INTRODUCTION

    One question I've gotten a lot over the years is whether someone should go with wired of wireless headphones and well, it really always depends on the needs of each people. Wired connectivity clearly produces the best audio quality (thus aimed more towards demanding audiophiles) while wireless connectivity is obviously far more convenient (thus tailored more for general use). Of course, due to extra components like battery packs wireless headphones are also almost always heavier compared to wired ones so that too is something people need to take into account. Personally, I use both (so that's what I recommend to people who are looking for the easiest solution) and that's why I'm always interested in testing as many wired and wireless headphones I can get my hands on (that and also experience regarding audio data). Late last year FiiO announced their brand new FT1 Pro Open Planar Over-Ear Headphones which I've been using for just under a month.

    FIIO was established in 2007 and has experience in researching and developing countless portable music products of different types, and sell FIIO-branded products through sales agents worldwide. The brand name FIIO is composed of Fi (fidelity from HiFi) and iO (number 1&0), representing the real feeling and convenient life that digital brings to life. Meanwhile, the Chinese “飞傲” is the transliteration of FIIO, indicating the positive and innovative spirit as thriving as spring. FIIO is focused on product quality, adheres strictly to ISO9001 standards in quality management and works hard to attain the lowest repair-related product returns rate.

    Since FiiO decided to also go planar for their FT1 Pro (just like with their FT5 which I reviewed a while back) its 95x86mm drivers (developed by FiiO featuring sapphire and aluminum double coating for their 1nm thin diaphragms, double-sided magnets and 28nm manufacturing process) deliver a rather impressive Hi-Res compatible frequency response of 7Hz-40kHz with 20Ohm impedance and 112dB/Vrms - 95dB/mW sensitivity (1kHz). The FT1 Pro also feature 3-axis swivel design (35 degrees horizontal rotation, 45 degrees pitch rotation for the earcups), 12 level adjustable headband, earpads dressed in breathable fabric and headpad dressed in soft suede fabric. Finally, inside the bundle FiiO has also placed a hard storage/carrying case and two 392-wire silver plated oxygen free copper dual-TRS cables.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

FiiO has once again used a black box the front of which is taken by a product picture and their logo.

A product description, information about FiiO, 2D barcode and the product serial number and barcode are all printed at the rear.

The entire bundle is placed inside the hard storage/carrying case.

Inside the carrying case you'll find the FT1 Pro, 4.4mm balanced cable (1.5m long), 3.5mm single-ended cable (1.5m long), 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter and the quick start guide.

THE FT1 PRO

At 374g the steel, aluminum, plastic, faux leather, breathable fabric and suede fabric FT1 Pro are not very heavy, not for planar based headphones.

In terms of size the FT1 Pro are clearly medium to large sized.

The 3-axis swivel design allows for 35 degrees horizontal and 45 degrees pitch rotation for the earcups (the aluminum plate located on the exterior of both earcups certainly stands out).

As expected at the base of each earcup we find a 3.5mm port.

The large earpads are actually dressed in both faux leather (around) and breathable fabric (interior) and as you can see, they also have left and right markings inside.

Left and right markings are also printed on the interior of the headband.

The headpad is dressed in soft suede fabric and is quite comfortable.

The headband has a total of 12 increments on each side which can extend it up to 38mm (76mm total).

Both bundled 24AWG oxygen-free cables feature gold plated jacks.

The hard carrying/storage case is large enough to fit the entire bundle inside it (and then some).

As with previous reviews I primarily used the FiiO M15 and M11 Plus music players to test the FT1 Pro.

CONCLUSION

    I heard great things about the FT1 Pro from some audiophile friends of mine and well, after the very good FT3 and FT5 models I had high hopes for whatever FiiO would release next. Well, I wasn’t disappointed and so from the FT1 Pro you can expect natural tonality with accurate and crisp mids and highs and a good level of bass. Yes, bass levels are not emphasized much (at least not for me), but they are sufficient for most music genres and surprisingly enough the FT1 Pro more than makes up for that with a very detailed and wide soundstage from instrument separation to clear and crisp vocals (no doubt due to its open design - this did slightly vary between devices used). Comfort is also set at high levels largely thanks to the large earpads dressed in breathable fabric and so it’s easy to use them for hours on end (I did for 6 hours straight at one point without any issues). That being said their somewhat large size could be an issue for some people and well, that’s not something that can be ignored.

    Currently retailing for USD199.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 229Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de) the FT1 Pro by FiiO are priced extremely well. Yes, I still prefer their FT5 headphones (not just due to audio performance but also design and build quality) but the FT1 Pro are not that far behind and since they cost less than half they a great choice for people on a budget which is why the Golden Award is in order.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Audio Performance
- Wide & Detailed Soundstage
- Planar Technology
- Comfortable
- 3 Axis Swivel Design
- Bundle
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Bass Levels (For Some)
- Size (For Some)