The $199 FT1 PRO is FiiO’s second planar magnetic headphone, following the FT5. However, its name and price position it closer to the $149 wooden closed-back FT1, which has been extremely well received. I am one of those who have contributed to the hype: The FT1 is shockingly good.
Despite its similar name, the FT1 PRO differs significantly in key aspects. While the two headphones share the same headband, yokes, general housing design, and pads, the FT1 PRO is an open-back headphone. Additionally, it importantly employs a planar magnetic driver instead of the FT1’s dynamic driver.
MAIN TAKEAWAY
- Neutral tuning
- Excellent bass
- Superb build quality
- Great value for money
ABOUT FiiO
FiiO has been in the audio industry since 2007, initially focusing on portable DACs and amplifiers. Over time, the company has become a major name in the IEM market as well. In recent years, FiiO has made a strong push into the desktop audio segment, offering both electronics and full-size headphones.
The first over-ear headphones came as recently as the spring of 2023 with the release of the 300-ohm dynamic driver FT3 ($299). Since then, they’ve expanded their headphone lineup with several models: the open-back planar magnetic FT5 ($449), a 32-ohm version of the FT3, and the budget-friendly open-back JT1 ($69), and most recently FiiO’s first wooden closed-back headphone, the FT1 ($149)—which already has made FiiO a big name in full size headphones—and now the $199 FT1 PRO.
FIIO FT1 PRO SPECIFICATIONS
- Type: Open-back, circumaural headphones
- Driver: Planar magnetic
- Driver size: 95 x 86 mm
- Impedance: 20 ohm
- Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW @ 1 kHz or 112 dB/Vrms @ 1 kHz
- Weight: 374 g
- Headphone cable connector: Dual 3.5mm (TRS)
- Cable: 3.5mm and 4.4mm balanced
Tested at $199. Check current price and availability:
IN THE BOX
Headphones, Soft shell case, 3.5mm single-ended headphone cable, 4.4mm balanced headphone cable, 3.5mm to 6.35mm adapter, and quick start guide.
BUILD AND COMFORT
The FT1 PRO is very well built for a headphone at this price. The grills are metal, the yokes are metal, and the headband is made of steel covered with faux leather. The headband and yokes are identical to the FT1. So are the pads and the shape of the housing, except, of course, for the backside, where the FT1 PRO has grills instead of solid wood.
The pads are nice and roomy, the yokes have lots of swivel action, and the cups are gently held in place by a soft spring mechanism. The headband does not have much padding, and even though I personally find it comfortable, the comfort will depend on your head shape. Some users might wish for more padding or a headband strap.
LISTENING IMPRESSIONS
Associated equipment: Monolith THX AAA 887 amplifier and RME ADI-2 DAC FS as source.
Jambi by Tool
This track sounds very neutral and nicely balanced with the FT1 PRO. There is no excessive bass and no peaks that exaggerate anything. Sibilance is just like I think it should be, not excessive and not subdued. Instruments are well separated. I have heard this track sound more engaging, but that is usually because the headphones are a bit coloured in their presentation.
Almost Like The Blues by Leonard Cohen
Again, a very neutral and well-balanced delivery. The bass is textured and nicely balanced. The vocals are very present but not too dominant. I can easily hear the reverb on Leonard Cohen’s vocals, something that often is a bit lost with headphones with a thicker-sounding mid-range. Instrument separation and imaging are very good.
Black Crow by Cassandra Wilson
On this track the bass can often become too dominant, but it is not the case with the FT1 PRO. It is high-quality bass, and nicely balanced. The vocals take center stage, like they should. Instrument separation is good but not spectacular. The soundstage is large enough, but imaging is not TOTL class.
Bored by Deftones
The guitar riff in the intro has a nice texture and nuance to it, as do the vocals. The bass is nice, but bassheads will maybe miss some quantity.
Desert Island Disk by Radiohead
The pulsing bass lays a great foundation; the guitar is very nicely rendered and stands out in the mix, as do the vocals. It’s nice and warm-sounding, and instrument separation is good.
As Before by Olga Konkova
The bass is tight and relatively polite in quantity. Again, the vocals take center stage and sound delicious, balancing a nice warm tonality with detail and nuance. The piano is crisp and articulate in a well-balanced way.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
Neutral bass presence with no bloom once again. Articulate vocals with slight sibilance that sound true to the recording.
Escape Route by Boris Blank
Again, it sounds very neutral, and nothing really stands out, which can make it sound a bit less exciting than with other headphones. The FT1 PRO responds well to EQ, though, and you can get more engaging sound quite easily.
Maple Noise by Greene Serene
This dynamic improvisational jazz masterpiece sounds great at medium to higher volumes. However, its dynamics feel less impactful at lower volumes. A touch of EQ can bring the bass to life and add a sharper edge to the percussion.
Summer 3 Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter
The sound is good, but there’s a hint of dryness in the presentation. While entirely adequate, it feels a bit lacking in liveliness—perhaps due to the FT1 PRO’s inherently neutral tonality.
Young Vivaldi RV 820 III Allegro by Modo Antiquo
The violins are crisp and detailed, with a slightly dry timbre that adds texture. The instrument’s reverb is distinctly audible, enhancing the sense of space.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The defining trait of the sound signature is its neutrality. The bass is well-extended without being overemphasized, the midrange is clear and articulate, and the upper registers offer a hint of crispness.
Treble
The treble is crisp and articulate without being overly bright. Sibilance is handled naturally, neither exaggerated nor subdued. The resolution is impressive, particularly for its price point.
Midrange
The midrange stands out in the mix, not due to being elevated but because the bass and treble maintain a neutral balance. It offers plenty of detail and texture, with vocals being particularly enjoyable. Occasionally, especially with strings, there’s a hint of dryness in the tonality.
Bass
The bass quality is excellent, with impressive extension. While the quantity may not satisfy bass enthusiasts, the headphones respond very well to EQ adjustments.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is notably spacious and open, providing a clear separation between instruments. While the separation is impressive, the sense of “blackness” — the quiet between sounds — could be more defined, especially when compared to higher-end models. The imaging is solid but not exceptional, and the depth of the soundstage could be enhanced. That said, I find myself consistently comparing it to much pricier headphones, which speaks to just how impressive these are overall.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
At this price point, the level of detail across the frequency range is excellent, with particularly impressive clarity in the bass and midrange. Dynamics are strong, though not quite groundbreaking. In terms of timbre, it occasionally leans towards a slightly drier , but for the most part, it maintains a very neutral character.
AMPLIFICATION
The FT1 PRO appears to be more amplifier-dependent than the FT1. While it generally sounds very good with all amps tested, it doesn’t pair optimally with my standard testing amp, the Topping A90, as it occasionally exhibits a slightly shouty midrange and a somewhat unfocused character. The same issue arises with the Schiit Magni Heretic. However, this is not the case with the Monolith THX 887 AAA or the Rebel Amp, nor with my high-end amplifiers like the Woo WA22, EAR HP4, and Bryston BHA-1. The amp output of the RME ADI-2 DAC FS sounds good as well.
COMPARISONS
FIIO FT1 vs. FT1 PRO
Similar to the FT1 PRO, the $149 FT1 offers a well-balanced and neutrally tuned sound profile, with the key difference being the bass. The closed-back FT1 has a more pronounced low end, while the FT1 PRO maintains a neutral bass response. Additionally, the FT1’s bass is softer and thicker, whereas the FT1 PRO delivers a tighter, more textured bass.
In general, the FT1 is smoother and lusher, whereas the FT1 PRO is crisper and sharper with a slightly brighter tonality. That said, despite their different designs and driver technologies, they sound remarkably similar, with the FT1 PRO offering a slightly more open soundstage and dynamic sound, while the FT1, as mentioned, delivers a slightly smoother experience and fuller bass. Imaging is excellent on both, though the FT1 PRO may perform better with certain tracks and amplifiers.
Both headphones offer impressive detail and coherence for their price. Neither is objectively superior but provides subtle variations to suit different preferences.
Further readings:
FiiO FT1 vs FT1 PRO Comparison Review
Check current price and availability here:
HIFIMAN SUNDARA vs. FT1 PRO
The The $299 Hifiman Sundara has long been a benchmark in its price range for open-back planar magnetic headphones. Compared to the FT1 PRO, the Sundara also offers a neutral sound, but with a smoother, lusher character overall. The FT1 PRO is more articulate, with a bit more bite, while the Sundara leans towards a more laid-back, organic sound. Both headphones deliver excellent bass, but the FT1 PRO has the edge in terms of definition and presence, providing a more defined low-end.
Imaging is quite comparable between the two, with the Sundara offering slightly better depth, while the FT1 PRO delivers a more expansive, open soundstage. The dynamics are more energetic with the FT1 PRO, giving it a livelier presentation. Both are excellent alternatives, but considering the price difference, the FT1 PRO offers more value for the money.
Further readings:
FiiO FT1 PRO vs. Hifiman Sundara Comparison Review
Check current price and availability here:
- Amazon: Sundara
FIIO FT5 vs. FT1 PRO
The FT5 was FiiO’s first foray into planar magnetic headphones, and at around $450, it remains their most expensive offering to date. FiiO has since announced they are working on a new model, the FT7, though no specific launch date has been confirmed yet.
While the FT1 PRO aims for neutrality, the FT5 takes a different approach with a more colored sound. I still appreciate the FT5, but it’s clear that it emphasizes the lower midrange and upper bass, providing a warmer, fuller sound. The treble is somewhat similar to the FT1 PRO, perhaps a bit smoother, and the mid- and lower bass are comparable between the two. The FT5 has a more intimate soundstage, while imaging is similar to the FT1 PRO. Ultimately, I view the FT5 as a different, even more comfortable, design with its own distinct tuning, but not necessarily a significant leap in technical performance.
Further readings:
FiiO FT1 PRO vs. FT5 Comparison Review
Check current price and availability here:
HIFIMAN Edition XS vs. FT1 PRO
The $499 (now $269) Hifiman Edition XS has gained significant popularity, and for good reason. It offers a vast soundstage and a well-balanced sound profile. Compared to the FT1 PRO, the Edition XS provides more space between instruments, creating a larger listening room. However, this expansive soundstage comes at the expense of a more meaty, full-bodied presentation, making the FT1 PRO sound thicker in the midrange and more dynamic overall. In terms of technical detail, however, the Edition XS does have the edge, offering a higher level of precision and clarity.
CONCLUSION
The closed-back FT1 was a game-changer, setting a new benchmark for closed-back headphones with its affordable price, remarkable sound quality, and premium build. As an open-back model, the FT1 PRO faces stiffer competition.
While it may not disrupt the market as its closed back sibling, it still impresses and solidifies FiiO’s position as a serious actor in the headphone industry.
In essence, the FT1 PRO delivers a neutral sound signature, with a well-balanced and well-extended sound. It offers excellent audio quality, with particularly impressive bass performance. Combined with a thoughtfully designed, high-quality build, the FT1 PRO firmly establishes itself as a top choice in its class. Highly recommended.
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