This is a short comparison between the FiiO FT1 and a slightly modified version of the FT13. The modification is extremely simple, fully reversible, and very effective. I like to call it the “Tuning Foam Mod”.
I have written a dedicated comparison review of the FT1 and the unmodded FT13, which can be found here:
You might also be interested in my dedicated FT13 review, where I discuss the mod in more detail:
THE TUNING FOAM MOD (TFM)
The mod is simple, non-intrusive, and will not affect the warranty. I prefer to combine the sheepskin pads with the thick foam.
You remove the FT13’s ear pads, place a piece of acoustic foam over the drivers, and reattach the pads so they hold the foam securely between the drivers and your ear.
The foam I use is a set of pads made for this type of application, originally designed for the Sennheiser HD 600 series. For the sheepskin pads, I prefer the thicker 4–5 mm version I got from a third-party seller. I trimmed each piece with scissors for a better fit.
Here are the links to the HD600-style tuning foam filters I used. I believe they’re identical, but my set came from the eBay link:
- Tuning foam for the mod: “Thin & Thick Inside Foam Disk .. HD600 ..” – direct links here: eBay or AliExpress.
As mentioned, I elaborate on the mods in my full FT13 review (link here).
FIIO FT1 SPECIFICATIONS
- Closed-back dynamic headphones
- Driver: 60mm dynamic
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 98dB/mW@1kHz or 113dB/Vrms@1kHz
- Detachable cable with 3.5mm connectors
- Walnut or beech real wood
- Weight: 340g
Current price and availability:
FIIO FT13 SPECIFICATIONS
- Closed-back dynamic headphones
- Driver: 60mm dynamic
- Impedance: 32 Ohms
- Sensitivity: 98dB/mW@1kHz or 113dB/Vrms@1kHz
- Detachable cable with 3.5mm connectors
- Purpleheart wood
- Weight: 356g
Current price and availability:
FT1 PADS
When I reviewed the FT1, I found that swapping pads could improve detail and soundstage. In this comparison I listened through my playlist twice: once with the original stock pads on the FT1, and once with the third-party pads that, in my opinion, sound better.
Even though there are differences between the two pad options, the differences between either version of the FT1 and the modded FT13 are roughly very similar. They go in the same direction, to put it that way, and my comments on the differences between the FT1 and FT13 did not really need to be changed much regardless of which pads were on the FT1.
LISTENING COMPARISON
Associated equipment
- Headphone amp: Violectric DHA V226/HPA V222 (balanced outputs)
- DAC: RME ADI-2 DAC FS
The Tunnel by Tord Gustavsen Trio
They are tuned quite similarly, but the modded FT13 has a smoother midrange. It also sounds cleaner and more refined, while the FT1 comes across as a bit “fuzzy” in direct comparison.
Rambling Man by Laura Marling
Here too, they are quite similar. The modded FT13 sounds more detailed, slightly warmer, and has a more refined presentation with smoother vocals with more nuance.
It Could Be Sweet by Portishead
Although they’re quite similar, the modded FT13 again comes out on top. The vocals are smoother with more nuance, and the background is blacker. Both have powerful bass but the FT13 sounds tighter.
Escape Route by Boris Blank
They are both nicely balanced in a way that suits this track well, but the modded FT13 consistently feels tidier and more refined.
Spontaneous Compositorius by Thomas Agergard
Again, they are both good and quite similar, but the modded FT13 has a clearer yet smoother midrange, the saxophone sounds more natural and the bright percussion sounds cleaner. The bass is a bit fuller on the FT1, and tighter on the modded FT13.
Mahler’s Symphony No 2 III by Paavo Järvi
The kettle drums are tighter sounding with the modded FT13, the strings sound smoother, and everything is a bit cleaner and more refined. The FT1 is good, but not as good as the modded bigger brother.
Vicarious by Tool
Also here, they are both good and quite similar, but the modded FT13 comes across as more refined, with better instrument separation.
As I continue through my playlist, I get the same results. The differences are very consistent.
I also listened to parts of the playlist with my second FT1 which has stock pads mounted. Even though the gap in terms of clarity is a bit bigger, I could have written almost the same comments about the differences to the modded FT13. The differences in sound quality is a bit larger with the stock pads than the leather ones, but the character of the differences are basically the same.
WRAPPING IT UP
Sound Signature
The modded version of the FT13 (sheepskin pads with the thick foam filter) maintains a comparable overall tonality to the FT1, but with a slightly warmer tilt, more present mids, and an even more natural character.
Treble
The treble is pretty similar in terms of presence and general character but the modded FT13 sounds more refined.
Midrange
The midrange of the modded FT13 is generally smoother and more delicate. Which of the headphones are more upfront varies from track to track. The modded FT13, however, always has more fine detail and feels more nuanced.
Bass
The bass is pretty similar although not identical. The modded FT13 mostly offers a bit less bass in terms of quantity, but is tighter and with better quality.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is a bit larger with the modded FT13, imaging and layering is a bit better.
Detail, Dynamics, and Timbre
The modded FT13 offers generally improved technical performance compared to the FT1, which includes more fine detail and a more effortless presentation.
Dynamics are very comparable.
While they are close in the big picture, I think the modded FT13 delivers a more pleasing tone with a natural, smoother, and often warmer timbre, while the FT1 can sometimes sound a bit dry in direct comparison.
CONCLUSION
The modded version of the FT13 used in this comparison (sheepskin pads with the thick foam filter) is my favourite so far. It compares favourably to the FT1 in every aspect.
The two headphones share a similar overall tonality, but the modded FT13 often has a slightly warmer tilt. It delivers tighter bass, smoother mids, and cleaner highs. It all adds up to an even more natural and effortless sound. In general, it’s more refined.
Overall, I find the tonality, timbre, and technical performance noticeably better than on the FT1. The tonality and timbre are also far superior to the stock FT13, making it a much better-sounding headphone — quite a feat from adding just 4–5 mm of foam.
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