After the success of FiiO’s FT1 closed-back headphones, it was solely pure for followers to anticipate an open-back counterpart. Enter the FiiO FT1 Professional, an inexpensive open-back planar magnetic headphone that delivers a wealthy and immersive listening expertise at simply $199.99. With a robust emphasis on balanced sound, consolation, and portability, the FT1 Professional gives critical competitors to higher-priced options. Let’s dive into the design, options, and most significantly, the sound high quality of those headphones.
What Comes In The Field
- FT1 Professional Headphones
- Storage bag
- Packaging field
- 4.4mm balanced cable
- 3.5mm single-ended cable
- 3.5mm to six.35mm adapter
- Fast begin information
Aesthetics & Construct High quality
The FT1 Professional sports activities a smooth all-black design that strikes a stability between class and subtlety. The ear cup design options intricate patterns, giving it a premium look with out drawing an excessive amount of consideration. The earpads and headband are made out of tender, cushioned supplies, guaranteeing a comfortable but comfy match. The clamping drive is well-balanced—safe sufficient to maintain the headphones in place however not so tight that it causes fatigue throughout prolonged listening periods.
By way of sturdiness, the FT1 Professional feels stable and well-built, instilling confidence in its long-term use. In comparison with the unique FT1, FiiO has made noticeable enhancements in weight discount and total match, making this mannequin extra adaptable to totally different head sizes. At 374g, it stays light-weight for a planar headphone, permitting for larger consolation with out sacrificing construct high quality.
Energy & Connectivity
The FT1 Professional is comparatively straightforward to drive, however to get essentially the most out of its planar drivers, pairing it with a devoted DAC/Amp is advisable. Whereas it may be powered immediately from a laptop computer or smartphone, an exterior amp enhances its dynamics and element retrieval considerably.
When examined with the Astell & Kern HC4 USB DAC/Amp, the FT1 Professional gained improved depth and element, making the listening expertise noticeably richer. The iFi GO Hyperlink Max allowed using the 4.4mm balanced cable, delivering larger energy dealing with and enhanced readability. With a low impedance of 20Ω and a sensitivity of 95dB/mW@1kHz, it doesn’t demand extreme energy, however utilizing a devoted amp may also help maximize its potential.
Tech Specs
- 95x86mm FIIO-developed planar driver | 1μm skinny diaphragm
- Frequency Response: 7Hz-40kHz
- Sapphire+Aluminum dual-coating expertise
- Patented uniform magnetic subject design
- 28nm-grade course of expertise
- Impedance: 20 Ω
- Sensitivity: 95dB/mW@1kHz
- Weight: 374 g
Listening Evaluation
Soundstage & Imaging
For an open-back planar headphone at this value level, the FT1 Professional delivers an expansive and immersive soundstage. In contrast to some price range open-backs that focus solely on width, this mannequin gives depth and peak, making a extra three-dimensional listening expertise. The soundstage feels vast and ethereal, although not as huge as some high-end open-back headphones. Imaging is respectable, although separation could possibly be barely improved. Instrument placement is correct however not ultra-precise. Whereas the imaging is not as pinpoint-accurate as some higher-end planar headphones, it nonetheless supplies a practical stereo subject that enhances musical immersion.
Low Frequencies
The bass response of the FT1 Professional is deep, punchy, and heat, providing a pure tonality that’s unusual for planar magnetic headphones. The low finish is well-balanced, avoiding muddiness or overextension. It supplies a stable basis to the music, making bass-heavy tracks pleasurable with out overpowering the mids. Surprisingly, the bass has a wealthy texture, staying clear and detailed slightly than feeling overly artificial, as some planar drivers are likely to sound. This attribute makes the FT1 Professional an important choice for listeners who get pleasure from heat and influence of their low-end response.
Midrange Frequencies
The midrange is the place the FT1 Professional actually shines, delivering clear and well-separated vocals that stand out with out overshadowing the encompassing instrumentation. The pure tonality on this vary ensures that acoustic devices and voices sound natural and lifelike. Midrange readability is superb, making every aspect of a mixture simply distinguishable. Whereas some headphones can both make the mids really feel recessed or too ahead, the FT1 Professional strikes a stability, permitting vocals and instrumentation to shine whereas sustaining total coherence within the combine.
Excessive Frequencies
Treble response on the FT1 Professional is brilliant and detailed with out changing into harsh or fatiguing. It enhances the bass-forward nature of the headphone by including a layer of crispness and articulation to the sound. Cymbals and strings retain a sparkle and a way of airiness, although they by no means really feel exaggerated. Whereas some customers could choose an much more pronounced treble response, the FT1 Professional’s high-end stays clean but participating, guaranteeing an pleasurable listening expertise throughout totally different genres.
Abstract
For $199.99, the FiiO FT1 Professional delivers distinctive worth for an open-back planar magnetic headphone.
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When you’re searching for an inexpensive open-back planar headphone with a heat, immersive sound and wonderful construct high quality, the FT1 Professional is a incredible alternative. Whether or not you’re upgrading from a closed-back headphone or searching for an entry-level planar magnetic mannequin, this is without doubt one of the greatest choices in its value vary.
The FiiO FT1 Professional is accessible at Audio46.
