To Fiio so diligently lead the attack on new market segments that sometimes victims are not only competitors, but also their own products. Exactly what happened with the release of new headphones, F5, coming hard on the heels of not long ago released Fiio EX1-2.
The first two models F series, named F1 and F3, were treated to the most budget segment, offering, however, not a bad sound for the money. New F5 from them are very different and the price and quality, and are more likely to attempt Fiio to gain a foothold in the middle segment. These headphones have not entered into General circulation, until they can only be purchased in the official store on AliExpress Fiio, set of F5 & A1 $ 79. Because of this, it turns out that one of the main competitors is the Fiio F5 EX1-II, and the struggle here is not a joke.
Specifications
- Emitter: dynamic 13.6 mm
- Frequency range: 20 Hz ~ 40 kHz
- Sensitivity: 102 dB/mW
- Impedance: 32Ω
- Cable: 1.2 m, removable, with MMCX connectors, supplied with 2 cable
- Plug: 3.5 mm TRRS, TRRS 2.5 mm
- Weight: 21 g
Packing and delivery
In terms of packing more or less traditional: black outer box of thick paper, internal hardboard. Reserved printing, sticker authentication — all this we have seen many times. Inside the headset, high-quality plastic case (by the way, it is Fiio planning to sell separately) two sets of 3 pairs of ear tips of different size (different sound) and two removable wire. The first is set to please everyone, Fiio made the switch standards, so the three-button headset works seamlessly with iOS and Android devices. The second cable is interesting, first, he is better on the materials used, and secondly, it is balanced with a 2.5 mm plug. It seems that Fiio decided to emphasize that they see the future for such amplifiers.
Design and comfortable wearing
Appearance of headphones resembles all the same EX1, not surprisingly, they are still doing Dunu, and, moreover, are unlikely to have much other ways to place almost 14 mm speaker in the ear of the user. Headphones developers properly combine metal and plastic, seeking both strength and lightness. “In General,” F5 is very interesting, they have their own look, different from other models available on the market. The build quality is good, noticeable problems and no blemishes.
Fiio F5 sit well in the ear, the exception may be only the owners of the small auricles. Headphones provide sound insulation slightly worse than average (but better than the EX1) and a comfortable wearing for a long time. Separately, I note, with some tugostyu put on the nozzle, to worry that they will fly, is not necessary.
Wire replacement, which is surprising for this price category, but even more unusual is that it comes with two pieces. The first — the usual set wire with MIC and three-button control unit. This wire is equipped with a switch that allows you to use all three buttons on iOS and Android. It’s a great “trick” taking into account the fact that more and more players from Fiio themselves receive support Tecnopool headset. The second wire is more interesting, it is soft, very flexible and convenient 2.5 mm TRRS plug for balanced connection. Wires are used MMCX connectors, they are not very tight, but it can cope fine, however, how they will behave after a year and a half of usage, to predict right now will not work.
Sound
To listen following equipment was used.
- NuPrime DAC-10H and Resonessence Labs Concero HP in the role of DAC and amplifier
- Apple MacBook Pro Retina 2016 as the source
- Fidelia in the role of player
- Lotoo PAW Gold, theBit OPUS#2 and iBasso DX200 and the role of other portable players
- Recording high-resolution Lossless-formats (Dr. Chesky have The Ultimate Headphone Demonstration Disc and others)
Before listening headphones were heated for 72 hours.
In Fiio decided to “cover” the portion of users that doesn’t like bright and analytic flow, and to release in some way the antithesis of EX1-II. F5 by applying a little dark, with “tasty” midrange and slightly smooth treble. The sound is rather dependent on tips, so they can be a long experiment, especially if you go beyond the package. I tested F5 with balanced cable, using the adapter with balanced 2.5 mm plug to a normal 3.5 mm from Fiio (sold separately).
The bass of the F5 are slightly accented, and the accent is made on the medium-upper region of the range. However, the deeper “layers” of bass are also present in sufficient quantities. They, obviously, lack of structure, but expect the opposite in this price range would be stupid. Bass is not the goal, but the speed is normal, NCH served “mastilo” and tight. Transfer texture — normal.
The midrange is a little laid by the wayside, or, to be more accurate, the yield on the presence of bass, but, fortunately, F5 avoid turbidity and do not allow NCH to crush the middle. This model is not superrealist, although overall detail is sufficient for most cases. F5 play a more together and emotionally, not trying to give analyticity in the flow. An imaginary scene somewhere in the middle of the width and slightly less than the average depth, but the division plans could model well.
Treble is a little smoothed in terms of attacks, but their quantity is slightly more than “mid”, so the headphones do not sound muddy and not tight, the bass is compensated HF, thus ensuring a sufficient amount of air and easy flow. People who are sensitive to RF, it may be advisable to try different nozzles, I gave stock a wide.
In the price range there are so many headphones, but I can’t spend the next couple of months, comparing F5 with all imaginable models. So I was limited to what was directly at hand, not doing other comparisons.
Fiio EX1-II. This is almost an open model offers a more lightweight and airy sound with the most detail midrange and a sharper treble. Also EX1-II more imaginary stage. Fiio F5 is the answer to a large number of bass and midrange more emotional.
Dunu Titan 1/Fiio EX-1. The first version of headphones, have become almost legendary, you’ll be a little less bass quantity, a bit more treble with sharper attacks and more extensive stage. It has to pay for soundproofing and less weighty bass.
Ostry KC06. One of the “popular” models with smaller resolution throughout the range, plus it has a little sharper treble. On the other hand — Ostry better soundproofing and the wider, imagined scene.
Dunu Titan 3. Dunu attempt to “tweak” sound which became a megahit Titan 1 to repeat the success of the first model failed. Although, in my opinion, T3 is a very good model with emphasis on midrange sound (which is then developed in the Dunu DN-2002) offers a very lively and natural flow. Compared to F5 from T3 less bass, but the midrange more detailed and the treble better last attack.
Compatibility
I think in the case of F5 it is easy to guess what specific sources of their position. Headphones play well with different mobile devices, but they have a supply of “levels” for players of an average price category. Of course, with the Fiio X5-3 they are one of the best couples, but also other devices with them is quite good.
Genre headphones quite universal, but styles that benefit from a slight bass emphasis, they sound especially nice. The quality of the recording is a model of tolerant, scores 6 on 10-point scale.
Traditionally, several tracks for example
Royal Blood — Don’t Tell. Is it possible to make rock without guitars? Yes, no question, answers are already disbanded the team, “I and the friend my truck”. If to speak about the more famous still existing groups, it is impossible not to remember Royal Blood, recently released a new album. Latest work features a dense sound with plenty of bass groove, so Fiio F5 with his flow very well with the transfer of the atmosphere of this disc.
Igorrr — Opus Brain. I think that if you take the average person living on the planet 200 years ago and give it a listen to the creation of the French team (or almost one man band?), it is certain that that is exactly the coming of the devil on Earth. Igorrr famously interfere in the crucible of everything from Baroque classics to almost black metal, and synthesizing like no sound. Of course, such material would be better to come something reinforcing, but the Fiio F5 overall fine job with the transfer of all of the nuances of the fire during the plague a traveling circus. And Yes, the “Savage Sinusoid” was more heavy and gravitating more to metal music, not electronic music. So fans of unusual extreme — strongly recommend.
Overkill — Shine On. Well, and continue the selection of relatively fresh (well, 2017 for sure) release from classics of trash. On the new album and the elderly continue to delight us with what they like: drive, tight riffs, energetic melodies… surprisingly good in this music lie in the nature of Fiio F5, reacting even if not “excellent”, but certainly “good”.
Insights
Becoming a major player in the market of portable players, DACs and amps, Fiio continues to gain a foothold in related segments, including headphones. F5 — this is exactly what the company does best: a balanced solution, offering good quality at an affordable price.
Overview headphones Fiio F5 — coming balance!
Pavel Dmitriev