FIIO FT1 Pro  Headphones Review

The FIIO FT1 Pro have a flat sound signature that follows the SoundGuys.com Studio Curve more closely than our own target.

There's some notable deviation in the response of the left and right drivers across almost the entire frequency range, though it's most noticeable in the low and mid-treble. We validated our frequency response results by flipping the headphones around, as well as using a different testing rig. The variance between the L/R channels is also corroborated by other measurements online, indicating that it isn't exclusive to our unit.

The FIIO FT1 Pro have very good frequency response consistency. Generally speaking, if you're able to take the time to achieve a solid fit, you'll be rewarded with consistent audio delivery between different reseats. If you wear glasses, there's a slight drop-off in the low-bass range, but this is unlikely to be noticeable given these headphones struggle to reproduce this range anyway.

The bass range compliance relative to our target is excellent. The range as a whole is underemphasized, with a tilted response that rolls off low-bass frequencies more so than high-bass. The Eurodance-esque kicks in tracks like Water From Your Eyes' Playing Classics sound more punchy than boomy, with plenty of attack.

The mid-range target compliance is excellent. The response is mostly flat in this range, resulting in balanced and even reproduction of vocals and lead instruments. There's a slight dip at the top of this high-mid range, though, which can rob higher-register voices and stringed instruments, like violas, of their upper harmonics.

These headphones have outstanding compliance with our treble range target. The whole range is generally a little underemphasized, with the exception of the low-treble, where a mismatch in the L/R drivers' response means higher-register sounds, like pizzicato strings, get a bit more of a boost in the right channel. The mid-treble is a bit more even, with less driver mismatch. That said, the top part of this range is slightly carved out, which softens higher-pitched sibilants, like splash cymbals. The high-treble is more drastically recessed, which can be perceived as a lack of air in modern recordings, though we lose sensitivity to this range over time.

The FIIO FT1 Pro's peaks and dips performance is decent. The response mostly follows the flat sound signature, especially from the bass to the lower mid-range, where there are almost no deviations. A dip between the high-mid and low-treble ranges robs tenor and contralto voices of some presence, while a mismatch between the L/R drivers in the low and mid-treble can cause inconsistencies in the stereo image with percussive shakers and tambourines.

The FIIO FT1 Pro's stereo mismatch performance is very good. The L/R drivers are mostly well-matched when it comes to amplitude and frequency. There are some notable mismatches in the treble range, though, most significantly in the low-treble, where there's a peak in the right driver's response. This phenomenon is visible in the phase response, indicating that a phase shift could be responsible for the frequency response mismatch. While there are further phase mismatches, they occur in higher-frequency ranges that we lose sensitivity to over time.

The FIIO FT1 Pro have an elevated group delay in the low-bass range, which can influence the frequency response in this range due to neighboring frequency interactions. That said, these headphones don't reproduce significant fluctuations in the bass, so the effects of group delay on the frequency response aren't audible in this case.

The FIIO FT1 Pro have a passable PRTF performance. While there's a decent amount of interaction with the pinna, it's not quite on par with open-back headphones that are renowned for their spacious soundstage, like the Sennheiser HD 800 S. Still, they're able to convey some sense of space and distance.

The harmonic distortion performance is outstanding. There's no audible coloration of your audio at both regular and elevated listening levels, ensuring clean and pure audio delivery.

You won't need an external amp or DAC to drive these headphones, as you can drive them well with mobile end devices, like phones and laptops.

These are the settings used to test these headphones. Our results are only valid when used in this configuration.

The FIIO FT1 Pro are open-back, over-ear headphones equipped with planar magnetic drivers. Despite similarities in naming to the FIIO FT1, these headphones have little else in common. In place of the FT1's wooden ear cup enclosures, this model opts for perforated ear cups, which are deeper than the closed-back sibling. They're finished in an understated, semi-gloss black or a brighter blue hue.

These are very comfortable headphones. The earpads are plush, made from faux leather, as well as a perforated cloth outer rim that helps keep temperatures down. The padding is also angled somewhat to fit the curve of your head, with extra thickness at the back, behind your ear. The ear cups are so deep and well-padded that it can be a challenge to fit the arms of glasses in there, though. The cable is also on the heavier side, which can act as a dropped anchor. It's often more comfortable to rest the cable on a desk or surface to avoid this.

They're not very portable headphones. They don't fold down, and the ear cups can't swivel flat, so they take up quite a bit of space in a backpack or tote.

These headphones come with a case that's identical to the one that comes with the FIIO FT1. It's a semi-hardshell design, with a little give to the exterior. It's equipped with a smooth, high-quality zipper with a fabric loop so you can hold it by hand. There are no foam cutouts or padding on the inside to hold the headphones in place, but there's plenty of space to stash cables and accessories.

The build quality is decent. As with other audiophile headphones, there's no IP rating for protection against water or dust. There's a variety of high-quality materials used in their construction, including metal, faux leather, suede, and foam. The padded suede headband and plush earpads are highlights here, providing excellent cushioning and long-term comfort. By contrast, the yokes and hinges feel like weak links. Though the manufacturer has already redesigned the hinges, based on issues with the screws attaching the ear cups to the hinges, they still feel flimsy. The sliding mechanism on the yokes isn't the smoothest either, though it holds its position well. Finally, the cable feels sturdy and thick, though the cable itself feels quite heavy.

These headphones have passable stability. While they'll stay on your head as you putter around the house, the glossy coating of the headband means they can easily move around your head with more intense head movements, though.

• FIIO FT1 Pro headphones
• 4.4 mm balanced cable (1.5 m / 4.9 ft)
• 3.5 mm cable (1.5 m / 4.9 ft)
• 3.5 mm (1/8") to 6.35 mm (1/4") adapter
• Case
• Quick Start Guide

The FIIO FT1 Pro's open-back design means that they barely provide any full-range noise isolation. They provide no attenuation against bass and mid-range sounds, and only lightly attenuate treble-range noise.

These headphones struggle to isolate you from common scenarios. Their open-back design means they let in pretty much all external noise, regardless of whether you're in an airplane cabin, a busy office, or walking across a busy intersection.

The leakage performance is very bad, as a result of their open-back design. Most of the escaping audio is concentrated in the mid and treble-range and will be audible to those around you. The leakage will even be audible in noisier environments, especially to those who are close by.

These headphones include two cables; both of which are 1.5 m (4.9ft) in length. There's the standard 1/8" (3.5 mm) connection that works with mobile devices, as well as a 4.4 mm balanced connector that works with analog sources. The cables are labelled to clearly indicate which side (left or right) you should plug into.

You can plug these headphones into your PC's audio jack via the 3.5 mm (1/8") cable so you can receive audio. You won't be able to send audio without connecting an external mic.

These headphones are compatible with PlayStation family controllers using the the 3.5 mm (1/8") cable connected to your controller. You'll need a standalone mic to communicate with teammates though. 

You can connect to your Xbox controller using the headphones' 3.5 mm (1/8") cable. However, you might want to stick to single-player games, as you'll need a separate mic to communicate with others.