FiiO FT3 32 OHM (32Ω) Edition Dynamic High-Res Over-Ear Headphones

The FiiO FT3 32Ω Edition brings FiiO’s acclaimed FT3 open-back headphones to portable players, dongles and phones. FiiO developed it in response to listeners asking for an easier-to-drive version: the large 60mm dynamic driver uses an aluminium-plated LCP and aluminium composite diaphragm at 32Ω, tuned for lush, textured mids and bass. Everything else is the FT3: an aluminium alloy build with a hollow open back, three-axis swivelling cups, angled drivers, two sets of ear pads, a 392-wire silver-plated copper cable with four plug options, and a leather storage case.

Easy to drive, with dense mids and bass

Where the original FT3 is a 350Ω design for desktop amplifiers, the 32Ω Edition is easy to drive, so you can enjoy the FT3’s sound anywhere. It is tuned for lush yet textured mids and bass: the bass is present and robust but controlled and detailed, and the mids are lush and relaxed, for comfortable long listening.

A large 60mm driver

A 60mm driver is unusual in this class. Compared with a smaller driver, it moves more air and converts energy into sound more efficiently, for a natural yet robust sound with a wide soundstage. Its size lets it handle more power with less distortion on big dynamic swings, and reach lower for deeper bass.

A diaphragm made for 32Ω

For the 32Ω Edition, FiiO chose a composite diaphragm of aluminium-plated LCP and aluminium, which keeps the large driver easy to drive while keeping the FT3’s sound quality. An ultra-fine Japanese copper-clad aluminium voice coil, only 0.035mm in diameter, follows the signal quickly for thunderous dynamics across a wide frequency range.

Asymmetrical magnets

Powerful N52 neodymium magnets sit in an optimised asymmetrical internal and external magnetic circuit. As the voice coil moves, especially on big dynamic changes, the circuit compensates, using the magnetic energy more effectively and controlling the coil better.

Open-back, with a hollow mesh design

The FT3’s design starts from hexagonal elements for a bold, sci-fi look. The open back uses a hollowed-out mesh that saves weight and lets the driver work in a more open space, reducing unwanted vibration and resonance for a larger soundstage, with details coming through clearly and naturally, as if you were at a live performance. The exterior is all aluminium alloy: luxurious to the touch, rigid and light.

Angled drivers and a three-axis fit

The drivers are angled to sit parallel to your ears, which reduces the high-frequency problems caused by sound hitting the outer ear, and reduces reflections inside the cup that would cause standing waves. A reflective tip at the back of the shell directs the sound waves so reflections don’t interfere. After extensive fit testing, FiiO gave the FT3 three-axis swivelling cups that suit many head and face shapes, for comfort and a good seal, with a clamping force of about 4N.

Two sets of ear pads

A cable for every source

The 1.5m, 23AWG cable is made of 392 silver-plated monocrystalline copper wires for a detailed, solid sound. It connects to each cup with a 3.5mm plug, and four interchangeable options (a design licensed from FABRILOUS) cover almost any source: 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, a 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter and a 4.4mm to XLR-4 balanced adapter.

Good to know

• Open-back headphones let sound in and out, so they are best for quiet rooms rather than public places.
• There is also a 350Ω FT3 for desktop amplifiers, with a beryllium-plated surround and DLC diaphragm.
• In the box: FT3 32Ω, cable with 3.5mm and 4.4mm plugs, 3.5mm to 6.35mm and 4.4mm to XLR-4 adapters, protein leather and suede ear pads, leather storage case and instructions.
• For FiiO’s closed-back headphones with wooden cups, see the FiiO FT1.