FiiO FT1 Pro vs. Audio-Technica ATH-R50x Comparison Review

When it comes to reference headphones, several brands stand out for professionals and audiophiles looking for a studio upgrade. Audio-Technica, well-known for its M-series closed-back headphones, also offers impressive open-back options through its R-series. One of the latest additions, the ATH-R50x, provides a high-quality option for mixing and mastering. Meanwhile, FiiO has introduced the FT1 Pro, an upgraded version of its closed-back FT1, now featuring an open-back design. How do these two headphones compare? Let's break it down.

What Comes In The Box

Aesthetics and Functionality

With an all-black design, the FT1 Pro presents a sleek yet sophisticated aesthetic. Its ear cup pattern is subtle yet intricate, adding visual appeal without drawing unnecessary attention. The earpads and headband provide excellent comfort with a firm yet non-fatiguing clamping force. Compared to the original FT1, the FT1 Pro is lighter and better suited for a variety of head sizes. The build quality feels sturdy, and the included carrying case ensures portability. In terms of power requirements, while the FT1 Pro can run from a laptop or phone, pairing it with a DAC/Amp like the Astell & Kern HC4 or iFi GO Link Max enhances its performance significantly.

The R50x maintains the signature design of the R-series, featuring an open-back driver that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally efficient. The lightweight build makes it ideal for extended listening sessions, ensuring comfort without excessive pressure on the head. The single-sided detachable cable system provides flexibility, allowing users to switch between different cable lengths. With its low power requirements, the R50x does not need an amplifier but benefits from DAC/Amp pairings like the FiiO BTR17. 

Tech Specs

Listening Review

Soundstage

The FT1 Pro offers an impressively wide soundstage for a planar headphone, providing an immersive listening experience with notable depth, height, and width. While its imaging separation is not the sharpest, it remains fairly accurate. On the other hand, the R50x excels in its exceptionally wide soundstage with precise imaging. Instruments and sounds are placed with clarity, making it an excellent choice for reference listening.

Low Frequencies

In terms of low frequencies, the FT1 Pro delivers powerful, warm, and well-grounded bass. Unlike many planar headphones, its bass feels natural rather than synthetic, offering deep and punchy sound across genres. The R50x, meanwhile, provides a more balanced and natural bass response, though it lacks the punch found in some other dynamic headphones. It serves as a solid foundation for reference listening without overpowering the mix.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange on the FT1 Pro is clear and detailed, with forward vocals that still leave room for instrumentation to shine. It maintains a natural balance without synthetic coloration, making it enjoyable across multiple genres. The R50x, by comparison, exhibits excellent midrange clarity, especially in vocals and acoustic instruments. Its well-separated layers make it a strong contender for critical listening and mixing applications.

High Frequencies 

At the high end, the FT1 Pro delivers bright and colorful highs that balance its bass-heavy signature. While slightly relaxed, they still provide enough detail to keep the listening experience engaging. The R50x, on the other hand, offers clear and airy highs that maintain balance without becoming piercing. High frequencies are detailed and natural, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate accurate sound reproduction, particularly in orchestral recordings.

Summary

The FiiO FT1 Pro stands out with its deep bass, engaging planar sound, and balanced cable options, making it a great choice for those who enjoy an immersive listening experience with added warmth. It is best suited for those who appreciate a slightly bass-leaning signature while still maintaining clarity across frequencies. The Audio-Technica ATH-R50x, on the other hand, excels in neutrality, making it an excellent choice for audio professionals, mixing engineers, and reference listening. Its lightweight design and wide soundstage offer an incredibly natural and precise audio experience, ensuring long-lasting comfort during extended listening sessions.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your listening preferences. If you favor a more analytical, reference-style headphone, the ATH-R50x is the clear winner. If you prefer a fun, engaging sound with deep bass and a rich planar signature, the FT1 Pro is a fantastic option.

Both the FiiO FT1 Pro and the Audio-Technica R50x are available at Audio46.