FiiO FF5 Review

Sound performance

My main sources were: FiiO KA3 / FiiO M11S / ddHiFi TC44C, trusted sources from trusted brands that I used extensively for the past months.

Files were played from either Apple Music / Spotify or my own music library. Some tracks will be highlighted, just so you can try them at home too!

Overall signature

Last time, I was deeply impressed by the FF3, which came as “the best earbuds I tried, period”. And, if the wow-factor isn’t there anymore, the FiiO FF5 remain a solid improvement of its predecessor, making them my new “best earbuds”.

Truth be told, I was very, very curious to see (or hear) how the brand would improve their formula, even more while ditching the drum-like topology for a more classical one. In essence, earbuds are notoriously known for their lack of low-end, so replacing the massive “bass-reflex” chamber by a tiny pipe didn’t seem, at least for me, the best idea.

But, it looks like FiiO’s engineers know their gig and the FF5 delivered hard-hitting subs and low-mids, even if, truth be told, that new IEM seems shyer in that regard, compared to its predecessor. But, what I miss in bass-depth, I won in spaciousness, and the new earbud filled my ears with much more sound, even at low-volume. Sure, a true IEM like the FD5 will output deeper bass, thanks to tight isolation, but like an open-back headphone, the FF5 output is considerably wider soundstage, both laterally and vertically – a cool surprise.

That said, you really have to pick the right foams and place the FiiO FF5 exactly right to enjoy those prowess. More than once, the low-end completely disappears while I was listening, due to an ever so slight variation of their position in my ears… I settled with the silicon rings, but you should take your time and test each and every foam, to find the one you’re most comfortable with – end-result really depends on that factor.

It’s quite different from the JD7 I reviewed last time. If both share a massively wide dynamic driver, the FF5 always seemed more natural with its open design, while the JD7 sounded punchier and more “complete” with fuller mids. Thankfully, treble-wise the FF5 takes the upper hand, with astonishingly accurate voices: from Katie Melua, to Melody Gardot or even Katy Perry, every female singer I listened to sounded simply fantastic – even more when magnified by a good source.

Still, even if shyer, the bass remained full and engaging, going deep enough to give you the same morning kick as a cup of coffee. The rumble, the body, the power, all of those are there, never crossing the sidelines, so you can enjoy every little nuance of the sound. Layering was even more impressive, and electro/pop tracks like Bridged by a Lightwave – DeadMau5, outlined the resolution and clarity of those ears, in the best possible way. 

Even if I still prefer the latest FDx models, in silent environments, the FiiO FF5 was blissful to listen to. Delightful mids, good impact, natural voices, and excellent clarity from top to bottom, topped by an exceptional level of finesse. Combined with their lightweight built, you could almost forget that you’re wearing round, old-school, earphones.

Compared to the FD5 and FF3, I’m still favoring the FF3 though. Why? Because, thanks to its open design, the soundstage always seems wider and compared to the FiiO FF5 you get deeper lows, especially when paired with the ddHiFi TCC4C. Again, that’s a personal choice, and objectively the FF5 surpass the FF3 on every level, apart from the low-end section – and I’m more of a bass-head, than a treble head.

Once more, if you’re not into earbuds – personally I’m not – I’m sure that the FF5 could convince you otherwise. In fact, if your main focus is realism and openness, once again the FiiO FF5 nailed it, delivering crisp details, super-wide soundstage and massive dynamic range without overloading your ears. And, if FiiO puts a little more emphasis on voices, the brand also pushes a good level of aeration, layering, and more simply, performances.  

They’ll excel on Jazz-music, classical, pop or even orchestral arrangements, but electro users might be a little more skeptical – even if they could work, in a (very) quiet place. I tested Finest Hour from Submotion Orchestra and quite honestly, I was engulfed from start to finish, so yeah, on the right genre, they can be phenomenal – even more for the MRSP!

It’s a great all-rounder, one that can be used daily and still surprises you, when conditions are met. I tried them once outdoors and a small wind alone managed to completely blow everything above 5kHz and under 200Hz, leaving just the mids. So yeah, use them indoors or in a secluded environment only.

If you can do that, those are deeply impressive ears for the price!

Tonality

Highs: delightful. In my opinion, those are one of the best highs you could get from all FiiO’s line-up, and this is where the FiiO FF5 outperforms the FF3. There is no sibilant and you can confidently raise the volume never to encounter any harshness. The highs/super-highs difference didn’t strike me, but if you prefer highs over lows, you’ll hear a real difference/improvement.

Good test-track : Through and Through – Leaving Laurel

Mediums: rich and full. Exceptional soundstage and clean mids make for a very pleasant experience. As usual, FiiO’s done an excellent job in this regard: voices are bliss, and the earphone can fully immerse you, in just a few seconds. The most impressive sensation remaining is the 3D effect of those voices when paired with a good source like the M11S.

Good test-track: Money – Pink Floyd

Bass: clean and straight. Those ears don’t go nearly as low as your usual DD IEM, but that’s clearly on purpose. The FF5 can go deep, but go light on low-mids for a more “ethereal” presentation, even plugged through a balanced output. If you need more lows, go for the FF3, but you’ll have to trade openness for that. Still, for earbuds, this is simply amazing.

Good test-track: Sacrifice – Sara Landry

Sensitivity / Hiss

Impedance is mild, sensitivity is relatively correct and isolation is poor, so yes, you better drive those IEMs with a good source. Paired with the ddHiFi TC44C I had to use the 4.4mm Pentaconn output to get really good bass, but with the FiiO M11S, I got plenty of power.

My top choice? If your budget has no limit, that’d be the FiiO M17, but more reasonably, go for the FiiO KA3 which not only matches the FiiO FF3 power craving but its signature too. 

And for the hiss, I encountered none with all my sources, Hurray!

Conclusion

When it comes to audiophile earbuds, the question still lingers: is there a place for them in 2023? While the answer may not be clear, one thing is certain, FiiO continues to push the boundaries with their latest offering, the FiiO FF5. These earbuds are nothing short of impressive, delivering sound quality that rivals similarly priced in-ear monitors.

The FiiO FF5 boasts crisp highs, lush mids, and an exceptionally wide soundstage that even surpasses the FF3. The transients are also noticeably quicker, making for an incredibly immersive listening experience. But, as with any earbud, the FiiO FF5 can’t completely overcome the limitations of the form factor. The isolation is weak and comfort is limited, even with the provided foam covers. 

That being said, if you’re in the market for an audiophile-grade earphone that isn’t an in-ear monitor, the FiiO FF5 is without a doubt, the best option available today. It may be an oddball, but it’s an outstanding one at that.