When it comes to affordable, high-quality audio products, FiiO is a name that resonates with both casual listeners and audiophiles alike. The company has made a name for itself by delivering products that punch above their price range, offering superior sound quality at wallet-friendly prices. FiiO’s latest offering, the JT1, is no exception. Priced at an incredibly affordable $69, the FiiO JT1 is a full-size, closed-back dynamic headphone designed to offer high-quality sound at a fraction of the cost of premium models. But does it truly live up to the expectations, or does the low price tag result in too many compromises?
Let’s break down everything you need to know about the FiiO JT1, from its design and comfort to its sound quality and technical performance. By the end of this comprehensive review, you’ll have a clear idea of whether the FiiO JT1 is the right headphone for you.
Technical Specification
| Feature | Specification/Detail |
| Price | $69 |
| Design | Closed-back, over-ear, dynamic headphones |
| Construction | Plastic and metal (aluminum yokes) |
| Weight | 303 grams |
| Impedance | 32Ω |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Cable | Detachable with 3.5mm connectors, 6.3mm adapter included |
| Earpads | Leather, replaceable |
| Sound Signature | Warm, bass-heavy, smooth treble |
| Bass | Deep, impactful, slightly muddied mid-bass |
| Midrange | Smooth but slightly recessed, good for vocals |
| Treble | Rolled off, smooth, non-fatiguing |
| Comfort | Lightweight, small earcups, narrow headband |
| Accessories | Black fleece bag, 6.3mm adapter |
| Connectivity | Wired, 3.5mm connector |
| Compatibility | Easy to drive, works well with mobile and desktop sources |
| Recommended Usage | Casual listening, gaming, movies |
| Soundstage | Wider than expected for closed-back, but not expansive |
| Imaging | Good, clear separation of instruments |
| Packaging | Minimalist, functional |
FiiO: A Brief Introduction
FiiO is a well-established name in the world of audio, recognized for delivering portable audio devices that cater to a wide range of listeners. Whether you’re a casual music lover or an audiophile looking for high-fidelity sound, FiiO likely has a product in its lineup that suits your needs. The company has been around long enough to become a key player in the portable audio market, offering everything from high-resolution digital audio players (DAPs) and in-ear monitors (IEMs) to over-ear headphones and amplifiers.
In recent years, FiiO has ventured into creating full-sized headphones that deliver premium sound without the premium price tag. The FiiO JT1 is their latest addition to this lineup, offering an affordable entry point into the world of high-quality audio. It’s designed for those who want to experience audiophile-grade sound without spending a fortune.
You can check out our previous reviews of FiiO products like the FT5 headphones, which have been praised for their sound quality and comfort. But today, our focus is entirely on the FiiO JT1 and how it stacks up in this competitive segment.
Packaging
When it comes to packaging, FiiO has taken a minimalist approach with the JT1. The headphone arrives in a simple cardboard box that houses the headphones and a black fleece bag for storage. Inside the bag, you’ll find the JT1 headphones and a 6.3mm adapter, which allows you to connect the headphones to a variety of audio equipment, including professional audio gear. However, don’t expect to find any additional accessories or fancy packaging here. At this price point, FiiO has focused on delivering the essentials.
This minimalist packaging isn’t surprising given the price and FiiO’s intention to keep costs down. Unlike some of the company’s higher-end models, the JT1 doesn’t come with swappable cable plugs or any other extra features. It’s just the headphone and the cable, which, for a budget-conscious product, makes sense. If you’re someone who values extras like premium cases or additional cables, this might be a bit of a letdown, but for the average consumer, it’s functional and gets the job done.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the FiiO JT1 is where the headphone shows its budget-conscious roots. The plastic and metal construction gives the headphones a mix of durability and cost-efficiency, though the design itself is rather utilitarian. Aluminum yokes provide a bit of sturdiness to the overall build, but the use of plastic in other parts of the headphone makes it feel a bit less premium compared to higher-end models. However, for a $69 headphone, the use of rigid metal parts in the yokes is commendable, and it gives the JT1 a bit more durability than you’d expect in this price range.
One of the more interesting design choices is the slot behind the ear cups, which allows for easy pad replacement. This feature is a common practice among many headphone designs, especially in more premium models, and it’s nice to see it included here. Additionally, the ventilation perforations on top of the ear cups help relieve pressure during extended listening sessions, making them a bit more comfortable to wear over long periods.
However, despite these thoughtful design elements, the overall build quality leaves something to be desired. The plastic construction, while lightweight, gives the headphones a slightly cheap feel. This isn’t a huge deal for budget-conscious buyers, but it’s worth noting that the JT1 doesn’t offer the same premium feel as some of FiiO’s other models.
Comfort
Weighing in at a nimble 303 grams, the FiiO JT1 is light enough to wear for extended periods without causing much discomfort. Thanks to its dynamic driver design and primarily plastic construction, the headphones don’t feel too heavy on the head. This makes the JT1 an excellent choice for long listening sessions, whether you’re listening to music, gaming, or watching movies.
However, while the JT1 is lightweight, it’s not without its flaws in terms of comfort. The ear cups, for instance, are a bit on the smaller side. For users with larger ears, this can cause some discomfort, especially during long listening sessions. The headband, while functional, could also be improved. It’s designed to adjust automatically as you wear the headphones, but it lacks the swiveling mechanism found in some of FiiO’s other models, like the FT series. This means the fit can feel a bit awkward at times, particularly if you’re used to headphones with more adjustable headbands.
The ear pads are made from leather, similar to other FiiO models, and they provide decent comfort. However, they’re not as plush or luxurious as the pads found on higher-end models. Additionally, the headband could be wider, as the narrow design doesn’t distribute the weight as evenly as it could, leading to some pressure points during extended use. While the JT1 is comfortable enough for most users, it’s not the most comfortable headphone in its price range.
Cable and Connectivity
The cable included with the FiiO JT1 is simple yet effective. It’s long enough to use with both mobile devices and desktop setups, which makes it versatile for a range of different use cases. The cable itself is of good quality, and it comes with a built-in microphone, making it convenient for taking calls or using voice commands. While it’s not the most premium cable out there, it’s perfectly adequate for the price point.
One nice feature is that the cable uses 3.5mm connectors, which means it’s easy to replace if needed. Whether you need a longer cable for a specific setup or want to upgrade to a higher-quality cable, the standard connectors make it simple to swap out. This adds a bit of flexibility to the overall design, which is always appreciated in a budget-friendly product.
Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, the FiiO JT1 delivers a surprisingly engaging listening experience for its price. It’s important to keep expectations realistic, this is a $69 headphone, after all, but the JT1 punches well above its weight class in terms of overall sound quality. The general sound signature is warm and full-bodied, with a focus on delivering an immersive, enjoyable listening experience rather than clinical accuracy.
Different Aspects of The Sound:
Bass:
The bass on the JT1 is one of its standout features. It’s deep, impactful, and has a satisfying weight to it. Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, the bass provides a solid foundation that makes everything feel a bit more immersive. The sub-bass, in particular, is quite good for a headphone in this price range, delivering a sense of depth that you don’t often find in budget models.
However, the mid-bass is a bit too accentuated, which can cause some muddiness in the overall sound. This is particularly noticeable in bass-heavy tracks, where the mid-bass can overpower the other frequencies and make the sound feel less balanced. While the bass is generally enjoyable, it’s not the cleanest or most precise bass you’ll find. That said, for most listeners—especially those who enjoy a bit of extra bass, it’s more than adequate.
Midrange:
The midrange on the JT1 is smooth and engaging, with a pleasant tonal balance that makes vocals and instruments sound natural and musical. Female vocals, in particular, shine on the JT1, with a warmth and smoothness that’s quite enjoyable. The midrange is lively and dynamic, ensuring that listening sessions are always engaging.
However, the midrange is somewhat overshadowed by the bass, particularly in the lower mids, where the sound can feel a bit recessed and distant. This lack of clarity is one of the JT1’s biggest weaknesses, as it prevents the midrange from fully asserting itself in the mix. While the upper mids are better, with more presence and detail, the overall midrange performance is good but not great.
Treble:
The treble on the FiiO JT1 takes a backseat in the overall sound signature. It’s smooth and non-fatiguing, making the JT1 a good choice for long listening sessions where you don’t want to deal with harsh or sibilant highs. However, the treble is rolled off, meaning it lacks the sparkle and extension that audiophiles often look for in headphones. This gives the JT1 a slightly dark sound signature, which can make it feel a bit closed in at times.
While the rolled-off treble might disappoint those looking for more detail and airiness in their music, it does contribute to the JT1’s non-fatiguing sound. For casual listeners or those who prefer a smoother, less aggressive treble response, this could be seen as a positive. However, if you’re someone who enjoys a brighter, more detailed treble, the JT1 might leave you wanting more.
Technical Performance
In terms of technical performance, the FiiO JT1 performs well within its price range, but it’s not without its limitations. The resolution and transparency are good but not exceptional. If you’re used to more expensive headphones, you’ll likely notice the lack of detail and clarity, particularly in the midrange and treble. The bass, while fun and impactful, isn’t the cleanest or most precise, and the rolled-off treble limits the overall sense of air and openness in the sound.
That being said, the JT1 still offers an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. The soundstage, while not incredibly expansive, is wider than you’d expect from a closed-back headphone at this price point. There’s a decent sense of space, and the imaging is good, allowing you to easily pick out different instruments and elements in a track. Instrument separation is also solid, which helps the overall clarity of the sound, even if it’s not as detailed as higher-end models.
Where the JT1 struggles a bit is in its soundstage depth. The sound can feel somewhat flat at times, with less depth and layering than you might expect from a more expensive headphone. This is particularly noticeable in complex or busy tracks, where the JT1 can struggle to keep everything distinct and well-separated. Again, though, this is a $69 headphone, so these limitations are to be expected.
Comparison with Competitors
In the budget headphone category, the FiiO JT1, priced at $69, goes up against competitors like the Sennheiser HD 599, Audio-Technica ATH-M40x, and Philips SHP9500. Here’s a more concise comparison:
| Feature | FiiO JT1 | Sennheiser HD 599 | Audio-Technica ATH-M40x | Philips SHP9500 |
| Price | $69 | $99+ | $99 | $75-90 |
| Design | Closed-back, over-ear | Open-back, over-ear | Closed-back, over-ear | Open-back, over-ear |
| Sound Signature | Warm, bass-heavy, smooth treble | Balanced, Neutral | Neutral, Accurate | Open, detailed |
| Bass | Deep, impactful | Controlled, less prominent | Tight, precise | Lacks deep bass impact |
| Comfort | Lightweight, small earcups | Larger, padded earcups | Comfortable, but tight clamp | Very comfortable, large earcups |
| Build Quality | Mixed metal and plastic | Sturdy, premium feel | Durable, sturdy | Solid, mostly plastic |
| Soundstage | Moderate width | Wide, open | Average | Wide, expansive |
| Imaging | Good for the price, decent | Excellent separation | Precise | Exceptional, very detailed |
| Ease of Drive | 32Ω, easy to drive | 50Ω, moderate requirements | 35Ω, easy to drive | 32Ω, easy to drive |
Price and Value
- FiiO JT1: At $69, it’s an affordable option for bass lovers, offering a warm, bass-heavy sound suited for casual listening, gaming, and movies.
- Sennheiser HD 599: At $99+, it offers a more neutral, balanced sound with clearer mids and highs. Ideal for music lovers.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: Priced around $99, it’s known for its accurate, neutral sound, making it ideal for professional use.
- Philips SHP9500: Priced at $75-90, this open-back headphone offers an expansive soundstage and great detail, making it a strong contender for music lovers seeking clarity.
Which is better? For bass-heavy sound at a lower price, the FiiO JT1 is the best choice. For a more refined, detailed sound, the Philips SHP9500 is superior.
Sound Quality
- FiiO JT1: Warm sound with deep bass, slightly recessed mids, and rolled-off treble, ideal for bass lovers.
- Sennheiser HD 599: Balanced sound, clear mids, and highs, but less bass impact.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: Neutral sound, better mids and highs clarity than the JT1, precise bass.
- Philips SHP9500: Wide soundstage, detailed mids and highs but lacks impactful bass.
Which is better? For engaging, bass-driven sound, the FiiO JT1 excels. For a more detailed, open sound, go with SHP9500.
Comfort and Build Quality
- FiiO JT1: Lightweight but with small earcups, mixed build quality.
- Sennheiser HD 599: Comfortable, large earcups with a premium build.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M40x: Durable but with a tight clamping force.
- Philips SHP9500: Exceptionally comfortable, large earcups, lightweight, good build.
Which is better? The Philips SHP9500 wins for comfort during long sessions. Sennheiser HD 599 is a close second.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the FiiO JT1 offers a lot of value for its modest $69 price tag. It delivers a warm, engaging sound that’s perfect for casual listening, gaming, and movies. While it has its flaws namely, the rolled-off treble, small ear cups, and somewhat cheap build, it’s still a great option for those looking to dip their toes into the world of audiophile-grade sound without spending a fortune.
If you’re someone who values bass impact and smooth, non-fatiguing treble, the JT1 is worth considering. However, if you’re looking for ultimate clarity, detailed treble, and premium build quality, you might want to explore higher-end options or competitors like the Sennheiser HD 599 or Audio-Technica ATH-M40x.
Overall, the FiiO JT1 is a solid entry-level headphone that delivers on its promise of providing good sound quality at an affordable price. Whether you’re new to the world of high-quality audio or just looking for a budget-friendly option, the JT1 is worth a listen.