[SomeGuyDude]

Tip roll, my dude. Azla Crystals are the way to live with these.

 

[greymousetaxi]

does anybody know the thread pitch on the sound tube? looking to lathe some custom oversized sound tubes for my fd5 and modded lyra.

 

[XERO1]

https://www.linsoul.com/products/tripowin-altea-cable?variant=41003795841179

Anyone used this one from Tripowin? The Altea

I'm using this same cable with my FD5 and I think it sounds absolutely fantastic with it. Definitely the best sounding cable under $100 I've yet heard.

I did have a problem with one of its MMCX connectors making intermittent contact (they aren't the best quality), but I exchanged it for a new one, and the new one worked fine.

 

[SomeGuyDude]

BTW I dunno if anyone's tried the Harman-targeting EQ settings here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/fiio-fd5-review-iem.32578/page-10

I stuck this all into my Qudelix 5k and no joke this is incredible. Seems to smooth everything out and remove some boominess.

 

[CommanderCute]

BTW I dunno if anyone's tried the Harman-targeting EQ settings here: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/fiio-fd5-review-iem.32578/page-10



I stuck this all into my Qudelix 5k and no joke this is incredible. Seems to smooth everything out and remove some boominess.

I tried it a couple of days ago. I'm constantly switching between these EQ settings and the crinacle settings which are integrated in the Qudelix 5K software and can't figure out which I like more.
But I also like the original FD5 sound.

 

[harry501501]

My FD5 Impressions:
I got my unit 2 days ago and have been listening to it since, bought it used so no burn-in needed.

I was worried about upper mids sibilance/harshness but fortunately these were pretty smooth overall. I used BTR7, EF400 & LG V60 as sources with standard nozzle & balanced tips (have tried all but the Bass tips) they sound slightly V-Shaped (closer to U-Shaped) overall with a smooth sound signature.

The bass on the FD5 is a tiny bit elevated but nowhere close to Bass-head level. It's not the fastest or the most textured Bass but manages to not bleed into the Mids which is nice. There's not a lot of extension here but overall it's "ok" for the price.

Mids are recessed with a slight preference for female vocals. The vocals aren't thin but to my ears don't have the appropriate fullness/weight to sound natural. They are pretty clean with no signs of distortion even when driven at higher volumes or in busy passages so that's nice.

Highs, similar to Bass doesn't extend as much but they are airy enough to not sound claustrophobic. Most of the time, instrument separation is good but on busy passages I've noticed slight blending of instruments which is unfortunate.

Stage size & Imaging are very disappointing to me, I was hoping the semi-open design would give me a large soundstage but it does not seem any different from other single DD IEMs like E3000, Honeydew... There's also not a lot of stage depth. Imaging from left to right is good but there isn't much forward or backward placement of instruments.

The amount of accessories and build is really nice but another issue I have is with the shape and weight of the IEM which creates a pressure point right where the IEM sits in my ear.

I'm probably going to sell the FD5 but will post a comparision against IE 300 soon.

Cables can have a big effect on these. I'm using a cheap one from a budget Monoprice earphone I've had for ages. They make the FD5 sit very neatly in my ears. without any movement. Certain copper cables as discussed can make these sound super fun. Should add I've been listening to these since Xmas so burn in may have really smoothened them out. I love the low end of the FD5

 

[Nas Volokin]

Cables can have a big effect on these. I'm using a cheap one from a budget Monoprice earphone I've had for ages. They make the FD5 sit very neatly in my ears. without any movement. Certain copper cables as discussed can make these sound super fun. Should add I've been listening to these since Xmas so burn in may have really smoothened them out. I love the low end of the FD5

LoL thumbs up.
I just received my cables from Ali Tripowin Altea and Nicehck BlackCat on 11.11 promotion. Also have an order placed for PurpleSE for my TANGZU Zetian Wu.
Their both amazing on FD5 That bass note with BlackCat is out of the world. Also tried it with FH3 and it delivers. Never was a true cable believer till now

 

[harry501501]

LoL thumbs up.
I just received my cables from Ali Tripowin Altea and Nicehck BlackCat on 11.11 promotion. Also have an order placed for PurpleSE for my TANGZU Zetian Wu.
Their both amazing on FD5 That bass note with BlackCat is out of the world. Also tried it with FH3 and it delivers. Never was a true cable believer till now

Yeah, I'll be honest, I was always very skeptical too until I heard for my own ears a difference. How is the Altea... I've had my eye on it for a while. It's on sale on Amazon Black Friday.

With the cables, the silver FIIO FD5 one is great, it's just naturally brighter. I've used it with other earphones that are thicker and it pair as well. It's an excellent cable, just less velvety than a copper one paired with the FD5. It's more leaning to analytical.

 

[harry501501]

A 1.5 Year Revisit: The Reigning ~$300 Heavyweight to Beat Even in 2022

I remember the first time I picked up the FD5 (I would go on to own them three more times) in January of 2021 after reading the glowing early impressions of them. I was sorely overwhelmed on my first listen, until I discovered how tip-dependent they were, and after shuffling through an assortment of tips, finally discovering their sheer wonder with the SpinFit CP145.

At the time, I wrote a brief initial review of the FD5, mostly expressing my revelry, as one does in the early honeymoon stages. Fast forward to the third-quarter of 2022, and over a dozen IEMs later, including more expensive units as the Moondrop Variations, UM MEST, Sony IER-M9, and ThieAudio Clairvoyance, I thought I would do a proper revisit and head-to-head comparison with other popular competitors to the FD5 I’ve owned in the intervening time.

This review will cover comparisons with the following:

• Moondrop Blessing 2: Dusk [ 1DD 4BA ] — $329
• Unique Melody 3DT — [ 3DD ] — $319
• Sony XBA-N3AP — [ 1DD 1BA ] — $300 [ Discontinued ]
• JVC HA-FDX1 — [ 1DD ] — $280

The comparisons with the Dusk and 3DT were done directly, whereas my notes for the XBA-N3 are largely from memory (I’ve owned the N3 thrice now). Finally, the notes on the FDX1 were made in direct comparison with the UM 3DT, so make the appropriate extrapolations as you will.

Unique Melody 3DT

• The FD5 is distinctly more spacious and expansive staging-wise, with a far more open and airy presentation, and a greater sense of scale. By comparison, the 3DT’s staging dimensions are just about average, with a more conventionally intimate, closed-in IEM presentation
• Tonally, the FD5 is relatively more linear, with a mild U-shaped tuning, and a more polite, mid-centric presentation. The 3DT, on the other hand, is unapologetically lively, bold, energetic, vivid, with a slightly aggressive L-shaped tuning.
• Timbral accuracy and dynamism are quite simply superb on the 3DT. This is one of their defining qualities for me, and they easily surpass the FD5 in this regard, with the FD5 sounding relatively soft and smoothed-over. When it comes to the depiction of acoustic instruments, the 3DT stands out with a remarkable realism, vividness, and textural nuance.
• Tonal density is also appreciably greater on the 3DT, lending it a greater sense of realism with acoustic music.
• Clarity and detail retrieval are relatively similar between the FD5 and 3DT, with an edge to the FD5.
• Transparency and separation, however, are distinctly superior on the FD5, due perhaps in part to its semi-vented design.
• Bass displays distinctly greater density, vigour, and slam on the 3DT, whereas the FD5’s bass has a relatively more polite, softer, and more rounded quality
• Treble on the FD5 is smoother, more even, with a more delicate quality, and displays distinctly greater air and extension. The 3DT has a noticeable lower-treble peak that lends it the appearance of greater clarity, but it doesn’t quite extend as high as the FD5, and has a harder, edgier quality.
• Mids are appreciably fuller, more linear, and more open sounding on the FD5, whereas the 3DT’s mids are noticeably leaner, with a slightly recessed lower-midrange, and a greater upper-midrange emphasis

Moondrop Blessing 2: Dusk

• As with the 3DT comparison, staging is distinctly more spacious and expansive on the FD5, with a much more airy and open presentation. By comparison, staging on the Dusk is more forward and more involving, with a more conventionally closed-in IEM presentation.
• Tonally, the Dusk might be described as slightly thick bass-boosted neutral, whereas the FD5 presents a crisper, lighter, mildly U-shaped tuning
• Note weight is noticeably shallower on the FD5 (although this is tip-dependent), with a relatively leaner and drier quality, whereas the Dusk displays appreciably greater tonal density.
• Bass on the FD5 is distinctly tauter, more textured, more agile, with a greater sense of tactility. As has been well-documented, the bass on the Dusk lacks a certain dynamism, elasticity, and tactility, with a relatively dry quality.
• Transient response is distinctly quicker on the FD5, sounding a tad muted or lopped-off on the Dusk, relatively speaking
• There’s distinctly greater snap, bite, and attack on the FD5
• Treble extension is noticeably superior on the FD5, with a pleasingly delicate, airy quality
• Macro- and micro-dynamics are appreciably, if not distinctly, superior on the FD5. Again, as has been documented elsewhere, the Dusk still sounds relatively downwards-compressed. The FD5 simply comes across as being far more effortless and expressive.
• In terms of technicalities, I would say say that the FD5 is noticeably more resolving

Sony XBA-N3AP

• Soundstage is distinctly wider, more spacious, and expansive on the FD5
• Presentation is distinctly airier and more open on the FD5
• Tonally, the N3 is smooth, warm, and bassy, whereas the FD5 showcases a mildly U-shaped profile
• Note weight is appreciably thicker and denser on the N3
• Bass is distinctly weightier, more vigorous, more robust, and more impactful on the N3. However, the FD5’s bass is more agile, textured, defined, and less prominent.
• Mids are thicker and fuller-bodied on the N3, being more linear, open, and expressive sounding on the FD5
• Mid- and upper-treble have noticeably greater presence on the FD5, with greater air and extension, whereas the N3 sounds relatively darker and smoothed-off up top
• The FD5 displays distinctly superior micro-dynamics, contrast, and textural nuance, whereas the N3 sounds relatively smoothed-over, as noted by @crinacle in his ranking list
• Technicalities, in terms of clarity, detail retrieval, and separation, are distinctly superior on the FD5.

JVC HA-FDX1 ( compared to Unique Melody 3DT)

• The 3DT is leaner, cleaner, and more precise sounding
• The 3DT displays greater treble extension and articulacy
• The 3DT displays greater bass presence, impact, and definition
• The 3DT displays greater clarity, resolution, and transparency
• The 3DT sounds relatively V-shaped in comparison to the FDX1
• The 3DT displays greater macro- and micro-dynamics
• The 3DT offers distinctly superior isolation
• The 3DT is undoubtedly the superior technical performer, and easily at least a tier above the FDX1
• The FDX1 still suffers from somewhat shouty upper-mids
• The FDX1 is warmer, smoother, and fuller-bodied
• The FDX1 displays a more a more organic, atmospheric presentation

Comment on the Sony MH755



Curiously, of the IEMs I currently own, the FD5 is most reminiscent to my ears of the cult dollar-bin classic, the Sony MH755, but with a more masterful tuning and technical performance that far surpasses the latter. It dials down the decidedly boosted sub-bass of MH755, and shifts the broader lower-treble peak on MH755 a little closer to the mid-treble with a narrower band. For those looking for the upgrade to the MH755 with a more mature tuning, the FD5, at least for me, fits the bill.

Conclusion

Suffice to say, the FD5 is my favourite IEM of the Dusk, 3DT, XBA-N3, and FDX1. They are easily the most technically competent performers of the lot as a whole, with a tuning that deftly toes the line between palatability, engagement, and fun. The N3 is a close contender for subjective fun and engagement factor and close too to my ideal tuning, but it lacks that bit of lower- to mid-treble energy, and while its bass is incredibly fun, it can also be a tad intrusive on certain recordings. Technically, the N3 has also begun to show its age. The 3DT remains a compelling option for its unique timbre, vivid presentation, and visceral energy. As for the Dusk... well, if you're after a palatable, agreeable tuning, with decent technicalities, and a listen that doesn't stand out in any particular way, good or bad, I imagine that might be your cup of tea.

I'll need to dig out my mh755 as it's not a comparison that immediately jumps to mind with the FD5. Good review.

 

[Nas Volokin]

Yeah, I'll be honest, I was always very skeptical too until I heard for my own ears a difference. How is the Altea... I've had my eye on it for a while. It's on sale on Amazon Black Friday.

With the cables, the silver FIIO FD5 one is great, it's just naturally brighter. I've used it with other earphones that are thicker and it pair as well. It's an excellent cable, just less velvety than a copper one paired with the FD5. It's more leaning to analytical.

Altea is great, I tried it on FD5 for a week and it's nice but I'm now using the BlackCat cable which is also on great discount now on Ali. To my years the jump from stock/other cables used to Altea wasn't that big as with the BlackCat lol. The bass became punchier and heavier. I use the Altea now on FH3 and it's a really great cable imo.

 

[harry501501]

Altea is great, I tried it on FD5 for a week and it's nice but I'm now using the BlackCat cable which is also on great discount now on Ali. To my years the jump from stock/other cables used to Altea wasn't that big as with the BlackCat lol. The bass became punchier and heavier. I use the Altea now on FH3 and it's a really great cable imo.

Thanks.

I think with cables it's a lottery. Like I said, I've used cheap generic ones and had better results than £30 ones. Just the luck of the pairing

 

[DeTinux]

I have these now for 1.5 week. I love them in an inordinate amount. The sound is exceptional for classical orchestral stuff. Bit too boomy for solo piano, but still rather natural. Will try the ASR and Crinacle PEQ soon, but I love this sound so much. It’s a rather nice contrast with my ET4SR’s.

However, I’m having slight comfort issues: the right ear doesn’t fit well. It seems a bit looser and the sound comes slightly from the left (like from 0.59 in a clock position). It’s do-able, but not comfortable. I tried all tips it comes with + the tips from the Shanling E500 and Final E-tips. I also used the large Spinfit CP100 tips to no avail.

When I’m lying on my bed, it is the other way around! Then my right ear seems to fit snug, but the left ear doesn’t.

I’m quite a noob when it comes to tips. Either they fit, or they don’t and I get another set of IEMs. But in this instance I really want to keep these as they are the exact sound I always wanted.

Any tip recommendations? I dislike foamies.
From the above description, are my tips too large or too small? I have no clue. lol.

 

[SenorChang8]

I have these now for 1.5 week. I love them in an inordinate amount. The sound is exceptional for classical orchestral stuff. Bit too boomy for solo piano, but still rather natural. Will try the ASR and Crinacle PEQ soon, but I love this sound so much. It’s a rather nice contrast with my ET4SR’s.

However, I’m having slight comfort issues: the right ear doesn’t fit well. It seems a bit looser and the sound comes slightly from the left (like from 0.59 in a clock position). It’s do-able, but not comfortable. I tried all tips it comes with + the tips from the Shanling E500 and Final E-tips. I also used the large Spinfit CP100 tips to no avail.

When I’m lying on my bed, it is the other way around! Then my right ear seems to fit snug, but the left ear doesn’t.

I’m quite a noob when it comes to tips. Either they fit, or they don’t and I get another set of IEMs. But in this instance I really want to keep these as they are the exact sound I always wanted.

Any tip recommendations? I dislike foamies.
From the above description, are my tips too large or too small? I have no clue. lol.

Your right ear may be slightly bigger than your left. Some Headfi members use different size tips on each IEM.

FD5’s standard nozzle is on the thinner side and I use a size up than the majority of my other IEMs.

I’m currently using Azla Max, my favourite pairing so far. Previously was using Azla Vivid. They both are very comfortable and their size range is more comprehensive.

 

[DeTinux]

Your right ear may be slightly bigger than your left. Some Headfi members use different size tips on each IEM.

FD5’s standard nozzle is on the thinner side and I use a size up than the majority of my other IEMs.

I’m currently using Azla Max, my favourite pairing so far. Previously was using Azla Vivid. They both are very comfortable and their size range is more comprehensive.

A thanks! This is most welcome! I got so confused. It makes sense, because my right feet is halve a (EU) size bigger then my left.

Will by the Azla tips!

 

[Nas Volokin]

@DeTinux Actually I understand your point here. FD5 is really hard to get a good seal with eartips. LoL. I get the same issues using them over an year now. Well to be honest ones like Final type E, cp 100, their own tips are the one that worked for me. I have avarage sized ears but these don't fit right like my other IEMs. Really hard to find suitable tips for them.
For example my FH3 has every single tip on size M on them with no problem. And btw I tried most of Azla tips including their Max standard but it won't work on FD5 cause of their long nozzle and shape, which only longer bore tips like spinfits and finals can make a good seal and isolation. I might be wrong though cause everyone has a different ear shape
BTW CP145 and RaptGo adaptive tips also have very good seal on these