Hey fellas, i posted this yesterday to a Facebook Group I am a part of so instead of re-writing I'll just copy and paste that post. This was a quick blurb about some differences with the Utws3 and Utws5.
Fiio Utws5
After a few hours with the Fiio Utws5 I can surely say that yes, these adapters are an upgrade from the Fiio Utws3. The question is.... How much of an upgrade?
The last year or so I have spent quite alot of on-the-go time jamming out to the Utws3 using both the 2 pin as well as the mmcx versions. I have always been impressed with the capabilities of these adapters. The sound is robust and full with good extension on both ends of the spectrum for wireless and for the most part a balanced presentation with slight emphasis in the low end. Good for portable uses. However, as nice as they are there were some issues reported. Granted I have never had these issues with my two units but the Utws3 did have some connection issues reported with initial pairing and even issues of the adapters not always turning off in the case and sometimes only one would connect, some reported issues with mmcx version's connector wearing out... Stuff like that. As polished as they are for a wireless style adapter they did have new tech problems at times. Again, I have never had those issues so.... QC? They Carry Aptx, AAC, SBC and could give you roughly 5-6 hrs of listening time on the adapters alone and 30 hrs on the case. The case is rather large, with indicator lights to report battery life as well as the Fiio music player app or the Fiio Control app which both can be used for additional controls and functions such as... Firmware Updates, left-right balance, button control schemes, a total of #4 Low Pass Filters and various other minor controls. The Utws3 runs on a Qualcomm QCC3020 chip using BT 5.0 with an independent "TPA6410A2" Amplifier which promises 38 mw @16 ohms and also has an IPX4 waterproof rating. Easy to push buttons are used almost at the ends of each right and left adapter for different controls. For $69.00 US you can get these versatile music makers. I described the Utws3 so that I can simply say that the UTWS5 has every function, the same physical footprint and more features than the Utws3 and truthfully is just.... Better....in every regard.
In comes the end of 2021 and Fiio decided to upgrade their wireless adapters to the Fiio Utws5. The 5 comes with the exact same case for the most part with slight differences cosmetically like golden accents in the wording as well as a better hinge and small guides where the adapter sits in the case. Both units provide plenty of room for small or large iems. The 5 has also been equipped with wireless charging. The 5 is upgraded to 8 hrs of battery life from the 6 hrs on the 3. As far as the adapters themselves they have upgraded to BT 5.2 using Qualcomm 5141 SOC Chip which imo is a huge upgrade pertaining to ease of connectivity. Also the 5 has finally its own Independant left and right DAC chip "AK4332ECB" housing an upgraded Amplifier which pumps up the amplification to 53 mw @ 32 ohm load promising greater output (40% more) with a much lower noise floor and that is confirmed as well as a much higher signal to noise (SNR) ratio. The Utws5 has Aptx-Adaptive which sees 24bit 96 khz, Aptx, AAC, and SBC Audio Codecs with promises for future upgrades from Fiio via firmware updates to LHDC audio codec as well as Ambient Mode and a 10 band EQ in the app. Also, the 5 has Qualcomm Snapdragon Sound Technology... Whatever that is.
With all that being said (sorry I had to do it) the most important thing is, will there be a difference in sound quality? I spent the better part of 5 hrs going back and forth between the Utws3 and the Utws5 and while I do fully enjoy the 3, I have to say that the upgrade is noticible to me. I went back and forth using the same iems, the T3+ and the ZAS. Switching back and forth with both iems and both adapters taking the Iems off and putting on the other... again and again and again. I just have to say.. they (Fiio) did a great job with the 5 as It has a cleaner sound, better details, extension, with deeper Sub-bass, just about the same fullness to the mid-bass yet extending further in the highs. The 5 shows well with its low noise floor with (to my ears) almost no audible hiss and a very dynamic sound while remaining for the most part balanced throughout. The output power is evidently louder while the on board DAC does a great job offering better control with better speed and decay, better separation, better resolution and clarity. These truly are better across the board and are ACTUALLY a proper upgrade. Is it worth the $120.00 and $50 dollar price difference? To me.... Absolutely.
I will go more in depth and single out the Utws5 in a future post if anyone requests such a thing, adding additional functionality, and more in depth with the sound but for now I wanted to point out some differences to hopefully help us all out making a purchasing decision, after all... most of us are not rolling in cash and so any reviews are a good thing especially based on personal experience.
I will also add that before the 5 I felt strongly that the 3 was the absolute best wireless adapter of its kind and is absolutely worth the $60-70 USD they are asking. Also, I feel the 5 is 100% worth $120.00 and completely out performs the Utws3. I have not had the chance to try the KZ Az09 Pro, or Shure's TW2 (which I hear are fantastic) & TRN's BT30. I will get my hands on the Az09 Pro soon but I think I already know the answer that a comparison would garner between the two. The Utws5 is much much better than the Ibasso Cf01 which retails for over $160 and much better than the Fostex TM2C set as well which sells for $300 USD, truthfully... It isn't even a competition to me.
I'd have to say that Fiio really did outdo themselves. Give me more time to really listen to the 5 so that I can give a proper opinion of the sound. Granted I am only me and this is all an opinion. I am not a professional reviewer and every opinion is based on my experiences with music and audio gear as someone else may have a completely different opinion as well as give better explanation than lil Ole me. Please wait for and listen to other reviews and ideas which I'm very sure are going to be piling in shortly. I hope you all are well and good and please take good care. Oh.... Merry Christmas.
