In this article, I’m reviewing the Tin HiFi T5S IEMs. The T5S has a single ultra-linear dynamic driver and CNC-machined alloy shells. It’s priced at $129.

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

Tin HiFi T5S

In the Box

• Tin Hifi T5S IEMs
• Detachable 0.78mm 2-pin cable
• Faux leather carrying case
• 6x pairs of silicone eartips
• 1x pair of silicone eartips
• Spare nozzle filters

Design

The T5S gunmetal grey shells are made from aluminium alloy and come with what Tin HiFi calls ‘Dragon’ pattern faceplates—the faceplate pattern and the brand logo shift under different lighting conditions, creating a sleek aesthetic.

There is a small vent just behind the 2-pin sockets and another one near the base of the nozzle. The nozzles are aluminium and have a prominent lip to hold eartips securely in place plus a metal mesh cover.

I found the shells very comfortable and they fit snugly in my ears. Passive noise isolation is above average so these are good for noisy environments.

The included braided silver-plated copper cable has aluminium components, including the chin slider. It’s supple, handles well and doesn’t suffer from microphonics.

Sound

Gear used for testing includes the TOPPING E70 and L70 combo, the FiiO KA17 and HiBy R3 II. T5S is an efficient IEM and can be used with any source, including smartphones.

T5S has a warm L-shaped sound signature with elevated bass and a musical nature. It’s a musical tuning emphasizing fun dynamics and thunderous lows.

Bass

The bass is boosted north of neutral and progressively gains intensity the lower it goes. If you’re into sub-bass rumble, T5S will happily rattle your skull. Despite this emphasis on the sub-bass, the mid-bass remains controlled, striking a balance between power and precision. This approach ensures that ample weight and impact are felt, without overwhelming the overall presentation.

Midrange

The midrange tones are warm and inviting, with a pleasingly soft texture that adds a touch of romance to the sound. While there’s a slight boost in the upper midrange, it’s kept in check, ensuring the sound remains smooth and comfortable. When listening to Sylvaine’s ‘Nova’ – there was no harshness, just the pure haunting vocals that were presented with intimacy but retained a sense of ethereal allure, drawing me deeper into the music.

Treble

Tuned to offset the weight of the sub-bass, the treble helps to maintain balance. The lower treble contributes to the presence, definition, and articulation of instruments and vocals, particularly in the midrange while a strategic dip around 6kHz-7kHz attenuates harshness and sibilance.

The upper treble brings airiness, helps to define the edges of notes and adds a sense of crispness to the sound. However, it is still what I would consider to be a safe and inoffensive treble tuning.

Soundstage & Technicalities

The Tin HiFi T5S delivers a solid soundstage performance, offering good width that provides a spacious feel to the music. Despite its warmth, there’s still plenty of room for instruments and vocals to breathe. Instrument separation and resolution are pretty good, making each element distinctly heard.

Comparison

FiiO FH3 ($129)

The FiiO FH3 is a hybrid triple-driver IEM with 1DD+2BA. It has metal shells like the T5S.

There’s a certain edginess to the FH3 which is one of the reasons I like it so much. It teeters on the edge of being harsh but just manages to stay tolerable (for my tastes). Compared to the T5S, the FH3 has better note definition, cleaner transients and crisper notes.

FH3’s bass texture is alluring and exhilarating. It doesn’t have as much sheer quantity as the T5S but it has more precise attacks and better articulation. It also has more linearity between the sub-bass and mid-bass, making the latter more forward.

The midrange on the FH3 is not as silky but the instrument separation is a little better. Vocals are more articulate albeit not as rich as they sound on the T5S.

The treble is the most divisive aspect of the FH3. It’s upfront and borders on being aggressive. It’s less forgiving towards poor recordings and inherently sibilant tracks. But at the same time, it provides better detail retrieval and precision. However, I’d say that the overall resolution is about the same on both IEMs.

Verdict

In conclusion, the Tin HiFi T5S is a welcome addition to the crowded $100 IEM market. It has a warm and inviting yet spacious and dynamic sound. The build quality and design are great and it comes with a generous set of quality accessories. If you want something musical yet technically capable with an extra dose of sub-bass rumble, this is one IEM you should consider.