Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.
All
Aether
reviews
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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Manufacturer details
Features
Specifications
- Drivers: 4 Balanced Armature
- Configuration: 4-way Crossover + Bass Switch
- Driver Layout: 1-Sub low, 1-Low, 1-Mid, 1-High
- Sensitivity: 109dB @ 1mW
- Frequency Response: 5HZ – 20kHz
- Cable: Silver Cable 3.5
Description
Aether, the greek personification of the transparent, upper sky is now available for you to immerse yourself in. This is our latest gem. Worthy of its name, the new Aether's high end extension feels like a luxury among other in-ears in this class and price point available in the market.
Release Timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- FlipEars emphasizes providing "insight into music that only a musician can offer," tailoring their IEMs for both professional musicians and audiophiles.
- A signature feature across several models is the inclusion of dip switches on the IEM shells, allowing users to adjust the sound signature for different listening preferences.
Select products
Select product comparisons
Aegis
- Positioning: Entry-level model offering balanced sound with essential features.
- Description: Uses a proprietary hybrid driver setup combined with EarQuake bone conduction for clear bass and midrange that suits everyday listening. Compared to models like Legion and Aurora XXIV, keeps the design simple and affordable while still providing coherent sound for daily use.
Legion
- Positioning: Mid-range model in the Arsenal Collection aimed at users desiring enhanced audio dynamics.
- Description: Features a three-driver system with a dynamic driver, EarQuake bone conductor, and SPARK electret tweeter that work together for a broader, natural soundstage. When compared to the basic Aegis, it adds more depth and spatial cues.
Zurq XXIV
- Positioning: Upper mid-range model focused on delivering energetic and detailed sound.
- Description: Uses a reimagined 5-way crossover configuration that combines electrostatic, balanced armature, and dynamic drivers to offer precise highs and deep, controlled bass. In contrast to the Aegis and Legion, it provides a more expansive soundstage and refined detail.
Aurora XXIV
- Positioning: Flagship model known for its advanced design and immersive audio presentation.
- Description: Offers a 10-tribrid speaker configuration with twin dynamic SoniXwoofers that create deep bass extension and crisp highs without fatigue. Compared to the Zurq XXIV, its elaborate build delivers a uniquely wide and detailed soundstage.
Artha Argentum
- Positioning: Premium high-end model that combines high-resolution sound with luxurious styling.
- Description: Features a versatile switching system that allows users to select between clear vocals, boosted bass, or extended highs, showing a unique approach to tailoring sound output. Relative to models like Aegis and Legion, its advanced build quality and customizable tuning set it apart.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
0
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Brand Popularity
831
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
13
Founding Year
Our take on the brand
FlipEars, the first Filipino company to manufacture both universal and custom in-ear monitors domestically, was founded by singer-songwriter Aries Sales. The brand features distinctive jewelry-grade faceplates, hand-painted with enamel by jewelers from Bulacan. They're known for proprietary technologies including their EarQuake bone conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter (a self-powered electret high-frequency driver), and their SoniXwoofer twin 10mm dynamic bass system.
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Flipears
Legion
849
849
/
7
Reviews
FlipEars, the first Filipino company to manufacture both universal and custom in-ear monitors domestically, was founded by singer-songwriter Aries Sales. The brand features distinctive jewelry-grade faceplates, hand-painted with enamel by jewelers from Bulacan. They're known for proprietary technologies including their EarQuake bone conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter (a self-powered electret high-frequency driver), and their SoniXwoofer twin 10mm dynamic bass system.
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Product Strengths
- Highlight is the boosted, forward, impactful, thick, rumbly and textured bass, due to the well-implemented bone conduction driver, which adds a tactile sensation and sub-woofer like quality
- Unique and visually appealing design with hand-painted brass faceplates crafted by jewelers
- Upper mids and treble are well-executed, detailed, and airy, providing a good balance to the bass, as the electret driver contributes to top-end details
- Overall sound is fun and engaging, particularly for genres like EDM, hip-hop, rap, rock, and pop
- Wide soundstage works well with well-mastered or live tracks
Product Considerations
- Mids can be the weakest point, potentially sounding recessed and pushed back in the mix, particularly for some instruments and female vocals, because the V-shaped tuning can cause certain instruments to sound thin
- Weight and size of the shells, due to the brass faceplates, may be uncomfortable for those with smaller ears
- Potential congestion issues, as one reviewer wished it 'had a little bit more room to breathe'
- Bone conduction effectiveness varies by individual
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- In terms of the aggressive BCD implementation, the closest is the Empire Ears ZE51B
- Compared to the Jomo Audio Nautilus, the Legion has better bass and better mids
- Compared to the Nightjar Acoustics Singularity, the Flip Ears Legion is more engaging and has a good amount of quality and quantity of sub bass, mid bass, and mids
Takeaway: The Flip Ears Legion is a well-tuned IEM that provides an engaging listening experience thanks to its enhanced bass, making it great for bass-heavy music genres. It could be a perfect endgame for those who love fun, contrasty, V-shaped sound signatures.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FlipEars, the first Filipino company to manufacture both universal and custom in-ear monitors domestically, was founded by singer-songwriter Aries Sales. The brand features distinctive jewelry-grade faceplates, hand-painted with enamel by jewelers from Bulacan. They're known for proprietary technologies including their EarQuake bone conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter (a self-powered electret high-frequency driver), and their SoniXwoofer twin 10mm dynamic bass system.
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Thieaudio
Monarch MKIII
999
999
/
13
Reviews
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Expand Details
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Offers excellent midrange resolution, highlighting subtle details in instruments
- Features a safe yet exciting U-shaped tuning suitable for all genres
- Presents a dynamic and exciting sound signature, clear vocal performances, and a resolving staging performance
- The included cable is of high quality and features interchangeable plugs
- Has great audio reproduction accuracy and consistent audio delivery
Product Considerations
- The upper treble may be a little exaggerated for some listeners
- The shell is larger than average for a universal IEM, which may cause fit issues for some
- Stock ear tips are just okay
- Bass resolution could be better
- Does not have an integrated microphone, so a standalone mic is needed to take calls
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Monarch MKII: The MKIII has increased richness in its midrange and an upper treble exaggeration, offering a slightly U-shaped signature compared to the MkII's balanced profile
- Vs. Symphonium Helios: MkIII's midbass body contrasts Helios' dipped lower mids, MkIII has better overall resolution, but a more exaggerated treble
- Vs. 64 Audio U4s: The MkIII is better tuned compared to the U4s, with the U4s having a thicker midrange and weightier timbre
- Vs. MOONDROP x Crinacle DUSK: The THIEAUDIO have a more detailed treble range
- Vs. MOONDROP Blessing 3: The THIEAUDIO have a more elevated bass range
- Vs. TRUTHEAR x Crinacle ZERO: RED: The THIEAUDIO do a better job blocking out external noise and leak less audio
Takeaway: The Monarch MKIII is a well-tuned IEM that is great for all kinds of music and has excellent technical performance. If one is looking for a high-end IEM with a versatile sound, this could be a great choice.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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Sennheiser
IE 600
899
899
/
13
Reviews
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
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Product Strengths
- Agreeable, natural sonic signature
- Sounds very good, feels tough, and comes with most of the accessories needed
- Precision-milled housings follow the company’s IE 900, IE 200, and IE 300 models, shape wise, and therefore comfort wise
- A well-engineered product that sounds excellent
- Measured performance closely aligns with a headphone preference curve, so it sounds excellent
Product Considerations
- Basic silicone eartips that don’t fit everyone
- The MMCX connector is an atypical version that will not work with most other cables
- The texture of the AMLOY-ZR01 finish is not everyone's favorite to wear
- Treble is a bit subdued with cymbals resolving reasonably well, but way behind the IE 900
- Stock tips that come with Sennheiser's earphones are poorly designed; the silicone lacks rigidity to the point of which it more often than not collapses against the ear when one inserts the IEMs, thus making a proper seal very difficult to achieve
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs IE 900: The easier-to-drive IE 900 have a tighter, less thumpy low end and a leaner midrange, which results in better separation between the two, and also in better midrange resolution and clarity
- Vs IE 900: The IE 900 also have a much superior (perceived) treble extension and resolution, and a much wider soundstage
- Vs Final E5000: The final E5000 offer fuller voices, more bass, but less treble than the IE 600, and a narrower stage
- Vs Meze ADVAR: The ADVAR's sound is taller than the IE 600, the latter has more width, and imaging is tight and well-produced in both IEMs, with the IE 600 edging out the ADVAR by the slightest of margins
Takeaway: The IE 600 is a great set of earphones that will appeal to listeners owing to their punchy tonality and is pretty much unparalleled in their class. With the IE 600, listeners get undistorted audio and great isolation, and durable materials that will always sound good.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Sennheiser pioneered the world's first open-back headphones with the HD 414 in 1968, which became the bestselling full-size headphone of all time, and later developed the HD 25, evolving from 1980s broadcast use to become the industry standard in DJ booths worldwide. The brand is known for unique engineering approaches, such as integrating high-voltage amplifiers directly into earcups with Carrara marble chassis in the HE 1, developing proprietary ring-radiator transducers and absorber technology to eliminate resonances, and creating the long-running MD 421 microphone that has remained in production since 1960.
Product Page
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Westone Audio
MACH 60
846
846
/
12
Reviews
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
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Product Strengths
- Very comfortable, suitable for long listening sessions and wearing in bed, due to its small size, lightweight design, and ergonomic shape
- Delivers a neutral and natural sound presentation, making it appropriate for stage and studio monitoring
- Excellent sound isolation, effectively blocking out external noise
- Good detail retrieval and resolution, presenting information accurately
Product Considerations
- May sound a bit boring or dull if one is looking for a more dynamic and engaging sound with more bass and treble emphasis
- The plastic build quality may not feel as premium as some other IEMs
- Requires a bit more power to drive it to sound best
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Mach 60 has a more neutral presentation, while ADV M512D is more elevated in the mids and treble and has more bass impact
- Mach 60 is more neutral and natural, while Unique Melody MEST delivers excellent detail and resolution
Takeaway: The Westone Mach 60 is a comfortable and well-built in-ear monitor that delivers a neutral and natural sound, great for musicians and audiophiles looking for an accurate representation of their music. It is a great tool as a stage monitor and comfortable for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Westone Audio specializes in in-ear monitors designed by and for musicians, offering universal-fit and custom models engineered for accuracy, comfort, and stage-ready reliability. The MACH series delivers their popular custom-quality sound in a universal fit, the AM Pro X line preserves on-stage ambience for performers, and the Pro X series uses efficient sound channels for cleaner, more balanced frequency response. Praised by musical icons for decades, Westone emphasizes uncompromising performance for both professionals and discerning listeners.
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What competes at this price?
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Flipears
Aegis
479
/
Released
2025
The Aegis is inspired by the mythical armor that safeguarded warriors in battle. Aries envisions the Aegis as a modern representation of protection and resilience.
FlipEars, the first Filipino company to manufacture both universal and custom in-ear monitors domestically, was founded by singer-songwriter Aries Sales. The brand features distinctive jewelry-grade faceplates, hand-painted with enamel by jewelers from Bulacan. They're known for proprietary technologies including their EarQuake bone conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter (a self-powered electret high-frequency driver), and their SoniXwoofer twin 10mm dynamic bass system.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Deep and punchy bass is delivered, with the bone conduction driver working to create an engaging and tactile experience
- Vocals and midrange are presented more forward, with male vocals sounding fuller and with a warmer tonality, while instruments have good detail
- The design is visually striking and comfortable, with hand-painted, rose-brass faceplates and an ergonomic shape for extended listening
- The included cable is durable and premium, with a 4.4mm balanced termination suitable for high-resolution sources
- The soundstage is surprisingly wide and immersive for its price, with precise stereo imaging and a notable sense of depth
Product Considerations
- The treble is more subdued, making the overall tonality darker and potentially less resolving than some alternatives
- The slightly darker tuning may not appeal to treble-heads
- The weight of the brass faceplates can be a factor for some users regarding comfort
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Aegis is bassier and warmer than the Flipears Legion, while the Legion is more balanced with better treble extension
- The Aegis has a much wider 'happy place' for its bone conduction, sounding more natural and technical than the Apevoir Grit
- The Aegis is more fun, dynamic, and bassier than the Panon Fan 3S, while the Fan 3S offers extra soundstage and is tonally more correct more often
- The Aegis has more intense bass and a more exciting listen than the Symphonium Prestige, while the Prestige offers a compelling middle ground with fewer tonal or timbral sacrifices
- The Aegis hits deeper and is punchier, and also more engaging than the Kiwi Ears X HPB Punch & Fat Freak Maestro Mini
Takeaway: The Flipears Aegis is a fun, bass-forward IEM that offers a unique bone conduction experience at a reasonable price. It is a great choice for those who want an immersive listening experience with plenty of bass and forward vocals.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FlipEars, the first Filipino company to manufacture both universal and custom in-ear monitors domestically, was founded by singer-songwriter Aries Sales. The brand features distinctive jewelry-grade faceplates, hand-painted with enamel by jewelers from Bulacan. They're known for proprietary technologies including their EarQuake bone conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter (a self-powered electret high-frequency driver), and their SoniXwoofer twin 10mm dynamic bass system.
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Flipears
Aether Custom
488
/
Released
Aether, the greek personification of the transparent, upper sky is now available for you to immerse yourself in. This is our latest gem. Worthy of its name, the new Aether's high end extension feels like a luxury among other in-ears in this class and price point available in the market.
FlipEars, the first Filipino company to manufacture both universal and custom in-ear monitors domestically, was founded by singer-songwriter Aries Sales. The brand features distinctive jewelry-grade faceplates, hand-painted with enamel by jewelers from Bulacan. They're known for proprietary technologies including their EarQuake bone conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter (a self-powered electret high-frequency driver), and their SoniXwoofer twin 10mm dynamic bass system.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Balanced sound signature leans towards a soft V-shape, with nice extension into the subbass and upper end.
- Combines detail and musicality with strong versatility.
- The bass boost switch offers equally good, but different, sound options.
- Impressively natural timbre for an all balanced armature IEM.
- Good macrodynamics.
Product Considerations
- The case isn't the most convenient design.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Ice Lab Prismatica, the Prismatica has more prominent treble.
- Compared to 7th Acoustics Supernova, the Supernova has a wider soundstage and better imaging.
- Compared to Ice Lab Prismatica and 7th Acoustics Supernova, the Aether provides the most dynamic, physical performance of the three, and the strongest tuning for rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Takeaway: The Aether offers strong all-around performance, shining with modern genres, and provides flexibility through its tuning switch. It is a great entry point into the FlipEars IEM lineup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FlipEars, the first Filipino company to manufacture both universal and custom in-ear monitors domestically, was founded by singer-songwriter Aries Sales. The brand features distinctive jewelry-grade faceplates, hand-painted with enamel by jewelers from Bulacan. They're known for proprietary technologies including their EarQuake bone conduction driver, SPARK Electret Tweeter (a self-powered electret high-frequency driver), and their SoniXwoofer twin 10mm dynamic bass system.
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Truthear
Nova
169
/
Released
2023
NOVA is a 1DD+4BA in-ear headphone with 3-way crossover composite structure. Compared with HEXA, the original design intention is to further improve the high-frequency performance while maintaining a reasonable and efficient configuration, and also strive to bring users a mature earphone with a hybrid 3-way crossover structure at a reasonable price.
Truthear is a brand that has continued to design products not just in response to but in collaboration with the audio community and influential figures such as Headphones.com's 'Listener' and The Hangout's 'Crinacle'. Delivering products that achieve excellent adherence to preferred targets at extremely accessible prices.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sound signature is likely to be palatable for a wide range of people at its price point.
- Good emphasis in the upper midrange, decent timbre, good resolution, the upper midrange is upfront with the vocals, nice details, and it works well with a smooth treble.
- Very smooth treble and the absence of sibilance.
- Good dynamic bass that's nicely textured and has a decent rumble.
- Imaging is accurate.
Product Considerations
- The Truth Ear Nova does not sound better or more balanced than the Hexa, since the reviewer prefers a more balanced sound signature.
- Nova is not a thick-sounding IEM, it's quite thin.
- The midrange is chiefly defined by a cavernous suckout in the low-midrange.
- Soundstage is a little narrower than preferred.
- Shell size may be slightly large for smaller ears.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Moondrop Variations: Nova is significantly cheaper and close enough in performance that one should save money and go for Nova.
- Vs. Truthear Hexa: Nova easily has a smoother treble presentation, has more dynamic bass, and is more ergonomic, but Hexa has one of the best midranges in this price tier.
- Vs. Truthear Zero: RED: Zero: RED beats Nova almost across the board in tuning and simply sounds more normal.
Takeaway: The Truth Ear Nova is commendable for achieving its tuning at its price point, especially for those looking for a V-shaped presentation or Harman-esque kind of sound signature. If the Harman IE target is to one's liking, Nova is probably as safe a choice as any of the other Harman options out there.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Truthear is a brand that has continued to design products not just in response to but in collaboration with the audio community and influential figures such as Headphones.com's 'Listener' and The Hangout's 'Crinacle'. Delivering products that achieve excellent adherence to preferred targets at extremely accessible prices.
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Thieaudio
Legacy 4
195
/
Released
2020
The Legacy 4 was designed concurrently with the Legacy 5 to provide a unique twist to the lineup. With the beloved budget model, the Legacy 3, and the natural and smooth sound signature of the Legacy 5 in mind, we wanted the Legacy 4 to be a middle ground - both in terms of the tuning and price.
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Great build quality and a generous accessory set
- Decently wide soundstage for closed-back IEMs, presenting a three-dimensional space for instrument placement
- Strong technical performance for the price, with standout resolution
Product Considerations
- The lack of a lip on the nozzle makes it impossible to use even slightly-larger-than-perfect eartips, as they just fall off
- Treble is a tad brighter than preferred, which some may find fatiguing over time
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Thieaudio Legacy 3, the Legacy 4 has faster and more detailed bass, more detailed and extended treble, and better imaging and instrument separation
- Compared to the Moondrop KXXS, the Legacy 4 has a solid technical edge in resolution and imaging
Takeaway: The Thieaudio Legacy 4 is a competent earphone that offers a clean, clear rendition of music with excellent resolution and detail retrieval. It is enjoyable across various genres and provides a high-quality listening experience for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Thieaudio is a hifi audio brand best known for headphones with IMPACT2 technology—an in-ear "subwoofer" using two dynamic drivers in an isobaric chamber to boost bass power while keeping frequency constant—and dedicated sound bores to achieve studio-monitor layering and separation. The brand has established a benchmark reputation among reviewers for top-tier tonality at its price tier
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FIIO
FH5S/FH5S Pro
254
/
Released
2021
Thanks to the excellent designs and great sound, FiiO balanced armature and dynamic driver hybrid earphones have always been highly praised and become best sellers due to positive word-of-mouth. The all-new rookie FH5s is a true upgrade from the veteran FH5, with significant advancements and innovations in all aspects including appearance, comfort, sound quality. The student has now surpassed the master.
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Detailed and clean sound, putting plenty of micro-details on the foreground
- Good build quality and comfortable design
- Swappable audio plugs included
- Tuning switches featured
- Open and wide soundstage
Product Considerations
- Treble can be a bit sharp and metallic sounding
- A dedicated DAP, Bluetooth dongle, or external DAC/Amp is needed to shine
- Below-average noise isolation due to its semi-open nature
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Approaches the FiiO FH7 closely, but is not exactly as punchy and engaging when bass notes are coming to play, FH7 has a better midrange rendition
- The FH5s gives a harder edge to treble notes, but at the same time creates a wider and more spacious soundstage
- The FiiO FD5 emphasizes warmth, smoothness, and a lush sound with prominent bass and midrange, where the FH5S has a more textured midrange, and a cleaner bass with less emphasis
Takeaway: The FiiO FH5S provides an outstanding unboxing experience and impressive features, along with a clear sound. The IEM allows for long listening sessions.
Video review
Our take on the brand
FiiO stands out for integrating unique features into portable audio devices, such as their BTR7 DAC/amplifier with its screen and wireless charging, and their KB3 mechanical keyboard with a built-in DAC/amp. The brand caters to audiophiles seeking personalization through products like their pioneering X7 music player with interchangeable amp modules and their compact R7 desktop system that combines streaming, DAC, and headphone amplification capabilities.
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