The FiiO JH5 review sample was kindly provided free of charge in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don’t use affiliate links. The price of the FiiO JH5 is $79 and can be ordered from FiiO.eu.
FiiO JH5 Review
The FiiO JH5 is a creation of Jade Audio, a sister company of FiiO, dedicated to offering audiophiles cost-effective high-performance products with superior build quality. The JH5 is a hybrid earphone featuring 1 dynamic and 4 BA drivers on each side, incorporating acoustic elements inspired by FiiO’s premium IEMs like the FiiO FH9 and FH7. Its aim is to deliver music across a wide range of genres, from classical to pop, with exceptional high-fidelity sound quality.
The JH5 features a 10mm carbon-based dynamic driver at its core, seamlessly linked to custom balanced armature drivers that cover medium to ultra-high frequencies by being divided into three separate chambers. The mid and high frequencies are handled by two custom BA drivers, specially engineered to resonate at 2.8kHz, a frequency that aligns with the shape of the human ear. Additionally, two custom ultra-high frequency (UHF) BA drivers are positioned closer to the sound nozzle, which is designed with a thicker inner part, shorter length, and slight curvature. This design enables the FIIO JH5 to deliver well-extended treble and produce ultra-high frequencies.
You can learn more about the FiiO JH5 here.
Design and fit
Crafted from a medical grade resin compound, the FiiO JH5 ear-shells boast a 3D printed main body. Adding a touch of elegance, these ear-shells feature a mirror polished magnesium alloy faceplate insert. The result is a visually stunning and meticulously crafted earphone that exudes luxury. However, it is worth noting that the polished faceplates have a tendency to attract stains and fingerprints.
In terms of comfort, these lightweight ear-shells have been designed with a custom-like, anatomical shape. As a result, they fit snugly and comfortably, providing a seamless listening experience without any discomfort. Additionally, despite the inclusion of a small venting grill, these ear-shells offer impressive noise isolation, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your music.
Cable
The FiiO JH5 is equipped with a detachable cable that is constructed using high-purity silver-plated copper wires. The cable is meticulously crafted, with 14 wires twisted into a small strand, and 7 small strands forming one large strand. In total, the JH5’s cable comprises 4 large strands, amounting to an impressive 392 wires.
While the cable is well-made and minimizes microphonic noise, it is slightly rigid and lacks interchangeable plugs. Having a 4.4mm plug would be highly advantageous, considering the FiiO JH5’s exceptional scalability and the prevalence of balanced outputs in most USB DACs, including those from FiiO.
Accessories
The package consists of three sizes of balanced and bass ear-tips, along with a transparent plastic case that resembles a Lego brick. However, it is more suitable for storing the FiiO JH5 rather than being convenient for portable use.
Power requirements and associated gear
The FiiO JH5, rated at 13Ω/111dB/1mW, is highly efficient and effortlessly powered. However, it exhibits a heightened susceptibility to source noise, therefore it is advisable to exclusively utilize noise-free and premium sources, such as the FiiO KA5 or the KA17.
Listening impressions
FiiO has chosen to adhere to the Harman 2019 target curve while tuning the JH5, with slight variations. Notably, they have incorporated a substantial mid-bass enhancement and added some extra brilliance in the treble range. As a result, the sound signature of the JH5 combines a robust low-end, impressive mid-range clarity, and an abundance of liveliness in the treble.
The lower end might is boosted without being too overpowering. The JH5 earphones excel in bass reproduction while still leaving enough space for the midrange and treble frequencies to shine through. The sub-bass and bass extension are generous, yet the JH5 is not solely aimed at bass enthusiasts. The low-end delivers a fun and powerful sound across various music genres, without overshadowing the other frequency ranges. The tuning deviates from a strictly neutral sound signature, as the emphasized mid-bass adds color and weight to certain instruments. However, this alteration does not hinder the FiiO JH5 from handling classical music or similar genres.
The JH5 can be considered a bass chameleon, suitable for most music genres and providing a satisfactory performance overall. In terms of technical capabilities, the JH5 delivers punchy, dynamic bass with ample weight, definition, and a well-layered texture. The bass response is fast and tight, though not flawless – it may exhibit slight sluggishness depending on the audio material but then again the FiiO JH5 is not designed for critical listening scenarios.
More sound impressions
The mid-range of the FiiO JH5 is exceptionally clear, distinct, and well-defined, maintaining its clarity even with the emphasized mid-bass. FiiO has skillfully achieved a balanced tuning that allows the mids to truly shine, whether it’s reproducing vocals or musical instruments. The JH5 consistently delivers a natural and harmonious sound. Its resolution and refinement surpass expectations for its category, to the point where listening to the JH5 without knowing its price may lead one to believe they are experiencing a much more expensive product. The overall balance of the mid-range leans towards neutrality, with no significant recess or forwardness, and it avoids any emphasis on the upper mid-range. In this aspect, the FiiO JH5 offers a smooth and polite sound signature, without any harshness or excessive emphasis on sibilance.
The high frequencies offer a balanced combination of extension, clarity, and brightness without coming across as overly sharp, piercing, or harsh. The JH5 delivers a quick and lively sound with solid definition and a satisfying, though not top-tier, level of resolution. While the level of detail retrieval is decent but not exceptional, what truly stands out is the natural timbre of the FiiO JH5, which avoids any metallic or artificial tones. The overall sound presentation is smooth, forgiving, and ideal for extended listening sessions, even with lower-quality recordings. Unlike poorly executed treble drivers, the texture remains rich and full, showcasing excellent sound and textural coherence.
The FiiO JH5 offers a remarkably expansive soundstage and precise imaging. While it may not excel in depth layering or holography, this open-sounding earphone avoids feeling confined or claustrophobic.
Vs the FiiO JD7
The FiiO JD7, which is priced at $99 but can be purchased for as low as $79, is a single dynamic driver earphone and serves as Jade Audio’s flagship model. Unlike the JH5, the JD7 features rounded ear-shells made from stainless steel, giving it a more premium appearance. In terms of size, the JD7 is more compact than the JH5, but both models offer excellent comfort when worn. The JD7 has a discreet design that does not protrude from the ear. Both earphones come with detachable cables, with the JD7 utilizing MMCX connectors and the JH5 using 2-pin connectors. However, the JH5’s cable is of higher quality and provides better handling. The JD7 offers balanced, along with HS18 and memory foam ear-tips, while the JH5 provides balanced and bass ear-tips. Additionally, the JD7 includes a genuine carrying case, whereas the JH5 comes with a drawer-like case.
In terms of sound signature, the JD7 is meticulously tuned to closely match the Harman in-ear 2019 target curve, while the JH5 exhibits some tuning deviations as mentioned earlier. The JD7 benefits from a single dynamic driver, resulting in a more seamless sound reproduction across the entire frequency range. On the other hand, the JH5 surpasses in terms of resolution and energy in the mid and treble frequencies. However, the JD7 offers a slightly smoother and more forgiving treble response. The JD7’s bass follows a more natural curve without the emphasis on mid-bass found in the JH5, but the latter extends a bit lower and delivers a larger and more impactful low-end. Both of these earphones deliver exceptional audio performance within their category, albeit with slightly different tuning. This allows you to choose the one that best suits your preferences.
Vs the FiiO JH3
The $59.99 FiiO JH3 is a hybrid, one dynamic and two BA drivers earphone positioned one step before the FiiO JH5. A lightweight and comfortable earphone that doesn’t have the premium looks, nor the excellent fit and the craftsmanship of the JH5. The JH3 is a worthy entry level, hybrid earphone but if you can handle the extra $20, then I advise to go for the JH5 as it offers a higher tier audio performance with improved technicalities, better resolution, more natural timbre and tonal balance.
In the end
The FiiO JH5 is an outstanding representation of an affordable, top-notch earphone that excels in every aspect without any significant audio flaws. It is a cost-effective option that can enhance your auditory journey without stretching your budget. This exceptional all-purpose earphone may not specialize in any specific genre, but it guarantees a pleasant listening experience with your entire music collection.
The FiiO JH5 serves as a prime example of the remarkable progress made in entry-level earphones. In the past, one would have had to spend twice or even three times the amount to attain a comparable level of performance. While there may be rival products on the market, the JH5 possesses its own distinctive qualities that are sure to captivate you, especially considering it is a FiiO product.
Copyright – Petros Laskis 2024.
+ Plenty of impactful bass + Punchy and dynamic + Natural timbre + Resolving mid-range + Smooth and forgiving treble + Spacious soundstage + Easy to drive + Very comfortable + Build quality + Good cable + Value for money - Mid-bass emphasis - Sensitive to source noise - Treble not that resolving - Carrying case is not really a carrying case - Cable is not modular
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