Today, we have a brief review of the Fiio JT3 full-size over-ear open-back headphones, so we will examine all their features and discuss their sound quality. FiiO's full-size headphones are one of the company's product segments that have experienced incredible growth over the past two years. It seems like just yesterday that we reviewed the first FiiO FT3 full-size headphones, and now, at least eight new models have been released under the FiiO brand and its sub-brand, Jade Audio. We recently had the opportunity to try out the entry-level Jade Audio model, the FiiO JT1. These closed-back dynamic headphones left a pleasant impression. Therefore, we expected an open-back dynamic headphone model to be introduced: the FiiO JT3.
In our opinion, the developers decided not to reinvent the wheel this time, but instead used the successful features of the younger JT1, replacing the ear cups with open ones, redesigning the driver, and adding velour ear pads. So, the FiiO JT3 was designed to give more air to the sound and comfort when listening. Moreover, the JT3 still remained in the same affordable budget as the JT1. On the one hand, the previous FiiO JT1 and the new JT3 are similar in some ways, but on the other hand, they are still different models. Before moving on to the main part of our review of the FiiO JT3 and examining all of these headphones' main features, let's first take a look at the device's specifications.
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Best Price on FiiO JT3
The FiiO JT3 are open-back over-ear headphones positioned in the budget audiophile segment. They emphasize sound quality and comfort at a value price. |
Classic Package
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The FiiO JT3 headphones come in a fairly large cardboard box. Surprisingly, the JT3 box is larger than that of the more expensive JT7. On the front of the box is a glossy image of the headphones, the new Jade Audio logo, the model name, a list of FiiO subsidiaries, the Hi-Res Audio certification, and the color designation of the model. We received the FiiO JT3 black model for review, but a silver option is also available. However, you don't need to worry about the color choice because the only difference is the color of the aluminum-magnesium alloy grille on the ear cups.
The headphones are packed inside a plastic bag and secured with cardboard instead of foam padding. The set includes a soft pouch, likely made of eco-leather; a 3.5-to-6.3-mm adapter; and the 3.5-mm-plug headphone cable. Out of habit, we first looked in the box for a 4.4-mm balanced cable but then remembered the price of the headphones and realized there was only one cable. The cable is fairly good quality with a fabric outer covering and a microphone. Honestly, we didn't test the microphone because our smartphones don't have the appropriate connector, and we haven't had the best experience with mics of this type. One unique feature of the cable is that it is softer below the splitter than above it. The plugs for connecting to the ear cups are color-coded red and blue. The same colored marks are on the ear cups where the cable connects to them. This is convenient because you don't have to squint to look for the small letters "R" and "L." For its price, the FiiO JT3 set looks decent.
As previously mentioned, the FiiO JT3's design is similar to the JT1's, but there are differences. The JT3 has a more refined look thanks to its individual components. The main design element is the large metal mesh grille made of an aluminum and magnesium alloy on the outside of the ear cups. The mesh grille has a complex geometric pattern through which the driver is visible. This gives the headphones the appearance of professional studio equipment. Interestingly, the FiiO logo is printed on the mesh, and "Jade Audio" is written on the top of the headband.
FiiO continues to use the time-tested double-arch design. The outer frame is made of stainless steel. It is durable and ensures a secure fit. The inner band, which comes into direct contact with the head, is made of artificial leather. It is attached to suspension arms that slide apart and remain in fixed positions. The JT3 ear pads are an improvement over the JT1 model. The JT3 model uses velvet ear pads. Velvet feels good to the touch, allows air to pass through better, and, as a result, causes significantly less ear fatigue. The ear pads are made of memory foam, meaning their filling has a memory effect that allows them to fit snugly to the head, even if you wear glasses. Please note that the ear cups cannot be rotated or placed in a flat position.
Before describing the sound quality, let's review the features that define the FiiO JT3. Many full-size headphones from other manufacturers have 40–45 mm drivers, but the JT3 has a 50 mm dynamic driver. According to the provided information, a composite "sandwich" of PEK (polyetherketone) and PU (polyurethane) polymers with an aluminum coating is used. PEK provides rigidity for clear high frequencies, and PU provides elasticity for deep, soft bass. The headphones also use N52-class neodymium magnets, which enable the driver to respond instantly to signal changes. This has a positive effect on the sound's dynamics and "speed." The impedance and sensitivity ratings are 80 ohms and 97 dB, respectively. These impedance values are somewhat unusual for FiiO. While the headphones are not "difficult to drive," it is preferable to connect them to a more powerful sound source than a typical laptop or smartphone. Using at least a budget dongle amplifier is advisable to make the sound more focused and controlled.
The FiiO JT3's overall sound is V-shaped yet balanced. The headphones produce an energetic, expansive, and airy sound. Unlike the closed-back JT1, where the bass was somewhat dominant, the accents here are more subtly placed. The relatively wide soundstage allows you to clearly distinguish where the guitarist and back singer are standing. The depth is average, and the headphones separate the front and back planes well. For the budget segment, the JT3s have good detail. While these headphones aren't ideal for "dissecting" music into individual notes, you can hear nuances that are almost imperceptible in other budget models.
For open-back headphones, the JT3's bass is sufficient. It is fast and relatively punchy with good impact. At the same time, the bass does not hum or creep into the midrange. This low-frequency sound is ideal for instrumental music, jazz, rock, and similar genres. However, for certain genres of electronic dance music, the bass may lack "mass."
The JT3 demonstrates decent separation at mid frequencies. Instruments sound natural. Thanks to its open design, the "voice in a barrel" effect is avoided. Male voices have a pleasant warmth, and female voices have a light quality.
High frequencies are slightly accentuated to create a sense of detail and "freshness." They are clear and crystal-like. It should be noted that the high frequencies can sometimes sparkle. This makes cymbals and violins sound impressive. However, if you are sensitive to high frequencies, the headphones may sound too sharp on certain recordings. The JT3s produce clear, spacious high frequencies.
Finally, we've reached the end of our FiiO JT3 review, so it's time to summarize the results. We believe that FiiO has once again introduced an interesting budget-friendly product. The FiiO JT3 headphones bridge the gap between "just headphones" and the world of hi-fi audio. They boast a solid appearance, high-quality construction materials, a replaceable cable with a mic-headset function, good ergonomics, and an open, relatively universal sound. The FiiO JT3 is, in a sense, an open version of the previously released JT1, but with certain design and sound improvements. In closing, we'll offer what might seem like a populist statement: the FiiO JT3 is an exceptional model of headphones that demonstrates the growing affordability of high-quality sound. In the case of the JT3, however, this is no exaggeration.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the FiiO JT3 open-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 JT3 and have used it for a while, please share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about these headphones. And for our readers, we also recommend checking out our detailed review of the flagship FiiO FT1 Pro headphones with planar magnetic drivers.
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8.5
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Our Score
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