CONCLUSION

    2 things you’ll immediately notice once you put the i5 on your head for the very first time, how exceptional/immersive they sound and just how heavy/large they are. Planar magnetic headphones offer superior audio reproduction over regular dynamic models and the i5 don't disappoint. Overall sound signature is very clear with crisp, detailed, and vibrant highs. Mids are clean and accurate and even though the i5 do tend to emphasize highs a bit more than mids, they don’t produce distortion even at high volume levels. Bass is ample and warm but since I never tested the i5 without the rubber isolating ring I can't comment on how they used to sound (keep in mind that some people call this revision 2). Finally, as for soundstage the i5 are clearly among the top headphones I’ve ever tested in that regard. It’s not only wider than expected but it also offers good transparency, sufficient spacing and accurate instrument separation. The sole thing I didn't quite like about the i5 by Fosi Audio is comfort levels. The silicon adjustment slider system works well but having a pair of very large headphones that weigh over half a kilo on your head is not something I’m used to (could be both because I haven’t used that many planar magnetic headphones and because I don’t use headphones as much as many of my colleagues out there). This of course is not an issue just with the i5's by Fosi Audio, all planar headphones are considerably heavier compared to regular dynamic models but at 550g the i5 sit right in the middle of similar models in terms of weight.

    The Fosi Audio i5 Planar Magnetostatic Headphones were released officially today so you can currently grab your very own for USD544 directly from Fosi Audio (using code FAI5MKT15 at checkout) or for USD559.99 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and for 625.20Euros inside the EU (Amazon.de – code FOSII515 at checkout). Worth pointing out is that this price is somewhat higher than expected based on what Fosi Audio had said during their Kickstarter event but it’s still good for what you’re getting in return. Cost aside the i5 Planar Magnetostatic Headphones do what they were created to do, and they do it extremely well, so the Golden Award is in order.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Audio Signature (Across The Board)
- Wide & Accurate Soundstage
- Slider Adjustment System (Comfortable)
- Earcups Can Swivel (180-360 Degrees)
- Balanced 4.4mm & Single Ended 3.5mm Cables

CONS

- Size & Weight
- Final Retail Price