TinHiFi T5S

Introduction

Once again, another product from the brand launched in 2017, Tiantian Dongting TinHiFi. With their motto based on trying to listen to the world, it is possible that, on this occasion, they have listened to me... After two models that were far from my preferences, such as the last iteration of the T2, the MKII and the C0, their new T5S model has hit the nail on the head. It is true that it is clearly more expensive, costing around $130, but its price is the same as its previous T5 version. With improved aesthetics over its predecessor, thanks to its flat, textured outer panel, the T5S employs a unique topping diaphragm composed of three nano-materials, which strikes a balance between rigidity and flexibility for higher-fidelity sound reproduction. Together with a special acoustic design and a lightweight Japanese CCAW voice coil, it minimises non-linear distortion of the diaphragm, enhancing the high-fidelity performance of audio devices. The advanced magnetic circuit design reduces distortion, providing users with a clearer and more accurate sound experience. TinHiFi T5S are manufactured from lightweight, durable aluminium by high-precision five-axis CNC machining for each pair, with a manufacturing time of up to 2 hours. Featuring innovative triple-damping technology, the T5S ensures a natural and balanced sound while offering exceptional transparency. The unique sound cavity design creates a wider soundstage, effortlessly showcasing high-frequency details for a delicate and clear audio effect. This design aims to deliver a more realistic and immersive audio performance, creating a high-quality listening experience for users. Finally, the T5S comes with a high-quality cable that includes 28 strands of 0.06mm enamelled copper and 54 strands of 0.05mm silver-plated copper and 0.78mm 2Pin interface. Let's see how all this translates to my personal listening experience, in the following review.



Specifications

• Driver Type: Dynamic driver with new generation ultra-linear 10mm DOC diamond diaphragm.
• Frequency Response: 10-20kHz.
• Sensitivity: 103 ± 1dB @ 1kHz 0.126V.
• Impedance: 32Ω ± 15%.
• Nominal power: 3mW.
• Maximum power: 5mW.
• Maximum distortion: 1% @ 1kHz 0.179V.
• Capsule Connection Type: 2Pin 0.78mm gold plated.
• Cable: 4-conductor copper-silver hybrid (black) with 2 oxygen-free copper conductors + 2 silver conductors (0.06*28)2 + (0.0554)*2, custom PVC outer jacket.
• Cable length: 1.2m.

Packaging

The TinHiFi T5S comes in a medium-sized square box, whose dimensions are 136x137x74mm. On the front face is a drawing of what could be a Martian base, as the words "MARS" headline the top. In the middle are the hollow letters T5S and below that the brand logo. On the back there is not much information, there are the brand's contact details, as well as its e-mail, WEB address, 3 QR codes and the logos of the certifications that the product complies with. After removing the outer cardboard, a dark box with a texture of vertical columns is revealed, with the brand logo in gold ink in the centre. After removing the lid, the capsules are embedded in a white foam mould at the bottom. At the top is another elongated box with the brand logo in black ink. In it are some accessories, while the rest is in the second layer underneath the capsules. In summary, the full contents are as follows:

• Both T5S capsules.
• Warranty card.
• Instruction manual.
• Plastic tweezers.
• Cleaning brush.
• Magnetic case in white imitation leather.
• Three pairs of black silicone tips with coloured core, sizes SxMxL.
• Three pairs of black translucent silicone tips, sizes SxMxL.
• One pair of white foam tips.
• Three pairs of mouthpiece grids.
• Cable with 3.5mm SE plug and 2Pin 0.78mm interface.

The new type of box is welcome, cushioned, soft but rigid at the same time. It is spacious, rectangular, with a magnetised box-like opening, although somewhat large. On the other hand, the cable is of sufficient quality, but it's a pity that you can't choose a balanced termination. It comes with two sets of tips, plus a couple of foam tips, something that is not very common lately. On the other hand, there are some pieces and three pairs of grids to protect the mouthpieces. This type of accessory is becoming more and more common, although I have never had to change any of them. Finally, a small brush is the last accessory in a set that is quite adequate for its price.



Construction and Design

The capsules of the TinHiFi T5S are manufactured from lightweight, durable aluminium by high-precision five-axis CNC machining. Their entire surface is micro-textured grey. They have a semi-custom ergonomic design. The outer face has an equilateral triangle shape with very rounded corners. It is completely flat and also has a micro-textured surface. The brand name is written in white letters. There is a hole in the rim of the capsule, and there is also a hole in the base of the mouthpieces. The connection interface is integrated into the capsule, on a rectangular transparent plastic plate, with gold-plated connections. The internal shape is very ergonomic, with that typical semi-custom design that fits the pinna and the top of the outer ear. The mouthpieces are made of a different material, looking like gold-plated brass. It has three diameters, the base of 6.4mm, the longest central area of 5.4mm and the crown of 6mm. The approximate total length is 5.2mm. The metal protection grid has small holes.
The cable consists of 4 strands, two have a dark sheath, with a copper-silver conductor, while the other two strands have a transparent sheath and a silver-plated conductor. The plug is a 3.5mm SE plug with a sleeve to match the capsules, being metallic, cylindrical and micro-textured. There is a plastic protection for the cable at the exit of the sleeve. The splitter piece is the same style, but half the size. The pin is a metal disc with the brand logo on each side and two through holes. The cable has over-ear guides and the sleeves for the silver-plated 0.78mm 2Pin 0.78mm connectors are both cylinders to match the rest of the cable parts, with a slotted ring near the cable exit and hard plastic pieces at the base of the connections. One is red and the other transparent, to indicate the cable channel.
I have to admit that this is not a novel design, but it is very effective, both in terms of elegance, fit and ergonomics. The surface texture keeps fingerprints away, it is smooth against the skin. The outer face is simple, but attractive. The cable is quite good, but a balanced option is sorely missed.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The tinHiFi T5S have a clear semi-custom design, which fits my morphology like a glove. The mouthpieces are a bit thick, but have a good length. They could have a medium insertion, but the diameter can be limiting in this respect. In my case, as usual, the tips used are large ones filled with foam that I make myself. With them, the fit is superficial, very occlusive and their size is enough for the capsules to mould almost perfectly in my ears, being totally integrated. The texture is soft and pleasant, there is no rotation, the fit is fast and durable, it doesn't bother with the passing of the hours, while the isolation is high. In my case, outstanding.



Sound

Profile

The profile of the TinHiFi T5S may appear to be a little overblown, considering its sub-bass scaling. However, its drop is quite rapid. So much so that it doesn't even fully enter Bass-Head territory. In my opinion, the T5S has a pronounced W-profile where the main emphasis is on the sub-bass. But on the other hand, from 100Hz onwards, the rest of the frequency response is slightly balanced. The early midrange is not sunk, the upper-midrange is emancipated but controlled, while the treble starts with a clear control zone, but without too much extension. It is a powerful sound at the low end, but smooth at the top end, seeking a nice, warm balance in the middle.
On the other hand, I have to admit that I like this profile in a natural way. I have a preference for high sub-bass and representative first midranges. It is true that the T5S has the former and not so much the latter. But they have enough grace in the midrange and nuanced treble to maintain a very pleasant and enjoyable listening experience, well suited for my electronic music sessions. As such, they have become one of my first choices when I go out on the road listening to new releases in this genre of music.



Bass

Bass doesn't just need an exalted profile, it needs to sound good and perform better. TinHiFi gets it right, and the T5S performs remarkably well on both counts. The base hit is compact, with just the right amount of dryness to be fast in execution and quick in pickup. The mid-bass is not very marked, but it is precise and this means that the bass is not too extensive towards the central range, generating a feeling of limited cleanliness and a certain disconnection, in spite of the presence demonstrated. It has just the right springiness to show texture and the elasticity to maintain power, power and punch. In this way, the volume achieved is remarkable, generating a large and appreciable amount of space and depth. On the other hand, the bass tone and timbre is dark, not at all coloured, with that distinctly sensory, yet audible tone that I like so much. This is reaffirmed in the very low frequency pure tone test. The low end feels powerfully physical, as well as slightly audible. It is worth commenting that there is a very small vibratory character that does not adversely affect the sonority, as the result is quite realistic, dark, deep, uncoloured, voluminous, physical and sensory. The T5S feel in a way that is close to the ideal canon I have in my mind, but there is some room for improvement, perhaps their timbre could be a little darker and lack that subtle, subtly noticeable undulatory character. However, its behaviour in the dirty, unfiltered bass test, it moves very well, executing the complex passages with very good skill, without numbing the sound, freeing the midranges, without muddying the ambience, maintaining control, separating itself from the rest of the sound spectrum, but being able to generate a concrete and well focused volume. It is adept at recreating layers, separating them and following complex, unfiltered bass lines. It's true that you can feel its power and the volume it generates is ample, but it's also one of the things I look for without thinking about it. And I appreciate that the TinHiFi T5S generates it.



Mids

The character of the midrange is relaxed, musical, subtly dark, yet tending towards a warm, filtered neutralisation. It helps that the midrange is only gently exalted and that the first highs start from a short drop. The T5S establishes an agreement between darkness, luminosity, transparency and clarity. Admittedly, all this seems difficult to combine, but somehow it is all present in the T5S midranges. The subtle darkness comes from very deep bass and nuanced treble at the start. Clarity and transparency come from a midrange that is boosted and maintained at a level of energy that borders on sibilance, but ultimately controls it to present it in a slightly incipient form.
The first half of the midrange has a medium character, both in presence and distance. This area is partly lean and I miss some strength and a more marked and physical base. His drawing becomes typical of many other IEMS, a little further away from active neutrality, but clean in composition and execution. There is just enough transparency for it to come across as precise and well separated, but with just enough warmth to come across as musical, smooth and pleasing. And this is the most attractive part of the first half of the midrange; it is melodious and rich enough, despite that half-presential distance, which limits its fullness and strength. In this way, the male voices are represented in this central limbo, well-drawn, well-defined, but without making the leap in power and prominence.
The midranges are more splashy and present. This is how the female voices gain the favour of this tuning, sounding more lively, dynamic, as well as fuller and more complex.
The result is understood as a mutual benefit in the central zone, where there is a certain imbalance of presence, but which achieves a captivating musicality. It helps that the notes have good resolution, definition, but without sounding analytical, but rather more silky and even, generating a light continuity that is rich, descriptive and relatively delicate. To put it bluntly, it is true that these are not the best midranges, but it is a set that can become a first choice when choosing an all-terrain IEMS that allows for a faintly critical, musical, but sufficiently enticing and restful listening that one does not need to think about much else.



Treble

The treble begins in a controlled manner, starting from a slight dip that sustains the sibilance, but condemns the treble to a restrained, soft and low-energy form. The brightness is relegated to a second phase and you feel how the initial base is darker and duller, while the second phase is stretched out a little more to bring in more harmonics and a somewhat displaced sparkle. It's not the most natural of highs, but they are smooth, restrained and pleasant. They are also not very extended and lack a certain air, something that gives the sound a feeling of dryness, a more parsimonious and concrete style.
The upper range is good enough to retain an adequate timbre in the lower ranges, but it is far from stellar in its own right. That's why the treble has been tuned to maintain the balance and smoothness of the whole, rather than to shine for its own sake.



Soundstage, Separation

With a musical and certainly relaxed sound, the importance of the sub-bass and the smoothness of the treble play a decisive role in recreating the scene. But, perhaps other physical issues are worth noting, as the sound does not come across as concentrated or tight. There is good width, very good laterality, as well as obvious depth. The low end is able to inject a good amount of volume and depth into the scene. The first midranges sit in that middle zone, but busy from side to side, while the high-mids and highs move from here to there, but in a closer zone. They do not have the most obvious separation, nor the most discernible background, but their musicality gives that sense of continuity and homogeneity in the sound, but without becoming completely sustained. In this way, the scene is round but frontal, with an acceptable pitch and side notes that want to exceed 180 degrees. As it possesses a certain attachment, a volatile or gaseous sound is not contemplated, but there is a faint projected sensation that gives a greater freedom to the sound.
The image is efficient, well projected, easily glimpsed and not blurred. It is also not completely precise because its shapes are soft.
It is not very skilful at separating layers in the midrange and fails to layer the planes well. It suffers from some technical limitations in these aspects of depth separation. This is how the micro detail feels cohesive and continuous. With some effort, it is perceptible, which is already an achievement. But it feels somewhat relegated and dependent on the rest of the closer elements, which can hide or integrate them. It lacks a point of resolution, separation, distance and definition for such detail to be more explicit and descriptive. That's the thing about a more musical, homogeneous and pleasant sound.



Comparisons

Tri Meteor

For many months, I have found the Tri Meteor to be one of my favourite IEMS for 100$. Although, sometimes, they are not easy to get because they might be discontinued by now. These are simple hybrid IEMS: 1 x 10mm dynamic driver with beryllium-plated diaphragm and 1 x Knowles ED-29689 BA driver. They use a semi-custom capsule made of Egger resin, with a translucent inner body and an outer face with a flowing silver glitter pattern on a black base. Their design is attractive and elegant, on the same level as the TinHiFi T5S, even more beautiful. The inner face of the two look very similar, with the Meteors being a little more streamlined. But the T5S are not as thick, even though they are metallic and heavier. The in-ear integration is better on the TinHiFi because they are also thinner.
As you can see from the graphs, both IEMS have a very similar frequency response. And that profile is one of my favourites, because I immediately liked both models. I think the T5S have perfected the curve by making it smoother and more harmonic. With a higher sub-bass and a midrange with a balanced plateau.
The Tri Meteors are a little easier to move than the TinHiFi T5S.
In the lower range, the T5S are somewhat more muted, sensory and darker. There seems to be a bit more dryness in the bass of the T5S. While the Meteors sound juicier and with a bit more colour. In the pure tone test the T5S was more sensory and better behaved, performing the LFOs in a more natural and realistic way. The difference was small, though. The Meteors also performed very well. The difference in power is minimal, although that level of darkness, better behaviour and physical feel makes the T5S better at performing in the lower range.
In the midrange the Meteors feel a little clearer and more defined, with a little more sparkle, something that can be seen in the female vocals. They are slightly splashier, while their notes seem a little thinner. On the T5S the female voices do not appear as prominent, nor do they possess the same resolution. They are also softer. Something similar happens with the male voices: on the Meteors they feel fuller and more complete and somewhat closer. The sound seems denser and fuller in the midranges of the Tri, while the T5S seem more relaxed and softer, staying in that middle distance.
The treble is thinner and brighter on the Meteors, you feel that BA character a bit more abrupt, but it's also appreciated, when it comes to generating thinner, more defined high notes, with a bit more sparkle and energy. Believe it or not, I feel that the treble sounds more appropriate in the Meteors. The treble of the T5S is a little thicker, rounder and smoother.
In the background, micro detail is very much on a par for both models. It is true that the Meteors are a little finer, but they are no prodigy in resolution either. They are subtly more separated and with a slightly sharper treble they manage to define the notes better, giving them a little more visibility. The soundstage of both is similar in size, but the closer proximity of the Meteors makes it a little more intimate. The T5S are more relaxed and have a little more depth. In short, the Meteors are subtly better in the technical aspects, while the scene is slightly larger and deeper in the T5S.
As can be seen, the two sets have a lot in common and the difference between the two is very small. This means that the Tri Meteors are still going strong despite the time they have been on the market. The TiHiFi T5S seem to revisit them by giving them a bass boost and a slightly softer and slightly more musical sound.



Conclusion

There are tunings that I like almost without looking at them. I have never put a reference target on my SquigLink, because I can't make up my mind and because I don't think I have found my reference curve yet. But it is clear that the TiHiFi T5S curve is among my favourites. That's why I like this new model more than the sum of the individual notes I have given. The T5S is an IEMS with many plus points, great construction, ergonomics, design, good cable and better sound. In addition to an almost reference bass, they have a wide, smooth and very musical sound. The midranges are pleasant and relaxed, as are the highs. Everything about the T5S has been designed to entertain for the long haul, making it the first choice that comes to mind every time I go out on the street with a DAP. Simple, easy, but highly effective. That's all there is to it. Don't think, get them if their FR fits you.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• Tempotec V3.
• Aune Yuki.
• Burson Audio Playmate 2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

INTRODUCTION

Let me start with the obligatory warning:

Dear reader, please remember that whenever there is an opinion in my review, it is my opinion, which may differ significantly from yours. We are all different from each other and have different tastes, and something that does not give me an accelerated heartbeat, to you can be a great set, so I always recommend listening before buying, if there is such an opportunity. I would also like to point out that in the evaluation of individual parameters, as well as the entire headphones, I try to relate to the price level that has been set for them, which simply means that any opinion I give should be followed by the thought ".... for its price". I believe that this is the only fair form of evaluation and best represents the value of the reviewed product.

PROPER INTRODUCTION

Today I would like to introduce you to the T5S headphones from, a well-known company in the market of in-ear headphones, TinHiFi. The headphones were entrusted to me by the manufacturer itself to describe my impressions, for which I am extremely grateful.



PRESENTATION AND CONSTRUCTION



When I took a look at the packaging, especially this sci-fi-inspired image made at a time when limitations on the number of processed colors were very visibly reflected in graphics, I had mixed feelings. However, everything started to change as soon as I unpacked the set. First of all: the set itself looks great - the metal casing of the headphones, without unnecessary embellishments, with one subtle joint, two tiny vents, and a gray back plate makes a premium impression. On top of that, from the first moments I got the impression that I associated the design with something, but at first, I couldn't realize with what. It was only after a while that I was reminded of the Gort, a robot character from the old 1951 sci-fi film "The Day the Earth Stood Still." See for yourself:



Simple, metal construction with rounded shapes, devoid of ornamentation - just like the T5S .



Included is a very nice, braided cable with a bundle of dark brown and silver, which I find very good. For storing the headphones, we get a very nicely finished white leather (or leather-like material) case, sized to fit a luggage bag rather than a backpack. In addition, a set of tips (several pairs look like Sony EP-EX11), including foam ones (light gray). The set also includes a set of anti-wax filters along with a pair of pliers, which is rather unusual, and while I personally don't see a use for the filters, the pliers themselves may come in handy . All in all, I find the T5S equipment to be rich and of high quality, and the presentation itself, reminiscent of 1950-1960s science fiction design, to be interesting and also very successful.



SOUND - FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Already in the first minutes of listening to music through the T5S, I noticed quite precise and clean sound of high registers. The sounds of treble and the upper midrange are very fast and quite detailed, while at the same time, they are not shrill and piercing. The tonality itself is rather neutral, but if I had to pick a side, I'd lean towards a warm sound, due to the amount of bass and the treble not being particularly emphasized. The instruments sound natural, but also not overly realistic, that is, they just sound correct.

I must also add that it took me some time before I was able to properly evaluate the capabilities of this set. I don't know if the reason was the need to burn-in the driver, or maybe it was my brain that had to adjust to such a presentation of sound, but the fact is that my feelings changed with the time of interacting with this set, and it changed in their favor. I also noticed that the satisfaction of listening to music increased as the volume increased.

BASS

The bass is soft and there is a lot of it. It's mostly concentrated in the sub-bass area, but I can't say it’s overly boosted and that there's little of it in the mid-bass. The mid-bass provides a solid thump, so it also helps to add dynamics to songs, but it is unfortunately rather lacking in texture, so fans of the sound of the strings rubbing against the neck (in the case of bass guitar, or double bass) may feel unsatisfied sometimes. Here we are dealing more with a woofer-type bass: soft, warming sound.

MIDS

Male vocals sometimes seem a little less clear than I'd like, which may be due to that solid portion of bass, while female vocals sound quite natural and, in my opinion, pleasant. This is not a mid-centric set, so don't expect too much detail enriching this frequency range either. For fans of guitars on overdrive, or those who want an experience of ASMR, I can hardly recommend the T5S. Unfortunately, when listening to rock or metal, I found the guitars often lacked a growl..., a kind of claw that would speed up my heartbeat, instead I got a somewhat dry mass of guitar noise. The phenomenon of exaggerated sibilants (I call them exaggerated because they are a natural effect, which is a problem when certain frequencies are boosted), if it appeared, was rather unobtrusive, and I would not worry about problems with this issue, which I consider as an advantage of this set.

TREBLE

On the one hand, in these frequency areas, the T5S performs best, because it is the richest, but at the same time, you have a certain sense of insufficiency. The headphones catch a lot of detail in the high registers, and you get a sense of high resolution, but at the same time sounds, such as drum cymbals, lack the flash, the spark that makes you want to listen to them more and more. The treble tones in this set have a certain sharpness, but they are also slightly withdrawn, so they do not glare and remain in the background, which just might appeal to people who like details, but don't like them to overwhelm with their forwardness. I still maintain that the most fitting term for the T5S sound is balanced.

TECHNICALITIES

Instrument separation is fine, that is, you can distinguish different instruments from each other, but it is not very accentuated or exceptional. The soundstage is quite okay, while the background sound is worth mentioning, richly supplied with details caught, especially in the high registers. I'm referring here to all sorts of choruses, sound spots, etc. elements of songs that do the job of background, and in listening through the T5s are audible throughout the song and create such an interesting effect of musical space, which was especially good in songs from live recordings, but not only.

For example, in the song Tina Turner - Golden Eye the background is built up by the violins and various kinds of bells, which accompany us throughout the song and are constantly heard in satisfying clarity. As for the sound presentation itself, at times I felt like I was listening to a concert, standing somewhere in the room, but not in the center. One has the feeling of high-precision sounds that are fast and coins quite sharp, but not hurtful or irritating. It's also worth noting that these headphones handle songs with a lot of sound congestion very well and, for example, some drum solos can amaze with their clarity.

PAIRING

The T5S is a very picky set. First, in my opinion, they need power to sound its best. Secondly, I got the impression that it does not unveil its advantages with every DAC and thirdly, it needs time to present its character (or for the listener to adapt to the sound presented). Fortunately, I had the opportunity to connect it to the Kiwi Ears Allegro, with which it created a coherent analytical sound presentation, and, in this combination, it performed best for me. When it comes to ear tips it's not easy either. The best fit for me was the Epro EP00s, which provided me with the right level of passive isolation while making sure the highs didn't interfere too much. The Sony EP-EX11s (I think), included with the set, also worked well for me, bringing an extra softness to the sound.



GOOD EXAMPLES

Always, during critical listening, I try to find examples of songs when the headphones showed their best side and the T5S managed to impress me too:


The Balek Band – Kesesam

• exemplary genre: electronic funk,
• the track as if created to promote T5S, seriously everything here plays beautifully.
• surprisingly wide stage
• sounds appear from different sides and at different levels of depth.
• good instrument separation
• bass fits like a glove to this style of song
• percussion elements and various bells enrich the sound of the background very well.
• the track brings out the best of the set.

Hiromi - Dancando No Paraiso

• exemplary genre: speed jazz
• everything sounds clean and fast, just like the song itself.
• very fast and dynamic percussion, but it does not get lost, and you can selectively hear each beat of the sticks.
• closing your eyes and listening to the individual sounds of the elements of the drum kit, the headphones build a picture in your head of the spacing of each element, which is especially audible during the drum solo around 4:05, and the selectivity of the strokes around the fifth minute of the song, just amazes.
• The bass solo, on the other hand, sounds somehow unimpressive.

Meute - Man with the Red Face

• exemplary genre: rhythmic orchestral music
• great reworking of a techno classic by Laurent Garnier
• all the instruments of the orchestra sound correct and spread around the listener's head.
• the low-sounding brass instruments bring a very nice warmth to the piece.
• as the piece picked up pace, my leg increased its amplitude of vibration
• sense of space and purity of sound
• trumpets and saxophones properly reproduced.

Matthew Halsall, The Godwana Orchestra - Journey in Satchidananda

• Model genre: melodic jazz
• The double bass sounds like such a wandering warmth with a sound that is not very clear, such a mist of bass.
• rich background of the piece, not disappearing under the notes of the main instruments
• delicate sound of the instruments, including the trumpet most beautifully
• in the background all the time audible sound of a stick lightly hitting a drum cymbal and drum transitions

Robag Wruhme - Tulpa Ovi

• exemplary genre: electronic music
• very clearly separates samples of bells and clicks from the main line of the song played on the piano.
• clean sound, lots of space
• percussion clicks, although quite sharp in timbre, do not interfere.
• rhythmic bass-like pulse accompanies throughout the song.
• I think that the headphones would also work well with the works of Max Cooper

It has probably become my habit by now that with every set I review, I look for some sound, an instrument, which is best reproduced by it, and in the case of the T5S it is the sound of small percussion drums and the sound of a trumpet. Some examples of the second can be found above, while for the former an example would be the track Eddie Chacon - Sundown, in which you can hear the conga, or bongos giving the rhythm to the song, that can be heard in your left ear throughout the song.

Summing up the listening experience, I must admit that I had a big problem with the proper evaluation of this set. Some of the tracks sounded very good, even amazingly good, but also others were as much as discouraging to listen to. In the end, I think it's just not an all-arounder and is best suited for certain genres of music. In my opinion, popular music, electronic music, and entertainment music with high dynamics are well reproduced by these headphones. Classical or film music too, whereby I would not set my mind on picking up the sonic nuances of individual instruments but listening to the pieces as a whole. With film or classical music, I enjoyed listening to the background sounds, which were practically always clean and rich in sound, and never intrusive. For Hip-hop they might be suitable, because of the amount of bass, but rather there are better sets for that. The T5S, on the other hand, didn't appeal to me for metal and harder rock, and I think that's not the genre for them.

Summing up the sounds the T5S emits, I still have to mention one more thing. Although sonically this set is balanced and nothing in it disturbs me, unfortunately, nothing in it captivates me either, or in the end, the sound presentation was simply not very engaging for me. I didn't feel a part of the music, wasn't moved by the sound of the beautiful vocals, or delighted by the naturalness of the sound of the instruments. Everything about it sounds correct and not artificial but at the same time a little .... emotionless. I did some reading, and it seems that the correct term for this type of sound presentation is low micro-dynamics. Maybe the fault also lies with me and my expectations of sound presentation, because lately, I've been leaning towards sets that expose the middle registers, focusing on vocals and macro details. No matter what the reason I believe that I should not overlook this observation.

To explain the title of the review a bit, this presentation of sound brought to me an association with a certain character, the robotic Tin Man (Tin(HiFi) Man), from the Wizard of Oz novel, who, along with the rest of the team, followed the yellow brick road to gain a heart from the Wizard and eventually become human, which unfortunately in the case of the T5S probably did not succeed.



SUMMARY

In my opinion, the T5S does almost everything very well, but at the same time, it is not a particularly exceptional set. The main advantage of the T5S is the clarity and transparency of the sound, and although the reproduced sounds are precise, fast, and quite dynamic, and the extracted details nicely enrich the background, the presentation of the sound itself did not impress me. But to whom can I recommend the T5S? Well, I think I can wholeheartedly recommend it to someone who is looking for a set with a balanced and clean sound, or that will create a rich and unobtrusive background for the listener. I, for example, appreciated this set while reading a book, and listening to some soundtrack, and for that, it worked perfectly.

All in all, this is a very correct set, with fairly safe tuning, but also high sound clarity, which is why I think the right price for it is $100 and you can get it for that much on AliExpress during certain promotions. The starting price is about $130, which is a bit more, but if you take into account the rich accessories, is not overpriced. however, I am afraid that due to the rather intense competition in this price range, the T5S may have trouble breaking out in the market.

Below you can find some additional photos I took:

𝑻𝒊𝒏𝑯𝒊𝒇𝒊 𝑻5𝑺 𝑴𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: 𝑴𝒊𝒅𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓


|| 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 ||

After the fairly underwhelmingly received T5, TinHifi is back with another $100+ offering named the T5S. This is the successor of the T5 which was released back a couple years ago. Going by the specifications I’ve looked up, the T5s seems to carry a single dynamic driver the TinHifi made themselves.



Whether or not that is enough of a driver for the $129 asking price is up for debate but spoiler alert it does sound nice but driver count is not indicative of one’s performance.

|| 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀 ||

I am in no way, shape, or form affiliated with the brands I review and do not give out preview privileges.

This set is sent in exchange for an honest review. There is no material or financial incentive for me to do this review and I guarantee no exchange has been done by both parties to influence or sway our opinions on this product.

My thoughts and opinions are of my own. My experience will entirely differ from everybody else. The contents of this review should not be considered factual as this hobby heavily leans on subjectivity. YMMV.

I don’t do rankings or tier lists as they can get outdated immediately as a reviewer can change their thoughts of a product to a certain extent. If you do want a recommendation then feel free to reach out so I can help out


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𝗜 𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 Tinhifi 𝗻𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆.

𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻, 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 Linsoul Audio 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁. 𝗜 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿
𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀.

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| 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗨𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 |



It comes in a cube-shaped box with neat futuristic civilization art on the front and the name of the item along with the branding. This art is probably a reference to the name “ Mars “ TinHifi decided to call the T5S but nonetheless more than enough to protect the set during shipment.



Removing the cover and opening the top flap of the box you will get to see the IEMs themselves encased in foam on the upper portion and an accessories section where the cable is located. Underneath that layer is where the included case where the remaining accessories are located and some papers.

𝗜𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻:
Paperwork
TinHifi T5S drivers
White faux-leather magnetic case
4-core SPC 2-pin cable(3.5mm)
Cleaning brush
1 pair of white foam tips
3 pairs of narrow-bore eartips (S/M/L)
3 pairs of normal-bore eartips (S/M/L)
Spare filters

Very strong set of accessories included by TinHifi. The case is definitely much nicer in quality than similarly priced sets. The addition of a brush is also good as ear wax can definitely do a number on an IEM. The included narrow-bore eartips looks like a Sony’s EP-EX11 which I have personally as I often use them for sets that I find needs a bit more low-end.


| 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 & 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗴𝘂𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The T5S is made almost entirely out of CNC'ed aluminum. It feels nice in the hand with sufficient heft to make it feel that it’s a quality product. The overall shape of the T5S reminds me of the T3+ that I used to own that was made out of resin. It has this pseudo-custom fit with a fin to help it sit snugly in your ear.



TinHifi only made the T5S in one color, which was this sort of gunmetal finish. The faceplate is polished a tad bit different from the rest of the body and has TinHifi branding. The back of IEM has one of the two vents and the other is right under the nozzle. Speaking of the nozzle, it seems to be made out of brass.

The design is pretty minimal. It doesn’t scream flashy or anything but at the same time it is a design that lacks the sense of interest as it gets quite bland after a day or two.



The T5S contains only a single dynamic driver. Some may see this as a rip-off as other sets on the same or even cheaper price ranges have more than one driver even if they are both dynamic drivers. I for one prefer a good sounding single DD than a bad sounding tribrids.


| 𝗜𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 |

The isolation of the T5S is great. It easily blocks out unwanted outside noise. This can work as a daily commuter set but still not on the same level as active noise-canceling.


| 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁 |

This set is really comfortable in my ears. Despite having fins and curves, it doesn’t get fatiguing on the ears even when using it for prolonged hours. The metal build doesn’t feel heavy in my ear. The occlusion effect is on par with other IEMs though but at least it isn’t worse.


** 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗭𝘂 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗮𝗶 (𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘂𝗺) | 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗘𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗼 𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝗗𝗔𝗖 **


| 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 |

Very easy to drive. I never had an issue powering this even with my Apple dongle.


|| 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 ||



TL;DR, this is one of my favorites around the $100 price range. The T5S is a mid-centric set that has an ample amount of bass and great separation while not being harsh. I really liked the way this sounds for the type of music I’m currently into.


| 𝗕𝗮𝘀𝘀 |

Low-end of the T5S is present, yet tamed. It doesn’t take center stage but is still in the playback to provide a nice kick to it. Subbass has a decent amount of rumble and midbass hits provide nice impact with good speed but it won’t blow your socks off. It doesn’t spill onto other frequencies while still providing warmth to overall playback


| 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘀 |

This is probably the highlight of the T5S in my opinion. Vocals and instruments are the star of the show. Female vocals are more forward than their male counterparts but can sound sibilant. Both types still have bodies that sound full and lush. Instruments are great with nice detail, presence and warmth. Note weight is definitely one of the key highlights of the T5S. It sound very natural with no weird timbre


| 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘀 |

While it provides good detail, it doesn’t have that much treble energy to sound harsh but at the cost of losing some extension and sparkle. Treble heads may find this a bit too tame whilst people sensitive to treble like me will definitely take delight using these.


| 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 |

Whilst the layering, separation and imaging are great, the soundstage is quite average. It doesn’t have this feeling of a more expansive or open sound. This is still great for all things immersion and entertainment from all kinds of media consumption


|| 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 ||

This is definitely one of my recommendations around the $100 price range. It is a safe, mid-centric set that is great for those looking for a more laid back and safe sound. It is great for vocals and instruments, so if your playlists compromise that could benefit from those, then this might be a great pickup for you.



I have multiple recommendation depending on one’s use case and playlist hence why I have no current hierarchy list of what is the best as each IEM can excel in different aspects while suffering from another, and in this case the T5S occupy my “mid-centric set” spot for the $100+ price range.


[| 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀 |]

https://www.linsoul.com/products/tinhifi-t5s?_pos=2...

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