Final Audio D7000 Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones

An evolved AFDS planar magnetic driver, Pina Align Diffuser, breathable washi-fabric ear pads, and precision-machined aluminum-magnesium housing

The Final Audio D7000 develops the company's planar magnetic platform along a different path from the D8000 series. Its evolved Air Film Damping System, or AFDS, allows the diaphragm to make large low-frequency excursions without contacting the surrounding structure, while the newly developed Pina Align Diffuser addresses the acoustic interaction between the driver and the individual shape of the listener's outer ear.

Final combines these systems with highly breathable ear pads rather than relying on a strong seal to generate bass. The intent is to retain the low moving mass and fine high-frequency behavior of a planar magnetic driver while producing low frequencies with the quantity and openness more often associated with a well-designed dynamic headphone.

Pina Align Diffuser

Acoustic diffusion is widely used in recording rooms to control reflections without simply absorbing acoustic energy. Final applies the same broad principle on a much smaller scale with the Pina Align Diffuser positioned in front of the D7000 driver.

The challenge is that every listener's pinna, or outer ear, has a different shape. A diffuser that measures well with a standardized fixture can interact differently with a real ear and change the perceived frequency response. Final therefore developed the diffuser through simulation and listening experiments using a range of outer-ear shapes, seeking a geometry that would provide more consistent behavior from listener to listener.

The resulting system also contributes to the D7000's presentation of vocals and string instruments, areas in which Final specifically emphasizes resolution and smoothness.

Evolved AFDS Planar Magnetic Driver

A conventional planar magnetic diaphragm can approach the magnet structure during large bass excursions, limiting how far the driver can safely move and therefore how low it can reproduce without additional acoustic loading. Final originally developed AFDS to control diaphragm motion using the viscosity of the thin air layer between the diaphragm and perforated metal structure.

For the D7000, Final redesigned the coil geometry and perforated metal specifically for the physical characteristics of this driver. The system damps the diaphragm more efficiently and allows it to operate through larger excursions without contact.

The diaphragm itself is an ultra-light film carrying an etched aluminum-foil coil. Compared with a conventional dynamic driver of similar diameter, Final states that the planar moving system can be approximately one-third the weight because it does not require a separate voice coil, bobbin, and adhesive joint concentrated around the center of the diaphragm.

Open Bass Without Sealed Ear Pads

Headphone bass is often supported by creating a relatively well-sealed volume between the driver and the listener's head. Final instead uses the extended low-frequency capability provided by AFDS to work with a much more breathable pad.

The D7000 ear pads use ventilated foam covered with a special fabric incorporating Japanese washi paper. This construction allows the driver to operate with less acoustic restriction while providing a dry feel against the skin. The same washi-based material is used on the headband for resistance to moisture and long-term durability.

Precision-Machined Aluminum-Magnesium Housing

AFDS requires tight mechanical tolerances around the diaphragm. The D7000 therefore uses a high-precision machined aluminum-magnesium alloy housing that rigidly supports the driver while minimizing unwanted vibration.

The D Series is assembled at Final's headquarters in Kawasaki, Japan. Final also develops its own production jigs, diaphragm-forming equipment, and diaphragm-tension measurement tools, allowing small manufacturing tolerances to be managed during assembly.

Designed for Long-Term Service

Almost all of the D7000's major components are assembled with screws rather than permanent bonding. This allows the headphone to be disassembled for repair and gives Final greater flexibility for long-term service or future component replacement.

Compared with the original D8000 and D8000 Pro Edition, the D7000 is also approximately 16% lighter, bringing the finished headphone to 437 g without its cable.

What's Included

D7000 headphones

3 m detachable OFC cable with 6.3 mm plug

Dedicated protective case

Security key

Cable pouch

Specifications

Model Number: FI-D7PAL

Type: Open-back planar magnetic headphones

Housing: Aluminum-magnesium alloy

Driver: AFDS planar magnetic

Sensitivity: 89 dB/mW

Impedance: 50 Ω

Cable: Detachable OFC cable

Cable Termination: 6.3 mm

Cable Length: 3 m

Weight: 437 g