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FiiO EM5 – The new Flat-head Earbuds…

FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. is now expanding its range of in-ear headphones that feature a classic flat design that does not directly enter the ear canal. The new FiiO EM5 are at the top of the FiiO EM Series product range of the Chinese specialist for Personal Audio Devices.


For many years, the design of in-ear headphones was the determining factor in the field of in-ear headphones, which probably contributed to the fact that the entire product range was often referred to simply as earplugs. In-ear headphones were flat, small plugs that were simply placed at the base of the ear canal. This is often referred to as flat-head earbuds. But then headphone models appeared that were no longer designed flat, but were designed to be inserted directly into the ear canal. This design was intended to provide significantly better, “direct” sound reinforcement of the ear, while at the same time shielding ambient noise much more effectively. In addition, the fact that the earphones are actually inserted into the ear canal alone guarantees a much better fit. The sound of this type of in-ear headphones is clearly perceived as more detailed, more voluminous, more powerful.

Gradually, almost all flat in-ear headphones disappeared from the market, only a few manufacturers still use flat-head earbuds, to the detriment of those who preferred this particular design. In-ear headphones that are actually inserted into the ear canal are perceived by many users as annoying, sometimes even unpleasant, so that they refuse this design form.

This obviously includes James Chung, CEO of the Chinese personal audio devices specialist FiiO Electronics Technology Co Ltd, as he now states. Not only does the company continue to offer two “classic” flat-head earbuds, the FiiO EM3K and FiiO EM3S, which are considered open earbuds and “The return of the Classic”, in addition to a wide range of “modern” style in-ear headphones, it is now even expanding its range to include the new FiiO EM5 earbuds.

The new FiiO EM5 Open Earbuds are in-ear headphones in the classic design, which means that they are not inserted into the ear canal, but are flat and therefore only rest at the beginning of the ear canal. Nevertheless, the manufacturer promises an excellent sound with a very high wearing comfort for this model, relying on features such as an ergonomic housing produced by 3D printing and a large dynamic driver with a beryllium membrane.

“The FiiO EM5 was designed for me and some friends, but I think some people still prefer traditional earplugs. So we developed completely new technology and a new design for this classic style.”

James Chung, CEO FiiO Electronics Co. Ltd.

As described above, the new FiiO EM5 uses a classic design, but with new approaches. It uses the same technologies that FiiO Electronics Co. Ltd. uses for the other models, most notably the 3D printed case. The aim is to achieve a particularly high degree of precision, in order to guarantee the driver the best possible conditions for the best possible development of sound quality. The design, according to the manufacturer, is inspired by the shape of a kite, with small “wings” on the sides to ensure a secure fit in the ear.

By the way, the material is the same as that used by FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd. for many other models, a special plastic designed for medical applications.

The driver of the new FiiO EM5 is a 14.2 mm diameter dynamic driver with a large dynamic range, using beryllium as coating for the diaphragm. This is intended to ensure high stiffness combined with minimum weight for accurate imaging over a wide frequency range. This is specified from 10 Hz up to 20 kHz, with an impedance of 32 ohms and an efficiency of 109 dB.


It should come as no surprise that the new FiiO EM5 once again sets the highest quality standards for cables, especially since the FiiO EM5 is set to become the new flagship in its field. Thus, the company has opted for a stranded cable with High-purity Silver and 120 cores. The cable is sufficiently long at 120 cm and ends either in a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack plug for an unbalanced connection, or a 2.5 mm or 4.4 mm balanced connection option.

The new FiiO EM5 will come with no less than 18 pairs of foam earplug tips, and a carrying case is also included in the package.

The manufacturer states a price of US$ 299.99 for the new FiiO EM5, but as soon as we have the information about the local price, we will of course send it to you immediately.

Getting to the point

For those who find in-ear headphones that are placed deep inside the ear uncomfortable, the new FiiO EM5 Earbuds could be an alternative. The new FiiO EM5 Open Earbuds are classic in-ear headphones, which means that they do not enter the ear canal, but are flat and only fit at the beginning of the ear canal. Nevertheless, the manufacturer promises an excellent sound with a very high wearing comfort for this model, relying on features such as an ergonomic housing produced by 3D printing and a large dynamic driver with a beryllium membrane.

Manufacturer:FiiO Electronics Technology Co. Ltd.
Distribution:NT-Global Distribution GmbH
Price:US$ 299,99
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Michael Holzinger

Michael Holzinger, founder and editor-in-chief of HiFi BLOG and sempre-audio.at, has been working for years as a journalist in the fields of IT, photography, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

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