Fiio only started making over-ear headphones a year ago, but as is usually the case when the brand enters a new category, it’s launching a wave of new products. While the initial product was aimed at the mid-range market, FiiO is now focusing on the entry-level market with the launch of the JT1.
I like what Fiio did with the FT3, but it’s the FT5 that makes the brand stand out in the mid-range market. While the category has considerable momentum, most of the activity and sales are in the budget segment.
This review was conducted using a review unit provided by Fiio. The brand had not seen the comments before publishing.
That’s why it’s interesting that the JT1 retails for just $57 on Amazon. As of this writing, they’re out of stock, but you can pick them up for $69 through the official Fiio store or wait until they’re available on Amazon again. Like other entry-level Fiio products, the JT1 also sports the Jade Audio label.
FiiO says it focuses more on sound quality than aesthetics, and that’s obvious. The JT1 doesn’t really have a unique design philosophy and bears no resemblance to the FT3 or FT5. That’s not a big deal considering these headphones are so affordable, and to Fiio’s credit, they continue to deliver refined build quality on all of their products, including the JT1.
The JT1’s earcups are made of plastic, but the headband and yoke that connects the earcups to the headband are made of aluminum, which gives the headphones good structural rigidity. There’s not much in the way of rotation, and you miss the hard-shell case that comes bundled with the FT3 and FT5; you just get a basic carrying bag.
That said, JT1 got the basics down. The headband has a suspension design that distributes the weight of the headphones evenly on your head, and the leatherette material provides ample cushioning. The best part is that the JT1 doesn’t weigh that much; at only 301 grams, it’s much more comfortable than the FT3 or FT5.
While the design is a bit plain, it looks good on its own, with visible screws and an aluminum exterior giving the JT1 an industrial look. The leatherette earpads are large and very comfortable, and you can easily replace them if you want to use an aftermarket option.
As someone who regularly uses the Audeze MM-500 and FT5, the JT1’s lighter size makes a big difference in daily use. The ear pads are just the right size, very soft, and very comfortable.I used one a lot of The JT1 are probably the most comfortable budget headphones of the past two years.
The JT1 has many other tweaks that make this headset stand out. They feature a detachable cable with a 3.5mm plug that attaches to each earcup, and the cable in the box is similar to the one on the FT5. It has a 3.5mm plug, and there’s also a 3.5mm to 6.35mm connector included in the box if you want to use it with a source that has a 6.35mm output. Interestingly, the cable has a built-in microphone and controls, but the quality of the microphone isn’t great.
The JT1 has a closed-back design, but there are vents on the outside of each earcup for good pressure relief and a lighter clamping force; if anything, I wish the headphones had a slightly tighter seal.
With a sensitivity of 103dB and an impedance of only 32Ω, you can drive JT1 with almost any source. I used the headphones with Fiio’s KA5 dongle DAC and M15S audio player, but you can use a dongle DAC on any budget to get the most out of your audio.
On that note, the JT1s sound great – especially when you consider their price. The lows are vibrant and engaging, and the mid-bass is exaggerated with a satisfying rumble. The mid-range is clean and detailed, and the vocals are very clear. The treble has good definition, but it doesn’t have much extension, so you’ll miss some detail.
Given that the JT1 features 50mm closed dynamic drivers, the soundstage is wide, and overall the sound signature is clearly aimed at casual listening. It has a smooth quality that delivers good detail and clarity, and while you’ll miss some nuances, it pairs well with a variety of genres.
Ultimately, if you want a cheap pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear and sound great, the JT1 is a great choice. Rather than going overboard on features, Fiio focuses on the areas that really matter. As a result, the JT1’s sound quality is better than most other budget headphones I’ve used.
The JT1 has a lightweight design and solid build quality, but what really stands out is the sound.