FT15

The FiiO FT15 is an open-back planar headphone from FiiO, and it’s an ambitious one. A 101mm driver with an ultra-thin, diamond-coated diaphragm sits inside black walnut ear cups, with a carbon-fibre headband keeping the weight down. On paper it’s a serious step up from the FT5.

An 800-nanometre diaphragm

FiiO has taken the diaphragm from six microns down to 800 nanometres, close to the practical limit for the material. Thinner means faster and cleaner, and FiiO says it helps keep the treble smooth over long sessions too.

Diamond coating and a 101mm driver

A full-surface diamond coating stiffens the diaphragm to reduce high-frequency break-up and extend response to 40kHz. The 101mm driver has an effective area 35% larger than the FT5’s, which FiiO credits with greater dynamic impact, deeper bass and a wider, more natural soundstage.

Easy to drive, comfortable to wear

With 95dB/mW sensitivity and 24Ω impedance, the FT15 doesn’t demand a huge amplifier, and FiiO says it’s happy on portable players and dongles. At around 425g it’s notably light for a full-size planar, thanks to the carbon-fibre headband, lighter magnet bracket and optimised magnet design.

Beautifully finished

The ear cups are North American black walnut, finished to show off the natural grain. The included cable is liquid-nitrogen-treated 6N monocrystalline copper, terminated in a 4.4mm balanced plug.

FiiO FT15 at a glance

• Type: full-size open-back planar headphones
• Driver: 101mm planar, 800nm diamond-coated diaphragm
• Effective vibrating area: 6,443.5mm²
• Frequency response: 7Hz to 40kHz
• Impedance: 24Ω
• Sensitivity: 95dB/mW
• Weight: approx. 425g (without cable)
• Ear cups: North American black walnut
• Headband: carbon fibre
• Cable: 6N OCC monocrystalline copper, approx. 1.5m, 4.4mm balanced plug
• Colour: Black

Talk to Audio Concierge

If you’re weighing up the FiiO FT15 against what you already own, or you’d like to know how it will fit with the rest of your system, get in touch. Tell me what you listen to and what you listen with. No jargon. Just good advice.