FiiO FT1 Large Dynamic Driver Headphones Review Premium Sound with Solid Wood Design

Description

Design Excellence with a Touch of Elegance

The FiiO FT1 32Ω Large Dynamic Driver Headphones with Solid Wood Cups immediately caught my eye with their unique and stylish wooden design. The solid wood cups, crafted from 90-year-old Northern European spruce, give these headphones not only a premium aesthetic but also contribute to their natural sound quality. The contemporary style blends well with the portable lightweight headband, which, thanks to its ball slide rail design, feels sturdy and easy to adjust to different head sizes. The suede fabric on the headband ensures a comfortable fit, even during extended listening sessions. While the design is exquisite, the headphones are slightly bulkier than I expected, which might not appeal to those looking for a more compact option.

Unparalleled Sound Quality for Audiophiles

What truly sets this product apart is its nano wood fiber composite diaphragm. The diaphragm’s composition, combining wood and carbon fiber materials, results in a thickness of just 0.1mm, balancing lightweight construction with impressive durability. The W-shaped independent suspension design increases the vibrating area by 25.8%, delivering a richer, more dynamic sound profile. Listening to music on these headphones feels like being in a live concert—the sound energy is palpable, and the clarity is mesmerizing. The frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz ensures that both deep bass and crisp highs are well-represented. That said, these headphones lack noise control features, which may leave some users craving a quieter listening environment in noisy settings.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional sound clarity with a wider vibrating diaphragm.
• Comfortable suede-covered headband that adjusts to fit all head sizes.
• Premium materials like Northern European spruce for natural sound.
• Durable and elegant solid wood cups for a unique aesthetic.

Areas for Improvement

• No noise-canceling features, which could be a drawback in busy environments.
• Slightly heavier build compared to other headphones in this price range.

Versatile Connectivity Options

One of my favorite features is the inclusion of two oxygen-free copper silver-plated headphone cables, providing both 3.5mm single-ended and 4.4mm balanced plugs. This means I could easily switch between devices, whether I was using my phone, laptop, or audio interface. With 392 strands of wire per cable, the audio transmission is incredibly pure, ensuring no loss of quality. Each cable is 1.5 meters long with a 24AWG diameter, which offers flexibility without feeling cumbersome. However, the cables are not tangle-free, which occasionally led to minor frustrations when packing the headphones for travel.

Comfort for Extended Use

The FT1 headphones are designed with comfort in mind. The suede fabric on the headband contact area feels soft and breathable, even during marathon gaming or music sessions. The over-ear earpiece design provides a snug fit, though it may feel slightly warm after prolonged use, especially in hotter climates. For professional applications like studio monitoring or gaming, the headphones deliver a consistent level of comfort, but their weight may require occasional adjustments.

Competing Products

When compared to similar high-end headphones like the Sennheiser HD 600 or the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x, the FT1 excels in its unique wooden design and natural sound quality. The Sennheiser HD 600 offers slightly better noise isolation, making it a better choice for studio use. On the other hand, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x boasts a lighter build and more compact design, which might appeal to frequent travelers. However, neither competitor matches the FT1’s elegant craftsmanship and innovative diaphragm technology, which truly elevates the listening experience.

Value for Money

From my testing, the FT1 headphones offer impressive cost-effectiveness. You’re getting premium materials, innovative acoustic technology, and versatile connectivity options at a price point that feels justified. While the lack of noise-canceling features and slightly heavier build might deter some, the natural, immersive audio experience more than compensates. For audiophiles or professionals seeking affordable quality, these headphones strike an excellent balance between performance and price.

Overall, I found the FT1 headphones to be a solid contender in the world of high-quality audio gear. While there are a few areas for improvement, the combination of aesthetic appeal, sound performance, and build quality makes them a compelling choice for music enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Additional information