Review of Fiio FT1 Pro: a neutral planar contender

~ sai

Intro:

Since the very positive experience I had with the Fiio FT1, I couldn’t resist when the FT1 Pro came out and ordered one straight away. As I mentioned in my earlier FT1 review, I wasn’t a fan of the FT5, Fiio’s first and more expensive planar magnetic headphone. The FT5 felt too warm and laid-back, lacking the bite and clarity that many expect when stepping up to planar headphones around the $500 mark.

Both being planars, the FT1 Pro costs only a fraction of the FT5’s price. Can it surpass the exceptional value proposition of the FT1? Does it bring something unique to today’s competitive market with its touted ‘sapphire + aluminium dual-coating’? Let’s find out.

I’ve also posted this review on Reddit, along with some additional notes. Feel free to check out my post there if you’re interested in more insights and perspectives.

For those interested in detailed measurements, check out the final section of this article.

Specs & Comfort

RRP: US$ 199/ AU$ 349
Driver size: 95*86 mm (advertised)
Transducer type: planar magnetic
Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW @1kHz
Impedance: 20Ω @1kHz
Connector: dual 3.5 mm TS
Weight: 375 grams
Clamping force: light
Comfort: 8.5/10

Measurement & Sound

link to the frequency response measurement & more comparisons

Tonal balance:

Fiio’s advertising, backed by its included frequency response graph, set my expectations for a neutral sound, and the FT1 Pro largely delivers. Its tonal accuracy is excellent, but there are a few things to note.

The FT1 Pro reminds me of the HD650/6XX. If “planar timbre” is something that bothers you (by which I mean the splashy quality often associated with elevated treble as some have noted in certain Hifiman headphones), you’ll be pleased to know it’s not here. Despite Fiio’s claims about their innovative ‘sapphire + aluminium dual-coating’, the tuning feels rather conventional here, although I mean it in a pleasant way.

The treble is smooth, free of excessive glare or sheen. You may think there’s a bit of extra energy in the upper mids and lower treble given the FR, but to me, it’s doesn’t sound grainy or overdone. The mids-to-treble transition is very linear, and the energy there feels evenly distributed. There’s an adequate sense of air, but the extension feels somewhat subdued due to the safe tuning. Overall, it reminds me of conventional dynamic headphones where the balance of harmonics lean more towards the lower orders and fundamental tones. A more ‘earthly’ tuning, if you like.

The bass has a good sense of body and rumble. Despite measuring like a flat line, it feels slightly warmer to me compared to typical planar headphones like the Sundara. Bass extension is excellent — similar to the NAN-7, the lowest frequencies are subtly boosted, delivering an impactful ‘planar bass’ experience.

Even with a slightly compromised seal, the FT1 Pro maintains a solid sense of punch. While it doesn’t quite reach the Audeze LCDs or Hifiman HE6se, it’s a step above what you’d expect from most open-back dynamic headphones in the mid-fi range, which often lack the subbass extension offered here.

The midrange is one of the FT1 Pro’s strong suits. Vocals come through full-bodied, while instruments sound mostly natural and smooth. You won’t get the delicate or ethereal quality that some planars are known for. The one quirk you’re likely to notice is the somewhat recessed 1-2kHz range, which is pretty common among open-back headphones. Vocals and instruments are slightly pushed into the background. Timbral accuracy, however, remain largely unaffected.

If the FT1 Pro were a planar HD6XX, the Sundara feels more like the HD600, with noticeably more energy in the upper frequencies. Cymbal crashes on the Sundara are sharper and more defined, whereas the FT1 Pro takes a more restrained approach. Audeze’s MM100 Pro, which is marketed as a monitoring headphone, falls short in timbre accuracy for most vocals and instruments when compared to the FT1 Pro.

Other qualities:

As for the more intangible qualities, the FT1 Pro is good but not exceptional.

The soundstage is adequate — neither overly confined nor particularly expansive. Compared to the Edition XS, the FT1 Pro delivers everything in a more intimate manner. Spatial definition and positioning are decent, offering a noticeably more holographic presentation than the HD6XX, though it doesn’t quite match the sharper imaging of the Moondrop Para.

Clarity is middle-of-the-road for planars in the sub-$300 category. It does outperform typical dynamic headphones in this range, such as the HD6XX, but the Moondrop Para clearly betters the FT1 Pro in this aspect. The FT1 Pro isn’t a “detail monster,” so if razor-sharp resolution is your priority, you may want to look elsewhere.

In terms of dynamics, the FT1 Pro shines with its excellent impact and slam, feeling more weighty than the Sundara. However, it falls slightly short in microdynamics. It doesn’t feel as snappy as the Moondrop Para, and percussion instruments can come across as slightly muffled compared to the Sundara.

Value and competition:

Priced at US$ 199, the FT1 Pro marks a strong entry into today’s market. However, while the FT1 Pro is solid, its value proposition is probably not as groundbreaking as the FT1, which stands out with its closed-back advantages and wood aesthetics. The FT1 Pro is simply a more conventional open-back planar design.

As such, the FT1 Pro faces stiffer competition in its price range, with options like the Hifiman Sundara and Moondrop Para offering similar ‘planar tech’. Also, the Hifiman Edition XS is now discounted to around $250, making it another compelling contender. Although, some of these models are known for QC issues, so if the FT1 Pro proves to be more reliable, it could gain an edge.

That said, the FT1 Pro excels in one key area: natural timbre. It may well be the most natural-sounding planar in the mid-fi range. Even some higher-end models lack the smoothness and fullness the FT1 Pro delivers. If you’re looking for an HD650-like presentation with excellent timbral accuracy, the FT1 Pro is an excellent choice with the added benefits of planar tech and subbass extension.

That’s all for now. If you have any questions or comments, drop them below, and I’ll get back to you when I can.

Pros: Well-balanced tuning; smooth and easy to listen to; decent technical performance; generous accessory bundle.

Cons: A more expansive soundstage would be preferable; not very incisive or snappy.

Value Grade:

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Notes on Ear pads

Those familiar with my reviews know I have an extensive collection of ear pads. I’ve tested several aftermarket options, as Fiio doesn’t currently sell the stock pads publicly so finding replacements can be tricky. Luckily, despite the stock pads and chassis being oval-shaped, generic round pads with a 100–105mm diameter fit just fine.

One thing to note: the stock pads on the FT1 and FT1 Pro are actually different. The FT1 Pro’s pads have perforations on the inner wall, while the FT1’s do not. The measured FRs reflect these differences. If you prefer a more HD650-like experience with a forward midrange, swapping to the FT1 pads achieves this quite well.

For those interested in seeing the frequency response, I have uploaded them to squiglink.

Notes on EQ

The FT1 Pro requires little EQ, as it is already very well-tuned. That said, there is one caveat to consider when EQing this headphone. The FT1 Pro’s excursion limits might be slightly lower than those of higher-end planars like the Audeze LCD-X/LCD-5 or the HIFIMAN HE6se V2, which can handle extreme SPLs of 110–115dB without issue. This particular pair of FT1 Pro begins to clip around 98–100dB in the bass. While this should be more than sufficient for most listeners, serious bass heads pushing extreme levels may find the headroom slightly lacking. Whether this is a general design limitation, specific to my unit, or due to QC variations, I can’t say for certain at this stage without access to multiple units.

EDIT 05/02/25: More users have reported bass clipping and distortion issues at high SPLs on their units. If you tend to listen at louder volumes or boost the bass with EQ, you may want to reconsider whether this is a risk you’re willing to take.

My personal EQ setting for this headphone:

Preamp: -2.5 dB
Filter 1: ON PK Fc 25 Hz Gain 2.5 dB Q 1.000
Filter 2: ON PK Fc 400 Hz Gain -0.5 dB Q 0.500
Filter 3: ON PK Fc 1650 Hz Gain 2.0 dB Q 2.100
Filter 4: ON PK Fc 5500 Hz Gain -1.5 dB Q 2.500

If your goal is to EQ the response to match the Harman Target, consider the AutoEQ function provided by Squiglink as a convenient starting point. I personally recommend customising the filters to better suit your own hearing, especially in the treble. While the AutoEQ provides a useful baseline, individual adjustments can opften significantly improve your listening experience.

MEASUREMENTS

Frequency Response Average (unsmoothed):

The response is obtained by an average of 5-6 positional variations. The FR shown on the graph is unsmoothed.
Note: my unit seems to have some minor QC issues. There’s a resonance in the right channel around 3.8kHz that’s absent in the left. This does not come across as noticeable imbalance during regular listening, though.

Positional Variation:

This graph illustrates how headphone placement on the head affects perceived tonal balance. The FRs shown on the graph are unsmoothed.

Leakage Tolerance:

This graph demonstrates how leakages to the front volume can result in FR change with thin arm glasses (purple) and thick arm glasses (red). The FR shown on the graph is 1/12 octave smoothed.

Impulse Response:

The impulse response measures the initial response, overshoot, and decay that a transducer produces upon a signal.

Channel Matching:

Channel matching graphs do not relate to the perceived sound profile. A specialised configuration is used in this test to capture differences between channels, mitigating interference from positioning on the rig and the asymmetry in the GRAS pinnae design, a legacy of KEMAR. The left (blue) and right (red) channels are measured using a flat plate coupler with an IEC60318-4 ear simulator.

Total Harmonic Distortion & Group Delay:

Supplied per request. For Group Delay charts, peaks/dips around 9kHz and up should be ignored as they are generally caused by the pinna, not the headphone. Note that the IR function setting for the Group Delay charts have been modified and should not be compared to previous versions. These measurements are conducted in quiet, normal room conditions (as opposed to an anechoic chamber), meaning there may be some influence from ambient room and external noise. These results should be considered a preliminary assessment of performance, primarily for identifying major issues, and do not reflect the best-case performance scenario.

Electric Phase & Impedance:

The above graph shows the measured impedance (green) and electric phase (grey).

END OF THE ARTICLE

Disclaimer: This review is not sponsored or endorsed by any business or related entity. The headphones reviewed are my own unless stated otherwise. Any links or recommendations included are purely informational and do not involve any financial affiliation or endorsement on my part.

EDIT 02/12/24: updated to a full review

EDIT 03/01/25: there seem to be reports of these to have broken/dettached headband hinges upon arrival, so potential buyers be mindful as this can happen to your unit. If you want to buy a pair my advice would be to buy locally or through retailers with good return/customer service. This issue has been fixed by Fiio.

EDIT 05/02/25: More users have reported bass clipping and distortion issues at high SPLs on their units. If you tend to listen at louder volumes or boost the bass with EQ, you may want to reconsider whether this is a risk you’re willing to take.

148 thoughts on “Review of Fiio FT1 Pro: a neutral planar contender”

    1. Yeah I probably should’ve gone into more detail on that haha.

      If isolation isn’t a concern, it really comes down to what kind of sound you’re after. The two don’t sound alike, though both are well-tuned. The FT1 has a more V-shaped sound with heftier bass and sparkly treble, making it great for modern genres, cinematic music, and gaming.

      The FT1 Pro, on the other hand, has a flatter tuning with the added benefits of planar tech. This makes it, IMO, better suited for vocals, acoustic music, and a more neutral reproduction of the music in general.

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  2. Hey thanks for the review, i was considering buying the Aune AR5000 then this fiio came out and made me hesitate. how does this ft1 pro compare to the AR5000 ?

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    1. Hi mate! Both are excellent headphones with balanced tuning.

      Personally, I’d give the edge to the FT1 Pro, mainly because it’s a planar, which brings the usual technical advantages. Tuning-wise, they trade blows in the mids, but the FT1 Pro pulls ahead slightly with better extension at both ends of the spectrum. And the fact that the FT1 Pro actually costs less is a big plus.

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      1. yeah the nerd inside me wants to try out planars for the first time so i’m veering towards them. how is the imaging on both ? i also read that the AR5000 is very comfortable, how does the ft1 pro compare comfort wise ?

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        1. Haha I see. Imaging is excellent on both. The AR5000 has a slightly stronger sense of directionality, while the FT1 Pro feels more “holographic” (for lack of a better word).

          Comfort-wise, the AR5000 is a bit lighter on the head, so it edges out slightly. That said, if you have larger ears the AR5000’s ear cups might feel shallow, and your ears could touch the drivers.

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        2. Your questions have already been answered by sai so let me just add that since I own all three, I would say that SQ-wise the FT1 falls in-between the Sundara and the Edition XS. For a mid-fi planar that’s no slouch, and it’s a better value than the other two to boot.

          Liked by 1 person

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  3. Hi, thanks for the review, i was just wondering, do these leaks sound to the outside world as much compared to the other planars like sundara/edition xs?

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    1. Pleasure! I haven’t done any rigorous testing on leakage, but I’d say it’s pretty similar to other open-back planars. Maybe slightly less than the Edition XS, which practically shares your music with everyone nearby haha.

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      1. Great review and helped a lot to understand the headphone on many aspects. Could you please help to guide if the Pro model is usable in the workplace. Little sound leak is tolerable but if too much then need to get the FT1 instead maybe

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        1. Alas, I don’t think the FT1 Pro is ideal for workplace listening: it leaks quite a bit, as you’d expect from an open-back planar. Unless you play at very low volumes, people around you will likely hear your music. I’d go for the FT1 instead if sound leakage is a concern.

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  5. Could you please share experience of pad rolling? Do Moondrop and Dekoni provide any SQ benefits? Does the angled pad of Dekoni improve soundstage?

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    1. Yeah I was planning to cover pad rolling more in the full review, but here’s a quick overview. Pad rolling with these is super easy. The pads latch onto the chassis with their elastic rim. The stock pads already sound very balanced and work well, but if you’re after a different tuning, pad rolling is definitely worth exploring.

      I haven’t had time to thoroughly test every aspect with all the pads. From what I’ve tested so far, the Dekoni velours and hybrids seem to give a slightly wider soundstage and a slightly more u-shaped tuning.

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  6. Could you comment on how well the FT1 Pro handles busy sections of music? (Do the sounds tend to blur together?) As a planar, I would expect it to perform better in this respect than similarly priced dynamics. Is this your impression? Thanks.

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    1. Sure, it’s something I’ve been paying closer attention to since writing the review. The FT1 Pro doesn’t sound blurry or smeared in busy passages and maintains a good sense of control. However, it does fall slightly behind in clarity and separation compared to the Moondrop Para and Edition XS, which I’d consider benchmarks under $500.

      That said, when compared to dynamic headphones in a similar price range (like the HD560S, HD6XX, Beyer DT series, AR5000, etc.), I think the FT1 Pro generally performs better overall.

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        1. Yeah I know, you can even snag an open-box pair for $249! If you get a blemish-free unit, the value is pretty insane. That said the FT1 Pro isn’t entirely comparable since they offer very different sound signatures, particularly in timbre and treble presentation.

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          1. Yeah totally agree. I have tried Ananda and I feel it has too much metallic timbre. I saw your I graphs of XS and FT1Pro; they are not much different. Can you give more information and comparison about these pairs? In terms of technicality, sound stage, etc, …thx in advance

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            1. The Ananda already has one of the more agreeable tones within the Hifiman eggshaped family haha. But yeah some still find it too bright.

              As for the differences between the XS and FT1 Pro, the biggest one lies in the treble and upper treble. The XS has significantly more energy in that range, making it sound shimmery and sparkly, but it can also come across as zingy or even shrill depending on the track or listener preference. So if you didn’t like the Ananda I don’t think you’re gonna like the Edition XS either. On the technical side, the XS has the edge. It’s generally more resolving, more dynamic, and has a slightly larger soundstage overall.

              That said, the FT1 Pro offers a much more natural tone and a smoother presentation, which makes it better suited for a wider range of genres. So it really comes down to what kind of sound you prefer.

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  7. Hi Sai,

    Thanks for this mini-review! I like your professional approach and attention to small details. I was looking for the response of these FiiO FT1 Pro to EQ, especially in the bass range. Basically, the EQ to Harman OE 2018 with a bass boost of +6…+8 dB. Will there be noticeable distortion at this level or will they cope well?

    In this regard, I am looking for a comparison with the Audeze LCD-X / LCD-5, which have a neutral bass response to begin with, but have very low harmonic distortion and can cope quite well with the impressive bass boost of EQs.

    Best regards,
    John.

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    1. I experienced the same distortion with very loud subbass, so i don’t think there is a lot of headroom, depending on your listening levels. bass is well represented in their stock tuning, but i honestly don’t believe there is a lot more that can be done. listening to something like dolby atmos demos loudly and they will distort.
      i don’t think they are defective, its just a thing with planars, that you can easily drive them hard enough to distort

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      1. Thanks for sharing your experience. It does now seem like this could be inherent to the design. It’s not ideal, as some other planars can manage to keep distortion in check at higher volumes. Though I suppose it still offers enough for most people.

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  8. Hey John, thanks for the kind words!

    I’ve had more time to thoroughly test the FT1 Pro, and based on my measurements, there’s nothing dramatic in terms of distortion. THD at 94dB stays low around 0.1%, so I’d expect no significant issues with a bass boost of +6dB, as many apply with Harman EQ. Typical listening levels around 80dB (though I personally listen at 70-73dB) should handle the boost comfortably.

    That said, I did notice that the FT1 Pro’s excursion limits might be slightly lower than some of the higher-end planars like the Audeze LCD-X/LCD-5 or the HIFIMAN HE6se V2, which can perform well even at extreme SPLs of 110-115dB. My FT1 Pro pair starts to clip around 98-100dB in the bass. Additionally, someone messaged me mentioning that their unit exhibited some resonance or crinkling when replaying loud subbass, which might be linked to similar excursion limitations (although Fiio has promised to send a replacement unit so I suppose they’re saying this is a QC issue).

    For levels under 100dB, though, the FT1 Pro keeps things in check, and I’ve had no issues in normal use or when I crank it up louder for test purposes. This should be more than sufficient for most listeners, but for serious bass heads pushing extreme levels, there may be slightly less headroom than ideal. Whether this is a general design limitation or specific to my unit (or QC variations), I can’t say for certain yet. I bought this unit with my own money and do not have access to multiple testing units like some reviewers might do. It’s something I’ll keep an eye on if I update it into a full review.

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  9. Hi Sai. What do you think the upgrade path would be like from this headphone? I wonder if I should give planars a try but I am not sure what I can upgrade to after this.

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    1. Good question! The first headphone that comes to mind is actually the Hifiman HE6se V2. It has a sound profile that’s quite similar to the FT1 Pro: very well-balanced and versatile across genres. The HE6se V2 takes it up a notch in areas like soundstage, clarity, and dynamics, making it a solid upgrade. But it’s notoriously difficult to drive, so you need a really capable amp for it.

      If you’re looking for something easier to drive, the Focal Clear could be a great option. It’s a dynamic headphone with its own unique character, offering a slightly different flavour while still being an upgrade in terms of overall performance.

      Another interesting option is the NAN-7, which in fact comes very close to the FT1 Pro in terms of tuning but offers an even bigger step up in some ways compared to the HE6se V2. It’s alsp quite a bit easier to driver than the HE6se V2. However, it’s a bit niche and tricky to find, as it’s sold on Taobao (and a few resellers on Aliexpress).

      Ultimately, I suppose it depends on your preferences and use case, ie. whether you prioritise planar sound, ease of driving, or specific tuning characteristics.

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  11. Hi, I would like to know how it compares to he400se? I own the Hifiman, but I find their sound too clinical and sterilized, almost metallic, it would be a bit interesting to have a warmer sound signature with more bass for genres like EDM, Power metal, pop, etc. Do you think fiio ft1 pro or non-pro would solve this problem?

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    1. Hi there. Based on what you’ve described, the FT1 Pro seems like a good fit for your preferences. It avoids the clinical, sterile, and metallic qualities you mentioned with the HE400se, offering a warmer, smoother sound signature with fuller bass that should work well for genres you mentioned.

      The FT1 by comparison is more v-shaped, with a stronger bass punch and sparkly highs. It’s more ‘exciting’ than the Pro and might suit you if you want something with extra energy. Ultimately, it comes down to what you prefer.

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    1. Nah, I don’t think you need to change the stock pads – the FT1 Pro sounds great as-is. Pad-rolling is definitely not a must.

      That said, if you’re looking for a more V-shaped sound or a larger soundstage, certain aftermarket pads might help achieve that.

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  14. Hey, what’s your favorite pad swap for these things? I noticed you measured a ton of them.
    These sound good but aren’t quite doing it for me. I think it’s either too much of a hifiman dip, or the high treble, which is kind of elevated and not that great. The Dekoni elite looked good but maybe too bright, and the FT1A pads looked kind of HD650ish which might be a better way to go with these.

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    1. Hey there!

      I find the FT1 Pro pretty versatile when it comes to pad-rolling, so it’s hard to pick just one favourite. The stock pads already offer a well-balanced tuning, so I look for different flavour changes with aftermarket pads.

      If you’re after something smoother and more in line with Sennheiser-style tuning, the FT1A pads are indeed a great pick. They keep that planar resolution while taming the treble a bit, and they’re also cheap, made of real leather, and quite durable, so I’d definitely recommend them.

      On the other hand, if you want a more exciting tuning with a larger soundstage, the Dekoni Elite Velours are a solid choice.

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  15. Very unfortunately my unit encountered some channel imbalance after a week of use. This would be the first time and very likely the last time I purchase from Fiio ;(

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    1. So sorry to hear that. I hope Fiio takes care of you… It’s starting to seem like Fiio has some QC issues, at least with the FT1 Pro. I had hoped they would be better than Hifiman in that regard, but alas.

      It’s also interesting that the issue appeared after some use. It makes me wonder if it’s related to oxidation or exposure to air/moisture, possibly indicating that the traces aren’t well protected. I’ll keep an eye on this to see if more reports pop up in the community.

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  16. The green peak over at 8KHz in your positional variation graph shows exactly what I hear. For some reason my head/hears amplify that region by 3-4dB or so, it’s awful. Using EQapo I easily toned the peak down and now the headphones sound amazing.

    One criticism I must point out is the big dip between 1-3KHz. It’s such a wide gap that I can barely hear some singers in some tracks. Especially true in tracks where the guitars overpower most of the sound. Lifting that region kind of fixes it, but not entirely. I still hear singers much clearer on my 30 euro chinese IEMs.

    Lastly, I wanted to ask you if you suffered from any squeaking or crackling noises in one cup or both. My right cup squeaks like crazy when tilting. Rotating is fine but tilting it is awful. The squeaking/crackling sound is especially bad because of how close it is to my hear, as just moving my jaw slightly can create a “tick” sound. I wonder if removing and reinserting the side screws (with some lube) could fix the problem entirely.

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    1. Glad you found it useful – that’s exactly why I include positional variation graphs. Personally, I also tend to hear a bit of a peak around 8.5kHz, though in my case it’s relatively minor.

      As for the 1-3kHz dip, yeah, that’s a fair criticism. IEMs tend to lean more mid-forward, so I can see how the difference being more noticeable.

      Regarding the squeaking or crackling, that sounds like a mechanical issue, likely something with the cup rotation or hinge friction. My unit’s from an early batch, and I know the design has been updated since then, so it’s possible yours has a slightly different fitment or material finish. Re-seating the screws and using a small amount of lube/WD40 might help, as long as you’re careful. Let me know how it goes if you give that a try.

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  17. Hey, I wanted to ask if the FT1 PRO is compatible with oval earpads? If so, will 110mm (height) with 80mm (width) be fine for it? Thank you.

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    1. You’re welcome – stock pads are 105*95mm so that size should fit just fine with a bit of stretch on the width, but I do recommend sticking to the original size for a snug fit.

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      1. Thanks for the reply. If I may also ask, I have heard that this headphone(FT1 Pro) “scales well with amp”. I got pretty curious as I noticed a pretty big difference coming from my laptop’s audio port to my FiiO k11. Is this bs or true to a certain extent? Please do tell.

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        1. Yeah that’s a totally fair question. While a lot of audiophile phrases can be exaggerated or just plain overused, in this case, I’d say your experience makes sense. Going from a laptop output to a proper DAC/amp like the K11 can definitely make a difference.

          Onboard audio from laptops often has higher distortion, jitter, or poor output impedance, and sometimes just doesn’t have enough current, which matters more with planar headphones like the FT1 Pro.

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          1. Hey Sai. Thanks for the reply. I’m pretty new to the audiophile world so I was curious. Do you think that the Fiio Ft1 pro plays on the same ground as the edition XS when it comes to the technicalities? Or is it a step below it?

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            1. Welcome to the rabbit hole haha.

              I’d say the FT1 Pro plays in the same league as the Edition XS, but they’re good at different things. Indeed the XS has a more expansive soundstage and can feel a bit more resolving, but the FT1 Pro is smoother tonally and often more accurate for instruments, especially when it comes to timbre and overall balance.

              So it’s not really a clear “better or worse” situation, more like a trade-off depending on what you value most in your listening.

              Hope that helps!

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  18. Hey Sai, I wanted to ask if Dekoni Elite Velour will make the soundstage of FT1 Pro bigger without having any impact in the bass frequencies? Also, Can you please tell me if the soundstage (depth, height and width) will be somewhat equal to the Edition XS with the pad swap? Wanted to know your opinion.

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    1. Hey there, I’ve actually been using that combo recently. The soundstage definitely gets bigger, and the bass feels fuller too – not necessarily more punchy, but there’s more weight to it. That said, it still doesn’t entirely match the Edition XS when it comes to space and depth, but it does get closer. Plus, the overall tonality is probably more agreeable for most people.

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      1. Okay. Thanks for replying. I use the FT1 Pro with EQ and it sounds phenomenal to the point I consider this my endgame headphone. I’ll try my hand at speakers next and won’t likely purchase any more headphones. Do you think the FT1 Pro compares to high end planars like Hifiman Arya series, Audeze LCD X, He6se V2? I wanna know if they are even comparable or is the difference too big to justify the price.

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        1. Oh, I’m pretty sure they don’t justify the price gap! Those higher-end sets are better in some areas, but that’s just how this hobby goes – moving up the ladder rarely gives you equal returns for the money.

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          1. Sai, I would like to ask if this headphone feels much more impactful/meaty than the Edition XS? Because this is in my experience, especially with EQ. What do you say? The tradeoff lies in the imaging and soundstage abilities, am I right?

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            1. That’s pretty much how I hear it too, though it can depend on the track. FT1 Pro feels tighter and more punchy, while the EDXS has more body and warmth.

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            1. To me, yes, as they are roomier, and the velour material feels quite nice. But they can get a bit hot during summer I imagine if you don’t have the air con on.

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    1. I prefer the FT1 Pro overall – it’s more balanced and well-rounded. Technical performance is about the same, but the MM-100 can get a bit shouty, and the treble’s kind of uneven. It might have the edge in clarity for some vocals or instruments, but it’s also heavier and clamps more, so not really my thing.

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      1. Hey, how does a TOTL headphone such as HE1000 stealth better the Edition XS and this Fiio? Is it the driver tech? or a different tuning?

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        1. Hey man. Yeah, part of it comes down to build, materials, and driver tech – things like better magnet layouts and thinner diaphragms. That can lead to improvements in bass extension, air, and overall refinement, which tend to appeal to most people. Tuning-wise, they’re more different than strictly better. These days we’re lucky to have affordable cans that are tuned really well. I think you know the market well – the HE1000 Stealth is a good example of a higher-end set that I think does edge out the EDXS and Fiio, but yeah, as always, the price jump doesn’t quite match the sonic gains. Diminishing returns hit hard once you get into the TOTL stuff.

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      1. I really like the FT1 Pro, but with EQ, I’d still go with the Edition XS. It’s a more expensive design with a bigger driver, so not a totally fair comparison, but the EDXS pulls ahead in spaciousness and overall capability. FT1 Pro is great out of the box, but the EDXS takes EQ better – you can push the bass harder without it falling apart, which is great for EDM. For EDM and even orchestral stuff, I’d pick the EDXS with EQ. It just scales better.

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        1. Thank you. I would also like to ask if this ft1 pro is comparable to the Hifiman Ananda Nano? I’ve heard quite some people say that this is very much in line with the Nano. Also, is the Nano better than the XS in your opinion?

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          1. Pleasure. I haven’t heard the Ananda Nano for long enough to make an informed advice. But based on my experience, I would say they are tuned/built quite differently than the XS, so it seems to me they are designed to cater to different tastes.

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            1. Thank you for your reply good sir. One last thing I would like to ask. How is He6se V1/V2 compared to the Edition XS and the ft1 pro? Is it worth the extra for that “slam” that I have heard people talk about? I do like some bass slam every now and then. Will EQ sort it out for ed xs and the ft1 pro?

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              1. The HE6SE really is great value, but yeah, it’s a beast to drive. You’ll need a proper amp – something that can push a few watts into 50 ohms – to get that real slam. With the right chain and some EQ, it absolutely delivers and works well across a lot of genres.

                That said, if you want something more flexible without the heavy amp requirement, the EDXS plus the FT1 (non-Pro) is a solid combo. The FT1 especially offers great slam for the price thanks to that big biodyna driver and closed-back design. Less hassle, still plenty of punch.

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  21. Hey Sai! I recently got the dekoni elite velour for my ft1 pro. The sound definitely changed quite a lot in my opinion. I feel like sounds are a bit farther away and the low end has been reduced in quantity as well. The treble has some sparkle as well now. I use EQ so it’s no problem but the low end feels a bit lacking compared to the stock pads. The staging though, is pretty noticeable. As you said, the with these pads the staging comes close to the ed xs without the tonality being sacrificed, right? Thank you.

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    1. That’s interesting – I actually hear a bit more bass, at least in some areas. Could be unit variation though, since Fiio’s known to have revised the drivers. My unit’s from the first batch which had lower diaphragm tension, so that might explain the difference in how the velour pads behave. But yeah the staging definitely opens up – glad you’re noticing that too.

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  22. Yeah. The ft1 pro I have is from the new retail version which now has a bass rolloff after 30hz or so. I don’t know the actual changes they did to the driver, but everything on my headphone is working as intended- none of that qc issue. But yeah, do you think dekoni sheepskin/ PU leather pads can make the low end of the ft1 pro have more slam in the bass without muddying up anything? Kind of like a perfect mixture of slam with clarity. Please do tell your thoughts.

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    1. I see. While leather/pleather pads tend to boost bass frequencies on a lot of headphones, they don’t necessarily do the same for planars especially large drivers, low tension ones as these type of drivers need larger volume of air and breathability for max bass performance. That’s also true for my pair of the FT1 Pro – I tried them with a few full leather pads and immediately noticed the drop in bass quantity. But I am not sure if I can speak that for your pair so YMMV.

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      1. I see… I think I’ll stick to the Dekoni Velour for now. Also I have a couple of questions to ask you…
        Can you tell me if the ft1 pro’s visceral low end is just as good as the Ed XS? I did hear that some may find the low end muddy in ft1 pro (I find it perfectly fine though).

        As much as I love the ft1 pro, what does it lack compared to the edition XS. Pretty curious as I can’t audition any headphones.

        Also, this may be a bit personal, but what headphones does a reviewer like you generally use? Something like the Ed XS or a TOTL headphone that you review. I am sorry if this comes as invasive, you can ignore it. Thank you.

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        1. All good mate – happy to chat about this stuff 😉

          Between the two, I’d say the Edition XS has a more mid bass bloom of the box. It feels fuller, while the FT1 Pro is more controlled but still has excellent punch and extension. I won’t say it’s muddy, unless you compare to something much pricier like the HE6se or the LCD-2.

          Where the Edition XS stands out is in staging and overall resolution – it’s wider, more spacious, with a bit more air and layering. But that also means it can come off as bright and even fatiguing for some people. They’re just very different headphones, almost like two ends of the planar tuning spectrum. So if you really enjoy the FT1 Pro, chances are the Edition XS might not click with you, at least not without EQ.

          As for what I use – I rotate a lot depending on what I’m testing, but I do keep a few personal favourites around. Mostly stuff that’s hard to find now, like the HD800, Focal Utopia and HE6 OG (also some esoteric stuff like the NAN headphones). For reference listening, I still come back to the HD580 pretty often too.

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          1. That was informative. Thank you 🙂 Can you give me a very short comparison between the OG he6 and the he6se v2? Again, curiosity asking.

            Other than that, what I prioritize in headphone is the low end clarity + rumble and not too much of slam, but still present. I am particularly fond the sub-bass of the ft1 pro. Especially when EQ’ed to +8 or 9db (no distortion usually) it’s insane. On that note I would like to ask, can you tell me what the he6se v2 does better than the ft1 pro when driven properly? Is it just better on all fronts? Or with EQ are they comparable? There will be obviously be some differences, but can an EQ close that gap in the case of planar magnetic headphones?

            The reason why I ask this is because when people say ” This headphones punches way above its weight class”(especially in the case of this ft1 pro), some other headphone $100 more expensive just outclasses it.

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            1. Glad it helped.

              OG HE6 vs HE6SE V2? Short answer: the OG has a more raw impact, textured presentation with better layering and imaging. The V2 has a similar tone, but it’s a bit relaxed/smoother and less precise/intense overall.

              As for the FT1 Pro vs HE6SE V2 – when properly amped, the HE6SE V2 does outclass the FT1 Pro in technical performance: more resolution, cleaner layering, tighter imaging, and it handles busy tracks better. But yeah, the FT1 Pro EQ’d in the low end is still very impressive especially since you got a good unit. So definitely hang on to it!

              Can EQ close the gap? To a degree, yes – especially with planars since they usually respond well. But there are things like driver control, transient speed, and spatial impression hat EQ can’t fully replicate. So while the FT1 Pro can get close in tonality with EQ, the HE6SE V2 will still pull ahead in refinement and clarity when properly driven.

              The “punches above its weight” thing is real. The FT1 Pro does a lot very well for the price – that doesn’t mean it can’t be outperformed, just that it’s a great deal for what it delivers.

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              1. I see. Again, very informative. Thank you very much. I think I’ve found the answers to the questions I had. I hope you have a nice day ahead. Thank you, again.

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  23. Hello. How is the imaging capability of this headphone? Is it on par with headphones on the same price like sundara, ar5000, edition xs? Also how this compares to 105 aer? I want to use this for open world gaming.

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  24. Hey, thanks for the great review — really helpful!

    I’ve been thinking about something and would love your thoughts if you have a moment.

    I used to own the HD560S, but to my ears it sounded quite sharp and hard-edged — lots of upper-mid bite, and a fatiguing listen overall. Even with EQ, I couldn’t quite get rid of that harshness.

    Now I use the FT1 Pro, which I really enjoy. It feels smoother, a bit warmer, still very detailed (maybe even more than the 560S), and the soundstage feels wider too.

    But here’s what puzzles me: looking at the FR graphs, the HD560S mostly follows the Harman target, with peaks at 4.5kHz, 8kHz, and 13kHz.
    In contrast, the FT1 Pro has more frequent and even larger peaks — 2.8kHz, 3.9kHz, 5.5kHz, 8kHz — which you’d expect to sound more aggressive. But to me, it sounds less fatiguing.

    I’m not super confident in reading graphs, so maybe I’m missing something obvious. But could this be due to the planar drivers in the FT1 Pro? It also feels like it creates less “pressure” on the ears at the same volume.

    Could this smoother character be more about driver behavior than FR alone?

    Maybe I’m just overthinking it, but it’s been bugging me (a lot more than it should, haha). Would really appreciate any insight!

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    1. Hey thanks for the kind words!

      Not overthinking at all – it’s a great question, and I can see you’ve got a critical ear!

      Driver differences are real and can affect the way a headphone presents timbre and texture, though how much they matter can vary case by case. To me it’s not like one driver type is always superior. You’re spot on that FR graphs don’t tell the full story – they’re reference points, but how those peaks behave (their shape, exact location, and interaction with the rest of the tuning and your ears) makes a big difference. That 4.5kHz bump on the HD560S can definitely get shouty, especially for those who are sensitive in that area.

      Upper treble is also an area a lot of people overlook, but it plays a big role in perceived timbre and fatigue. Even if some folks aren’t as sensitive to it, it still shapes how natural or harsh something sounds. The FT1 Pro, in particular, has a fairly smooth, downward-sloping upper treble – especially for a planar – and that probably plays into the smoother feel you’re hearing.

      Another factor that doesn’t get talked about enough is unit variation. For example, I measured the HD400 Pro, which is technically the same driver and design as the 560S, but it showed noticeably more treble peakiness.

      So yeah, your impressions make total sense.

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      1. Hi, thank you so much for your thoughtful reply.
        It really helped me realize how complex and multi-layered sound perception can be. I didn’t even consider unit variation before — this hobby is way deeper than I imagined. Maybe that’s what makes it so fun… and such a rabbit hole 😄

        Now I’m starting to think I might be sensitive to upper treble, which could explain why certain headphones feel “shouty” or fatiguing to me. I guess personal hearing traits really do matter a lot.

        I’m still new to this world — the FT1 Pro is actually my second pair of headphones, and my first planar. So maybe I was too quick to assume that its gentle sound must come from the driver type alone. I did audition the Edition XS briefly, and while it sounded smooth in general, I had a strong hunch it might be fatiguing for me in the long run. So I decided not to get it — I don’t trust myself to fix things with EQ just yet 😅

        Your response really gave me clarity and peace of mind. It’s hard to find reviewers like you in Japan — not just knowledgeable, but kind enough to take the time to explain things so well. I truly appreciate it!

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        1. Yeah, it’s one of the things that makes this hobby so interesting haha. Personal hearing traits make a huge difference, and the more you listen, the more you figure out what actually works for you – not just what graphs or reviews say.

          The 560S in particular has pretty forward mids, and when that’s combined with uneven treble, it can definitely come off as shouty or fatiguing. Sounds like your ears are picking up on that pretty clearly.

          And honestly, I think you made the right call with the Edition XS. It has much more upper treble than the FT1 Pro – even though it’s tastefully boosted, that can still be tiring depending on your sensitivity. Trusting your own impressions, especially early on, is super important. The FT1 Pro is a solid set to grow with, and it gives you room to explore without feeling like you’re missing out.

          EQ is something really powerful and definitely worth exploring down the line – but no rush. Let the headphones grow on you first, figure out what you enjoy, and then you’ll have a much clearer idea of how you’d want to use EQ.

          You’re already ahead of the game just by being this observant and curious. Enjoy the music and feel free to reach out anytime if you want to chat! 😉

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          1. Thanks again for the thoughtful reply. It really helped me feel more confident about trusting my own impressions — and reminded me how fun this hobby is.

            I’ll keep enjoying music and movies with the FT1 Pro for now.

            One thing I’m still curious about is soundstage. Sometimes when watching a movie, I feel like the sound is coming from the monitor in front of me. (not sure if that’s what people mean by “soundstage” but still…). It’s strange, considering the sound is actually coming from two drivers right next to my ears.

            I think the fit might play a role. The FT1 Pro has a light clamping force and feels very natural. So I was wondering — maybe when the headphones aren’t physically noticeable, it’s easier to forget the sound is coming from them. Just a simple thought.

            That said, I’m sure there’s more to it. For example, I noticed both the FT1 Pro and Edition XS have a dip around 1.5kHz. Since both are known for their soundstage, maybe that’s related? Just a casual guess though, haha.

            Anyway, thanks again for all the advice!

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            1. It’s great to hear that you’re finding all this useful!

              Yeah, soundstage can be tricky to define, but that feeling of the sound coming from the monitor instead of inside your head is exactly what people mean. It’s partly perception (how the headphone interacts with your ears), partly psychoacoustics, and yeah, tuning plays a big role too. A headphone with good tonal balance avoids sounding distorted.

              Fit and clamp matter as well. Low-pressure means your brain isn’t constantly reminded something’s on your head, which adds to immersion. And you’re actually spot on about that 1.5kHz dip – a slight reduction in that region (often around 1-3kHz) is known to create a bit more space in the mids. It pulls the image back slightly and reduces forwardness, which can make the stage feel wider or more “out of your head”.

              You’re clearly picking up a lot of things– wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve got experience with music or instruments. Keep listening – happy to chat more if anything else comes up!

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              1. Thanks again for your thoughtful and encouraging response! You’ve really helped me rediscover music and movies with a fresh perspective.

                Lately, I’ve been noticing just how different the sound production can be between Japanese and Western music. And when watching movies I’ve already seen, I’m starting to catch things I hadn’t noticed before like audio cues that seem to reference other films. It feels like the increased detail is triggering old memories in new ways, which is such a fascinating experience.

                I hope you don’t mind me asking another question so soon, but there’s something I’ve been really curious about.

                With the hot and humid summer approaching in Japan, I started looking for replacement earpads to help with sweat and long-term wear. I picked up a pair of velour pads from AliExpress (they’re mostly circular, about the same thickness as the stock ones, and fully velour-covered).

                But when I tried them, I noticed a certain harshness or splashiness in the treble, and the overall sound felt less smooth and cohesive. I had expected velour to soften the highs, so it was surprising. Maybe my ears just haven’t adjusted yet…

                So I’m wondering, when it comes to finding the right replacement pads, is it mostly just trial and error like rolling the dice until you find something that works? Or are there specific things to keep in mind when looking for good alternatives? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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                1. Really think you might be in the music industry or just know your stuff well! I love Japan – been there twice when I was younger and enjoyed every minute there.

                  Summer for you is winter here in Sydney haha. But yeah, pads can definitely get hot and uncomfortable depending on the material. It’s mostly trial and error, but not totally random. Pad material, shape, and foam density all change how sound reflects and absorbs around your ear. Denser foam can help soften highs, but depending on other factors – like the size of the front volume and the inner wall material – it might actually let more treble through and make things sound splashy or a bit harsh. Velour is typically on the more neutral/bright side in my experience, but then again there are too many types of velour so there’s really no one-size-fits-all answer.

                  Best thing to do is take note of the pads that work well for you – size, opening shape, how thick or soft they are, and what they’re made of. Over time you’ll get a feel for what plays nice with your preferred sound.

                  As a rough guide: denser foam and thicker leather usually make things sound warmer or darker. Bigger, roomier pads tend to lift the treble a bit because of the extra space in front of your ears. Flatter pads often make the sound more direct and balanced, but with a tighter, less spacious feel.

                  It’s all part of the fun really – just takes a bit of experimenting.

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                  1. To be honest, I’m not in the music industry at all—I only properly started using headphones about two months ago! I think I’m just like a child who can’t stop asking “why?” haha.

                    It’s really cool that you live in Sydney! On a side note, I’m a huge AC/DC fan and my Blundstone boots are my favorites, so I feel a strange sense of connection. And I’m really happy to hear that you love Japan.

                    Thank you so much again for your practical, experience-based knowledge. Next, I’m thinking of trying a pair of sheepskin earpads with a slightly wider opening. I’m hoping the soundstage will widen a bit while still maintaining that overall smoothness.

                    I still have more questions, but I’m trying to be mindful of not taking up too much space in the comments section.

                    And please excuse me for being anonymous all this time.  I go by Eida here. Thank you so much for everything!

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                    1. You’ve got a great ear for someone just two months in! Asking “why” is exactly how you get the most out of this hobby haha.

                      Sheepskin pads with a slightly wider opening are worth a shot for sure. If you’re looking for something cooler for summer but still smooth in the treble, you might also consider the Dekoni Elite Hybrid or Fenestrated Sheepskin. Or if you’re up for a bit of hunting, the NAN version of the AUHP pads on Taobao is another solid option.

                      And no worries at all – ask away whenever, Eida. You’re not taking up space at all, and I’ve really enjoyed the chat. If you prefer, you can also reach out via email using the contact link anytime. Always happy to hear from curious minds. 😉

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  25. Hey, Sai. I use the FT1 pro headphones and play with Equalizer APO/Peace GUI a lot. I notice that when I increase my bass(sub bass especially), it starts clipping, even with a -8.5dB pre amp. I boosted bass and the upper treble frequencies and love how the headphones sound now. Although I am guilty of playing music at loud volume, I still love the feeling of visceral bass which I can actually feel running through my body and the raw impact of the beat.

    I don’t find any problems with how the music sounds even with distortion. It is essentially inaudible, at least to me.

    Should I keep on using my current EQ? Or should I reduce the pre-amp gain? Any suggestions would be very appreciated. English isn’t my first language so please excuse any mistakes I made, haha.

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    1. Hi mate! Yeah, I actually mentioned that in the EQ section of my review. At first, I thought it might’ve just been my unit, but more people in the community have reported the same thing, so it might be part of the design. Not sure if Fiio made any changes in later batches.

      I don’t usually listen super loud or boost the bass too much, so I haven’t run into it most of the time. But unless you’re not hearing any harsh or violent clipping – like the diaphragm hitting the magnets – then it’s probably not causing damage.

      If you really love your current EQ, I’d say enjoy it, but dial back the volume a bit or experiment with slightly less aggressive boosts if you want as it’s defintely a safer option.

      Hope that helps!

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      1. Hey. A bit off topic here, but I really wanted to ask this. What exactly is “detail” in headphones? Is it just FR/tuning/elevated treble or is it dependent on the driver of the headphone? If you know regarding this, please tell.

        Why are headphones like hifiman considered so bright and “detailed”? While I have heard FT1 pro or LCD 2/X sounds way too dark and muffled in comparison compared to their respective hifiman counterparts in their price range. Especially with quite a lot of people saying that they would take the hifimans over anything.
        Is it more about people liking brighter headphones? Or are the “technicalities” just better on Hifimans?

        I am not very knowledgeable regarding this. I would love to heard what you, a reviewer, thinks about this.

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        1. Hey, not off-topic at all.

          “Detail” has often been used to refer to how clearly you can hear subtle things in music – texture, micro-dynamics, separation, etc. It’s not just elevated treble, but treble boosts can defintely give the impression of more detail by pushing certain elements forward. The thing is, “detail” isn’t an easily measurable spec (if at all) – it’s more of a perception, and people use the word differently.

          Some folks prefer brighter headphones like Hifiman because they sound more open or crisp. And to be fair, Hifiman does have strong technical performance for the price – capable drivers and solid tuning that render details well.

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  26. Hello. My first time commenting. I recently bought this headphone and am pretty impressed by it. Especially the bass when with some eq, though it starts distorting pretty easily. I really like the visceral impact and the rumble. I wanted to know if this is comparable to the something like the Hifiman Arya Organics. I may upgrade if there is still more room for a better open back sound with a lot of bass in it.

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    1. Hi there, you’re always welcome to drop a comment!

      Yes – I noted that in my EQ impressions too. The FT1 Pro has excellent sub-bass extension, but it does hit its limits when pushed at louder volumes.

      Good that you mentioned the Arya Organic – it’s actually another headphone that can get into audible distortion, though in a different range. Unlike the FT1 Pro, the Arya Organic tends to distort in the upper mids and lower treble (around 2-6kHz), and I start hearing it around 83-85dB. This happens whether you EQ or not, so it’s more of a natural driver limitation. If you usually listen loud, I’d be cautious with it.

      That said, if you listen at moderate levels and mainly boost bass (and don’t touch the treble, which the Arya Organic doesn’t really need), then it should be fine. But there are safer picks if you’re chasing bass without running into distortion.

      If you’re looking at Hifiman-style planars, I’d suggest checking out the HE6SE V2. It’s known for excellent EQ capability and strong bass performance, though it’s quite hard to drive so you’ll need an amp that can push at least 3W into 32 ohms. The HE6SE sits closer to 40-50 ohms, but not all amps rate their power in that range.

      You could also consider the Ananda Stealth or HE1000 Stealth – both handle bass well and are more forgiving in terms of drive requirements.

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      1. Thank you very much 🙂
        I consider FT1 pro to me more in line with a open back sounding like a closed back- which is pretty interesting in itself. Although a disappointment at first, now I am enjoying the ft1 pro very much, only with eq though (experimented a lot with eq).

        As for the upgrade options you listed, I’ll surely take a look at them. Although recently I was able to hear some speakers of my friend’s car and they were absolutely insane. The tactile feeling of sound was very, very fun. I am not an audiophile by any means, I just lurk around and read some things about headphones here and there. My previous headphone was an ATH M30x and from there I upgraded to FT1 pro.

        Do you think a headphone like the he6se v2 or v1, when with eq, have that tactile sensation to a certain extent? I do feel that with my ft1 pro, but it’s very subtle.
        Dropping a $1000 on headphones just does not feel right, but wanted to ask how much better it can be (no way to audition headphones either 😦 ).

        I asked about the arya organics because I have heard that they do bass like the he6se lineup with added benefits of that airy treble.

        Thank you for your time.

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        1. Glad to help!

          For what you’re after – that sense of physicality and tactile bass – planars can definitely deliver it, but they usually need EQ to bring it out. And not just any planar – it has to be a well-designed one with good driver control and headroom.

          The Arya Organic does have strong bass and pairs it with an airy, spacious treble, which gives it that “open” character. But personally, I don’t think it hits quite as hard or feels as physical as something like the HE6SE. The Arya is more about detail, stage, and finesse. Also, the Arya Organic does have some rising THD issues in the upper mids/lower treble at higher volumes, so I’d be a bit cautious with that one if you like to listen loud.

          Honestly, going from the M30x to the FT1 Pro is already a big upgrade and since you’re getting into EQ, you’ve got a lot of room to experiment. If dropping $1000 doesn’t feel right (which is totally fair), the HE6SE V2 is worth a serious look. It often goes for around $300-400 USD, and with EQ, it becomes a very competent all-rounder. If you want a more expansive, airy presentation while still having decent bass impact, the Edition XS is also worth considering.

          If you’re open to trying dynamic headphones too, there are some strong options for that physical slam:

          Focal Clear / Clear Pro / Clear MG – all known for their dynamic punch and excellent timbre. Bass isn’t super elevated by default, but responds well to EQ if you want more.

          EMU Teak – comes with a biodynamic driver, known for really satisfying slam and low-end weight. Similar in character to the old Fostex TH-X00, which was also great but now discontinued.

          FiiO FT1 (non-Pro) – closed-back with a 60mm biodynamic driver, very solid low-end. Since you’re into EQ, it’s easy to tame any treble peaks and dial it in to your taste. It’s also more affordable and might be a fun sidegrade from the FT1 Pro if you want something different.

          All that said, if your friend’s car setup gave you that visceral, full-body feel, nothing quite matches that with headphones – but some of the above will get you closer than most. And you’re already on the right path with how you’re listening and experimenting. Keep at it – it only gets more interesting from here!

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          1. I see. To be very honest, I was very much fine with my M30x, but still wanted to get a upgrade nonetheless, mainly for curiosity and ft1 pro definitely delivered that (feels like I have opened a pandora’s box). There are so many good options for cheap like the Edition xs, ft1 pro, ar5k, he6se v2 and the like. I did some of my own research on this.

            Here in India (greetings from India btw, haha), headphones get very expensive with the arya organics at $1200 and hekse at $1400. At that point, I’d rather get speakers to be honest.

            I’m loving the Fiio experience for now, and may upgrade to the he6se v2 as my endgame later on from what you said. With all that said, does ft1 pro do planar bass like audeze? Or is it more like the hifiman edition xs? Does ft1 pro have the most bass quantity for open back planars in the price range incl. the edition xs? I was pretty curious about that.

            Other than that, I have fallen in love with planar bass of the ft1 pro. At least, I did not think that headphones could do this to be honest. Not just the bass rumble, but it slams pretty hard too (on quite a lot of tracks).

            Sorry for the ramble. I feel nothing lacking on my ft1 pro, but again, that same curiosity led me to my discovery of planar ft1 pro from my m30x.

            Thank you for listening and your replies are much appreciated. Hope you have nice days ahead in your life. 🙂

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            1. Greetings to you too from Sydney. Always nice to hear from fellow hobbyists around the world!

              Totally get where you’re coming from. If the Hifimans are hitting that price range, you’re right that’s well into very good speaker territory.

              As for the FT1 Pro. Yeah, it does have more bass quantity than most open-back planars in its price range, similar to the Edition XS. It’s one of the things that makes it stand out apart from good timbre.

              When it comes to bass, Audeze and Hifiman are quite different by design. Audeze relies more on a tight seal and delivers that dense, ‘wall of pressure’ kind of bass. Hifiman’s style is more agile and textured, with better tolerance to seal issues. The FT1 Pro feels somewhat in between. Planar bass really is its own thing. The extension is very linear and clean, something you’d typically need a very good subwoofer to get out of speakers.

              Curiosity is what makes this hobby fun. It’s easy to catch the upgrade bug but you’re clearly thinking about things carefully and enjoying the journey. That’s the way to go. There’s no rush to go too deep too fast. Mid-fi is honestly the sweet spot: more than enough performance to enjoy without falling into the high-end trap.

              Always happy to chat – and I hope the good days keep rolling in for you too.

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              1. Hey, having fun chatting with you too!

                I also want to ask, considering you told me about the arya organics, what frequencies does the ft1 pro struggle with? Is it mainly because of cost cutting for making a cheaper headphone? My ft1 pro does go down into 20hz before there is a steep decline in the FR. I tried some tone generators for assessing that. At least that is the conclusion of a novice like me.

                Also, I can attest to what you say about the bass. At least to my ears, it has a tight and raw slam, like someone punching your ears with air pressure (best analogy I could come up with, haha). Though this only happens with EQ. Same with bass rumble. Though it definitely sounds muddy on some tracks as well (9-10db bass boost around 20-100hz). On some tracks it sounds clear and well defined.

                To be honest, I enjoy my music on cheap $30 dollar earbuds as much as on my headphones. So, I’ll take my time with upgrades.

                One last thing…
                People say very good things about the edition xs as well. Is ft1 just as good as the edition xs? Is it just as resolving, despite having smaller PM drivers? I do sometimes feel with how people rave about the edition xs, that I made a mistake in choosing ft1 pro. What do you think? Would like to hear your input on this.

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                1. The FT1 Pro is pretty solid. The only area where I’ve noticed any real distortion is in the sub-bass when pushed hard at high volumes – mids and treble hold up quite well. It’s probably not so much a result of cost-cutting but a design choice keeping it relatively easy to drive, assemble, and manufacture without needing exotic materials or heavy damping.

                  And you’re spot on. Enjoying music isn’t about how expensive or fancy the gear is. I spent years with stuff hilariously broken by today’s standards and I still had a blast. Good gear can help you hear more in the music, but it’s never a requirement to enjoy it. Content always comes first.

                  Funny you mentioned the Edition XS – I was one of the early people who gave it a positive review back when it launched. I still think it’s a fantastic headphone especially for the price. But it’s tuned very differently from the FT1 Pro. The XS has a more V-shaped sound and a spacious stage. Some people find the treble a bit zingy or fatiguing but for well-mastered tracks, acoustic music, or orchestral, they sound really open and detailed. So it’s not that the FT1 Pro is worse, it’s more about what you’re into and what genres you listen to most.

                  Always happy to help if you’re curious about anything else!

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                  1. Okay, I got it. Thank you very much for the reply. 🙂

                    I do like the fiio, but it does lack quite some things that I would want. Would a pad swap help with that? I have seen that you recommend dekoni velour and NAN-7 pads for the ft1 pro. I do not know what effect pads usually have (never tried it before).

                    I am after a bit more open/holographic sound and some bass presence/slam. What pads would you recommend me for that kind of sound? What effect would the original Moondrop Para or the NAN-7 pads would have on ft1 pro or maybe even the pads for audeze lcd series. My priority is some extra bass quantity (not muddied) and a bit more open sound. I mainly listen to EDM (the bass is nice!) and play some video games every now and then, mainly single player.

                    Thank you.

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                    1. No worries! For what you’re after, I’d recommend trying these two pads (Audio Technica AD900X hybrid velet leather pads and ANAN’s version of AUHPpads). They use a similar material to the stock pads but have a larger front volume, which helps create a more spacious sound. They preserve the original tuning quite well but add a bit more bass presence and a slightly more refined treble. Should work nicely for EDM and give you that extra bit of slam and space without muddying things up.

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  27. Hello Sai. I’m really sorry if this may sound stupid, but I would really like to ask. The Anan version of AUH pads that you recommended. Was it for the NAN series or the ZMF?

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    1. Hey man, don’t say that, it’s a totally fair question. The Anan version is basically the same as the ZMF pads in shape and size. They fit headphones with a 105-115mm diameter, so they work on the FT1 Pro too.

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      1. There should not be any difference sound-wise between them, right? I think both of the pads- ZMF and NAN are made of memory foam. Also, thanks for replying. At least where I live, finding people to talk to about headphones or any other gear is like finding a needle in a haystack. So I really appreciate the replies.

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        1. Yeah I would say so. Might be slight changes in fit or feel but nothing significant sonically. No worries at all – I get that. It’s tough finding people into this stuff locally, so always happy to chat.

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          1. Thank you for being understanding and for the pad recommendation. I hope happy days and listening keep going on for you too.

            Will tell my own experience with the pads when they arrive, if you do not mind me doing that.

            Warm regards
            MR

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            1. Of course, feel free to share your experience when they arrive – I’d actually love to hear how they work out for you. Hope they’re a good match! Cheers and happy listening, Sai.

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  28. Hello, Sai. Reading quite a lot of comments here, I’ve seen that you have the hifiman he6se v2 and the original HE6, right?

    It may be an unfair comparison, but just to satiate my curiosity, could you please compare them to this headphone? I would like to know:

    a) How well does this headphone compete with them regarding bass performance and impact (assuming the ft1 pro even competes with them)?

    I am currently using the ft1 pro with dekoni velour elite (thanks for your recommendation!) and find the bass to be really damn good, even if it lacks that soundstage factor a bit.

    I have been very curious about the he6se v2 and the original HE6. Thank you for taking the time to read. Have a nice day!

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    1. Hey, thanks for the thoughtful question. Yeah, I’ve got the OG HE6 and had the HE6SE V2 for quite a while.

      The FT1 Pro holds up well in its own right – bass is punchy, well-controlled, and satisfying, especially with the Dekoni velours. But compared to the HE6 line, it’s still falling behind in terms of raw impact and physicality. The HE6 is still in another league there. You can throw a massive bass shelf on it – like +15dB – and it still holds up without falling apart as long as you’re not listening too loud. That kind of headroom just speaks to the driver capability, things like diaphragm-magnet gap, diaphragm mass/material, and overall design.

      The HE6SE V2 doesn’t hit quite as hard or feel as incisive as the OG. It’s a bit softer and the treble is less forward. The FT1 Pro, on the other hand, is a lot more balanced and easy to listen to. It gives you a good taste of that planar bass without the usual quirks, and I think that’s part of why it’s such an easy rec.

      Glad to hear you’re enjoying it with the Dekonis! Let me know if you end up trying the HE6SE V2, would be keen to hear how it compares for you.

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  29. Thanks for your thoughtful reply as well! In fact, I once commented here regarding the pad swap. I’m very much enjoying the Dekoni Velour. It makes the sounds a bit more forward and intimate compared to the original pads + the bass is more noticeable as well. I’ll definitely give you a heads up when I end up giving the he6se v2 a try! Although I have heard that the stock tuning of the He6se v2 has a pretty big upper midrange hifiman dip.

    Do you think He6se v2 can compete with stuff like the HEKSE and the Arya Organics? And is something like fiio ft1 pro just as fun to listen to when compared with TOTL headphones like these? Or do you think the refinement in sound is just more addictive?
    I would love to hear your opinion as a music enjoyer/audiophile.

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    1. Ah I remember your earlier comment now, I’m glad the Dekoni Velours are still working well for you.

      You’re right about the HE6SE V2’s upper mids, it’s indeed quite withdrawn even compared to some of hifiman’s own models. That said, depending on your chain and taste, it’s not hard to work around with a light EQ or pad swap.

      In terms of how it stacks up against stuff like the HE1000 Stealth or Arya Organic, they’re doing different things. The HE6SE V2 excels when it comes to neutral tone and control, but it’s not as expansive or effortless as the eggshaped series. The HE1000 Stealth sits somewhere in the middle with a bit more rounded and open, with a more natural presentation, while the Arya Organic is one of the most ‘eggshaped’ sounding hifimans, in both good and bad ways.

      As for the FT1 Pro, it’s definitely fun for the price. It doesn’t quite reach that same level of layering and refinement you get from TOTL gear, but it doesn’t feel dull or compromised to me. The tuning is engaging, and the bass is satisfying. For casual listening, it can be just as enjoyable. At the end of the day, it’s about finding what clicks with your ears and your music. 😉

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  30. Hello! I have the Fiio’s FT1 pro. I have seen people say that it handles distortion badly. But when I do a +25dB boost to the frequencies from 20hz to 160hz, it handles it pretty well (provided that you also reduce the preamp to the same value). Before anything, I’d like to say that I have the newer batch of the fiio with updated screws. It does not show any sign of digital clipping, at least when seen on Peace + EQ Apo.

    I’d like to ask if it is still getting distorted without me hearing anything? I can definitely hear ft1 pro’s diaphragm flapping when it plays very low frequencies, in songs and movies alike, but it does not feel like the driver is falling apart. It does feel like the diaphragm starts moving very rapidly and starts making noises when the volume is increased to ear splitting levels.
    Is there still still distortion happening without the digital signal being clipped? I do know that clipping is only one form of distortion. What do you say?

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    1. Hi mate. Yeah it’s mostly a bit of a QC hit-or-miss thing. On my unit, one channel handles it better than the other. I’m actually pretty surprised yours can take that much of a bass boost so maybe you’ve got what they call a golden sample. I haven’t tried one with the updated screws yet, but maybe I should.

      If it’s distorting, it’ll usually be very obvious, with sharp “click-click” or “tack-tack” type sounds. If what you’re hearing is more of a flapping or wind noise at very low frequencies, that’s normal and shouldn’t be an issue.

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      1. It can take a +25dB bass boost and then some without ANY issues. Driver matching is excellent, too. Although to be honest, I refrain from boosting bass that much because the driver may fail me at any point. I would not like that, haha.
        This headphone is bonkers for the price I paid for it ($180). The bass is absolutely punchy and slams, at least from a rookie’s POV. I am fine with soundstage and imaging sacrifice on the ft1 pro if it does bass that good.

        I saw your review of the Edition XV by hifiman. It seems eerily close in tuning to the Ft1 pro with better technicalities. Is that true? I read your article on that and found it very interesting. Can you compare both of these headphones’ sound signature and technicalities? If possible, I’d recommend you to get the newer batch of ft1 pro. It does seem like FiiO did a good job here. I would very much like to hear what you have to say on that.

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        1. $180 is indeed a great deal for these!

          The two do share some similarities in overall tonality, especially that smooth, slightly warm-leaning balance with a somewhat relaxed treble. The XV is more refined, with cleaner note edges, and a wider, more open stage. Bass on the XV is still planar-flat in extension, but it has a softer, more euphonic presentation compared to the FT1 Pro’s punchier, more forward low end. So the XV is more about layering, separation, and that effortless smoothness. If you’re after sheer bass impact, the FT1 Pro is still great especially since you got a good unit.

          Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll probably grab a blue FT1 Pro in the future.

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          1. Ohh… that is interesting. Do you think the Edition XV will suffer the same price decrease that other hifiman models went through? Or will it stay at the same $400 price? What do you predict?

            Also, I hope you enjoy the new Ft1 pro. Cheers, mate!

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            1. Thanks. Hard to say for sure, but it’s certainly possible. I suppoe whether it goes much lower than $400 depends on how it sells and if they position it as a long-term lineup model.

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  31. Hi! This may be a bit weird but how “natural” does this planar sound? Is it on par with dynamic driver headphones such as hd600/650? Will the sounds be really close to how they are in real life? Also, does any EQ change the “natural” sound that it has? Even if one fills up the 1khz-2khz dip using a parametric eq?

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  32. Hey there. Natural is tricky to define, but I’d call the FT1 Pro well-balanced. They do sound closer to traditional dynamics like the HD650 than most planars or estats, though I wouldn’t say they get truly lifelike compared to live music or good speakers in a treated room. EQ can defintely get you much closer to that. If you’re after a planar that’s easy to EQ and sund closer to traditional headphones, the FT1 Pro is indeed a good choice.

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    1. Yeah, speakers are a different category altogether in my opinion. Thanks for the reply. I’ve heard many praises of the HD6xx/650 and the HD600 of senn. They have a “natural” and non-fatiguing mid-range that is not only easy to listen to but also sound very close to how they sound in actuality (sadly, they lack treble) than the usual “flavor” of the headphone. I wanted to gauge how close does this planar (FT1 Pro) sound similar to those. The new Hifiman edition xv also has the same qualities (I’ve read some comments and saw your post). What would be your recommendation for that (lifelike midrange possible by headphones)?

      This may come off as me asking too many questions but thank you for bearing with me.

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      1. No worries! In terms of timbre, the HD6 series still does mids and lower treble a bit more naturally that’s why they’re such a benchmark. They do lack extension on both ends. The XV can sound even more natural than the FT1 Pro, with more effortless staging too. Both are good, but they don’t quite hit the HD6 level of “lifelike” mids, even though they’re more linear up top.

        Are you specifically set on planars? If not, the HD6 line is still hard to beat for timbre, and you still have the new HD505/550 for that matter. If you are, the Sundara, Edition XS, and Moondrop Para 2 could also be worth a look depending on your budget.

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        1. Ohh. I am looking for something that has really that “lifelike” with a well balanced treble. What do you think about the AR5000 and the HD550/505 for that? I’ve also heard really great things about the ZMF Atrium (I think that was the model) and how it is just a HD6 without any major caveats.

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          1. They’re all solid options. Whether they will feel realistic enough depends a lot on your listening preferences and setup. If you want something close to flat studio monitors, these headphones can get you there without breaking the bank.

            The HD490 Pro with producer pads is one I would also add to the mix. With those pads it sounds a bit warmer but still neutral, so if you are chasing more of a speaker-like presentation it is a good fit. The Atrium works in that way too. I would indeed describe it as an improved HD6XX with better bass and more natural staging, although some treble regions can be a bit overly polished ie. lacking fine detail, just like the HD6XX. My main complaint is just the price.

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  33. I would like to contribute my own anecdotal experience with the bass distortion/clipping/loudness issue. I don’t have any test equipment other than my ears and what my bluetooth dac/amp reports, but I did do some sine wave testing in the deep subbass, 20-40hz. Audible distortion starts when my bluetooth dac amp reports an output voltage larger than 159mV, which if I understand the math right, implies a wattage of 1.26 milliwatts at 20 ohms, which with a sensitivity of 95db/mW, implies a volume of 96 decibels. In practice, youtube and streamers are noise normalized to being half volume, which means I can double the volume (ie, add 10db on my dac/amp) for real music and its perfectly loud enough, even in my living room with the TV on, no distortion or clipping heard.

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  34. Thanks for sharing your notes. That lines up with what I’ve seen too. Your math looks right, and in practice most music should be fine unless they have loads of subbass.

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  35. Hi there! Hope you’re having a lovely day. I’d like to enquire something regarding the Ft1 pro. Is the soundstage/imaging really that bad in it compared to its competitors like sundara and Edition XS by hifiman? I own the ft1 pro and find the soundstage to be overall good. Some people even say that the soundstage is even smaller/on par with iems (which is very interesting lol). Sadly I don’t have any other open-back to compare to. So I’d like to ask, how is the soundstage compared to the Hifiman XS? Is it a night and day difference? Or is the Ft1 pro obsolete due to the Edition XS going below $200 on sale nowadays?

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    1. Hi there! I hope you are having a lovely day too. Yeah I do tend to feel those qualities, like soundstage and imaging, are better on the Edition XS. I’d not say the FT1 Pro is only as good as IEMs, though; it is definitely better than that. It is not a night and day difference between the FT1 Pro and the XS, but it is noticeable. You can think of it as a matter of trade-off. The FT1 Pro has a much smoother treble, while the XS is more exciting with its treble elevation and expansive stage. So, I would not say the FT1 Pro is obsolete. Both are excellent value for money.

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      1. I see. On another note, will Audeze LCD 2 be a good upgrade over Ft1 pro? How is it compared to other bassy open backs such as the hifiman he6, fostex th9? How will it be compared to the LCD X? And if possible, a little comparison to ft1 pro as well please.

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        1. Yes, the LCD-2 would be a good upgrade pathway. It features a more romantic, laid-back midrange presentation. I wouldn’t classify it as a neutral or balanced tuning headphone, but it’s very pleasant to listen to and suits many modern genres. It’s definitely not as technical as the HE6 or the LCD-X.

          Just one thing re the LCD series. You need to be aware of the specific version you’re buying. The memory foam ear pad version has a very subdued upper midrange presence and dark treble, which some listeners dislike. Anything between the 2016-2018 versions or the latest revision should be fine.

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          1. Hey, thanks for the reply man. I’m also sorry for the late reply. Had tons of work to do these past few weeks.

            I’ll definitely keep your advice in mind. Also, how is the He6 (original) compared to the Audeze LCD – X? I want to opt for a single headphone and never look back again.

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            1. If your goal is a single, do-it-all headphone, then I think the HE6 original might be the better choice as an all-rounder. While I personally consider it to be the superior headphone overall, choosing a single unit that does everything well still comes down to your preference and budget. For example, someone could be just as happy with something like the Edition XS paired with EQ.

              It just seems that even the best-tuned headphones often need a bit of EQ or pad-swapping to truly become that single, perfect all-rounder for every person and every genre.

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    1. Hi there. The short answer is the FT1 Pro, especially if you plan on using EQ.

      On the surface, you might find details particularly in the treble elements seem to jump out more distinctly with the FT1. However, the FT1 Pro actually offers a more refined, even-handed delivery that, to me, is more faithful to the source and ultimately resolves more detail overall.

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  37. Hello. How would you rate the ZMF auteur or ZMF caldera pads for the FiiO FT1 Pro? I am looking for a pad change as the FiiO digs into my head and gets uncomfortable after some time (I’m on the skinny side). Would it change the sound as well? Thank you :).

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    1. Hey. Yes, changing pads will certainly affect the sound.

      The ZMF Auteur hybrid perforated pads work well on the FT1 Pro, keeping a tone very similar to stock while improving the spatial presentation (airiness and width). I haven’t tried the Caldera pads though.

      Since you’re feeling pressure on the top of your head, I am not sure a pad change might solve it. ZMF pads are thicker, which could actually increase the clamping force, so be aware of that.

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      1. Okay! I have been researching some things myself. Is there a pad you would recommend is more comfortable, which also increases the airiness and bass response (or more authoritativeness) significantly? I find this headphone to be a bit uncomfortable and anemic to my ears.

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  38. Hey sai. I would like to ask you regarding the driver matching of ft1 pro. How is it according to you? Is the imaging precise? I own the newer batch and I want to improve the imaging on this. Any tips on how I should EQ the frequency so as to improve imaging?

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    1. Hey man. I’ve only tested one pair, so I can’t really speak much on QC. My pair is fine for matching and imaging, but if you’re finding yours a little fuzzy, it might be the upper mids scoop. Try bringing up the 1-2kHz range with the EQ: 1600Hz, 3dB gain, Q=2.

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