FiiO's UTWS5 is another in a recent emergence of True Wireless adaptors designed specifically for IEMs. FiiO is a brand that I have a lot of respect for, so I was excited to hear that they announced a Bluetooth receiver for IEMs. With TW technology becoming more commonplace, its applications are constantly expanding and improving. At $140, the UTWS5 may not seem like a hefty investment but will make a difference when paired with some expensive IEMs. Today, I'm going to see if the UTWS5 improves my listening experience.

What’s in the Box

• FiiO UTWS5 True Wireless IEM Bluetooth receiver
• Charging Case
• Charging Cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Warranty Card

Look and Feel

The UTWS5 is both discreet and comfortable. These adaptors do a great job of functioning without noticing them. Using my Moondrop Blessing II IEMs, I had a couple of liberating moments where I could leave my phone on my desk and still walk around listening. While the UTWS5 itself is physically comfortable to wear, the true comfort comes from the freedom of movement it provides. The buttons on either side also add commands like a TW headphone, which is a nice touch. The one complaint I have is that the charging case is a little bit bulky, but that's just a nitpick.

Design

Along with the upgraded Bluetooth chip, the UTWS5 also has an AKM Velvet Sound AK4332 WLCSP package which functions independently to ensure smooth low-latency listening. This independent DAC can drive even the most resistant IEMs and is up to current modernized standards, including Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility. The UTWS5's case is also incredibly impressive and can hold enough power for approximately four 30hr charges.

The UTWS5 supports 96kHz/24-bit Hi-Res Audio and has a 30-hour battery life.

App

The UTWS5 is compatible with the FiiO Control app, integrating seamlessly into the app with your other devices. The UTWS5 mostly has utility features, such as power-saving options, control customization, and latency controls. The Point of the UTWs5 isn't to EQ and modify your IEMs' sound, but simply to provide a connection. I like how simple the app is and how it doesn't offer other features like ambient awareness and EQ. The UTWS5 is meant to be as non-intrusive as possible, with sound preservation being FiiO's top priority.

Sound

*for this section, I'm using Moondrop Blessing II IEMs

The UTWS5 focuses on clarity and resolution among above all else. It mainly tries to drive the headphones without altering the sound. There is some brightness that comes with the UTWS5's more precise sound. The soundstage doesn't go for extreme width but rather focuses on precise instrument placement and imaging within the stereo field, which it accomplishes quite well. The frequency response feels mostly unaltered, and I had a hard time telling a difference between the UTWS5 wired and the same IEMs. Overall, I was impressed with the lack of interference on these.

Overall

The FiiO UTWS5 is a fantastic addition to anybody who enjoys listening on IEMs without the hassle of cabling and adaptors. While not essential for the listening experience, I still had a great time listening on these and felt that the enhanced listening experience more than justifies the price. I'm excited to see how FiiO enhances this design in the future.

You can buy the FiiO UTWS5 here