FiiO JT9 (black)

The JT9 is an open-back planar headphone from FiiO's Jade Audio line, built around a newly developed 95 × 86 mm driver. Its diaphragm is only 1 µm thick with a double coating of sapphire (for stiffness) and aluminium (for conductivity), the voice-coil traces are made with a 28 nm process, and a patented magnet layout spreads the magnetic field evenly so the large film moves as one; FiiO aims it at fast, detailed sound with deep bass and an open, spacious image. Open-back means sound passes through the cups in both directions, so it is a headphone for listening at home rather than on the train. At 20 Ω and 95 dB/mW it is easy to drive for a planar: the distributor notes that a phone with a compact USB DAC/amp dongle is already enough. It weighs about 365 g, folds up for storage, is Hi-Res Audio certified and comes with both a 3.5 mm and a 4.4 mm balanced cable. This is the black version.

• 95 × 86 mm planar driver, 1 µm diaphragm
• Open-back, 20 Ω, 95 dB/mW, foldable
• 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm cables included