What we liked
- The value for money
- The warm musicality
- The high-quality cables
- The comfort
- The wooden ear cups
We would have liked
- A slightly wider soundstage
Our expert’s opinion
The FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones deliver a warm, balanced sound reproduction, highlighting deep bass and precise vocals. Their meticulous design, with wooden shells and high-quality cables, gives them a certain charm at a very affordable price. As a result, they’re a solid choice for those looking for versatile and affordable headphones.
The brand’s first closed-back model, the FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones feature very large, 2.4″ dynamic transducers. Equipped with wooden ear cups, these headphones promise high-quality sound, attractive aesthetics and great comfort. Priced at €149, are the FiiO FT1 headphones the new benchmark for closed-back models under €200?
Included accessories
The FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones are delivered in an attractive hard carrying case. In addition to the headphones, a 3.5mm unbalanced cable, 4.4mm balanced cable and 3.5mm mini-jack to 6.35mm adapter are included. All the necessary documentation is also in the box.
Presentation
Audio design
The FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones are a closed-back model that surrounds the ears (circumaural). Their dynamic transducers are particularly large, measuring 2.4 inches in diameter. They promise a precise, accurate sound reproduction, with deep, powerful bass. A Hi-Res certification attests to their ability to cover a wide frequency range, from 10Hz to 40kHz. Consequently, these headphones promise to deliver every musical nuance.
The nanowood composite diaphragm and W-shaped surround joint optimize vibration and distortion reduction. The result is a rich, clear sound.
For an uncompromising sound experience, the FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones incorporate innovative technical solutions. A U-shaped damping tube improves acoustic insulation by reducing internal resonance. This guarantees total immersion with a reduction in external noise of up to -28 dB. Furthermore, the conical baffle plate placed in front of the transducer optimizes the latter’s alignment with the ear. This eliminates standing waves and preserves high-frequency accuracy.
Versatile connectivity
Supplied with two detachable braided cables, the FiiO FT1 headphones ensure optimum sound transmission from source to ear. These silver-plated, oxygen-free copper cables, made up of 392 thick 24 AWG wires, preserve the integrity of the audio signal. There’s an unbalanced cable with a 3.5mm mini-jack connector, and a balanced cable with a 4.4mm Pentaconn connector. A 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter is also included for added versatility. The FiiO FT1 headphones are therefore compatible with a wide range of equipment, from smartphones to headphone amplifiers. On the ear cups, 3.5mm TRS connectors make it easy to replace the cables if needed.
Elegant design and optimized comfort
With their refined design and polished look, the FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones immediately inspire a feeling of quality when you first pick them up. In addition to their visual appeal, the walnut wood shells promise improved acoustic performance. Their natural properties effectively absorb unwanted vibrations generated by diaphragm movements or internal sound waves. This reduces resonance and minimizes distortion, resulting in a clearer, more balanced and more natural sound reproduction.
The circumaural ear pads (which surround the ears) are made of breathable fabric to prevent overheating and humidity. They are replaceable, lengthening the lifespan of the headphones. In addition, the three-axis adjustable headband and imitation leather strap ensure that the headphones’ weight is evenly distributed for all users.
Designed for easy portability, the FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones come with a hard carrying case. The latter is very elegant, with a fabric finish, and provides effective protection for the headphones.
Key specifications
- Closed-back, over-ear headphones
- 2.4″ dynamic transducers
- Frequency response: 10Hz – 40kHz
- Sensitivity: 98 dB/mW at 1kHz – 113 dB/Vrms at 1kHz
- Impedance: 32 ohms
- Source connectors: 3.5mm and 4.4mm
- Weight: 340g
Listening conditions
We tested the FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones with the FiiO R7 headphone amp, as well as with a smartphone and a computer paired with the Audioquest DragonFly Red DAC. We listened to Hi-Res music streamed from Qobuz.
Listening impressions
Thanks to their 2.4″ transducers, the FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones offered a warm, immersive sound reproduction, emphasizing deep bass and excellent vocal definition. They were particularly impressive with intimate and rhythmic tracks, where their balanced sound signature revealed all the richness of the original musical arrangements.
On Drake’s “Emotionless”, the headphones excelled in rendering bass with controlled power, giving body to the track without ever weighing down the mix. The rapper’s calm voice, at the center of the composition, was perfectly clear. The piano notes sometimes lacked precision and were a little subdued. Nevertheless, the listening experience remained smooth and captivating. The soundstage of the FiiO FT1, although moderately wide for closed-back headphones, offered a precise image and good instrument separation.
With Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather”, the FT1 demonstrated its ability to enhance vocals. The softness and intimacy of the interpretation were rendered with precision. Discreet instruments such as the piano and percussion were deployed with precision, adding an immersive feel to the listening experience. Finally, on SZA’s “Saturn”, the headphones impressed us with their ability to capture the raw emotion of the performance. The balanced bass supported the melody well, creating a rich, enveloping base. SZA’s nuanced vocals came through beautifully, as did the background instruments, especially the strings, which stood out clearly.
Your impressions
The build quality is excellent and the length of the cable is decent; it isn’t too short. Soundwise, compared to other wired headphones that I own, the FiiO FT1 is in second place, as first place is reserved for a pair of Focal headphones (which are four times more expensive!). So, at this price, don’t hesitate: you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Review by Didier641, August 8, 2025
Amazing sound quality for the price! Paired with an iFi Audio Go Link USB DAC, the balance is remarkable. Bass, mids, highs, everything is there… The build quality is great, the cables appear to be high quality, and there’s an elegant pouch to protect these beautiful headphones. The only slight downside is comfort, as I have large ears, but it’s nothing major. I use them for music and video games. They’re the best headphones I own, much better than my IEMs, and their price is incredible.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Review by tajmal, July 12, 2025
FiiO FT1 compared to…
HiFiMAN Sundara Closed-Back: the FiiO FT1 stand out for their warm sound signature, with deep bass and excellent vocal definition. The HiFiMAN Sundara Closed-Back, on the other hand, offer a more neutral sound reproduction, with higher treble and a wider soundstage. In terms of comfort, the FiiO FT1 are both lighter and more comfortable to wear over long listening sessions.
Sennheiser HD 560S: this model has a higher impedance and sensitivity than the FiiO, enabling it to be powered more easily. The FiiO FT1 offer fuller, more enveloping bass, thanks to their larger transducers. However, the Sennheiser headphones are more precise in the high frequencies, enabling them to deliver more detailed treble.
Who are these headphones designed for?
The FiiO FT1 headphones are ideal for music lovers looking for a closed-back model offering deep bass, clear vocals and an immersive sound reproduction, all for less than €150. Perfect for contemporary music fans, they will also appeal to those who value comfort and versatility thanks to their detachable cables.
FiiO FT1 – FAQ
The FiiO FT1 hi-fi headphones are a closed-back model.
The FiiO FT1 headphones are equipped with 60mm dynamic transducers. Certified Hi-Res, the headphones ensure a wide frequency response from 10Hz to 40kHz.
These headphones have a warm sound signature, with round bass and excellent vocal definition.
Yes, these headphones are designed for long listening sessions. The ear pads are covered with a breathable fabric that reduces heat and perspiration. Also, the headband has reinforcements to optimize the weight distribution across the top of the head.
No, the FiiO FT1 are entirely suitable for music lovers who wear glasses.
The FiiO FT1 headphones come with an unbalanced 3.5mm mini-jack cable, a balanced 4.4mm cable and a 3.5mm mini-jack to 6.35mm adapter.
Yes, the audio cables that come with the FiiO FT1 are detachable.
Yes, the FT1’s ear pads can be replaced.
