FiiO FH5S

amazon FiiO FH5S reviews

FiiO FH5S is an in-ear headset that uses two balanced armature drivers and two dynamic drivers for each earphone, semi-open design (with a vent hole in the faceplate surface), allowing users to switch 3.5 connections mm, 4.4mm, and 2.5mm quickly and conveniently.

FH5S has very good artistry. The sophistication and contours of the headset are nothing to criticize. The silver-plated OCC copper wire that comes with the FH5S looks durable and sturdy.

The headset comes with an elegant Fiio HB5 leather case, along with quite a few sets of silicone and foam ear tips. FH5S uses an MMCX connector; the wire can be upgraded and replaced easily. The accessory set has quite a few sets of silicone and foam ear tips. Each type of ear tip will give different sound quality.

Appearance

The headphone shell has a sandwich structure, the frame is magnesium, and the protective outer layer is an aluminum case. The reason why people use magnesium for the inner frame is that magnesium has anti-vibration and anti-resonance properties.

FH5S feels comfortable to wear; wearing for 2 hours listening to music still does not feel uncomfortable or hot. Behind the headset, there are three switches B-M-T, which stands for three basic frequency bands: bass, mid and treble. FH5S has 40 ohms impedance, 106 dB/1kHz sensitivity.

Fiio has two dynamic drivers, 1 12mm for bass and 1 6mm for mid; both drivers have beryllium-coated drivers. Knowles’ two balanced armature TWFK-30017 drivers for mid and treble are located right at the nozzle (sound duct), as explained by Fiio, to limit the phenomenon of acoustic resonance inside the headphone shell improve the timbre. These two drivers are full-range drivers and are stratified by Fiio specifically for mid and treble.

Unboxing

The FiiO FH5S headphones, when opened, have a strange sound; the midrange is dry, detailed, the soundstage is wide but not airy. The bassline in Le Niger in the album The Tel Aviv Session has good internal force, strong and strong, but not deep and smooth. However, the FH5S soon revealed good mids and treble, with good balance, bright and clear, great for listening to guitar and piano. In addition to the round, bright guitar sound, the ethnic guitar sounds of Iran, such as the tar and kamancheh, have a clear, crisp, and crisp sustain. At this time, I use it with Fiio Q3 and use a balanced 4.4mm jack. I listened for about 2 hours, then changed to BTR5 and used it for four days, ~ 12 hours.

Continue using BTR5 to listen to instrumental music to test the mid-range like Wayne Shorter’s Night Dreamer and a passionate ballad is Virgo. The tenor sax is smooth, strong, firm, and confident. The low mid is not convex but clear and easy to catch the ear. The vibrato of the trumpet is round and bright, not harsh and bright. In my opinion, vocals for men and women are not sweet, balanced, bright, not harsh. To enjoy the top music quality, you should choose a music source from Tidal or Apple Music, Quobuz.

Treble of FH5S, I feel, is bright, has good detail but not very good. Treble is bright and strong, but I like the feeling that it has to have better separation, instruments like cymbals, and shakers like calabash and tambourine. If there is a faster deposition of the instrument, it will be much better.

When turning on bass on the EQ system, the sub-bass and upper-bass sound increase significantly, suitable for those who like to listen to bass a lot, like EDM and Hip hop players. Increasing the bass, the mid and treble will have a slight decrease in intensity. The midrange will now be backward, softer, and slightly sweet, so listening to Bolero is more suitable, or music mid and treble is louder. Playful sounds like On The Ground by Rose also like.

where can you get a FiiO FH5S online

FiiO FH5s 2BA+2DD Quad Driver Hybrid in-Ear HiFi Stereo Earphones with MMCX High-Purity Cable, Swappable Plug 2.5mm/3.5mm/4.4mm(black): Buy it now

Comfort and Fit

The FiiO FH5S is an excellent choice for comfort. The ergonomic design guarantees that the IEMs rest on the ear comfortably and without fatigue, even after prolonged use. The contoured shape ensures they fit deeply and securely, and they remain in place during exercise or movement.

The assortment of ear tips also aids in proper fitting. With multiple options, users can identify the best match for their ear shape and sound preference. Foam tips, for example, provide superior noise isolation and a warmer tone. Silicone tips may produce a more balanced sound and be more comfortable during lengthy listening.

A noise isolating IEM with a semi open design is a compromise in terms of passive noise isolation when compared to fully closed IEMs. For the improved soundstage and reduced ear pressure, users in a quiet environment would benefit. Users in a noisy environment might experience some noise ingress, which may hamper their listening.

Technical Details

With the FiiO FH5S, you get a lot of impressive features that make it stand out in its price class. Important specs are:

Drivers: 4-driver hybrid setup (2 dynamic drivers, 2 balanced armature drivers)
Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 40 kHz
Impedance: 40 ohms
Sensitivity: 106dB/mW
Detachable Cable: MMCX connectors
Cable Material: Silver-plated copper
Connector Type: 3.5mm (with adapters for balanced 2.5mm and 4.4mm)

FH5S’s hybrid driver setup truly works wonders. The two dynamic drivers succeed in managing the low and mid frequencies, while the high frequencies are dealt with by the balanced armature drivers, which produce a detailed and nuanced sound that would require a complex single driver to replicate.

Sound Performance

The FiiO FH5S’s sound quality is the centerpiece of this review and is the strong point of these IEMs. The FH5S reproduces the sound with its two dynamic and two balanced armature drivers in the hybrid setup, giving it detailed and balanced sound with a versatile sound signature that is suitable for varying music genres and listening preferences.

Low Frequencies

Delving into the lows, the FH5S presents a dynamic and controlled impact, resulting in well-defined bass that possesses the depth and detail one would expect from a low end. The large 12mm beryllium-coated dynamic driver ensures the dynamic driver’s bass response arrives with firm authority, avoiding unnecessary boominess and muddiness. The bass extends well into the sub-bass region, offering a pleasant rumble for tracks that require a low-end presence, such as electronic or hip-hop tracks.

The tone balance across the frequency range is the defining characteristic of the FH5S. The bass response offers satisfaction to bass listeners yet remains restrained to leave the rest of the frequency range intact. The mid-bass is clean enough to deliver and define impact, while ensuring kick drums and bass guitars clear articulation. The sub-bass, on the other hand, is subtle and adds appropriate weight without trying to compensate for the mid-bass.

Midrange

Balanced armature drivers show their merit in the midrange. Instruments such as guitars, pianos, and strings are delivered with remarkable detail and separation, and vocals are crisp and slightly advanced without being spotlighted. Both male and female vocals are appropriately featured and possess a natural voice that does not appear overly tinted or too deep.

One of the standout features of the FH5S’s midrange is how transparent it is. Midrange frequencies are free of compression and distortion, even when played back at high volume. This functionality bestows the FH5S with a unique advantage when dealing with jazz, acoustic, or folk vocal-centered tracks since the device confidently reproduces such tracks without any loss of midrange details.

Treble

The FH5S’s treble is well-defined and sharp, largely because of the dual balanced armature drivers that focus on the higher frequencies. The highs are well extended and sparkle in an effortless and graceful manner, without being either harsh or sibilant. As such, the FH5S does not cause any listener fatigue, which makes it ideal for long listening sessions.

While the treble is refined and sharp, it does have a distinct leaning towards the brighter side of the spectrum. As a result, the treble does sound more airy, spacious, and open which adds to the sense of the FH5S’s soundstage, yet does seem a little excessive in brightness for users who prefer laid-back or warmer sound sig. However, those users who enjoy sharp and analytic listening will likely appreciate the FH5S’s treated treble.

Soundstage and Imaging

The semi-open form factor expands the soundstage in a unique way. The FiiO FH5S’s spacious soundstage markedly expands one’s sense of space. Its effect is most notable in live performances or orchestral pieces, which demand accurate instrument and space depiction.

Furthermore, the imaging is equally excellent as the instruments and vocals are launched precisely within the soundstage. This increases the sense of engagement and makes the FH5S ideal for users who want a 3D audio experience.

Customizability: Tuning Switches

The FiiO FH5S stands out for having three physical switches on the back of each earpiece. These switches give the user the ability to customize the tuning of the IEMs, enhancing or reducing the bass, middle frequencies, or treble to their liking.

Bass Switch: This switch works to enhance the bass, giving it greater prominence. This would be beneficial when using the device to play any thumping music such as Hip-hop and EDM.

Mids Switch: Activating this switch brings out the midrange, giving greater prominence to vocals and instruments. This is beneficial for music heavy on vocals and for acoustic genres.
Treble Switch: This amplifies the high frequencies, giving more sparkle and breathing space to the treble. This might be beneficial to those who wish to have brighter more detailed sound signature.

While the modifications are subtle, they can sufficiently satisfy the user’s preference of sound signature. The tuning switches can seldom be found in IEMs at this price range, as they provide a level of customization that is offered.

Cable and Accessories

FiiO provides a silver-plated copper cable that is compatible with the FH5S and of high quality, thereby enhancing the IEMs performance. The cable features a tangling-resistant braiding which also bolsters the durability of the cable. The MMCX connectors facilitate cable upgrades and are robust.

The inclusion of balanced 2.5 mm and 4.4 mm connectors in the package enhances the FH5S’s compatibility, extending it to balanced amplifiers and DACs. The thoughtful inclusion of these connectors reflects an understanding of user needs and helps maximise the use of the IEMs. Performance would not be hindered by the equipment.

Durability and Build Quality

The FiiO FH5S is crafted with proven high-quality components and a proven design. The aluminium-magnesium alloy is resistant to both abrasions and scrapes and a strong alloy, which guarantees preservation of the IEMs even with daily use.

The detachable cable design is a welcome feature for durability as well. In the event of cable damage, a replacement cable can be purchased rather than a new set. The MMCX connectors are rigid as well as well-designed, giving a firm connection that is resistant to unintentional disconnections while in use.

Evaluating Other In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)

From the onset, the FiiO FH5S is distinctive in the hybrid driver configuration, sound customization, and design offered for in-ear-monitors (IEMs) available at its price point. While its features are commendable, a few rivals provide equally attractive offerings, which justifies a deeper comparison to understand the FiiO FH5S’s strengths and weaknesses.

FiiO FH5S vs. FiiO FH5

FiiO FH5S’s comparison to the original FH5 highlights the S’s merits. The original FH5 was most praised for its 4-driver setup which had one dynamic driver and three balanced armature drivers. It had a smooth and warm sonic character that emphasized bass and mids. FiiO FH5S has two of each driver and a more balanced sound which is more detailed and has brighter trebles and a wider soundstage.

Switch tuning is one of the major new features in the FH5S, as it gives users more control over the sound, while the FH5 had none of those features, making the FH5S the superior option for listening to music from different genres, for it can be tuned to suit personal liking.

The FH5S earphones are designed with a semi-open back, which helps create a spacious and airy soundstage. In contrast, the FH5’s closed-back design offers greater isolation, which might be beneficial in some listening environments, but presents a more contained sound. The FH5 is likely the better option if sound is likely to be disturbed by external noise, but the FH5S definitely stands out for users who want a wider sound.

FiiO FH5S vs. Moondrop Blessing 2

In the same price range of the FH5s, Moondrop Blessing 2 is considered to be very good IEM. Both have hybrid driver configurations; however, the Blessing 2 uses a five-driver system (1 dynamic driver and 4 balanced armature drivers), which is a step above the FH5S in technical capabilities, especially the upper-mid and treble regions.

The Blessing 2 is well-known for its reference tuning, which results in a neutral, detailed, and natural sound signature. It has exceptional midrange clarity and treble extension, which is a defining feature of audiophiles that value neutrality and precision. In contrast, FiiO’s FH5S has a more versatile sound profile due to its tuning switches, which can be customized to bass or treble sparkle enhancements to suit the user’s preference.

In terms of comfort, both IEMs have good ergonomics, but the more compact version of The Blessing 2 with a smaller and sleeker shell has an advantage for users with petite ears. The FH5S is ergonomic but is somewhat larger in size because of its hybrid design and tuning switches. Both have remarkable build quality, but the semi-open back design of the FH5S means it has less isolation compared to the completely closed design of The Blessing 2.

FiiO FH5S vs. Campfire Audio Polaris II

The Campfire Audio Polaris II is yet another well-known rival, appreciated for its energetic low-end and dynamic sound. It has a dual-driver hybrid system (one dynamic driver and one balanced armature) that tries to capture powerful bass while keeping the mid and highs clear. The FH5S, with its four-driver configuration, offers a more balanced and refined sound, particularly in the midrange and treble regions.

The Polaris II stands out because of its bass performance, which is richer and stronger, making it especially appealing to those who enjoy bass. On the other hand, the FH5S is more adaptable thanks to its tuning switches, enabling a more customized tuning for various music styles. Regarding soundstage, the FH5S’s semi-open design gives it a small edge, allowing it to offer a more expansive and open sound in contrast to the Polaris II’s warmer and more enclosed sound.

When it comes to build quality, both the IEMs are solid. However, the Polaris II stands out for its unique angular design and rugged look, which might appeal to some users more. On the other hand, the FH5S surpasses the Polaris II for users looking for an adaptable and balanced sound signature.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Three tuning switches for bass, mids, and treble enable a customizable sound signature
Ergonomic and durable quality aluminum-magnesium alloy shell offers exemplary construction
The semi-open back design offers an extended stereo field
The semi-open back design enables an expanded stereo field
Defined, impactful low-end and articulate high frequencies with impressive detail in the midrange
Silver-plated copper cable with MMCX connectors for easy aftermarket upgrades
Extensive accessory set that includes several ear tips and balanced adapters

Cons:

Less isolation and possible sound leakage due to the semi-open design
Bright treble may not be preferred by users looking for a warmer sound
A bulkier shell may not be as comfortable for smaller ears
Sound tuning switches deliver subtle adjustments as opposed to drastic changes in sound profile

Overview

The FiiO FH5S is a hybrid earphone that outshines other earphones in the mid-range crowd. It caters to both casual listeners and audiophiles alike with its hybrid driver setup, ergonomic build, and customisation tuning switches. Indeed, it is the FH5S’s commitment to deliver a detailed and balanced sound with a signature that is adaptable to different music genres and user preferences that truly makes it stand out.

If you want an earphone with mellifluous mid-tones, a broadened soundstage, and defined treble, the FH5S is the earphone that meets your criteria. Listeners who favour live recordings, classical compositions, or any music that thrives on an extensive, immersive soundstage will relish the semi-open design that is FH5S. The design not only amplifies the sense of space but also imbues the music with an airy ambience.

The FH5S offers a well-rounded and customizable total listening experience that, for its price, is hard to find. While the IEMs may not offer the same isolation as closed-back IEMs, and the treble may be a bit too bright for some, the FH5S is a sound solution. For users searching for quality IEMs with a wide range of sound, the FiiO FH5S is not only a great pick but also a fine investment.