Fiio continues to make waves in the audio industry with their value-packed offerings. From their impressive BTR7 and K11 R2R to the feature-rich K19 Integrated Amplifier, Fiio consistently delivers products that punch above their weight class. Now, with the release of their FT1 closed-back headphones, they aim to bring this same value proposition to the headphone market.
What’s In The Box?
Fiio includes a surprisingly complete package for the $149 price point:
– FT1 headphones
– Storage bag
– 3.5mm headphone cable
– 4.4mm balanced cable
– 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
– Quick start guide
The inclusion of a balanced cable particularly stands out at this price point. Finding closed-back headphones with detachable cables at $149 already proves challenging – getting both standard and balanced options makes the FT1 an exceptional value proposition.
Design and Technical Specifications
The FT1 combines impressive technical specifications with premium materials:
– 60mm large drivers
– W-shaped suspension gaskets
– Nano-wood diaphragm
– Solid wood earcups
– 32 ohm impedance
– 98dB/mW@1kHz sensitivity
– 10 Hz – 40 kHz frequency response
– OFC cables with minimal microphonic noise
The large 60mm drivers utilize W-shaped suspension gaskets and a nano-wood diaphragm, promoting increased vibration across the driver’s surface area. This design choice contributes to the FT1’s warm, bass-forward signature.
Comfort and Fit
The FT1 shares similar comfort characteristics with the Sivga P2, offering excellent wearability for long listening sessions. Several design elements contribute to the overall comfort:
– 3-axis adjustment mechanism for secure fit
– Medium clamp force
– Impressive -26 dB isolation
– Firm but conforming earpads
– Adequate driver clearance for larger ears
While the earpads feel somewhat firm initially, they conform well to the head shape. The design provides substantial isolation, making these headphones suitable for recording sessions without noise bleed. When compared to competitors like the DT770, the FT1 offers superior stability and comfort for extended wear.
Sound Quality – Fiio FT1
Soundstage and Imaging
The FT1 delivers typical closed-back soundstage characteristics with some unique qualities. While horizontal spread remains limited, the large drivers create impressive vertical dimensionality. This becomes evident when listening to “Currency” by Bayway, where Jayway’s aggressive, forward vocals maintain precise positioning despite the intimate soundstage.
The imaging capabilities prove competent within the confined space, offering accurate positional cues. While you won’t find the expansive presentation of open-back designs, the FT1 creates convincing height differentiation that adds depth to the listening experience.
Bass Performance
Bass defines the FT1’s sonic character. While some manufacturers claim wood construction inherently creates warmer sound (a dubious assertion given the dominance of drivers, amplification, and source quality), these headphones definitely deliver full, rounded bass response.
The closed-back design ensures solid sub-bass extension, with particular emphasis in the high bass region. This tuning creates a warm, full-bodied presentation that works exceptionally well with certain genres.
Testing with “Conquer the World” by Defy reveals some limitations – guitar pick attacks lose definition in favor of bass emphasis. However, well-mixed bass-heavy tracks like “Lark” by Fluxion showcase the FT1’s strengths, delivering impactful low end while maintaining reasonable clarity in drum samples.
Midrange Presentation
The FT1’s midrange exhibits a forward presentation with particular emphasis on male vocal ranges. Despite the substantial bass presence, the mids avoid becoming honky or nasal. However, bass-heavy content like podcasts or movies can sometimes overwhelm the midrange depending on the mix.
During testing with Bjork’s “All is Full of Love,” the FT1 handles the subtly mixed vocals well, enriching the sound without losing the intended balance. Some distortion appears in the lower mids, particularly noticeable when using Bluetooth mode on the Questyle CMA 18 Portable – switching to USB mode provides more headroom and cleaner reproduction.
Treble Characteristics
The treble range represents the FT1’s most restrained frequency area. Testing with the Grateful Dead’s “Feel Like A Stranger” (Copps Coliseum, March 22, 1990) reveals some limitations – Jerry Garcia’s characteristic brittle tone loses some definition. While equipment variations from that era might contribute to the difference, the FT1 definitely presents a darker interpretation of this material.
However, strategic EQ can help restore some sparkle without introducing harshness. Given the price point and overall package, the somewhat subdued treble seems a reasonable compromise for the comfort and bass performance on offer.
Value Proposition
At $149, the FT1 delivers impressive value:
– Premium materials including wood cups
– Dual cable options (balanced and single-ended)
– Excellent isolation
– Comfortable design
– Strong bass performance
– Complete accessory package
Practical Applications
The FT1 excels in several use cases:
– Studio recording (thanks to good isolation)
– Bass-heavy music enjoyment
– Mobile listening (easy to drive)
– General entertainment
– Budget-conscious audiophile starting point
Who Should Consider the FT1?
These headphones will particularly appeal to:
– Bass enthusiasts
– Budget-conscious buyers
– Musicians/Artists who need isolation while recording
– Listeners preferring warm sound signatures
– Those prioritizing comfort and build quality
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
The FT1 might not suit:
– Detail-oriented listeners
– Treble enthusiasts
– Those seeking neutral tuning
– Users wanting maximum soundstage width
– Critical mixing engineers
Conclusion
The Fiio FT1 represents another impressive value proposition from a company known for exceeding expectations at budget price points. While it won’t compete with premium offerings, it delivers remarkable performance and features for $149.
The combination of solid build quality, comfortable design, and engaging sound signature makes the FT1 an excellent choice for bass enthusiasts and casual listeners. The included balanced cable and good isolation add versatility uncommon at this price point.
Though the treble refinement and ultimate detail retrieval may not satisfy critical listeners, the FT1’s warm, engaging presentation suits many popular music genres. For those seeking a comfortable, well-built closed-back headphone with emphasis on bass response, the FT1 offers exceptional value.
Fiio continues to demonstrate their ability to deliver feature-rich products at competitive prices. The FT1 joins their lineup as a capable performer that, despite some limitations, provides an engaging listening experience while maintaining the company’s reputation for value-oriented excellence.
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