FiiO FT1 Headphones Review: Can They Sound Like Flagships?

FiiO FT1 headphones promise flagship-level sound with solid build and features — but do they deliver on that bold claim?

Alright, folks, let’s cut right to the chase! When it comes to FiiO, one thing’s certain: they consistently deliver incredible value for the price. As a longtime fan, I’ve always trusted that this brand won’t let me down. So, when the FT1 dropped—FiiO’s very first full-sized closed-back headphones—my excitement was through the roof.

Just holding them and reading their specs, you get that “Wow, these should cost twice as much!” vibe. They look and feel like a serious, high-end product with that polished, premium finish. The design screams quality with no corners cut.

But—and here’s where the plot thickens—what looks great “on paper” doesn’t always translate to what you hear “on ears.” And I’ll admit, I was left scratching my head a bit after giving them a spin.

Price and Availability: Competitive but Crowded

The FiiO FT1 headphones have hit the market around $159 USD. Not bad at all for full-sized, wood-finished cans. But keep in mind, this price range is a busy battlefield. Brands like Austrian Audio, Beyerdynamic, and HiFiMan all offer headphones with similar features and price tags. So, the FT1 has some stiff competition to face.

What’s New and Special About the FT1?

The wood-finished FiiO FT1 headphones bring a fresh vibe to the full-sized closed-back market.

Passive headphones, especially in this price bracket, are usually pretty straightforward—no bells and whistles, just solid audio delivery. The FT1 falls into this category, yet it’s equipped with some impressive tech:

• Dual 60mm full-range drivers boasting a frequency response from 10 Hz to 40 kHz. That’s a super-wide audio spectrum, supposedly promising rich bass and sparkling highs.
• The headphones use a black walnut wood fiber exterior that isn’t just for show. Wood is known for its natural acoustic properties, aiming to provide warmer, more organic sound.
• Inside, you’ll find a 25mm voice coil, a W-shaped suspension bracket, and a conical baffle designed to reduce standing waves—these tweaks help position the driver parallel to your ear for better sound delivery.

Close-up of the driver design showcasing the thoughtful engineering behind the FT1 sound.

With an impedance of 32 ohms and a sensitivity of 98 dB, these headphones aren’t the easiest to drive. But FiiO thoughtfully provides two 1.5-meter cables made from silver-plated oxygen-free copper:

• One cable ends with an asymmetric 3.5mm plug.
• The other features a balanced 4.4mm connector.

This versatility means you can hook up the FT1 to pretty much any music source, whether it’s your phone, a dedicated DAC, or a high-end amplifier. Plus, they’re certified for Hi-Res Audio by reputable Japanese audio bodies, which is always a great reassurance.

Performance: Energetic but Not Without Flaws

The FT1 delivers an energetic and detail-conscious listening experience—but with some caveats.

Here’s where things get interesting. The FT1’s performance feels like a two-and-a-half act play: some parts shine, others falter.

On the plus side, these headphones have a lively, punchy character that works well with almost every music genre. If you thrive on energy and drive in your sound, you’ve hit the jackpot. The FT1 excels at highlighting subtle details within tracks, giving weight and emphasis where it counts. Unlike some headphones that gloss over nuances, the FT1 tries to capture the full scope—from broad harmonic landscapes to the tiniest transient details.

Tone-wise, the balance is pretty smooth and neutral, letting the original recording shine without artificial coloring. The frequency response flows evenly from highs to lows, with no obvious dips or peaks.

Deep bass with rich texture and rhythm control makes the FT1’s low end stand out.

The bass is deep and substantial, but thanks to the FT1’s keen ear for detail, it never sounds dull or monotonous. There’s texture, variety, and enough control to keep rhythm tight and musical.

Mids come through with clarity and presence, while the treble manages to balance brightness with warmth, avoiding that harsh “spiky” sound that can make listening tiring.

Sounds perfect, right? Well, not quite.

The energetic delivery can sometimes feel like overkill—these headphones can’t quite dial back the intensity even when the music calls for something gentler. It’s like they’re always revving the engine, pushing you to feel the urgency whether you want it or not.

Pair this relentless drive with a narrower, somewhat closed-off soundstage, and the effect can be fatiguing. The sense of space is limited; everything feels shoved right up front with little room to breathe. It’s very much a “front-row” presentation with minimal separation between instruments. For long listening sessions or more subtle music, this can wear you down.

Design and Comfort: Classic with a Touch of Elegance

The black walnut wood finish adds a refined look and promises acoustic benefits.

Visually, the FT1’s standout feature is the extensive use of black walnut wood on the ear cups. This not only improves acoustic properties but elevates the headphones’ style. They look far pricier than they are, which is a nice bonus.

Other than that, it’s a fairly standard full-sized headphone build. Ear cups attach to a leather-and-fabric padded headband by thin metal rods. There’s some slight movement, but not enough to fold these up—which means you’ll need a fairly large carrying case for travel.

The large ear cups and adjustable headband ensure a snug fit.

The headband adjustment mechanism is on the outside and offers 12 steps, so even with the large ear pads, finding a comfortable fit is straightforward. The clamping force is just right, and the FT1 weighs a manageable 340 grams, making them light enough for extended wear.

Speaking of ear pads, they’re generously sized with a mix of artificial leather and breathable fabric, creating a tight seal around the ears. FiiO claims best-in-class passive noise isolation at -26 dB, which sounds about right. Inside, a spiral chamber, acoustic damping tube, and sound-absorbing cotton help reduce resonance and outside noise infiltration. This also keeps sound leakage to an absolute minimum—a classic advantage of closed-back headphones.

Final Verdict: A Bold Attempt with Mixed Results

Material quality, craftsmanship, and finish? Spot on. The tech specs are competitive, and the overall package feels well thought out.

However, the FT1’s aggressive and unyielding delivery style makes it hard for them to convincingly earn flagship status. They simply don’t adapt well to more delicate music, and their narrow soundstage limits their appeal to listeners craving more immersive audio.

Also Worth Considering

Austrian Audio Hi-X15 headphones may not match the FT1’s price-to-performance ratio, but when it comes to sound balance and natural realism, they play in a whole different league.

If in the recording there are tiny details, chances are FT1 will recognize and convey them.

— FiiO FT1 Review

FAQ

• Are FiiO FT1 headphones good for all music genres?
  They excel in energetic and detailed playback, but their aggressive delivery might overwhelm more subtle or mellow tracks.
• Can the FT1 be used with balanced audio sources?
  Yes, the headphones come with a balanced 4.4mm cable, allowing connection to high-end balanced outputs.
• How comfortable are the FT1 for long listening sessions?
  With well-padded ear cups, adjustable headband, and a reasonable weight of 340g, they are comfortable, though the tight clamping might not suit everyone.
• Do the FT1 provide good noise isolation?
  Yes, they offer impressive passive noise isolation rated at -26 dB, helping block out external sounds effectively.
• Are the FT1 foldable for easy transport?
  Unfortunately, no. The limited ear cup swiveling means you’ll need a sizable case when traveling.

If you love music and appreciate unique gear, why not shop your favorite album cover posters at our store? They make perfect companions to your listening sessions and celebrate the music you adore. Check them out here.