Final Audio is known for its diverse lineup of earphones, catering to casual listeners, audiophiles, and even gamers. The brand’s newest S Series introduces models aimed at high-fidelity audio, while the well-established E Series remains a go-to for reliability and comfort across various price points.
In this comparison, we put the Final Audio S4000 ($299) and Final Audio E5000 ($279) head-to-head to see how they differ in sound, design, and overall performance. If you’re wondering which model best suits your needs, read on for a detailed breakdown.
What Comes In The Box
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S4000 – $299.99 |
E5000 – $279 |
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Final Audio maintains consistency in its accessories, ensuring both models come with various ear tip sizes, ear hooks for over-the-ear support, and a storage case for portability.
Design & Build Quality
Both the S4000 and E5000 share a cylindrical shape, but their finishes and materials set them apart:
- S4000: Matte gray stainless steel; slightly longer housing for deeper insertion.
- E5000: Mirror-polished stainless steel; shorter body for a more relaxed fit.
The S4000’s Fusion-G eartips provide a unique seal, though some may find them uncomfortable. The E5000’s standard eartips offer a more familiar and comfortable fit. Both models feature 3.5mm terminated cables, making them easy to use across multiple devices. However, the S4000’s cable is softer and more flexible, while the E5000’s cable is stiffer, which may impact usability.
Tech Specs
| Feature | S4000 – $299.99 | E5000 – $279 |
| Housing | Stainless Steel / Blast Finish | Stainless Steel Mirror Finish |
| Driver | Full range BA driver 2 horizontal opposition arrangement | 6.4mmΦ dynamic driver |
| Connector | 2-pin | MMCX |
| Cable | Soft silver coat cable | OFC silver coated cable |
| Sensitivity | 112 dB | 93 dB |
| Impedance | 48 Ω | 14 Ω |
| Mass | 28 g | 24 g |
| Cord Length | 1.2 m | 1.2 m |
Sound Comparison
Soundstage & Imaging
Both the S4000 and E5000 have a relatively narrow soundstage, a common trait among IEMs. The S4000 offers a more intimate presentation, with sound concentrated toward the center, making it ideal for focused listening. The E5000, however, provides a greater sense of depth and instrument separation, offering a more spacious feel despite its limited width. Listeners who prefer a close and personal sound might enjoy the S4000, while those looking for a bit more immersion will likely appreciate the E5000’s openness.
Bass
The E5000 is the clear winner in bass performance, delivering a deep, punchy low-end that adds warmth and energy to tracks. Its bass has a strong presence and is more engaging, making it ideal for genres that benefit from a rich low-frequency foundation. On the other hand, the S4000 has a much lighter bass response, often feeling subdued unless a perfect seal is achieved. If you prefer a more neutral or subtle low-end, the S4000 might be more suitable, but for those who enjoy impactful bass, the E5000 is the better choice.
Midrange
Both earphones showcase excellent midrange resolution, but their presentations differ. The E5000 has a more forward midrange with greater separation, making vocals and instruments sound more distinct. This allows for intricate textures and layers to be more noticeable, which is beneficial for detailed music appreciation. The S4000, in contrast, has a more cohesive midrange where sounds blend together, offering a smoother but less separated experience. Listeners who enjoy clear and well-defined midrange details will likely favor the E5000, whereas those who prefer a uniform and balanced sound may lean toward the S4000.
Treble
The S4000 has a more pronounced treble response, which results in a crisp and detailed high end. However, this can sometimes come across as sharp or slightly piercing, especially for treble-sensitive listeners. The E5000, by contrast, has a more relaxed treble presentation, providing smooth clarity without excessive brightness. Its treble extends naturally, allowing for better detail retrieval without causing fatigue. If you enjoy bright, sparkling highs, the S4000 might be more appealing, while those who prefer a smoother and more forgiving treble will appreciate the E5000.
Conclusion
Both the Final Audio S4000 and Final Audio E5000 deliver high-quality sound but cater to different preferences. The S4000 excels in clarity and balance, while the E5000 provides a more immersive, bass-rich experience.
No matter which you choose, both models showcase Final Audio’s signature craftsmanship and are excellent choices for audiophiles.
Find both the S4000 and E5000 at Audio46.
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