Name: FiiO FT1
Brand: FiiO
SKU: B0DK3G2NCQ
Price: 164.99 USD

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FiiO

- Headband causes miserable hotspot after about one hour of wear
- Stock hybrid earpads are scratchy and uncomfortable for larger ears
- Limited soundstage - intimate and immersive rather than expansive
- Narrow and flat soundstage presentation
- No real front/back definition in soundstage
- Sound can feel congested and confined in complex passages
- Relentless and unyielding upfront attitude creates oppressive quality
- Carry case needs internal structure to prevent cable scratching
- Pin quality issues on cups connecting to yoke (though FiiO offers replacements)

- Headband design causes hotspot on top of head after about 40 minutes
- Hotspot issue requires 3D-printed comfort strap modification to resolve
- Detail seekers may not appreciate the tuning

- Earpads could use magnetic removal instead of friction fit
- Headband adjustment has no size indicators
- Paracord cables have low malleability and feel heavy and thick
- Paracord cables present significant microphonics
- Detailing is good but has limitations compared to higher-end models
- Imaging is average with instrumental separation below expectations

- Sound both confined and relentless in presentation
- Narrow and flat soundstage with no real front/back definition
- Small-scale and cramped soundstage
- Congested and confined presentation in complex recordings
- Remorselessly upfront attitude creates relentless listening experience
- Crowded and invasive sensation with no relief or breathing space
- Can be quite oppressive and tiring during longer listening sessions
- Quite large earcups despite budget positioning
- Headphones don't fold, requiring large travel case
- Bulky travel case not ideal for portability

The FT1 delivers a warm, energetic sound signature with satisfying sub-bass punch and smooth midrange, housed in an attractive black walnut construction that looks more expensive than its budget price. The 60mm dynamic drivers provide good detail and a fairly neutral overall tonality, though the presentation skews intimate and forward rather than expansive. The headband creates a pressure hotspot after 40-60 minutes of wear that requires aftermarket modifications for extended comfort. Best for budget shoppers who want premium aesthetics and engaging bass-forward sound; skip if you need spacious soundstage or all-day comfort without modifications.

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- Very good build with attractive wood finish
- Very comfortable after using 3D printed headstrap modification
- Great and clean bass
- Versatile tuning perfect for starter headphone
- Includes 4.4mm cable out of the box
- 4.4mm cable is very good quality
- Excellent price to performance ratio
- Solid metal components and elegant wooden ear cups
- Ear cups move smoothly and feel premium
- Sturdy hard-shell carry case
- Great set of accessories and packaging
- Flexibility of having both balanced and single-ended cables

- Great cost-benefit ratio
- Great build quality with real wood shells and metal structure
- Aesthetically beautiful design
- Mild V-shape tuning with engaging sound signature
- Comfortable sound with no fatigue
- Good for long listening sessions
- Good soundstage with proper height, width, and depth
- Good fit and comfort with gentle clamping
- Easy to drive without requiring powerful amplifiers
- Very robust paracord cables that don't tangle or pick up memory
- Includes two cables: 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced
- Includes 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter
- Great rigid storage case

- Fun, engaging, and exciting sound signature
- Satisfying sub-bass bump that works for both electronic and acoustic music
- Warm, decadent, and rich bass feel
- Pleasant warmth through bass and mid frequencies
- Smooth, butter-like mids without harshness
- Strong imaging with tactile midrange presentation
- Low-highs spike provides wonderful sensation in female vocals
- Smooth, well-rounded treble that avoids sibilance and fatigue
- Maintains cymbals and brass without sounding fatiguing
- Elegant build with pleasant wood grain
- Solid and well-built construction meant to last
- Secure hard carry case with Focal-like quality
- Good clamping force
- Easy cable swapping with dual 3.5mm entry design
- Customizable with aftermarket pads and cables
- Excellent value proposition

- Lively, forward sound with drive and attack across all music types
- Good specification at the price with wide frequency response
- Premium materials, nicely applied with black walnut earcups
- Good detail levels and nicely judged tonality
- Deep, nicely shaped, and reasonably well controlled low frequencies
- Detailed and insightful midrange with consistent tonality
- Treble presses on gamely with good substance to balance bite and crunch
- Well-judged and fairly neutral overall tonality
- Information-rich presentation with harmonic clarity
- 60mm dynamic drivers with promising claimed frequency response
- Impressive degree of passive noise isolation
- Hi-Res Audio certification from two credible audio organizations
- Good comfort and tactile appeal
- Pleasing visual aesthetic

The FiiO FT1 are a curious mixture with appeal depending on priorities. For those wanting expensive-looking aesthetics and feel at budget price, they deliver. For balanced and adaptable sound, more compelling options exist elsewhere.

Wait — at $164.99, this is within $15 of the all-time low.

FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Nanowood Fiber Composite Diaphragm Wired Hi-Fi Headphones, Detachable Cable, American Black Walnut Wood Ear Cups for Home, Studio, Recording (Beech)

FiiO FT1

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