FiiO JT1: $69 headphones with... potential

FiiO has been filling out their catalog of over-ear headphones in the last few years, but how does their newest ultra-affordable semi-open back headphone sound?
You can find more information about the FiiO JT-1 here: www.fiio.com/newsinfo/877750....
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Measurement Index
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00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Build, Design & Comfort
01:50 - Sound: Subjective
05:31 - Sound: Objective
08:49 - Conclusion

[@MatthewDiFazio]

“People told me to put this on tubes and it will fix it. I put this on tubes and got more bass” made me laugh so hard. After seeing the frequency response graph, I almost have to hear it. That mid bass is just a monster. Great review, DMS 👍

[@metal571]

I had an out-loud "omg" at that impedance graph. Sheesh

[@burnttoast9890]

Does the graph taint your objectivity ever ? I understand different tastes but audio nerds are some of the worst.

[@metal571]

There have been plenty of times where the graph has looked strange compared to my experience so it's just a guide. But for impedance curves...you don't need any more info than that to know what will happen if you plug this thing into a high Zout source

[@juanblanco7898]

​@@burnttoast9890 In what way looking at a graph may influence ones objectivity, in your opinion, and what do you mean by that objectivity?

[@burnttoast9890]

​@@juanblanco7898 in simple terms , looking at a graph makes you expect a certain quality of sound that may vary wildly on actual real world use. There's a reason why audiophiles are basically unironic circlejerk

[@KOIFLA]

Trying on tubes now!

[@cremersalex]

I bought it too. I don't use them for listening to music but the JT1 is pretty ideal for watching movies and TV series. They are comfortable and the bass boost during movies is not bothersome at all. The microphonic cable is very annoying though.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Drop the base 3 clicks they become a movie god In either 7.1 soundblaster or dolby atmos for headphones wonderful stahing and cinematic as hell... gaming don't use atmos I stead use g6 7.1 set surround to 35% you will have openback staging and closed back directional ques these have replaced my hd599s

[@camotech1314]

​@@audie-cashstack-uk4881 599s and even 558s are miles ahead of these garbage phones

[@stevenmctowelie416]

I like the JT1, they are very easy to tune by reducing the bass reflex port a bit, e.g. with some tape, then they are really good for the money

[@GREQReviews]

As stated on the FiiO website - these are closed back headphones. The grills are only for show. Under the grills is a thick piece of non-porous foam that COMPLETELY blocks airflow through the grill. There's nothing semi-open about these.

[@johanescandra]

yes, the simplest thing I did to test that out was putting it on the side of my knee, and it blocked all the sound like nothing came out.

[@sephondranzer]

Honestly that one I can’t blame DMS for getting wrong (and I’m not the type to defend him for nothing). Seriously, who in the actual *hell* puts grills on a completely closed back headphone??? For the looks? Nah I’d have made that mistake too.

[@littletweeter1327]

@@sephondranzer i could blame him. someone with this big of a following should be doing the bare minimum research on researching the product they're reviewing. he clearly didn't even read the product page.

[@sephondranzer]

@@littletweeter1327 Look at it this way, if you saw a guy walking around with a bag on wheels that appears to be his iv injection, you could understand how confusing it’d be if the guy wearing that turned around and told you it’s only there cause he liked the way it looked. And even let’s say you were a doctor and with your normal guard up you would’ve noticed that this isn’t a functional IV - who the hell was supposed to have their guard up on that something we normally associate with function is just for looks like that? I’m sorry that’s too silly. Fiio putting grills on a closed back is stupid at best and dishonest at worst.

[@timpecker2527]

​@@littletweeter1327 it actually is semi open. It does allow air to pass through the membrane, though it's very restricted.

[@JunJun238]

Damn, i dodged a bullet. I was going to buy this but instead opted for a truthear hexa iem since the one listed in our local e-commerce sites were out of stock.

[@joesatchton212]

LOVE the HEXA. But WARNING - the stock cable is pure garbage in terms of durability. I blame the nice looking, but poor protection leatherette pouch. Despite perfect, adult, baby-ing use, after 6 months the right side cable essentially snapped and broke. Thank goodness for 2pin standard connection so decent replacement cables are plentiful at all price ranges. But not gonna lie: I was SUPER PISSED to see that nearly broken cable. I have retired that crap cable and the pouch in favor or a more durable harder case. Sonically, for the price, the Hexa are terrific sounding IEMs IMO. cheers

[@yaswanthmanikanta3774]

Yo, i bought the truthear hexa. but i am into gaming can you suggest me a cable with mic that goes with them.

[@joesatchton212]

@@yaswanthmanikanta3774 Sorry bro, if you are talking to me, I am no cable expert. But the Hexa uses standard 2 pin connectors, so should be easy to search and find cables with mics in your price range. Best I can do! Cheers and good luck! The Hexa are a GREAT pair of IEMs for the price and rivaling some at twice the price IMO....

[@nwjonathans4642]

@@yaswanthmanikanta3774 check out cables from kinera, they have boom mics attached to them

[@iamwoteveriwanttobe]

I have this and mostly agree. Resolve is this on your radar to do some EQ settings for? Edit: Does anybody know where Chrono went? Haven't seen him in a video for ages.

[@OneWildBoy]

Thanks for the review DMS. You put into words, what I had a hard time to put my finger on. That is to be the PVC tube sound at mid-base levels. So following your advice, I sit down with Neutron Player on IOS and putting some hours in to EQ-ing and I got a more decent sound now and the PVC tube sound effect almost completely gone. As a happy side effect (or just my imagination running wild) I got a little bit better stage as well. I still believe it can be a right budget purchase if you can accept in advance that you get what you paid for at least as build quality. But with EQ it really can produce a very nice sound, well above its price range. Keep up the great reviews and thanks once again.

[@ToysForTheGods]

I bought then when they first came out. I replaced the pads on day 1 with a pair of Dekoni Choice Suede that I already owned. I actually love this combination and they have been my main headphones. I have a large collection of headphones, including Sennhiesers as well as Focals, Beyers, Theiaudio and AKGs. I just love these headphones personally. But they do sound better with better pads.

[@sheanreal]

Which is better k361 or mdr 7506?

[@HobbyTalk]

Like the Shure SRH440A? Just low end?

[@musen296]

Could you provide the EQ settings?

[@DistortedDan_]

I really needed to see a good review if these as I’ve seen some “partially trustworthy” reviews of them but nothing from you guys until now. It’s great that this review out because I haven’t seen any negative reviews of this and just looking at it and it’s price it could’ve been crazy

[@asan1050]

DMS! Thanks for posting this video

[@ezzony]

I like the look of them, maybe good for a DIY project! I have a set of Superlux 50mm drivers looking for a new home!

[@TJ.Turner]

@4:30 "cheap Walmart level headphone". well that's the sum of the whole review right there. 👍👍

[@SnowFootprints96]

I listened to them before I saw the graphs. I still like them for certain music. But the best thing is I had some of my non audiophile friends try them and they loved them. I have to say they aren't tuned for us.

[@randeaux2865]

Crazy that Fiio fumbled this one so badly, especially when Fiio's FT3 measures remarkably close to the harman target for an open back, according to oratory1990. I'd love to hear your impressions on those.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Measures do you even understanding tuning 😂😂😂😂😂😂 lol that's like saying Messi is beter than Maradona because of a stats sheet 😂😂😂 the double v tune is there for a reason

[@Skeith89]

When IEM tier list ?

[@bolulembut1132]

between jt1 and koss porta pro which one suitable for my needs , i like warm sounding i dont like sibilince and harsh high and shouty vocal my music mainly 80s jpop and jazz music. both are same price in my country

[@matejgrim]

Everyone who thinks it's normal for cheap headphones to sound mediocre has to listen to a classic Superlux HD681

[@jackjack3874]

be honest.. will it have the same fate as the shp9600?

[@littletweeter1327]

afaik the venting on the cups is just for looks and its fully closed back

[@littletweeter1327]

@@hildegarden6product page says closed back so

[@blkc744]

Brah they close back tho

[@johanescandra]

yep yep

[@DMS3TV]

the backside of the driver is open, only the baffle is closed. Technically its a semi-open.

[@nathanaelcole8466]

I like mine, quite a bit actually. For music, they get the nod over my HD6XX. Preferences I guess, but my HD6XX's hailed everywhere just has no bass and when I listen with no headphones and run a subwoofer (2.1) I really miss that.

[@angelangelov2354]

I might get this explicitly for modding purposes.

[@rafa6684]

Thanks for the review! I agree that these are unusable without EQ. With EQ these are pretty good. However, the Austrian Audio HI-X15 is better (again with some EQ) due to its tight and detailed bass (most people consider them bass-light though).

[@KmtS9]

Mainly use this for watching movies when it's noisy outside (e.g. raining hard). And occasionally use them for music when i really just need something playing in the background - just coz they're really comfy on my head. For actual, proper music listening sessions, i have my HE400SE. But to be honest, i'm mainly not complaining coz i got the JT1 when they released last year for about $40 coz of discounts. And like you said, the midrange and treble aren't *terrible*. Just a bloody ton of midbass 😂 But thank you for reviewing these still!

[@ccbcco]

What headphone is better for cheaper?

[@mattypatty7751]

Anything made by Koss. I prefer the Koss KPH40, as they sound better than the Porta Pros, are cheaper than the Porta Pros, and are built better than them as well.

[@hildegarden6]

Creative Aurvana Live! (rebranded headphones from Denon), Monoprice Modern Retro, Takstar Pro 82

[@jamesbittle9789]

@@hildegarden6 The Aurvana Live sound excellent, and are an awesome buy if you don't mind the on-ear configuration.

[@DMS3TV]

AD500X, plus the above comments.

[@ZeroHourEs]

I wish there wasn't a deluge of fake MDR-7506 on the market so I can easily recommend it (its around 50% more expensive than the JT1 from Sony dealers here too). Hopefully Fiio takes the feedback and make a newer model of this cause its really hard to find decent headphones at this price range for the SEA market.

[@gabrielgavril3435]

What about the Superlux HD 681F? They are amazing

[@romankoschar9041]

I mean, I sound stupid, but maybe this thing is just designed to go with FiiOs cassette player. Walkmans also used to have a bass boost button after all since cassettes tend to be lean in the bass and not super resolving in treble, that headphones sound signature seems to lend itself to that...

[@MechFrankaTLieu]

Actually sound like a good base for modding

[@squidwerd1981]

I have one in my collection and i think it sounds great! With EQ...

[@dsanj4745]

4:05 "This isn't a fully open-back headphone". It isn't semi-open, either. It's a closed-back headphone. But how is a reviewer supposed to know that? Read the box? C'mon man!

[@DMS3TV]

They're semi-open. I've opened them up. The only really closed part is the front baffle.

[@Jeremiah-qz7uh]

He400se non-stealth goes for about $60-70. It sounds basically identical to the stealth version. Pair that with a cheap dongle for $30-50. Hard to beat at this price range imo. It eqs extremely well too if anyone prefers more bass.

[@buiux]

Amazing Price x Quality.

[@miscwork-qb7pd]

What dac/amp do you use for that set? I've heard from multiple sources that you need at least a decent 150$ desktop system to power it

[@buiux]

@@miscwork-qb7pd i have a fiio k5 and amd ifi dac . but i use if a cayin N3 ( the ood and cheap model). its not a powerhouse but its more than enough. i think people overestimate the power needed to drive the HE-400SE. Another point is spend more in a dac than in the headphones doesnt make sense in my opinion. but if you plan to have multiple pairs and maybe use speakers (i use in my work desk) the dac can be a good option. u can find Schiit headphone amp (i think the namo is Magni) for 99 dollars and it has much more power the u need. i dont know if the moondrop dawn is enough to drive the HE400SE, Abut i think it worth the research. it costs 50 dollars. hope my info helps you. sorry for my poor english. im not mative.

[@jb678901]

@@miscwork-qb7pd Not really. My BTR5 and Muse HiFi M4 manage the HE400SE with hi gain.

[@Fincher123]

@@miscwork-qb7pd I Also hav powered them onmy Fiio BTR5k with modded Balanced cable to the headphones. Sounds great and i dont want damage ears so its loud enough.

[@AsAgral]

No raw measurements =_=

[@karazu121]

the price is quite nice

[@trellusg]

Mid-bass is a lot more exciting than sub bass to me, so…… also, it’s a closed back, the grills are just there for visual effect.

[@Tikichef]

I think you maybe used the wrong amp With my Fiio Q15 it sound excelletn! ;) ...plus i use it with my ddhifi balanced cable!

[@tracycrum3788]

I have these for a week now and I have just EQ'd them to my tastes and it's a very satisfying experience. I think it's harder for some to accept that this is a VERY cheap device that can be tweaked to punch way above their price.

[@StormbreakerYT]

Can you make a video about the best sounding TW In Ears please ? Looking for good sounding in ears when I’m outside

[@Ikeiya]

Airpods for apple or Samsung buds for android

[@znoozaros]

what budget ? jabras tend to be good

[@StormbreakerYT]

@@Ikeiya Sorry . I use an apple device but I tried the AirPods Pro and Pro 2nd gen . They sound fine but not good . Also the all died with in one year wich was really bad and the customer support sucked so I couldn’t get another pair . I currently use the one plus buds 3 , and they are not good aswell ( but better than the AirPods )

[@StormbreakerYT]

@@znoozaros below 200€ , only thing that matters to me is the sound and battery life

[@ronny5bg]

moondrop space travel and samsung buds pro is good

[@MFKitten]

If you were to put some fibrous damping material behind the driver on these, it might eat up enough mid bass to fix that bloat. Maybe.

[@maou5025]

Extremely easy mod is to get velour pads. Simple as that

[@Hijynx87]

I quite enjioyed these tbh.

[@Fincher123]

I think these would be great to mod my Hifiman 400SE!? Could you check if the Head thing fits on Hifiman 400SE? Also Pads, because these are not easy to choose.

[@TheWorldTeacher]

I bought a pair of these for the equivalent of USD$39, after "Zeos Pantera" (real name Steven) gave a rave review. However, I was thoroughly disappointed when they arrived via courier, due to them sounding muddier than a freshly-irrigated paddock. Fortunately, the store from whence I purchased them offer a "change of mind" policy. ✅

[@your_average_cultured_dude]

oof. My HE400se cost me the same amount of money

[@RUMBLEGO1]

If you have any access to a little eq, get these and don't listen to this nonsense. These are phenomenal for the money. My chain is Ifi Zen Dac2>Xduoo MT602 with Sylvania 1953 tubes>Sybasonic eq headphone amp with balance control(excellent btw), I just dial back the treble mids and bass to taste and these headphones are absolutely superb closed backed headphones for an excellent price! I own Ananda's and these i enjoy almost as much for different reasons. Different flavor. The bass is exceptional but is hot without eq'ing it down a bit. Once done...these are excellent.

[@stevetech5150]

i have them and for the price they are good with EQ as you said. my mood and music choices dictate which set of headphones i grab off the wall. these are my goto when i just want to rock out. but you are right, they need an EQ to tame them.

[@GadZookz]

They did pack the power of a six inch pipe into a much smaller form factor. That takes some doing. 🧐

[@davitchkheidze670]

This headphone made me unsubscribe z. He hyped shit about this and I needed some cheap headphones, so I tried. I ordered headphones I get bass.

[@iamwoteveriwanttobe]

I am ZeosPantera and I approve this message.

[@donnytramp6955]

zeos is just an entertainer, dont watch him for reviews

[@SpiritualPsychotherapyServices]

Likewise! 😢

[@TheWorldTeacher]

I bought a pair of these for the equivalent of USD$39, after "Zeos Pantera" (real name Steven) gave a rave review. However, I was thoroughly disappointed when they arrived via courier, due to them sounding muddier than a freshly-irrigated paddock. Fortunately, the store from whence I purchased them offer a "change of mind" policy.

[@vanillabuttons]

​cringe@@TheWorldTeacher

[@kodtech]

Looks cheaper than my Focal Utopia...🤣

[@brash_hown]

That graph honestly looks awesome

[@enjoshi-godrez8775]

BDSM is a real thing, after all...

[@whydoineedname4932]

Truly a masochist

[@thoughtpreparationcounty852]

iem

[@chelseajupiter2103]

I'm not saying these are good, but PVC pipe? Really? That's a wild exaggeration.

[@squidwerd1981]

Total exaggeration!

[@chelseajupiter2103]

@@squidwerd1981 for the price and the fact that they barely leak sound as a semi-open-back, they're alright.

[@dsanj4745]

​@@chelseajupiter2103They're closed-back headphones.

[@sebQbe]

Step 1: Buy comfortable headphones that has been measured Step 2: EQ Step 3: Leave this hobby. Get out

[@enjoshi-godrez8775]

Yet you didn't do that. Almost like there's more to being human.

[@enjoshi-godrez8775]

Like the ability to lie. Lmao

[@hartyewh1]

The graph is nothing but respectable for the price.

[@camotech1314]

Suspension bands are garbage, and why do companies insist on putting so much foam between the ear and the driver??

[@cremersalex]

These sound less painfull in the lower treble than the HD560S.

[@lucabratz4452]

Didn’t watch. Sorry I was distracted by the peak in the background especially Denzel

[@AntonChigurh-]

The AKG K361 is crap.

[@zajko3113]

AKG k371 is also overhyped piece of garbage.

[@marksafe5463]

I don’t get the 361 and 371 personally. The m40x with replacement pads just work better for me. But that’s just my opinion for sound and comfort.

[@audie-cashstack-uk4881]

Utter snobbery they replaced my hd599s there fantastic and fornite 35% surround 7.1 soudblaster g6 for both perfect stage and directional ques try it movies drop the bass 3 clicks on a eq bang wonderful they kick waywayway above there weight

[@timpecker2527]

People with low standards will use every ad hominem they have to prove their point. So desperate yet hilarious.

[@mikeyhope7577]

@@timpecker2527low standards? They’re 70 fucking dollars bro lol.

[@m4nc1n1]

He doesn't even know what type of headphones he is reviewing, lol. Not to mention way after everyone else already reviewed them and liked them for the money. No wonder he had to team up with other reviewers to survive.

[@kilosierraalpha]

This presenter is the only THS crew member I always skip. Just a lot of hot air.