In this article, I review the FiiO JH5 IEMs. The JH5 is an entry-level penta-driver hybrid IEM with 1DD + 4 BA. It’s priced at $79.

Disclaimer: This sample was provided by Earphone Cart for an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product.

FiiO JH5

Specifications

Drivers: 10mm carbon-based dynamic driver*1, custom medium and high-frequency balanced armature*2, custom ultra-high frequency balanced armature*2
Frequency response: 20Hz-40kHz
Impedance: 13Ω@1kHz
Sensitivity: 111dB/mW@1kHz
Cable material: 4 strands totalling 392 wires of silver-plated copper

In the Box

• FiiO JH5 IEMs
• Detachable 0.78mm 2pin cable
• Plastic storage box
• 3* pairs of black silicone eartips
• 3* pairs of clear silicone eartips

Design

The FiiO JH5 comes with polished zinc alloy faceplates sporting a FiiO logo. The shell body is made from clear 3D-printed resin, allowing a clear view of the internal components. Inside the housings are 3 separate acoustic chambers, one for each driver type. This helps to minimize distortion for optimal audio quality.

There’s a single vent just behind the flush 2-pin sockets to prevent pressure build-up. The nozzles have a protective mesh cover and flare out slightly to hold the eartips on securely.

FiiO has been in the IEM business for a long time, so it’s no surprise that the JH5 shells are comfortable in the ears. The resin housings fit snugly and naturally in the ear concha, providing comfort and above-average passive noise isolation.

The included SPC cable is neatly braided and handles nicely. It’s resistant to tangling and doesn’t have any noticeable microphonics. It comes with a chin slider and an L-shaped plug.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the FiiO KA17, HiBy R3 II and SMSL DO300EX. JH5 is an efficient IEM so you can run it out of anything, including smartphones. However, due to its sensitivity and low impedance, I’d recommend using something with a low-impedance output.

The JH5 has a fun and slightly V-shaped sound signature. It has an elevated but quality bass and an energetic but inoffensive treble, resulting in a dynamic and engaging sound.

Bass

Sometimes an IEM gets the bass just right, as is the case with the FiiO JH5. It has a great mix of power, tonal balance and definition. Need sub-bass rumble? You got it. You get a solid dose of mid-bass slam too but it’s not overdone nor does it intrude on the midrange. It’s not the most nimble bass but it has a good balance of weight and control.

Midrange

The midrange is smooth but clear. JH5’s presents mids that are slightly recessed with a neutral note weight. There’s some underlying warmth coming from the bass yet instruments and vocals sound spacious and breathy. A conservative peak in the presence region gives vocals some vibrance without causing shoutiness.

Treble

The treble exhibits radiance and vivacity but remains tolerable and non-fatiguing. It’s precise and resolving and does an admirable job with detail retrieval. The extension and detail are good and there’s a good balance of excitement and natural timbre.

Soundstage & Technicalities

The JH5 scores quite well in technicalities. It has a rounded soundstage shape that isn’t especially large but is natural. Detail retrieval is good and instrument separation is above average. Imaging and placement are fairly strong too, so it’s easy to determine the location and distance of instruments (or enemies if you’re a gamer).

Comparisons

7Hz Sonus

The 7Hz Sonus (review here) has a leaner note size, due to less bass and lower midrange presence. The result is a less saturated but more spacious sound. Male vocals aren’t as rich or powerful as they are on the JH5. Sonus sounds more transparent but less intimate sound where the listener feels farther back from the stage.

Sonus’ treble is similarly lustrous like the JH5 but is more forward in the mix due to its thinner bass and lower mids. For my ears, the Sonus is an intense listen, grittier and more textured but also more fatiguing whereas the JH5 is smoother and better suited for long listening sessions.

Regarding comfort and cable quality, the Sonus shells are less accommodating, and the cable is significantly inferior.

Simgot EA500LM

The Simgot EA500LM has similar sub-bass depth but a little less body in the mid-bass and lower mids. It’s more resolving and has a brighter tone than the JH5. The EA500LM’s mids are more spacious but not as dense.

EA500LM’s treble is airier and its soundstage is a little wider but the JH5 has more precise imaging.

For the non-audio-related stuff, I find the JH5 gives a more stable and comfortable fit. Both IEMs have a good stock cable.

Verdict

The FiiO JH5 is a solid performer in the sub-$100 segment. It has great build quality, a lovely stock cable and a dynamic engaging sound signature. It can compete with other models in its price range but I’m not sure if it does enough to make it stand out in the crowded budget space. Nonetheless, for those seeking a reliable and well-rounded performer at an accessible price point, the FiiO JH5 remains a compelling choice.