Fiio solely began making over-ear headphones a yr in the past, however as is often the case when the model enters a brand new class, it rolled out a wave of latest merchandise. Whereas the preliminary choices catered to the mid-range phase, Fiio is now specializing in the entry-level phase with the introduction of the JT1.
I favored what Fiio did with the FT3, nevertheless it was the FT5 that allowed the model to differentiate itself within the mid-range phase. And whereas there’s a respectable quantity of momentum within the class, it is the finances phase that sees a bulk of the exercise — and gross sales.
This assessment was made doable with a assessment unit supplied by Fiio. The model didn’t see the contents of the assessment earlier than publishing.
That is why it is attention-grabbing to see that the JT1 retail for simply $57 on Amazon. They’re out of inventory as of writing, however you may choose them up through Fiio’s official retailer for $69, or wait till they’re accessible on Amazon as soon as once more. Like different entry-level Fiio merchandise, the JT1 are branded below the Jade Audio label.
Fiio says it targeted on the sound high quality as a substitute of outward aesthetics, and that’s evident. The JT1 do not actually have a definite design ethos, and so they do not share any resemblances to the FT3 or FT5. That is not a giant challenge contemplating simply how reasonably priced these headphones, and to its credit score, Fiio continues to supply beautiful construct high quality on all of its merchandise — the JT1 included.
The earcups on the JT1 are made out of plastic, however the headband and the yokes connecting the earcups to the headscarf use aluminum, and it offers the headphones good structural rigidity. There is not a lot in the way in which of swivel, and also you miss out on the onerous shell case that is bundled with the FT3 and FT5; you simply get a fundamental carrying pouch.
That stated, the JT1 nails the fundamentals. The headscarf makes use of a suspension design and distributes the load of the headphones evenly throughout your head, and the leatherette materials presents satisfactory cushioning. The perfect half is that the JT1 do not weigh as a lot; at simply 301g, they are much extra comfy than both the FT3 or FT5.
Though the design is a bit plain, it seems good in its personal proper, and the seen screws and aluminum exterior offers the JT1 an industrial look. The leatherette ear pads are giant and really comfy, and they are often simply switched out if you wish to use aftermarket choices.
As somebody who often makes use of the Audeze MM-500 and FT5, the lighter measurement of the JT1 made a giant distinction in every day use. The ear pads are simply the precise measurement, and so they’re extremely comfortable and provide wonderful consolation. I used a lot of finances headphones over the past two years, and the JT1 may be probably the most comfy but.
There are many different tweaks to the JT1 that make the headphones stand out; they characteristic a removable cable with 3.5mm plugs that join to every earcup, and the cable that you just get within the field is just like that of the FT5. It has a 3.5mm plug, and also you get a 3.5mm to six.35mm connector within the field if you wish to use it with a supply that has a 6.35mm out. Curiously, the cable has an inline mic and controls, however the high quality of the mic is not good.
The JT1 has a closed-back design, however there are vents on the skin of every earcup that does a great job relieving stress, and the clamping drive is gentle; if something, I needed the headphones to have a barely tighter seal.
With a sensitivity of 103dB and impedance of simply 32Ω, you may drive the JT1 with nearly any supply. I used the headphones with Fiio’s KA5 dongle DAC and the M15S audio participant, and you need to use any finances dongle DAC to get probably the most out of the audio.
On that topic, the JT1 sound nice — significantly when you think about what they value. The low-end has loads of vibrancy and is very partaking, and mid-bass is exaggerated, delivering a satisfying rumble. The mid-range is clear and detailed, and vocals come via with a number of readability. The treble has good definition, nevertheless it would not have a lot in the way in which of extension, so that you miss out on some element.
The soundstage is extensive given the JT1 characteristic 50mm closed-back dynamic drivers, and on the entire, the sound signature is clearly geared toward informal listening. It has a clean high quality to it that delivers good element and readability, and when you miss out on some nuance, it pairs effectively with quite a lot of genres.
In the end, the JT1 are a sensible choice if you would like finances headphones with a cushty match and nice sound high quality. Fiio did not go overboard with the options, as a substitute specializing in areas that really matter. In consequence, the JT1 sound higher than most different finances headphones I used.