Overview

The FiiO FT1 Pro is an open-back, wired headphone built around FiiO's own 95x86mm planar magnetic driver, using a 1μm thin diaphragm designed for low distortion and a fast transient response. It's a step up from the FT1 for listeners who want to move from a dynamic driver into planar magnetic territory, trading some of that model's isolation for an open-back design built for a wider, more natural soundstage. A 20Ω impedance and a steel slide headband with a suede contact surface keep it comfortable and reasonably easy to drive, though a dedicated headphone amplifier helps it show what the driver can really do. The standout here is the pair of included cables — a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced option, both built from 392-wire 24AWG conductors — giving it real flexibility for a wired headphone at this level.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

Planar magnetic drivers like the one in the FT1 Pro spread the driving force evenly across the diaphragm rather than from a single point, which is generally why planar headphones sound more controlled at higher volumes than a comparable dynamic driver — but it also means they typically need more current to reach their potential, even at a relatively low 20Ω. Because the FT1 Pro is open-back, sound leaks out and outside noise leaks in more than a closed design like the FT1, so it's better suited to a quiet room than a shared office or a commute. The fabric-and-protein-leather earpads are breathable for long sessions, but that breathability is part of why an open-back headphone isolates less — it's a trade worth knowing about before buying.

Best for the FiiO FT1 Pro: Use the included 4.4mm balanced cable with a dedicated headphone amp in a quiet room to hear what the planar driver is capable of, rather than running it straight off a phone.

More Details

Why It Wins

• 95x86mm planar magnetic driver: a FiiO-developed driver with a 1μm thin diaphragm, built for low distortion and a fast, controlled response.
• Open-back design: trades some isolation for a wider, more natural soundstage than a closed-back headphone.
• Two included cables: a 3.5mm single-ended and a 4.4mm balanced cable, both 392-wire 24AWG construction, cover portable and balanced desktop use out of the box.

What Makes It Different

Most headphones in this price range use a single dynamic driver and a single cable. The FT1 Pro's planar magnetic design and dual cable set — including a proper balanced option — put it closer to headphones that typically cost more, while its 20Ω impedance keeps it from demanding a full desktop amp stack to function.

Technical Highlights

• 7Hz-40kHz frequency response: a wider range than most dynamic-driver headphones at this price.
• 112dB/Vrms and 95dB/mW sensitivity at 1kHz: efficient enough to run from a phone, while still benefiting from a dedicated amp.
• 374g weight with a steel slide headband: a suede contact surface on the headband is built for long, comfortable wear.

Buyers Guide

Who This Is For

• The Planar Curious: anyone who has spent time on dynamic-driver headphones and wants to hear what a planar magnetic driver sounds like without buying a flagship model.
• The Home Listening Purist: anyone who listens mostly at a desk or in a quiet room rather than commuting, since the open-back design leaks sound both ways.
• The Balanced Source Owner: anyone who already has, or plans to add, a headphone amp with a 4.4mm balanced output and wants a headphone built to make use of it.

Ideal Use Case

• Quiet home or desk listening: where the open-back soundstage can be appreciated without disturbing anyone nearby, or being disturbed by them.
• Critical music listening with an amp: the 4.4mm balanced cable and 20Ω impedance are built to pair with a dedicated headphone amplifier.
• Stepping up from a dynamic-driver headphone: for anyone moving from something like the FT1 into planar magnetic territory for the first time.

What To Pair It With

• FiiO K11 desktop DAC/amp: gives the FT1 Pro's 20Ω driver real headroom through its balanced output.
• FiiO K9 Pro ESS: a higher-powered desktop option for anyone who wants more headroom on the 4.4mm balanced cable.
• FiiO KA17 dongle DAC: a portable balanced option for using the FT1 Pro away from a full desktop setup.

Alternative Options

The FT1 trades the planar driver and open-back design for a closed-back dynamic driver, better suited to shared spaces or commuting. The FT5 moves up to a larger 90mm planar driver with higher power handling for listeners who want to go further in the planar direction, while the FT7 tops FiiO's own lineup with a gold-and-silver diaphragm and carbon fiber build for a fully desktop-focused setup.