Short answer: the FiiO FT1. Both are rated 3.2/5 for sound quality (#152 and #160 of 216 over-ear headphones), and the FiiO FT1 costs $164.99 against $189.99 for the Fostex T40RP Mk3, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
Why pick the FiiO FT1: Sub-bass and bass both sit about 2.6 dB above target, so kick drums and bass lines have noticeable punch and rumble without bloating the midrange, which stays within a third of a dB of target. The tradeoff: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 5 dB low with a 8.7 dB dip near 9.5 kHz, which dulls cymbals and takes the edge off sibilance.
What the Fostex T40RP Mk3 does well: This closed back planar magnetic model measures smoothly in oratory1990’s test, with only 2.57 dB of deviation around the target and sub-bass within 6 dB down to 20 Hz. The catch: Sensitivity of 91 dB/mW is low for an over-ear, so a dedicated headphone amp helps it reach full volume.
Buy the FiiO FT1. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $25 less than the Fostex T40RP Mk3.
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Specifications Side By Side
| FiiO FT1 | Fostex T40RP Mk3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $164.99 | $189.99 |
| Ranked | #152 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones | #160 of 216 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 64 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 63 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.56 dB standard deviation | 2.57 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.20 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -1.26 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.4 dB at 30 Hz) | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Closed | Closed |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 60mm dynamic | 1 x planar magnetic |
| Impedance | 32 ohms | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW | 91 dB/mW |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (340 g) | 0.7 lbs (315 g) |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 20Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | - | No |
Related Headphone Comparisons
More top alternatives to FiiO FT1:
- Shure SRH840A vs FiiO FT1
- FiiO FT1 vs Yamaha HPH-200
- Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X vs FiiO FT1
- 1MORE Triple Driver Over Ear vs FiiO FT1
- 1MORE Triple Driver Over Ear vs Fostex T40RP Mk3
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Headphones In Full
FiiO FT1: $164.99 Amazon AliExpress eBay
Pros: Sub-bass and bass both sit about 2.6 dB above target, so kick drums and bass lines have noticeable punch and rumble without bloating the midrange, which stays within a third of a dB of target. The 32 ohm, 98 dB/mW closed-back design runs directly from a phone or laptop, with a smoother response than most at 2.56 dB deviation.
Cons: Treble from 6 to 10 kHz is about 5 dB low with a 8.7 dB dip near 9.5 kHz, which dulls cymbals and takes the edge off sibilance. A 3.7 dB peak near 5.2 kHz and air about 3 dB high make the top end uneven. At 340 g it is on the heavier side.
Full FiiO FT1 review and specifications →
| Released | Sep 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.56 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Dynamic |
| Drivers | 1 x 60mm dynamic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 10Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 64 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 32 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 98 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (+3.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.20 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (340 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.3 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | -2.7 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 155 Hz | -3.4 dB | 1.47 |
| Peak | 7,882 Hz | +4.5 dB | 1.99 |
| Peak | 3,835 Hz | +4.6 dB | 3.54 |
| Peak | 5,303 Hz | -5.6 dB | 4.56 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | -3.1 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 1,735 Hz | -1.9 dB | 3.24 |
| Peak | 61 Hz | +0.9 dB | 2.22 |
| Peak | 579 Hz | +0.8 dB | 1.78 |
| Peak | 239 Hz | -0.5 dB | 2.59 |
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Fostex T40RP Mk3: $189.99 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: This closed back planar magnetic model measures smoothly in oratory1990’s test, with only 2.57 dB of deviation around the target and sub-bass within 6 dB down to 20 Hz. Bass sits about 3 dB above target, giving a warm, solid low end for listeners who prefer a fuller sound. The closed design isolates from room noise and keeps sound in.
Cons: Sensitivity of 91 dB/mW is low for an over-ear, so a dedicated headphone amp helps it reach full volume. Upper mids and presence both run about 2.5 dB below target, which softens vocal detail, and a 4.5 dB dip near 11.9 kHz trims air. The Audio-Technica ATH-AD700X and Yamaha HPH-200 earn the same rating for less money. See headphone amps and DACs with enough power to drive it.
Full Fostex T40RP Mk3 review and specifications →
| Released | Aug 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Back | Closed |
| Built-in Microphone | No |
| Connection | Wired |
| Deviation From Target | 2.57 dB standard deviation |
| Driver Type | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x planar magnetic |
| Form Factor | Over-ear |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Harman Preference Score | 63 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Impedance | 50 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 91 dB/mW |
| Sub-bass Extension | Within 6 dB of target down to 20 Hz (-2.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Tonal Tilt | -1.26 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Weight | 0.7 lbs (315 g) |
EQ preset to match the Harman target
Set a preamp of -4.7 dB, then add these filters in any parametric equalizer (Wavelet, Equalizer APO, Peace, or a player with parametric EQ). Calculated by AutoEQ from its measured frequency response.
| Filter | Frequency | Gain | Q |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low shelf | 105 Hz | +7.6 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 58 Hz | -8.3 dB | 0.35 |
| Peak | 1,951 Hz | +4.7 dB | 1.28 |
| Peak | 860 Hz | -2.4 dB | 1.50 |
| Peak | 4,884 Hz | +2.7 dB | 1.37 |
| High shelf | 10,000 Hz | +0.2 dB | 0.70 |
| Peak | 462 Hz | +1.4 dB | 3.24 |
| Peak | 581 Hz | -1.2 dB | 4.70 |
| Peak | 201 Hz | -0.5 dB | 3.41 |
| Peak | 114 Hz | +0.3 dB | 3.13 |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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