FiiO FT1 Review: Premium Sound & Build at an Affordable Price

Mar 1, 2025

The FiiO FT1 is a closed-back over-ear headphone that has garnered attention for its premium build quality and impressive sound performance at an affordable price. Priced at $149.99, it competes with some of the best headphones in its price range.

In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its design, specifications, sound quality, and how it compares to other popular headphones under $200.

🎧 Design and Build Quality

One of the standout features of the FT1 is its premium construction. The ear cups are crafted from FAS-grade American black walnut, giving it a rich aesthetic and natural acoustic properties. The wood helps reduce resonance and standing waves, leading to cleaner and more natural sound reproduction.

The headband is equipped with a ball-bearing slide rail mechanism for precise adjustments, offering 12 notches to fit different head sizes. The underside is lined with suede leather, enhancing comfort during long listening sessions.

📊 Specifications

Here are the official specifications of the FiiO FT1:

Feature	Specification
Driver Type	60mm dynamic driver
Diaphragm Material	Nanowood fiber composite
Impedance	32Ω
Sensitivity	113dB/Vrms @ 1kHz (equivalent to 98dB/mW @ 1kHz)
Weight	Approximately 340g (excluding cable)
Cables Included	1.5m 3.5mm single-ended & 4.4mm balanced cables
Cable Material	24AWG silver-plated oxygen-free copper (392 wires)
Accessories	Premium headphone storage bag, 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter

🔊 Sound Quality Breakdown

The FiiO FT1 delivers an engaging, well-balanced sound signature with a rich, natural tonality. Let's break down its audio characteristics:

Bass

✅ Deep and impactful low-end
✅ Well-controlled, not bloated
✅ Works great for electronic, rock, and hip-hop

Midrange

✅ Warm and full-bodied vocals
✅ Instruments sound rich and organic
✅ No midrange recession like some V-shaped headphones

Treble

✅ Smooth and well-extended highs
✅ No harshness or sibilance
✅ Lacks a bit of airiness compared to open-back alternatives

Soundstage & Imaging

✅ Wide soundstage for a closed-back headphone
✅ Good instrument separation and precise imaging
✅ Not as spacious as open-back headphones like Sennheiser HD 560S

🔌 Performance with Portable & Desktop Sources

Portable Sources

FiiO KA17 (Dongle DAC/Amp): This compact powerhouse drives the FT1 effortlessly, even on low gain. Bass is punchy, mids remain clear, and the sound feels dynamic—perfect for on-the-go listening with a phone or laptop. The FT1 scales well with the KA17’s clean output, revealing subtle details in FLAC files.
FiiO M23 (Digital Audio Player): Paired with this DAP, the FT1 gains a touch more warmth and depth. The bass hits harder, and the soundstage feels slightly wider. It’s an excellent match for portable audiophiles, though the tonal balance stays consistent with the headphone’s inherent character.

Desktop Sources

FiiO K7 (DAC/Amp): On a desktop setup, the FT1 benefits from the K7’s neutral output. The sound is clean and controlled, with tighter bass and improved separation compared to portable sources. It’s a balanced pairing that highlights the headphone’s technical capabilities without altering its fun tuning.
Schiit Stack (Magni+Modi): With this neutral, powerful combo, the FT1 retains its engaging sound but gains a bit more clarity in the mids and treble. The sub-bass remains prominent, though the Schiit stack’s transparency exposes the FT1’s limits in micro-detail compared to higher-end cans.

Compared to portable sources, desktop setups refine the FT1’s presentation, offering better control and a slight edge in resolution. However, the difference isn’t night-and-day—its easy drivability ensures solid performance even from weaker sources like smartphones.

🎧 Comparison with Other Headphones

Here’s how the FiiO FT1 stacks up against other popular headphones in the sub-$250 range:

Anker Soundcore Space Q45: These wireless over-ear headphones are praised for their active noise cancellation and long battery life. However, the FT1 offers a more natural and engaging sound signature, especially for those who prefer a wired connection and the acoustic benefits of wooden ear cups.
Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2: Known for their balanced sound and portability, the ATH-M50xBT2 provides a versatile listening experience. While they offer wireless convenience, the FT1's build quality and soundstage may appeal more to audiophiles seeking a premium wired headphone.
Sennheiser HD 560S: These open-back headphones are celebrated for their neutral sound profile and comfort. While the HD 560S offers a wider soundstage due to its open-back design, the FT1 provides better isolation and a warmer sound, making it suitable for different listening environments.
FiiO FT3 32Ω: The open-back FT3 delivers better detail and soundstage but requires more power (350Ω version exists too). The FT1 is the better pick for isolation and portability.
Meze 99 Classics: The Meze offers a warmer, darker sound with superior comfort (better headband design) but lacks the FT1’s bass extension and resolution. The FT1 wins on value with its dual cables and lower price. The FT1 offers a unique combination of premium materials, rich tonality, and an engaging sound signature, making it a great wired option for audiophiles on a budget.

✅ Pros & Cons

Pros

✔ Beautiful wooden ear cups with premium craftsmanship
✔ 60mm dynamic driver delivers deep, controlled bass
✔ Smooth mids and treble without harshness
✔ Expansive soundstage for a closed-back design
✔ Comfortable headband & earpads for long sessions
✔ High sensitivity (113dB/Vrms) makes it easy to drive

Cons

❌ No wireless option – strictly wired listening
❌ Soundstage is limited compared to open-back headphones
❌ Treble is slightly smooth – lacks extra sparkle for treble-lovers
❌ Bulky design – not the best for portability
❌ No Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

🎯 Final Verdict – Is the FiiO FT1 Worth It?

If you're looking for a well-built, warm, and engaging wired headphone under $200, the FiiO FT1 is a fantastic choice. It competes favorably with established brands and delivers a unique blend of aesthetics and performance.

However, if you prefer open-back sound, need wireless convenience, or want ANC for travel, you may want to consider alternatives.

Overall, for home and office use, the FT1 is an excellent addition to any audiophile setup. 🎧🔥

🔎 More Reviews & Where to Buy

You can check out detailed user reviews and purchase the FiiO FT1 at: