Final Audio Design Impressions and Discussion Thread

[Scubadevils]

The E5000 is an enigma, really. I can pair it with 5 different DAPs/sources and get 5 different deliveries of the basic signature. I'd highly recommend getting a balanced cable for them down the line, and the excellent final mmcx assist tool for easier and safer cable swaps. As for source, apparently Apogee Groove is something that brings the best out of them in single-ended mode. In balanced mode I've found the Cowon Plenue R2 to have the best signature overall: zero bass bloat, incredible separation and stereo imaging (very hard to believe actually) and a nice lift in the treble region to unveil some of the upper-register details.

I would also suggest getting an E-type clear tips down the line. They cut down the mid-bass bloat slightly and lifts the upper-mids and lower-treble slightly. If you find the stock signature to be a bit too dark, those will help. However, E5000 is fundamentally a lush, dark, romantic IEM so the essence will remain no matter what pairing you go for - which is a good thing in my book.

Thanks for the comments - even more excited about them now. I have a ZX300 at the moment - well, a long with a large collection of other players that date back quite a few years now... the last most recent was the first Fiio x3, the last Cowon I had was the incredible X5 from about 10 years ago (I've held on to them all). I have the ZX507 on the way (it's due tomorrow!) but would love a Fiio or Cowon as another current player - had my eye on the R2, maybe add that around Christmas. I have never owned a headphone amp, don't really know where to start - maybe that should be my next project.

 

[Scubadevils]

Oh and any particular balanced cable you'd suggest for the E5000?

 

[kmmbd]

@Scuba Devils I got this balanced cable from CEMA electro acousti store. The price is definitely on the high side but the materials are up to the spec (some brands are known to put fake specifications). I bought the 4 core version and find it more than adequate for the purpose. Link: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/400...0o.store_home.productList_48890756.subject_10

If you'd like something more wallet-friendly, this one is very good as well: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000009633191.html?spm=a2g0o.store_home.productList_48890756.pic_1

 

[Audio Fun]

What I didn't like at the N3 was that the bass was too aggressive sometimes and the lower midrange was recessed.
I didn't test the E5000 but I'm very tempted to buy them because they were praised in many reviews.

I didn’t find out that the lower midrange was recessed, what specific track did you listen to that has recessed lower midrange?
E5000 has top tier tonality, really enjoy it.

 

[twiceboss]

final e500 is really good. No doubt. Just received mine.

 

[cfc7]

I didn’t find out that the lower midrange was recessed, what specific track did you listen to that has recessed lower midrange?
E5000 has top tier tonality, really enjoy it.

Not a specific track but overall.
My main concern with E5000 is about the power they require, I've read that they are not quite easy to drive and I'm using a Sony ZX2 now which is volume capped and I doubt it will be ok for E5000.
I'm eyeing a ZX507 for upgrade...

 

[twiceboss]

can anyone here compare the sound signature of final e500 and the final b3? I fell in love with the imaging capabilities of e500 and its neutral deliveries. Not sure if b3 could be a step up. Also, there were 2 new final right? what about those two?

 

[jnak00]

Not a specific track but overall.
My main concern with E5000 is about the power they require, I've read that they are not quite easy to drive and I'm using a Sony ZX2 now which is volume capped and I doubt it will be ok for E5000.
I'm eyeing a ZX507 for upgrade...

I've used the Sony ZX1, which has less power than the ZX2, with the E5000 and got good results.

 

[cfc7]

I've used the Sony ZX1, which has less power than the ZX2, with the E5000 and got good results.

Thanks...that sounds promissing.

 

[Scubadevils]

My E5000 arrived and loving them - only about 4 hours of play clocked up so far today. ZX300 can power them no problem, I'm at around 80/120 and more than enough for my ears.

 

[Scubadevils]

Update to above - I got Inairs for another set of IEMs but tried them on the E5000 - they fit much better and sound fantastic.

 

[Scubadevils]

I have to say, I probably have about 20 hours on the E5000 now and I absolutely adore them - I'm not coming from a vast IEM collection by any means and the most expensive prior to this would have been my old ie8s... the E5000 far superior. I just can't stop trying various genres and grinning like a big kid in absolute delight. Very pleased I pulled the trigger on them, would have been a big mistake to not do so.

 

[twiceboss]

Actually e500 with final E tips is not good. Like hell it sounds weird.

But...

After changing tips to big spiral dot, with a very good seal. And i think.. this kind of sound that im finding for all thiss longggggg. Like ive been spending thousands to find the glory... Im a goddamn looking forward to a3k and a4k but final b3 has the same curve of final e500 which what im wanting for. How does b3 sound compare to e500?

 

[dakanao]

Actually e500 with final E tips is not good. Like hell it sounds weird.

But...

After changing tips to big spiral dot, with a very good seal. And i think.. this kind of sound that im finding for all thiss longggggg. Like ive been spending thousands to find the glory... Im a goddamn looking forward to a3k and a4k but final b3 has the same curve of final e500 which what im wanting for. How does b3 sound compare to e500?

Yeah, both my E500 and E3000 sound bad with the E tips. They give the sound a lot of resonance.

Compky T-600 tips in reverse, sound even more natural and refined than the Spiral dots to me.

 

[twiceboss]

Yeah, both my E500 and E3000 sound bad with the E tips. They give the sound a lot of resonance.

Compky T-600 tips in reverse, sound even more natural and refined than the Spiral dots to me.

Ever heard of their b3? The curve is good as just e500. Does final uses its own BA? Or knowles