The closed-back, dynamic-driver FT1 was a true shocker, in the best possible way. I don’t think I’ve ever given higher praise to a headphone in terms of price-to-performance. Therefore it is very exciting news that FiiO is about to release a new headphone with a similar name but a distinctly different design: The FiiO FT1 PRO. To be honest, I find the naming a bit confusing, as the difference between these two headphones is far greater than their similar names suggest.
FiiO themselves teases the FT1 PRO on Instagram and X with the short text: Great-sounding, lightweight and easy to drive, FiiO Planar Headphones FT1 Pro will be available soon!
The FT1 PRO was shown at the 2024 China Wuhan International Headphone Expo in late October.
From the pictures, it appears that the FT1 Pro shares the same headband assembly and similar ear pads as the original FT1. However, unlike the FT1, the FT1 Pro features an open-back design and a completely different driver technology. The FT1 Pro uses a planar magnetic driver, in contrast to the dynamic driver found in the FT1. Unconfirmed rumors suggest the diaphragm is very thin and made using innovative materials.
Specifications:
- Over-ear open-back
- Planar magnetic driver
- 20 Ω
- 95 dB/mW
- 112 dB/Vrms
- 374 g
- Dual 3.5 mm cable connectors
- Expected price 1299 Chinese Yuan (CNY), which equals roughly 181 USD
I’m very eager to get my hands on this headphone. In the meantime, you can check out my enthusiastic review of the closed back FT1 here:
