Thank you for the review. I was skeptical about these with all the hype surrounding them. I am so glad I waited for your review. I have removed them from my Christmas wish list.
@CaptnKrksNippls Totally agree that it is important to view many opinions. I do think it is important to understand where a reviewer is coming from and how they align with your opinions. I don't see his comment as writing off the others as invalid, I see a viewer trusting a reviewer who they've watched for a long time.
@@CaptnKrksNippls I watched all those videos. I waited for Dave's opinion because we often agree. So when Dave said that it is bright, hot and intense I know that isn't something I want. Also on a side note, some written reviews say the same thing as Dave.
But also then the upvoted represent this specific pool of "trusted followers" in the converse, which is fine for them and you , and i would just float that out to anyone cpming across this and seeing so many upvoted and writing these off. (alsothisismywayofcopingwithanegativereviewoverallespeciallythesoundstage) Tx! @@TheHonestAudiophile
@@dileepmonk8656this is why I think Grados are so divisive. They can sound absolutely shrill & sibilant on some equipment and rich & dynamic on others and I think alot of people only ever hear them on bad equipment and poopoo the brand. Focal’s can also be metallic on some amps as well.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Absolutly and more than we can imagine, i like this video of the headphone show, look how different people receives the sound with those FR of 30 people ua-cam.com/video/Km2DNLbB-6o/v-deo.html
Great presentation of an intense in-your-face sound … but to me, they are actually not as aggressive, have a bit of soundstage (not wide but mostly ok for a closed back) and I do enjoy them including the intensity of the sound.
thanks for this video 👍🏼. it's still weird that this helmet is praised everywhere on the Internet. i hesitate a lot between these different models but i really don't know which one to take. would you have a good idea to suggest to me between ? SIVGA SV021 austrian audio hi-x15 fiio ft1 Akg 371 Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X Rode NTH-100 Thanks 😊
Interesting conclusion. I got mine for couple of months now. I can agree on that it is a bit upfront in upper mids, but that paper driver is not really aggressive to me. Paired with Shanling M6 Pro (AKM4497 dac) it plays nicely and it is enjoyable for hours.
I was an early buyer, and I love these Cans. They need 100 hours, and a decent cable at a minimum to be listenable. The most serious issues you expressed will resolve themselves. If you want to hear what the FT1 is capable of doing hook them up to components worthy of their capabilities. These Cans will scale very nicely. The best of closed, and my Emperean OG’s are the best of open backs, which I bought on your almost tearfully passionate recommendation. I love my Empereans. Seems I’m set. Great review for out of the box with stock cable, but if you still have them you might give them another go keeping my suggestions in mind.
I had the same initial impression as you. Then I swapped to the FT1 Pro pads, and they opened up for a much more enjoyable experience. If you have those, try it out. The pads in the FT1 Pro are vented on the inside, and the FT1’s aren’t. Or any pad that is a little more vented should work.
Have you noticed any pattern between dynamic driver size and the intensity of the sound? I was wondering because the FT1 has 60 mm dynamic drivers, which are 33% larger than the 45 mm drivers in my headphones.
I've not noticed that driver size makes for more intense presentation. I think it's more to the tuning and implementation of the driver that contributes.
Hey, Dave. First of all, I'm enjoying your review here. High quality as always, and I wholeheartedly thank you for the honest review. I can't say I have the similar experience of the Fiio FT1 with you. The one thing that I come to the same experience is the tendency of the mids to be a bit shouty, and the vocals especially female vocal to be more intense. Similarly, vocals can be intimate in some tracks. But I find some vocals, like Dazbee's Scarlet to be airy and expansive. That also comes to the soundstage. I don't find them to be cramped at all. I use the FT1 for gaming, playing Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon Forbidden West. In those two games, the world feels adequately large, and sounds don't come too close to my head. Admittedly, the soundstage isn't as wide as the like of the DT 700 Pro X, or the Sennheiser HD620S, or even the Aune SR7000, but they come quite close. But this is why I enjoy the hobby very much. We perceive and enjoy the the music/ games with our headphones/ iems differently and we can share the different (or similar) experiences of the equipments we have. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, this one included. Thank you, and keep the great videos coming.
Hey, I'm debating between the FT1 and the DT 770 or 700. Would you have a recommendation? I like bass to have a bit of rumble to it. I usually use headphones to play games, watch movies, UA-cam, and music. I've heard that the DT770 can sound a bit more 'boring', just wondering if you have an opinion? Also, I really want them to be immersive when watching movies and playing games. Thanks if you can help!
@@matthewwarren10 I don't have the DT 770 Pro, so I can't give any comment on them. Between the FT1 and the DT 700 Pro X, I feel the sub bass is more prominent on the FT1, and they're more tuned to be "fun" sounding compared to the more neutral DT 700 Pro X. For immersion, to be honest it's a toss up between the two. FT1 have that encompassing bass that give epic music in some games more heft, but the DT 700 Pro X do have that wider soundstage and more precise imaging.
i have these in Beechwood and really enjoy them. mostly just for music though, as i've been going back to IEMs for gaming at the moment. Dave, do you think you will review the new-ish Austrian Audio Hi-X20? same price as these Fiio FT1.
Just got them and, unfortunately they are very aggressive. Has me on edge so far. Where's the mellow? So far, Sundara and XS are preferred. Tune in next week. :)
Hey Dave! Awesome review as always. I'm hoping you'll review the FT1 Pro's, which are quite a different animal carrying planar drivers and a tuning which seems much more...reserved, let's say. I'm heavily considering them but your reviews always inform my audio purchases. Appreciate you.
How would you say the FT1 compares to the ThinkSound ov21 in terms of sound signature/staging/layering/etc? I'm aware of your thoughts on the ov21 (bought a month ago, love 'em!), but I'm curious if the FT1 & ov21 are peers overall, or distinctly different from each other. Seems like the FT1 may be more in-your-face and more V-shaped, compared to ov21's U-shape?
99 Classic is warmer and way less aggressive. The FT1 has better detail retrieval and similar resolution. Tone and timbre are similar but the 99 Classic has more note weight.
@TheHonestAudiophile hmm... seems like meze 99 series is still hard to beat at this price point, + considering better built quality and reparability and brand history, it still seems like a better choice, unless you want something with high brightness. i wish Sivga updated their lineup at this price for better competition.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I tried them at shop I thought they just noisier than Audio technical M50x and shouty....but yeah your "In the face" described well I can't stop laughing. I have ft3, fh3, fh15 and fd11, all, different soundstages, all of them 😂. I guess all these Fiio's headphones and iems are designed by different team, doesn't know it is good or bad situation but whatever I bought Fiio's thing they are completely new experience...good and bad, so random
Happy Christmas, Can i ask ? i have HD660s2 with a fiio ka13 on balanced , but i think it sounds a bit thin even if they get loud ... Do the portable dac amps dont have the tech to run HD 6 line ?
@@TheHonestAudiophile So it wasnt just in my mind ... Can u please advice me a good Desktop amp for 660s2 balanced 4.4 ? Thank u for taking time to reply.
@Tripokaridos22 budget? xDuoo XA-02 is a solid budget friendly option. The Fiio K9 AKM is a good performer for $500. The Fiio K19 and Mytek Liberty DAC ii are excellent for $1500.
Closed back headphones under $500, my listening experience is limited. I think the Austrian Audio HI-X60 have beautiful, accurate treble. ua-cam.com/video/GuUAD0rQYo0/v-deo.htmlsi=aNOJKcU-tECFlRNy
Here is a link to my RoseTechnics QuietSea review: www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/rose-technics-quietsea-the-not-so-quiet-sea-honest-audiophile-impressions
After hearing your review, I'm no longer confident in my purchase... I'm not very tech inclined, so I almost exclusively went off of online reviews. They raved that they were the best price-to-performance headphones you could find. Nothing I saw described the problems you found-and maybe it's an outlier-but it certainly raises concerns for me. Your VERY descriptive comment about how "in your face" these headphones are really scares me because that's exactly how I would describe my current headphones. They're incredibly obnoxious. Should I consider returning these for a different pair? I simply don't have the budget to compare and contrast headphones at this pricepoint, so I'd be really grateful for your opinion. Also, would these work fine plugged straight into a desktop?
If you can listen to them first before returning that would be optimal As for driving them from a desktop, it's possible depending on the soundcard. I personally don't use a desktop, I use USB dongles and external DAC and amps.
I haven't heard the HD620s, interesting. I liked the FT1 for a lot of what they do as a closed back but the treble and the intensity are problems. Thanks for the comment.
@@Anomalyn1 I had the 620s and returned them because of the intense 3k peak. It made some electric guitars sound shrill. The ft1 are much more controlled in that region.
I have them and I kind of agree with review and sometimes they sting my ears. They are not my worst overall headphones, that would be HifiMan HE-R9 and Audiotechnica ath-M50x (but for other reasons). FT1 do give me some fatigue and some frequencies does not sound good, but it situational some music does sound good. Listening to the Beatles older songs on these were no pleasure for me, they were screamy in all ways possible. But I have made playlist with songs that suit them and just pass music that does not sound good on them. I appreciate that Dave bring up their shortcomings, any review should bring up both good and bad things and too often in UA-cam reviews one have too listen really carefull to pick up those sidecomments that tell you a headphone is not for you. I think these are ok, but not as my only headphone but to get some variation.
Thanks for the impressions. You obviously picked up on my side notes that the FT1 isn't a rubbish headphone, they do a lot of good but the flaws are quite evident. We all have different ears and the FT1 will be solid for some and not so much for others and in your experience with some tunes and not so much with other tunes. I always say this and will say it again, understand the reviewer and you will understand the review. Thanks for the comment, very much appreciated.
250mw per side enough? Shanling m1s.. Nothing about this review scares me, it's a $160 headphone, I think you are being more thorough and precise with your review then people are used to, and some are scared off, these same people might not hear what you are talking about, either. I think it's an excellent review.
It should be adequate but more power would be helpful. The FT1 does a lot good but that intensity is what doomed it for me. Thanks for watching and the kind comment.
After listening to the Foster T50rp mark 4, Meze Classic, and Rode 1. I prefer the Classic on my classic RB and Hip Hop, the Rode 1 on vocal music. The Fostex is more open sounding but a the cost of a bit of that intimate feel The Meze seems the most musical,it's a more jack of all trades. I love all three though. I obviously need that amp that's on delivery( the XUDOO-XA2) that you last reviewed). I think deeper leather pads on the Fostex will help bring a bigger bass slam and open the sound stage more. I obviously don't need the Fiio. The next step is ? Is it diminishing returns ? Time will tell...........
To me, these headphones don’t feel any more cramped or in-your-face than the HD600, which have been go-to headphones for the past 20 years-ones you’ve praised yourself. From my perspective, this criticism seems both unusual and somewhat selective
HD600 isn't nearly as aggressive and fatiguing, the stage is similar size. The FT1 does a lot good but the always on intensity is a problem for me. So my criticism of the FT1 is unusual and selective because it is my honest opinion?
@TheHonestAudiophile I don’t doubt that it’s your honest opinion. It’s just that I haven’t seen any other trusted reviewers share the same view. On the contrary, most people say these headphones are tuned almost perfectly for this price range and have very few competitors
@@loltrollface1488 I sold my Elegia's and find the FT1 to have a bigger, and wider soundstage than them, while also being less fatiguing. I also own the HD600 and think the FT1 has a bigger and wider soundstage, but it's not as transparent. I, too, find this review pretty odd. Maybe it's matter of source pairing, but I'm using the Vali 3 with a Tesla 6C442 and this headphone sounds incredibly spacious for a closed back.
@BobbyDigital6411 @loltrollface1 As I have said from day one of this channel, everyone hears differently. In this video, I am not saying the FT1 is a bad headphone or doesn't sound good, I am saying the presentation is intense and relentless. The FT1 would be a very good option for me in the price range if it wasn't so intense sounding. Honesty is the best policy.
@BobbyDigital6411 @loltrollface1 As I have said from day one of this channel, everyone hears differently. In this video, I am not saying the FT1 is a bad headphone or doesn't sound good, I am saying the presentation is intense and relentless. The FT1 would be a very good option for me in the price range if it wasn't so intense sounding. Honesty is the best policy.
Outstanding review except for the conclusion. I purchased a pair when they first burst upon the scene. They were everything you defined, but you had issues I didn’t share. I don’t consider them to be in your face. I replaced 99’s which were in my face. The shout, in the upper mids is simply awful. To keep this short, time is key here with the FT1. They take forever to break in. It took over 50 hours before I would even listen to them. From 50-100 hours they continued to rid themselves of all the issues I had with them. How that lines up with you, only you can determine. If you can get 100 hours on them I think you might have some second thoughts. The shout remains, but is down 90%, and the note weight is still light, resolution could still be better, but overall I love these Cans. My reference Cans are Meze Empereans, which I purchased immediately after watching your “end of journey” review, and I absolutely love them. My FT1 are my closed back, change it up a bit while maintaining a very similar voice Cans. I enjoy them both. Your preferences most closely align with mine. I trust your judgement and just wanted to be sure you were aware of the critical break in time the FT1 requires. Cheers 0:06
I've had the FT1 for a few weeks now and you nailed it. For $150 they are good. However, I would first recommend the Sivga Robin. In the same price range, but with a planar driver, the Sundara Closed blows them both away in every aspect. Love your videos. Thanks!
I've had the sundara closed back for 1 year...i sold them...they are terrible and the timbre was very inconsistent. The FT1 are superior to them on every points for me
@@federico1888 Glad you like your FT1. I'm returning mine. I love the responsiveness of the SC drivers and like the headphone even more after pad rolling. I find the timbre rather accurate. I can hear the difference between a bass and a cello and get good image separation too. Great control during busy tracks as well. I get quite the opposite experience as you are here.
I have a $5,000 CD / headphone only audiophile system (PS Audio DIGITAL LINK III (w/CULLEN CIRCUITS Mod) --- 230V model DAC, ROTEL RCD-1072 CD/HCDC player (used as a Transport only), Schiit MAGNI 3+ headphone amp, 500W ---120V to 230V converter, regulator and conditioner (REG VOLT ATVR-500 PRO), LAT International D-30 Signature digital cable and ANALYSIS Plus "Silver Crystal Oval Interconnects". This specific system was designed and tuned for: explosive dynamics, extreme punch, extremely fast transits, very deep, tight bass, clear, natural midrange, "electrostatic-type" highs, huge-enough, airy sound stage, laser sharp imaging, spot on timbre, and Autonomic Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) tuning (to evoke emotions in the music). I was blown away that my SIVGA ROBIN 021's could reveal my audiophile system's tuning, with no problems!!! Loud, complex, fast music with no distortions and no loss of resolution. It must be the ROBIN's POLYCARBONATE 50CM driver. The ROBIN's ported, instrument grade ROSEWOOD cups, give a spot on TIMBRE. In general: Headphones just reveal the sonic characteristics of your audiophile equipment. Headphones can up-scale with higher-end audiophile electronics, as the ROBINS have in my audiophile system. My ROBIN 021's, now have explosive dynamics, which scare the crap out of me, with my eyes blinking and muscles twitching (like when you hear a firecracker or gun fire)!!! Vocals and laser-sharp imaging fool my brain in thinking someone just came into my room!!! The soundstage is huge and airy (if displayed in the recording). EDM is jaw-dropping!!! Vocals contain real emotions. Micro dynamics reveal all of the details of a singer's mouth movements and breaths. Yet, they have a smoothness to them. The ROBIN's give me an excellent illusion of actually being at a live event!!! They sound so good, I cant stop listening to them!!! Another headphone that sounds like being at a live event is my LSA (Living Sound Audio) "DIAMOND" planar headphones (KENNERTON mod design ---- $2,000). You don't need new headphones, you need the correct synergistic audiophile equipment to take your ROBIN 021's to their highest possible level of musical enjoyment!!! New ROBIN 021 headphones need to be broken-in and I suggest up-grading to a new headphone cable. I got a custom-designed headphone cable (LITZ-design w/OCC 7N COPPER wires) for around $40 from CHINA. Sounds fantastic!!! Remember, headphones can only react to the source signal, fed into them. GARBAGE IN --- GARBAGE OUT computer principle. Feed your ROBINS with a high-quality signal and they will blow you away, as they have for me!!!
@@TheHonestAudiophile I did not mean to Imply that you should do anything different! A Pad Swap that would significantly alter Stage impressions could well cost half of the HP Price! You can only test what they send you in the Box and everything else is not really a review of the product that they are actually selling. I respect he Integrity - Keep on Rocking!
I like your reviews, but i could not disagree more with this review, i have the Austrian hx65 and i get soooo tired of that headphone and always grab the FT1 for that smooth timbre.
I've not heard the HI-X65. I own the Hi-X60 which is the one I compare the FT1 too. I am glad you enjoy the FT1, a good headphone except it is too fatiguing.
Wow. Held my breath for "Soundstage.... And was looking forward to the big spacious feedback that I'm experiencing.. and then ,,, "Cramped". Okok.. its your experience I don't have to explain around the houses here about that we are educated adults. but.. Cramped is an entirely exclusive word to this review on the FT1s. And I mean, *entirely*. This my honest report to you of the prevailing landscape of opinion out there, not here, and everywhere. Edit I like your reviews, I own these headphones. Go figure. (howeveryourewronggoandseeforyourselfyourewrongyourewrongyourewrong). Tx!
Everyone hears different. There are a lot of variables that go into how we hear gear; DAC, Amps, music quality, music genres, ear quality, listening abilities, etc. Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing.
Great review as usual. But for me, everything dave don't like, it's just perfect for me. Too much bass and too much intensity means its just about right. Ima be getting this FT-1 once amazon gets more in stock. Not going to pay over $300 plus shipping on ebay due to all the hype. I made the mistake of buying the ananda stealth back when it was $600 and its sound quality is easily blowned away by the K371 that Dave hates. Lol Ananda has practically no mids, bass was decent but too soft and the highs sound tiny. It was very airy and open sounding, but that makes your music sound artificial. Like you're too broke and couldn't afford front row ticket to listen to the band. So you over pay for a spacious HD800 or Arya organic type headphone to remind yourself that you're only entitled to music that sounded like youre sitting in the 50th row. If there's any issues with sound quality, any headphone can be equalized and usually solves 90% of the problems. You can easily make a $150 headphone soumd way better than a $1000 headphone if you know what you're doing. Don't over pay for stock tuning that don't fit your taste or expectations. Stock tuning is like buying a compramised stock car. It'll get the job done in a decent manner for most musics, but it wont be good with everything you want. So you have to modify it to your liking.. Most headphone reviewers hate bass, that means they only like half their music. Huge thundering deep bass that echos into the distance adding another level to your music is a no no for them.
Ft1 are very cable sensitive. Stock cables need to be immediately changed for thicker copper-silver ones. You won't believe how much better these headphones will sound.
@@UmenchFN I bought on AliExpress some cable which they call 16 core silver plated and it changed the sound for the better. I'm quite happy now with ft1. Very balanced, not shouty at all. It cost around $30. I didn't like the stock cable though.
Thank you for the review. I was skeptical about these with all the hype surrounding them. I am so glad I waited for your review. I have removed them from my Christmas wish list.
My pleasure, you're welcome
Ah yes because the other reviewers opinions for some reason aren't valid. You're a genius.
@CaptnKrksNippls Totally agree that it is important to view many opinions. I do think it is important to understand where a reviewer is coming from and how they align with your opinions. I don't see his comment as writing off the others as invalid, I see a viewer trusting a reviewer who they've watched for a long time.
@@CaptnKrksNippls I watched all those videos. I waited for Dave's opinion because we often agree. So when Dave said that it is bright, hot and intense I know that isn't something I want.
Also on a side note, some written reviews say the same thing as Dave.
But also then the upvoted represent this specific pool of "trusted followers" in the converse, which is fine for them and you , and i would just float that out to anyone cpming across this and seeing so many upvoted and writing these off. (alsothisismywayofcopingwithanegativereviewoverallespeciallythesoundstage)
Tx! @@TheHonestAudiophile
Most replayed part: 17:05 🔥🔥🔥
Can't say that I agree with you on this one.
We all hear differently :) Thanks for watching and commenting.
Most of the time It depends on your source
@@dileepmonk8656this is why I think Grados are so divisive. They can sound absolutely shrill & sibilant on some equipment and rich & dynamic on others and I think alot of people only ever hear them on bad equipment and poopoo the brand. Focal’s can also be metallic on some amps as well.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Absolutly and more than we can imagine, i like this video of the headphone show, look how different people receives the sound with those FR of 30 people ua-cam.com/video/Km2DNLbB-6o/v-deo.html
Hey Dave-Thanks for the laugh at 17:07! 😂 ❤
My pleasure, you're welcome.
In Dave we trust.
Thanks
Great presentation of an intense in-your-face sound … but to me, they are actually not as aggressive, have a bit of soundstage (not wide but mostly ok for a closed back) and I do enjoy them including the intensity of the sound.
I am glad you enjoy them. We all hear differently. Thanks for your impressions.
thanks for this video 👍🏼. it's still weird that this helmet is praised everywhere on the Internet. i hesitate a lot between these different models but i really don't know which one to take. would you have a good idea to suggest to me between ?
SIVGA SV021
austrian audio hi-x15
fiio ft1
Akg 371
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X
Rode NTH-100
Thanks 😊
SIVGA SV021 - review link: ua-cam.com/video/hsoZUZuYnj4/v-deo.html
austrian audio hi-x15 - haven't heard
fiio ft1
Akg 371 - review link: ua-cam.com/video/35oKUP8-SwA/v-deo.html
Beyerdynamic DT 700 Pro X - haven't heard
Rode NTH-100 - review link: ua-cam.com/video/Wc9hZ6x6zaI/v-deo.html
Personally, I would choose the Rode NTH-100.
Interesting conclusion. I got mine for couple of months now. I can agree on that it is a bit upfront in upper mids, but that paper driver is not really aggressive to me. Paired with Shanling M6 Pro (AKM4497 dac) it plays nicely and it is enjoyable for hours.
Glad you enjoy the FT1. Thanks for the impressions
For me these are fantastic.
Glad you enjoy them
I was an early buyer, and I love these Cans. They need 100 hours, and a decent cable at a minimum to be listenable. The most serious issues you expressed will resolve themselves.
If you want to hear what the FT1 is capable of doing hook them up to components worthy of their capabilities. These Cans will scale very nicely. The best of closed, and my Emperean OG’s are the best of open backs, which I bought on your almost tearfully passionate recommendation. I love my Empereans.
Seems I’m set.
Great review for out of the box with stock cable, but if you still have them you might give them another go keeping my suggestions in mind.
I had the same initial impression as you. Then I swapped to the FT1 Pro pads, and they opened up for a much more enjoyable experience. If you have those, try it out. The pads in the FT1 Pro are vented on the inside, and the FT1’s aren’t. Or any pad that is a little more vented should work.
I review products in stock form. Thanks for the information about pad swap. I don't have a Fiio FT1 Pro at this time.
Do you have a link to those pads? I can't seem to find them.
Have you noticed any pattern between dynamic driver size and the intensity of the sound? I was wondering because the FT1 has 60 mm dynamic drivers, which are 33% larger than the 45 mm drivers in my headphones.
I've not noticed that driver size makes for more intense presentation. I think it's more to the tuning and implementation of the driver that contributes.
thanks! it would be more fair to compare Fiio FT1 to Austrian Audio - HI-X20. Which would you choose, please?
Sorry, haven't heard the HI-X20
Hey, Dave. First of all, I'm enjoying your review here. High quality as always, and I wholeheartedly thank you for the honest review. I can't say I have the similar experience of the Fiio FT1 with you. The one thing that I come to the same experience is the tendency of the mids to be a bit shouty, and the vocals especially female vocal to be more intense. Similarly, vocals can be intimate in some tracks. But I find some vocals, like Dazbee's Scarlet to be airy and expansive. That also comes to the soundstage. I don't find them to be cramped at all. I use the FT1 for gaming, playing Ghost of Tsushima and Horizon Forbidden West. In those two games, the world feels adequately large, and sounds don't come too close to my head. Admittedly, the soundstage isn't as wide as the like of the DT 700 Pro X, or the Sennheiser HD620S, or even the Aune SR7000, but they come quite close.
But this is why I enjoy the hobby very much. We perceive and enjoy the the music/ games with our headphones/ iems differently and we can share the different (or similar) experiences of the equipments we have. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, this one included. Thank you, and keep the great videos coming.
Thanks for the impressions. Glad you enjoy the FT1. Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated
Hey, I'm debating between the FT1 and the DT 770 or 700. Would you have a recommendation? I like bass to have a bit of rumble to it. I usually use headphones to play games, watch movies, UA-cam, and music. I've heard that the DT770 can sound a bit more 'boring', just wondering if you have an opinion? Also, I really want them to be immersive when watching movies and playing games. Thanks if you can help!
@@matthewwarren10 I don't have the DT 770 Pro, so I can't give any comment on them. Between the FT1 and the DT 700 Pro X, I feel the sub bass is more prominent on the FT1, and they're more tuned to be "fun" sounding compared to the more neutral DT 700 Pro X. For immersion, to be honest it's a toss up between the two. FT1 have that encompassing bass that give epic music in some games more heft, but the DT 700 Pro X do have that wider soundstage and more precise imaging.
i have these in Beechwood and really enjoy them. mostly just for music though, as i've been going back to IEMs for gaming at the moment.
Dave, do you think you will review the new-ish Austrian Audio Hi-X20? same price as these Fiio FT1.
I'm glad you enjoy the FT1. Thanks for the suggestion about the Hi-X20.
Just got them and, unfortunately they are very aggressive. Has me on edge so far. Where's the mellow? So far, Sundara and XS are preferred. Tune in next week. :)
Thanks for the impressions
@@TheHonestAudiophile Maybe a little Advil will help with listening to them. :)
Will you review the Hifiman Isvarna?
If a Hifiman Isvarna is provided/loaner to the channel for review, Id be glad to review it.
Hey Dave! Awesome review as always. I'm hoping you'll review the FT1 Pro's, which are quite a different animal carrying planar drivers and a tuning which seems much more...reserved, let's say. I'm heavily considering them but your reviews always inform my audio purchases. Appreciate you.
I hope to get the FT1 Pro in for review at some point.
How would you say the FT1 compares to the ThinkSound ov21 in terms of sound signature/staging/layering/etc? I'm aware of your thoughts on the ov21 (bought a month ago, love 'em!), but I'm curious if the FT1 & ov21 are peers overall, or distinctly different from each other.
Seems like the FT1 may be more in-your-face and more V-shaped, compared to ov21's U-shape?
I haven't heard the OV21 since ai reviewed them. I honestly don't recall enough to give a fair comparison.
how does it compare to meze 99 neo/classic ?
99 Classic is warmer and way less aggressive. The FT1 has better detail retrieval and similar resolution. Tone and timbre are similar but the 99 Classic has more note weight.
@TheHonestAudiophile hmm... seems like meze 99 series is still hard to beat at this price point, + considering better built quality and reparability and brand history, it still seems like a better choice, unless you want something with high brightness. i wish Sivga updated their lineup at this price for better competition.
Yes, the 99 Classic is hard to beat. I am curious of what Sivga has planned for the budget closed back in the future.
I didn't see the funny rant coming about privacy space XDD this review took personally lmao
If they weren't so in your face of a presentation, they would be a good headphone, the FT1 does a lot good.
@@TheHonestAudiophile I tried them at shop I thought they just noisier than Audio technical M50x and shouty....but yeah your "In the face" described well I can't stop laughing. I have ft3, fh3, fh15 and fd11, all, different soundstages, all of them 😂. I guess all these Fiio's headphones and iems are designed by different team, doesn't know it is good or bad situation but whatever I bought Fiio's thing they are completely new experience...good and bad, so random
I have noticed that as well that Fiio gear has a lot of variance from product to product. Not a true house sound.
@@TheHonestAudiophile Agree
Put a tissue behind the pad, it will reduce shouty n sibilance.... It's work for me.... The result very balance!
Happy Christmas, Can i ask ? i have HD660s2 with a fiio ka13 on balanced , but i think it sounds a bit thin even if they get loud ... Do the portable dac amps dont have the tech to run HD 6 line ?
They're not optimal for the HD660s2 or other HD6xx a desktop amplifier is.
@@TheHonestAudiophile So it wasnt just in my mind ... Can u please advice me a good Desktop amp for 660s2 balanced 4.4 ? Thank u for taking time to reply.
@Tripokaridos22 budget? xDuoo XA-02 is a solid budget friendly option. The Fiio K9 AKM is a good performer for $500. The Fiio K19 and Mytek Liberty DAC ii are excellent for $1500.
@@TheHonestAudiophile k9 it is then... I have no words to say for your help...
Look forward to hearing your impressions.
Hello Dave. What closed back headphone has most beautiful treble (sub 500$) in your opinion?
Closed back headphones under $500, my listening experience is limited. I think the Austrian Audio HI-X60 have beautiful, accurate treble.
ua-cam.com/video/GuUAD0rQYo0/v-deo.htmlsi=aNOJKcU-tECFlRNy
Will you be reviewing Rosetechnics quietsea?
Here is a link to my RoseTechnics QuietSea review:
www.thehonestaudiophile.com/post/rose-technics-quietsea-the-not-so-quiet-sea-honest-audiophile-impressions
Change the cable to the Meze Audio 99 Series Balanced Headphone Cable. It makes a big difference.
After hearing your review, I'm no longer confident in my purchase... I'm not very tech inclined, so I almost exclusively went off of online reviews. They raved that they were the best price-to-performance headphones you could find. Nothing I saw described the problems you found-and maybe it's an outlier-but it certainly raises concerns for me. Your VERY descriptive comment about how "in your face" these headphones are really scares me because that's exactly how I would describe my current headphones. They're incredibly obnoxious. Should I consider returning these for a different pair? I simply don't have the budget to compare and contrast headphones at this pricepoint, so I'd be really grateful for your opinion. Also, would these work fine plugged straight into a desktop?
If you can listen to them first before returning that would be optimal
As for driving them from a desktop, it's possible depending on the soundcard. I personally don't use a desktop, I use USB dongles and external DAC and amps.
I returned them peacause of their treble peak. Otherwise they sound really nice for a closed back. Better than Sennheiser 620S
I haven't heard the HD620s, interesting. I liked the FT1 for a lot of what they do as a closed back but the treble and the intensity are problems. Thanks for the comment.
@@Anomalyn1 I had the 620s and returned them because of the intense 3k peak. It made some electric guitars sound shrill. The ft1 are much more controlled in that region.
take acoustic foam out of ath m40x and use it with fiio ft1. it will make treble smooth
I have them and I kind of agree with review and sometimes they sting my ears. They are not my worst overall headphones, that would be HifiMan HE-R9 and Audiotechnica ath-M50x (but for other reasons). FT1 do give me some fatigue and some frequencies does not sound good, but it situational some music does sound good. Listening to the Beatles older songs on these were no pleasure for me, they were screamy in all ways possible. But I have made playlist with songs that suit them and just pass music that does not sound good on them. I appreciate that Dave bring up their shortcomings, any review should bring up both good and bad things and too often in UA-cam reviews one have too listen really carefull to pick up those sidecomments that tell you a headphone is not for you. I think these are ok, but not as my only headphone but to get some variation.
Thanks for the impressions. You obviously picked up on my side notes that the FT1 isn't a rubbish headphone, they do a lot of good but the flaws are quite evident. We all have different ears and the FT1 will be solid for some and not so much for others and in your experience with some tunes and not so much with other tunes. I always say this and will say it again, understand the reviewer and you will understand the review. Thanks for the comment, very much appreciated.
take acoustic foam out of ath m40x and use it with fiio ft1. it will make treble smooth
250mw per side enough? Shanling m1s.. Nothing about this review scares me, it's a $160 headphone, I think you are being more thorough and precise with your review then people are used to, and some are scared off, these same people might not hear what you are talking about, either. I think it's an excellent review.
It should be adequate but more power would be helpful. The FT1 does a lot good but that intensity is what doomed it for me. Thanks for watching and the kind comment.
@TheHonestAudiophile I like intensity, I have tons of IEMs that do different things, an over ear that pounds my 70s prog into my brain would be great.
Look forward to hearing your impressions
After listening to the Foster T50rp mark 4, Meze Classic, and Rode 1. I prefer the Classic on my classic RB and Hip Hop, the Rode 1 on vocal music. The Fostex is more open sounding but a the cost of a bit of that intimate feel The Meze seems the most musical,it's a more jack of all trades. I love all three though. I obviously need that amp that's on delivery( the XUDOO-XA2) that you last reviewed). I think deeper leather pads on the Fostex will help bring a bigger bass slam and open the sound stage more. I obviously don't need the Fiio. The next step is ? Is it diminishing returns ? Time will tell...........
Interesting. Thanks for the impressions.
Oh thanks for the review. I really had high hopes with these 😢
My pleasure, you're welcome
You should look at other reviews of these! This is one of the minority that doesn't like it lol
@max10hoop thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing 👍
@@Helmond2017 пробуй сам, уши разные
@@max10hoop Thanks. I will.
♥
To me, these headphones don’t feel any more cramped or in-your-face than the HD600, which have been go-to headphones for the past 20 years-ones you’ve praised yourself. From my perspective, this criticism seems both unusual and somewhat selective
HD600 isn't nearly as aggressive and fatiguing, the stage is similar size. The FT1 does a lot good but the always on intensity is a problem for me.
So my criticism of the FT1 is unusual and selective because it is my honest opinion?
@TheHonestAudiophile I don’t doubt that it’s your honest opinion. It’s just that I haven’t seen any other trusted reviewers share the same view. On the contrary, most people say these headphones are tuned almost perfectly for this price range and have very few competitors
@@loltrollface1488 I sold my Elegia's and find the FT1 to have a bigger, and wider soundstage than them, while also being less fatiguing. I also own the HD600 and think the FT1 has a bigger and wider soundstage, but it's not as transparent. I, too, find this review pretty odd. Maybe it's matter of source pairing, but I'm using the Vali 3 with a Tesla 6C442 and this headphone sounds incredibly spacious for a closed back.
@BobbyDigital6411
@loltrollface1
As I have said from day one of this channel, everyone hears differently. In this video, I am not saying the FT1 is a bad headphone or doesn't sound good, I am saying the presentation is intense and relentless. The FT1 would be a very good option for me in the price range if it wasn't so intense sounding. Honesty is the best policy.
@BobbyDigital6411
@loltrollface1
As I have said from day one of this channel, everyone hears differently. In this video, I am not saying the FT1 is a bad headphone or doesn't sound good, I am saying the presentation is intense and relentless. The FT1 would be a very good option for me in the price range if it wasn't so intense sounding. Honesty is the best policy.
Think you’ll get to the ZMF Bokeh?
If one is provided to the channel for review.
Outstanding review except for the conclusion. I purchased a pair when they first burst upon the scene. They were everything you defined, but you had issues I didn’t share.
I don’t consider them to be in your face. I replaced 99’s which were in my face.
The shout, in the upper mids is simply awful. To keep this short, time is key here with the FT1.
They take forever to break in. It took over 50 hours before I would even listen to them. From 50-100 hours they continued to rid themselves of all the issues I had with them. How that lines up with you, only you can determine. If you can get 100 hours on them I think you might have some second thoughts.
The shout remains, but is down 90%, and the note weight is still light, resolution could still be better, but overall I love these Cans.
My reference Cans are Meze Empereans, which I purchased immediately after watching your “end of journey” review, and I absolutely love them. My FT1 are my closed back, change it up a bit while maintaining a very similar voice Cans.
I enjoy them both.
Your preferences most closely align with mine. I trust your judgement and just wanted to be sure you were aware of the critical break in time the FT1 requires.
Cheers 0:06
Thanks for your impressions and thoughts. Glad you enjoy the FT1.
Will you do the FT1 Pro maybe ?
If a FT1 Pro is provided for review, I will gladly give it a listen and review.
waiting the SIVGA ANSER
Sucga Anser in house for review along with 40+ other products
@@TheHonestAudiophile Looking forward to it. Thank you for your work
You're welcome, it's my pleasure.
I've had the FT1 for a few weeks now and you nailed it. For $150 they are good. However, I would first recommend the Sivga Robin. In the same price range, but with a planar driver, the Sundara Closed blows them both away in every aspect. Love your videos. Thanks!
Thanks for comment and thoughts.
I've had the sundara closed back for 1 year...i sold them...they are terrible and the timbre was very inconsistent. The FT1 are superior to them on every points for me
@@federico1888 Glad you like your FT1. I'm returning mine. I love the responsiveness of the SC drivers and like the headphone even more after pad rolling. I find the timbre rather accurate. I can hear the difference between a bass and a cello and get good image separation too. Great control during busy tracks as well. I get quite the opposite experience as you are here.
I have a $5,000 CD / headphone only audiophile system (PS Audio DIGITAL LINK III (w/CULLEN CIRCUITS Mod) --- 230V model DAC, ROTEL RCD-1072 CD/HCDC player (used as a Transport only), Schiit MAGNI 3+ headphone amp, 500W ---120V to 230V converter, regulator and conditioner (REG VOLT ATVR-500 PRO), LAT International D-30 Signature digital cable and ANALYSIS Plus "Silver Crystal Oval Interconnects". This specific system was designed and tuned for: explosive dynamics, extreme punch, extremely fast transits, very deep, tight bass, clear, natural midrange, "electrostatic-type" highs, huge-enough, airy sound stage, laser sharp imaging, spot on timbre, and Autonomic Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) tuning (to evoke emotions in the music). I was blown away that my SIVGA ROBIN 021's could reveal my audiophile system's tuning, with no problems!!! Loud, complex, fast music with no distortions and no loss of resolution. It must be the ROBIN's POLYCARBONATE 50CM driver. The ROBIN's ported, instrument grade ROSEWOOD cups, give a spot on TIMBRE. In general: Headphones just reveal the sonic characteristics of your audiophile equipment. Headphones can up-scale with higher-end audiophile electronics, as the ROBINS have in my audiophile system. My ROBIN 021's, now have explosive dynamics, which scare the crap out of me, with my eyes blinking and muscles twitching (like when you hear a firecracker or gun fire)!!! Vocals and laser-sharp imaging fool my brain in thinking someone just came into my room!!! The soundstage is huge and airy (if displayed in the recording). EDM is jaw-dropping!!! Vocals contain real emotions. Micro dynamics reveal all of the details of a singer's mouth movements and breaths. Yet, they have a smoothness to them. The ROBIN's give me an excellent illusion of actually being at a live event!!! They sound so good, I cant stop listening to them!!! Another headphone that sounds like being at a live event is my LSA (Living Sound Audio) "DIAMOND" planar headphones (KENNERTON mod design ---- $2,000). You don't need new headphones, you need the correct synergistic audiophile equipment to take your ROBIN 021's to their highest possible level of musical enjoyment!!! New ROBIN 021 headphones need to be broken-in and I suggest up-grading to a new headphone cable. I got a custom-designed headphone cable (LITZ-design w/OCC 7N COPPER wires) for around $40 from CHINA. Sounds fantastic!!! Remember, headphones can only react to the source signal, fed into them. GARBAGE IN --- GARBAGE OUT computer principle. Feed your ROBINS with a high-quality signal and they will blow you away, as they have for me!!!
@@indigocrystalknight8864 I love the Robin. Not so much with the FT1. I also have high end gear and over 20 headphone collection. Thanks.
Thanks a lot Dave, great review...i was choosing between this one and the AKG 361...guess one is out, hahahha, any comments on the AKG?
Sorry, I haven't heard the K361 only the K371.
Sounds like it needs a Pad Swap
I review in stock form. Possible a pad swap might improve slightly. Thanks for the comment.
@@TheHonestAudiophile
I did not mean to Imply that you should do anything different! A Pad Swap that would significantly alter Stage impressions could well cost half of the HP Price! You can only test what they send you in the Box and everything else is not really a review of the product that they are actually selling. I respect he Integrity - Keep on Rocking!
Thanks 🙏 I totally agree 💯
I like your reviews, but i could not disagree more with this review, i have the Austrian hx65 and i get soooo tired of that headphone and always grab the FT1 for that smooth timbre.
I've not heard the HI-X65. I own the Hi-X60 which is the one I compare the FT1 too. I am glad you enjoy the FT1, a good headphone except it is too fatiguing.
Wow. Held my breath for "Soundstage.... And was looking forward to the big spacious feedback that I'm experiencing.. and then ,,, "Cramped". Okok.. its your experience I don't have to explain around the houses here about that we are educated adults. but.. Cramped is an entirely exclusive word to this review on the FT1s. And I mean, *entirely*. This my honest report to you of the prevailing landscape of opinion out there, not here, and everywhere.
Edit
I like your reviews, I own these headphones. Go figure. (howeveryourewronggoandseeforyourselfyourewrongyourewrongyourewrong).
Tx!
Thanks for the impressions. Glad you enjoy the FT1.
Every other reviewer is raving about these. It’s hard to take this seriously. Maybe everyone else is dishonest. 🙄🤥👎🏻
Everyone hears different. There are a lot of variables that go into how we hear gear; DAC, Amps, music quality, music genres, ear quality, listening abilities, etc.
Thanks for watching, commenting and subscribing.
I sold mine 😢
Curious, how come?
SHABBAT SHALOM! 🕎
HAPPY SABBATH! ✡️
😇 May God Bless You Always! 😇
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
✝️ The Vegan Vicar 🌱
Great review as usual. But for me, everything dave don't like, it's just perfect for me. Too much bass and too much intensity means its just about right. Ima be getting this FT-1 once amazon gets more in stock. Not going to pay over $300 plus shipping on ebay due to all the hype.
I made the mistake of buying the ananda stealth back when it was $600 and its sound quality is easily blowned away by the K371 that Dave hates. Lol
Ananda has practically no mids, bass was decent but too soft and the highs sound tiny. It was very airy and open sounding, but that makes your music sound artificial. Like you're too broke and couldn't afford front row ticket to listen to the band. So you over pay for a spacious HD800 or Arya organic type headphone to remind yourself that you're only entitled to music that sounded like youre sitting in the 50th row.
If there's any issues with sound quality, any headphone can be equalized and usually solves 90% of the problems. You can easily make a $150 headphone soumd way better than a $1000 headphone if you know what you're doing. Don't over pay for stock tuning that don't fit your taste or expectations. Stock tuning is like buying a compramised stock car. It'll get the job done in a decent manner for most musics, but it wont be good with everything you want. So you have to modify it to your liking..
Most headphone reviewers hate bass, that means they only like half their music. Huge thundering deep bass that echos into the distance adding another level to your music is a no no for them.
Ft1 are very cable sensitive. Stock cables need to be immediately changed for thicker copper-silver ones. You won't believe how much better these headphones will sound.
Interesting. Thanks for the comment.
ivipQ-34 4 Cores Litz Sterling Silver Palladium+7N OCC
@@deeknight8202 What cable do you recommend? I’m getting a pair next week.
@@UmenchFN I bought on AliExpress some cable which they call 16 core silver plated and it changed the sound for the better. I'm quite happy now with ft1. Very balanced, not shouty at all. It cost around $30.
I didn't like the stock cable though.