Final Audio S5000 Review

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 is designed to offer refined sound quality and an ergonomic fit, catering to audiophiles looking for an elevated listening experience. With Final Audio positioning the S5000 as a step up from its predecessor, this review will explore its design, functionality, and sonic performance in greater detail.

What Comes In The Box

• S5000 Earphones
• Silicone Carry Case
• Earpiece (Fusion-G 3 size)
• Ear hook Type A

The inclusion of multiple ear tips and ear hooks aims to provide users with a customized fit, though, as we will discuss later, achieving an optimal seal can still present challenges for certain users. The silicone carry case is a practical addition, offering lightweight portability while ensuring protection for the earphones.

Aesthetics and Functionality

The S5000 features a distinctive brass outer shell with a blast finish, offering a departure from more conventional silver or aluminum designs. This aesthetic choice provides a unique texture and reflective quality that enhances its visual appeal. The material choice of brass not only influences the visual aspect but may also have subtle effects on resonance and sound characteristics, contributing to the earphone's tuning.

In terms of fit and comfort, the S5000 offers multiple wearing configurations, though individual experiences may vary. The stability of the seal is an essential factor in achieving optimal sound quality, and some users may find themselves making frequent adjustments to maintain a secure fit. This could be influenced by ear anatomy and personal preference. The included ear hooks are designed to improve stability, particularly for those who prefer an over-ear wearing style, but may not completely resolve fit-related challenges.

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 S5000 presents a relatively narrow soundstage, with a somewhat intimate presentation. While its tuning maintains balance, the overall spatial characteristics feel confined. The ability to render depth and separation is present but does not provide a particularly immersive experience. Layering between instruments is discernible, though not particularly expansive. Listeners accustomed to IEMs with a more holographic stage may find this presentation less engaging.

One possible reason for this relatively limited spatial experience is the nature of the full-range BA driver used. While balanced armatures are often known for their precision, they may sometimes lack the natural expansiveness of dynamic driver implementations. The two horizontal opposition arrangement of the driver aims to balance frequency response but does not necessarily contribute to a widened perception of space.

Low Frequencies

The low-end response of the S5000 is notably dependent on fit. When securely positioned, the bass reveals detail and depth, with an articulate presence in lower frequencies. However, in standard use, the bass impact can feel restrained, with a lighter foundation compared to other IEMs in this price range. Notably, the treble extension within the low frequencies gives bass guitars a defined articulation.

The bass response leans towards accuracy rather than exaggerated warmth or emphasis. Sub-bass is present but not dominant, contributing to an overall clean, uncolored bass signature. This tuning may appeal to those who favor precision over weighty, resonant bass, but those seeking a more visceral low-end impact may find it somewhat lacking.

Midrange Frequencies

The midrange presents a relatively neutral character with a degree of separation between elements. While instrument and vocal textures are reproduced cleanly, this range does not carry a particularly forward or vivid presence. The midrange avoids artificial coloration but leans towards a more restrained and laid-back presentation.

Vocals, both male and female, retain clarity without noticeable harshness. However, there is a slight recession in the lower mids, which can make some instruments and voices sound less full-bodied. This characteristic contributes to an overall neutral tonality but may not suit listeners who prefer a more intimate and emotionally engaging midrange. Instruments such as acoustic guitars and pianos come through with good detail but lack the organic warmth found in more mid-forward tunings.

High Frequencies

The treble is a defining characteristic of the S5000’s sound signature, offering clarity and a sense of spaciousness. However, the upper-frequency extension can occasionally feel emphasized in a way that leans towards a brighter tonal balance. Detail retrieval is sufficient for analytical listening, though the overall treble presentation may vary in perceived naturalness depending on individual preference.

The treble presentation is airy, allowing microdetails to come through with clarity. This makes the S5000 particularly adept at revealing nuances in high-resolution recordings. However, listeners who are sensitive to treble peaks may notice occasional sharpness, particularly in tracks with already prominent high-frequency elements. The refined articulation of treble-focused instruments like cymbals and string harmonics is a strong point, yet it comes at the expense of a slightly leaner tonal weight.

Summary

The Final Audio S5000 offers a striking brass design and a neutral tuning approach, catering to listeners who prioritize clarity and balance. The bass response is detailed when properly fitted, though its overall presence may feel subtle. The midrange remains clean but understated, while the treble provides an open and detailed character, albeit with a brighter tilt.

While the S5000 does not introduce dramatic shortcomings, its performance characteristics may appeal more to listeners who prefer a refined and neutral sound rather than a highly dynamic or immersive experience. Fit will play a significant role in the overall listening impression, making it essential for prospective users to consider comfort and seal when evaluating this model.

For those who enjoy a balanced armature-driven sound with a neutral and revealing character, the S5000 presents a compelling option. However, listeners who seek a richer bass response or a more expansive soundstage may find alternatives within this price range better suited to their preferences.

The Final Audio S5000 is available today at Audio46.