Fiio FT5 - A Rich Sounding Planar for the Not So Rich Listener - Honest Audiophile Impressions

[@andreasjensen8451]

Man is shooting in hdr. What a champ

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM ☕️ Great review…and I watched to the end…I was surprised at the purchase recommendation ..with the leather pads. Great review as always. Take care and enjoy the week.

[@ericpernin7614]

Nice comments and very helpful in my quest for my new headphones. Eric (from south of France)

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoy the channel content and found it helpful.

[@albertoflanolombardo4155]

Thanks for the review. I really enjoyed your enthusiasm.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome. Gad you enjoyed the review.

[@mathieuleduc7028]

I just bought a pair at my audiofest in Montréal

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Look forward to hearing your impressions.

[@ixoye56]

They look great and seems to have a much better build quality than Sundara, this can be a winner for sure.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Indeed

[@shawnpwatsons1]

If you can get an iBasso SR3 for review, this can would be a great comparison review to the FT5. The iBasso SR3 is a dynamic for around $599 that is supposed to set new value standards for that price point.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

FT5 vs SR3 would be like Godzilla X Kong, its huuuge! They really the two winderkids of the 2023/24 years, top notch build quality, accessories, and sound technicalities for the price.

[@johnsoriano3812]

I guess I am right about the FT5. It is worth buying

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I hope you get the opportunity to hear the FT5.

[@dtz1000]

Who knows? One reviewer says they're crap, another says they're great. Can't trust any of them.

[@WeAreN1nja]

@13:30 That Theiaudio Wraith is G O R G E O U S. I don't even care how it sounds; I just want it on my wall... o.O

[@LeDechaine]

Thanks for the review. Very interesting headphones!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@SnobAudiophile]

Added to the Christmas wishlist 🎄🎁 I was worried that Fiio had made a bad headphone after watching Timmy Giz review of the FT5 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3nTlKqOqb5gpqssi=4YqXpe_y_wNIkp74. But you changed my mind as you are one of the few reviewers who understand the differences between bloated bass and natural warmth. Thanks for the great review.

[@dipanjanbiswas6580]

Same here. I was also considering the Para in place of the FT5 based on that review. Well - to each their own - I'm not a big fan of analytical/linear sound - and given my experience with the FT3 (350 ohms edition) - I'm now seriously considering this. Thanks Dave as always👍

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@dipanjanbiswas6580 my pleasure, you're welcome

[@Hijynx87]

Timmy isn’t a fan of warmth, he has stated that a few times.

[@Hijynx87]

@@dipanjanbiswas6580oh yeah the ft3 is pretty dang good.

[@JonnyParker-]

Great detailed review mate , do you have any thoughts how this compares to the original Audeze LCD-2?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I've not heard the LCD-2 Classic since I reviewed it 3 years ago. I don't recall enough to provide a fair comparison.

[@JonnyParker-]

@@TheHonestAudiophile ok man no sweat .

[@ScottoGrotto]

Nice compelling review Dave! Are you thinking of purchasing an FT5? Different pricing, but thoughts on how this compares to Hifiman Arya Organic? I heard the organic at SoCal CanJam - nice but was a little wild , but might have been the amp vs phones.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

After the review was complete, I reached out to Fiio advising them I could return/ship the FT5 to wherever/whomever they wished. Fiio advised that I could keep the FT5. Arya Organic review coming soon.

[@mariusz3983]

Great review!! Would you be able to return or ship to me? 🙂@@TheHonestAudiophile

[@Hungtube1]

Thanks for your FT5 review! Can the FT5 be driven from Audiolab 6000a?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

That's a good question. I've not heard a 6000a. Seems like it should based off specs but I can't confirm that it is a good pairing.

[@jari121]

How does it compare to the Verum One mk2?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Keep in mind I don't have the Verum mk2 to do side by side comparison. The Verum has slightly less fullness and richness, has a little more forwardness in the mids, little more treble extension, less bass impact, wider stage but similar depth, similar layering, has slightly improved imaging,detail retrieval and resolution are similar and tone and timbre are similar. But I didn't do a side by side comparison so this is off memory.

[@jari121]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Ok. Thank you for your quick reply.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@SuperEnforcer88]

This or the Zeus Elite?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Zeus Elite is a bit warmer, little less detailed and resolving, slightly more forward mids, more laid-back presentation overall.

[@scotteaton963]

I've been thinking about adding a planar to my collection. Would you recommend the Fiio FT5 over the Sundara or original Ananda, which is now priced around $400?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Interesting comparisons. The FT5 is similar to the og Ananda in a lot of ways but is bested when it comes to detail retrieval and resolution and a larger image and better imaging in the stage. The FT5 has a fuller presentation with slightly better tone and timbre than the og Ananda. In comparison to the Sundara, the FT5 is more pleasureable, has a better stage width and depth, similar imaging capabilities, slightly better resolution, similar in detail retrieval and has better tone and timbre. To rank the three; 1. Ananda 1a FT5 2 Sundara

[@scotteaton963]

@@TheHonestAudiophile Is the Ananda as comfortable? I'll happily compromise a bit of performance for comfort.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@@scotteaton963 Ananda can be an odd shape for some. If you have a smaller head and smaller ears the FT5 will probably be more comfortable. The Ananda is rather large with it's egg shaped cups. Plus the Ananda has no swivel or wiggle. I find the FT5 to be more comfortable.

[@scotteaton963]

@@TheHonestAudiophileThanks!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

My pleasure, you're welcome.

[@afterlifx]

I have the ATH-R70x, but their bass does not satisfy me in some genres. Do the FT5 have better bass than the Audio Technica? I have never had planars, but I think that if step to other headphones, they should be of this type.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

FT5 has a lot more bass and the FT3 is similar bass.

[@Jordonater]

Yeah the FT5 Will absolutely trounce the R70X in bass extension and distortion level is lower too. It has a thicker lower midrange though its best to use the leather pads.

[@CliffHung]

Hello, i am currently looking to purchase this as my first planar. I like bass a lot (EDM, electronic music), and currently using DT770 pro as my daily driver, do you think I will like the FT5's bass? Is it more punchy or more tamed? Thanks!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The FT5 bass has a punchy bass to it . It isn't basshead levels but it is quite punchy in my opinion for an open back headphone. It needs a good amplifier to bring out the bass qualities.

[@dtz1000]

There is plenty of bass but it is low quality and not very enjoyable. I would not recommend this headphone.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@cliffhung sorry for the delayed response, I didn't see this comment till now. If you're still interested in the FT5 the bass is good and impactful. It is source picky though so if used on a warm, thick presentation it will sound bogged down and undefined.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

@dtz1000 thanks for the impressions.

[@nutsus2]

ft5 or para for rock/metal ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

FT5 has more bass impact and fullness, Para is more neutral, analytical and not near as bassy.

[@ramza102]

FT5 vs LCD-2C?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

LCD-2:Classic I haven't heard in over 3 years since I remember eviewed it and I don't recall enough to give fair comparison.

[@tradehut2782]

456 grams wow

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

That's nothing in comparison to other planar headphones, especially from Audeze.

[@saschaathosproietti7846]

to say that the ft3 cable is inferior to this...says a lot about the review itself. I turned off after this gem. Sin

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Glad you found the review helpful.

[@Axiosz]

Which pads did you use?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

mentioned 2:30 in the review, the leather pads. kzbin.info/www/bejne/amWrm3yQhph0bbssi=41u-sbrUE3SdJ5xN&t=150

[@JoseFerreira-zb7wh]

Seems great but a bit too expensive for my wallet...

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I understand. Hope you get to hear them at some point.

[@2andforty]

Great review, was really interested in purchasing one and you just made this easier!

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you found the video helpful.

[@dtz1000]

Did you buy it? Was he telling the truth?

[@2andforty]

@@dtz1000 I ended up not buying and went with the Sennheiser HD 650 instead. Mainly because Resolve reviewed them a bit later and did not like them (and I found his and DMS sense of hearing and enjoyment to align with my own). I also had planar IEM's that tried to do something similar, who ended up being weird and tinny in the treble.

[@FcryCola]

Biggest Problem for me is the pad size. Very sad.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I understand. The pads are decently sized, similar to Hifiman Sundara.

[@svilenp]

👍

[@Enzo_560]

Hi, just had a few questions on the FT5. Does it have plenty of punch for drums and guitars particularly in rock? Second, is its layering/separation very good? I currently have Sennheiser HD599 which I noticed didn’t separate as well as Hifiman planars in tracks like the star wars theme, particularly with the multiple instruments off to the left side. Would this be comparable to Hifiman Ananda in that regard? I did not keep Hifiman due to longevity fears. Lastly, if you’ve heard DCA Aeon open X, how does FT5 compare? Thanks

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

The FT5 has plenty of punch and slam for rock guitars and drums; layering and seperation is good as well. All of this was discussed in the sonic impressions portion of the video, see the description for chapter listings. The Hifiman Ananda is a bit more neutral and brighter leaning then the FT5. I haven't heard a DCA Aeon Open X in a very long time and don't recall enough to fairly compare.

[@dtz1000]

This has plenty of bass but it is low quality and not very enjoyable.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

You don't have to place your opinion on every comment chain. Thanks for your impressions.

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

FT5 sound character could be something like the 660s? Is the fiio a step up from the HD660s/650/600 series or its just "different"?

[@alessandroparma6297]

i have both. FT5 is a clear winner from 660s. more presentation, rich fullness and musical sound that you can't retrieve in the HD660s unless you use a good EQ setting on the sennheiser, and better soundstage, especially if you use the leather pads. i tried also the edition XS from hifiman but despite the big soundstage and brightness from these, it missing the richness and the punchy and detailed bass presentation from FT5, so i prefered the FT5.

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

@@alessandroparma6297 Oh thanks for the response, so literally its better in every aspect than the 660s. What about with the sound isolation? I know its open back, but is it leak more than the sennheiser? (bigger drivers so i think maybe)

[@alessandroparma6297]

@@CoffeeGameMovie beacuse they are open back headphone, they don't have isolation, so if you listen in a room with other person, he can ear the sound and then you can ear him, unless you turn up at the high volume.

[@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?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Yes it can be driven that way but I find that it scales with better quality and power.

[@bestcocbaseswithlink5069]

$450 is already too much for me, sir. How much better are we talking about ?

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I think the FT5 is appropriately priced. The increases from lower priced products is noticeable to me. Only you can determine what you value when it comes to sonic increases and price range.

[@salgymbro7624]

Nice, I wish I had more money 😂

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I hope you get an opportunity to hear the FT5 at some point.

[@yamato1420]

Good review. I might pick it up for a daily driver, especially since it has some bass quantity and doesn't venture into sibilance. Really would like a comparison to the Ananda/Ananda Stealth/Edition XS.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

I've not heard the Ananda Stealth or Edition XS. FT5 compared to og Ananda is interesting. The FT5 has a fuller presentation, a little better tone and timbre, not as forward in the mids, lesser energy in the treble, smaller stage, little less detailed and resolving. The FT5 holds it's own in comparison to og Ananda but is better mostly in stage size, details and resolution.

[@dtz1000]

Don't even think about getting the Ananda as they are absolute crap. Get Aune AR5000 instead.

[@Hijynx87]

I wonder how it compares to edition xs. I probably will skip this one, but I love the ft3.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Sorry I haven't heard the Edition XS.

[@CoffeeGameMovie]

Other thing what comes to my mind: did i hear any negatives in this "review"? Maybe its me, but it sounded to me like a perfect product, i heard no negatives at all.

[@Hermann_58]

I have to disagree with you when you say the Fiio FT3's cable isn't as flexible as the FT5's. I own both headphones, and the connection cable on the FT3 is definitely softer and more flexible. The length of 3m is also more practical for stationary use at home, like the short cable of the FT5. Personally, I only use the FT5 with the longer cable.

[@TheHonestAudiophile]

Glad you like the FT3 cable. Thanks for the comment.

[@Omniverse_]

@@TheHonestAudiophile I would also mention, that the Cable from the FT3 is (as long as they have it in stock), a old (as i understand, before the Fire) PCOCC Furukawa Cable (and you should know how much this will cost as a 3m Cable...). The FT5 also comes with a good silver plated Monocrystalline Cable, but it is not a PCOCC Furukawa and only half the Length (for a Open Back HP that will be mostly used at home). In my opinion the FT3 Cable is also more flexible...