The FiiO JT7 is an open-back planar magnetic headphone priced around $120. Here are Resolve and listener's takes on what may be the next benchmark in the budget headphone space:

Resolve’s Take

Resolve’s strongest praise for the JT7 is its mechanical and ergonomic design, which he considers exceptional for the price and competitive even well above it. The headphone is lightweight, folds, and fits securely on the head without feeling oppressive, even on Resolve's considerably larger-than-average head. Pad swapping is easy thanks to a simple lip-based mounting system and circular earcup. Resolve particularly liked a pair of optional add-on velvet (FT1B) pads, which slightly reduce the headphone’s shoutiness and may make it more versatile for some listeners.

Out of the box, Resolve finds the JT7 a bit shouty in the upper mids and somewhat blunted in the treble, with noticeable dips that make it sound less refined. While it isn’t harsh or fatiguing to Resolve, it does come across as uneven. He does, however, praise the presentation of bass, which he finds better than the FT1 Pro’s (and, importantly, not excursion-limited, making the JT7 a strong candidate for bass EQ). That said, he cautions against aggressive EQ in the treble, noting high harmonic distortion around 5-6 kHz at louder levels.

In direct comparisons, Resolve would choose the JT7 over the HE400SE for its vastly superior comfort and design, but he still prefers the FT1 Pro’s smoother stock tuning if EQ isn’t on the table. He ultimately scores the JT7 4.2 for sound quality and 5 overall, recommending it primarily for its comfort, design, and modding potential rather than its default tuning.

listener’s Take

listener’s first impression was that it simply “didn’t suck,” which he considers a meaningful achievement at $120. He was struck by its lightweight, comfortable fit, and on first listen didn't notice any massive issues with the overall tonal balance. Unlike many budget planars, it didn’t immediately come across as overly bright or thin.

With longer listening, listener identified similar issues to Resolve, particularly a glary upper midrange around 3–5 kHz and an uneven treble with peaks and dips that create a slightly rough presentation. Still, listener feels these flaws mostly become obvious with closer scrutiny. Like Resolve, listener also emphasizes the quality of JT7’s bass, especially how the upper-midrange tuning gives kick drums more punch and physicality compared to competitors like the FiiO FT1 Pro, or Hifiman's HE400SE or Edition XS.

listener prefers the JT7 to both the HE400SE and, from an ownership perspective, even the FT1 Pro. While he acknowledges that the FT1 Pro is smoother and safer in stock form, he finds it less comfortable, duller, and less engaging. The JT7’s comfort, lighter weight, and greater technical potential make it the headphone he’d rather live with. He rates it 4.95 for sound quality (rounding to a 5) and 5.5 overall, seeing it as a strong value and a headphone that “deserves to exist.”

Bottom Line

Both reviewers agree the FiiO JT7 is a mechanically excellent, comfortable, and surprisingly capable planar at its price. While both are still critical of its tuning and prefer smoother alternatives unless EQ is involved, both still value its engagement and comfort over similar options and think it's a worthy choice if one is okay compromising on absolute refinement. If you’re interested in a brighter headphone, willing to EQ, or simply want a lightweight, comfortable planar, the JT7 stands out possibly the most compelling option around $120 right now.