Wired headphones are experiencing a bit of a comeback, and for good reason. As convenient and easy as the best Bluetooth headphones are, it's physically impossible for "true" hi-res music when listening wirelessly.
So, if you want to branch out into the multifaceted (read: confusing) realm of audiophile audio, you need to get a pair of wired headphones. As I said, the audiophile world is a landmine of jargon and contrasting information, so I'm here to help you. Forget the $1,000 cans that require specially mined copper from the deepest caves of Vietnam (or something). Forget DACs and amps for the time being.
No DAC? No problem
More seasoned audiophiles might turn their noses up at this, but hear me out. I don't think you need a DAC to get great sound out of the FiiO FT13. If you're not sure what a DAC is, it's a box that you plug your headphones into, and it magically makes music sound better. Everything has one built-in, but dedicated DACs are far superior to a laptop or phone DAC.
When I was testing these cans, I used them with both the FiiO K11 DAC and plugged straight into my MacBook Air M2. While I noticed a tiny difference in the clarity of the mids and highs, I thought the sound straight from my MacBook Air didn't sound half bad.
Nay, it sounded excellent. I enjoyed rich, warm bass (which I'll talk about more later) and layered mids, all underpinned by electric treble. The FT13 struggle a little with the highest of highs — such as very sibilant cymbals or hi-hats — but this wasn't because of the lack of DAC.
DACs are expensive, burdensome, and confusing for newbies, so I completely understand why you might not want to trouble yourself with one. If I were just branching out into the overwhelming world of audiophile headphones, I'm not sure I'd want to spend $$$ on a DAC, either.
That's why I love the FT13. These cans still sound fantastic without a DAC. You can plug 'em straight into your phone or laptop and experience sonic nirvana. Sure, some would disagree, but I digress. I test headphones for a living, and I think the FT13 perform admirably without a DAC, making them much more accessible for newcomers. Other audiophile headphones like the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen come with a DAC, so I'd recommend checking those out, too.
Bass for days
The first time I listened to a pair of wired "audiophile" headphones, I was a little confused. Why does this song sound so flat? I pondered to myself, suddenly unsure if I wanted to spend $$$ on some fancy-schmancy headphones when they didn't pack the punch I thought they would.
However, the more I've listened to reference cans, the more I appreciate the natural, faithful soundscape. Audiophile headphones are tuned much flatter than commercial Bluetooth headphones, and while the difference can be a shock at first, this tuning actually means you can hear and appreciate a larger range of sounds.
A flatter sound signature helps with the instrument separation and expansiveness of a track, and brings you closer to the sound. In my opinion, anyway.
However, the FiiO FT13 are a masterpiece in balancing natural, studio-accurate sound and that insistent, rampant bass that everyone seems to love.
In my full review of the FT13, I wrote, "The radiant, circular bassline climbed up and down its notes deftly, and the low-end was notably impressive. The bass excelled when layered over the slightly sibilant percussion, and this space really allowed the FT13 to show me what they’re capable of."
So if you've been looking to dip your toes into the world of hi-res, wired audiophile headphones but you can't give up your bass addiction, I wholeheartedly recommend the FT13. The Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen I mentioned earlier are much flatter, and I don't think they are heavy enough to impress bassheads.
A connection for everyone
Last, but certainly not least, the FiiO FT13 come with a huge variety of connectivity options. On top of the standard 3.5mm aux, these cans also bring a 1/4 inch and XLR cable to the party.
1/4 inch connections are most commonly seen on musical instruments, so in theory, you could link these cans up with your electric guitar and have a private jam session. This is also great for DJs or producers — Pioneer decks mostly have 1/4 inch connections for live headphone monitoring. You might even be able to plug 'em into your turntable if it has a 1/4 output. (Mine doesn't, but some do, like the Audio Technica Sound Burger.)
Finally, the FT13 have an XLR connection. While I've yet to find a device in my personal connection that has an XLR output, I'm sure there are some out there. Do you use headphones with an XLR port? Let me know in the comments!
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