Final Audio S4000 Earbud Review

Japanese brand Final Audio has always been a go-to recommendation for affordable and high-end audio equipment. They have many different series to promote different styles of earbuds and headphones, Bluetooth and wired alike. A recent addition to their library is the S series, kicking off with the S5000 and the S4000. Today, we take a look at the S4000, priced at $299.99, and see what this new style of wired earbud has in store for customers. 

What Comes In The Box

• S4000 Earphones
• Silicone Carry Case
• Earpiece (Fusion-G 3 size)
• Ear hook Type A

Aesthetics and Functionality

The design of the Final Audio S4000 shares some similarities with the E series, featuring a sleek, elongated shape. While this slightly longer build may cause the earphones to stick out a bit more when worn, it gives them a distinctive profile. The eartips are made from Final’s innovative “Fusion-G” material, which combines ultra-dense foam, soft silicone, and high-elastic silicone for a unique feel and fit. The earphones connect via 2-pin 0.78mm connectors to a silver-coated cable, which terminates in a 3.5mm plug for convenient compatibility across a wide range of devices.

One of the nice features of the S4000 is its versatility in wearability. You can wear them in two ways—either with the cable hanging straight down, like a traditional earbud, or with the wire looped behind your ear, as with an IEM. This flexibility allows you to choose what feels most comfortable for your needs. The included Type A ear hooks are a thoughtful accessory, making the over-ear fit even more secure. Additionally, the included carrying case adds convenience and portability, which is always a plus.

That said, the fit may require some trial and error. Personally, I found the eartips didn’t provide a solid seal in my ears, and the elongated design felt a bit invasive, leading to some discomfort during extended use. Swapping out the eartips for alternatives didn’t fully resolve the issue for me, though fit is always subjective and varies from person to person. I would strongly recommend testing the fit before committing to ensure these earphones work well with your unique ear shape.

Tech Specs

• Housing: Stainless steel / Blast finish
• Driver: Full range BA driver, 2 horizontal opposition arrangement
• Connector: 2-pin
• Cable: 1.2m Soft Silver coat cable
• Sensitivity: 112 dB
• Impedance: 48 Ω
• Weight: 28g

Listening Review

Soundstage

The soundstage on the Final Audio S4000 leans towards a more intimate presentation, with much of the sound centralized and only a small amount of expansion outward. This results in a close-up and focused listening experience that some might appreciate for certain genres or tracks. However, the soundstage offers minimal height and depth, which can make the overall presentation feel compressed and lacking in dimension. While the tuning trends toward a neutral response, the bass feels slightly subdued, and the treble rolls off before reaching its full potential, limiting the sense of space and air in the sound.

Low Frequencies

The low end on the S4000 is subtle and light, appealing to those who prefer a leaner, more understated bass response. For listeners who are accustomed to a fuller low end, the bass may feel a bit restrained. Despite experimenting with eartips and fit, I struggled to achieve a sense of weight or impact in the lower frequencies. While this approach may suit listeners who enjoy a cleaner, bass-light profile, it does leave the sound lacking some body and warmth for those seeking a richer, more robust foundation.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange offers a respectable level of texture and detail, making it easy to pick out layers within a mix. However, there’s a slightly recessed quality to vocals and instruments, which can make them feel a bit distant or less present in the overall balance. There’s also a notable dip in the lower midrange, which might make the sound feel thinner than expected. That said, once you adjust to this tonal balance, the midrange does a solid job of delivering clarity and separation, though it might leave you wanting just a bit more fullness for a truly engaging experience.

High Frequencies

The high frequencies stand out as the S4000’s strongest feature, delivering a good level of detail and precision. For those who enjoy hearing intricate details in their music, this tuning could be a highlight. However, the treble doesn’t extend as far as it could, which may leave some listeners wishing for more air and spaciousness. While the highs are articulate, their prominence in the mix might come across as slightly sharp at times, especially in genres with heavier upper-frequency content. With some fine-tuning, this aspect could really shine as a defining characteristic of the S4000’s sound.

Summary

In conclusion, the Final Audio S4000 presents an intriguing option for listeners who prioritize high-frequency detail and a minimalist, portable design. While its compact build and versatile wearability offer convenience, the soundstage and tonal balance may feel limited to those seeking a fuller, more immersive experience. Additionally, the unique fit and eartip design might not suit all ears, making a proper fit trial essential before committing. For the right listener, the S4000’s neutral tuning and stylish features could provide a satisfying addition to their audio collection, but it’s worth considering how its quirks align with your preferences.

The Final Audio S4000 is available today at Audio46.