As we all know, premium audio equipment often comes with a hefty price tag, the FiiO JH5 stands out as a testament to FiiO’s dedication to democratizing audiophile grade sound on a budget (79.99$).
Disclaimer:
I want to thank FiiO for providing the JH5 for review purposes. It should be noted that receiving the product directly from FiiO does not affect or alter the opinions expressed in this review.
The views and assessments presented herein are solely based on my personal experiences and observations with the product. Even though I expressed an honest evaluation here, individual perceptions and preferences may differ.
Introduction:
It can be difficult to strike the ideal mix between performance, comfort, and cost in the ever expanding world of audio equipment. Introducing the FiiO JH5, a collaboration between FiiO and Jade Audio, which offers an appealing combination of powerful sound, comfortable design, and affordable price.
With a price tag of $79.99, the JH5 is trying to separate itself from the many other IEMs on the market by including a hybrid driver configuration and a number of features that are generally associated with higher end models.
Is the JH5 lives up to the hype and is a competitive option for reasonably price?
We’ll get further into the complexities of the FiiO JH5, examining its comfort, design subtleties, sound characteristics, and overall value proposition in this review.
Unboxing Experience:
Naturally, the packaging was the first thing I noticed when I got my hands on the FiiO JH5. With its holographic writing, it was really stylish and exuded a sense of quality.
The JH5 was nestled into foam inserts inside the box. The sleek black casing of these IEMs features a glossy faceplate. It’s quite fascinating that you can see the drivers inside through the semi transparent casing.
A dark box beneath the IEMs. Upon opening it, I saw a sturdy container that resembled those LEGO pieces, only larger and more robust. Once you have more of these, you may create a lovely storage stack.
Let’s talk about accessories now. They added what I believe to be DUNU Candy ear tips, and while they are of high quality, they did not fit me properly. They don’t hold well on this nozzle since it is too big for them, thus when I take the IEMs off, they just fall off. For added variation, they included standard black silicone ear tips in addition to the candy tips.
Now, onto the cable. Although it looked unexpectedly decent, I didn’t enjoy how stiff and springy it was. It is made of high purity silver plated copper wires , Litz braiding and 0.78mm pin connectors. There is a right angle 3.5mm jack on the opposite side. The cable claimed better conductivity and was clearly well made.
Unboxing the JH5 was a lovely experience all around. The one drawback is that there is only a storage box inside instead of a carrying bag/case, but other than that, the packaging was nice and the accessories were spot on. Overall, it felt very good.
Technical aspects of the JH5:
Basic information:
- Drivers:
- 10mm carbon-based dynamic driver *1
- Custom medium and high-frequency balanced armature *2
- Custom ultra-high-frequency balanced armature *2
- Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz
- Impedance: 13Ω@1kHz
- Sensitivity: 111dB/mW@1kHz
- Cable material: 4 strands totaling 392 wires of silver-plated copper
- Cable length: About 1.2m
- Weight: About 7.6g (excluding cable)
- Headphone connector: 0.78 2pin detachable cable
- Audio plug: High-quality gold-plated copper 3.5mm
Driver Configuration:
The FiiO JH5 features a hybrid driver setup, combining 1 dynamic driver with 4 balanced armatures. This configuration is designed to deliver a wide range of frequencies with clarity and precision.
Dynamic Driver:
The dynamic driver used in the JH5 is carbon based, which FiiO claims enhances transient control while reducing distortion and noise. This results in cleaner and higher quality bass reproduction.
Balanced Armatures:
The four balanced armatures in the JH5 are custom made, with each armature serving a specific frequency range. Two of these armatures are dedicated to reproducing the mid frequencies, while the other two handle the treble frequencies, specifically focusing on the airier treble region.
Three-Way Crossover Design:
To ensure optimal performance and separation of frequencies, the JH5 incorporates a three way crossover design. This design helps to divide the audio signal into bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, allowing each driver to focus on its designated frequency range.
Independent Driver Chambers:
Each driver section in the JH5 is housed in its own independent driver chamber. This design feature helps to enhance the separation of bass, midrange, and treble frequencies, minimizing interference and distortion for a cleaner sound output.
Ventilation:
The JH5 features a vent designed to prevent pressure build up. This ventilation system helps to keep comfort and allow you to enjoy the music for longer periods without discomfort or causing driver flex because of the built up pressure.
Overall, the FiiO JH5’s technical specs demonstrate a careful and creative approach to driver design and configuration, with the goal of providing a well rounded and engaging listening experience for a variety of musical genres.
How does it sound?
Bass:
The FiiO JH5 is perfect for anyone who loves deep and warm bass. The bass hits really hard, its full, and gives a strong rumble, especially in genres like rock, hip hop, and electronic music. You really feel the low end impact, whether its a bass guitar or a kick drum.
The bass is fast and precise, even in fast paced tracks, but sometimes it can slightly bleed into the lower mids, which might make male vocals or instruments a bit less clear…
But overall, I liked the bass performance here, It is full of warmth and power, making it ideal if you enjoy a big, strong low end.
Mids:
The midrange of the JH5 is a bit of a mix. The lower mids are warm and rich, which adds to the overall sound, but sometimes the bass can overpower it. This might make vocals or instruments like guitars sound less clear. In the upper mids, female vocals come through nicely, especially with high notes, and they sound natural and smooth.
However, sometimes the upper mids can get a bit sharp or metallic, particularly with certain instruments. Male vocals might not stand out as much because of the powerful bass and lower mids.
Overall, the mids have warmth and richness but can struggle with clarity in some spots, especially with male voices…
Treble:
The treble on the JH5 is smooth and well extended, though it may not be as detailed as some higher end IEMs. It has a good balance, it is not too bright or too dull, which makes it easy to listen to for long periods without fatigue.
You will still get nice clarity and airiness in the higher frequencies, but dont expect the same level of detail as more expensive models…
What’s nice is that the treble blends well with the mids, making the overall sound cohesive and enjoyable.
Soundstage & Imaging:
The soundstage on the JH5 gives a decent sense of space, though it’s not massive or super detailed. It’s enough to feel immersive, and the imaging is good enough to let you pick out instruments and vocals in the mix without too much trouble. It’s not pinpoint accurate but does the job well for casual listening.
Overall, i would say that the FiiO JH5 is designed for people who like a fun and engaging sound. It’s got impactful bass, warm mids, and smooth, non fatiguing treble. While it may not excel in every area, it’s a great option for casual listening.
Comparing it to the EA500:
Bass:
FiiO JH5: These bad boys are all about that bass. You feel it deep down, with a warm, thumping energy that’s perfect for getting your ears shaking. But sometimes, that bass can get a bit carried away, creeping into the midrange and muddying things up, especially with male vocals.
Simgot EA500: The EA500 takes a more cold approach. The bass is tight and controlled but lacking in rumble, giving you just enough punch to be presented without overshadowing everything else. It’s solid and reliable, and it’s always in sync with the rest of the spectrum.
Mids:
FiiO JH5: In the midrange, the JH5 serves up warmth and thickness, especially in the lower mids. Female vocals shine here, but male vocals can sometimes get lost in the mix.
Simgot EA500: With the EA500, the midrange is clear and detailed, like a crystal clear stream running through the mountains. Both male and female vocals are well defined, though male vocals can sometimes not go as deep as I would like to. The EA500 has a natural timbre that feels like you’re sitting front row at a live performance.
Treble:
FiiO JH5: The treble in the JH5 is a bit laid back, not too harsh, not too soft. The treble offers enough detail and sparkle to keep things interesting without fatigue. You can listen for hours without feeling fatigued, which is always a win for me.
Simgot EA500: If the JH5s treble is laid back a bit, then the EA500 is like fireworks. The treble is crisp and clear, with every shimmering detail on full display. It’s like adding a dash of magic to your music, bringing it to life in ways you never thought possible, but still lacking a bit in the extansion while the JH5 handles it better way up there.
Conclusion:
When it comes to sound, both the FiiO JH5 and the Simgot EA500 have their strengths and weaknesses. If you’re all about that bass and want something that’ll get your head nodding, the JH5 might be the way to go. But if you crave clarity, detailed sound, the EA500 won’t disappoint.
Synergy:
Fosi SK02:
The Fosi SK02, with its bright sound signature, brings an added layer of clarity and sparkle to the FiiO JH5. When paired together, the SK02 helps to balance out the warmth of the JH5’s bass heavy sound, providing a more neutral and accurate sound.
With the SK02’s emphasis on the upper frequencies, you can expect enhanced detail retrieval and a more airy presentation, particularly in the treble region.
However, it’s worth noting that the SK02 is not as portable as you may want, given its larger size and potentially less convenient form factor. While it excels at delivering a bright and detailed sound, its bulkier design may not be ideal for on the go use or for those who prioritize portability.
Fosi DS2 (2024 version):
On the other hand, the Fosi DS2 also leans towards the brighter side but offers a more balanced sound compared to the SK02. When coupled with the JH5, the DS2 retains the clarity and detail of the SK02 while providing a smoother and more refined sound profile.
The DS2’s portability makes it a more practical option for everyday use, allowing you to enjoy the sound quality of the JH5 on the move. Despite its compact size, the DS2 doesn’t compromise on performance, delivering a lively and engaging sound that complements the JH5’s energetic bass response.
Overall, both the Fosi SK02 and DS2 offer excellent synergy with the FiiO JH5, enhancing its sound signature and making it more balanced and versatile. Whether you prioritize brightness or portability, there’s a brighter Fosi DAC/AMP to suit your preferences and enhance your experience with the JH5.
Conclusions:
For anyone looking for great sound without spending too much, the FiiO JH5 is a really fun option. It’s perfect for both bass lovers and casual listeners, thanks to its deep, powerful bass and warm mids. While the treble might not be as sharp as pricier options, it still reaches into the higher frequencies and gives a well-balanced sound overall.
On top of that, the JH5 is super comfortable, with an ergonomic design that lets me listen for hours without any discomfort (but this is subjective…). If you pair it with an amp like the Fosi SK02 or DS2, it shows itself even better, with more balanced sound that works for different types of music.
All in all, the FiiO JH5 is awesome. It’s comfy, sounds great, and doesn’t cost a fortune. Whether you are a serious audiophile or just starting out, the JH5 is definitely worth checking out for its sound and value.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Very good bass performance.
- Easy to drive.
- Good build quality.
- Great accessories for the price.
- Non offensive treble.
- “Fun sounding”.
Cons:
- Cable is very stiff.
- Mid bass muddiness.
- Upper mids peaks.
- Carrying case is not a carrying case.
- Just 3.5mm and no 4.4mm.
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