Fiio FH5 Quad-Driver Hybrid In-Ear Monitors (Black)

Fiio has had a bunch of IEMs available for years now, though they didn’t exactly make a splash at the start — Fiio’s core competency, after all, has historically been in portable amps, DACs, and...

One of my favorite IEMs from earlier this year was the FiiO FH5. With an affordable price point, this audiophile IEM took the internet by storm with its level of detail and energetic dynamics. However, recently, Final Audio released its B-Series, and with it, the Final Audio B2.

he FiiO brand is really synonymous with high bang-for-buck value in the personal audio world. For many people, FiiO is a launching pad – the first "audiophile" amp or DAC they ever own.

Recently on the MajorHiFi YouTube channel, one of you asked about the differences between the new FiiO FH5 and the Final Audio E5000. I was lucky enough to get my hands on both, and wow! I wasn’t expecting my experience to be one of the most fascinating comparison reviews of my young career.

Brand new from the Chi-Fi-turned-audiophile-staple brand FiiO, the new FH5 has arrived at MajorHifi. At a cool $259, this sleek new earphone boasts a four-driver design and hinges on FiiO’s reputation for high-tier sound at rock-bottom prices. But does the FH5 deliver the goods?

subscribers recently asked about the difference between the new FiiO FH5 and the Shure SE425. And it’s a fair question. They both go for the same price at $269.00. And while the FH5 has been getting rave reviews among the audiophile reviewing community, the SE425 is a classic.

FiiO FH5 sells for about 260USD at the moment, making it one of the most affordable entries in the 300USD IEM range. Of course, with a sound like the one it has, it can even stand its ground against some of the 500USD IEMs out there, not to mention even more expensive flagships.

• +

  + crisp, sparkly, detailed sounding especially with accoustic instrumentals like guitars!, + good amount of base, +bright but not harsh, + super easy to drive, + they are light and easy to wear, + sound very pleasant for dance, EDM, jazz, most rock, * The price to performance is great, * Great stock...

• -

  -fit can be tricky sometimes, other tips may not stay long enough tight for good sealing as much as foam tips, -not wide soundstage and imaging, some tracks sound congested especially with rock, - the included cable is ok but not great, - angled 3.5mm connector, * The fit can be a bit finicky at...

Sonically it’s not perfect, but the FH5 is nevertheless FiiO's best IEM to date. The build quality alone is worthy of a price-tag higher than $250.

• +

  Quality look and feel, Very nice cable, Included accessories, No sharp treble spikes, Power efficiency

• -

  Dip in upper mids means lack in presence, Darker sound signature, Low impedance make it hiss sensitive