FiiO launches FT15 planar headphone with 101mm drivers.
FiiO has launched the FT15, a new over-ear planar headphone featuring 101mm drivers, an ultra-thin diaphragm and natural walnut earcups. The headphones are positioned as a flagship model and follow the company’s previously released FT5.
According to the manufacturer, the FT15 uses an 800nm diaphragm that is 86.7 percent thinner than the previous generation. FiiO says the reduced thickness is intended to lower the moving mass of the diaphragm and allow it to respond more quickly to musical signals.
The diaphragm is covered with FiiO’s proprietary full-face diamond coating, which the company says increases rigidity. The design combines the thin diaphragm with a patented uniform ‘magnetic field’ arrangement using custom-contoured, high-strength magnets. According to FiiO, this is intended to reduce diaphragm breakup and distortion.
101mm planar drivers
The FT15’s 101mm planar drivers have an effective radiating area of 6,443.5mm². FiiO says the relatively large driver surface is designed to produce a broad soundstage and greater sense of scale.
The drivers also use a precision electroplated voice coil based on 28nm chip-grade technology. The company says the construction is designed to maintain structural stability while the driver is operating.
Despite the size of the drivers, FiiO has designed the FT15 to work with a range of audio sources. The headphones have a sensitivity rating of 95dB/mW and an impedance of 24 ohms. According to the manufacturer, these specifications allow the headphones to be used with devices ranging from USB dongles and digital audio players to dedicated headphone amplifiers and CD players.
The supplied cable uses 6N monocrystalline copper and is cryogenically treated. A 4.4mm balanced connection is provided, with 6.35mm and XLR-4 adapters included in the package.
Walnut earcups and carbon fibre headband
The FT15 uses North American FAS-grade black walnut for its earcups. Because the material is natural wood, each pair has its own grain pattern.
A carbon fibre headband forms part of the headphone’s weight-reduction design. The total weight is 425g. The construction is intended to support longer listening sessions.
The package includes two sets of earpads, allowing users to change the headphones’ presentation, along with a storage case.
FiiO FT15 Availability and Price
The FiiO FT15 is available now, priced at £499 in the UK, €499.99 in Europe and US$499.99 in the US.