[ericp10]

 

[ericp10]

So let me say this off the back, to my ears these aren't lacking bass at all. There is plenty of visceral bass (including sub-bass) if it's in your recording. I would say there's more and deeper bass than in my beloved ME.1 (which you can pull some good bass out of that planar with the right fit), but if you're looking for a "basshead" earphone, this is not what you're looking for. the sound is more balanced. Here's the thing, there are four types (or sets) of ear tips in the beautiful packaging. One says "balanced ear tips" and another one says "vocals ear tips". I noticed that those two sets have narrow openings. The bass ear tips set have a wider tip opening. I didn't try any of them yet. No, I went straight to one of my good and reliable tips (the wide bore UE900 silicone tips ... the other one is my JVC Spiral Dots). The bass is pouring out with these tips! No issues with bass (I'm listening to the Lenny Kravitz Are You Gonna Go My Way album.

The other early observation about this earphone with initial impressions is that it's tuned more as an in-ear monitor than just a fun earphone. What does that mean? Well, to me that mean that the soundstage puts your closer to the stage and musicians. It almost like you're in the front row or in the studio with the musicians. So the sound is forward, but it's not an annoying forwardness. And I certainly don't hear the vocals as being pushed annoying more forward than the rest of the instruments. The instrument separation in this iem is spectacular!!! Even with the deep bass, this iem clearly focus on the mids and vocals with lots of transparency and clarity. For me, I need to burn it in to see how much the bass will change, but I have to say that I recommend right off that back that new buyers tip roll. I think sometimes we forget how much tips can shape the sound of an earphone.

On first listen does this iem punch above its $250 something price point? Heck yes! Without a doubt, Fiio has a winner here (I bought these with my own money, so no one can claim I'm in Fiio's pocket, and I would no doubt tell you if I hate them). I don't have the LZ A5s with me, but I don't need it to tell you that the FH5 surpasses it in clarity and resolution (and I'm very hyped on the LZ A5).

I do, however, have the AKG N5005 with me. Does the FH5 equal or surpass the N5005? LOL... I know some of you want that answer (and hope that it can surpass the AKG TOTL). Okay, if I'm going to be honest (and I am always that), no, the FH5 doesn't surpass the N5005 at this point. The AKG has a clarity and digs down to pull up micro details like very few other earphones I've heard that didn't have too harsh of highs (and it's bordering on that harshness without going there). Plus, the N5005 has some of the best clean deep bass I've heard in an earphone. But..... the FH5 is not super far behind the N5005. It sounds very good (great for the price). It pulls out details too that you don't find in most iems at this price range. Kudos to Fiio for a fantastic job! Now let me get to burning it in to see what all it will reveal to me. I had to write fast as I'm on break and wanted to give the community some initial impressions. I'll come back and clean up in editing later. Happy listening!

 

[ericp10]

A couple of other quick thoughts:

- The soundstage is not claustrophobic by any stretch of the imagination. But if you're used to a superwide soundstage, this iem is not that.

- This iem is very easy to drive as compared to something like the AKG N5005. I am listening through my Shanling M3s and I had to turn the DAP down significantly from the level I play my N5005 at (from like 76 to 48).

 

[peter123]

These seems like a good deal. I just signed up for a pair and thought I'd share it here if anyone else is interested as well:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/...8882377&mc_cid=5c46103b43&mc_eid=24ca2ea718#/

 

[Lurk650]

Where do you buy the FH5?

 

[Dsnuts]

Well ericp and myself got in on penonaudio when they had a few. And it seemed to be a few the day of release. Those sold out quick from the site. Look forward to hearing them.

 

[ericp10]

Where do you buy the FH5?

I think the first batch are sold out, but I think the Fiio guy stated that they will be on amazon.com in a week or two (maybe three).

 

[Lurk650]

I think the first batch are sold out, but I think the Fiio guy stated that they will be on amazon.com in a week or two (maybe three).

Thanks guys, thought I was going crazy.

Wonder how they contrast with my HK6 and N40

 

[jant71]

New GrandBass models expands GB1000 and GB100 with the GB10, GB2000 and a GB3000...
https://translate.google.com/transl...om/news/d-av/201807/10/44452.html&prev=search

GB3000 is a dual driver...

https://translate.google.com/transl...ws/201807/ehp-gb3000_gb2000_gb10/&prev=search

Seems that even though you can still find the GB1000, which had potential, the GB2000 seems to be the GB1000 driver in a redesigned housing with a little tweak here and there so GB1000 is really obsolete. GB3000, based on owning the GB1000, should again be that big spacious, fun bass sound(Koss-like sound that one) but improved and spreading the range over the two drivers. Also an interesting mech look to them.

 

[thejoker13]

 

[thejoker13]

I got home early from work this week and was able to begin listening to my newly arrived, Toneking T4's. I want to get to know them before saying a whole lot, but holy cow, color me impressed so far!!!!

 

[crabdog]

I got home early from work this week and was able to begin listening to my newly arrived, Toneking T4's. I want to get to know them before saying a whole lot, but holy cow, color me impressed so far!!!!

They look pretty awesome. After hearing the 9 Tail I would expect the T4 to be pretty spectacular.

 

[thejoker13]

They look pretty awesome. After hearing the 9 Tail I would expect the T4 to be pretty spectacular.

I agree, the nine tail definitely had me excited to see what Toneking could do with a quad BA setup, and so far they have exceeded my expectations.

 

[HungryPanda]

Well I know I absolutely love the Toneking TK2 so I bet it is something special

 

[thejoker13]

Well I know I absolutely love the Toneking TK2 so I bet it is something special

The tk2 look great as well! I've been intrigued with them for awhile too. They're still in my cart on aliexpress, but for some reason I haven't pulled the trigger. I'm curious as to how they compare to the T4. I am more impressed with the T4 the more I listen to them.