FiiO FT1 Headphone Review

 

Introduction:

The FiiO FT1 is a full-sized dynamic driver headphone featuring a 60mm second-generation Dynamic Driver with a Nano Wood Fiber Composite Diaphragm. Designed for a wide frequency response range from 10Hz to 40kHz, the FT1 focuses on delivering precise audio with minimal distortion.

Constructed with an adaptive 3-axis headband and solid wood headphone cups, the FT1 emphasizes comfort and quality for a pretty affordable price. The FT1 comes with two silver-plated oxygen-free copper cables, terminated in 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs. Crafted from silver-plated oxygen-free copper with 392 wires of 24AWG thickness and measuring 1.5 meters in length, these cables ensure compatibility with a variety of audio devices.

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank FiiO for providing me the FT1 Headphone for review purposes. I am not affiliated with FiiO beyond this review and these words reflect my true and unaltered opinions about the product.

 

Price & Availability:

The actual price of the FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Headphone is 149.99 US$. More information’s can be found under the links below;

• FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Headphone

 

Inside the Box:

The FiiO FT1 arrives in a comes with a rich set of accessories that includes the following items;

• 1 x FiiO FT1 Headphone
• 1 x 3.5mm Single Ended Detachable Cable
• 1 x 4.4mm Balanced Detachable Cable
• 1 x 3.5mm to 6.35mm Male Adapter
• 1 x Storage Box
• 1 x Pint Material

 

Design & Build Quality:

The FiiO FT1 headphones stand out with their distinctive and elegant design, combining natural materials with modern engineering. The earcups are made from solid wood, available in North American walnut and Chinese beech wood.

North American walnut is known for its beautiful grain and warm texture, often used in luxury products such as yachts, cars, and custom furniture. Chinese beech wood, native to China, is characterized by its dense and hard material, strong corrosion resistance, and elegant grain.

The earcups of the FT1 are designed to optimize sound quality and insulation. High-density wood cups, a spiral-shaped resonance-dissipating cavity, and specially-designed rear-chamber sound-absorbing cotton work together to minimize unwanted resonance and internal reflections, ensuring clear audio reproduction.

The U-shaped acoustic damping tube helps control airflow and damping, contributing to balanced and accurate sound output. This design provides the FT1 with -26dB sound insulation, superior to typical HiFi closed-back headphones.

The FT1 features a second-generation 60mm large dynamic driver, designed for enhanced energy conversion efficiency and potent bass with deeper, dynamic sound. The driver includes an ultra-fine Japanese CCAW (Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire) voice coil, with a diameter of 25mm, improving transducer efficiency and transient response. The coil frame, made of lightweight KSV (Kapton), reduces diaphragm mass, enhancing response speed and minimizing reverberation.

The diaphragm is crafted from wood fibers of 90-year-old spruce from Northern Europe, known for its clear sound and natural tone. After processing and the addition of carbon fiber for toughness, the final diaphragm is lightweight at about 0.1mm thick. Light PU material used for the suspension gasket further improves low-frequency elasticity and diaphragm compliance.

At the bottom of each earcup are 3.5mm TRS connectors, ensuring versatile connectivity.

The FT1 includes an adaptive 3-axis headband equipped with durable ball-bearing slides, ensuring a snug fit and minimizing sound loss. The headband offers 12 notches of adjustment to accommodate various head sizes, providing both comfort and stability during extended listening sessions. The headband can slide up to 38mm, allowing for precise height adjustments.

The L/R indicators discreetly located on the inner surface of the headband.

The headphones feature a suede leather headband and breathable fabric ear pads, designed for comfort during extended listening sessions. Protein leather accents contribute to the overall premium look and feel.

Additionally, the FT1 comes with two silver-plated oxygen-free copper cables, terminated in 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs. These cables are crafted with 392 wires of 24AWG thickness and measure 1.5 meters in length, ensuring compatibility with a variety of audio devices.

Overall, the FiiO FT1 combines advanced technology, high-quality materials, and thoughtful design that is excellent in terms of value for a headphone at this price level.

 

Comfort & Isolation:

The FiiO FT1 features breathable fabric ear pads with a 4.5N±0.3N clamping force, providing a comfortable fit. The 3-axis adaptive headband rotates at multiple angles to accommodate various head sizes, further enhancing comfort.

The FT1 offers pretty effective passive noise isolation. With a -26dB sound insulation rating, it outperforms many closed-back HiFi headphones in this regard.

 

Pairing:

The FiiO FT1 is equipped with a 60mm large dynamic driver unit, featuring an impedance of 32Ω and a sensitivity of 98dB/mW@1kHz. This makes it relatively easy to drive, performing well with devices like the KA17 dongle. However, to fully realize the headphone’s potential, it is recommended to use it with a Digital Audio Player (DAP) like the M23 or a portable DAC/AMP such as the Q15 for optimal performance.

 

 

Technical Specifications:

• Headphone type : Closed-back dynamic headphones
• Frequency response : 10Hz-40kHz
• Driver Type : 60mm dynamic
• Impedance : 32Ω Sensitivity 98dB/mW@1kHz / 113dB/Vrms@1kHz
• Cable material : Silver-plated oxygen-free copper
• Earpad pressure : 4.5N±0.3N
• Cable length : about 1.5m
• Weight : 340g (excluding cable)
• Headphone connector : Dual 3.5mm TRS
• Audio cable plug : 1x 3.5mm Single Ended + 1x 4.4mm Balanced
• Ear cup material : Black walnut/Beech

 

Equipment’s used for this review:

• Headphones              : FiiO FT1, SIVGA Oriole
• Sources                     : FiiO M23, FiiO Q15, FiiO K17

  

Albums & tracks used for this review:

• Adele – My Little Love (TIDAL)
• Randy Crawford – On Day I Will Fly Away (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Hayley Westenra – Odyssey Album (Dezzer HiFi)
• Dionne Warwick – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sarah McLachlan – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Sertap Erener – Aşk (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Edith Piaf – Non Je Ne Regrette Rien (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Diana Krall – So Wonderful (DSF)
• Aretha Franklin – I Say A Little Payer (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Sonya Yoncheva – (Giuseppe Verdi) II Trovatore, ActI (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• George Michael – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• David Bowie – Heroes (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Elton John – Rocket Man ((Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Barry White – Just The Way You Are (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Isaac Hayes – Walk On By (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Sting – Englishman in New York – (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• B. King – Riding With The King (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Dave Gahan – Kingdom (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• U2 – Sunday Bloody Sunday (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Muse – Hysteria (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Rush – YYZ (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Red Hot Chili Peppers – Nobody Weird Like Me (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Bro Safari, UFO! – Drama (Deezer HiFi)
• Rok Nardin – Berserks (Spotify)
• Bear McCreary – Valkyries “God of War OST” (Deezer HiFi)
• Armin Van Buuren – Vini Vici (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Daft Punk – Doin’ it Right (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Jo Blankenburg – Meraki (Spotify)
• Lorde – Royals (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Massive Attack – Angel (Flac 24bit/48kHz)
• Toutant – Rebirth (Deezer HiFi)
• Gogo Penguin – Raven (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Gogo Penguin – Murmuration (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Alboran Trio’s – Cinque Lunghissimi Minuti (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Portishead – It Could Be Sweet (Spotify)
• Max Richter – On the Nature of Daylight (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Charly Antolini – Duwadjuwandadu (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Ferit Odman – Look, Stop & Listen (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Chopin – Nocturn No. 20 In C-Sharp Minor (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Fazıl Say – Nazım Oratoryosu (Live) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Vivaldi – Le QuarttroStagioni “The Four Season” (Deezer HiFi)
• Otto Liebert& Luna Negra – The River (Flac 24bit/192kHz)
• Lunatic Soul – The Passage (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove it) (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Metallica – Sad but True (Flac 24bit/96kHz)
• Opeth – Windowpane (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Megadeth – Sweating Bullets (Tidal Hi-Fi)
• Rush’s – Leave That Thing Alone (Flac 16bit/44.1kHz)
• Slayer – Angel of Death (Spotify)
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 – Acid Rain (Spotify)
• Yosi Horikawa – Bubbles (Spotify)

 

The Sound:

The FiiO FT1 headphones offer a rich and immersive sound profile that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Characterized by a warm tone and slightly elevated bass, the FT1 delivers an engaging and inviting listening experience. This tuning is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a dynamic sound with a solid bass foundation without sacrificing clarity and detail in the midrange and treble. The balance across frequencies is well-maintained, ensuring that the prominent bass does not overshadow the midrange and treble. This creates a cohesive and harmonious sound that is both pleasant and versatile. The soundstage, while not the most expansive, provides a clear and detailed presentation that allows for a coherent and immersive listening experience. It offers a sense of intimacy, drawing the listener into the music and making it feel personal and engaging. The overall sound signature of the FT1 makes it a great choice for a variety of music genres, from electronic and rock to jazz and classical.

Let’s take a deeper look to the sonic performance of the FiiO FT1 closed-back headphone.

PS: This review has been written after a burn-in period of 50 hours. Sources are FiiO M23 Digital Audio Player, FiiO Q15 Portable DAC/Amplifier and the FiiO K17 USB DAC/AMP dongle.

 

Bass:

The bass performance of the FT1 is both authoritative and dynamic, delivering a robust and rich lower end that supports the overall sound. The bass extends deep into the lower frequencies, covering both the sub-bass and mid-bass regions, which adds richness and depth without overwhelming the listener. This robust bass response is particularly beneficial for genres such as electronic, hip-hop, and rock, where bass guitars, kick drums, and synthesized bass lines come to life with impressive impact. Tracks like Daft Punk’s “Doin’ it Right” and Muse’s “Hysteria” showcase the FT1’s ability to deliver deep, resonant bass while maintaining clarity.

The sub-bass provides that deep rumble and foundation that gives music its weight and power, while the mid-bass adds punch and energy, crucial for driving rhythm and groove. The bass is well-controlled and does not bleed into the midrange, preserving the overall integrity of the sound. This means that the bass remains tight and punchy, adding to the overall dynamic range of the headphones.

The FT1’s bass performance is also notable for its ability to handle complex bass lines and fast rhythms with ease, making it a great choice for listeners who enjoy genres with heavy bass content. Despite its power, the bass does not become overwhelming, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable listening experience.

For its price point, the bass performance of the FT1 is exceptional, providing rich, impactful lows that enhance the overall listening experience without overpowering other frequencies. This level of performance makes the FT1 a solid choice for those seeking deep, resonant bass in their music.

 

Midrange:

The midrange on the FiiO FT1 is characterized by its articulation and detail, ensuring that vocals and instruments are rendered with clarity and precision. This frequency range is crucial for conveying the nuances of both male and female vocals, as well as instruments like guitars, pianos, and strings. The midrange sounds slightly recessed compared to the bass and treble, but it excels in resolving intricate details, making vocal expressions distinct.

The lower midrange handles the warmth and body of the sound, providing a solid foundation for male vocals and instruments like the cello and double bass. This frequency range ensures that these elements have a full and rich sound, adding depth to the music. Tracks such as Adele’s “My Little Love” and George Michael’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” exemplify the FT1’s ability to deliver full-bodied and emotive vocals.

The upper midrange covers the presence range, which is essential for female vocals and higher-pitched instruments like violins and flutes. This range brings clarity and detail to the music, making it sound more lifelike and engaging. Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel” and Elton John’s “Rocket Man” highlight the FT1’s ability to present vocals with clarity and emotion, allowing the listener to appreciate the subtleties in the performance.

The midrange performance is characterized by its natural and lifelike presentation, making it suitable for genres that require detailed and precise audio reproduction. The FT1’s ability to reproduce the midrange accurately ensures that instruments like violins, acoustic guitars, and pianos sound realistic and engaging. This makes the FT1 a strong choice for listeners who appreciate the finer details in their music, as it allows them to hear every nuance and subtlety in their favorite tracks. The midrange performance of the FT1 is notable for its level of detail and clarity, providing a thoroughly satisfying listening experience.

 

Treble:

The treble performance of the FT1 is characterized by its smooth and extended response, offering ample detail and clarity without becoming harsh or sibilant. This ensures that high-frequency elements, such as cymbals, hi-hats, and string harmonics, are reproduced with finesse and sparkle. The treble adds air and brightness to the overall sound, enhancing the sense of space and definition. While some listeners might find the treble slightly bright, this characteristic can be adjusted with equalization to suit individual preferences.

The lower treble, also known as the presence region, contributes to the clarity and detail of instruments and vocals, ensuring that elements like Diana Krall’s “So Wonderful” sound crisp and engaging. The upper treble, or brilliance region, adds air and sparkle to the sound, enhancing the sense of space and definition. This helps high-frequency instruments such as cymbals and string harmonics to stand out without being harsh.

Songs like Diana Krall’s “So Wonderful” and Aretha Franklin’s “I Say A Little Prayer” highlight the FT1’s ability to deliver crisp and clear treble. The treble performance extends into the higher frequencies without becoming fatiguing, ensuring a pleasant listening experience even during extended sessions. The FT1’s treble response is notable for its ability to reveal subtle details and nuances in high-frequency instruments, making it suitable for genres that require a high level of detail and clarity in the treble range. This level of detail ensures that listeners can appreciate the intricate textures and overtones in their favorite music, providing a thorough and precise auditory experience.

  

Soundstage & Imaging:

The soundstage of the FT1 is intimate and focused, offering a sense of proximity and engagement with the music. It may not provide an expansive spatial experience, but it excels in creating a coherent and well-defined soundscape. The imaging capabilities are noteworthy, accurately positioning instruments and vocals within the audio field. This precision allows listeners to pinpoint the location of various elements in the mix, enhancing the overall sense of realism.

Instruments such as drums, guitars, and brass benefit from this precise imaging, making the FT1 a solid choice for genres that demand accurate sound placement, like orchestral and live recordings. For example, listening to Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons” or Max Richter’s “On the Nature of Daylight” reveals its capability to place instruments accurately within the soundstage. The FT1’s performance also adds a sense of depth and dimension, making the music feel more three-dimensional and realistic, enhancing the overall listening experience.

 

Comparison:

FiiO FT1 versus SIVGA Oriole:

 

Bass:

The bass performance of the FiiO FT1 is authoritative and dynamic, delivering a robust and rich lower end that supports the overall sound. The bass extends deep into the lower frequencies, covering both the sub-bass and mid-bass regions, adding richness and depth without overwhelming the listener. The FT1’s bass is well-controlled and does not bleed into the midrange, maintaining clarity and precision.

In contrast, the SIVGA Oriole has a fairly balanced bass response with a focus on the sub-bass region, which is slightly more prominent than the mid-bass. The sub-bass provides an entertaining rumble, while the mid-bass offers a more linear and moderate intensity. The Oriole’s bass is clean, controlled, and detailed, but it could benefit from more body and impact. Overall, the Oriole provides a balanced bass with an emphasis on sub-bass, whereas the FT1 delivers a more dynamic and rich bass experience.

 

Midrange

The midrange of the FiiO FT1 is detailed and articulate, with clarity in both male and female vocals and instruments like guitars and pianos. The lower midrange provides warmth and body, enhancing the depth of male vocals and certain instruments. The upper midrange covers the presence range, adding clarity and detail, making female vocals and higher-pitched instruments sound more lifelike and engaging. The FT1 excels in resolving intricate details, making vocal expressions distinct.

The SIVGA Oriole’s midrange is characterized by transparency and resolution, offering a slightly warmer than neutral tonality. The lower midrange has moderate depth and body but could use more intensity. The upper midrange is more highlighted, making female vocals lively and energetic. However, a peak around the 2 kHz region can make some tracks sound bright and saturated. The Oriole’s midrange is detailed and transparent, while the FT1 offers a more balanced and natural presentation.

 

Treble:

The treble performance of the FiiO FT1 is smooth and extended, with ample detail and clarity. The lower treble adds clarity and detail, while the upper treble, or brilliance region, enhances air and sparkle. This ensures high-frequency elements are reproduced with finesse and sparkle without becoming harsh.

The SIVGA Oriole’s lower treble is more highlighted and dynamic, with an audible peak that can make poorly recorded tracks sound sharp and sibilant at higher volumes. The upper treble is smoother and more controlled but has slightly shorter extension. Instruments like hi-hats and snare drums are present but might lack the finesse found in the FT1. The FT1 provides a smoother treble experience, while the Oriole is more dynamic and detailed but can be unforgiving on poor recordings.

 

Soundstage & Imaging:

The FiiO FT1 offers an intimate and focused soundstage, providing a sense of proximity and engagement. Its imaging capabilities accurately position instruments and vocals, enhancing the overall realism of the music.

The SIVGA Oriole offers a spacious soundstage for a closed-back headphone, with good depth and width. It allows for precise placement and separation of instruments and vocals, creating a more expansive listening experience. The Oriole’s soundstage is impressive for its price, offering a good sense of space and dimension.

 

Conclusion:

The FiiO FT1 headphones offer a balanced combination of sound quality, design, and value. With a sound signature that includes robust bass, detailed midrange, and smooth treble, these headphones cater to a wide range of musical preferences. Designed with both aesthetics and comfort in mind, the FT1 features a sleek, modern look and ergonomic fit, suitable for extended listening sessions. The materials used in their construction ensure durability, while advanced driver technology and acoustic engineering deliver precise audio performance. In terms of value, the FT1 provides solid performance at a competitive price. The combination of sound quality, durable design, and advanced technology offers significant value. Overall, the FiiO FT1 headphones deliver a reliable listening experience, making them a decent option for those seeking a solid sound performance without overspending.

 

Pros & Cons: 

• + Overall Sound Performance (robust bass, detailed midrange, and smooth treble)
• + Warmth and Musicality
• + Ergonomic design suitable for extended listening sessions
• + Build quality and aesthetics
• + Comes with two separate cables (1x 3.5mm SE and 1x 4.4mm BAL)
• + Storage Case is a nice addition
• + Very competitive price for the performance offered

 

• – May not be suitable for those seeking an analytical sound profile
• – Slightly intimate soundstage atmosphere
• – Some may prefer a modular headphone plug design instead of two separate cables

 

Thank you for the Read!