FiiO FT3 vs HIFIMAN EDITION XS Comparison Review 

One of Hifiman’s best-selling headphones, the Edition XS was introduced in 2021 as the third iteration of the Edition X series. It is the most reasonably priced model in Hifiman’s line of oval “egg-shaped” headphones, which debuted with the HE1000. It is a planar magnetic headphone that makes use of a thin “Neo Super-Nano Diaphragm” and a dual-sided magnet driver with “stealth magnets” designed aerodynamically.

With its enormous ear cups, the XS is practically too big for my medium-sized skull. It is made of plastic and metal, and the quality seems perfect. The headband is cushioned. Although some heads may find the padding a little stiff, the headband fits my head perfectly, and the weight is well distributed. Although the Edition XS lists at $499, it has recently been available for as little as $350.

The first full-size circumaural headphone from Fiio was the FT3, which debuted in 2023. The firm, founded in 2007, gained recognition for producing high-quality audio devices at affordable prices, with a particular emphasis on portable solutions. Although they have long produced earbuds and IEMs, in recent years they have turned their attention to the desktop market. Producing full-size headphones, larger desktop headphone amplifiers, and even desktop speakers. They also released the FT5, a full-size planar magnetic headphone, in 2023 in addition to the FT3.

In any case, the FT3 features a 60 mm dynamic driver with a 350 ohm impedance. Additionally, they offer a 32-ohm version. With the exception of a few driver adjustments that make it easier on the amplifier while sacrificing some audio quality, everything is the same. I haven’t even heard their 32-ohm version yet, but I might evaluate it later.

Anyway, the FT3 features a 60 mm dynamic speaker with a 350 ohm impedance. They’ve also produced a 32-Ohm variant. It is identical, but certain driver changes make it easier on the amplifier while sacrificing sound quality. Maybe I’ll evaluate their 32-Ohm version in the future, but I haven’t heard it yet.

The FT3’s housing is composed of aluminum alloy and feels expensive. It’s quite lightweight, and I find it really comfy. Some may find the cups and pads a little tiny; however, this is not an issue for me. It comes with two sets of pads with varying sound characteristics. One pair is constructed of synthetic suede, while the other is a hybrid with suede on the inside, protein leather on the face, and fenestrated protein leather on the exterior. I’m not sure whether they utilized the same foam or not. There is a significant variation in sound, and each has advantages and disadvantages.

I will make comments on them throughout this review. I will frequently refer to them as the “FT3 suede” and the “FT3 hybrid”.

HIFIMAN EDITION XS SPECIFICATIONS 

• Open-back circumaural type
• Planar Magnetic Drivers with Stealth magnets and NEO Supernano Diaphragm 
• Dual-sided magnet driver
• Impedance: 18Ω
• Frequency response range: 8Hz–50kHz
• Sensitivity: 92 dB
• Weight: 405 grams 
• Detachable cable with 3.5 mm TRS connectors on headphones 
• Included cable: 1.5m single-ended 3.5mm with 6.35mm adapter 

FIIO FT3 SPECIFICATIONS

Headphone type: Open circum-aural.
Driver type: 60mm dynamic driver
Diaphragm material: Berylium-plated gasket + DLC diaphragm
Impedance: 350 Ohms
Sensitivity: 105dB (1 Vrms) at 1 kHz
Frequency response: 7Hz-40kHz
Weight: About 391g (excluding cable)
Earpad pressure: 4.0N±0.3N
Cable length: About 3 m
Cable material: Furukawa monocrystalline copper wire
Detachable cable with dual 3.5 mm connectors on headphone.
Exchangeable plugs and adapters supplied for amplifier connection.
There are two types of speed pads with distinct sound signature: Suede and hybrid pads

COMPARISONS

I compared these headphones mostly with a Topping A90 amplifier, but also with the Rebel Amp and the Sparkos Gemini hybrid tube amp. I utilized the RME ADI-2 DAC FS as my source.

If I Were a Bell, by Keith Jarrett 

Keith Jarrett, the pianist, leads the trio, performing live classic jazz. On the Fiio FT3 with suede pads, this sounds fantastic: roomy and lively, harmonious and engaging.

Even more roomy is the sound of the XS. It sounds clearer and has more detail. On the other hand, I really like the FT3’s richer tone and timbre.

The XS is cleaner, clearer, and has stronger bass than the “FT3 hybrid,” but the FT3 is still really fun without the hybrid pads. The FT3 with the hybrid pads sounds like a blend of the two.

Limit to Your Love by James Blake

The XS creates the illusion of a much bigger listening environment than the FT3, even with its broader soundstage and suede pads. The bass has excellent clarity, is highly linear, and sounds fantastic. However, the midrange is where the FT3 suede shines. It sounds a little fuller and warmer.

In general, the FT3 with hybrid pads has more distinct detail and sounds cleaner and more open than it does with suede pads.

Nonetheless, the XS has excellent bass, and overall, I like the XS better. However, they all sound excellent.

Smile by Pearl Jam

This sounds full-bodied and detailed, and it sounds great with the FT3 with suede pads. But detail and separation are elevated to a new level with the XS. Compared to the FT3 suede, the midrange is less natural-sounding and a little more refined than I personally like.

When Eddie Vedder sings “Smile” or any other song with an “S,” there’s an irksome amount of silliness, and the FT3 with hybrid pads sounds sharper.

Furniture by Fugazi 

First up, the XS: The bass, percussion, and double-tracked electric guitar riff are all really distinct, making it easy to follow each instrument. As usual, the voices are wonderfully produced and clearly defined, albeit a little too polite.

You receive a pleasant, richer sound while using the FT3 suede. Although separation and layering are not as good as they are with the XS, it is still detailed. Although the mid-bass adds some weight to the presentation, the voices are still not very forward-sounding.

The FT3 sounds like a cross between the XS and the FT3 with suede pads when it is equipped with hybrid pads. However, the XS still has better bass.

Higdon’s Violin Concerto: Fly Forward by Hilary Hahn 

The XS has excellent imaging and separation, and it sounds incredibly open and detailed. In direct comparison, the FT3 suede is fine, but it lacks luster and vibrancy. It has a pleasant, somewhat warmer timbre. I like the XS; however, other people might find the FT3 with suede pads more appealing.

The FT3 opens up and gains additional glitter thanks to the hybrid pads. In contrast to the XS, there is a distinct tuning for the midrange. Although I can readily adapt to both presentations, I think the suede and hybrid FT3 sound more natural in the midrange than the XS.

Holberg Suite by The Norwegian Chamber Orchestra 

This composition sounds excellent on the suede FT3 and XS. But just as on the preceding track, it’s made much more delightful by the XS’s added clarity and crisper sound. But the FT3’s hybrid pads are like a cross between the two, and I like their tone better than the XS’s.

Midnight City by M83

M83, an indie-rock-pop combo, sounds really tight and snappy with the XS on this tune. The drums sound really quick and are delivered with a solid grip. Excellent layering and separation are present.

Though thicker and slower, the FT3 suede also has a nice tone. It’s tasty in its own unique manner. Technically speaking, the XS prevails, but the FT3 has a mouthwatering, mushy sound character.

The FT3 expands the soundstage with the hybrid pads, but the result is less rich and delicious.

Lovers on the Sun by David Guetta

The warmer, thicker-sounding FT3 suede sounds better on this track, which is fairly loud and abrasive, than the more revealing, thinner-sounding XS. Both cans have strong bass kicks; the XS has a tighter bass while the FT3 has a heavier thud.

The sound of the FT3 with hybrid pads is similar to that of the XS and FT3 suede. In comparison to the FT3 suede, it is far brighter and sharper. This suede is more my style.

As Before by Olga Konkova 

The FT3 suede sounds incredible with the cajôn drum. The piano and voice are both well portrayed and have a velvety quality.

However, the XS has a different kind of excellent sound. It sounds far more expansive and has a little brighter, less rich, and more welcoming sense. Despite their stark differences, both presentations are excellent.

The FT3 hybrid narrows the difference in sound quality between the XS and FT3 suede by sounding more open and brighter. It’s a strong presentation as well.

Bored by Deftones 

The two headphones sound like two different mixes of the same song. The FT3 suede is full-body and enveloping, with lots of bass presence and warmth. I really like the way this song sounds. 

The XS is thinner and has a has a crisper sound. The soundstage is much larger but also less intimate. Even though the XS sounds good, it is a bit bright and thin, and I do prefer the meatier presentation of the FT3 suede. 

With the hybrid pads, the FT3 sounds sharper and crisper, much like the XS. It sounds more technical and analytical. I prefer the FT3 suede most of the three. 

Cadenza by Marcin Wasilewski Trio

The FT3 suede sounds amazing with this tune. Rich-sounding and adding a lot of pleasant warmth is the standing bass. The percussion is lively and captivating, while the saxophone is sweet and velvety.

As usual, the XS has a larger, clearer sound. Additionally, I think the presentation is excellent, and I really like both headphones.

The soundstage is tighter and sharper with the FT3 hybrid than it is with the suede pads. more in line with the XS in terms of detail and sound character.

AMPLIFICATION  

In my independent review, I found that the 18 Ohms/92 dB Hifiman Edition XS is compatible with most amplifiers. Still, I think it sounds great with rather warm-sounding amplifiers, such as the Sparkos Gemini or Rebel Amp. All of the amplifiers I have tried, including inexpensive models like the Schiit Magni Heretic and the Fiio K5, seem to work well with the XS, though. The Topping A90 performs admirably.

The FT3, with 350 Ohms and 105 dB, is quite different. The Topping A90 sounds a little bit flatter than many of the other options, in my opinion. The Sparkos Labs Gemini is great; it sounds great, in my opinion, especially with higher impedance cans. However, Fiio’s own K5 performs superbly, and the Schiit Magni Heretic is also extremely nice. The Rebel Amp did as well.

WRAPPING IT UP

I will have to address the FT3 suede and FT3 hybrid in separate comments due to the pads’ extensive discourse. Having said that, third-party pads will also have an impact on the XS’s sound, though I haven’t tried that yet.

Sound Signature, Dynamics and Detail 

The FT3 suede and the XS have quite distinct sound signatures. The FT3 hybrid falls between the suede and the XS. The distinctions between the XS and FT3 change from track to track because of their differing frequency responses. They might be very different or somewhat similar at various times.

Compared to the XS, the FT3 suede often has softer highs, a warmer middle, and a higher bottom volume. In general, it has a darker sound than the XS, which is neutral to somewhat bright. The XS isn’t bass-light, though. Although it is somewhat less abundant than the FT3 suede, the XS’s bass is still quite strong and of excellent quality. It also has a significant degree of bass presence.

Each of the headphones has a detail. The FT3 is a step or two below the XS with the suede pads. The FT3 approaches the XS with hybrid pads. Having said that, I believe the FT3 performs better than a lot of its rivals in this price bracket. Simply put, the XS has incredibly detailed audio.

The dynamic-sounding FT3 and XS headphones are both capable of delivering a powerful punch when required. I think the XS is superior in terms of microdynamics, or the articulation of details.

Soundstage and Imaging

Although the FT3 Suede has an excellent and spacious soundstage, it isn’t up to par with the XS. There is a substantial disparity. This is not because the FT3 isn’t fantastic; rather, it’s mostly because XS boasts an enormous soundstage by any measure.

In addition, the XS has superior imaging capability and instrument separation than the FT3 suede.

With the hybrid pads installed, the FT3’s soundstage expands, and its image becomes more accurate. Though not quite at the same level, it is getting closer to the XS.

Treble 

For the price, the XS’s treble is quite good. It is bright and transparent without being abrasive. It doesn’t seem to have any problems with sibilance or challenging transients.

Though a bit darker and less clear, the FT3 suede also boasts a strong treble. The FT3’s treble becomes crisper and brighter with greater detail when using the hybrid pads, but occasionally, I’ve noticed grating sibilance in certain parts of the song, such as Pearl Jam’s “Smile” vocals and 1982’s “4:22” percussion.

If you listen for it, there is a propensity for those records with the suede pads to be sibilant as well, but it is to be anticipated and not bothersome. Additionally, it is audible with the XS and the Sennheiser HD660S2, but still within reasonable bounds. I experimented with several DACs and amps. Undoubtedly, the FT3 hybrid is notable for its susceptibility to sibilance on some songs. A few recordings have a problem with the FT3 hybrid’s treble, but overall, I absolutely like it. Again, sibilance is not an issue with the suede pads.

Midrange 

Because the FT3 suede’s midrange receives assistance from the well-raised mid-bass, it sounds marginally warmer than the XS’s. With both pads, I prefer the FT3 middle tonality. On the FT3, I found that the midrange sounds a little cleaner but varies the least when I swap out the pads. The Sennheiser HD660S2, for example, has a warmer-sounding midrange than the XS, but not as warm as this one does.

The midrange tone of the FT3 is more to my taste, but the XS is superior at retrieving details. Though it doesn’t have as much information as the XS, the FT3 does offer a detailed midrange presentation with both pads.

Bass

Of the two, the XS clearly offers the more crisp and linear bass response. After all, they are planar magnetic headphones, and Hifiman is renowned for producing bass-heavy headphones.

But the FT3 also boasts excellent bass. Certain frequency ranges have it higher, particularly when the suede pads are used. Except for some tunes, it has a more bass-heavy sound overall. Sometimes, the situation is reversed. The FT3 sounds less beefy and more taut with the hybrid pads, but it is still not as tight and textured as the XS.

CONCLUSION

In terms of soundstage and separation, the XS reigns supreme, and it typically retrieves details with more accuracy. It has a rather neutral tuning.

The FT3 sounds warmer, meatier, and more personal, especially with the suede pads. Its detail and soundstage are equally amazing.

Whichever suits the song and the mindset I’m in.