The K361 Killer: A Truly Excellent Budget Closed Back Headphones Review (FiiO FT-1)

In the crowded market of headphones, finding a closed back model that balances sound quality, comfort, and build at an affordable price is a challenge. Enter the FiiO FT-1, a headphone that has impressed me deeply and may very well be the best budget closed back headphone available today. Priced around $130 to $150, the FT-1 competes directly with the well-known AKG K361 and, in many respects, outshines it. This review dives into why the FT-1 deserves your attention, covering everything from build and comfort to sound quality and technical measurements.

Build, Design & Comfort

The FiiO FT-1 is a closed-back dynamic driver headphone featuring a rather unique driver design that closely resembles a biocellulose dynamic driver. It’s notably large for a closed back, which contributes to its rich sound signature. Around the baffle, there’s an acoustic mesh, and the cups are made of wood, giving it a premium feel that’s rare in this price segment.

The ear pads are reasonably sized but not very deep. Fortunately, the internal recess in the ear cups means that my ears never touched the driver directly, alleviating an initial concern. Connectivity is solid with dual 3.5mm entry points on the bottom of each cup, and it comes with a decent cable featuring metal terminations on both ends. This cable is a noticeable upgrade compared to many other budget headphones, including those from Hifiman, which I’ve reviewed before.

One of the standout design features is the spring-loaded tilt mechanism on the ear cups. This allows the cups to reset to their default position comfortably without feeling too tight or loose. The cups can swivel and tilt enough to accommodate various head shapes, including mine, which is a big plus considering the variability of headphone fit.

However, comfort wasn’t perfect out of the box. The headband padding is all around, but it created a hotspot on the top of my head over time. To fix this, I used a 3D printed suspension strap from Capra Audio, which doesn’t come with the headphones but is highly recommended. With this mod, the FT-1 became incredibly comfortable for all-day wear, making it a viable option for long listening sessions.

Subjective Sound Experience

Sound quality is where the FiiO FT-1 really shines. Subjectively, it delivers a very engaging listening experience that is both detailed and smooth. It’s warm in the low midrange but doesn’t cross into being boomy or bloated. The bass extends deeply with good punch and clarity, avoiding the muddiness that plagues many budget closed back headphones.

The midrange is full and well-rounded, with excellent vocal presence. There’s no shoutiness or honkiness, which makes it easy to listen to vocals and instruments without fatigue. The treble is generally smooth, though there are a couple of narrow spikes, particularly around 6 kHz, which I’ll discuss more in the objective section. These spikes can sometimes add a slightly grainy texture on certain tracks, but for most listening volumes and music styles, the treble remains airy and enjoyable.

What really surprised me was the soundstage and imaging. For a closed back headphone, the FT-1 offers surprisingly good spatial qualities. While it’s not on par with open back models like the Sennheiser PC 38X, it still manages to create a sense of space and separation that many closed backs struggle with. Tracks recorded in large, reverberant spaces, such as the album Sacred Spaces by SYML, truly come alive, capturing the ambiance of the recording environment.

The FT-1 strikes a rare balance between intimacy and spaciousness, which is a testament to the driver design and tuning. For example, Billie Eilish’s “My Future” sounds both intimate and expansive, with vocals that sit perfectly in the mix without losing the surrounding atmosphere. This makes the FT-1 a versatile headphone suitable for a wide range of genres and listening preferences.

Objective Sound Measurements

To back up subjective impressions, I measured the FT-1 on the Bruel & Kjaer 4128C Head and Torso Simulator. The results confirm the headphone’s excellent bass extension, with sub-bass reaching deep and punchy levels. There’s a slight bump around 150 Hz, but it quickly settles into a linear midrange response from 300 Hz to about 2 kHz. This linearity ensures vocals and instruments sound natural and clear.

One notable dip occurs around 3.6 kHz, which I prefer over a peak because it helps avoid harshness. However, the real standout measurement is the peak at 6 kHz, which is more pronounced compared to average listener preferences. This peak can sometimes result in a grainy or slightly fatiguing sound on certain tracks, especially if the volume is high or the recording is bright.

Beyond the 6 kHz peak, the treble rises again in the upper regions, extending well past 10 kHz, which contributes to the headphone’s airy and open feeling. This extension is impressive for a closed back and rare in this price range.

Comparison to the AKG K361

Since the FT-1 is positioned as a competitor to the AKG K361, I compared their frequency responses side-by-side. The K361 has more sub-bass presence, which might appeal to bass heads. However, I found the FT-1’s bass to be punchier and more engaging, with a warmer low midrange that adds richness to the sound.

In the midrange, the K361 dips more around 300-400 Hz, while the FT-1 maintains a slightly fuller body. Between 600 Hz and 1.2 kHz, the K361 shows a slight elevation compared to the FT-1, which affects vocal coloration. The treble region is where the FT-1 truly shines—it sounds smoother and less fatiguing than the K361, which has more aggressive peaks in the upper frequencies.

Overall, the FT-1 offers a more refined and comfortable listening experience, making it a better choice for those seeking a balance between bass impact, midrange clarity, and treble smoothness.

Comparison to Higher-End Models

I also compared the FT-1 to the Focal Elear, a much more expensive headphone. While the Focal is undoubtedly built better and has a different tuning profile, I personally preferred the FT-1’s sound signature and comfort, especially with the Capra strap modification. This speaks volumes about the value the FT-1 offers, considering its modest price.

Additional Features and Modifications

The FT-1 offers some flexibility with its ear pads. While the stock pads provide the best bass response and seal for me, you can swap them out for alternatives like the Dekoni T50 leather pads. These pads slightly reduce bass but may offer a better seal depending on your ear shape. This customization option is a nice bonus for users who want to tailor the sound to their preferences.

The dual 3.5 mm inputs allow for easy cable replacement or upgrades. Speaking of cables, I recommend pairing the FT-1 with high-quality aftermarket cables such as the Listenmore cables, which are compatible with the FT-1 and available in both single-ended and balanced options. These cables can further enhance the listening experience by improving durability and signal quality.

Who Should Buy the FiiO FT-1?

The FiiO FT-1 is ideal for:

• Budget-conscious listeners seeking a closed back headphone with excellent sound quality.
• Users who want a headphone that is comfortable enough for all-day wear (especially with the Capra strap).
• Listeners who appreciate a balanced, punchy bass response without excessive boominess.
• Gamers and music lovers who want good soundstage and imaging in a closed back design.
• Those looking for a headphone that competes with higher-priced models like the AKG K361 but at a lower cost.

It’s less ideal for:

• People who need ultra-durable headphones for rough travel conditions (consider models like the Sony MDR7506 or Audio-Technica CD900ST for that use case).
• Listeners extremely sensitive to treble peaks around 6 kHz who may find some tracks slightly grainy.

Conclusion: A Rare Gem in Budget Headphones

The FiiO FT-1 is a remarkably well-rounded headphone that surprised me in many ways. It’s not perfect—there’s a noticeable peak at 6 kHz that may bother some listeners—but its overall performance, build quality, and comfort (especially with the suspension strap mod) make it a standout in the budget closed back category.

For around $130-$150, the FT-1 offers sound quality that rivals and even surpasses the AKG K361, a headphone that has long been considered a benchmark in this segment. Its punchy, deep bass, smooth mids, and airy treble combine to provide a listening experience that is both engaging and easy on the ears. The soundstage and imaging capabilities are surprisingly good for a closed back, allowing the headphone to shine on a variety of music styles.

Whether you’re a casual listener, a gamer, or someone looking for a comfortable closed back headphone for home use, the FiiO FT-1 is a compelling choice. It’s a rare newcomer that deserves recognition and has the potential to be a long-term favorite.

If you decide to get the FT-1, I strongly recommend pairing it with the Capra suspension strap to enhance comfort and possibly upgrading the cable for durability and signal quality. These small investments make a big difference in your overall experience.

In summary, the FiiO FT-1 is a budget headphone that punches well above its weight, offering features and sound quality that many more expensive headphones struggle to match. It’s a true “K361 killer” and a must-try for anyone in the market for closed back headphones.

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