Fiio FT1 Pro Review

Fiio impressed many with their FT1 cosed back headphones, and now they’ve released an open-back companion that is just as affordable. The FT1 Pro is a planar headphone that coasts $199, which you don’t see a lot of, especially for a large driver headphone like this one. Let’s dive into the FT1 Pro’s specifications, sound quality across various frequencies, and overall performance to help you determine whether it’s worth the investment. With a growing interest in high-quality audio and an increasing number of enthusiasts searching for the best bang for their buck, the FT1 Pro could as a noteworthy contender.

What You Get

• FT1 Pro Headphones
• Storage bag
• packaging box
• 4.4mm balanced cable
• 3.5mm single-ended cable
• 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
• Quick start guide

Look & Feel

In terms of its structure, the FT1 Pro shares simialr aspects to the FT1. For the price the FT1 has a suitable wooden design, but the FT1 Pro replaces those cups with open-back grilles. The headband is mostly carried over, with its steel slide rail that gives the FT1 Pro a very mechanical look. This isn’t the most solid design, and could use more refinment. The swivel of the ear cups makes the build seem a little flimsy, but I don’t think they’re going to fall apart at any minute. Comfortwise the FT1 Pro is exactly what it needs to be. The pads are firm, and the headphones are light enough to wear for a number of hours without fatigue.

Design

The FT1 Pro has a 95x86mm planar magnetic driver with a 1μm thin diaphragm. It uses a Sapphire+Aluminum dual-coating technology which is implimented to enahnce the headphone’s tuning and signal flow properties. It also reduces power requirements because of its lightweight design. In practice, the FT1 Pro is a very easy headphone to drive, and can run well off of most headphone outputs, but using a DAC with the 4.4mm option Fiio provides is the most ideal way to listen to these headphones.

Soundstage

I’ve listened to a few open-back headphones in this price range that go beyond what you expect the soundstage to do, but the FT1 Pro has a certain wow factor that struck me. Every track communicates effective spaciousness where the sounds never feel like they’re being emitted from a driver. The sounds naturally become a part of the open air thanks to a large headspace that even some higher-end headphones don’t have. With the FT1 Pro, the sound field expands over your head and even wraps around you. It’s displayed like a massive spare surrounding you, with every sound blooming from a specific origin point.

If you’re looking for a more intimate space with more pointed precision, the FT1 Pro might not be what you’re looking for. When I listen to it, the soundstage and spatial imaging enwrap me, but the physical positioning of the sounds isn’t very direct. The FT1 Pro is going more for spectacle than it is realism, and after spending a significant amount of time with it, that effect is more than welcome.

Low End

While some of the strong bass resonance could be a bit deeper, the FT1 Pro has a gripping low-end tone. The timbre has a grounded rumble that all the bass frequencies are built on. It smoothly vibrates around your jaw, and it shapes bass well. Strumming bass notes feel full, and their definition is very clear. They don’t always have the greatest separation, but the response is nowhere near bloated. Nothing ever bleeds into the mids, but there does feel like there’s compromise in certain areas. For instance, the mid-bass appears more subdued in its punch. There’s not as much finesse here, even when the tone thickens below it. As a result, the FT1 Pro is missing some impact, but the overall resolution of the bass frequencies is satisfying.

Mids

Listening to performances from strings, keys and vocals reveals the true balance of the FT1 Pro’s midrange. Everything has the right amount of drive, with individual instreuments being supported with good weight and detail. There’s more accent to the low-mids, but it flattens out rather smoohtly, adding plenty of room for midrange sounds to show prominance. I couldn’t pick out any decernable texture from the midrange, but it reolved well for an open-back headphone in this price range. Nothing ever feels overcrowed even with busier mixes. Specific notes their limelight, especially with piano notes that have the right amount of cut to them.

Highs

Where the treble excels on the FT1 Pro is in its height. There’s a sense of air with a tinge of light sparkle that while not as prominant in the mix, adds jut enough flavor to be notable. Otherwise, the highs on the FT1 Pro are tight and well managed. There are spurts of brighness in places, but it’s usually used to compliment the natrual ressoannce of an insterument rather than being a distracting side effect. It gives bells a nice ring to them, and vocals a characteristic crispness. Cymbals don’t recive the same amount of love with their lack of satisfying sizzle, but the highs play enough of a role in the sound signature to make a strong impression.

Summary

The FT1 Pro Headphones offer a compelling blend of design, comfort, and sound quality that appeals to audiophiles and casual listeners alike. The expansive soundstage, precise detailing, and overall balanced performance create a unique listening experience that feels immersive. For those looking to redefine their audio boundaries without breaking the bank, the FT1 Pro presents a strong value proposition. Whether you’re enjoying your favorite tunes or diving into the depths of a cinematic soundtrack, these headphones are sure to enhance your auditory journey.

The Fiio FT1 Pro is available at Audio46.