Final Audio S5000 Review

While the competition in the IEM market is fierce, Final Audio looks to make a statement with the new S5000. It looks to build on the foundation set by the newly launched S4000, which improved upon the E series by featuring better materials. As audiophiles constantly seek the perfect balance between comfort, style, and sound performance, the S5000 promises an experience that remains engaging and immersive. Let’s find out if they deliver on that promise as we will delve into the various aspects of the S5000, examining its design, sonic performance across the sound spectrum, and overall suitability for both casual listeners and dedicated music enthusiasts.

What You Get

• S4000 Earphones
• 2-pin 3.5mm cable
• Silicone carry case
• Earpieces (FUSION-G 3 sizes)
• Ear hooks TYPE A

Look & Feel

Having recently reviewed the S4000, seeing the improved housing of the S5000 came as no surprise. The S5000 has a machined brass housing that feels super high-grade compared to other IEM shells in this price range. It helps with durability and long-term value, but it also has a nice aesthetic flourish to it compared to Final Audio’s E series IEMs. Using brass also affects the S5000 tuning, aiming for a delicate sound signature, which makes sense knowing the same material is used to make wind instruments. Like Final Audio’s recently released S4000, the S5000 has a few different wear styles. You can wear them with the cable going straight down or looped around your ear with or without ear hooks. I found the ear loop method to be the most comfortable, but ear tips matter a lot here, as getting a good seal with the S5000 is key to their enjoyment.

Design

The Final Audio S5000 utilizes two full-range balanced armature drivers arranged in a horizontal configuration. A special Tone Chamber System is implemented to draw out more resonance from the drivers, offering them enough acoustic space to make the most out of the characteristics featured through the brass housing material.

Soundstage

Final Audio has a good track record when it comes to IEMs that feature stereo width. Sometimes the presentation can be a bit linear, but the separation and spatial imaging are usually well communicated. This is the case for the S5000 as well, but a few unique properties it displays set it apart. With a narrow stereo field, the S5000 is able to display some nice dimensional layering and a more significant headspace. While it’s not a very cavernous sound, the soundstage shows stacked frequency ranges that are organized clearly. Its separation highlights the blank space in between for greater precision and immersion. There’s still a straightforwardness to the imaging, but it’s all well articulated.

Low End

The bass does a great job of showcasing depth and weight in its well-scaled, layered response. You get a good presence from the sub-bass and mid-bass equally, resulting in a strong bloom. In the sub-bass frequencies, you get a clear foundation of low-end vibration that feels gravelly and absorbing. Bass notes are reproduced with a clear identity and feature solid tactility that seems like it’s only dipping its toes into the pool of textured sub-bass frequencies. This gives bass instruments a clear form while also featuring a thin layer of coloration that lifts the mid-bass quite nicely.

Mids

As far as midrange clarity goes, the S5000 doesn’t call too much attention to itself. The timbre remains fairly neutral while being elevated by roominess and snappy transients. If you like your mids to show some realism, the S5000 will deliver that without sounding too plain or underpowered. It’s an even response that has a bit of finesse to it but doesn’t propel itself forward. There’s a level of detailed instruments and vocals that are punctual, but only in a way that keeps them out of the background.

Highs

One of the most significant characteristics of the S5000 is its treble. It gives the sound signature a distinct character that heightens a lot of its more lacking elements. While still quite narrow, the highs offer more height to the soundstage, which opens it up considerably. Tonally, there is a brightness to the S5000, but it’s retrained and very easy to digest. There’s a shimmer to the highs that help pronounce cymbals and ambient qualities to certain tracks, especially ones that have tons of reverb.

Summary

The Final Audio S5000 earphones offer an impressive blend of craftsmanship, comfort, and acoustic performance that makes them a worthy investment for any audio lover. With their high-grade brass construction contributing to their unique sound signature, the S5000 excels in delivering not only rich bass and clear midrange but also sparkling highs that enhance the listening experience. The thoughtful design offers multiple wearing styles to ensure comfort during extended listening sessions, making the S5000 a versatile choice for daily use or critical listening alike. Where it might not be up to snuff is its pickiness with certain genres. Whether you’re an audiophile or a casual listener, the S5000 earphones are sure to provide an enriching audio experience that captivates the senses and enhances your favorite music.

The Final Audio S5000 is available at Audio46.