At $149.99 this FiiO FT-1 is the best sounding headphone deal going. I was thoroughly impressed.
I am not the biggest headphone expert but man these FT-1s are going to convert me. They sound remarkable. Super detailed and super comfortable. A winning combination.
They are currently out of stock on Amazon. Sorry.
FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/3B2gvqC
Youkamoo 4 Pin XLR Balanced 8 Core Braided Silver Cable (2 x 3.5mm Version): https://amzn.to/3NaTrbN
Please understand that all of my reviews are completely subjective. They are my opinion and not to be taken as criticism or as negative. I can only share my feelings and personal conclusions.
If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: https://www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership
Albums used in this review:
The Rippingtons “Black Diamond” :https://tidal.com/browse/album/13305241?u
Nick Drake”Five Leaves Left”: https://tidal.com/browse/album/77611145?u
Tangerine Dream “The Very Best” : https://tidal.com/browse/album/51545432?u
If you wish to purchase any Cambridge Audio or Advance Paris products, or any vinyl from Skylabs online store, please click here: https://shop.skylabsaudio.com?sca_ref=6609663.MTejnTqC6497
*DISCLOSURE: Some of the links below contain affiliate Amazon links. If you purchase with those links, I do receive a small commission but, it doesn’t affect your price or your ability to return something. Thank you for supporting the channel.
Current audio equipment list:
Amplifiers:
• Cambridge AXR-100 Receiver: https://amzn.to/3MFZuVN
• Cambridge EVO150: https://amzn.to/3UTJowI
• Cambridge CXA81 MkII: https://amzn.to/4dIfnGq
• Douk Audio A100: https://amzn.to/4eiWFpk
DACs:
• Schiit Bi-Frost Multi-Bit DAC with Unison USB
• Geshelli Labs J2S Socketed AKM4499 DAC: https://geshelli.com/product/jnog2-socketed-j2s/
• Geshelli Labs DAYZEE DAC: https://geshelli.com/dayzee/
• S.M.S.L SU-1 AK4493S Hi-Res DAC: https://amzn.to/3XGp5UK
• S.M.S.L. SU-X: https://amzn.to/3AYWLUJ
• FiiO K9 Desktop Headphone Amp/DAC – AKM Edition: https://amzn.to/3ZeGTYp
• HIFIMAN EF400 Desktop R2R DAC W/Balanced Headphone Amplifier: https://amzn.to/4giWWdD
• Douk Audio DAC-Q11: https://amzn.to/4gnjzxt
• Neohipo DC-10: https://amzn.to/4gk25SO
Speakers:
• Wharfedale Diamond 12.4 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3WberDp
• Elac Debut 2.0 F-62 Speakers: https://amzn.to/3Jy6eUc
• Elac Debut Reference 62 (DBR62) speakers: https://amzn.to/3VyQzcu
Streamers:
• Cambridge MXN10: https://amzn.to/3XEWkb1
• WiiM Mini: https://amzn.to/3XqOf8s
Analog:
• Fluance RT-84 turntable: https://amzn.to/4aMuZrt.
• Audio Technica AT540ML: https://amzn.to/4diAyzy
• Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Preamp: https://amzn.to/3XG1nbj
• Schiit Lokius EQ.: https://amzn.to/3Tn5oyP
Accessories:
• Android Tablet, 10.1 Inch Android 12 Tablet, 6GB RAM 64GB ROM: https://amzn.to/3KswX50
• iFi AC iPurifier: https://amzn.to/3UWb4ko
• All line level cables are from World’s Best Cable. I primarily use Mogami 2964 Wire and Amphenol ACPL connectors: https://amzn.to/3JWCDE9
• My main streaming source is a small format PC: https://amzn.to/3yhCoAI
• I also use a remote-controlled line level switcher https://amzn.to/3w8IZwL
My desktop gear:
• FiiO K11 R2R DAC/Headphone Amp: https://amzn.to/3YmlMTy
• Ayima A07 amp: https://amzn.to/3V969LQ
Headphones:
• Sennheiser Mass-Drop HD6XX headphones: https://amzn.to/3wVNvz7
• Sony MDR-V6 Headphones: (current version) https://amzn.to/4aJMTdB
• FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/3B2gvqC
• HIFIMAN HE400SE Over-Ear Open-Back Planar Magnetic Headphones: https://amzn.to/4d9Lazn
Email: oldguyhifi@gmail.com
Tidal Playlists:
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 1: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/504b4da9-38d5-4f3b-83ea-6d3e73fb90bf
• Old Guy Hifi Test Tracks Vol. 2: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/3cf20a05-c649-474d-aa32-72c710212b59
• Old Guy Hifi General Playlist: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/f89fb87a-f69f-4111-bb2d-ab319b159387
• The Fahrenheit Project by Ultimae Records (ambient electronic music): https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/69c8751a-750a-464c-9424-0fdd112fe56d
• Electronica for Audiophile: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/e2974257-b35d-4cf4-ba20-a028819da0be
• My Classical playlist: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/8e588a95-7664-4f5a-97c1-70270655e40c
• Baroque Weekend: https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/cfee9f5e-a64c-4f96-97bf-973340242df6
• DJ Ed, a collection of music that is all over the place. https://tidal.com/browse/playlist/f89fb87a-f69f-4111-bb2d-ab319b159387
Spotify:
• Classical Weekend: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/648pMGies9cVEsUqEWEiNE?si=64a61b584d9b43c3
• 80’s Patio Mix: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4RUkB77grcjiBiQoUKRdXA?si=19bc0130b21b4d2d
Qobuz playlist:
• “Audiophile Electronica”: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/20718243
• “Vivaldi”: https://open.qobuz.com/playlist/15233981
#FiiO #FT1 #sounding #headphone #deal #impressed
Originally posted by UCnXGgtaGLaY-xsKYgndyuAQ at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKStpVFrnoY
I am not the biggest headphone expert but man these FT-1s are going to convert me. They sound remarkable. Super detailed and super comfortable. A winning combination. They are currently out of stock on Amazon. Sorry. FiiO FT1 Closed-Back Over-Ear Wired Hi-Fi Headphones: https://amzn.to/3B2gvqC
does Fiio FT1 work well when plug into my laptop? does it require special audio player to perform best?! Thanks
i have a pair of the FT1s on order and am waiting for them. i have massdrop hifiman 4XXs which I drive balanced and some shelf low end eq using my monolith THX dac/amp. they reach almost to the very bottom and are a bargain. my other dac/amp is the xDuuo TA22, a tube hybrid but it doesn't include any eq, I will probably drive the FT1s with that one.
Really detailed review on sound signature. I play bass guitar and have been on the look out for a pair of closed back headphones so tracking and silent practice. Your detailed review on how instruments sound will help many people a lot.
Thanks alot
Great review! Thank you! Gives me a reason to sell my Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones. I would imagine it would be a sonic improvement.
Man, oh man, I also listen to a lot of electronic music and I am interested in a list of what you are listening! Thank you!!!
So, as per your recommendation, I have to buy a K9, not cheap man, not cheap but what the hell, ok, I will buy that one too!
Paper pulp, I like that but, there is a but, other reviewers say this has no dynamic. I don't know. I will buy one because is really cheap!
Nice one very understandable.
Just waiting for the stock to come back!
True!!
Great review, I like your style and thanks!
I’ve seriously been considering the Ft1 and R2R combo even before watching this video.
But I do have one question that maybe you can help me with…
Schiit Vali3 or Fiio K11 R2R? I do prefer a nice, smooth warm sound and generally listen to metal and progressive music. But I also enjoy various styles of acoustic music with a solid vocal presence!
Any advice would be greatly appreciated… Thanks
Nano wood? Is that wood harvested from Bonsai trees by mice with plaid shirts ?
These look very nice for the price. My feeling about headphones is that the law of diminishing returns kicks in earlier than it does for speakers. Also it's probably harder to get true all round good headphones than it is to get all round good speakers.
got them last weekend. A good buy at $150.
Can anyone convince me to upgrade my Hifiman 400i (2020 version)? What don't they do as well as some other headphones that I would have to spend a little more (or less) on? And what make and model?
Just preordered them off Fiio EU, should arrive in the next couple weeks hopefully, upgrading from a wired Cloud II
Of course it's "currently unavailable" on Amazon.
On a completely unrelated note. Could you by any chance check out the Yamaha R-N800A and do a review on that? I'd be very curious about your impressions.
Nice. I really like the wood finish and the head band. I own the JT1. I think sometimes the bass on the JT1 is a bit too much. And it appears to also be a little bit more plastic on the JT1s. One thing I really disliked about the JT1s was the cable. Noise would spill in the ear cup whenever you touched it, or whenever it would brush my shirt.
Very cool. I'll have to try that headphone! ????
Is the vocal and mids clear and clean? Does it sound muffle or veil?
Is it midbass focus compared to sub bass?
How do you maintain the wood? Or keep it clean? I never have a wood headphone before. I live in hot and humid country
I might try them out, thanks for the detailed information. I have the previous jt1, felt like I wanted to trick my ears to embrace the hype behind them. Sadly, they're just sitting there. I'll test both out when I get this one.
So, I too understand these are good and Zeos too likes them. However I'm interested with whether or not there is any micro acoustic resonances when the cables move over a surface or say your arms rub them as a pair of cans whose sound I love and they are supremely comfortable, However, the cables when bumped or jostled add a harmonic that really spoils the audio. And that was the case with the cables included and the supposedly more expensive upgrade cable. And I like headphones not necessarily way more than speakers its about 55/45. And its also a consideration for others.
This. Literally looking for an alternative to accompany my Senhiesser 560s. Thanks.
I’ve also been looking to expand my headphone inventory. This is interesting. Looking forward to the headphone amp review. As another viewer commented, I have a normal setup but with kids and family, I don’t actually get to enjoy it.
Ever since I bought a pair of Grados, over 25 years ago, I cannot go back to closed backs. Just my preference.
Thank you for reviewing these headphones. I was about to buy them. As I understand it, the k11 r2r is a great pair for these headphones. Will the sound be too warm and will there be too much bass?
Can you compare them to you hi fi man cans?
And I'm in the market for nice, not so expensive, well performing cans. Thanks. These just shot to the top of my list. Also thinking of getting FIIO's R2R DAC.
Thanks for this review – I wish these were around when I bought my Thieaudio Ghost headphones; which are about the same price.
The cups are real wood, I assume? Also, how is the adjustment sliders in terms of fitting large heads? The Thieaudio Ghost is barely large enough for me, and my Monolith M570 gets bent outward over time. Are the sliding bands pretty strong?
Great review sir! Love your style!
Great review. An interesting piece of equipment. I recently got the Aune AR5000, and I think I've found my end game headphone that finally fits my elephantine ears and provides my needed gaming response. I don't use headphones for music, and I have traded on the FiiO R2R, which I didn't find adequate. Thank you so much again for your helpful and detailed review. Take care, Sir.
Hey everybody! Another great vid Ed!
So, I convinced a coworker to get a topping mx3s (desktop dac headphone and speaker amp for $200, if you’re not aware) and I gave him my little pair of jamo s801s and a pair of koss kph40s, all to make sure he falls completely down the cheap audio hole, ha! Today he brought in an older pair of $200ish Bose headphones that he thought would be an upgrade over the kph’s, when he realized that isn’t the case he asked for some headphone recommendations in the $150 area, hopefully he’ll pickup a pair of these FiiO’s and I’ll have a chance to check them out myself soon too ????thanks again!
These are now on my list! Thanks Ed! ????????????
I've been considering these headphones, so I'm glad to hear your thoughts on them.
What a great variety of products being reviewed! Keep up the great work!
I'm glad to see a headphone review. I work third shift, my wife works days, so on my days off i spend probably 60%of my listening on headphones. Nice review.
Well done Ed. Good to know there are good products at decent prices.