FiiO JT1 Review

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Sound General

Sound Classics

The bass has good depth, texture, and impact. Since this is a dynamic driver headphone, it doesn’t have any problems regarding giving the deep notes of the bass. The contrabass notes are very nice in particular. However, the bass is a bit too strong, especially in the mid-bass area, so it’s not very clean in that regard.

So the mid-bass is a bit more accentuated than the sub-bass. Yet, it has a fairly good performance when it comes to sub-bass too, which is quite trackable with movie soundtracks. So I think you can also play games and watch movies with these headphones because the bass can go quite deeper than you assume.

The mid-range of the JT1 impresses with its lively attack and dynamic presence, ensuring that listening sessions are always engaging and never dull. While the headphone’s dynamic driver delivers reasonably good instrument timbre in this frequency range, it’s important to note that the bass tends to dominate, overshadowing the midrange to some extent.

Despite playing second fiddle to the bass, the midrange still maintains a level of cleanliness that keeps the overall sound experience enjoyable. Female vocals, in particular, shine with a musical and satisfying quality. However, the mid-range lacks definition, and the lower mids can feel somewhat dark and distant, preventing them from fully asserting themselves in the sonic landscape.

The high frequencies are not too prominent and are set back slightly in the soundstage. However, they still sound quite nice considering the price point. The treble is decently articulated, but the limited extension leads to a noticeable roll-off in this range.

The highs are not particularly bright, but the treble is non-fatiguing and reasonably clean. There is good resolution, but it is not the standout feature of it. The treble sounds like it is coming from the back of the recording, but is still nicely defined. If you prefer bright and clear headphones, these may not be the best choice for you as they take a different approach. Nonetheless, it still performs well considering its affordability.

Technical Performance & Synergy

The JT1 offers satisfactory overall resolution and commendable transparency, although it falls short of the benchmark set by some Beyerdynamic headphones for instance. Instead, it embraces a warm and organic sound signature characterized by impressive fullness and body. In its own right, these qualities are quite appealing. Surprisingly, the soundstage of the JT1 surpasses expectations, boasting a width and depth that exceed typical assumptions for a headphone of its size.

While the JT1 may not stand out for its pure transparency, dynamics, or PRaT (pace, rhythm, and timing), there’s one aspect that caught my attention—the imaging performance. Considering its price point, the JT1 offers commendable instrument positioning and separation, enhancing the listening experience. However, despite its adequate soundstage width, the overall depth falls short, resulting in a somewhat two-dimensional sound lacking a sense of depth. As a result, the sound may come across as somewhat flat and lacking in the immersive 3D experience often desired by audiophiles.

Conclusion

The new FiiO JT1 emerges as a promising entry-level headphone from FiiO (or Jade Audio?), offering an accessible gateway for the general consumer to venture into the realm of audiophile-grade audio. Notably, it also proves to be a solid companion for PC gaming or immersive movie sessions.

Does it deliver stellar sound quality? While it certainly impresses with its pleasant tonality and engaging presentation, seasoned audiophiles may find themselves yearning for a bit more refinement. However, this doesn’t equate to poor performance by any means. Given its remarkably affordable price point, one can hardly expect much better.

The headphone’s warm and full-bodied sound signature, coupled with its generous bass response, fosters an immersive experience not only for music listening but also for various other multimedia activities. FiiO’s tuning caters to a broader audience, appealing to the preferences of the general consumer demographic—a strategic move that makes perfect sense.

In terms of build quality, the JT1 holds its ground adequately for its price range, although it’s worth noting that it lacks any accompanying accessories, which should be taken into consideration when making a purchase decision.

Summary

Pros:

• Fantastic pricing
• Good enough build quality
• Musical, enjoyable, dynamic signature
• Easy to drive

Cons:

• Earcups are a bit small
• The design and build are uninspiring
• The treble is rolled off
• Transparency is not great
• Needs more clarity

Page 1: Info, Package, Design, Build, Comfort

Page 2: Sound Quality