INTRODUCTION

   I was never one to give advice to people in regards to anything not technology related but i will now, always keep inventory if you plan on changing and/or modifying your storage area. As some of you already know i did that twice in early-mid 2021 and even though my two storage areas are far from large (more like 15 square meters each) still they can hold hundreds of boxes, especially small ones. Anyways the end result was misplacing several boxes (ended up in the already reviewed section of my storage areas instead in the to be reviewed) one of which i came across last month and is no other than the EM5 Dynamic-Driver Open Earplugs by FiiO.

   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.

   For the glossy enclosures of the EM5 IEMs (straight down open earbuds) FiiO used their 4th generation DLP 3D printing technology together with EU IIA medical grade certified resin which is not only extremely durable, it also looks great and is skin friendly. Inside each enclosure FiiO has placed 14.2mm beryllium coated diaphragm dynamic drivers (10Hz-20KHz frequency response with 107-109dB sensitivity and 32Ohm impedance) together with flute inspired acoustic tubes which always according to them should help with low frequencies (bass). FiiO has paired these IEMs with 4-strand 120-core high-purity silver cable which again according to them delivers better conductivity, lower impedance, relatively warm mid-frequencies, and richer high-frequency details. For good or bad FiiO didn't use detachable IEMs this time over but still the cable features a swivel-lock replaceable plug which allows the end user to quickly switch between the bundled jacks (2.5/3.5/4.4mm). On top of all of these add one of the richest bundles I’ve seen to date and the EM5 sound very promising.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

FiiO has once again used a black box to ship their product inside so at the front we find their logo and a large product picture.

Just like with other FiiO products you can find an authenticity barcode on the left side of the box.

Two barcodes and details about FiiO are printed at the rear of the box.

The EM5 is placed inside a thick piece of black foam for optimal protection.

Along with the EM5 IEMs inside the box you'll also find three swappable jacks (2.5/3.5/4.4mm), 3 plastic boxes filled with foam tips (6 pairs in each), carrying/storage case and the quick start guide.

THE EM5

Because of its design the EM5 can't be used with other than the 18 foam pairs bundled with it (these can be used to deliver optimal balanced, rich in bass or crisp audio).

The EU IIA medical grade certified resin used with FiiO’s DLP 3D printer comes in dark blue/green color.

FiiO has used some of the largest dynamic drivers ever in an IEM but that's not all, they've also placed blind dots and colored markers at the base of both enclosures (blue for left and red for right).

Just like with past models the 1.2 meter long 4-strand 120-core high-purity silver cable is tangle resistant.

Typically, the company logo is placed on the y-splitter.

Thanks to the swivel-lock replaceable plug it's very easy to swap the stock 3.5mm jack for the 2.5/4.4mm ones.

Needless to say, all jacks are gold plated for optimal sound performance.

The leather storage/carrying case has plenty of room inside for both the EM5 and its bundle.

CONCLUSION

   The EM5 by FiiO are actually some of the most unique IEMs I’ve received in the lab so all the more reason to feel bad for having misplaced them (although it wasn’t for long it still shouldn’t have happened). So, let’s start with audio performance. There are 4 ways for someone to use the EM5, either with one of the 18 bundled foam pairs (balanced, bass rich and detailed output) or with neither. As a matter of fact, if you decide to use the EM5 without one you’ll be getting a studio like audio result which is exactly what some people might be looking for. Yes, this isn’t ideal since the foam tips also help with fit/stability (even with those things are not great however) but I do think it’s worth mentioning. By using the tips however sound becomes a lot richer, either in bass, mids and even treble. Overall, the EM5 deliver a wide soundstage with natural sound reproduction so they are clearly among the best IEMs to ever arrive in the lab. Build quality is also very good whether we’re talking about the 3D DLP printed enclosures or the 4-strand 120-core high-purity silver cable. Unfortunately, some “points” are deducted for both the not so good fit (if you plan on using the EM5 while working out, running or even jogging things don’t look good) and the limited noise isolation (open earbuds).

   At the time of my review the EM5 Dynamic-Driver Open Earplugs by FiiO retail for USD299.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for around 299Euros inside the EU, a price which is quite balanced for what you’re getting. Yes, the EM5 is far from perfect in terms of fit/stability but they deliver near excellent audio while at the same time looking unique and for that they deserve the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality
- Detail / Clarity (Wide Soundstage)
- Bass Levels
- Design
- Light
- Bundle

CONS

- Fit (Easy To Fall Off / Require Good Fit For Optimal Results)
- Price (For Some)