Earlier this month, we took a deep dive into Final Audio’s S4000, a recent addition to the brand’s new S-series lineup. Now, we turn our attention to its more premium counterpart, the S5000. Retailing at $439, the S5000 promises pristine sound quality and ergonomic comfort designed to appeal to audiophiles seeking an elevated listening experience. Given my previous impressions of the S4000, I approached this review with cautious optimism, eager to determine whether the S5000 delivers the step up in quality that Final Audio markets it as. Let’s take a closer look at what these IEMs bring to the table.
What Comes In The Box
- S5000 Earphones
- Silicone Carry Case
- Earpiece (Fusion-G 3 size)
- Ear hook Type A
Aesthetics and Functionality
One of the standout design elements of the S5000 is its brass outer shell, which presents a refreshing departure from the more common silver or aluminum finishes. The blast finish enhances the visual appeal, adding a subtle textural quality that interacts nicely with light. In terms of fit and comfort, my experience mirrored that of the S4000. Despite the inclusion of multiple wearing configurations, I struggled to achieve a stable and comfortable seal. This could be due to individual ear anatomy, but regardless, the frequent adjustments needed to maintain a secure fit were frustrating. Given that a proper fit is crucial for optimal sound delivery, this was a notable drawback.
Tech Specs
- Housing: Brass / Blast finish
- Driver: Full range BA driver, 2 horizontal opposition arrangement
- Connector: 2-pin
- Cable: 1.2m Soft Silver coat cable
- Sensitivity: 111 dB
- Impedance: 47 Ω
- Weight: 28g
Listening Review
Soundstage
The soundstage of the S5000 leans towards the narrow side, with a presentation that feels somewhat confined. There is a noticeable hollowness in the overall sonic character, making it difficult to achieve an immersive experience. While the IEMs maintain a generally balanced tuning, their ability to render spatial cues and depth felt limited. Additionally, due to the fit issues, isolation was suboptimal, further impacting the perceived soundstage and overall clarity.
Low Frequencies
The low end displayed promising characteristics when the earphones were manually pressed into the ear canal, revealing a forceful and detailed bass response. However, in standard use, the bass presence diminished significantly. The foundational weight and impact that define engaging low-end performance felt inconsistent, as proper positioning was essential to extract the full depth of the bass. On a positive note, the treble extension within the low frequencies gave bass guitars a pleasantly articulate twang, adding a slight redeeming quality to this range.
Midrange Frequencies
The midrange fell into a somewhat recessed territory, making it less engaging than expected. While some level of separation between elements was present, it did not reach a level that felt particularly refined or striking. The reproduction of instrumental and vocal textures was passable, without any glaring artificiality, but it lacked a strong defining character that would make this range stand out.
High Frequencies
The high frequencies were the most prominent part of the S5000’s signature, largely due to the overall scooped nature of the sound profile. While there was some spaciousness in the treble, it occasionally felt unnatural, particularly as the frequencies extended into the upper range. The detail retrieval was adequate, but the sense of air and refinement that might be expected from an IEM at this price point was not fully realized.
Summary
The Final Audio S5000 presents a visually striking design and a neutral, balanced tuning on paper, but it struggles to fully deliver an engaging listening experience. While its bass can offer moments of detail and impact, achieving consistent performance requires a fit that may not work for all users. The midrange is serviceable but underwhelming, and the treble, while the most defined aspect, does not entirely compensate for the overall scooped sound profile.
Ultimately, while the S5000 does not necessarily falter in any dramatic way, it does not strongly stand out either. For those seeking a more immersive or dynamically expressive IEM, other options in this price range may provide a more compelling experience. However, listeners who prioritize a clean, neutral sound and appreciate its unique brass aesthetic may find some merit in this model.
The Final Audio S5000 is available today at Audio46.
About Author
