Select Comparisons
Meze Audio 99 Classics
Features
The Meze Audio 99 Classics dynamic driver is much smaller at 40mm with a sensitivity of 103 dB/mW @1KHz and an impedance of 32Ω making it slightly harder to drive, but only slightly. The 99 Classics is a closed-back set of headphones, unlike the FT1 Pro.
Design & Comfort
The 99 Classics is included here for a slightly upward look into a closed-back headphone, that might be had as a secondhand unit of similar range.
Attractive in looks and feel, the 99 Classics had stood the test of time with numerous iterations. Light even with the wood ear cups (lighter than the FT1 Pro), the Meze is simply stunning in design (to me).
Clamp pressure is a little lighter than the FT1 Pro, and the FiiO fits my head slightly better, without becoming bothersome for extended periods. In this case, I like the FT1 Pro a bit more.
The sub-suspension band provides just the right amount of pressure and fit (even if a bit less than the FT1 Pro).
As a result, the Meze rides further down on my head, with less pressure below the ears, but does not stay in place quite as well as the FT1 Pro. The shape of the pads on the FiiO alleviates that potential below-ear pressure a bit better.
Performance
The Meze Audio 99 Classics’ subdued look belies a presentation that provides less sub-bass than the FT1 Pro but with a smooth texture that is simply sublime.
The mids come across as more forward than the FT1 Pro and are hindered by that emphasis down low a touch.
The drop at 3kHz makes for a more hollow region than the FT1 Pro’s smoother, slightly behind notes at the same frequency. The spike at 10kHz tries to counter that hole higher up. It does so well, sounding more musical than the FT1 Pro overall, even with that extension coming forth from the FiiO.
A more U-shaped signature emanates from the FiiO FT1 Pro, which in this comparison is not bad due to the smoothness presented.
While there is no spikiness, there isn’t a piercing sound like the Meze can have through the mid-treble to upper-treble region. The FiiO’s extension shows its true merits here, with a pleasing extension up top.
While not out of character in the Meze tuning, I did find myself reaching to lower the volume when solos came about such as an electric organ, or high guitar licks. Still a “classic,” and worth a look on the secondhand market.
FiiO FT3 (32Ω Edition)
Features
The FT3 32Ω uses a 60mm dynamic driver with an LCP Aluminum metal-plated gasket and an aluminum metal diaphragm. The driver size is closer to the FT1 Pro.
The rated sensitivity rises to 110dB @1kHz, from the original’s 105dB @1kHz.
The combination makes the FT3 32Ω easier to drive for those who do not have an amplifier capable of handling the higher-impedance headphones. The drivers are angled slightly forward for better placement in the sound signature within the sphere of your ear. The FT1 Pro angles the pads, instead.
The stock cable is a 392-wire High-purity silver-plated monocrystalline copper, instead of the earlier Furukawa Monocrystalline Copper cable of the higher impedance FT3 350Ω. This is also a step up from both of the included FT1 Pro cables, which are still pretty nice.
Design
The FiiO FT3 32Ω’s all-aluminum open design has good airflow around the 60mm driver. The “spider” plastic spokes differentiate from the more ornate faceplate of the FT1 Pro.
That spoke spider-like wheel design on the back takes a bit of getting used to, but with its unique design, I have come to appreciate it. Neither too garish, nor flashy; it fits the model showing that differences in design are all right. It is larger than the FT1 Pro, which also took some getting used to.
The suspension system carries a strap extending through both sides of the sub-suspension for a dual layer of support. The FT1 Pro has only one, so I like the FT3 support system a bit more.
The extension can touch the outer headband, but I never encountered this, not even while wearing a hat. I do like this sub-suspension design, due to the tension provided, which was neither too much nor too little.
This was again, just right in a similar fashion to the FT1 Pro, but it did move about a tad more, though.
The gray coloring of the cup and spokes makes a nice, subdued look. Those spokes look like a raven running if you look closely. The darker gray of the headband and sub-suspension add to that subdued look, while the honeycomb protective layer gives a 3D look to the cup.
Performance
The FT3 32Ω is easy to drive, and with the ability to change pads quickly, you can tailor the sound with two distinct signatures.
The FT3 embodies a certain amount of warmth and richness at the expense of some clarity. compared to the FT1 Pro’s more studio-like signature. It is not meant for the latter, the FT3 is a highly musical open-back headphone, though.
The suede exclusive pads exude a warmer signature, while the hybrid pleather and suede pads give more detail with a bit deeper reach down low.
Both present a fairly even and smooth signature, without the extension the FT1 Pro carries up top. The soundstage on the FT3 32Ωis quite wide and deep giving the notes room to spread out, but not become too thin. The height characteristic goes a bit higher in the FT1 Pro.
FiiO FT1
Features
The FiiO FT1 uses a second-generation 60mm dynamic driver that carries a nanofiber composite diaphragm made from paper wood fibers in 90-year-old Spruce trees. The FT1 Pro carries a bit more in the diaphragm coating.
Soaking, cooking, beating, and pulping the material provides a consistency from which the diaphragm can be made with greater quality control.
This process also ensures a light, rapid-responding surface (0.14g weight) for the paper cone. Carbon fiber is also added for strength and a rigid, rapid response to the music. There are similarities to the speed at which music is attacked, but the FT1 Pro comes across as quicker in response.
The dense American Walnut cups reduce resonance while minimizing standing wave interference. Highly polished, the cups add a luxurious look to the overall character. This counters the more “medieval look” of the FT1 Pro’s faceplate, which is understated and elegant in its own right.
The 25mm voice coil is larger than many that use a dynamic driver of similar size. The W-shaped diaphragm provides a 25.8% increase in effective vibrating area, allowing for more energy storage.
This further minimizes vibrational loss in sound quality and distortion, which can come with less rigid material.
It comes with two 24AWG silver-plated oxygen-free copper cables finished with stiff fabric wind covering. One is 3.5mm single-ended and the other is a 4.4mm balanced cable. The cables are similar to the FT1 Pro.
With a relatively sensitive rating of 113 dB/Vrms at 1kHz (98 dB at 1kHz) for SPL and an impedance of 32Ω, the FT1 is also easy to drive.
Design
The FT1 is stylish, there is no denying that. The solid American Walnut cups have an upscale aesthetic, without becoming garish. This counters the more medieval-aged look of the FT1 Pro.
Those smooth cups may seem slippery, but the metal housing helps prevent slipping. The silver accented aluminum yoke looks svelte while providing support to the cups.
The silver continues into the stanchions, which have soft detents for adjusting each side. A small unmarked “scale” sits on the inside of each stanchion, allowing the user to make precise adjustments.
I wish there was a bit more click on the mechanism, but aligning each side can be done using that scale. I feel the same about the FT1 Pro and the lack of attenuation.
The headband carries a modicum of padding in separate “pillows,” that provide extra support and comfort, just like the FT1 Pro.
Based on looks and feeling alone, you would not expect the headband to provide the necessary comfort for long use, but it does. I was never left wanting for comfort with 5-6 hour listening sessions, similar to the FT1 Pro.
The soft, plush ear pads helped with the comfort as well. Leather sides give way to a synthetic suede-like material for breathability.
Mounted in the traditional stretch and slot lip, the pads can be changed easily to aftermarket branded pads. I recommend gathering many hours of use before thinking about a change. The existing pads are very good.
Other than the cables, which are too stiff for my liking, the FT1 has a premium look, feel, and fit. This is again similar to my response to the FT1 Pro (as it should be).
Performance
I usually find dynamic driver closed-back headphones tend to have a warmer signature at these lower price points. Equally true is the opposite where manufacturers aim for an overly bright sound signature.
The FiiO FT1 balances both sides presenting a very melodic signature that neither comes across as too bright or too dark.
Yes, the FT1 comes across as more rich than bright, but it does not fully lose that technical ability to profess the highs such as accurate cymbal clashes and hits. The planar driver of the FT1 Pro does reach higher in the treble region with excellent response.
A rich textural response is heard in electric and bass guitar notes while percussive instruments promote an alacrity to them that while not overly bright, comes across as natural with an accuracy added. The FT1 Pro adds a bit more accuracy due to the speedy nature of note response.
The sub-bass is strong but not overbearing, with a little bleed into the mids, more so than the FT1 Pro. This melds together well though to present a holistic sound combination instead of a muddying effect.
The energy up top seems just right with adequate air to the notes countering the additional sub-bass below. Even with the added reach of the FT1 Pro, I never tired of its response up top, and did prefer the planar to the dynamic driver presentation.
My Verdict
The FiiO FT1 Pro follows on the heels of the FT1 dynamic driver closed-back headphones. The FT1 was quite good, especially when considering the price. Going in a slightly different direction with the FT1 Pro as a planar “studio” model seems to counter the OG wood-cupped model.
I do wish FiiO had used a different name for the unit because both are markedly different in looks, sound, and use. The more neutral FT1 Pro could infuse itself into a studio setting well enough but for the lack of micro-details.
That certainly does not mean the tuning isn’t good. No, it simply means FiiO is trying to bridge the studio-home use with the FT1 Pro. And in that regard, it succeeds.
I found the FT1 Pro to have a smooth character, which became more pleasing the longer I listened. The sound never became tiresome or “too much” in some aspects of the tuning.
And to me, that is the benefit of the somewhat safe tuning, that leans towards the natural side of the studio moniker.
It can please most who appreciate a headphone that does not stray too much from that studio history, nor does it extend too much into the analytical side of a monitor like some.
Note quality is good enough to appreciate the finer nuances of the music listened to, while not too thin or extended to dissuade you from the pleasure of listening.
FiiO FT1 Pro Technical Specifications
- Impedance: 20 Ω
- Frequency response: 7Hz-40kHz
- Sensitivity: 95 dB/mW | 112 dB/Vrms
- Weight: 374 g
- Cable connection: dual 3.5 mm
