FiiO FT1 REVIEW – SHOCKINGLY GOOD

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FiiO FT1 REVIEW – SHOCKINGLY GOOD introduction

The FiiO FT1, which costs a reasonable 149 USD, could at first glance appear to be just another mid-fi choice. This is an audiophile-grade headphone, so don’t be fooled by the price. The FT1’s remarkable build quality and sound quality should cause many rivals to reevaluate their pricing policies and take a close look at themselves.The FiiO FT1, which costs a reasonable 149 USD, could at first glance appear to be just another mid-fi choice. This is an audiophile-grade headphone, so don’t be fooled by the price. The FT1’s remarkable build quality and sound quality should cause many rivals to reevaluate their pricing policies and take a close look at themselves.

MAIN TAKEAWAY

Amazing technical skill
Bass that is strong but not overbearing
Clear highs
luscious, rather dark mids
Excellent construction quality
Outstanding ratio of price to performance
Pad-rolling responsive—even better with additional pads

With the launch of the 300-ohm dynamic driver FT3 ($299) in the spring of 2023, FiiO made its foray into the over-ear headphone market. Since then, they have added a number of models to their array of headphones, including the open-back planar magnetic FT5 ($449), a 32-ohm FT3 model, the affordable open-back JT1 ($69), and now the FT1 ($149), FiiO’s first wooden closed-back headphone.

The FiiO FT1 has a 60mm dynamic driver with a nano-wood fiber composite diaphragm and real solid wood walnut ear cups. The big 25mm voice coil guarantees good sound reproduction, and the diaphragm gasket design expands the effective vibration area. With a sensitivity of 98 dB/mW and an impedance of 32 ohms, the headphones offer a well-balanced performance appropriate for a range of audio sources.

The actual diaphragm is made of wood fiber (spruce wood), with a tiny amount of carbon fiber mixed into the pulp—a method Denon also uses. Often referred to as “biodynamic” drivers, these wood fiber-based drivers include well-known models such as the Denon D7000 and Fostex TH-900.

FIIO FT1 SPECIFICATIONS

Dynamic closed-back headphones
Driver: dynamic 60mm
32 Ohms is the impedance.
Sensitivity: either 113dB/Vrms@1kHz or 98dB/mW@1kHz
Response to frequency: 10 Hz–40 kHz
Copper that has been silver-plated and oxygen-free
Pressure on the earpad: 4.5N±0.3N
Length of cable: around 1.5 m
340g in weight (not including cable)
Dual-purpose headphone connection Plug for 3.5mm TRS audio cable: 3.5mm/4.4mm
Material for ear cups: natural wood, either beech or walnut

Disclaimer: There are no conditions associated with the review unit that FiiO gave. The opinions and observations presented in this article are wholly the reviewer’s own, and we write for the readers.

BUILD, DESIGN, AND COMFORT

Regardless of price, the FT1 is among the better-built headphones I have ever seen—this is how headphones ought to be produced. FiiO’s ability to produce this for under $149 USD makes the competitors appear absurd.

You can select between light beech or dark walnut for the actual wood cups. I used a magnet to confirm that the screws, the interior of the headband, the yokes, and the sliders are all made of steel. The earpads are synthetic, and the headband cushioning is made of plastic, which isn’t particularly opulent. These headphones are compatible with a variety of third-party pads because the pads are common lip mount types. The FT1 should fit everything that fits, such as the Fostex TH600/900.

Headphone cables with 3.5mm and 4.4mm jacks are included. FiiO uses normal 3.5 mm connectors for the headphones, and the cables are very short and nothing exceptional, however they are interchangeable.

A fairly good softshell storage case, similar to those seen with many Focal headphones, is included.

Regarding the design, I think it looks well and is comfortable to wear. The generous swivel movement is especially appreciated.

STANDALONE LISTENING IMPRESSIONS

For this session, I used the Rebel Amp and the Monolith THX AAA 887. The RME ADI-2 DAC FS served as my source.

Beethoven Trio in C Major, Op. 87: IV. Finale by Les Vents Français

On the FT1, this trio of wind instruments sounds fantastic. The presentation is well-balanced, the image is good, the sound stage is spacious for a closed back, and there is a lot of information.

The Tunnel by Tord Gustavsen Trio

The treble and higher mids don’t sound dark, but everything is clear and bright without being too bright. The piano is clear, while the drums have a powerful, tight sound. The imaging and soundstage are excellent.

Aura by Bicep

The bass in the electronic music is really tight. In contrast to closed-back headphones, it is not boomy or bloomy. The sound is incredibly clear, well-balanced, and articulate.

Rocket Man by Bob James Trio

The bass is a little tighter and well-controlled. The percussion is tight and the piano is crisp. The imaging and sound stage are excellent.

Daddy Lessons by Beyonce

There is good separation, fast percussion, and a clear, sharp trumpet. The tightness of the bass is amazing.

Limit to Your Love by James Blake

Although some people might prefer more warmth and depth, this track is handled really nicely, with vocals that are clear and sharp. The picture is accurate, and the soundstage is spacious. Surprisingly linear performance and remarkable control are used to convey the deep, rotating bass.

PADS

I’ve discovered that cushions are important when it comes to headphones. They have a significant impact at times and less at others. As it turns out, the FiiO FT1 is more sensitive to pad shifting, and closed-back headphones are typically more receptive to pad adjustments.

I started with a pair of Hifiman classic velours that I had lying around and tried with a few different pads. I had trouble getting the lips to fit correctly after taking off the attaching ring since they were a little deep. I cut the inner half of the lips with scissors to make them fit, and even though it was tight, it ended up fitting rather nicely.

With one significant exception—a pronounced decrease in bass presence—the sound quality was excellent. The soundstage and image were far superior to the original pads, and the degree of detail was breathtaking. These pads would have been better than the original ones if it weren’t for the diminished bass quantity. The treble and mids were excellent. But this encounter made me realize how good the drivers are, and I was really pleased.

The Brainwavz Micro-Suede XL circular pads were another pair I tried. Because of the heavier foam and fabric, these sounded much fuller than the Hifiman pads. In addition, they had a more subdued treble presence and a somewhat warmer tone than the default pads. Overall, I thought these were marginally better than the stock pads, albeit the midrange was a little less articulate.

Next, I tried two different pairs of sheepskin pads.

The first pair of Orion pads for the TH900 that I purchased from Amazon. They have an oval aperture and light, but rather firm, padding (not memory foam). Although there was a little less mid-bass and more pronounced sibilants, they produced an amazing soundstage with superb separation. Overall, it was a very pleasant listening experience with more texture and depth but less lushness.

Finally, I installed a pair of third-party, non-brand leather pads designed specifically for the TH-900. They are made of light memory foam and have a large, round aperture. (diameter: 105 mm, thickness: 22–27 mm, inner diameter: 68 mm). Better imaging, a broader soundstage, and more detail than the original pads made for an amazing sound. The performance of the FiiO FT1 was astounding, and these pads really brought out the best in it. The FT1 has no business sounding this nice, to be honest!

To sum up, it’s worthwhile to try out the FiiO FT1 headphones. The drivers and build quality are superb, and the FT1 is receptive to pad rolling, which enables audible sound enhancements with the appropriate pads.

My passion for my favorite pads led me to compose a short piece in which I share my listening impressions:

LISTENING IMPRESSIONS – FAVOURITE LEATHER PADS

Mango Drive by Rhythm and Sound

The FT1 begins with electronic music that is dominated by bass and sounds expansive and intricate. The bass is textured, deep, and linear. The peaks are clear but subtle.

Maple Noise by Greene Serene

This upbeat improv jazz composition sounds incredibly expansive, intricate, and nimble. The bass has excellent control. The midrange is detailed but a little courteous. The treble sounds clear and sharp.

Vicarious by Tool

Despite not overpowering the mix, the bass is incredibly powerful, full, and tight. The soundstage has excellent imagery and is rather large. The middle is quite clear and neutral.

Terminal 7 by Tomasz Stanko Quintet

This sounds tight and 1precise, quick and roomy. I’m genuinely impressed.

Hellhound On My Trail by Cassandra Wilson

There is enough of room and detail, the guitar is clean, and the vocals are excellent.

The National Anthem by Radiohead

The FT1 handles this track’s rising complexity like a pro. Even during the busiest times, it is easy to track every instrument.

Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 III by Paavo Järvi

This orchestral composition exhibits remarkable spaciousness, a wealth of detail, and delicacy. The tone is excellent.

WRAPPING IT UP

Sound Signature

It has a comparatively neutral sound character. The bass is a little higher, the upper middle is a little polite, and the highs are prominent but not excessively brilliant. Without EQ, though, it feels rather well balanced overall.

Treble

The treble has excellent dynamics and is clean and sharp. I don’t have any serious problems with sibilance or tiring brightness, though it does occasionally feel a little dry.

Midrange

The upper midrange is marginally less noticeable than the midrange, which is comparatively neutral. As a result, the midrange is neither recessed nor unduly warm overall. It is well-articulated, has a nice texture, and is quite clear with lots of detail.

Bass

Although the bass is a little higher, it sounds balanced most of the time. Its definition and extension are excellent. Considering it is a closed-back headphone, it is both full and extremely tight.

Soundstage and Imaging

The imaging and layering are superb, and the soundstage is big. The distances between the instruments are clearly marked, and the different sounds are placed precisely where they should be. The soundstage is larger and the picture is even more accurate when the best third-party sheepskin pads are utilized.

Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre

For this pricing range, the overall level of detail is quite outstanding. Additionally, dynamics are excellent; both macrodynamics and microdynamics are impressive. I consider the timbre to be delicate and neutral, but not very warm. The basic clarity and dynamics are further enhanced by my favorite third-party sheepskin pads.

COMPARISONS

The RME ADI-2 DAC FS and the Topping A90 amplifier were the primary sources used in the comparisons.

BEYERDYNAMIC DT 1770 PRO vs FiiO FT1

A studio-grade, dynamic-driver, 250-ohm headphone designed for pros, the $399 DT 1770 PRO is also a favorite among audiophiles. This closed-back design offers more isolation than the already excellent FT1. With my DT 1770 PRO, I use the Beyerdynamic velour pads. However, you can utilize the included pleather pads for even better passive noise isolation. Additionally, this will somewhat alter the tone.

In any case, the FT1 and the DT 1770 PRO both have a very neutral sound profile, but the FT1 is darker and places more emphasis on the bass, while the DT 1770 PRO leans brighter and has more energy in the high mids and treble.

The FT1 lacks a relaxed treble, despite having darker highs than the DT 1770 PRO. Although both headphones are clear and detailed, the DT 1770 PRO’s sporadic sibilance in the higher frequencies can make it less pleasurable.

A brighter, lighter sound is produced by the DT 1770 PRO’s increased energy in the upper midrange. Nevertheless, depending on the song, it can occasionally feel overly forward and vivacious. The midrange of the FT1 is fuller, sounding richer without being overly warm. The FT1 excels at midrange detail, frequently even outperforming the DT 1770 PRO.

Bass quantity is higher on the FT1 than on the DT 1770 PRO. Additionally, it is of higher quality, with improved texture, articulation, and clarity. Its bass is remarkably controlled and linear.

The FT1 has a broader soundstage with greater imaging; there is more space between instruments and a better feeling of depth than the DT 1770 PRO, which can sound more ethereal and airy.

Although the DT 1770 PRO has sharper highs and upper mids that make detail in those regions easier to perceive, the FT1 generally gives more detail. But the bass and lower mids of the FT1 were obviously more detailed.

The FT1 has superior dynamics capabilities, both in macro and micro dynamics. Its timbre is also more organic and natural, whereas the DT 1770 PRO’s sound is sharper and more analytical.

It should be noted that the solid-state Topping A90 amp was used for this comparison. Even with a good OTL tube amplifier, such as the Woo WA2, I think the DT 1770 PRO sounds superior, but I still like the FT1 in general.

DENON AH-D5200 vs FiiO FT1

For many years, Denon has produced wooden-cup closed-back headphones with biodynamic drivers that have low impedance. The FT1 and the $699 AH-D5200 have many characteristics, including the diaphragm material, low impedance, wooden cups, and overall fit and design.

Both of them have a sonic signature that is somewhat dark yet generally neutral. The D5200 has a richer midrange, but the FiiO FT1 has more sub-bass and treble intensity.

The D5200’s treble is rounder and less articulate, despite having a good amount of detail, whilst the FT1’s treble is both cleaner and more lively.

On both, the midrange is superb. They both have somewhat dark tones and are very comparable, although the FT1 has more detail while the D5200 has a warmer sound.

The two headphones have similar bass levels, but the FT1 has more depth and superior dynamics, texture, and clarity.

The D5200 has a good soundstage, in my opinion, but the FT1 is deeper, taller, and wider. With a blacker background and improved instrument separation and alignment, the FT1’s image is typically more accurate.

The FT1 is better at retrieving raw details. Additionally, it has stronger dynamic contrast, is more articulate, and sounds more lively. Although it doesn’t quite match the remarkable FT1, the D5200 also does well on these metrics.

Both seem natural and organic to me in terms of timbre, but the D5200 frequently has an added allure due to its greater degree of warmth and richness.

DROP + MR.SPEAKERS ETHER CX vs FiiO FT1

For many years, including myself, the $799 Ether CX from Drop, in partnership with Mr. Speakers (now Dan Clark Audio), has been a popular closed-back headphone. It boasts a 92 dB/1mW sensitivity, a planar dynamic driver, and an impedance of 23 ohms.

The CX is set to a fairly neutral sound character, just as the FT1. However, the CX leans toward the brighter side of neutral, delivering more forward upper mids and highs and less bass amount, whilst the FT1 has a slight tilt towards a deeper tonality and more bass.

The treble on both headphones is distinct and easy to hear. Although the CX has a little more brightness, they are essentially equal in terms of high-frequency detail.

Compared to the FT1, which typically sounds lusher, the CX has a brighter, drier middle with less lower midrange presence.

The CX sounds rather thin without EQ, while the FT1 has more bass quantity. The CX is good in terms of quality, but the FT1 is even better in terms of definition and extension.

Both of them offer great imagery and a sizable soundstage. The warmer and lusher FT1 has a slightly more compact stage, while the CX sounds more spacious and airy. Despite the price difference, I do not think the FT1 is less capable than the other when it comes to retrieving raw details. I think the FT1 is superior to the other one in terms of dynamics. I like the lusher, more natural-sounding FT1 better than the slightly drier CX in terms of tonality and timbre.

Compared to the Topping A90, the CX sounds marginally better on the Mytek Liberty Amp and particularly the Bryston BHA-1 amp. It has a more fluid, unforced, and natural tone. The primary distinctions between the CX and the FT1 are still present, though, and the sound characteristic barely changes.

FiiO FT3 vs. FT1

The 350-ohm FT3, FiiO’s first headphone, was introduced in 2023. Its dynamic driver differs from the FT1 in that it uses diamond-like carbon (DLC) instead of the carbon-inforced wood fiber, and its diaphragm has a totally different, more conventional design. However, both drivers are 60mm in size.

The FT3 and FT1 have fairly similar sound signatures, despite the differences in driver and housing design. Both are quite neutral, with a little preference for a richer, darker presentation over a brighter one.

With both, the treble is evident and present. It sounds equally detailed and is quite similarly tuned.

The FT3’s midrange is a little richer and lusher than the FT1’s, but the change is not that great. Both have excellent detail levels.

Although the bass in the FT3 is decent, the FT1 elevates it with a bit more presence and somewhat greater definition and extension, depending on the song.

The FT3’s soundstage is more expansive, higher, and more open. However, the FT1 provides better image and instrument separation overall, as well as a greater sensation of depth.

With the exception of the bass, where the FT3 falls short of the remarkable FT1, the level of detail is largely identical. Both have a very dynamic sound, but when there is a difference, the FT1 typically wins out.

However, I usually find that I like the FT3 more in terms of timbre and tonality. In general, it sounds more natural and organic. Although there isn’t much of a change, and I don’t like the FT1’s tone, the FT3’s midrange is noticeably richer and even more well-balanced than the FT1’s more courteous upper mids.

CONCLUDING ON COMPARISONS

I’ve now evaluated the FiiO FT1 against three well respected, much more costly headphones, and to be honest, the FT1 is comparable. It’s at least as good as any of them, in my opinion. To see how close it comes, I’m inclined to put on my preferred third-party pads and compare the TH-900 and Denon D9200 directly. They must not feel overly secure. In any case, it will be covered in a later piece. No, I just have to say that the FT1 is in competition with high-quality headphones that are significantly more expensive.

AMPLIFICATION

In theory, the FT1 shouldn’t pose a significant threat to the majority of headphone amplifiers. However, don’t let the modest cost deceive you—this headset complements the amplifier well. I experimented with the Bryston BHA-1, Rebel Amp, Going A90, Mytek Liberty Amp, Schiit Magni Heretic, and Monolith THX AAA 887. Some are superior than others, but there aren’t many significant differences amongst them. Although the BHA-1 has the finest sound, the Schiit is also fine.

I also experimented with the Woo WA2 OTL tube amplifier, which, depending on the tubes, has an output impedance of 70–80 ohms. The WA2 is something of a hit-or-miss amplifier when used with low impedance headphones because an amplifier’s output impedance should typically be much lower than the headphone impedance (⅛ or less). But in this instance, the combination sounds fantastic.

In any case, the FT1 works well with all of the tested amplifiers, but the Bryston BHA-1 and Woo WA2 make it flawless. They simply make it even more delicate, roomy, and energetic than the others.

CONCLUSION

Occasionally, a product is introduced that reinterprets the widely recognized price-performance relationship. One such product is the FiiO FT1. I think it has the ability to transform the game.

Since I’ve been an audiophile headphone fan for 15 years, I’ve noticed that many manufacturers concentrate on producing somewhat better—or just different—headphones at much higher prices. This tendency is all too typical, while there are notable outliers, such as Hifiman’s recent price reductions on a number of models (but not their flagships).

Hopefully, the FiiO FT1 will upend the market by breaking the mold. It has a really great sound quality and is beautifully constructed. It’s incredibly good for the price.

I hope FiiO keeps up the wonderful job creating high-quality, reasonably priced headphones. I would love to see the FT1’s driver utilized in an open build, as it is clearly quite competent. In order to see how the type of wood influences the sound, I also hope to obtain the future beech version.

We only receive reimbursement for items that are not returned, therefore we have no motivation to suggest subpar products.