Fiio solely began making over-ear headphones a 12 months in the past, however as is normally the case when the model enters a brand new class, it rolled out a wave of recent merchandise. Whereas the preliminary choices catered to the mid-range section, Fiio is now specializing in the entry-level section with the introduction of the JT1.
I favored what Fiio did with the FT3, however it was the FT5 that allowed the model to differentiate itself within the mid-range section. And whereas there’s a first rate quantity of momentum within the class, it is the finances section that sees a bulk of the exercise — and gross sales.
This assessment was made attainable 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 just $57 on Amazon. They’re out of inventory as of writing, however you may choose them up by way of Fiio’s official store 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 underneath the Jade Audio label.
Fiio says it centered 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, they usually do not share any resemblances to the FT3 or FT5. That is not an enormous problem 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 scarf 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 exhausting shell case that is bundled with the FT3 and FT5; you simply get a primary carrying pouch.
That mentioned, the JT1 nails the fundamentals. The headscarf makes use of a suspension design and distributes the burden of the headphones evenly throughout your head, and the leatherette materials gives satisfactory cushioning. The most effective half is that the JT1 do not weigh as a lot; at simply 301g, they are much extra snug than both the FT3 or FT5.
Though the design is a bit plain, it appears to be like 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 snug, and they are often simply switched out if you wish to use aftermarket choices.
As somebody who usually makes use of the Audeze MM-500 and FT5, the lighter dimension of the JT1 made an enormous distinction in each day use. The ear pads are simply the suitable dimension, they usually’re extremely smooth and provide glorious consolation. I used a lot of finances headphones over the past two years, and the JT1 could be essentially the most snug 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 simply 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.Â
The JT1 has a closed-back design, however there are vents on the surface of every earcup that does job relieving stress, and the clamping drive is gentle; if something, I wished 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 should use any finances dongle DAC to get essentially the most out of the audio.
On that topic, the JT1 sound nice — significantly when you think about what they price. The low-end has loads of vibrancy and is extremely partaking, and mid-bass is exaggerated, delivering a satisfying rumble. The mid-range is clear and detailed, and vocals come by means of with loads of readability. The treble has good definition, however it does not have a lot in the way in which of extension, so that you miss out on some element.
The soundstage is large 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 easy high quality to it that delivers good element and readability, and when you miss out on some nuance, it pairs nicely with quite a lot of genres.
Finally, the JT1 are a good selection if you’d like finances headphones with a snug match and nice sound high quality. Fiio did not go overboard with the options, as a substitute specializing in areas that actually matter. Because of this, the JT1 sound higher than most different finances headphones I used.
The JT1 characteristic a light-weight design and durable construct high quality, however it’s the sound the place they really stand out.Â
