AKG K371 vs FiiO FT1

[ngs428]

I currently own the K371 and am generally happy with them. I just don’t like how fragile they seem.

Fiio FT1 is out there now and I can’t find and FR graphs from the usual big reviewers. Head-FI has some from a reviewer. Not sure how trustworthy it is.

For seems better from what I read on the FT1.

Thoughts on these two in the closed back budget category?

Edit: just found yours @solderdude. Seemed like you were a fan of them generally.

FT1

back to FiiOback to measurementshome Published: Sept-03-2024 NO SMOOTHING is applied to the shown plots. Most measurement sites have some smoothing applied which ‘irons flat’ sharp peaks and ‘wiggl…

diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com

 

[staticV3]

Here are GRAS measurements of the FT1:

Review of Fiio FT1: rightfully hyped?

Intro: I’ve previously reviewed Fiio’s planar headphone, the FT5. While I appreciated their build quality and comfortable design, the sound quality left me somewhat underwhelmed at its …

unheardlab.com

 

[staticV3]

New measurements on both GRAS and 5128:

Fiio FT1 Measurements & Discussion

This is the place to discuss all things Fiio FT1 - the closed back. For the open back, head on over to the FT1 Pro thread. I have DMS’s unit here with me right now and was able to measure it, both on the B&K 5128 and the official GRAS 43AG. Fiio FT1 HpTF (B&K 5128, GRAS 43AG and B&K 4128c)...

forum.headphones.com

 

[markanini]

From the impressions I've gathered FT1 is built better than K371 and sounds very competitive. Maybe K371 is tuned more versatile, while FT1 could be more appreciated by bass lovers.

 

[ngs428]

From the impressions I've gathered FT1 is built better than K371 and sounds very competitive. Maybe K371 is tuned more versatile, while FT1 could be more appreciated by bass lovers.

Seems that way. I plan to stick with my K371.

 

[Joe Smith]

Just baby the K371s...I guess not the best headphone for regular on the go use, but my K361s are five years old and have only needed new earpads...

 

[FTB]

FT1 VS K371 from this video :

 

[oleg87]

I suspect it'll be a race between which headphone headband mechanism breaks first. FiiO apparently made the failure-prone screws more robust but I'd make sure you're getting the revised model.

 

[FTB]

I'm considering trying the FT1, what are the info about the revised model ? Is there a date it was available from ?

 

[petebone]

I had the K371 for a hot minute but I sold them and got the FT1. I like the sound out of the FT1 a lot more, especially the bass.

 

[RHO]

Anyone tried these with a dongle-DAC?

 

[ObjectiveSubjectivist]

Get Fiio, AKG spare parts and QC is non existent.

 

[ZolaIII]

My answer is pay more and get Denon AH-D5200. For easy to use get and keep seal, much less compression to FT1 and not being source impedance dependant (those will truly work good and from bad high self impedance anaemic source as integrated outs from most things). While neither is ideal Denon still does highs better and is less exaggerated in lows.

 

[RHO]

Never had any issue with my K371. Well I have to say that my GF never had any issues with my K371 since she is using it almost every day for the past 2 years.
That's why I looking into a cheap alternative to bring to work. IEMs are starting to annoy me.

 

[RHO]

My answer is pay more and get Denon AH-D5200. For easy to use get and keep seal, much less compression to FT1 and not being source impedance dependant (those will truly work good and from bad high self impedance anaemic source as integrated outs from most things). While neither is ideal Denon still does highs better and is less exaggerated in lows.

If I would spend more I would directly go for the Audeze Maxwell, I think.

 

[FTB]

I had, luckily, no problems with the K371 too. Nothing broken, great quality spare earpads from ebay or aliexpress.
I had to change the little straight cable but that's normal wear.

For those interested, RTings will buy the FT1 and test it soon :

I think their measurements are pretty good and we can look at the raw curve. As they already test the K371 we will have a fair comparison with the same mount.

 

[ZolaIII]

If I would spend more I would directly go for the Audeze Maxwell, I think.

It's jack of all threads but not really great at any. Sure I would take them over similar Sony or Bose but that's where comparation ends. Denon is cast dur aluminium and I at least hope will outlast even very good Beyerdynamics, I just explained why Denon's are actually good and that's hard to get and good to have.

 

[FTB]

My answer is pay more and get Denon AH-D5200. For easy to use get and keep seal, much less compression to FT1 and not being source impedance dependant (those will truly work good and from bad high self impedance anaemic source as integrated outs from most things). While neither is ideal Denon still does highs better and is less exaggerated in lows.

The peak at 5-6 Khz doesn't look good. In comparison the K371 has a dip in this same area.

Better a dip than a peak

 

[RHO]

The peak at 5-6 Khz doesn't look good. In comparison the K371 has a dip in this same area.

Better a dip than a peakView attachment 439519View attachment 439520

The bass extension into the lower mids also worries me about these. Too warm/muddy?

 

[ZolaIII]

The peak at 5-6 Khz doesn't look good. In comparison the K371 has a dip in this same area.

Better a dip than a peakView attachment 439519View attachment 439520

It's better to know you will achieve seal even putting them lazy on and with glasses. As it's not outrageous peek nor that hard to handle it's certainly better than deep which you will have to settle with as it is. I menage it by using tilt to that side. Denon has resonance at 700 and 1700 Hz, with FT1 they are at 3 & 6 KHz, didn't look for K371.