Design & Build Quality
Shell
Aesthetically, the new FiiO FD5 really stands apart from its siblings.
Unlike the FH7 or FH3, the main body isn’t made of aluminum nor magnesium. Instead, FiiO used a solid block of stainless steel, carefully carved through the same 5-axis CNC-milling process. If the FHx models were given a matte black finish, this one goes the opposite way, exhibiting a shiny shell that reminds me of the TinHifi P1.
No wave-like ripples this time, but a new faceplate that’s supposed to evoke “majestic mountains” and “wondrous waterfalls”. I don’t know about that, but either way, I find the FD5 absolutely gorgeous, even if some of my colleagues were a bit more dubious: “bling-bling”.
Those shells are reasonably big, the same size as the FH7 for comparison, but the new design combined with the heavier weight, makes them look bigger than they really are. Thankfully, once you’re wearing them, they behave like any other modern CIEM. But we’ll see that at a later time, for now, let’s just say that’s one very cool IEM and keep moving on with our review…
Build quality
The FiiO FD5 build quality is top-notch, like all FiiO’s recent models.
The MMCX port fits perfectly, there is no gap wherever your hand can touch, no shards or misplaced elements, and the smoothness of the shell gives a good level of comfort. Of course, you match the FiiO FH5, FH7, and FH3 sturdiness (duh) and this is an IEM that shall withstand the stand of time, even if the glossy finish seems much more prone to scratch than the matte one.
The new cable is a definitive improvement compared to the previous one. Why? Because the FD5 is the first IEM of the brand to enjoy the new LC-RE cable, with swappable terminations. In fact, you can now switch between 3.5/2.5/4.4mm and keep the same exact cable. It’s a 30 seconds process, involving no tool and just a light twist, thanks to some clever engineering.
The cable itself is made of 8 monocrystalline silver-plated copper strands which is, also, an upgrade compared to the LC3.5/2.5C bundled with the FA9.
So yeah, it doesn’t get better than that. Let’s check what’s inside the box now.
Bundle
Inside the box
The FiiO FD5 comes with a nice bundle. In the box, you get:
- the FiiO FD5
- an LC-RE cable with 3.5mm, 2.5mm, and 4.4mm termination
- the new HB5 storage case (super nice case)
- two sound tubes (large/small)
- a tool for MMCX cable replacement (provided by Final as it seems)
- 6 bass eartips, 6 balanced eartips, 6 vocal eartips, 2 triple-flange tips, and 4 foam tips
- a cleaning brush
A comprehensive bundle, that reminds me of the BGVP DM8 we recently reviewed, as all adapters are now directly provided by the brand. Bonus point for the case which gets internal spacer for your IEM and the cable, love that, and the cable removal tool from Final. It’s so useful that it should be included in EVERY IEM bundle.
Additional accessories
Honestly, the FiiO FD5 comes with everything you might need. So, the only thing that you could add, would be a good DAC or DAP. Personally, I chose the FiiO M15 as my main source and the EarMen Sparrow + ddHifi TC28i on the go, but it’s up to you.
Comfort
At first, I was set back by the shape, but the FiiO FD5 was surprisingly comfy.
The sound tubes now come in two different shapes, small or big, to fit every person. If the large tube is standard and supports all the tips, the smaller one should be used with triple-flange tips, for deeper insertion. I tried it and was impressed by how tight the seal could get, but some might get uncomfortable by how deep those tips can go.
And if the FD5 didn’t get the same semi-custom design found on the FA9, with the right tips, it fitted right into my ears. The latter remains comfier – I still prefer acrylic over metal – thanks to the semi-custom design, but it’d be unfair to flag the FD5 as “uncomfortable”.
Isolation
Obviously, with a semi-custom design, isolation isn’t the FD5 forte.
That said, I was surprised by how well they performed in noisy environments like the train. It’s not perfect of course, but it’s much better than I expected: once you play your music at a moderate level, the IEM will be able to cover most unwanted noises. That might be the thick shell but, most of the time, it just works.
So, time to check the specs!
The article continues on Page Three, after the click here
Paus
I’m listening to these right now, they are exceptional for someone like me who likes to listen to a wide range of genres, and love hearing details. They are clear and open, reminds me of a DT880 somewhat except with better bass. It really blows many other IEMs out of the water.
Dupo
FD5 is an Inears with placebo effect, yes, placebo. Will you be wondering what I mean? It comes to you with a more or less pro box, with a nice case, tool, a braided cable, and some iem that seem more designed by a master jeweler than by an engineer.
So you open the box and wow! For 200 dollars it’s not bad at all.
But you start riding and it turns out that putting on and removing the rubber bands is almost an exercise of not breaking them. You put your device in your pocket and you feel like that braided cable is going to break soon so close to the miniplug. The case there is no way to install the headphones without folding them all, it is more beautiful but zero professional and with a design made by the seller’s grandmother, nothing practical.
And now comes the worst, the sound.
Since you think you are before the design and the brand of the moment, you think that what you are listening to has quality, because it has very clear mids and highs. But it turns out that you put on some KZ of 20 usd and they almost sound the same. You think the sound is good because you want to believe it, but it’s not like that. You hear a ghost of the reality, certain frequencies that cover the rest so the track reduces it to 40% of reality. But you don’t know, because you’re still in the placebo effect.
To this we must add that FIIO’s customer service is non-existent, they can’t do anything to help you if there is a problem, such as that mine had noises and was defective and they never accepted it and now they are in the trash box, 200 usd in recycling. It is a superb Chinese company, which has complaints everywhere for cloning technology and patents. Never FIIO again, never again!