AudioNews

FiiO Presents FW5, the Fully Integrated HiFi True Wireless Earbuds in Singapore

FiiO, the leader in lossless audio players, presents FW5, the fully integrated HiFi True Wireless Stereo (TWS) solution. The FW5 integrates FiiO’s various cutting-edge technologies to bring a fully integrated, high-fidelity true wireless solution. This is among the first TWS earphones to integrate a high-end Bluetooth chip, high-performance DAC, and a meticulously designed audio circuit to achieve a big quality jump in all aspects.

The FW5 has been developed by the same FiiO research and development team that created the high-fidelity wired FH9 flagship. We’re obviously really excited to see what FiiO brings to the table this time.

Fiio FW5 TWS Earbuds - Case
Image by Fiio

Some of the key highlights of the new FiiO FW5 include:

  • Independent AK4332 DAC
    The FW5 contains an efficient AKM VELVET SOUND DAC – the AK4332 which features high-performance decoding abilities. This chip is capable of signal-to-noise ratio up to 106dB, distortion as low as 0.0016%, and dynamic range up to 102dB.
  • Qualcomm QCC5141 Bluetooth chip
    The FW5 employs the high-end Qualcomm QCC5141 for stable and high-performance Bluetooth audio thanks to the chip’s dual DSP and dual-core architecture. Additionally, the FW5 is Snapdragon Sound certified as a testament to its highly capable audio abilities.
  • 10mm large dynamic driver
    The FW5 features a large 10mm dynamic driver for the low and mid frequencies. The driver has been designed specifically to maximise the sound quality from its N50 neodymium magnets. These N50 magnets, with their high magnetic density, allow for better dynamics and make the sound stage more grand for a thoroughly bold sound.
  • DLC diaphragm with PU gasket
    The FW5 uses PU as the material of choice for the gasket surrounding the diaphragm of the dynamic driver, since its flexibility and high damping coefficient allow for lusher vocals and faster transient response. The diaphragm of the dynamic driver is made of DLC, which features favourable properties such as high rigidity and lightweight, allowing for less unwanted breakup over the dynamic driver. This leads to reduced non-linear distortion and ultimately better resolution.
  • 2 high-frequency BA drivers per ear
    For high frequencies, 2 BA drivers are used for each channel. These BA drivers are placed in the sound tube near the ear to reduce high-frequency loss as sound waves travel to the listener’s ear. This design ensures that even tones like those at 16kHz still come through clearly. This design allows the FW5 to feature an airy, exceptionally detailed treble that captures every nuance of your music.
  • High-Res LHDC/aptX Adaptive Bluetooth format support
    The FW5 has not only Snapdragon Sound certification but also support for LHDC/aptX Adaptive for the ultimate quality in true wireless audio. This support ensures a massive upgrade in sending and receiving high-quality wireless audio and a major improvement in compatibility with various devices.
    The real question: is your audio source HiFi enough to be able to benefit from the codec?

FiiO emphasises the carefully-tuned sound performance 

As the first TWS earphones fully developed by FiiO, the development team focus on bringing the ultimate sound quality in a fully integrated TWS earphone. While it is easy to adjust the frequency response curve via DSP, FiiO chose to refine the physical design of the unit to reduce distortion and retain the unique sound of the drivers. 

In addition, FiiO chose a solution for operating the FW5 during usage based on real-life testing and experience – 2 physical buttons for each ear unit. Physical buttons not only minimise microphonics during operation but placing them perpendicularly to the wearing angle also makes the buttons easier to press without resorting to too much force.
Other features include:

  • 21+ hours battery life
    The FW5 features a battery long enough to easily meet daily usage needs. With its large built-in 60mAh battery, the FW5 can be used for up to 6.5 hours on a single charge. The 380mAh charging case allows for total battery life of more than 21 hours.
  • Power switch linked to the case
    When opening the FW5 charging case, the ear units are automatically turned on and paired with the last device. When the ear units are placed back into the charging case, the FW5 ear units automatically turn off to save power. Super convenient!
  • LED indicator lights
    The 4 indicator lights on the charging case not only indicate the battery remaining and the charging status but also indicate if the ear units are in the case. Each of the ear units contains a white indicator light that clearly highlights the pairing and connection status.
  • Dual-mic cVc noise cancellation
    Each ear unit of the FW5 features 2 microphones that work together with cVc noise cancellation technology for clearer voice calls.
  • 2 sets of ear tips included
    The FW5 comes standard with a set of balanced ear tips and 2 alternate sets of vocal ear tips for different sound preferences. The vocal ear tips are made with medical-grade silicone featuring a soft texture that makes it comfortable to wear, making them a perfect combination of sound quality and superior comfort.
    Perfect for long days of wearing them!

Fiio FW5 TWS Earbuds - Case Closeup
Image by Fiio

Technical Specifications:

  • Drivers: 1 Dynamic 2 BA
  • BA drivers: Knowles RAD
  • Dynamic driver: 10mm DLC diaphragm + PU gasket
  • Frequency response: 20-20kHz
  • Sensitivity: 106dB/mW(@1kHz)
  • Impedance: 32Ω±20%(@1kHz)
  • Charging time: For charging case about 1h40min
  • Battery life: About 7h (ear unit) +14h (charging case)
  • Ear unit weight: About 6.4g
  • Total weight: About 57.2g
  • Ear unit dimensions: 28.4*22.9*22.6mm
  • Charging case dimensions: 68.4*43.9*32.3mm
  • DAC distortion: 0.0016%
  • DAC Signal-to-noise ratio: 106dB
  • Battery capacity: Ear unit: 65mAh
  • Charging case: 380mAh
  • Call battery life: About 5h30min
Fiio FW5 TWS Earbuds - Closeup
Image by Fiio

Pricing and Availability

FiiO FW5 retails for S$239 (including GST) and is available immediately at AV One (av1group.com.sg), AV One Lazada (www.lazada.sg/shop/av-one), Connect IT, Sam Audio, Stereo Electronics, TK Foto and TREOO. 

Rasuna Azrayl

Ras enjoys collecting and building custom mechanical keyboards and sometimes dabbles in portable audiophile setups. He also indulges in casual gaming and prefers Command over Control.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button