In this article, I’m reviewing the FiiO JT1 budget open-back headphones. The JT1 features 50mm PEK+PU dynamic drivers, a detachable cable with a microphone and quick-release earpads. It’s priced at $69.
Disclaimer: This sample was provided by FiiO for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.
FiiO JT1
Specifications
Frequency response: 15Hz-30kHz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 103dB
Design
The JT1 headphones consist of a combination of plastic and aluminium components. They feel very lightweight and not especially premium but on closer inspection, it’s clear that the build quality is good.
I find the JT1 comfortable to wear, thanks to the plush earpads, adaptive headband and low clamping force. The earcups don’t swivel but that didn’t seem to bother me at all and I can wear the headphones for hours at a time.
The included cable has a braided fabric cover and a built-in microphone. It has standard 3.5mm connectors so JT1 is widely compatible with third-party cable should you wish to swap it out. However, I think it’s a great cable considering the budget price of the headphones.
Sound
Gear used for testing includes the FiiO KA17 and SMSL DO300EX. JT1 is easy to drive and will work with just about any source.
The FiiO JT1 has a bold and upfront sound signature. It has some colouration but retains good overall tonal balance. Just the right mix of bass authority and treble energy to create a dynamic and engaging sound.
The mid-bass is punchy and authoritative and the sub-bass produces a satisfying visceral rumble when called on. There’s some minor bleeding into the midrange but the bass is well-controlled.
The midrange is vibrant and characterized by its abundant clarity. Lower midrange instruments and male vocals are fairly neutral but with a little underlying warmth from the bass. The upper midrange is lifted, bringing female vocals to the forefront and creating a brighter tone. Although it gets somewhat bright, I wouldn’t label the upper mids as shouty.
The upper treble is crisp but inoffensive. It adds air and precision to the sound without sharpness or sibilance. It also facilitates a wider-than-average soundstage for closed-back headphones. JT1 has precise imaging and placement but the instrument separation can deteriorate slightly during complex music passages. Detail retrieval is quite good.
Verdict
Overall, the FiiO JT1 offers remarkable value. The sound is dynamic, clear and engaging and the build quality is good for a budget headphone. JT1 is easily my number one recommendation for a closed-back headphone under $100 and gets the PAR gold award.
