FiiO FD5 IEM Review - Soundstage King

My written review can be found here: soundnews.net/headphones/iems...
Get FiiO FD5 from here: bit.ly/3sLnOug
Video Time Stamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:50 - Build Quality & Looks
01:44 - Cable Quality
02:16 - Tech Inside
03:17 - First Sound Impressions
04:59 - Power Requirements
06:43 - Transient Response
08:01 - Soundstage
09:42 - Detail Retrieval
11:25 - Bass
12:23 - Midrange
13:01 - Treble
13:47 - Measurements
14:06 - Conclusion
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Desktop headphones I’m using:
🎧 Hifiman Susvara: bit.ly/3a39pm2
🎧 Audeze LCD-4: bit.ly/35LFYAK
🎧 Kennerton Wodan: bit.ly/2LkHLGN
🎧 Hifiman Arya: bit.ly/2W4RDGM
🎧 Erzetich Phobos: amzn.to/2SbbMcQ
🎧 Quad ERA-1: bit.ly/3fE50pV
Portable headphones I’m using:
🎧 Meze 99 Classics: bit.ly/3bjTqwX
🎧 Sennheiser Momentum 3: amzn.to/2SrzzWf
🎧 Sony WH1000XM3: amzn.to/35b9pfa
IEMs I’m using:
👂 Meze Rai Penta: bit.ly/3j2EhVa
👂 FiiO FA9: bit.ly/3nh9pDf
👂 FiiO FH7: bit.ly/3iwZeqm
Loudspeakers I’m using:
🔊 KEF Reference 3: amzn.to/2y3IPIP
🔊 Buchardt S400: bit.ly/2xTOCkt
Integrated/Power Amps I’m using:
💪 KECES S300: bit.ly/2XL8sHT
💪 Kinki Studio EX-M7: bit.ly/3gEoVVJ
💪 Hegel H190: bit.ly/2yQboK8
Best DACs I have tried:
🥇 Audiobyte HydraVox: bit.ly/2VXJjZM
🥇 Matrix Audio Element X: bit.ly/2xU6hbC
🥇 Gustard A22: bit.ly/2WExwPK
🥇 Topping D90 MQA: bit.ly/2zHWSo2
🥇 Audio-GD R7 (2020 Version): bit.ly/3fpNUfl
🥇 Denafrips Venus: amzn.to/35kgHh7
🥇 Musician Pegasus: bit.ly/30eTGeg
Best Mid-Fi DACs:
🥈 Topping DX7 PRO: bit.ly/2Lh5S67
🥈 SMSL M500: bit.ly/2WlPbwC
🥈 SMSL SU-9: bit.ly/3syrK1f
🥈 Soncoz SGD1: bit.ly/36IUQ5r
🥈 Mytek Brooklyn DAC+: amzn.to/3aHGuAw
🥈 Benchmark DAC3B: amzn.to/2KC5saf
🥈 Chord Hugo2: amzn.to/2Y88T05
Best Entry-Level DACs:
🥉 Soncoz LA-QXD1: bit.ly/3gf8ONt
🥉 Topping E30: bit.ly/35OWW1p
🥉 SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII: amzn.to/3cSe1tC
🥉 SMSL M200: bit.ly/3cCtFsw
Best DAC + Headphone Amp combos:
🎶 Flux Lab Acoustics FCN-10: bit.ly/2Y74daK
🎶 Burson Audio Conductor 3: amzn.to/2xcfSKx
🎶 Audio-GD D.28 Full: bit.ly/359E6S5
Best Headphone amps:
💣Benchmark HPA4: bit.ly/2xb6hn5
💣Sparkos Labs Aries: bit.ly/2xcOps1
💣SMSL SP400: bit.ly/3sAUEO2
💣Topping A90: bit.ly/2YBwCnZ
Best DAPs:
🎵 FiiO M15: bit.ly/3lcFA4N
🎵 FiiO M11 PRO: bit.ly/36vuwvF
🎵 Shanling M6: bit.ly/38xW7g9
My Video/Photo Gear:
📷 / 🎥 amzn.to/2VHeNnf
🔍 amzn.to/3eTCsZp
🔍 amzn.to/2yPR6A5
🔭 amzn.to/2zAuGn1
💡 amzn.to/2VEDC3l
☂️ amzn.to/2VETyT6
🎤 amzn.to/3aLjYXv
These are my honest opinions in different categories. Some of them are affiliated links that help me manage this KZbin channel at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#FiiO #FD5 #IEM #Review

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Have been waiting on review for these incredible IEMs!! FiiO nailed it with it, an absolute masterpiece for just 320$!! Amazing, well-detailed review from you too!! Thank you

[@huyphucnguyen5623]

Dunu dk 3001 pro vs blessing 2 vs fiio fd5 which one is better ?

[@emilianpredescu3477]

Gorgeous iem from FIIO. But I learned to expect nothing less from them. Great review, man!

[@mrfrosty3]

I like the look of these a lot. I have several Fiio products, all have performed very well and I enjoy using them. They seem to have outdone themselves with this FD5, it looks gorgeous, the design looks a little art deco to me. I will be buying this.

[@random-internet-dude]

Great review as usual Sandu, thanks. These are very interesting, i could've pulled the trigger but the heavy metal shell is a deal breaker for me unfortunately. FH3 seems much more comfortable.

[@j1nftw1n]

Thanks for your review and turning me on to the FD5's! I'm so glad my search for an IEM with soundstage has come to an end.

[@Marco-br3mi]

Did you buy It?

[@j1nftw1n]

@@Marco-br3mi I sure have 😎

[@Marco-br3mi]

@@j1nftw1n congratulation😂 I want to buy these earbuds, do you like them?

[@hariz262]

Can't wait for mine to arrive!

[@foreignchiefkeef1789]

Great review! How do you like these compared to the FH7 you reviewed. I purchased the FH7 based on your review and I love them! Thanks!

[@tygan390]

Excellent review. Subscribed to the channel as the content you put out really helps and covers all aspects very well starting from excellent description of the sound, comparisons, high quality images and videos. Really a total package. Please keep doing more great reviews. Thank you :)

[@Soundnews]

Hey mate. Thank you for your kind words! More content is incoming, but at a slower rate, since I am actually listening to the gear, before writing and filming.

[@tygan390]

@@Soundnews Fantastic. Looking forward to it. Heard the Shure SE-846 was a legend once which is now challenged by the likes of Campfire Audio Andromeda and Solaris, Meze Rai Penta and JH Audio Roxanne. Wondering if you got a chance to review or compare these. Would love to hear your thoughts and experience on these flagship IEMs.

[@jamillewright1286]

@@Soundnews yup! definitely recommending your channel!!!

[@bonkiru9818]

Can't wait till it's available in my country, I hope it sounds as good as it looks!

[@sonnymans]

I love your in depth reviews. What is your equalizer setting when testing. I am waiting for my FiiO M11 Plus Ltd. I'm also considering the FD5. Do you have a EQ recommendation? Thanks and regards. I'm glad I discovered your channel.

[@jamillewright1286]

Dude that was an awesome review! I will look into these iems as the price is pretty decent. What would you suggest for micro-detail, soundstage and good bass altogether? thanks!!

[@06szymonszymanski]

Great review. Do you think Loxjie D30 would be a good companion for these IEMs?

[@Soundnews]

D30 is rolling-off a bit the upper treble, so yeah, could be a really nice companion actually.

[@Flavius7]

As a current happy owner of 2 FIIO iems (FA1&FH7)I can only salute their attention for single dinamic driver ear phones. I had many other models they produced (Fh1, F9Pro, Fh5) also and something non-balanced armature orientated is welcomed. Good review!👍

[@keithjohnson2863]

Sandu, what connector did you use? I just ordered a Fiio M11 Plus ESS DAP. Would need to choose between using the 4.4mm connector with this IEM for dedicated for use with that DAP, or, using the 3.5mm connector so it can be used with all my devices, including my phone and my Keces E40 amp. However, I already have nice alternatives (LDAC Bluetooth active noise cancelling headphones and earbuds, Sundara headphones) that are well suited for those other devices, but it's nice to have options.

[@gabrielcolaco1094]

How does it compare to the FH7s? Thanks and excellent video and channel.

[@Tanel.]

I'm also curious to know.

[@suntanglory]

I really want to get the fd5, l like the look, but how is the detail retrieval on it compare to fh7, same level or behind? Thanks.

[@takemikazuchi321]

compare to the Mangird Tea which will you choose?

[@strykerking]

Great review, do you know how this set compares to something like the Blessing 2 or Blessing 2 Dusk? They are right in the same price range and I'm trying to make a decision.

[@user-wp1ir3et2u]

Hi S.V. Any news about the GUSTARD X 16 dac?

[@TheSecondMaker]

I got the FH7 because of your enthusiastic review. Been using them for a little less than a year and enjoy them a lot. From what I understood FD5 has a bigger soundstage than FH7, however FH7 still has more bass slam and moves more air? I am looking for a concert experience (big, bold, engaging sound with instrument separation so I can imagine different people on stage, but no fatigue because black/death metal has those intense biting guitars). I also listen to electronic music and quite enjoy the subbass experience you can get in a club/festival. Do you reach for FD5 more often than FH7? Tnank you.

[@j1nftw1n]

Never tried the FH7 but in my quest to find IEM's with soundstage I demo'd Final Audio A4000, Starfield/Aria, FH3, Tin T2, KZ ZS10 Pro, KZ Zax and was not satisfied with any of them. I was beginning to think soundstage in an IEM's just isn't possible. But thanks to this video I decided to give the FD5's a shot and I'm glad to say I have found the one. The soundstage on them is amazing, everything just sounds so wide and airy! They have great separation of detail and give instruments and vocals its own space to shine. Coupled with excellent detail retrieval, I'm discovering new details in my songs that I've never heard before.. The sound from a single DD is just so clean and coherent, I don't think you can go wrong with this for your needs.

[@Sandeeprudram]

Thanks for that response mate, that was very helpful indeed.

[@elyad67]

@@j1nftw1n Thanks dude, there is a pair of sealed FD5s on my local ebay listed for only 190$ and me being disappointed with the S12 and also slightly less with the OH10s in terms of iem soundstage, I will now definitely pick up the FD5s, there is also a pair of FH7 for 275$ which is a very good price, but I've heard another Fiio IEM collector claiming that the FD5 outperforms a lot higher priced Fiio iems like the FH7 in terms of soundstage. I will definitely grab the set as 190 bucks for a pair of beryllium semi open soundstage beasts is a steal in my book

[@elyad67]

Great review, was kind of shocked when Gizaudio claimed the soundstage/imaging to be only average and placed it slightly just ahead of the Starfield. I just ordered them at 199$ Need to hear it's soundstage myself, could have grabbed a FH7 at 265$ or this one at 199$ a user claimed the FD5 to have better stage than the FH7, FH9, FA9, better than it's more pricey counterparts. I might still consider picking up that FH7, I wonder if it would be worth it if I currently have the S12, the detail retrieval is very good, altough the stage could be better. Also have a OH10 even a FH5 outperforms that one, might also grab the FH7 as a upgrade over the OH10, that my right pair gives me at times a very painfull electric static sting through my right ear when it connected to a grounded power source like a desktop amp, portable on dongle dacs or daps they sound fine, i suspect QC issues

[@nuu_29]

do you think this iem still worth in 2024? got an offer with $120 in a mint condition though

[@aceofspades6667]

I'm not a huge IEM fan but still was fun to watch!

[@BrenttttttMCMXC]

nice build but what if it is used in outdoor environment...i wish all iems can easily open the shell metal everytime if you want to clean

[@joriscoolen3700]

I have a pair of wh 1000xm3 headphones and I have been using these with anc off and an aux cable plugged into the fiio btr5. I have really enjoyed listening to music with this setup but I really want something that just sounds more accurate and has less bass than my xm3. Would these IEM's be a good recommendation to get started? I am not really looking for something specific, so a open back headphone recommendation would be fine too. All these audio options are just very overwhelming making it very hard to discover the right product that produces the sound I want to hear.

[@versaleyang]

I have a pair of xm3 too and you are right that without EQ the tonality is way too bassy and muffled. I use the "Bright" EQ in the app and that sounds way more neutral and reveals more mid and treble detail. I got the FD5 today and I must say that they are simply amazing, a bit bassier than neutral but very clean and textured. If you are still looking for something then I'd rec them. As for open back headphones, a pair of Hifiman Sundara or their 2020 version HE400 are good choices for their price range.

[@joriscoolen3700]

@@versaleyang thank you, that's very helpful

[@versaleyang]

@@joriscoolen3700 You are welcome, if you have any more questions just ask away.

[@Thevikingcam]

Ordered these too cos you said so :D Going to see if they can beat Hifiman RE600s v2 on soundstage.

[@Soundnews]

Let me measure the RE600, I should have a pair somewhere in the house and I'll report back.

[@Thevikingcam]

@@Soundnews Nice :D

[@Soundnews]

@@Thevikingcam found them! Bad news is that I'm getting a bad seal with MiniDSP EARS, so I couldn't get some proper measurements with Re600 v2. I'm comparing them the old fashioned way connected to a FiiO M15. FD5 are sounding a lot bigger, at least twice as wide and deep. A lot more detailed and transparent, deeper bass performance, plus a proper slam with rock tracks. There was just one thing that I didn't enjoy that much: mid treble is sometimes causing sibilance, but only with some particular tunes. Can be easily solved with a simple EQ. Long story short, FD5 are blowing away the Re600.

[@Thevikingcam]

@@Soundnews :D NICE! Thanx very much for mini review :D

[@Thevikingcam]

FInally got them and yes, clear winner. Tho there is just huge pump on frequency response, all the "S" vocal sounds are very harsh but what i read it goes away after 100 hrs burn in.

[@shakilmohammad9731]

How to reduced the treble zing on fd5

[@digitalnation2876]

Please review Fiio FH3, thank you,

[@emilianpredescu3477]

He most certainly will.

[@mantapdjiwa9768]

@@emilianpredescu3477fh3 ? Just buy it !!!!

[@dagnisnierlins188]

Will you be getting the gold planar 2000? lot of rewievs saying they are the best in the world right now.

[@Soundnews]

Hey mate, short answer: Yes, next month. Stay tuned for that

[@random-internet-dude]

@@Soundnews I hope you can do a comparison with the ERA-1, you're probably one of the very few to have both. Even if it's a quick one i'll take it! I think it makes sense too as they're in the same price range aswell.

[@SugaFree2387]

Used FH7 or these for gaming?

[@mantapdjiwa9768]

Fh3

[@LandsPlanes]

Vs Ikko oh10?

[@mattialemboluscari8774]

These vs Em5?

[@Soundnews]

Pretty close to each other. Both have similar beryllium coated drivers, the sound will be different mostly because of IEM vs Earbuds designs. EM5 will still sound bigger, but FD5 would win when it comes to bass and detail.

[@datdudeinred]

i highly dislike fiio. i bought the f9 pro way back when it launched and that craapy qc and build quality is so bad that the left iem stopped working because of mmcx problem and it was the iem not the cable too and all this happened just after 1yr of purchase ps even mine was very strong but i think thats the problem

[@versaleyang]

Thats a mmcx problem in general. The whole industry should just abandon this design and adopt 2pin instead.

[@AndrewAkuyami]

Can't agree with that. I own the F9 Pro ( bought it when it first came out) and it still functions and plays music very well.

[@huckfin1100]

At only 109 decibels of sensitivity they are not worth the $300 in my opinion of course, sorry !

[@mrfrosty3]

How is that a problem for you and how does it relate to the price? The sensitivity is nothing out of the ordinary, its similar to pricier Moondrops like the Blessing 2 and many others. The FD5 can be run off a phone and scales up well with a portable DAC/amp or a modest DAP.

[@versaleyang]

Wtf, sensitivity or impedence got absolutely nothing to do with sound quality. Are you a Campfire Andromeda junky or something?

[@mattialemboluscari8774]

What the fu**?