Digital Audio Players (DAPs)

[PieterG]

I wear hearing aids so it's over-ear or nothing for me. And I'm fine with that because my recent headphone purchases have been a revelation.

That's unfortunate. Glad you can enjoy music in good quality nonetheless.

Good to hear your portable solution is still going strong after a number of years. My only reservation about getting the FT1 headphones are quite a few reports questioning their durability. More research required.

I had not heard that about the FT1.
What are your thoughts on the FT7 in that regard? And in general? I'd like to get those some time soon.

 

[RTHerringbone]

I had not heard that about the FT1.
What are your thoughts on the FT7 in that regard? And in general? I'd like to get those some time soon.

Don't tell @Jasonovich but I think I marginally prefer the FT7 to the HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth.

The build quality is significantly better, comfort is too. I have them connected to my main system downstairs so can't reasonably compare sound signatures, but build quality and comfort are obviously big considerations with headphones. The HIFIMAN sound excellent through my office setup and their comfort is fine (I use them for 3+ hours a day) but just not as nice as the FiiO.

 

[Al ears]

My DAP is from several years ago: a Fiio M9 paired with F9pro IEMs on a 2.5mm balanced output. It opened my eyes (and ears) to high quality digital music and i still find that it's my best allround setup. It's the benchmark to which i compare all other hifi gear i try.

It has one major drawback: the OS is limited to some Fiio customized version of Android 7 and it doesn't have the support required for newer authentication mechanisms used by streaming services. As a result, i can't directly access Tidal with it. But it still holds 500GB of flac files i can carry with me everywhere, and the battery still lasts long enough after 8 years of use.

I'm sure that any Fiio DAP will let you enjoy your music for years. I was wondering if you really need full size headphones or if you might consider IEMs instead. I think they're not just convenient but also isolate better than regular closed headphones (without active noise cancelling).

Exactly what I was going to suggest. I use IEMs mostly for travel etc.
However, I understand some cannot get on with them

 

[Jasonovich]

My DAP is from several years ago: a Fiio M9 paired with F9pro IEMs on a 2.5mm balanced output. It opened my eyes (and ears) to high quality digital music and i still find that it's my best allround setup. It's the benchmark to which i compare all other hifi gear i try.

It has one major drawback: the OS is limited to some Fiio customized version of Android 7 and it doesn't have the support required for newer authentication mechanisms used by streaming services. As a result, i can't directly access Tidal with it. But it still holds 500GB of flac files i can carry with me everywhere, and the battery still lasts long enough after 8 years of use.

I'm sure that any Fiio DAP will let you enjoy your music for years. I was wondering if you really need full size headphones or if you might consider IEMs instead. I think they're not just convenient but also isolate better than regular closed headphones (without active noise cancelling).

Regular headphones like the FiiO FT1 are perfect for keeping your ears warm 🙂

 

[Jasonovich]

Don't tell @Jasonovich but I think I marginally prefer the FT7 to the HIFIMAN HE1000 Stealth.

The build quality is significantly better, comfort is too. I have them connected to my main system downstairs so can't reasonably compare sound signatures, but build quality and comfort are obviously big considerations with headphones. The HIFIMAN sound excellent through my office setup and their comfort is fine (I use them for 3+ hours a day) but just not as nice as the FiiO.

😂
Feed them with the Gustard H26 headamp and you'll be blown over, I'm sure the Ft7 will sound amazing also 🙂

 

[Jasonovich]

That's unfortunate. Glad you can enjoy music in good quality nonetheless.

I had not heard that about the FT1.
What are your thoughts on the FT7 in that regard? And in general? I'd like to get those some time soon.

FiiO FT1 is great dynamic headphones (middle), love mine for commuting. Sound and built quality is too notch.

 

[RTHerringbone]

How long have you had your FT1s @Jasonovich and have you had no issues with durability?

I'd seen several reports of cracked plastic sleeves where you adjust the position of the cups (looks like it's the inside of the black plastic bit with the brand name plastered on it in your photo). Also some suggestions that the trim around the wooden earcups degrades as well (all reports suggest that happens within 3-6 months!)

EDIT: I reckon that most cases with the degraded plastic adjuster sleeve are people with big 'eads! There does seem to be a pattern along those reported online, and I have a pea-sized head so potentially wouldn't see that issue.