FiiO FT5 planar-magnetic earphones review

I waited for an opportunity to review this model for quite some time, and I wasn't disappointed by the results: the company's signature sound executed in full-size cans form factor.
Official site: www.fiio.com/ft5
0:00 - Introduction
1:22 - Unboxing and accessories
3:37 - Design and wearing comfort
9:07 - Sound
20:45 - Comparisons
Tracks mentioned in the review
Deep Purple - The Mule (Live in Japan)
Echoes of Ellington Jazz Orchestra - Jupiter
Jethro Tull - Locomotive Breath
Marco Hietala - I Am the Way
Miles Davis - Spanish Key
Porcupine Tree - Great Expectations
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

[@markmorrison3090]

Is the paint finish the same as the ft3 cause after a couple months of using the ft3 air bubbles started forming under the paint and as a result the paint comes off very easily?

[@PortaFi]

By look it seems to be the same. But I didn't experience this issue with FT3, so I hope FT5 will serve me well
I really recommend you to contact seller of FiiO directly

[@tonguelover6666]

they seems awesome, i love the style and minimalism 🙂 thanks as usual for another AWESOME review, and happy new year 🙂

[@PortaFi]

Thank you! You too!

[@gabrielcolaco1094]

Thanks for the video. Trying to decide between this and the slightly more expensive hifiman ananda nano... i see that hifimans are colder and these are warmer and more relaxed, so i am trying to decide to go for a tecnical or a more relaxed presentation. Are these good tecnically against the nano? From my experience of having hifimans (edition xs), they are excellent tecnically but my preference is still my hd650s, it's just hard not to love that tuning. I would greatly appreciate if you could share some insight to help me.

[@PortaFi]

Thank you. Unfortunately, I didn't test new versions of Ananda, so I can't say that. Probably you can ask this question on Head-Fi.org, to get more practical answer

[@khrystophersteperson4918]

HEY AUDIOPHILES, can you help me pick out a pair of headphones? I wanted to get something with extreme bass; so I am thinking of using planar. Usually I would be looking at a closed back, but I am considering these. I have the Sennheiser 660s already. I like the mids alot, but don't like the bass response. Also could you recommend the right fiio portable amp for me?

[@PortaFi]

Hello. Actually, extreme bass and planars are often the opposites. As well as audiophiles and extreme bass :) Planars are usually tuned for neutrality and technicality.
There is a thread on Head-Fi.org, dedicated to bass heavy headphones, so you'll get a much better respose there, as I'm not a fan of exaggerated lows. For me Meze 99 is already bassy more than enough

[@bestcocbaseswithlink5069]

Great review overall! Fiio said in its website that it is has such a low impedance and high sensitivity that it could be driven from even a smartphone or laptops headphone jack. Have you tried it? Is this true?

[@PortaFi]

I've tried them with MacBook Pro headphones out (which is pretty good in terms of SQ) and it was decent.
In terms of impedance/sensetivity it really can be driven with not powerful source, but anyway they'll benefit from at least some dongle, as it will give better control and resolution

[@criticactual]

Could I know your top 3 iem (for music) under 600€?

[@PortaFi]

unfortunately, I almost didn't test models in this segment, so my experience is not enough to create top. I like FiiO models, like FD7 (or FD5), and saw lot of good feedback on Sennheiser's IE series. But I didn't test lot of popular chi-fi models in this segment. So I'd suggest you to check out Head-Fi.org, you'll get much more information there

[@Hitman-bm1iy]

Hi, can you compare with Audio-Technica msr7b.

[@PortaFi]

Hello, unfortunately I didn't have MSR7B

[@Hitman-bm1iy]

Thanks

[@kanegforce3974]

now we know that Focal is getting their cases from China - except the FiiO case is better quality for a fraction of the price...

[@PortaFi]

IMO it would be silly if they don't outsource things like cases to China. It's cheaper and nowadays often has a higher quality

[@Opeth1483]

For you It's better than hd650?

[@PortaFi]

Yes, for me it's better, as lows are a bit more firm and treble is slightly more developed

[@Enzo_560]

@@PortaFiHow would you say the FT5 and HD650 compare specifically in the vocals?

[@PortaFi]

@@Enzo_560 it's a "by memory", so take it with a grain of salt. FT5 has slightly faster transients, so it gives a bit more nuances and highlights emotions a bit more