Looking for a better headphone with budget of no more than $500

[petebone]

It isn't a game changer but when looking for a nicely made and comfortable closed headphone with decent isolation, not super seal dependent and a bit bassy/warm character that can be driven directly from a phone, isn't picky for output resistance and is in the $150 range then this should be on the top of the list and I prefer it over the K371, SRH840A, ATH-M50X and DT770.

You just gave several reasons why it actually is a game changer.

 

[solderdude]

Its about on par with SRH840A in comfort, quality and price. It just lacks the wood cups (which are very nice) and thus would then also be a game changer.
The K371 is about the same sound quality but of poor build quality.

No spare parts for the FT1 though and the treble, while on the correct level, just is not high quality and decent to good.
Also the power rating is a bit low and the driver does not like to play loud.
It's these traits that make me say it is not a game changer but is a top pick for closed headphones around $ 150.-

 

[petebone]

Its about on par with SRH840A in comfort, quality and price. It just lacks the wood cups (which are very nice) and thus would then also be a game changer.
The K371 is about the same sound quality but of poor build quality.

No spare parts for the FT1 though and the treble, while on the correct level, just is not high quality and decent to good.
Also the power rating is a bit low and the driver does not like to play loud.
It's these traits that make me say it is not a game changer but is a top pick for closed headphones around $ 150.-

I actually replaced the K371 that I had with the FT1s and I am glad that I did. I did not like the K371s at all. I also had the FiiO JT1s and, though, they weren't bad, I like the cleanliness of the FT1s more.

 

[Steven Holt]

It isn't a game changer but when looking for a nicely made and comfortable closed headphone with decent isolation, not super seal dependent and a bit bassy/warm character that can be driven directly from a phone, isn't picky for output resistance and is in the $150 range then this should be on the top of the list and I prefer it over the K371, SRH840A, ATH-M50X and DT770.

Thank you for the clarity, bro -- would still love to see it reviewed!

 

[solderdude]

Then the best way would be to buy one and have it drop-shipped to Amir.
Hopefully within one year it will be reviewed.

 

[Steven Holt]

Then the best way would be to buy one and have it drop-shipped to Amir.
Hopefully within one year it will be reviewed.

Yhea, well, that's all well and good, except that puts me out one year of listening to them. Would you do that? I was hoping that Amir has a professional relationship with FiiO, and they could ship them to him for review. That would be the BEST way.

 

[solderdude]

I simply bought it... € 160.- is worth the risk and I could return it (Ali-Express) but kept it while not even using it (prefer the HD620S) simply for the build quality and comfort.
Also own (modified) SRH840A, (modified/filtered) SRH940 and (modified and filtered) DT1770 which also are good closed headphones but are lying on a shelf doing nothing since the HD620S.

If people want the FT1 reviewed by Amir some owner should send one in and wait for it to be reviewed.
And yes... it would be great if FiiO would send one in for review but AFAIK they only send them (just like most other brands) to popular YT reviewers as that generates more sales.

There are a few reviews out there already though that could let you make a purchase decision.

It's a fun and decent closed headphone with wooden cups. The nearest priced nice looking closed 'woody' I found online was the €171.- Sundara Closed Back from Thomann.
It is less sensitive and heavier though.

 

[Steven Holt]

@solderdude A question : if you had to choose, the FT1's or the HD560S?

 

[solderdude]

One is closed and the other is open.
They sound quite different as well.
If I could only buy one and it would not matter and would have to use it without EQ and would want 'neutral' it would be the HD560S
If I were to use it while commuting or wanted isolation I would buy the FT1 or when looking in a higher tier HD620S.
If looks and comfort were the main reasons FT1 or HD490Pro (step up in price) if open is required.
If longevity and aftermarket support were of concern HD560S.

 

[Curupira]

f I were to use it while commuting or wanted isolation I would buy the FT1 or when looking in a higher tier HD620S.

What makes you drawn into the 620s? Would love hearing one but the criticism on the treble and specific pinna/individual interaction made me pull the trigger on the FT1 (it graphs nicer as well, making it easier to EQ).

 

[oceansize]

What makes you drawn into the 620s? Would love hearing one but the criticism on the treble and specific pinna/individual interaction made me pull the trigger on the FT1 (it graphs nicer as well, making it easier to EQ).

His review is here.

 

[solderdude]

What makes you drawn into the 620s? Would love hearing one but the criticism on the treble and specific pinna/individual interaction made me pull the trigger on the FT1 (it graphs nicer as well, making it easier to EQ).

Without EQ the FT1 is a bit 'muddier/fatter' (see elevated 100Hz area) and the treble of the HD620S is better extended and less 'peaky'.
Admittedly I use some toilet paper on the HD620S which removes the 12kHz peak making the treble smoother and is higher quality than that of the FT1.

(below) I use the FT1 with a passive lows filter which improves tonal balance but not the treble quality.

Note that one needs a perfect fit for the HD620S. The FT1 is less finicky in that aspect and a better fit and comfort.

 

[dailyherold]

This thread really got me thinking, appreciate all the advice. I have some old DT770 cans, and now have a set of HD620S on way given the $250 prime day deal. Was possibly going to stay in Beyer family but haven't had Senns since a set of 280s over a decade ago, so kind of exited to try again.

 

[sharock]

I am satisfied with the FT1 and got mine from Deep Space 3C Store https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007797585314.html
Discount coupons in the front page https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1103850650
It's a new store, but I decided to take the risk.
From the store to here(Brazil) it took 15 days.

I ordered an FT1 from this store on Oct 1 and after supposedly shipping it on Oct 15, the order is now showing "Shipment canceled".

This seems pretty dodgy to me and the seller hasn't responded to my message. Hoping I get my money back since it doesn't seem like I'll be getting an FT1.

 

[Pictus]

I ordered an FT1 from this store on Oct 1 and after supposedly shipping it on Oct 15, the order is now showing "Shipment canceled".

This seems pretty dodgy to me and the seller hasn't responded to my message. Hoping I get my money back since it doesn't seem like I'll be getting an FT1.

That is very strange!

 

[Eleo]

I'm wondering whether I could find any wireless headphone that performs at the level of the best 100-200 euro wired headphones if EQued with Wavelet. Perhaps, Final Audio Ux3000?

 

[napfkuchen]

In Portuguese the word feião means very ugly.

Also in Spanish (if we trust Mr. Chang)

 

[Pictus]

I ordered an FT1 from this store on Oct 1 and after supposedly shipping it on Oct 15, the order is now showing "Shipment canceled".

This seems pretty dodgy to me and the seller hasn't responded to my message. Hoping I get my money back since it doesn't seem like I'll be getting an FT1.

Contact the https://www.aliexpress.com/p/buyerprotection/index.html and they will resolve, keep us updated.

BTW, FiiO Audio Store has it back in stock for US $147.06

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007548059106.html

 

[TheKongoEmpire]

I am satisfied with the FT1 and got mine from Deep Space 3C Store https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007797585314.html
Discount coupons in the front page https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1103850650
It's a new store, but I decided to take the risk.
From the store to here(Brazil) it took 15 days.

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Check the FiiO FT1, the reviews:

https://diyaudioheaven.wordpress.com/headphones/measurements/fiio/ft1/ (Do not miss this TOP review from Solderdude)

One moment, please...

FiiO FT1 REVIEW – SHOCKINGLY GOOD

Priced at a modest 149 USD, the FiiO FT1 might initially seem like just another mid-fi option. But don’t let the price tag deceive you—this is an audiophile-grade headphone. The FT1 delivers such i…

www.headphoneer.com

FiiO FT1

Almost everything you could want from a closed back under $200

www.pragmaticaudio.com

The Rookie of the Year.

 

[sharock]

Contact the https://www.aliexpress.com/p/buyerprotection/index.html and they will resolve, keep us updated.

BTW, FiiO Audio Store has it back in stock for US $147.06

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007548059106.html

Seems like they shipped it again so let's see what happens. They didn't even read my messages yet.