FiiO FT1 Pro
Open-back planar headphone with a 95×86mm in-house planar driver, 1µm diaphragm with sapphire+aluminum dual coating, and neutral-leaning tuning delivering solid measured performance at 199 USD
Overview
FiiO’s FT1 Pro is an open-back planar headphone using a 95×86mm in-house driver and a 1µm PET diaphragm with sapphire+aluminum dual coating. Specs: 20Ω / 95 dB/mW (112 dB/Vrms), ~374 g, dual 3.5mm TS connectors. It ships with 3.5mm and 4.4mm cables and a carry bag. US street price at review time is 199 USD. [1][2]
Scientific Validity
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Third-party data shows ~0.1% THD at 94 dB SPL with higher distortion at 104/110 dB; at the extreme bass it is excursion-limited around 98–100 dB, so heavy bass EQ at high volumes reduces headroom. Sensitivity (95 dB/mW) and impedance (20Ω) match published values. Frequency response is broadly neutral with small upper-band variations across units. [3][4]
Technology Level
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Engineering highlights include the 1µm diaphragm, dual-coating, uniform magnetic field design (patented), and 28 nm-grade coating process. The 374 g chassis with steel sliders and a 12-step headband is practical and robust. There’s no DSP/active correction; the implementation is conventional but well-executed. [1][2]
Cost-Performance
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]Comparator: HiFiMAN HE400SE (109 USD). Equivalence note: open-back planar design, very low distortion, and neutral-leaning FR, yielding equal-or-better user-facing functions and measured performance. [5][6]
109 USD ÷ 199 USD = 0.548 → CP 0.5 (rounded to one decimal).
This places the FT1 Pro at a moderate CP versus the current least-cost equivalent option. [5]
Reliability & Support
\[\Large \text{0.5}\]FiiO lists one-month replacement / one-year free maintenance as standard. Construction is simple with steel sliders and a sturdy headband. Long-term field data are limited for this model family, so overall reliability/support is assessed as average. [1][8]
Rationality of Design Philosophy
\[\Large \text{0.7}\]Targeting neutral reproduction with measurable, materials- and magnetics-driven improvements is scientifically rational. The design avoids claims of unmeasurable effects. Early reports of low-frequency resonance/clip behavior reflect trade-offs in maximum output, but the overall direction aligns with fidelity-first goals. [2][3][4]
Advice
If you want a neutral-leaning planar around 199 USD, the FT1 Pro is compelling. If minimum cost for equivalent function/performance matters most, HE400SE (109 USD) remains the value pick. For more output headroom and a larger stage, consider Edition XS (239 USD). [5][6][7]
References
[1] FiiO, “FT1 Pro — Open-Back Planar Headphones (official product page)”, https://www.fiio.com/ft1pro (accessed 2025-08-26). Key specs: 95×86 mm, 1 µm, 112 dB/Vrms=95 dB/mW, ~374 g.
[2] FiiO, “Open-Back Planar Headphones FT1 Pro Is Officially …”, https://www.fiio.com/newsinfo/975870.html (accessed 2025-08-26). Coating, weight, patent details.
[3] The HEADPHONE Community, “Fiio FT-1 Pro Measurements & Official Discussion”, https://forum.headphones.com/t/fiio-ft-1-pro-measurements-official-discussion/24674 (accessed 2025-08-26). Rig: GRAS KB50XX/B&K 5128; THD @94/104/110 dB; excursion limit notes; 20 Ω/95 dB/mW.
[4] Unheardlab, “Review of Fiio FT1 Pro: a neutral planar contender”, https://unheardlab.com/2024/11/23/measurement-and-review-of-fiio-ft1-pro/ (Nov 23, 2024; updated Aug 11, 2025). Clip around 98–100 dB in bass.
[5] HIFIMAN Store, “HE400se”, https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/he400se.html (accessed 2025-08-26). Price: 109 USD (stable special price).
[6] RTINGS, “HiFiMan HE400se Review”, https://www.rtings.com/headphones/reviews/hifiman/he400se (accessed 2025-08-26). Low distortion & FR context.
[7] HIFIMAN Store, “Edition XS”, https://store.hifiman.com/index.php/edition-xs.html (accessed 2025-08-26). Price: 239 USD.
[8] FiiO, “Warranty Terms”, https://www.fiio.com/serviceinsurance (accessed 2025-08-26). One-month replacement / one-year free maintenance.
(2025.8.27)