Fiio FT1 Headphones: A Surprisingly Great Budget Option
The Fiio FT1 closed-back headphones represent a remarkable achievement in audio engineering. They offer surprisingly high-quality sound at a significantly lower price point than many competitors, making them a standout value in the market. This in-depth review explores their design, comfort, sound quality, and overall value proposition.
Design and Build Quality: A Retro-Modern Blend
Fiio is known for prioritizing functionality, but with the FT1, they’ve successfully blended practicality with sophisticated aesthetics. The use of real wood (walnut and beech) for the earcup shells is a unique touch, giving these headphones a premium look and feel that stands out from the crowd. This is a significant departure from the more utilitarian designs of their previous models like the FT3 and FT5. The FT1’s design closely rivals the elegant aesthetics of headphones costing much more, such as the Meze 99 Classics.
The headband employs a durable metal construction with smooth sliding rails for precise adjustment. The headband itself is comfortably padded with a soft fabric covering, ensuring a secure and fatigue-free listening experience, even during extended use. The headphones remain lightweight despite their sturdy build, further adding to their comfort. One of the standout features is the generously sized earcups, which significantly enhance the overall user experience.
The build quality is exceptional for its price range. The materials feel solid and durable, suggesting a headphone built to withstand daily use.
Key Design Features:
- Real wood earcup shells (walnut and beech options)
- Durable metal headband with smooth sliding adjustment
- Soft, padded fabric headband
- Oversized, comfortable earcups
- Lightweight design
Comfort and Accessories: Long Listening Sessions Made Easy
The FT1 headphones are designed for extended listening sessions. The plush earcups provide ample padding, guaranteeing comfort. There’s a noticeable absence of excessive clamping force, allowing for a relaxed and pleasant fit. The materials used in the earcups and headband are remarkably soft against the skin.
The package comes with a thoughtfully curated selection of accessories. You’ll receive two detachable cables: a standard 3.5mm cable and a 4.4mm balanced cable, catering to a variety of devices. A sturdy hard-shell carrying case is also included and is a nice addition, allowing for safe and convenient portability despite the headphones’ non-folding design.
Accessories Included:
- 3.5mm cable
- 4.4mm balanced cable
- Hard-shell carrying case
Sound Quality: A Delightful Listening Experience
The FT1 boasts a 60mm dynamic driver with a specialized nanowood fiber composite diaphragm. Fiio has clearly refined the sound profile compared to its predecessors. The audio quality is remarkable for the price point. Testing with various audio sources, including the Fiio BTR13, M23, and K19 DAC, revealed a consistently impressive sound stage.
The bass response is particularly noteworthy. The FT1 delivers deep, full-bodied bass without being overwhelming or muddy. While there might be slight exaggeration in certain bass frequencies, it adds to the overall liveliness and enjoyment of the music. The mid-range is warm and clear, allowing vocals to shine with excellent detail. The highs retain a pleasant sparkle, avoiding any harshness or sibilance that can be common in less expensive headphones.
The overall sound signature could be described as “musical” rather than strictly neutral or analytical—the focus is on delivering an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Sound Profile Summary:
- Strong and well-controlled bass response
- Warm and detailed mid-range
- Clear and sparkly treble, without harshness
- Engaging and musical sound signature
Value and Conclusion: Exceptional Value for the Price
The Fiio FT1 headphones provide exceptional value. At a price that sits considerably below many competitors offering similar sound quality, they deliver remarkable performance across the board. Their blend of compelling design, exceptional comfort, and genuinely impressive audio makes them a highly compelling option. While the sound isn’t rigidly neutral—a characteristic favored by some audiophiles—the musical and fun presentation makes the FT1 a fantastic all-around choice for casual listening.
In comparison to similarly priced competitors and even some more expensive headphones, like the Meze 99 Classics, the FT1 often comes out ahead thanks to its combination of features and striking design. They offer a sophisticated design that is both visually appealing and functional. Their incredible comfort features allow for extended listening sessions without worry, and the impressive sound quality exceeds all expectations.
The release of the Fiio FT1 Pro, a slightly more premium model at $199, hints that Fiio may continue to improve upon this already excellent design. But for those seeking an exceptional and stylish budget headphone, the original FT1 deserves serious consideration. For less than $300 they are a fantastic choice for both daily use and a pleasing listening experience.
