FiiO FH5s Review – A Hybrid’s Evolution

The FiiO FH5S can be bought for RM1199 at www.redape.my or at this link in Shopee or Lazada :

Shopee RedApe

Lazada RedApe

Packaging & Accessories

Package wise, FiiO has updated their overall packaging and it screams high-end all around. The box is big and it does feel heavy, similar to the FD5’s packaging. Inside we will be greeted with a plethora of accessories like a HB5 hard Case, 13 Pair of Tips, MMCX tool, Audio cable (1.2m) with interchangeable 2.5/3.5/4.4 mm plug, cleaning tool and the user manual. I really love the packaging standards of FiiO nowadays and the way it made the buyers feel satisfied with their purchases. Two thumbs up for the packaging.

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Design

The FH5S shell shape and size is rather similar to the FH5. They are relatively large in their size but fitting for me is good and feels comfortable for me even in the long run. I have used the FH5S for 4 hours now and I do not feel any discomfort on my ears. FiiO has taken another step in designing the FH5S by the implementation of a semi open back IEM with a design that mimics scales from a dragon. In one word, it’s beautiful! It is very well made and it screams quality all around. By the side of the FH5S we will find 3 tuning switches (B, M and T) that will slightly alter the presentation of the bass, mids and the treble respectively of the IEM to satisfy also bring a better sound variety of sound profile to the users. A very well thought and implemented move which I am a fan of as it brings a more adjustable sound to suit my music and my mood for the day.

FH5S is equipped with 2 beryllium coated dynamic driver and dual Knowles drivers with an active 4-way electronic crossover for the bass, mids, highs and super highs frequency all packed into a lightweight magnesium alloy shell.

The FH5S comes with a 4-core silver plated OCC cable that comes with a unique interchangeable plug design (4.4mm balanced, 2.5mm balanced and 3.5mm) similar to the FiiO FD5, thus, giving users ability to use the most of the standard outputs out here. It’s a new and more low-profile design for the plugs making it look more seamless.

Gears Used for Comparisons

• Fiio M11pro
• Fiio Q5 with AM3D module
• Ibasso DC03
• JVC HA-FW01
• Moondrop A8
• Intime Kira
• FiiO FD5

Song list

• Norah Jones – Come away with me
• Scorpions with philharmoniker orchestra – Wind of change
• Headstrong – Tears
• Chicane – Halcyon
• Rage Against The Machines – Killing in the name
• The White Stripes – Seven nation army

Soundstage

The soundstage of the of the FH5S is awesome. I think the semi open back design attributed to the large soundstage this little gem is able to push out. It is certainly better than most of my balanced armature IEM and on par with my JVC HA-FW01. It is able to give me a great 3D representation of every single music that I feed into it. It has a decent depth but possesses a great width but not as good as a pair of earbuds yet still great for an IEM.Separation and Timbre

Separation and timbre are a weak point for hybrids in my opinion, but if they are tuned well, they are able to provide a good separation and timbre. Luckily, the FH5S is tuned to perfection in this area as the timbre of the FH5S is spot on. The dynamic and armature seems to work in tandem and making the sound come together in harmony. Though still lack behind a full pledged single dynamic driver, it is miles in front from a lot of other hybrids in the market today.

Tone and Presentation

The tone of the FH5S is energetic, forward and packed with micro details. It is on the bright side of the sound spectrum and possesses great details from top to bottom. It is a dynamic sounding IEM with a touch of aggressiveness. Female and male vocals shine in this IEM. It is also a very fun IEM to listen and can handle a large variety of music in their presentation. With the tuning switches they provide another degree of variety to their sound presentation.

Drivability

Rated at 40ohms, it is rather easy to drive the FH5S, though a good amplification does scales up in their sound quality especially at the treble region where a good amplification will smoothen up the harshness a little. Driving it through my USB C dongle works fine and does have ample power for the FH5S.

The Bass (Low)

One might expect a bass monster from the FH5S dual beryllium plated dynamic driver but the bass here is rather fast, tight and precise. It is certainly not for bass head users even with the bass switch on, but for user who like a fast and clear bass, this might intrigue you. The thump on the bass is good and does retains a dynamic driver feel into it. Sub bass is average at best as the bass is sharper and faster but not boomy. Bass in the FH5S does not bleed into the other regions, which is a good sign of a good implementation of the dynamic drivers. Turning up the bass switch, I do get a tad bit more boominess in the sub-bass region and the bass seemed a bit larger. This works on EDM and jazz tracks as it gives more soul into the music but losses a little on the bass clarity. Thumbs up.

The Mids

Mids here is a tad on neutral side and very slightly V shaped. It pushes out a clear and detailed kind of mids making it quite musical. It is a natural sounding mids and not the thick kind of mids that will be found in the Shure se535 but a crystal clear, lean kind of mids. Musicality on the mids is terrific and has a fun tone, making the FH5S listening more pleasant. It is slightly on the thin side but it is not cold nor sterile sound sounding. But after adjusting the mid switch, it sounded slightly thicker and a little more forward which suits my preference more.

The Highs

The highs on the FH5S are forward and highly detailed. I do feel it lack airiness and smoothness, but the performance of the highs is very good. It is very clear, crispy and punchy in their presentation, thus, giving out a very lively kind of feel into the music. It is not sibilant in any way but it has a pleasant feel to it as it is filled with clarity and details all around the treble region. At times the treble seems a little piercing and comes in hot but in a minor way. Switching up the treble switch, the highs is more forward and slightly more piercing. Details on the highs remains the same but it is more aggressive to my ears and I would prefer the switch to be off.

Comparisons

VS FD5

One of FiiO’s latest release, the FD5, a beryllium coated single dynamic driver, has garnered high praises around the world with their sound quality. Side by side, the FD5 has a better slam in the bass versus a deeper bass in the FH5S. Mids on the FD5 is much sweeter, smoother and it sounds thicker, while the FH5S has more clarity in their mids. Treble on the FD5 is airier and has better extension than the FH5S, but the clarity and resolution of treble in the FH5S is better. Also, worth noting that with a single dynamic driver, coherency is better than the hybrid FH5S but FH5S has better resolution overall. Overall performance is quite similar but I do prefer the smoothness and coherency of a single dynamic driver in the FD5.

VS JVC HA-FW01

The wood in ear earphones that has a wood housing as well as a wood diaphragm is a smooth operator in their sound presentation. The FH5S sounded more lively, energetic and clearer than the FW-01, whereas the FW-01 is warm, smooth, thick and laidback. Both are different and they have their own qualities in their sound respectively, one being smooth and one being forward. FH5S has a better sense of clarity and details that at times makes my FW-01 sounded dull. Soundstage wise I would call it a draw as it is similar between this 2 IEMs. It depends on your taste but worth noting that FH5S has more sound signature varieties with their tuning switches.

VS Moondrop A8

A8 balanced armature masterpiece by Moondrop. The A8 trumps the FH5S in terms of resolution and smoothness in their sound but FH5S possesses a better clarity and better bass quantity than the A8. Mids on the A8 is sweeter and sounded more natural to my ears. Coherency is better on the A8 but FH5S is not far behind in this area. FH5S sounded larger in their soundstage sound and giving a more out-of-head sound while the A8 is more intimate. Highs on the A8 is superior where it sounded smoother and has a better extension versus the FH5S.

Source synergy

FiiO M11PRO

The venerable M11PRO. Equipped with a dual AKM4497 with THX789 amplifiers, it provides a warm and accurate sound to your gears. The FH5S pairs really well with the M11PRO. It smoothens the hot and spiky treble and extending the bass making it a very enjoyable listening experience. Soundstage becomes more accurate and the depth is more realistic on the M11pro, making it perfect for live concerts. Bass has a better slam and mids has become sweeter with this setup. I highly recommend this pairing.

FiiO Q5 with AM3D THX amp module

A legendary DAC/amp coupled with a THX amp module. Clarity and details have been pushed up a level. Bass has better slam and soundstage deepens and more accurate. Mids and highs is smoother as has less peaks. It is similar to M11PRO but clarity on this setup is slightly better whereas the M11pro sounded deeper and smoother. It is another good pairing once again

Ibasso DC03

Ibasso DC03 is a dual CS43131 dongle that is powerful and bright. Paired with FH5S does sound decent but the highs on FH3S becomes harsh on certain tracks especially on fast tracks. Clarity and details are up a notch for normal, which is good, and the bass tighten slightly. But on high volume, the treble might be too spiky and hot for this pairing.

Audio GD 28.38

A super powerful DAC/AMP with top specification. Some might say it’s overkill for a desktop setup but I’m doing this out of curiosity. The details I get from pairing FH5S to the 28.38 is awesome. Everything sounded so clear and detailed but without the spikes and hot treble. Bass is tight, fast and accurate while the mids is more in your face. This shows that FH5S does scales up in amplification in my opinion and it is a good thing as the potential of the FH5S is huge.

Who Is It For?

This FH5S is really good for users who want an energetic, detailed and large sound from an IEM. It is not really an upgrade from the FH5, but a side grade from the FH5 as the FH5 does sound more dynamic, has a better bass impact and smoother sounding overall, but the FH5S provides a wider sound and a much better clarity in their presentation. It is also able to cater to a better variety of users thanks to their tuning switches. FH5S is not for people who like a large and boomy bass but for those who likes their bass accurate and detailed. For those who love an energetic, clear, detailed and forward sound signature, look no further, the FH5S is for you.

Final words

The FiiO FH5S is beast in performance. Giving out a highly detailed and crystal-clear sound with a tuneable sound with their tuning switches, they are able to satisfy a wide variety of users giving them an option to slightly alter the tune to their liking. Having a dual dynamic and dual balanced armature, they do possess the dynamics of a true dynamic driver coupled with the clarity and resolution of armatures and they provide the best of both world in a small package. Though lacking the coherency of a true dynamic driver, they are acceptable as FiiO has tuned the drivers to work as one and does much better than a lot of other hybrids in the market. The treble region does get hot at times and I wish the treble is smoother like the FD5 or FH5, but it provides an energetic signature which may please certain users out there. With their great a fit, tuneable sound signature and a great design with an audiophile sound, I would recommend this product for audiophiles and non-audiophiles as well.