Meze Rai Solo
The Solo is a natural comparison to the FD5 as it’s a dynamic, in the same price segment. If you’ve read my
Rai Solo review you know it’s a clear, energetic, open sounding IEM. The Solo has superb brushed stainless steel build that feels more sturdy than the FD5 as contrary to the FD5 who only has stainless steel on the faceplate, the Solo is full steel. Brushed steel is also much less prone to scratching, the FD5 are more shiny but also more fragile as hinted by the shell divider on the FD5 carry case.
But let’s get down to sound. For the sake of the comparison I used the FD5 cable and the same tips on both units. The first thing that struck me is how bigger the soundstage of the FD5 is compared to the Solo. Not that the Solo is narrow or small, just the FD5 has a much bigger stage in all direction but height and depth are just so much bigger on the FD5. The Solo sounds almost intimate by comparison.
The Solo has well textured, highly detailed bass with a fair sub bass extension but it lacks physicality and for a dynamic is a bit disappointing. It’s more of a reference bass, in your head rather than in your gut. The FD5 on the other hand packs very good sub bass extension with a lot of power and control. It has similar level of detail but much more presence in the sub bass but also mid bass. The FD5 has a better sense of rhythm, more slam and toe tapping factor.
The Solo’s mids are clear, articulate with very good separation and air, timbre is accurate and the presentation is forward. Lower mids are not thin, but do take a back seat to the more prominent upper mids. Although it’s a similar philosophy, the FD5 has a less pronounced tilt towards upper mids and the Solo has yet more bite and is therefore the brighter of the two. Again the FD5 has more separation and articulation by way of its immense soundstage and will be better suited for larger ensembles.
The Solo’s treble is definitely key to its signature, it has very good extension and provides good air and very nice resolution as well as great energy. This is one key difference to the FD5, lower treble energy is greater on the Solo providing more excitement but also notes have more weight and I felt the Solo did a better job on piano tracks. On the flipside the FD5 has more upper treble presence but also is more extended. There is more air and resolution is one step up. The FD5 retrieves more detail and its transients are faster although the Solo is no slouch.
Overall the FD5 is more balanced than the Solo, for starters its bass presence alone gives it a better pace, rhythm and timing than the Solo but it also balances the upper mids and treble. The FD5 is more grounded and physical. The Solo invites a more analytical less engaging listen bass wise. The FD5 midrange is fuller, with more lower mids presence and less prominent upper mids as well as less forward vocals providing more stage depth. Treble wise the Solo is more energetic and engaging but also more fatiguing of the two. The FD5 is more relaxed but also more refined.