laptop or small dongle should check the socket before buying.

Price And Availability

The FiiO FT15 is available now at £499 in the UK, €499.99 in Europe and $499.99 in the United States.

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