@widarta7 true, but to be fair it was totally unused until i started this whole audio thing. In retrospect I probably should of started a new channel, but thems the cards.
I really questioned the release of this colorway. Fiio's photography of it make it look bad in but after this video I have come to like them. I already bought my dad the dark walnut but I might have to pick up a pair for myself in this smooth peanut butter now! Great review!
Love Fiio and have been using their products for over 12 years and always good products. Have the Fiio JT1 and also punches way above it's class but is semi open. And was looking for a closed one and will be this one for sure. Great review too my man.
My favorite toy is a Mest MK2/Multiverse Mentor and i'm still impressed by the Fiio FT1. Was really missing a closed back and this was definitely the right one. IMO, it's unmatched until we start to enter Z1R or Aeon 2 territory. Absolutely insane what $150 can give you nowadays. We've come a long way. Chifi is redefining audio.
@@dustydynasty802 Hmmm, a couple of them. Like I said, it's unmatched until we start to enter Z1R or Aeon territory. The fact that I don't miss much (given all the typical closed back quirks) even coming from a Mentor/Mest MK2 says how good the FT1 is for the price. Yes, the hype is real. It demolishes anything under $500 (and even some $1000 headphones like Denon flagships).
Never saw your reviews, i really love your voice and way of presenting. Feels like sitting in a warm and cosy living room haha. New subscriber here, and….. just bought the fiio ft1 with a shanling up4 2022 edition bluetooth dac
You have "Alien Manifestation" as one of your test tracks?! Get out of my head. Pre-ordered before this review, but that one sentence has now affirmed the gamble I took. Thanks!!
I got my FiiO FT1 few weeks ago and i love them, mine are the original wallnut colour, love them...i don't like this colour, but hey....everyone with their choice. But the headphnes i love them so much, paired them with my new DX180, they hear so awesome.
Thanks for this great review my friend!, i was wondering how it sounds in comparison with the robin? because i have the robin and those have a v shape tunning, how are the FiiO FT-1?
@dankaze FT1 has better bass extension, but less bloated mid bass than the Robin. The midrange is much more neutral than the Robin, and the treble is better controlled and more refined. So more of a subtle u shape than a v shape.
The Sundara Closed Back are $129 BRAND NEW on Hifiman’s own store - $99 for refurbished - and also have beautiful, wooden cups and the same headband as the regular Sundara.
@ I have both the FT1 and the Sundara Closed and I like the FT1 better even as I do still appreciate the Sundara Closed - but mostly I was raising it that is another closed back set with pretty good build and earcups. 🤓
The Sundara closed dog-walk just about any closed-back (even Focal) with EQ and are very comfortable. Oratory has a pretty good EQ for them but I tuned down 3-8k due to mild sibilance and they are S tier now. The FT1 are amazing with stock tuning and a headband mod from Capra Audio for the Sony MDR7506 make them one of the best values you could possibly have. I had to cop both colorways. EQ'd sibilance out and paired with an amp/dac stack (I have an IFi stack) and it's legit HIFI sound. I would recommend either of these to anyone willing to do some minor adjustments.
@@Ordos20 R9 has a bit more mid bass presence, but not as much sub bass. FT1 overall offers more control and better resolution. It is also built much better.
@@MasterMarslander I have an R9 -- hence my question (I added Caldera pads and a suspension strtap to it, and had it resoldered so it takes normal balanced cables) -- But its good to understand te differences from your comparison
@@MasterMarslander To be fair: I had contact with Hifiman to acquire the backing frame of the earpad -- they sent it from the factory in China -- wihtout it, it doens't work (or you have to cut up the existing earpad)
@@MasterMarslander ha! I better take care of them ,, im using them OTG with a Qudelix 5K(LDAC990) and have to put them in my shopping bag when i go in to a bar.. Not getting any strange looks on the street so can confirm you can bring that soft jazz and really super incredible soundstage for a walk. Wow, honestly impressed with my first holographic headphone experience, thanks Fiio!.. Also for a noob, its satisfying to haave soundstaging effect proven due to the accessibility of the price, im totally convinced now and will be happy to get a Nano now for home use. Cos I still have momney after getting the FT1 !,,,,
I harassed the booth at CanJam Socal and grabbed the demo unit they had at the table - hence the non-stock pads. I have seen the beech wood more readily available on Aliexpress, not that I particularly like to recommend using Aliexpress.
@ragnharrow i have not compared them against the closed back Sundara. In general, I have not heard very positive things about the closed back Sundara, so I do not have one here at the studio.
@rubencalis5790 in comparison, the Robin feels a lot warmer and less resolving. FT1 was much better bass extension, more vibrant mids, better staging, and better imaging.
I don't know what happened to your review unit but these earpads aren't the stock ones. At least not the version being sold everywhere. And that is definitely part of the overall tuning of the FT1.
@@JOJOSSTAR1 correct. As I mentioned, this was a display unit I picked up at CanJam. My guess is they are pre-production pads. Stock pads for the FT1 have a breathable cloth face on the pad.
Replaced my horrendous Grado 325xs for these and im amazed with quality sound and the fact I avoided the Audiophile Tax and saved myself £1000.00 as well 😀.
@quackgarage9551 But I still have my Grado 80x with red earcups. Your right though, they have a certain style that other audiophile headphones don't have .
I was waiting for this question. If you want to save a few bucks and have a more rounded and balanced headphone that is still super fun, then FT-1. If you want total chaos in the most entertaining way possible, then go Eris.
I think you meant the ATH-M50X? If so, I definitely prefer the FT-1. I actually prefer the M40X in the ATH lineup, but even then would choose the FT-1 over the M40X.
Yes thr bluetooth one version 2 that one actually was so much fun that its in my wishlist for 2025 but thanks to you the FIIO is coming from China since last week in walnut
The Robin is trash tbh. Trusted Zreview and grab that, it was a freaking disappointment. The sound is really lackluster be it with amp or DAP, the leather peeled within a year of minimum use. I am still waiting for my FT1, hopefully it's as promising as the reviewers claimed.
@MasterMarslander watch it with tat "GENUINELY" @ around 12:55 ... You Know Who will be looking for you for Gimmick Infringement - Not that hes likely to acually FIBD a brother, but, you know, still...😂🤣
Sound wise, they are very good headphones. That being said, FiiO is going to have a PR nightmare on their hands when those very weak little screws holding them together start falling apart on everyone. If I were looking to buy these, I would seriously hold off until FiiO makes the changes needed for their product to stay held together. Mine fell apart after six uses, and I babied them. Mark my words, PR nightmare incoming. It's only a matter of time until these all start falling apart. You've been warned.
You lost me at the first mention of that awful protein leather. That is plain garbage that wont last more than two years, at most, and after that will look like a refugee camp tent on the border of Syria. I've bought that kind of crap before from Fiio and I'm no longer willing to spend not even a cent more on that.
@@FerenczyAS to be fair, like I mentioned, the stock pads are hybrid with a fabric face on the pads. My pair are an outlier in that regard. But yeah, I get what you're saying.
@nexor7809 Allright, if you wanna get that specific, then it's $149.99. $147 on Allixpress, plus $20 off, making $127. Or wait for the Black Friday deal on Amazon.
wtf, 2k subs with an amazing content, hope to see your channel grow fast!
@@EsserReviews 🙏
and the channel created from 2006 lol 🔥
@widarta7 true, but to be fair it was totally unused until i started this whole audio thing. In retrospect I probably should of started a new channel, but thems the cards.
I really questioned the release of this colorway. Fiio's photography of it make it look bad in but after this video I have come to like them. I already bought my dad the dark walnut but I might have to pick up a pair for myself in this smooth peanut butter now! Great review!
Love Fiio and have been using their products for over 12 years and always good products. Have the Fiio JT1 and also punches way above it's class but is semi open. And was looking for a closed one and will be this one for sure. Great review too my man.
Waiting for this review a lot❤❤
Also fiio ft1 pro released
FT1 Pro is on the way 😉
They sell out really fast, great for everyday listening zero complaints..
My favorite toy is a Mest MK2/Multiverse Mentor and i'm still impressed by the Fiio FT1. Was really missing a closed back and this was definitely the right one. IMO, it's unmatched until we start to enter Z1R or Aeon 2 territory. Absolutely insane what $150 can give you nowadays. We've come a long way. Chifi is redefining audio.
What other closed backs have you listened to that you prefer the FT1?
@@dustydynasty802 Hmmm, a couple of them. Like I said, it's unmatched until we start to enter Z1R or Aeon territory. The fact that I don't miss much (given all the typical closed back quirks) even coming from a Mentor/Mest MK2 says how good the FT1 is for the price. Yes, the hype is real. It demolishes anything under $500 (and even some $1000 headphones like Denon flagships).
@ thanks for the reply! Any pads swaps you recommend or do you keep the ft1 stock?
@@dustydynasty802 I use it stock, sounds the best to my ears. IMO, it's perfect. No need to change the pads.
Another great review. I like the coziness, lighting and vibe of the video itself too, so cozy. Thank you a lot.
Never saw your reviews, i really love your voice and way of presenting.
Feels like sitting in a warm and cosy living room haha.
New subscriber here, and….. just bought the fiio ft1 with a shanling up4 2022 edition bluetooth dac
@davegorthuis679 thanks for watching! Glad to have you aboard.
One of the best blind buys a person can make.
You have "Alien Manifestation" as one of your test tracks?! Get out of my head.
Pre-ordered before this review, but that one sentence has now affirmed the gamble I took. Thanks!!
Good grief!! Fine, u sold me. I’ll need to pick one up to hear for myself. Very kool review👍🏻
@matiasferrer6400 thanks! Hope you enjoy!
I got my FiiO FT1 few weeks ago and i love them, mine are the original wallnut colour, love them...i don't like this colour, but hey....everyone with their choice. But the headphnes i love them so much, paired them with my new DX180, they hear so awesome.
Great review! What is the audio visualizer behind you?
Keebmonkey FFT Rhythm Light. Fun little thing.
Great intro. 😁
Also. Looks like the FT1 has Fibonacci driver grill patterns. Much like the Sony MDR Z1R. ☺️👍
You're totally right! I knew I recognized it somewhere.
How would you compare the FT1 versus the Z1R in terms of sound?
NNN isn't going well for my audio purchases. Can't abstain from any gear. Why are you making this review why?
Awesome review as always man!
How this compare with Akg 361/371 and Maze 99 in sound quality?
Better than all 3
Love their wood cup.
Between these and the FT1 Pro, which has the better bass?
Hello, great video. Do you think I can upgrade my DT 770 pro for this fiio FT1 or no ?
thanks
@@baptistev I say give it a shot and see what you think. I think you'll notice a number of improvements.
@@MasterMarslander I'll try, thx for the advice.
Thanks for this great review my friend!, i was wondering how it sounds in comparison with the robin? because i have the robin and those have a v shape tunning, how are the FiiO FT-1?
@dankaze FT1 has better bass extension, but less bloated mid bass than the Robin. The midrange is much more neutral than the Robin, and the treble is better controlled and more refined. So more of a subtle u shape than a v shape.
@@MasterMarslander Thank you so much, because i really want something better than the robin 😊
Sounds like I need this headphone, lol
@@Nuevo_El_Nagual couldn't hurt. 😏
The Sundara Closed Back are $129 BRAND NEW on Hifiman’s own store - $99 for refurbished - and also have beautiful, wooden cups and the same headband as the regular Sundara.
I have not heard very positive things about the Sundara Closed. I've never heard it myself, though, so who knows.
@ I have both the FT1 and the Sundara Closed and I like the FT1 better even as I do still appreciate the Sundara Closed - but mostly I was raising it that is another closed back set with pretty good build and earcups. 🤓
The Sundara closed dog-walk just about any closed-back (even Focal) with EQ and are very comfortable. Oratory has a pretty good EQ for them but I tuned down 3-8k due to mild sibilance and they are S tier now.
The FT1 are amazing with stock tuning and a headband mod from Capra Audio for the Sony MDR7506 make them one of the best values you could possibly have. I had to cop both colorways. EQ'd sibilance out and paired with an amp/dac stack (I have an IFi stack) and it's legit HIFI sound.
I would recommend either of these to anyone willing to do some minor adjustments.
Great review!Thank you!
I am very curious
The Hifiman HE-R9 is now 79 dollars -- how does the FT1 stack up against the Hifiman?
@@Ordos20 R9 has a bit more mid bass presence, but not as much sub bass. FT1 overall offers more control and better resolution. It is also built much better.
@@MasterMarslander I have an R9 -- hence my question (I added Caldera pads and a suspension strtap to it, and had it resoldered so it takes normal balanced cables) -- But its good to understand te differences from your comparison
@Ordos20 oh cool, wouldn't have thought to try Caldera pads.
@@MasterMarslander To be fair: I had contact with Hifiman to acquire the backing frame of the earpad -- they sent it from the factory in China -- wihtout it, it doens't work (or you have to cut up the existing earpad)
@Ordos20 ask, and you shall receive. That's awesome.
Got my walnut 5 days ago...this is a dangerous video for starting to fancy the beech!
Fabric FT1 FTW BTW!
@@Bootrosgali for what it's worth, Walnut is a much more prized type of wood. Valued twice as much per bdft. ...my father had a lumbar yard.
@@MasterMarslander ha! I better take care of them ,, im using them OTG with a Qudelix 5K(LDAC990) and have to put them in my shopping bag when i go in to a bar.. Not getting any strange looks on the street so can confirm you can bring that soft jazz and really super incredible soundstage for a walk. Wow, honestly impressed with my first holographic headphone experience, thanks Fiio!.. Also for a noob, its satisfying to haave soundstaging effect proven due to the accessibility of the price, im totally convinced now and will be happy to get a Nano now for home use. Cos I still have momney after getting the FT1 !,,,,
I want beech ver so bad. They’re only available walnut ver on my country until now😔
@muhammadzakyzahran7260 yeah, beech is harder to get. The walnut is still very pretty though.
how did you manage to find that color way? Ive only seen the walnut for sale
I harassed the booth at CanJam Socal and grabbed the demo unit they had at the table - hence the non-stock pads. I have seen the beech wood more readily available on Aliexpress, not that I particularly like to recommend using Aliexpress.
I'll probably get one, when it's on special.
Thanks, Master!
Reverend Dr. Thomas,
The Vegan Vicar.
Did you compare it with the closed back sundaras, which are cheaper today?
@ragnharrow i have not compared them against the closed back Sundara. In general, I have not heard very positive things about the closed back Sundara, so I do not have one here at the studio.
@MasterMarslander It is a very detailed and accurate pair of headphones when it's well equalized, you should have a try
if i may ask, how does the old sigva's closed back compare to the new fiio ?
@rubencalis5790 in comparison, the Robin feels a lot warmer and less resolving. FT1 was much better bass extension, more vibrant mids, better staging, and better imaging.
@MasterMarslander thanks for the insights
i won t give up i will still ask you about the reviw of the edition xs :))
@raulbite854 hahaha, I admire your tenacity. There will be an Edition XS review, I promise you. I just need to catch up on my obligations.
It’s really not that good lol. It’s cold with recessed mids and janky treble
I bought these to replace my Meze 99 classics and prefer them in every way.
no doubt you do since 99 is a failure
Thank you! ❤
I don't know what happened to your review unit but these earpads aren't the stock ones. At least not the version being sold everywhere. And that is definitely part of the overall tuning of the FT1.
@@JOJOSSTAR1 correct. As I mentioned, this was a display unit I picked up at CanJam. My guess is they are pre-production pads. Stock pads for the FT1 have a breathable cloth face on the pad.
Replaced my horrendous Grado 325xs for these and im amazed with quality sound and the fact I avoided the Audiophile Tax and saved myself £1000.00 as well 😀.
it is not really hard to get something better than any Grado 😅 John Grado is out of the game for a long time and he dont learn a lesson at all
LOLLLLLL don't say that, I still love my 325x :D
I love their weirdness, mid-focused goddess!
@@quackgarage9551 😂 I had RS1e but honestly HD600/6XX are the best mid focused cans at low price and they dont hurt like those nasty cushions
@quackgarage9551 But I still have my Grado 80x with red earcups. Your right though, they have a certain style that other audiophile headphones don't have .
👍
How would you compare these to the MDR-Z7M2?
Better!
Sivga o Ft1? Gracias.
I'd go FT1.
Harmonicdyne Eris or FT1?
I was waiting for this question.
If you want to save a few bucks and have a more rounded and balanced headphone that is still super fun, then FT-1. If you want total chaos in the most entertaining way possible, then go Eris.
Audio technica mtx50?
I think you meant the ATH-M50X? If so, I definitely prefer the FT-1. I actually prefer the M40X in the ATH lineup, but even then would choose the FT-1 over the M40X.
Yes thr bluetooth one version 2 that one actually was so much fun that its in my wishlist for 2025 but thanks to you the FIIO is coming from China since last week in walnut
FiiO FT1 or Sennheizer HD 560s?
@@mhhemlock822 FT1, personally.
♥
Why do you have this color?😮
The Robin is trash tbh. Trusted Zreview and grab that, it was a freaking disappointment. The sound is really lackluster be it with amp or DAP, the leather peeled within a year of minimum use. I am still waiting for my FT1, hopefully it's as promising as the reviewers claimed.
@MasterMarslander watch it with tat "GENUINELY" @ around 12:55 ... You Know Who will be looking for you for Gimmick Infringement - Not that hes likely to acually FIBD a brother, but, you know, still...😂🤣
@Djimbe dude, I get so much crap for just being enthusiastic about stuff, it's whatever at this point. I ain't no robot!
@@MasterMarslander My joke wasnt Obvious enough, Im sorry, I was just kidding!
@@Djimbe oh no man, I got it! You're good, bruv!
Sound wise, they are very good headphones. That being said, FiiO is going to have a PR nightmare on their hands when those very weak little screws holding them together start falling apart on everyone. If I were looking to buy these, I would seriously hold off until FiiO makes the changes needed for their product to stay held together. Mine fell apart after six uses, and I babied them. Mark my words, PR nightmare incoming. It's only a matter of time until these all start falling apart. You've been warned.
you got the gay colour
@@algo2957 hahahaha 😆
very ugly indeed 🤣
Nah, more modern and sophisticated. Scandinavian almost.
@@arrowzen7433 Like the Bang and Olufsen headphones.
You lost me at the first mention of that awful protein leather. That is plain garbage that wont last more than two years, at most, and after that will look like a refugee camp tent on the border of Syria. I've bought that kind of crap before from Fiio and I'm no longer willing to spend not even a cent more on that.
@@FerenczyAS to be fair, like I mentioned, the stock pads are hybrid with a fabric face on the pads. My pair are an outlier in that regard. But yeah, I get what you're saying.
its not under 150 though 💀
@nexor7809 Allright, if you wanna get that specific, then it's $149.99. $147 on Allixpress, plus $20 off, making $127. Or wait for the Black Friday deal on Amazon.