The FiiO FT1 headphones offer a compelling blend of comfort, premium build, and meticulously tuned audio, all at a surprisingly accessible price point. This in-depth review delves into the FT1's design, sound signature, and overall value proposition, exploring why they stand out as a strong contender in the closed-back headphone market. We'll examine the comfort offered by its lightweight yet durable construction, featuring natural wood and plush earcups, as well as the impressive soundstage and detailed audio reproduction achieved through thoughtful engineering.From its luxurious walnut or beachwood finish to the included high-quality cables and hard-shell carrying case, the FiiO FT1 exudes a sense of premium quality. This review dissects its sound characteristics, analyzing its bass response, midrange clarity, and treble performance, providing a comprehensive assessment of how these elements contribute to an overall listening experience that surpasses expectations for its price bracket. Discover whether the FiiO FT1 lives up to the hype and deserves a place in your headphone collection.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight but sturdy build
- Comfortable for extended listening sessions
- Rotating and folding design
- Breathable ear pads that dissipate heat
- High-quality ball bearing slides for adjustment
- Includes two sets of silver-plated oxygen-free copper cables (4.4mm and 3.5mm)
- Excellent bass response with impact and slam, without bleeding into other frequencies
- Well-balanced sound signature with boosted mid-range, making vocals and instruments stand out
- Incredible resolution and detail for the price point
- Warm tone with smooth overall profile
- Good sound separation
- High value proposition for the price ($150)
- Includes hard shell carrying case, snap-on 1/4in adapter
- Metal splint might cause marks on the headband over time
- Soundstage is not exceptionally wide
- Some may find the high-end slightly laid-back
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Build and Design
The FiiO FT1 headphones are available in two color schemes: North American Walnut and Beachwood. The use of natural solid wood is intended to reduce cavity resonance and minimize standing waves, contributing to a cleaner sound. The headphones are surprisingly lightweight at 340 grams (without cable), yet feel impressively sturdy.
The earcups rotate and the headphones fold, enhancing portability. They feature breathable protein leather and fabric earpads, designed to dissipate heat and ensure long-lasting comfort. The headband is similarly comfortable with a suede-like material that provides adequate support without pressure points.
The sturdy metal headband construction incorporates high-quality ball-bearing slides for a smooth and stable 12-level adjustment. The dual 3.5mm terminations and inclusion of both 4.4mm and 3.5mm silver-plated oxygen-free copper cables add to the overall premium feel.
Sound Quality and Tuning
The FiiO FT1's sound signature is a major highlight. The bass response is meticulously tuned, providing impactful and weighty low-end without bleeding into other frequencies or overwhelming the mix. This is achieved through a strategic sub-bass shelf and mid-bass cut, a deliberate design choice that differentiates it from many competitors.
The mid-range is clear and well-defined, ensuring vocals and instruments remain distinct and present. The presence region boost compensates for the bass shelf, preventing the mids from being overshadowed. The overall resolution is exceptional for a headphone in this price bracket, revealing minute details and subtle nuances.
The treble is described as laid-back, avoiding harshness or brightness. While detailed, it's natural and smooth rather than emphasized. The soundstage, while not overly wide due to the closed-back design, offers good separation and instrument placement. The overall tuning avoids the common pitfalls of overly boosted bass or fatiguing highs.
Comfort and Use
The lightweight design and spacious earcups make the FiiO FT1 incredibly comfortable for extended listening sessions. The clamping force is well-balanced, neither too tight nor too loose, contributing to the overall comfort. The deep, wide earcups comfortably accommodate most ear sizes.
The headphones are described as 'disappearing' on the head, meaning they're comfortable enough to forget you're even wearing them. This is a major factor for long listening sessions or casual usage.
The included accessories are also a plus, with a hard shell carrying case, snap-on quarter inch adapter, and two sets of cables. This comprehensive package adds to the overall value.
Conclusion and Verdict
The FiiO FT1 headphones deliver exceptional value for their price point. The combination of meticulously tuned sound, comfortable design, and premium build quality makes them a standout choice for various music genres, particularly those emphasizing bass.
The detailed sound and excellent resolution reveal subtle nuances often missed in other headphones at this price point. The comfort is exceptional for long listening sessions. The included accessories and build quality greatly contribute to the overall value.
Overall, the FiiO FT1's are highly recommended for anyone seeking a well-balanced, comfortable, and high-quality closed-back headphone at an affordable price. They represent an excellent price-to-performance ratio, offering a sound experience typically found in much more expensive models.