Fiio JH5

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This set was provided by Fiio in exchange for my honest and impartial review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Gear used:
● LG v30+
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Samsung dongle
● Hiby FC4
● Kiwi Ears Allegro
● iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.

Introduction:
The Fiio brand needs little introduction. They were founded way back in 2007 and are known to most audiophiles worldwide. Based out of China, they produce many portable and desktop products ranging from DAC/amps all the way to iems, earbuds, and over-ear headphones. The JH5 is one of Fiio's more recent additions, debuting earlier this year. It's sports a hybrid configuration consisting of a single 10mm dynamic driver and 4 custom balanced armature drivers, 2 for mids and 2 for highs. It's currently priced at $79.99 on Fiio's own site and is also available through Amazon. Let's see how this model stacks up in today's increasingly crowded market.


Build, fit, ergonomics:
The JH5 comes in a nice shiny silver box that looks more expensive than it is. The iems are nestled inside foam cutouts and the accessories are in a small box underneath. The JH5 are available in 2 color options: opaque shells with a black faceplate or clear shells with a silver faceplate. The shell are a semi-custom shaped resin and the faceplate is a contoured metal with "Fiio" imprinted on each. The shells are lightweight and the nozzle length and width are about average. There is a large vent located on the back of each shell so there's no fear of pressure build up. For me, this is one of the most comfortable iems I've had to date, even for extended listening periods. The stock cable is well braided but does feel a bit cheap, stiff, and unruly. It doesnt match the quality feel of the iems themselves and unfortunately it's only available in 3.5mm. I prefer to use 4.4mm so for my impressions I subbed it out for the Penon PAC480 cable. Inside the box are 6 pairs of silicone tips, 3 black and 3 clear. The black tips are a bit longer than the clear so those needing a deeper insertion will probably opt for the former. The stock tips are serviceable but I opted to use my Penon Liqueur tips as I prefer the slightly sticky texture to get a better seal. The plastic case that accompanies the JH5 is Fiio's HB11 stackable storage solution. I was a bit confused by its inclusion as it's basically useless for travelling. It functions more like a drawer than a case and it has a lego-like structure for stacking multiple units together. It would make a nice desktop or shelf storage display, but I'd personally rather have a traditional zipper case included in the box.


Sound impressions:
I would characterize the JH5 as having a somewhat U-shaped profile. The tuning is slightly warm with a healthy mid bass boost, although it's not basshead set. The soundstage has good width and depth with vocals positioned slightly forward. Both the bass and treble are fairly well extended which also lends to the expansion of the soundstage. They lean more musical over resolving, but don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of detail to be heard. Though keep in mind, it's not on par with class leaders like the Simgot EA500LM. There is good note separation but the frequencies still remain cohesive. Its not a super dynamic set nor does it have what I'd call a "fun" or "exciting" tuning. However, the frequencies are beautifully tuned and well balanced creating an elegant, mature sound profile. I could listen to the JH5 for hours without any fatigue. The note weight is not heavy but it does have plenty of heft and warmth. They are easy enough to drive and can reach high volumes without amplification but a little extra power helps bring out their full potential.


●Lows - The sub bass is well extended and has good rumble. The mid bass has ample slam and is slightly more prominent than the sub bass, adding a touch of warmth. The lower frequencies are punchy and well textured. The attack is fast with a slightly lingering decay. There is decent reverberation and presence in the bass but it remains free from sounding bloated or blooming. The bass and mids are well separated and mostly stay in their own lane. Even with the elevated midbass there is little to no bleed to my ear.

●Mids - The mids are prominent without detracting from either the bass or treble. Vocals are slightly pushed forward but the tuning still remains mostly balanced. Vocals present a natural, organic timbre and an alluring charm. Both male and female artists exhibit a lifelike quality with no hint of shout, nasally tone, or harshness. Instruments such as piano, strings, brass, and guitar also possess very natural timbre. The JH5's midrange is definitely a highlight of the tuning, as it exhibits a musical and well-balanced profile. It's not a vocal specialist like the Aful MagicOne but there's still plenty here to love.

●Highs - Treble is well extended for the price. It's not the best but it also doesn't feel claustrophobic or lacking air and sparkle. Again, there is a good balance here with the other frequencies. The biggest praise that I can laud on the treble presentation is that they are airy and open without any hint of sibilance. Even at high volumes with tracks that typically trouble me, the treble remains bright and crisp with no issues. Cymbals, hi-hats, snares, and claps all have a distinctive edge but still sound correct and inoffensive. For me, this is treble done very well. To be fair, I do consider myself to be more sensitive than most. To my ears the JH5 presents fantastic, airy highs with no sibilance anywhere. The tuning does lean just slightly brighter than my usual preference, and the treble extension could be better, but those are my only minor nitpicks.


Softear Volume and Fiio JH5 size and shape comparison.

In conclusion:
Fiio has a sleeper hit on their hands! This one is flying under the radar and not being talked about enough. The JH5 is resolving while still being musical. It boasts a wide and deep soundstage and excellent separation and note weight. The bass is impactful, the vocals are forward and organic, and the treble is detailed and airy without sibilance. For me, the tuning is fantastic and pretty much lands right within my personal preferences. The ergonomic shape and build quality of the shells is also top notch. If the stock cable wasn't so stiff and the case was more tranditional, I'd have to declare the JH5 to be the complete package. As it stands, those minor flaws are holding me back from awarding it a full 5 stars. However, if you're able to overlook the shortcomings of the accessories, you'd be hard pressed to find a better value in this price bracket. If you have a nice cable to roll and an alternative storage solution, the JH5 could just become your daily driver. It's mature tuning and comfortable, easy fit should satisfy most consumers. The JH5 also bear a striking resemblance to my current favorite iem, the Softears Volume. The shape and size of the shells, the overall build quality, and the tuning are pretty similar. The Volume is priced at $285 and features 2 less BA drivers, but it's also important to note that it released 2 years earlier. The fact that the JH5 can compete with a set over 3 times more in cost is quite telling of the increase in iem quality over the last couple of years. The market is now moving at breakneck speed and shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. It's a great time to jump into the audiophile world as high quality sound is now more accessible than ever. In conclusion if this review hasn't made it clear, I'm a big fan of the JH5. They get a very enthusiastic recommendation from me and at $79.99, it's an absolute no-brainer. They're definitely one of the best iems I've heard under $250. Congratulations to Fiio for a job well done!

The FiiO JH5 is a noteworthy product in the competitive in-ear monitor (IEM) market, combining a visually appealing design with sound capabilities that cater to the needs of modern music enthusiasts. It presents itself in two distinct color schemes, each designed to appeal to different aesthetic preferences

The first variant is a sophisticated all-black model that offers a sleek and understated look, likely appealing to those who prefer classic and elegant designs. The second variant features a silver faceplate paired with a transparent shell, allowing a view of the internal components, which could attract users interested in the technical elements of their audio devices

Design and aesthetics are significant highlights for the JH5, with its clean lines and contemporary look. The transparent version not only adds to the visual appeal but also serves as a conversation piece by showcasing the intricate workings inside the IEMs

This design strategy aligns well with current trends where consumers appreciate both form and function in their gadgets. However, while the design is certainly modern and might draw attention, it's built in a way that remains somewhat conservative, avoiding overly bold statements that might polarize potential users

On the sound quality front, the JH5 offers a balanced auditory experience with its V-shaped sound signature that emphasizes the lower and higher frequencies, making it suitable for listening to a variety of contemporary music genres that benefit from dynamic bass and crisp treble

Despite this, the JH5 employs non-Knowles balanced armatures, which differentiates its sound profile from that of higher-end models equipped with Knowles drivers. This results in high frequencies that are clear but may lack the extra sparkle and openness experienced in more premium models

The mid-tones are accurate but do not carry the richness or expansive soundstage that might be expected by more discerning audiophiles

The decision to use non-Knowles drivers is likely a strategic one, aimed at keeping the production costs down and making the JH5 more affordable. This choice reflects a broader trend in the audio equipment industry, where manufacturers need to balance cost with performance to remain competitive

By forgoing the more expensive Knowles drivers, FiiO manages to offer a product that meets the basic requirements of sound fidelity while maintaining a lower price point

This makes the JH5 an accessible option for a wider audience, including casual listeners and those who are just beginning to explore higher-quality audio solutions

From a manufacturing and market position perspective, FiiO’s approach with the JH5 appears to be focused on reaching an entry-level audiophile market

This demographic includes consumers who are looking to upgrade from basic or mid-level earbuds but are not yet ready to invest heavily in high-end audio equipment. The JH5 thus stands as a practical choice for those interested in better sound quality without the substantial financial outlay typically associated with top-tier models

Only one subject critical comment about IEMs is a case for headphones, it is my opinion that this case is worst thing that FiiO has done in terms of production of the cases, even the case for IEMs in F9 and F9 Pro (FiiOs first hybrid IEMs) were much better than case for JH5. You can only store ear pads or IEMs at home, but you can’t use case them for transportation

In summary, the FiiO JH5 is designed to appeal to a broad audience with its stylish appearance and competent audio performance. While it may not satisfy the most critical audiophiles, it offers enough in terms of design and sound quality to make it a viable option for everyday listeners and those new to the audiophile community

Its affordability and solid build quality make it a reasonable investment for those seeking to enhance their listening experience

Overall, the JH5 represents a balance between aesthetics, performance, and cost, making it a recommendable choice for casual listeners looking to explore better audio options without committing to high-end prices

Whether used for personal enjoyment, as a thoughtful gift, or as a reliable companion during travel, the FiiO JH5 serves as a competent entry into the world of enhanced audio experiences

FIIO JH5
1DD + 4BA
$80


Before I even begin this review, let me say my thanks to FIIO for sending the JH5 in for review.
Rest assured, my review will always be 100% my own personal opinion.

Unboxing
Build Quality


The shell is made from resin and the faceplate is metal, it is one of the better build IEM out there for $80 for sure.
As for the cable, it is also very good, though sadly there is no option for 4.4mm or modular cable.

Comfort
Is very good, I don't have any hot-spots while wearing the JH5 for long listening session.

Sound

Tested Using Motu M2, FIIO KB3
Music mostly from Apple Music (J-POP, J-Rock, Anisong, EDM, Rap, Metal, Jazz)
Sound in General : Bass Boosted Neutral

Bass : It has a generous boost, ranging from sub bass – mid bass.
Bass presentation is deep, impactful and dense, like a thick bass, but the quantity is not on a bass head level.

The bass speed is average, It can be use for double pedal music but to be honest for that kind of music the JH5 wont be my top choice since the bass is not the very snappy type.

Midrange : Thick, relaxed.
The midrange got some coloration from the bass boost, it makes the overall midrange sounds a bit thicker than normal, which to be honest I kinda like it.

The coloration makes the midrange sounds thick, syrupy, and lush.
As for the upper midrange, it has a bit late pinna gain, the gain started rising from the 2k region rather than normal style, it makes the sound even more focused on the lower midrange.

As for vocal, it does presented in a more thicker way than normal, not shouty and no sibilance can be heard on the JH5.
As for instruments, It sounds lush and thick rather than forward with intense clarity.

Treble : It sounds smooth but detailed, not the most extended treble I've heard.
The treble has a decent timbre, not very BA thin and surgical ones, but its more on the organic side, which is a very good thing considering the price.

Though one thing I would mention, the layering of the treble is just average for its price, its definitely not basic treble layering like lower priced IEM sounds, but its not full complete treble layering either, so keep your expectation in check.

Technicalities
is “Good” for its price

Stage : is medium sized, not large, not small, it has symmetrical shape (width – depth).
Stage layering is very good for its price, you definitely can hear that the JH5 has multiple layer on the staging, so it sounds more 3D and realistic to listen to.

Imaging : Above average
To be honest as for imaging, I always said it depends on your source, but with the Motu M2 and KB3 I've tested the JH5 with, it sounds, “almost holographic” definitely not 2D sounding.

Detail Retrieval : Above average
It has decent amount of micro details, one thing I must point out is that the decay presentation is just normal, not long, not that short either, myself personally prefer a bit more longer decay presentation so it will sounds more layered.

Positioning and Separation : Good
I have no problem locating a sound source with the JH5, both in music and game (Valorant)

Comparation

Truthear Hexa
1DD + 3BA
$80

Same price, different build and tuning.
Build wise, I much prefer the JH5, since the JH5 uses a more normal resin without any weird rubbery coating.
Looks wise, I prefer the Looks of Hexa, the rather pointy shape of it is more attractive at least for my personal taste.

Accessories is better on the JH5, especially the cable.

As for sound, the Hexa has more polite bass compared to the JH5, it has less mid bass and less lower midrange coloration with normal pinna gain.

The JH5 on the other hand, has more dense, thick, lush presentation compared to Hexa.

As for technicalities, I honestly think Hexa beats the JH5 just a bit, though in cost of sounding more analytical than the thick, syrupy, lush that JH5 has.

Conclusion

is the JH5 recommended / would I recommend the JH5?

Yes of course, for $80 USD the JH5 brings a LOT to the table, such as very good build quality, good accessories, comfortable shell, thick, syrupy, lush sound, with good technicalities for its price.

Though in the end, audio is very subjective and you also need to check your own personal preferences.
I'm here just helping you guys to give more reference on how the JH5 sounds on the internet.

Thanks for reaching this far,

Just in case you're Indonesian or understand Bahasa Indonesia, you can watch the review of JH5 here


-littlenezt.