How does the Continental V5 compare to the Fostex HP-V1? Anyone with experience with the two?
I have done a short comparison. I think HP-V1 is a bit warmer and also softer sounding. Cv5 render details much better, it is faster and in general, better technically. Both are pretty clean, not much hiss with IEM. Size-wise, HP-V1 is gigantic next to Cv5, so if you consider portability, Cv5 win hands down.
In short, if you are looking for a warm, soft and smooth sound, while don't mind the size, HP-V1 will be your choice.
Go for Cv5 if you are looking for a portable, with detailed sound while still keeping some warm touch of tube. Bonus: you can tube-rolling, so it is possible to tweak the sound to some degree.
Hope that helps.