Comparisons
In this chapter we will go over some select comparisons. I want to put the Kr5 up against the king of details – Empire Ears’ Odin, as well as FIR’s very own Xe6 and M5. The Odin and Xenon 6 are more expensive than the Krypton, but at that ballpark I guess the price difference isn’t that much of an issue anymore. Agree to disagree however.
vs Empire Ears Odin
The Krypton and Odin do share some similar trades, but ultimately differ in a very sensitive region. Whoever found the Odin to be too upper-mid forward, but enjoyed the details, the texture and layering of its bass, will most likely find the Kr5 to be up your alley.
The Odin is probably one of the very few monitors that can compete with the Krypton 5 in terms of resolution. Both of them are there at the top of the mountain and honestly, I can’t say which one would come out as the winner.
One thing the Odin has seen a lot of critique for has been its upper mid tuning. It’s definitely more forward than the Kr5’s. Giving an even lighter and more in your face sound, which also makes vocals sound more hollow. Here the Kr5 to me sounds a bit fuller and weightier.
Odin’s bass is one of the best out there, and the Kr5 does not have to hide from it in my opinion. To me both IEMs extend extremely well, but the Odin just reaches deeper with more precision. It has a touch more resolution down below. The Kr5 however features more weight, more body and more richness in the bass compared to Odin.
In the treble the Kr5 extends further up top, giving me more air and a more sparkly presentation in the upper treble region.
vs FIR Audio M5
The M5 and the Kr5 do share a few similarities, but the Krypton to me represents a clear step up from the M5.
They both come with an energetic low end and crisp top. But the Krypton really took it all to another level. Where the Kr5 clearly outshines the M5 is stage and details. The M5 always created a more intimate sound, while the Kr5 goes above and beyond to deliver that vast experience. It brings out noticeably more details and presents them with pin point accuracy in a sharp image.
The M5 has a slightly darker and fuller midrange, where instruments have more weight to it. Which is something I am personally missing in the Kr5. But the M5 sometimes takes it too far for me, as it also doesn’t deliver the richness needed for my ears.
vs FIR Audio Xe6
The Xe6 is quite a different beast to the Kr5. The Xenon is darker, fuller and especially lusher and richer sounding. To me the Xe6 sounds more organic and smooth, while the Kr5 is faster, more energetic and especially more detailed.
The Krypton is a monitor that undoubtedly wins when it comes to detailing and stage dimensions, leaving the Xenon in the rear-view mirror. It creates a more open sound, that is stretching further into all dimensions than the Xe6.
The Xenon on the other hand is the perfect candidate for a smooth listen, where music is supposed to let you sink into that chair while you kick back. The Krypton is here to show you everything there is, demanding your attention.
I definitely can see both of these appeal to their respective crowds. And even to me, I do tend to grab both of them for different moods. I pick the Kr5 for times when I want to be wowed, when I want to just be impressed by how much there is in my music. But whenever I want to just enjoy my favorite albums I snag up the Xe6 and smile away.
Final Verdict
FIR’s Kr5 offers a very distinct sound, with its energetic bass, light and speedy mids and forward treble. It’s a tuning that will speak to the detail enthusiasts, those who want to hear the utmost from their music. It might not appeal to people who seek a warmer or lusher sound, but that’s exactly who FIR’s Xe6 is for. FIR offers two unique flavors at their very top of the line, giving the crowd the options needed to chose.
The Kr5 to me represents the pinnacle of their desired tuning, where nothing is left untouched and tried to come to that result. I admire FIR’s innovative thinking and creating out of the box solutions with Kinetic bass, ATOM XS modules and making their IEMs highly serviceable.
The only thing that might be a deal-breaker is the treble response if you are sensitive to that. If you are looking for an IEM that sports a massive stage, where details are found left and right, front and back, where bass is not only heard, but felt as well, then put the Kr5 at the top of your must-audition list. It’s pricey, but it’s well worth it.
Pros:
– Insane clarity and resolution
– Kinetic Bass experience
– Build quality overall
Cons:
– Price
– Treble response can be too much
Kevin F
Curious about what ‘waterfall’ means in terms of the Hugo2.