FiiO FT1 Pro Planar-Magnetic Headphone Review – Yo Mama
The FiiO FT1 Pro planar-magnetic headphone was provided by the company for my review and I thank them for that. You can get it here.
The $200 FiiO FT1 Pro is a neutrally tuned, well-built planar-magnetic headphone that has no real sonic flaws. With its extra features, it likely plays in the top of its price category.
PROS
- Great sound
- Great haptic, comfort, and fit
- Good value
CONS
- Headband padding could be thicker
- The textile part of the earcups is a bit flimsy
In this Article
Introduction
FiiO like to surprise us. The company was established in 2007 and first supplied people like me like me with iPod/iPad accessories including p ortable budget amps. They then diversified into all aspects of “portable listening”, may have spread themselves too thinly, and ran into quality-control issues.
They lately raised from the ashes again and, just as we approached each other, came up with a delightful line of “retro” gear, such as their CP13 personal cassette player, their CM13 BT personal CD player, their TT13z record player, and the K17 DAC-amp (with a virtual VU meter)…and a handful of (non-retro) dongles. All of these are really good, and – spoiler alert – so is this FT1 Pro headphone.
FiiO also like to confuse us as they quasi-simultaneously released the FT1 and FT1 Pro headphones. One might think the Pro is the revision of the original, but this is not the case. The FT1 is a closed-back, dynamic headphone and the FT1 Pro is an open-back, planar magnetic design. Both have essentially nothing in common (I have not auditioned the FT1).
Specifications FiiO T1 Pro
| Type | Open Back |
| Transducer Type | planar magnetic |
| Driver Size | 95*86 mm |
| Frequency Range | 7Hz-40KHz |
| Impedance: | 20Ω @1kHz |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB/VRMS @1kHz; 95 dB/mW @1kHz |
| Cable(s) | Silver-plated oxygen-free copper; ca. 150 cm |
| Connectors | dual 3.5 mm TS |
| Weight: | 374 g (w/o cables) |
| Tested At | $200 |
| Product Page | FiiO |
| Purchase Link | Aliexpress |
Physical Things and Usability
The FT1 Pro headphone comes in a generously sized and reasonably sturdy zippered hardcase. Two rather pliable, approximately approximately 1.5 m long headphone cables of good quality are included, a 3.5 mm single ended one (with 6.3 mm adapter), and a 4.4 mm balanced one, which attached via 3.5 mm TS plugs to bother earcups. Microphonics is minimal. The set is complemented by a detailed manual.
The headphone itself has features that are not typical for the $200 class: a metal frame with the earcups attached to two hinges mechanisms so that they swivel around the horizontal and vertical axes…and therefore in any direction, which makes for a perfect fit. The headband is covered with pleather, but this padding is rather thin which may result in a lack of comfort for some (not me).
On the opposite, I can wear these for hours due to their modest caliper pressure and roomy earcups (7*5 cm inner diameter, 9*8 cm outer diameter). The earpads are largely made of pleather, but the part that touches the ears is made of flimsy appearing fabric (which appears to be the FT1 Pro’s Achilles heel).
The pads are not particularly soft, but, again, this does not matter to me. They can be easily ripped off and replaced by third party ones, if required. The earcups (without the pads) are made of hard polycarbonate. The headband is adjusted to one’s head size by a precise sturdy metal mechanism.
The 95*86 mm double-sided planar-magnetic drivers do appreciate some amplification to shine, a phone alone would not do…well. You find more technical details on the FT1 Pro’s product page.
Tonality and Technicalities
The FiiO PT1 Pro is pretty much a neutral performer (but never overly analytical or sterile), and despite my criticism in the following, I really enjoy this headphone and think it is a very good one. It features a linear, robust stomping bass of intermediate tightness with not the greatest extension into the sub bass, a dip in the 1-2 kHz area, a somewhat uneven, but generally elevated lower treble and a treble rolloff starting at 10 kHz.
This translates to a good spatial presentation with vocals sometimes being a bit distant and sharp on top of a reasonably punchy bass, an energetic lower treble that can can be close to shouty (depending what frequencies are hit). The well-resolving treble starts dropping off at 10 kHz.
Planar-magnetic headphones are frequently brighter than Einstein, but the FT1 Pro is not. Nothing fatiguing here. Soundstage is average in width and depth, but with a generous headroom, imaging is good, separation and layering is what you expect in this class. What makes this headphone is its homogenous presentation. It is a good allrounder: I listened to Classical, Jazz, and Pop/Rock…until my ears popped.
Concluding Remarks
I am quite impressed by the FiiO FT1 Pro. It is built well, has no tonal quirks and is enjoyable for hours owing to its comfort and homogenous, stress-free presentation. It is good enough to be used with pricey electronics such as the EarMen stack.
Until next time…keep on listening!
Disclaimer
Our generic standard disclaimer.
