WORTH THE UPGRADE?? - Fiio FH5S Review

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/ gizaudio Fiio FH5S has got to be the best looking IEMs on the market today. Build quality is also stunning.
But the question really is....do they sound as good as they look?
And how do they compare to the legendary FH3 and FH5 from the same brand?
In this video, we're answering both of those questions! :)
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IEM Ranking List: bit.ly/3tCgB0p
Products Mentioned (non-affiliate)
Fiio FH3 - bit.ly/3fiMLXN
Fiio FH5
Fiio FH5S - bit.ly/3um7lw7
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==MY FAVORITE IEM==
UNDER $50 - bit.ly/3jDOyJn
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$300 to $500- bit.ly/3liiXze
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BEST OF THE BEST- bit.ly/2U8Elfe
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[@Gizaudio]

WE HAVE A NEW FACEBOOK GROUP!! Join us - Talk about audio gear and hang out with like-minded people! :) facebook.com/groups/gizaudio/

[@Chamiman]

Good review and thank you. I liked your spreadsheet ranking.

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you so much!! :D

[@HiFiGOAudio]

Pretty good review Timmy. I loved FD5 I should stick with them for some more time haha.

[@Gizaudio]

lol I've not tried those ones. Thanks for the comment!

[@palinoch]

very true review. I had such feelings about the Fiio FH7. I returned them

[@liviudumitrescu2447]

Very good review,thank you! I saved money on this.

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you for commenting! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Gizaudio]

Hey friends, thank you so much for watching! If you've tried this before please let me know your thoughts down below! And if you're new, please stay tune for review of Blon Mini coming next week :)

[@gregwomack8162]

And compared to the FiiO Fh7?

[@Gizaudio]

@@gregwomack8162 I haven't tried that one yet but from what I've read it's not similar to the FH7 as well. The FH5S seems to be completely detached sound signature wise to the rest of the line.

[@gregwomack8162]

Ok. Just curious, because I think that the FiiO Fh7 fitted with some final audio type E tips and the FiiO lc-2.5d balanced cable and the Q5s dac/amp with a clean source and Flac files is SUPERB!!

[@razetw]

Long awaited review. Thanks! Orpheus soon? ;) I really love the packaging, cable with swappable plugs, eartip assortment. But every one agrees, the highs are 100% the deal breaker, even from treble head reviewers with western audiophile fan viewers. I feel the only thing that could salvage the highs is very specific audio gear to lower or roll off the highs. Some time will pass before sugesseted PEQ settings come out but I've read eq'ing down the highs doesn't really do it for the set either. Thanks again for the great video.

[@Gizaudio]

It's an unfortunate set for sure. It looks very nice and built very well. I really wanted to like these since I would use them all the time because of how stylish it is. Can't win them all though. Thanks for the comment!!

[@chichaphile4943]

So gorgeous 💝, thank for review Timmy

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you! :)

[@gingersnapz5817]

I just got the FH5s and have been enjoying them especially for gaming seems the soundstage is awesome when playing a shooter or something with a bunch of explosions because they arent super bassy

[@davidesposo]

Thank you for a great review and for saving me from a purchase that would only lead to regret, just ordered the ikko oh10 as a step up from the fiio fh3.

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you! If bass is what you're looking for than IKKO OH10 is a great upgrade! Nice choice.

[@davidesposo]

@@Gizaudio Indeed, it was a worth it upgrade the problem now is that I'm now again on the hunt for the upgrade after the OH10. Hahahaha, what would you suggest as an upgrade over the OH10?

[@Gizaudio]

@@davidesposo LOL man of culture I see. Already thinking about upgrades. Let's see. The only ones I know are "end game" level IEMs. Kinera Nan Na 2 - $950 (pleasing bitterly smooth bass and subbass - this used to be my favorite set) Sony IER-Z1R - $1700 (this is subbass and treble heavy. Natural but deep rumbly subbass like no other IEMs I've tried. - This replaced the Nan Na 2 as my current favorite)

[@davidesposo]

@@Gizaudio Indeed those are end game level IEMs, the sony is my planned end game and in time they will be mine. But the end means that my audiophile journey would be finished and at the moment I'm trying to enjoy this journey and that will take time, and approval from my lord commander or others may call a wife. Hahhahaha

[@Gizaudio]

@@davidesposo LOL! Enjoy the journey! :D PS: it never ends lol

[@lykaig4804]

How would you suggest these for gaming by chance like playing battle royale‘s with footsteps the clarity and detail of that would you recommend them for gaming?

[@c.k1523]

Nice review!! I currently own the Fiio F9 Pro but finds the treble a bit too harsh and sibalance. How are these compare to them?

[@Gizaudio]

I haven't tried the F9, but if you are sensitive to treble, the FH5S are most likely not for you.

[@requeteque1970]

In what aspects the mangird tea is superior to the Fh5 ? I was this close to pull the trigger on fh5s but I'm glad you mentioned this iem . or should I go for the big leagues with thieaudio Oracle's $530 I believe

[@Gizaudio]

Mangird and FH5 have different sound signature so it's not a direct upgrade. FH5 is more v-shape while Mangird is more neutral Here's a quick breakdown of why Mangird over FH5 - More soundstage - Very pleasing midrange (vocals are great on these) - well controlled bass - better detail and separations Of course if you prefer v-shape I'd stay with FH5, but the better for money overall is the Mangird Tea in my opinion. As for the Oracle, I haven't tried that one but I own the Clairvoyance. A lot of people are saying the Oracle is very similar to Clairvoyance. If that's true than for $530 it's one of the best $530 can buy you, because Clairvoyance is S-tier worthy. If Oracle is anywhere close to that than $530 is an amazing price.

[@mcnaugha]

I have these in the Pro package and here’s my thoughts: 1) The mid switch CUTS the mids. It doesn’t boost them. So, combine with the Bass boost switch. Leave the Treble switch off. 2) Get some SonicFoam eartips. The largest size your ears will take. The included large foam tips were too small for my ears. Not only do the sonicfoam ones deliver great passive noise isolation, they enhance the bass the best. 3) burn-in. Yes it’s controversial and people like to debate it. Something in these needs to exercise for a bit to get into shape. This is when the treble settled down for me. It is totally not a concern anymore. 4) Don’t confuse resolution for bright treble. These make sure every element of a track has its day in the sun. Be weary of badly mixed and mastered tracks. These will show them up for what they are. Test with tracks by either highly skilled producers or artists who can afford the best. I think Goldfrapp tracks are good examples of consistency regardless of what you’re listening to them on. 5) Maybe the better cable does make a difference. I don’t know. I’ve only had the pro cable. I’ve heard the non-pro cable can introduce distortion when manipulated. Also, I only listen on the balanced port of a DAC (FiiO BTR5 2021) or DAP (HiBy R3 Pro Saber) I am an electronic music fan. So, I can only say perhaps these are better for related genres. Although again, Goldfrapp’s Seventh Tree or Tales of Us albums are more natural instruments and also sound great on the FH5s.

[@llysender]

Just curous do you still have FH5S? At lest on my set I found that turning the treble switch on actually cleared all my clipping and sib issues I had with it. Just some food for thought. That being said because of that either using the bass(for meatier less precise bass) or vocal(for tighter bass) is almost a requirement to tone down the treble compared to the stock balanced tips which boost them further. Maybe its just stock cable issue but I suspect that whatever electronics they are using for the BA is causing the soft clipping and turning it on causes it to just bypass the volume reduction. 001 is my current config and it works well for electronic music. That being said for accoustic music I like to boost the bass as well for those meaty string slides.

[@mcnaugha]

@@llysender No, I recently sold them after I picked up a pair of FH9’s for a really good price.

[@V1ralB1ack]

I have both the fd5 and fh5s and I can honestly say they are both great and the fd5 is better. They are different. The fd5 cable is nicer and they are equally comfortable. The fd5 has a higher resolution, the imaging is perfect, the soundstage is massive and emersive. They're like headphones. Very coherent. Both the fd5 and fh5s could use an amp. I use my schiit lyr 3 as the tube tames the brightness. The fh5s is extremely comfortable and they rock. The tuning is natural and comfy and the sound is amazing. Completely worth it. I bought them because I knew they're comfortable but they are also amazing for music. Both have great bass to. I highly recommend both.

[@Gizaudio]

Thank you for sharing your detailed thoughts! :D

[@gavingranado2146]

Hey Timmy! I dunno how long I've been waiting for an upload I've been vulturing on the channel for days and here we goooo.Oh and would it be possible to have a review on the SeeAudio Kaguya?I really think it's underrated as there are no reviews for it anywhere ;(

[@Gizaudio]

Hey Gavin, thanks for waiting on me! As for the Kaguya, I'd love to review it, but it would have to wait until I can get my hand on maybe a sample unit. I don't know if I can comfortably spend $1400 on it for review. I might look to barrow from someone if they have one I can barrow for a video.

[@gavingranado2146]

@@Gizaudio true dude, buying a unit to see if you like it rather than having a test unit sent is like a risky gamble😂

[@Gizaudio]

@@gavingranado2146 If it was $100-$200 I can kind of justify it and maybe take the risk. But $1400 is tough lol

[@iMetmor]

Here are the EQ settings I found to fix the tuning issues of FH5s (I use Equalizer APO, bass switch on) 40 4; 100 0; 200 0; 500 2; 600 1.8; 800 1.2; 1000 0; 1200 -2.5; 500 -4; 1800 -4.5; 2200 0; 4000 0; 4500 -4; 7000 -4; 8000 -7; 10000 0

[@versaleyang]

FH5s isn't an upgrade to anything existing FiiO products, its tonality is unique. It's a shame they called it the FH5s giving consumers the impression that it's a beefed up FH5, but it's the complete opposite. That being said, I love the FH5s probably because I did not like the FH5.

[@Gizaudio]

Yes, it's either a love it/ hate it signature. I'm happy some people were able to enjoy these set. It's a gorgeous looking set. I'd love to use these on looks alone. Thanks for the comment!

[@versaleyang]

@@Gizaudio The treble is a bit hot for me as well, but luckily my library isn't too treble sensitive. I hope their next evolution from the FH5s would retain the soundstage with tamed treble so that the mids can shine more and less fatiguing to listen to. That would be an ideal set for a lot of people. That soundstage though... so good.

[@Gizaudio]

@@versaleyang I agree completely! If the tamed the treble and keep soundstage it would be a huge contender at sub-$300 price.

[@Assimilator702]

Also we have to consider what Fiio accomplished with the Jade Audio EA3 and EA1. I mean $50 and $30 and they both punch WAY above their price point. Those 2 sets along with the Fiio FH3 which I also love have me content for a long time until something exceptional is released.

[@Gizaudio]

@@Assimilator702 I'll have to try Jade EA3 and EA1. You peaked my interest since $20-$30 is a tough price to compete in. Blon 03's home lol

[@csch92]

the fh5s is my first high end iem and love them. they sound gret to me together with the fiio k7

[@mienngo5192]

Man,you same like me 😂

[@younusyounus3873]

Hello nice job 👏. I have fiio fh1s I like trable and I have fh3 I like mid and bass I miss between them. I wand buy another new one. Which one is the best fh5 or fh5s please

[@Gizaudio]

Hi! If you like FH3 than FH5 is a very good upgrade. FH5S is has a lot of treble, too much me. The bass on FH5 is also better than FH5S.

[@younusyounus3873]

@@Gizaudio1. someone told me fh5 is smooth sound but fh5s clean and harsh sound. Is that truth? 2. If I buy fh5s can I switch off for trable to get no more trable. Thanks

[@Gizaudio]

@@younusyounus3873 If you watch the video I explained the switches in there better.

[@ngrinshift4383]

I been a long time Fiio fan ever since the A3 amp back in the day. I got a pair of original EX1 IEMs that are all beat up too. They sound(ed) fantastic, perfect for videos/podcasts. Fastforward- i love the FH3 LOVE LOVE... hits all the boxes for my ears... Even better (subjectively of course) than the Dunu EST112. They (FH3) have always punched above their class. Personally im looking for an endgame that tops the FH3 in the same areas. Hey #Fiio how about a FH3s with a larger beryllium dynamic driver (maybe pure or dual coated) and quad EST drivers for mids and treble??? 🤠 Or dual dynamic like the latest FH5s with a EST for treble. I dunno something like that. . . . * I impulse typed and didnt wait. Is the Mangird really in the same direction as the FH3? How about something with MMCX (which i prefer) ...and i hope you give your take on the Blon Prometheus. I need to know what those sound like.

[@Gizaudio]

Mangird Tea is different signature than FH3 / FH5 but it is an overall better IEM technical wise. More soundstage, better detail, clarity, and separation. The signature is more neutral than the Fiios with upper mids more forward. It also has more pronounced lower treble to help with giving vocals (and midrange instruments) a fuller range. I own all three and I enjoy the Mangird Tea the most, but I will say if you love v-shape and only want to stick to v-shape, I recommend the FH5 as an upgrade.

[@TomBabula]

I have seen FH5 OG selling for just $200. Some other video also suggested Hifi Tin P1 (with appropriate DAC boost) sound better than FH5s.

[@ImagineScent]

I bought my FH5 for $200 as well. For that price it is a super good deal. TIN P1 with enough power sounds better yes. Although TIN P1 has a big problem in details and soundstage, as long as the listening is okay with those issues P1 sounds more pleasing.

[@Gizaudio]

Imagine Scent account above is actually me. I replied with the wrong account. But yes, if you can get FH5 for $200 it is a mega good deal.

[@TomBabula]

@@Gizaudio Fantastic! I ordered them and can't wait to try them on. Thanks!

[@Gizaudio]

@@TomBabula Please let me know your thoughts once you do!

[@TomBabula]

@@Gizaudio Just got them today. I am surprised how sensitive they are connected directly to my phone using Apple lightening-3.5mm DAC adapter. Just 1 notch click from volume button is loud enough for me. I liked bi-flange tips for comfort but prefer bass the most for sound preference. The bass is interesting. Coming from Airpods, not as impactful with slam, but more detailed and textured, midrange much better and highs little more forward than used to. For example in Odesza Loyal - the percussions little overpower bass. As for design they look really premium. Overall they sound pleasant. Thinking of pairing them with a dac and maybe a balanced cable for more refined control over volume range and sound signature.

[@shakilmohammad9731]

Dude. Have you reviewed fh5 too?

[@Gizaudio]

I have not, but I have plans to make a comparison video soon!

[@neko911]

it is good for games ?!?!? or go with fh3??

[@rhyvehr]

I'm watching reviews on these cause can get a set cheap. Nobody's mentioned the switches. Seen some comments where people have mentioned that everyones ignoring the tuning switches. This really seems like Fiio didnt pay youtubers not enough, not that the iems awful really

[@tomascesnauskas3689]

Fiio fh5s better or fiio fh5 better?

[@Gizaudio]

FH5 is better for me. Thanks for commenting!

[@ericburgos]

I wish I could have gotten these to work for me. Even after 200 LOUD hours of burn-in, the treble was WAY too much for me... but man do I ever miss that bass :(

[@redclaw72666]

Burn in is bs lol 200 hours wasted for what Lmaooooo 🤡🤡🤡

[@j_moonchild]

I think you should maybe think about resetting your hearing sometimes. I mean completely. For example using some studio monitors only for a month or so. Somewhat which our music are made. For example Sony MDR-7506 or AKG 240 II. After you can hear those have little bit too much bass, your hearing is somewhat passable to compare or review audio equipment. I don't mean to be rude. It is long, long way to review audio equipment. I think those fiios are not very good, but has is not what they lack. It's way too overpowered, so they tried to compensate it buy trimming the upper mids. Why not using bass boost from your equipment and let manufacturers try to produce preference-class products. Now, reviewers are ruining it. If you would hear the best product in the world you surely would say it bass shy, lifeless and dull. But thats how weird your hearing has become. Now, it's time to reset it. Do not listen even your car stereos, or put bass down to zero. And give your hearing at least a week to heal. You will love it.

[@Angel-AbC9]

Many top reviewers do not like these it's a past for me.

[@Gizaudio]

Yup, big no for me too.

[@saurabbbhardwaj1930]

Scores on looks and accessories. Fails on sound. Sad.... would have been a keeper