FiiO DOES IT AGAIN! FT-1 Pro Planar Magnetic Headphone. It punches above its weight class at $200

[@OldGuyHifi]

The FiiO FT-1 Pro is a remarkable overachiever. At $200.00 it rivals headphones costing twice as much. Seriously this is an amazing headphone. Great sound, comfort and build quality. FiiO did it again. If you wish to join the channel and become a member please click here: www.youtube.com/@OldGuyHifi/membership

[@TBMartin]

@@OldGuyHifi Heads up about the quality. I'm seeing fellow owners of these headphones on Reddit reporting that they break easily

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@TBMartin That's curious. They have yet to ship in the US. There available for pre-order on Amazon and Headphones.com. I am not sure Reddit is that reliable a source. Sometimes, not always. Thanks for the alert.

[@59erUlli]

I received my Fiio FT 1 Pro and Fiio Q3 yesterday. As we say in Germany: Hammerteile! I listen to Pink Floyd, Saga, Mystery, Supertramp and many other groups with my great headphones Sennheiser Momentum 4 via Bluetooth. At first I thought I hat new ears or new CDs! Great arily sound Class comfort Great workmanship and all for a total €318 Absolutely recommended! Greatings from Germany.

[@Brian_Romska]

Nice! Now I need to convince the coworker I already convinced to buy the ft-1s to buy these now, I’m saving for a pair of zmf bokeh open backs, although these are super tempting too! Now I’m gonna go listen to your music suggestions, thanks again Ed!!!

[@VishnuPadmanabhan]

Hi Ed, this was a brilliant review and sealed my buying decision! My FT1 Pros are on the way and I am looking forward to my listening sessions with these. Thank you very much for the detailed and on point review.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thank you so much. I am so glad you found my review useful. Happy New Year.

[@VishnuPadmanabhan]

@@OldGuyHifi Wish you a Very Happy New Year!

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@VishnuPadmanabhan Thx.

[@JohnScheppler]

Too bad I can't do open back headphones anymore because of working in the office, but these look like a great pair. Thanks for sharing, Ed.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Thanks John.

[@ChadBlanchard23]

Thanks again, Ed!

[@NeilBlanchard]

The Duke Ellington "Blues In Orbit" recording has a *massive* soundstage! The "Blackest Blue" is not a Morcheeba recording I am familiar with - that's for including it.

[@OldGuyHifi]

That Duke album is amazing for the era. Thank you my friend.

[@stimpy1226]

The problem that I have with headphones that clamp too tight is that they can press on the trigeminal nerve above the ear and cause a lot of pain after you remove them and that pain sticks around until the inflammation goes away. I can’t be the only person who listens with headphones that has this problem. My Quad Planar Magnetic Headphones suit me just fine but it is an absolute necessity to buy an aftermarket quality headphone cable to get the best out of them by far.

[@7in1]

I might try to unbend them to loosen the clamp. That's what I do to my headphones (bend up) to strengthen the clamping force

[@SteveWille]

Ed… just a quick vote/encouragement for your music recommendations in gear reviews. When, unavoidably, the gear is of little relevance to me, the music recommendations and background is always interesting. Thanks.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I do try to have something interesting even if the item isn't. I am glad you like the music recommendations.

[@phantom.2629]

this was a great review!, i have a question tho, how hard to drive are these headphones ? will an audio interface be enough to power them ? i have a motu m2 which has probably the best dac (for an interface) in it's price range and people say they will power high impedence headphones, but i dont know about planars... I'll appreciate your answer alot!

[@OldGuyHifi]

You won't have any issues. These are no different to drive than any other headphone.

[@phantom.2629]

​@@OldGuyHifi thanks!

[@sidesup8286]

Thanks for making us aware of that headphone. I've always wanted to hear Blues In Orbit. The Audiophiliac uses that sometimes when evaluating equipment. The few Duke Ellington cds I have sound raw and unrefined. I know a lot of his music goes way back. But that is supposed to be a good recording. Is it just me, or are Canadian cds often subpar? Sometimes awfully so. Their lp pressings from the analog era often get praise. Most music experts rate Ellington as the greatest Ameican composer. Some say it was Charles Ives, on the classical side; and from listening I don't think I understand quite why, but his Three Places In New England piece is really nice. Most people would say "Charles who?" Aaron Copland is another name that pops up when greatest American composers are the discussion. More familiar with many of his works. George Gershwin's does not seem to get the respect of the above composers, but of the above, he is the classical composer whose music is most familiar and popular with the American public.

[@SuperBlackdalhia]

Great review! I see you use the fiio K11 dac here. I saw your excellent review of the Douk k5, which is in the same price range. Which one do you recommend for the ft1 pro? I tend to favor the Douk for the treble/bass nobs but the K11 has balanced output....

[@OldGuyHifi]

Both are good but, personally I prefer the sound and extra power the K11 R2R offers especially with Planar Magnetic headphones. I get the desire to have tone controls. You really can't go wrong with either one. Let me know what you decide. Those headphones are really awesome sounding BTW. Thx.

[@SuperBlackdalhia]

@OldGuyHifi thx for your quick answer! I have a Fiio X5iii DAP with balanced output and was thinking I should use it as a DAC and simply buy an headphone amp to strengthen the signal from the X5.

[@clckristians]

How does it compare to the Hifiman HE400se? Can't decide to purchase one or another to use with Fiio E11k. Probably will upgrade to K11. Appreciate your answer.

[@OldGuyHifi]

How did you get this video? It hasn't been published yet.

[@clckristians]

@@OldGuyHifi It appeared in KZbin app on my phone this morning. Didn't know it wasn't publisht yet. Funny.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@clckristians Very weird. No worries. To answer your question the FT-1 Pros smoke the HE400SEs. They are far better sounding, more comfortable and come with better cables. Highly recommended.

[@clckristians]

@@OldGuyHifi Thanks!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

In comparison to the other FiiO headphones? Did I miss your perspectives on the comparison? Which would you recommend over the two FiiO models? Also, would you offer a comparison to the Aune AR5000? Thanks for your time and efforts sharing this with us all.

[@sanchomill]

Thanks for the review. What about distortion when volume is pushed a bit high, which seems to be its main weakness according to other reviewers, please ?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I never heard any distortion even at higher volumes. It could be their amp that is clipping. Thx.

[@charleskatz2606]

Ed ok you like 'em But head to head with the dynamic FT-1 comparison would have been nice plus a another one or two like 6XX and maybe a Hifiman pick at $200.But again your cruising on all cylinders generally

[@OldGuyHifi]

If you like dynamic driver headphones the FT-1s get my top rating. If you like open back planar magnetic headphones the FT-1 Pro is a screaming deal. Both are better then my Drop 6XX as all a rounders. The 6XX is very good with voices. I use them when I edit. I would take the FT-1 Pro over the Sundaras. Just my take. Thx.

[@nanshingteo6304]

How do you think the FT1 Pro will perform for classical orchestra music and violins?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I listen to classical frequently and I thought they did a very good job with strings. Thank you for your view.

[@nanshingteo6304]

@@OldGuyHifi Good to hear :)

[@danjones7561]

So you use the small Fiio K11 with the K9? I own the K9 AKM, so I would love to improve the (already great) sound with a cheap K11. I'm curious what the K11 adds.

[@OldGuyHifi]

The K11 would add nothing. The K9 is a far superior sounding DAC/Amp. Not even close. You have one of the best I have ever heard. Spend that money on some good headphone cables. Great question. Thx.

[@steveh545]

good stuff (again). Enjoy the music lessons as much (more?) as the equipment reviews. Well, music is sort of 'free' to explore. New equipment, less so.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I get it. Thank you the kind words.

[@MiBUNNY168]

Please advise me. I have a plan to buy a headphone between this and DT1990 pro mark2 to use for playing games fps or open world and watching movies sometimes. Which one should I choose? Please advise. Thank you.❤

[@OldGuyHifi]

I am not familiar with the Beyerdynamic DT 1990. I am sure they are very good. The only Beyerdynamic headphones I have ever owned were the Lagoon wireless model. If you are looking at a FiiO headphone that is in the same(ish) category check out my review of the FiiO FT5s. Wonderful cans. I wish I could be more help. Thx.

[@colddish]

@@MiBUNNY168 I play CS2 daily and find the FT1 Pro not suitable. I also have the Audeze Maxwell which is much better as there’s more treble with good mids so the positioning is clearer and more precise. If you still want to go for FT1 Pro I recommend a long burn and use the 4.4mm cable. The 3.5mm is much like a DD but way to soft for my taste.

[@planteaoteo1623]

How would these compare to the HD600 in terms of bass, soundstage and clarity of sound?

[@OldGuyHifi]

I haven't reviewed the HD600 all though I do own a pair of Drop 6XX. I think I like the FiiO just a bit more as it has a fuller sound with some additional detail. Great question. Thank you & Happy Holidays.

[@planteaoteo1623]

@@OldGuyHifiokay, I always use the HD600 as a sort of reference to compare. Do you maybe have an experience with the edition XS as I ordered the FT1-pro as an alternative to the edition XS which are very over sized and the comfort and just general fit kind of turned me off the edition XS.

[@OldGuyHifi]

I have heard from others that the Edition XS is very similar to the Sundara in sound. I personally thought the FT-1 Pro was a better sounding, better built and more comfortable headphone. Obviously your mileage may vary but I think you will enjoy them. Thanks. Happy Holidays!

[@ChrisP1101]

Hi Ed. Hifi newcomer here. I was looking for a good quality starter headphone to start my journey. Question....If I went with an iFi go link dac vs your recommendations in this video will there be a noticeable difference in quality. I know i may be setting myself up for a big "of couse" they're will be a difference; however considering i could bring the ifi on a plane and use with my galaxy s22 ultra, that is a very attractive scenario. If that setup would indeed be a big downgrade, I suppose I'd just stay with my Bose QC Earbuds 2 and by a decent headphone DAC for home use. Sorry so long winded. Great job on these reviews and best of luck with the channel!!

[@OldGuyHifi]

My concern is the iFi is known for being a bit under powered. Planar magnetic headphones are typically less efficient then dynamic driver head phones. My go to portable Amp/DAC is the FiiO KA13. It is a bit bigger but has single ended and balanced jacks and can work at home connected to a PC/MAC, They sound good and will drive pretty much anything you can think off. The iFi is rated at 72mW at 32Ω and the FiiO is rated at 170mW at 32Ω on single ended and 550mw at 32Ω on balanced. BTW the cost the same. If you are interested: amzn.to/3PbXXbn. Let me know what you decide. Thanks for asking.

[@ChrisP1101]

@@OldGuyHifi suoer...thanks for the guidance Ed!

[@stimpy1226]

Ed, I’ve been a listener for a short period of time and I like your channel quite a bit. I wish that more of the music that you review was classic jazz and blues, solo, small group classical music instead of so much electronic music. Not that I don’t like that kind of music but it’s just too much that you recommend my opinion

[@OldGuyHifi]

It is my favorite genre. I try to include Jazz & Classical in many of my review. Thanks for your input.

[@jean-marccoolen6417]

Bonjour je suis un peu déçu de la vidéo car vous ne parlez pas beaucoup du casque Fiio ft1 pro vous parlez plus des albums et de la musique que de l'essentiel c'est le casque. C'est pour cela que j'ai mis le pouce en bas. Je ne m'en fais pas je trouverai d'autres vidéos certainement plus intéressantes. Bien à vous.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Sur les 2600 vues, vous êtes le seul à vous plaindre. Je suis sûr que vous pouvez trouver des chaînes que vous apprécierez plus que la mienne. Pas de soucis. Va te faire voir.

[@jean-marccoolen6417]

@OldGuyHifi toi par contre tu devrais arrêter de te faire voir. Bon vent.

[@OldGuyHifi]

@@jean-marccoolen6417 Merci et meilleurs voeux.