FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones: A Flagship Audiophile's Dream

As one of the biggest names in specialty audio, FiiO is renowned for making affordable high-fidelity products that punch well above their price class. The company has built a reputation for value and performance, as evidenced by their popular line of Digital Audio Players (DAPs). The FH5 in-ear monitors represent FiiO’s attempt to conquer the sub-$500 earphone market with a flagship-level product. But can these hybrid quad driver IEMs live up to the hype? Let’s find out.

Overview

Sporting a hybrid quad driver setup - 1 dynamic driver and 3 Knowles balanced armatures - the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones brings together the best of both worlds. The dynamic driver handles the low end while the armature drivers recreate the mids and treble. This advanced driver configuration in a thoughtfully crafted metal shell makes for an enticing recipe on paper.

Key Features

• Hybrid quad driver configuration (1 dynamic driver + 3 Knowles balanced armatures)
• CNC machined aluminum alloy housing
• Removable MMCX cables
• 13 pairs of silicone and foam eartips
• In-line controls with microphone and remote
• Vivid, balanced sound signature

Design

Drawing inspiration from aviation and industrial aesthetics, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones sports a shapely CNC-machined metal housing. FiiO ingeniously opted for durable aluminum alloy as the canvas for their acoustic artistry. The sleek angular contours and aviation-grade build speak to FiiO’s meticulous engineering.

Killer Sound

Belying its compact size, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones delivers behemoth sound. The 10mm dynamic driver pumps out satisfyingly deep yet nimble bass reminiscent of a miniature subwoofer. Meanwhile the Knowles balanced armatures enthrall with their silky smooth mids and crystalline highs. Each note sings with realism as if performed live. Even at low volumes, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones unveils details typically reserved for over-ear headphones.

Effortless Usability

Despite its hi-fi credentials, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones keeps operation elegantly fuss-free. The standard MMCX connectors enable swapping cables in seconds to go balanced or wireless. An in-line microphone grants phone call control. The over-ear fit secures the earpieces comfortably while passive noise isolation immerses you in music. Everything was designed for plug and play simplicity.

Sound Breakdown

With its quad driver array in a 3D printed chamber, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones leverages technologies typically found in models costing exponentially more:

• Custom 10mm dynamic driver punches a commanding bass punch
• Dual Knowles ED30262 handles mids/vocals with emotion and intimacy
• Knowles 30182 reproduces airy treble detail

Balanced tuning grants genres from jazz to EDM equal opportunity to shine.

Mic Performance

Thanks to the built-in microphone and remote, phone calls sound crystal clear even in noisy environments. Two microphones allow directional noise cancellation so voices remain prominent over background chatter.

Noise Isolation

The over-ear fit passively seals out up to 26dB of ambient noise. This allows the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones’s euphonic soundstage to take center stage free of external distractions. Music becomes more immersive.

Controls

Inline buttons effortlessly control music playback, calls, and voice assistants. The rubber coated wire resists tangles.

Quality

The avionics-grade aluminum alloy shell promises durability and resistance to scrapes. Internally, OFC cables and MMCX connectors withstand repeated flexing and swiveling. This rugged construction ensures years of unrestrained listening enjoyment.

Comfort

Weighing just 6 grams per side, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones practically disappears during use. Ergonomically contoured shells avoid hotspots or pressure points in the ear. Comply foam tips provide cloud-like comfort for prolonged listening sessions.

Water Resistance

The FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones does not advertise water resistance. Exposure to moisture could potentially damage the earphones, so caution should be taken to keep them away from water.

Use Cases

The FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones is ideal for:

• Music aficionados who want a portable audiophile listening experience
• Commuters and travelers who value high-fidelity audio on the go
• Gamers and media viewers who want immersive audio for games, videos and movies
• Anyone who appreciates quality craftsmanship and customizable sound

User Feedback Analysis

The FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones has garnered glowing praise and positive experiences from enthusiastic audiophiles. Many satisfied owners describe them as “giant killers” that can compete with models costing two to three times as much.

The expansive soundstage and lively musicality made an immediate impression on early adopters. Instruments are conveyed with intimacy and emotional resonance. Several reviewers commented that the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones made them rediscover nuances in familiar songs and albums.

Removability of the cables proved a popular convenience feature among mobile listeners. Being able to easily detach cables prevents tangling when stowing earphones in tight pockets or bags. Those who frequently switch between portable and home listening appreciated having the flexibility.

A common critique concerned the default silicone eartips which some found uncomfortable. However, switching to third-party foam eartips like Comply resolved any fit issues for nearly all users. The foam provided a more secure seal and cloud-like comfort.

Build quality received universal praise for its durability. The CNC-machined aluminum housing shrugs off scuffs or scratches. Internally, quality MMCX connectors and OFC cables withstand endless bending without failure. Owners are confident of the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones’s longevity even under heavy use.

When asked if they would recommend the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones to others, virtually every reviewer gave an emphatic yes. They expressed astonishment at the value provided by FiiO. To find such stellar construction and audio performance at this reasonable price makes the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones a no-brainer purchase.

Pros

• Superb sound quality and musicality
• Premium metal construction
• Removable cables for convenience
• Loads of eartip options for personalized fit
• Excellent value for money

Cons

• Fit and comfort may vary for some users
• Nozzle design affects eartip compatibility
• Non-replaceable cables

Value

At under $200, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones offers tremendous value by delivering flagship-level sound and premium metal construction. The expansive eartip selection provides customization not found in most earphones at this price. Overall, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones punches far above its weight class making it a hi-fi bargain.

Conclusion - Giant Killer

With excellent craftsmanship and musicality, the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones stands atop the sub-$500 earphone market as a benchmark. It demonstrates FiiO’s mastery of balancing price and performance. Audiophiles searching for hi-fi sound without breaking the bank need look no further than the FiiO FH5 Over The Ear Earphones. FiiO has succeeded in creating a certified giant killer.

Specifications

• Drivers: 1 dynamic driver + 3 Knowles balanced armatures
• Frequency Response: Unknown
• Impedance: Unknown
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Distortion: Unknown
• Rated power: Unknown
• Cable length: Unknown
• Plug: 3.5mm stereo

Box Contains

• FH5 earphones
• 3.5mm silver-plated copper cable
• 13 pairs of silicone eartips
• 3 pairs of foam eartips
• Carrying case
• User manual
• Warranty card

How To Use

1. Select the eartips that fit your ears properly and provide the best seal. Comply foam tips generally work well.

2. Insert the earpieces into your ear canals and position until comfortably seated. Wear cables down or over ears.

3. Connect the 3.5mm plug to your audio device. Adjust volume to a safe level.

4. Press inline remote buttons to control playback, calls, volume, etc.

5. Clean eartips regularly for hygiene and optimal sound.

6. Take care not to expose the earphones to moisture or drops to maximize longevity.