INTRODUCTION

   Wireless headsets and more specifically TWS (true wireless stereo) models may offer a convenient, wire-free way for people to listen to music but honestly speaking they simply can't compete with their wired counterparts, at least not in terms of audio performance. So, if audio quality is your thing and you care not about cables the obvious and best choice is to grab yourself a pair of wired over the ear headphones or IEMs (in-ear monitors). There's a catch however, the majority of headphones and IEMs are configured for specific music genres and even though audiophiles and professionals alike can certainly tweak various frequencies by using an equalizer that's not something the majority of users out there is capable of. This is where IEM models like the "tweakable" FH5s 2BA-2Dynamic Driver Hybrid Earphones by FiiO come in.

   FiiO was established in 2007 and has experience in researching and developing countless portable music products of different types, and sell FiiO-branded products through sales agents worldwide. The brand name FiiO is composed of Fi(fidelity from HiFi) and iO(number 1&0), representing the real feeling and convenient life that digital brings to life. Meanwhile, the Chinese “飞傲” is the transliteration of FiiO, indicating the positive and innovative spirit as thriving as spring. FiiO is focused on product quality, adheres strictly to ISO9001 standards in quality management and works hard to attain the lowest repair-related product returns rate.

   The hybrid part of the FH5s (currently available in white/silver/rose gold and black/gold colors) is due to FiiO placing 2 balanced armatures and 2 dynamic drivers behind a semi-open housing which according to their engineers should produce larger soundstage with a more natural sound and at the same time being more comfortable (with a frequency response of 10Hz-40KHz with 40Ohm impedance and 106dB sensitivity the FH5s are also Hi-Res certified). To be more specific inside each housing FiiO has squeezed a 12mm Beryllium Plated Tesla dynamic driver (paired with a polyurethane polymer gasket) aimed towards richer bass levels, 6mm Beryllium plated dynamic driver optimized for mids and dual TWFK-30017 Knowles balanced armatures right inside the sound tube for optimal treble. Its drivers however are not the only selling point of the FH5s since FiiO has used housings that feature a TRISHELL structural design out of 5-axis CNC-machined aluminum-magnesium alloy which results to reduced internal resonances and a more rigid/durable construction. Also just like the higher-end FA9 IEMs (review here) the FH5s comes ready with 3 DIP switches which can be used to switch their sound signature by emphasising bass, mids and/or treble. As if these weren't impressive enough already the FH5s also feature a "dragon scale" design on the exterior side, angled sound tubes for optimal comfort, gold plated MMCX connectors, 120-core Litz Type-2 4-core silver plated copper cable with metal splitter and gadget and a very rich bundle which consists by 13 different eartip sets, 3 twist-lock stainless steel gold plated plugs (2.5/3.5/4.4mm), carrying/storage case, MMCX assist tool and a cleaning brush. So, are the latest FH5s by FiiO the mid-range IEMs to get if you want a more "versatile" sound signature?