In this review, we’ll go into detail about:
- the sound of the headphones.
- design, fit and comfort.
- compare them to other models.
- decide if the headphones are worthy of their price.
What does the manufacturer offers in the in-ear headphones
Fiio FT1?
Sound of the FIIO FT1 full-size headphones
The sound of the Fiio FT1 can be characterized as V-shaped with an emphasis on bass and treble, which immediately makes the sound more vivid, but can cause the midrange to feel under-emphasized. This gives drive and energy, especially on electronic and pop music, but audiophiles may notice a lack of detail and naturalness in the midrange and a funky bass delivery.
- Bass – 8 : The bass range in the FT1 is accentuated, especially the midbass, which adds density and energy, but can sometimes be too dominant, drowning out detail in other frequency ranges. The sub bass is present, but its depth and intelligibility can suffer with complex compositions. For example, in Massive Attack’ s “Angel”, the punk from the bass guitar and drums feels powerful, but the attacks are blurred and the decays are not controlled enough, making the bass less textured.
- Midrange – 7.5 : The FT1’s midrange lags noticeably – male and female voices can sound drowned out and without the necessary expressiveness. Instruments such as guitars and flutes sound synthetic and do not convey full depth and timbre. For example, in the Norah Jones song “Don’t Know Why,” the vocals don’t seem dense enough and lose their soulfulness. Instruments do not sound full-bodied, they lack body, which is especially felt when playing live instruments such as strings and brass.
- High frequencies – 8 : in FT1 are bright, but can become aggressive when listened to loudly. In cymbal and hissing sounds (e.g. Radiohead’s “Weird Fishes”) a tendency towards sibilants can be felt, especially at sharp peaks. In some tracks this adds brightness, but over long listening sessions it can become tiresome and seem unnatural.
- Detail – 7.5 : in FT1 at an average level. Tiny elements of the recording can be discerned in some tracks, but the lack of balance in the midrange makes the overall presentation a bit muddy. Details are often lost in complex music scenes, especially in genres with plenty of instruments, like Pink Floyd’s “Time”. A fair amount of nuance can be heard in quieter tracks, but subtle sounds and textures are harder to make out in rich tracks.
- Stage – 7.5 : the Fiio FT1 offers a wide but not deep enough soundstage, yet still allows the listener to position the placement of artists and instruments in space. Vocals sound three-dimensional, creating a sense of presence, and instruments take their positions in the soundscape. This is especially noticeable when listening to complex songs where detail and spatialization are important.
- Conclusion: Fiio FT1 have a bright but unbalanced presentation, where the emphasis on bass and treble gives drive, but at the cost of average detail with no deep stage and inarticulate sound in the midbass and lower midrange. These headphones will suit fans of electronic music and pop, but may disappoint those who appreciate the natural and detailed sound of acoustic genres or classical.
Comparison with competitors
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- SIVGA SV021
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- HIFIMAN HE-R9
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- SIVGA P2 PRO
- Fiio FT1 or Sivga SV021 (with dynamic drivers): The Fiio FT1 stand out for their V-shaped AFC with emphasis on bass and treble, giving the sound dynamic and detailed. While the Sivga SV021s provide a more balanced sound with soft bass and emphasized midrange, making them an excellent choice for vocal and acoustic genres. The SV021s are also known for their warm sound character and good midrange extension. In terms of design, the Sivga SV021s stand out for their premium materials and design, while the Fiio FT1s appeal with their energetic presentation that enhances the emotional immersion in the music.
- Fiio FT1 or HIFIMAN HE-R9 (with dynamic drivers): The Fiio FT1s offer a more balanced sound with an emphasis on rich bass and bright treble, making them ideal for genres with dynamic, energetic compositions. In contrast, the HIFIMAN HE-R9s offer even more powerful bass, smoother and more synthetic midrange than the Fiio, and are inferior in detail and precision. The HE-R9s perform better in electronic and synthetic music with an emphasis on bass. The FT1s stand out with better detail and naturalness, as well as a more attractive and premium design.
- Fiio FT1 (with dynamic drivers) or SIVGA P-II PRO (with planar drivers): The SIVGA P-II Pro are open planar headphones with linear sound delivery, providing exceptional detail and wide stage, especially in the mid and high frequency ranges, as well as structured and clear bass. Unlike the Fiio FT1s, which are geared towards everyday use and stand out for their emphasis on bass, the P-II Pro offer deep, detailed midrange and a more natural sound. However, due to their open design, the Sivga P-II Pro are not as suitable for noisy places where the Fiio FT1s, due to their closed design and good noise isolation, would be a better choice. The cost of the P-II Pro is significantly higher compared to the FT1.
Design, package and comfort - Fiio FT1
The packaging of the Fiio FT1 headphones is made of high-quality cardboard with a bright design that emphasizes the style and premium nature of the product. Inside, the headphones and accessories are neatly placed, providing a secure and presentable look when opened.
The design of the FIIO FT1 successfully combines natural and modern materials, offering not only aesthetic pleasure but also a high level of comfort. Design - 10 The Fiio FT1s are definitely worth considering for everyday use and music enjoyment, and I recommend them for purchase without a doubt.
A metal headband covered in eco-leather provides strength and durability. This combination of materials not only looks stylish, but also provides comfort during prolonged use. The headband is widely adjustable, which makes it easy to adjust the headphones to the size of the user’s head.
The ear cushions are made of soft material, which provides excellent comfort during listening. The outer part of the ear cushions is lined with eco-leather, which adds a touch of sophistication, while the part adjacent to the body is made of fabric, which provides good breathability and minimizes overheating of the ears even during prolonged wear. This approach to design makes the FIIO FT1s ideal for long sessions of music listening.
Comfort - 10
Set - 9Fiio FT1 Specifications
What's in the box of the Fiio FT1?
Fiio FT1 Conclusion
