Today, we're going to review an incredibly intriguing "beast": the FT13 full-size closed-back headphones from FiiO. Despite their affordable price of $300-$330, these headphones offer premium features, including natural purpleheart wooden earcups, large 60mm drivers (wool composite nano-fiber wood giaphragm), a beautiful Furukawa modular balanced cable, high-quality genuine leather or suede ear pads, and improved passive noise cancellation. All of this comes in a closed-back acoustic design, meaning they can be used on the go. They seem like an exquisite product and a new benchmark in their category. Or is it?
The most important thing is that the sound quality is decent, and we really hope so. Strangely enough, even though the brand only started producing models in this form factor recently, we liked almost the entire line. We would never have believed once upon a time that full-size FiiO headphones would become our universal mood booster. But here we have the new FiiO FT13. Will they disappoint? We can't wait to start testing them. As usual, we'll start our review of the FiiO FT13 with the specifications of the headphones, to gain a better understanding of this device.
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Best Price on FiiO FT13
The FiiO FT13 is a premium closed-back headphone that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern acoustic engineering, versatile connectivity and great accessory kit. |
Classic Package
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Right from the start, we are greeted by a large box featuring an image of headphones. The FiiO FT13 comes with an impressive set of accessories. In fact, we would say that it is the most generous of all the headphones we have tested. The package includes a lambskin earpads (pre-installed), suede earpads, 1.5m (4.9 ft) length modular Furakawa cable with pre-installed 4.4mm balanced detachable plug, 4.4mm female to XLR-4 male adapter, 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter (1/8" to 1/4" jack), 3.5mm single-ended detachable plug, storage pouch, cleaning cloth, storage bag (hard case), quick start guide. It's clear that the package was put together thoughtfully and inventively. Of course, this model belongs to the premium segment rather than the ultra-budget segment. However, it is still entry-level in audiophile sound. In this price range, a case is not necessarily included in the accessory package, so we are quite pleased with what we saw in the box of FiiO FT13 headphones.
As for the cable, it is quite thick, but neat and flexible, and pleasant to use. Perhaps we should note that for portable listening it may seem too long to some, and for stationary use too short, but that's only if you really want to find something to criticize. This cable is crafted with an 8-strand braided design, housing 1,000 wire conductors in total. It's a hybrid of 500 secondary smelted Furukawa single-crystal copper wire conductors and 500 oxygen-free silver-plated copper wire conductors, with each polarity at 17AWG. This combination of premium metals and advanced processing techniques is what allows the cable to deliver truly excellent sound quality. In conclusion, we can say that this cable can be left as is and there is no need to rush to upgrade it in the future, as it is very high quality and we did not notice any microphoning effects.
The design of the FiiO FT13 headphones is undoubtedly their strongest feature. The new product looks much more expensive than it is, which will please aesthetes. In their presentation, FiiO explains that, after the FT1 model, they began searching for exotic wood species for their next full-size models. The result of these experiments is these charming headphones with earcups made from purpleheart wood, which comes from tropical South American forests and is affectionately known as "purple treasure." First, the wood is aged for several months to naturally acquire a rich wine color through gradual oxidation. Then, it is CNC machined, polished, and varnished. We didn't like the glossy surface of the cups because it is extremely sensitive to fingerprints and dust; we generally prefer matte textures. However, the color, "gracefully charming purple," is truly luxurious. Bravo! FiiO reminded us of Meze when we came across an extremely lyrical description: "Due to its rarity in nature, purple has long been seen as a symbol of mystery, power, and individuality – with deep cultural meaning. This very color, which matures beautifully with time, is our inspiration. It allows us to perfectly express the original intention of our wooden headphone series – to blend with the natural world and evolve gracefully with time".
Now, let's get back to being pragmatic. This type of wood is visually appealing and resistant to corrosion. It is also said to minimize unwanted resonance. The FiiO FT13 boasts excellent build quality. It has a magnesium alloy headband that is partially covered in incredibly soft lambskin leather, as well as an adjustment system that, while not entirely familiar, is precise and controllable. So, there are no complaints here.
The headphones weigh 356 g, which is normal for dynamic over-ear headphones.They have large, deep ear cups, which is an added bonus. Both pairs of removable ear pads are soft and filled with memory foam. We also liked the quality of the leather and suede. However, there was one issue. Despite the headband not being very tight, the arch itself was hard and stiff, and the fit was uncomfortable out of the box. Then it got better. However, we tested other, more comfortable, full-size headphones from FiiO. While comfort is subjective, we recommend trying them on before buying.
As mentioned, the model has a closed-back design with an integrated passive noise cancellation system, including standing wave dissipation chambers, specially designed sound-absorbing filler, and a U-shaped damping tube that reduces external noise by up to 26 dB. In practice, however, it seemed to us that the implementation was not perfect, as surrounding sounds seemed to resonate slightly in the voluminous cups. Nevertheless, the result is not bad.
In terms of frequency, this is true Hi-Res. It is not demanding of the FT13 source and will work with a portable hi-fi player or mobile DAC. However, their potential will be fully realized if you use a powerful desktop amplifier. Well, the cable with interchangeable plugs and included adapters provide room for maneuver.
Remember that the FiiO FT13 has large 60-mm composite drivers. The membrane is based on birch wood fibers from the cold regions of Europe, complemented by lighter and harder carbon fiber threads for rigidity and flexible wool fibers for tonal adjustment. The patented W-shaped diaphragm increases the vibration area by 26%, while the lightweight Japanese-made CCAW voice coil with an ultra-light KSV frame and ultra-thin 0.035 mm wire is responsible for fast response and improved control. Traditionally, even for its inexpensive headphones, the company develops complex technologies. It remains to be seen how all this plays out in reality.
We've now reached the main section of our FiiO FT13 review. Let's examine what these headphones can do in terms of sound quality. The FT13s have a warm, bright, entertaining sound signature. It's a cheerful, V-shaped sound with enhanced accents that doesn't lean toward analyticality or strict technicality. In our opinion, this new product is not a monitoring tool but rather a beautiful accessory for enjoying music. The tuning is a matter of taste. As expected, the concept is not very close to us, but it depends on individual preferences. This model can definitely cause a wow effect for many beginners. You will either love the sound right away or not at all. Therefore, just listen to it live.
From a rational point of view, there are a number of drawbacks, apart from the lack of versatility. For instance, we were unimpressed by the resolution. The accuracy of the contours, as well as the rendering of textures, halftones, and small nuances, could be better. The midrange is somewhat recessed, lacking clarity and detail. Additionally, the sharpness of the high frequencies was sometimes tiring, especially with leather ear pads. We will discuss the difference between the leather and suede ear pads shortly.
Now, let's discuss the pros. First, the richness and clarity of the high frequencies. Second, the soundstage is spacious for a closed-back design. There is sufficient scale in both width and depth; the separation of parts is authentic yet the feeling of cozy intimacy is preserved. Third, we really liked the nuances of the tonal palette. They impressed us with any source, which is not often the case with FiiO.
We should mention that the FT13 has a fast, rhythmic sound, and its dynamic range is a positive feature. If you want to be carried away by the melody, these headphones will allow you to relax and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the composition. Don't expect filigree clarity, but expect a cheerful character. As always, it's a matter of taste.
A few words about ear pads:The suede ear pads made the sound rich, velvety, and muted, adding weight and substance to the low frequencies, a convincing tactile response, and noticeably smoothing out the high-frequency attacks. The model with them was warm and comfortable. But we still preferred the leather ear pads, which made the sound more transparent, energetic, crisp, and light. Well, for the most part, we like a bright sound, and even the ringing didn't bother us that much. We recommend trying both pairs, as they are significantly different.
The bass is massive, natural, and rounded. In terms of texture, it is fairly uniform with little to no variation or relief. However, it deserves praise for its drive, plasticity, liveliness, and composure. It does not creep into the rest of the low-frequency range, maintains a steady tempo, does not produce any irritating hum, and strikes with confidence.
The mid frequencies are soft, colorful, and romantic. These headphones sing sweetly, do not cut the length of notes, and build colorful, three-dimensional soundscapes. The instruments interact delicately yet harmoniously. The spectrum is mostly smooth and seamless without emphasizing microcontrast. However, the upper midrange is more expressive, bright, clear, and elegant. This benefits the vocals. However, if you are sensitive to high frequencies, it is better to use suede ear pads, as they remove this accent.
The high frequencies are ringing, defined, and sparkling. They are rather simplified, dry, and thin and could use some iridescence, variety of overtones, and realism. While they are detailed, clean, and energetic, their character creates the model's charisma. If they hurt your ears, we recommend using suede ear pads.
In this section of our FiiO FT13 review, we will briefly discuss competitors within the brand's lineup.
The well-known FiiO FT1 belongs to a more budget-friendly class. We're not sure if it's appropriate to discuss it. But let's do it anyway. The important thing is that we liked it, and we have a separate, detailed review of the FiiO FT1. Considering its modest price, its sound is surprisingly balanced, smooth, and versatile. FT1 has good transparency and detail, and it is soft, natural, analog, and harmonious. It has tight bass, decent detail in the midrange, and comfortable highs. The FT13 offers a more contrasting tuning that leans toward brightness, melodiousness, and drive. If you buy FT13 without listening to them first, there's a chance they won't suit you. FT1 owners shouldn't rush to give them up yet because they're still unbeatable in terms of price-to-quality ratio. However, if you find them boring, the FT13 can be considered a more impressive alternative. However, we advise focusing on the higher segments for an upgrade.
Next up is the FiiO FT1 Pro. Of course, this is also a questionable contender because, on one side of the arena, we have closed-back headphones with a dynamic driver and, on the other, open-back headphones with a planar magnetic driver. However, the FiiO FT1 Pro is our favorite. They are our top pick from the entire FiiO lineup. They skillfully combine analyticality and melodiousness, control and naturalness, accuracy and ease, and airiness and richness. They are technical across the entire range, informative yet not aggressive or dry; they are warm and calm. We have written a detailed review of the FT1 Pro that you can read if you like, and our opinion has not changed. The FT1 Pro is genre-omnivorous, with well-developed high and low frequencies and a spacious, holographic soundstage. Compared to the FT1 Pro, the FiiO FT13 is more entertaining, colorful, and temperamental. The FT1 Pro, on the other hand, seems more neutral, honest, and suitable for audiophiles and studio work and audio production tasks.
Finally, we've reached the end of our FiiO FT13 review, so it's time to summarize the results. Since we have already given you a lot of information, we will get right to our conclusions. The FiiO FT13, this new product under our "lucky" number, has truly impressed us. While these headphones are impressive in certain aspects, they require compromises in others. The style and visual appearance are matters of taste, and there are questions about comfort and noise cancellation. However, we haven't encountered any devices in this segment without any complaints. On the other hand, owners will enjoy a luxurious design with exotic red wood, a beautiful cable, two pairs of customizable ear pads, a closed acoustic design, low impedance, and a great set of accessories.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the FiiO FT13 closed-back headphones. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the section below. We will be happy to answer them all as soon as possible. If you own the FT13 and have used it for a while, please share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about these headphones.
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Cons
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9.0
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Our Score
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