FiiO FT15 Launches With New Planar Driver and Lighter Build

The FiiO FT15 was launched internationally yesterday (the 16th). FiiO’s new over-ear headphones feature an open-back design and planar magnetic drivers (speakers). Their main highlights are an improved planar magnetic driver and a lighter construction compared with the previous-generation FT5. Full details of FiiO’s latest release are provided below.

FT15 introduces a redesigned planar magnetic driver and a lighter construction

The diaphragm in the FiiO FT15’s planar magnetic driver is considerably thinner than that of its predecessor, the FT5. The manufacturer reduced the diaphragm thickness by 86.7% in its newly developed driver, from 6 micrometers to 800 nanometers.

The FT15 weighs 31 grams less than the FT5, with its weight decreasing from 456 g to 425 g. This reduction was achieved by using carbon fiber for the headband and replacing aluminum with plastic in the driver’s magnet support structure. Further details about FiiO’s new headphones are presented below.

The FT15 driver’s new magnetic circuit

To improve the FT15’s acoustic performance, FiiO developed a new magnetic circuit for the headphone driver. The magnets were reshaped to produce a uniform magnetic field, allowing the diaphragm to vibrate uniformly. In addition, the FT15’s planar magnetic voice coil was implemented differently to prevent deterioration over time.

The design of the FT15 driver’s magnets

When developing a new design for the FT15 driver’s magnets, FiiO used a computer simulation technique to predict the component’s physical behavior. The manufacturer created a digital model incorporating the properties and interactions of the magnets, voice coil, and diaphragm.

By analyzing the behavior of each component, FiiO adjusted the magnet design to apply a uniform force across all parts of the diaphragm. However, even with magnets providing a uniform magnetic field and a thinner diaphragm, voice coil deterioration remains a concern.

The manufacturing method used for the FT15 driver’s voice coil

The voice coils in planar magnetic drivers consist of metal wires incorporated into the diaphragm structure. When the headphones reproduce sound, the diaphragm vibrates, and this mechanical motion naturally causes wear on the voice coil. To mitigate this issue, FiiO used a vacuum metal deposition technique.

The process involves placing the diaphragm in a chamber from which nearly all the air has been removed and depositing metal in vapor form. This produces extremely thin layers that form the voice coil traces. According to the manufacturer, this allows “the structure to remain firmly bonded and stable, even under prolonged vibration.”

The company further explains the results of the technique used to manufacture the planar magnetic driver’s voice coil:

“Proven effective across multiple products, this process reduces the likelihood of vibration-induced voice coil damage to nearly zero.”

The materials used to reduce the FT15’s weight

Although the FT15 is not considerably lighter than the FT5 or headphones from other brands, FiiO sought to reduce its weight.

The FT15 features a carbon fiber headband, taking advantage of the material’s low weight and high strength. In addition, the planar magnetic driver’s magnet support structure is made from a special high-performance plastic. Although ordinary plastic is fragile, the material used here offers rigidity comparable to that of the aluminum alloy used in the FT5.

The FT15’s ear cups use carefully selected wood

The wood used in the FT15’s ear cups is North American black walnut (Juglans nigra). To provide a more premium appearance and higher quality, FiiO selected FAS-grade (Firsts and Seconds) walnut. This wood is selected for fewer imperfections and more uniform grain patterns and is commonly used in high-end musical instruments.

Balanced cable included

The cable supplied with the FiiO FT15 is balanced and fitted with a 4.4 mm connector. A 4.4 mm-to-6.35 mm adapter is also included, allowing connection to the single-ended outputs of desktop amplifiers. This makes it possible to obtain higher output power right out of the box.

Two pairs of ear pads made from different materials

As with the FT5, the FiiO FT15 comes with two pairs of ear pads made from different materials. One pair is made from synthetic suede, while the other uses synthetic leather (protein leather) made from polyurethane (PU).

Each type of ear pad provides a different sound signature. The suede pads deliver “deep bass, add warmth to vocals, and reproduce smooth treble that does not cause listening fatigue.” The synthetic leather pads “improve high-frequency resolution and vocal clarity.”

The FT15’s storage case

The FiiO FT15’s carrying and storage case features durable exterior materials and an attractive appearance. It allows users to protect their headphones in style wherever they take them. The interior material protects the equipment from scratches.

FiiO FT15: Specifications

• Headphone type: Over-ear (circumaural), open-back
• Driver type: Planar magnetic, with a 101 mm diaphragm developed in-house by FiiO
• Frequency response: 7 Hz to 40 kHz
• Impedance: 24 Ω at 1 kHz
• Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW at 1 kHz; 111 dB/Vrms at 1 kHz
• Weight: 425 g, excluding the cable
• Headband clamping force: 3.8 N ± 0.3 N
• Cable length: 1.5 m
• Cable material: Liquid-nitrogen-treated 6N monocrystalline copper
• Headphone connectors: Two 3.5 mm TS connectors
• Cable plug: 4.4 mm balanced

What is included in the FiiO FT15’s box?

The following items are included with the FiiO FT15:

• FT15 headphones
• Headphone cable with a 4.4 mm plug
• Balanced adapter with a 4-pin XLR male connector and a 4.4 mm female connector
• Adapter with a 4.4 mm female connector and a 6.35 mm male connector
• One pair of protein leather ear pads
• One pair of suede ear pads, preinstalled
• FT15 packaging box
• Fabric storage case
• Quick start guide

Release, pricing, and availability

The FiiO FT15 is now available for US$499.99/€499.99 from FiiO’s official AliExpress store.