The FiiO FT7 are open-back, over-ear headphones featuring planar magnetic drivers. Building upon the FT5 model, the FT7s are equipped with 106mm drivers designed to deliver a wide soundstage. They incorporate a multi-layer coating technology utilizing precious metals, including gold and silver. The headphones feature an ultra-thin, 1-micron diaphragm for enhanced sonic detail, complemented by 18 N52 neodymium magnets on each side.
Features:
- 106 mm planar driver;
- frequency response: 5 Hz – 40 kHz (Hi-Res Audio certified);
- patented multi-layer gold and silver coating;
- unique 1 μm ultra-thin diaphragm;
- zebrano wood ear cups;
- uniform magnetic field;
- 18 N52 neodymium magnets per driver;
- lightweight design – only 427 g;
- carbon fiber housing;
- lambskin and suede ear pads;
- cable made of liquid-nitrogen-treated monocrystalline copper;
- linen carrying case by Yaoli;
- adapters for XLR and 6.3 mm connectors.
Patented multi-layer gold and silver coating for the voice coil
The FT7 utilizes a FiiO-patented multi-layer coating system for its planar driver. A PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film serves as the base for the diaphragm, onto which layers of gold and silver are applied.
This approach leverages the strengths of each material to achieve an exceptional sound—one that is detailed, yet rich and musical.- Gold is characterized by high density, significant internal resistance, and excellent malleability. When applied to the diaphragm, it enhances damping, resulting in a warm, enveloping sound in the mid and low-frequency ranges.
Gold:
- Silver is renowned for its extremely low resistance and high conductivity. At high frequencies, the current travels through the silver with minimal loss, ensuring detailed high-frequency reproduction. Furthermore, silver is low-density and lightweight, which helps increase the driver's sensitivity.
Silver:
Ultra-thin 1-micron diaphragm
For years, engineers worldwide have strived to create the thinnest and lightest possible diaphragms for planar drivers. Following two years of independent research and development, FiiO created an ultra-thin, 1-micron (1 μm) diaphragm for the FT7, utilizing an optimal PET-based material as its foundation. The performance gap between a 2-micron and a 1-micron diaphragm becomes especially apparent during high-speed oscillations: the thinner the diaphragm, the more precise and rapid its response, resulting in superior overall sound quality.
The FT7’s diaphragm is exceptionally lightweight, enabling lightning-fast transient response. This allows for the precise reproduction of even the subtlest nuances in the ultra-high frequency range, while also delivering an impressive dynamic range. The driver bears the inscription: "Designed and manufactured by FiiO."
28nm Manufacturing Process
To achieve the highest possible quality for the diaphragm, the FT7 driver employs a 28nm manufacturing process—a technique derived from coating methods used in the semiconductor industry. During production, the conductive traces are isolated from the external environment: the coil material is ionized within a vacuum at a pressure of 6.6 × 10⁻³ Pascals and temperatures reaching 120°C. The resulting ions are then deposited onto the 1-micron-thick diaphragm, forming a precise and uniform conductive grid through electrostatic attraction.
This process not only achieves the desired coating thickness for optimal acoustic performance but also significantly extends the lifespan of the conductors and the entire diaphragm. To dispel the common misconception that planar drivers lack durability, the patented FT7 driver underwent over a year of intensive aging tests at the FiiO laboratory. Throughout this period, not a single instance of peeling, delamination, or breakage was recorded. The sound characteristics remained stable and well within specified tolerances.
Natural Zebrano Wood Ear Cups
The front grille of the FT7 is crafted from natural Zebrano wood, sourced from West Africa—a region where these trees grow at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters above sea level. The wood’s grain pattern evokes the flowing stripes of a zebra, an animal that embodies the unique wildlife of the West African highlands. Each strip of the grille is precisely aligned with the position of the magnets within the driver, which helps to minimize sound wave reflections and interference, resulting in greater clarity and transparency in the sound.
Uniform Magnetic Field Technology
Finite element analysis reveals that conventional rectangular magnets create a non-uniform magnetic field—too strong in some areas and too weak in others. Consequently, the voice coil within this field is subjected to uneven forces, causing asymmetrical diaphragm vibrations. This can lead to sound distortion and even damage to the driver.
The FT7 headphones utilize FiiO’s patented uniform magnetic field technology. By optimizing the magnetic circuit and incorporating magnets with rounded corners, a more uniform field distribution is achieved, ensuring that the entire surface of the diaphragm is subjected to an even load. This reduces the risk of driver damage and minimizes distortion.
N52 Neodymium Magnets with High Magnetic Induction
The uniform magnetic field technology expands the effective magnetic area, which not only ensures high sensitivity for the FT7’s large 106mm driver but also reduces the driver's weight, thereby enhancing comfort during extended listening sessions. Each FT7 driver is equipped with 18 high-efficiency N52-grade neodymium magnets, delivering a magnetic induction of up to 1.5 Tesla. These magnets provide a powerful energy reserve, excellent response speed, and deep, well-textured bass.
Wide frequency range: 5–40 kHz
Flagship-grade performance, yet lightweight
FiiO has always placed great importance on comfort. Despite featuring a full-size 106mm planar driver, the FT7 weighs only 427 grams—an impressive figure for high-end headphones.
Carbon fiber housing
To minimize weight, no compromises were made regarding materials or technology during the creation of the FT7. The main body is crafted from lightweight, durable carbon fiber, ensuring long-lasting comfort even during extended listening sessions.
Liquid Nitrogen-Treated Monocrystalline Copper Cable
The FT7 cable is specifically designed to complement the sonic character of these headphones. It is crafted from high-purity 6N OCC (99.99998%) monocrystalline copper, which has undergone a seven-day cryogenic treatment at -192°C using liquid nitrogen. This process eliminates internal stress within the metal, optimizes the crystalline lattice structure, and enhances conductivity—all of which contribute to a cleaner, more detailed sound.
For insulation, the cable utilizes PFA (a fluorinated thermoplastic) with a dielectric constant of just 2.1. It offers excellent damping and vibration-resistance properties. Since planar-magnetic headphones are known for their high level of detail—which can sometimes result in a "dry" sound—the PFA insulation helps balance the presentation across the mid and low frequencies, adding a touch of warmth and musicality to the audio.
- conductor gauge: 21AWG*4;
- material: 6N OCC (99.99998%) monocrystalline copper;
- construction: coaxial twisting;
- insulation: PFA (fluoropolymer thermoplastic);
- dielectric constant: 2.1;
- inner jacket: TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane);
- outer jacket: nylon.
Rich Sound
The FT7 comes with two sets of ear pads, each offering a unique sonic character. Genuine lambskin: crystal-clear sound, a wide soundstage, and high levels of detail. Suede: soft against the skin and breathable, it enhances the musical atmosphere and adds depth to vocals.
Broad Compatibility
The FT7 cable features a 4.4mm balanced connector that is easily interchangeable. The cable’s outer sheath incorporates carbon fiber, complementing the design of the headphones. Two adapters are included: a 4.4mm to 6.35mm adapter and a 4.4mm to 4-pin XLR balanced adapter.
Custom carrying case included
The specially designed carrying case is crafted from linen fabric supplied by Yaoli. It combines a soft touch and an elegant matte sheen with exceptional durability. The tightly woven, pill-resistant material provides reliable protection for the FT7 during travel or storage.
Hi-Res Audio certified
The FT7 headphones have received official Hi-Res Audio certification from the Japan Audio Society (JAS) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA). This confirms their ability to reproduce sound with high precision and fidelity, staying true to the original studio recording.
Included in the box:
- headphones
- suede ear pads
- leather ear pads
- cable
- carrying case
- 4-pin XLR adapter
- 6.3mm adapter
- manual.
