I've been testing the UTWS5 with Campfire Solaris (2020). The ergonomics are absolutely fantastic. Freedom from cables is magnificent, the device "drapes" comfortably over the ear and controls work perfectly. But sound signature is a definitely a compromise as far as I'm concerned. A good chunk of the clarity these IEMs are capable of, is reduced. To put it simply, they sound "dark" and bass is elevated as if a bass head created a custom EQ (and I like good bass). And it's not subtle either. It could be the inferior Aptx bitrate and how it's applied with Samsung S21 (compared to LDAC). Or simply the dac/amp built in fairly dramatic "coloring". Compared to say, the iFi GoBlu, the difference is significant out of the box.
Hey, just adding to this as an information (for others reading this too). FiiO updated their firmware and the UTWS5 now support LDHC (beta function though) and they're still working on implementing LDAC. So you're not restricted to aptx anymore at least if your smartphone supports it.
As soon as a DAC/Amp changes the sound, it is unfortunately a bad DAC/AMP. Of course you can be lucky if you like the changed sound better, but objectively a good DAC/AMP shouldn't change the sound at all. It's a shame, because I thought about buying high-quality in-ears and making them Bluetooth-enabled, but if the thing changes the sound so much, I'd rather not.
Important question. Is the hook strong? I always would love to use iems to do my workouts or dance but so if the hook is strong enough to hold it in place I might buy these
Hola!!...saludos desde México, tengo una duda espero me puedas ayudar, tengo los Fh9 y el M11 Plus Ess, me recomiendas los UTWS5 para usar los Fh9 con el M11 Plus Ess???? O definitivamente con cable....gracias!!!
@@PrimeAudioReviews ok. Hello!!...greetings from Mexico, I have a question I hope you can help me, I have the Fh9 and the M11 Plus Ess, do you recommend the UTWS5? to use the Fh9 with the M11 Plus Ess???? EITHER definitely wired....thank you!!!
Hi, can you compare the UTWS5 sound wise to the ifi Go Blu? How much per cent of the sound quality of the ifi Go Blu does the UTWS5 offer? Thank you very much in advance, Chris
How do you compare them with the bluetooth dongle dac amp such as the ifi go blu or shanling up5 in terms of sound quality through the bluetooth codec? Is there any noticeable difference to the point that one should buy the bluetooth dongle dac amp instead of the UTWS5. Thank in advance
In terms of the audio quality, they are very close. The advantages that the UP5 has is termination versatility (2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm) and output power. On top of that, the UP5 has both low and high gain modes plus a dual DAC circuit. However, if you're just using regular efficient 3.5mm IEMs and have Android, the audible difference is minimal.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Thank you very much for the reply. I have just one IEM and think to go completely bluetooth, but then again might use the cable also because have the DAC but then that means too many gear in possession. So trying to be as minimal as possible. Thanks again
@@OrdLee The value for this is basically to uncomplicate a BTR5 like setup, where you still might be doing BT but wired to the headset. This removes that complication. No second device in the pocket, no extra cables. 3 things you would miss though. This doesn't support LDAC, you don't have a balanced setup (but no cable to have to deal with a bunch of interference), and doesn't have the power of something like the BTR (specially since that can boost power output when using a balanced connection). Really only the last will make a difference. Just means you won't want to use this on power hungry IEMs.
@@andrewalexander9508 thank you Andrew for the input. That's the thing that I question a lot, the use of cable on a bluetooth DAC. If one still use cable, why not just use the dongle dac, gonna cost cheaper. Apparently from what I know LDAC can only transfer data to a single bluetooth unit instead of 2 unit like the utws. I think from my experience on this audio stuff and my personal take, there are too many stuff that drive consumerism lifestyle. I fell for it because not giving myself time to learn more before buying and waste quite chunk of money just to know. Just food for thought.
@@OrdLee I don't know. Something this using a much better AMP then you get with a normal TWS. I think it's the opposite. You buy a device that can make your favorite IEM totally blue tooth. If the recievers die you still have functioning IEMs, or if you want to change out the sound you don't need to buy more speaker/amp/battery combos just a single new iem. For people who haven't purchased more than a single IEM, this isn't a savings whether or not you feel better about audio quality. But for people with a collection. Now you can get with a limited loss quality a TWS experience with any IEM in your collection. To a degree you are right since you can rationalize any purchase. But between activity and convenience that TWS bring I think this has a use and not just another random device to purchase.
Currently using Sony Linkbuds S for sports usage. They are great but I find the volume to be lacking. Does this give good loudness? I have Shure SE535's to fit these but I was thinking of getting FH3 to pair with this as the Shure's aren't water / sweat proof.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I tried one of the other versions with the 2-pin, no good if you have recessed connections - won't work at all. The other deal breaker is if you wear glasses, they are really not good at all fit wise.
What IEM do you think would pair best with this device? I have been using it with the 7hertz timeless, but I want something that sounds more fun. Plus I think I can get more volume out of a dynamic set of iems rather then the 7 hertz planar I've been using. I'm open to great suggestions, thx again.
I prefer the FH3. It has more forward mids and overall balance and it's a lot lighter. On the other hand, if you want lots of bass and a large soundstage (with slightly recessed mids) the oh10 is also nice.
@@PrimeAudioReviews what about the Fiio FH5? I'm seriously considering buying the UTWS5 cause I wanna try what it feels like to use my IEMs in a wireless way?
@@theHermit9 I use them as my dailies but i have the say that the hardware is inconsistent. I had a couple defective units. I'm using the mmcx version with 2 pin adapters.
@@luf4rall I appreciate the response ... that’s tough as it’s pricey ... hopefully in time they get it sorted ... my shuoer s12 is arriving today and it’s my first iem … definitely excited for that … best wishes to you
@@theHermit9 I'm sorry. I meant that the Fiio UTWS5 units are inconsistent. I had a few units that had charging issues. I like the s12 and never had any playing issues. The included cord is heavy duty but that makes it pretty heavy and will weigh on your ears after a while.
guys it's been awhile. has anyone ever used the KZ AZ09? if so have you tried these Fiio ones too? which should i buy i don't wanna regret buying the KZ cos if budget constraints.
@DeltaTeam10 Gaming I purchased the mmcx version from Fiio on AliExpress. I do believe they had the two pin in stock when I ordered but seems to be sold out now
for the price of the airpods pro you can get some 100~ dollar iems and the utws5, it will sound a hell of a lot better most likely. but the airpods pro have muuuuch better features in terms of active noise cancelling and call quality. if you have an iphone theyll also run super smoothly. the utws5s are a bit more janky in that regard.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I was going to use the zex pro, Lea or cra. I don’t want to use my wired iems with it edit: I was going to buy one of those cheaper iems with the tws adapter so the price wouldn’t be too far off from the AirPods Pro, I think I choose these but they’re sold out :(
"they started at utsw1, then they had the utsw3, i cant remember all the models, theres too many to mention" you just mentioned them all. literally all 2 of the previous models. maybe speak with a little more authority and knowledge if you want to be a reviewer.
I don't have time to fact check every trivial detail for each and every product I cover - I'm too busy making reviews. Besides, there's always some pedantic a$$hat in the comments willing to clarify...
4:56 ABOUT SOUND
I've been testing the UTWS5 with Campfire Solaris (2020). The ergonomics are absolutely fantastic. Freedom from cables is magnificent, the device "drapes" comfortably over the ear and controls work perfectly. But sound signature is a definitely a compromise as far as I'm concerned. A good chunk of the clarity these IEMs are capable of, is reduced. To put it simply, they sound "dark" and bass is elevated as if a bass head created a custom EQ (and I like good bass). And it's not subtle either. It could be the inferior Aptx bitrate and how it's applied with Samsung S21 (compared to LDAC). Or simply the dac/amp built in fairly dramatic "coloring". Compared to say, the iFi GoBlu, the difference is significant out of the box.
Hey, just adding to this as an information (for others reading this too). FiiO updated their firmware and the UTWS5 now support LDHC (beta function though) and they're still working on implementing LDAC. So you're not restricted to aptx anymore at least if your smartphone supports it.
I feel the same with the BTR5
As soon as a DAC/Amp changes the sound, it is unfortunately a bad DAC/AMP. Of course you can be lucky if you like the changed sound better, but objectively a good DAC/AMP shouldn't change the sound at all. It's a shame, because I thought about buying high-quality in-ears and making them Bluetooth-enabled, but if the thing changes the sound so much, I'd rather not.
Wow!!! I just paired this with the Mangird Zenns Tea 2!! WHAT A FRIGGIN’ MAGICAL PAIRING!!!!
Sir please try this with 7hertz! Does it fits well in utws5? Should I buy this for 7hertz timeless ? What's about sound??
Do you have the UTWS3 to compare against? The UTWS5 cost double the price. Is it justified?
I haven't had a chance to try the UTWS53.
Yeah, it's really nice.
Just ordered the UTWS5 will use with my LZ A7 😉
Does it pair well with the LZ A7?
Dont wanna sound negative but you’re like the walmart dankpods
💀💀💀
Bruh that *absolutely* sounds like an insult 💀😂
Except dankpods is annoying as hell and this dude is not.
Is there a reaosn why the volume is so damn low on these bluetooth adapters?
Make sure your phone volume is at 100%
Having the same problem currently. Have you found any answers or solutions?
Important question. Is the hook strong? I always would love to use iems to do my workouts or dance but so if the hook is strong enough to hold it in place I might buy these
Hola!!...saludos desde México, tengo una duda espero me puedas ayudar, tengo los Fh9 y el M11 Plus Ess, me recomiendas los UTWS5 para usar los Fh9 con el M11 Plus Ess???? O definitivamente con cable....gracias!!!
If you really want an answer, please take the 30 seconds to stop being so lazy and translate your question to English.
@@PrimeAudioReviews ok. Hello!!...greetings from Mexico, I have a question
I hope you can help me, I have the Fh9 and the
M11 Plus Ess, do you recommend the UTWS5?
to use the Fh9 with the M11 Plus Ess???? EITHER
definitely wired....thank you!!!
does it with fa19?
Hi, can you compare the UTWS5 sound wise to the ifi Go Blu? How much per cent of the sound quality of the ifi Go Blu does the UTWS5 offer? Thank you very much in advance, Chris
I'm afraid I haven't tried the Go Blu.
Does this have the chinese lady voice while connecting?
Is the yulong any good?
Yes, it's excellent but not the best for very sensitive IEMs.
How do you compare them with the bluetooth dongle dac amp such as the ifi go blu or shanling up5 in terms of sound quality through the bluetooth codec? Is there any noticeable difference to the point that one should buy the bluetooth dongle dac amp instead of the UTWS5. Thank in advance
In terms of the audio quality, they are very close. The advantages that the UP5 has is termination versatility (2.5mm, 3.5mm, 4.4mm) and output power. On top of that, the UP5 has both low and high gain modes plus a dual DAC circuit. However, if you're just using regular efficient 3.5mm IEMs and have Android, the audible difference is minimal.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Thank you very much for the reply. I have just one IEM and think to go completely bluetooth, but then again might use the cable also because have the DAC but then that means too many gear in possession. So trying to be as minimal as possible.
Thanks again
@@OrdLee The value for this is basically to uncomplicate a BTR5 like setup, where you still might be doing BT but wired to the headset. This removes that complication. No second device in the pocket, no extra cables. 3 things you would miss though. This doesn't support LDAC, you don't have a balanced setup (but no cable to have to deal with a bunch of interference), and doesn't have the power of something like the BTR (specially since that can boost power output when using a balanced connection). Really only the last will make a difference. Just means you won't want to use this on power hungry IEMs.
@@andrewalexander9508 thank you Andrew for the input. That's the thing that I question a lot, the use of cable on a bluetooth DAC. If one still use cable, why not just use the dongle dac, gonna cost cheaper. Apparently from what I know LDAC can only transfer data to a single bluetooth unit instead of 2 unit like the utws.
I think from my experience on this audio stuff and my personal take, there are too many stuff that drive consumerism lifestyle. I fell for it because not giving myself time to learn more before buying and waste quite chunk of money just to know. Just food for thought.
@@OrdLee I don't know. Something this using a much better AMP then you get with a normal TWS. I think it's the opposite. You buy a device that can make your favorite IEM totally blue tooth. If the recievers die you still have functioning IEMs, or if you want to change out the sound you don't need to buy more speaker/amp/battery combos just a single new iem.
For people who haven't purchased more than a single IEM, this isn't a savings whether or not you feel better about audio quality. But for people with a collection. Now you can get with a limited loss quality a TWS experience with any IEM in your collection.
To a degree you are right since you can rationalize any purchase. But between activity and convenience that TWS bring I think this has a use and not just another random device to purchase.
Currently using Sony Linkbuds S for sports usage. They are great but I find the volume to be lacking. Does this give good loudness? I have Shure SE535's to fit these but I was thinking of getting FH3 to pair with this as the Shure's aren't water / sweat proof.
It’s built in amp so it very loud you still can increase the volume in the app.
@@van11041thank you for the clarification. Will go ahead and get this now.. Thanks
Does it look like you're wearing an old school hearing aid?
nope
Only mmcx?
There’s a 2-pin version too or you can buy a little adapter and use both
@@PrimeAudioReviews I tried one of the other versions with the 2-pin, no good if you have recessed connections - won't work at all. The other deal breaker is if you wear glasses, they are really not good at all fit wise.
I wear glasses and don’t have a problem with them. You’re right about some 2pins aren’t compatible.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Did you wear them with glasses & a mask?
I haven't worn them outside with a mask but 95% of my testing was done with glasses.
What IEM do you think would pair best with this device? I have been using it with the 7hertz timeless, but I want something that sounds more fun. Plus I think I can get more volume out of a dynamic set of iems rather then the 7 hertz planar I've been using. I'm open to great suggestions, thx again.
I recommend the FiiO FH3.
@@PrimeAudioReviews thank you for that recommendation. I was trying to decide between the FH3 or OH10, what you think?
I prefer the FH3. It has more forward mids and overall balance and it's a lot lighter. On the other hand, if you want lots of bass and a large soundstage (with slightly recessed mids) the oh10 is also nice.
@@PrimeAudioReviews it's a hard decision because I hear great things about both the FH3 and OH10
@@PrimeAudioReviews what about the Fiio FH5? I'm seriously considering buying the UTWS5 cause I wanna try what it feels like to use my IEMs in a wireless way?
Is it better sound quality than Sony wf 1000m4
Yes
Bro you can use any iem with this
2 pin or MMCX
Anyone else have problems with the right one not charging in the case and connecting?
How much is the latency for gaming, movie watching, music production?
I talk about this in the written review (link in description).
is there a magnet between the earlets?
Not that I am aware. of.
Do you know similar product to the fiio but cheaper with the same level or just Better? I have the 7hz timeless ae
TRN BT20s and KZ AZ09.
i been seeing a lotta of reviews with it randomly connecting to phone while in the case and heard some other bad things, anything happened to yours?
Nothing weird like that lol
Going to try these with my shuoer s12
Make sure you get the 2pin version!
Have you tried it with the s12? Would you recommend it? Thanks
@@theHermit9 I use them as my dailies but i have the say that the hardware is inconsistent. I had a couple defective units. I'm using the mmcx version with 2 pin adapters.
@@luf4rall I appreciate the response ... that’s tough as it’s pricey ... hopefully in time they get it sorted ... my shuoer s12 is arriving today and it’s my first iem … definitely excited for that … best wishes to you
@@theHermit9 I'm sorry. I meant that the Fiio UTWS5 units are inconsistent. I had a few units that had charging issues. I like the s12 and never had any playing issues. The included cord is heavy duty but that makes it pretty heavy and will weigh on your ears after a while.
Can you use these with the BTR7 as I thought it was only a receiver
No, you cannot use with BTR7.
@@PrimeAudioReviews Thanks, it's a shame and I thought as much, shame it can't transmit.
Can you hear the noisefloor if your IEMs are too sensitive?
I can't. But if you're 14 years old and have IEMs with < 8 Ohms impedance you might...
@@PrimeAudioReviews i am 14, will be trying.
Hi, do you know if either of those work the custom Ultimate Ears 18 Pro?
Yes, the 0.78mm 2-pin will work fine.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I have the one with the csx connection. Do you think they’ll work?
Oh OK. It looks like a regular MMCX but I'm not sure. You'll have to do some searching to check.
Hello, do you rekon these would work with senne IE300's as they have recessed connecters?
They don’t, there are however some mmcx to ie300 fidelity+ adapter you can get on ali express for around 40 bucks.
@@KurtKloetentreter thanks man :)
hi, can u use the built in mic on pc? I connected mine on pc but it won't work even though it's detected on discord
You should be able to use it on pc. Make sure you select the utws5 as the default mic in your Windows sound settings.
guys it's been awhile. has anyone ever used the KZ AZ09? if so have you tried these Fiio ones too? which should i buy i don't wanna regret buying the KZ cos if budget constraints.
i have the az09 and i would never recommend it. although the sound quality is great bluetooth connection drops constantly out of the box
@@oguzhanskb ty for the reply man, i figured so, i think FiiO's variant is the better buy?
i hope so, im now saving up for the fiios. let me know if you try it tho
Can you switch mccx to 2 pin?
You can purchase the UTWS5 in 2 pin or you can buy mmcx to 2 pin adapters
@DeltaTeam10 Gaming I purchased the mmcx version from Fiio on AliExpress. I do believe they had the two pin in stock when I ordered but seems to be sold out now
@@sympak How long did delivery take? Are you in USA?
@@Max-ot1hh around 3 weeks to Canada
Hello Sir, can "FIIO UTWS5 V2.0" be used for planar earphones???
It depends which planar earphones. Some (like KEFINE Klanar) are easy to drive and others (KZ PR2) need a lot more power.
Would be great I you could actually buy the bloody things....seem to be permanently out of stock.
If it aint LDAC i dont want it. Technology aint there yet.
for a better iem you should try the 7hz timeless with the UTWS5.... and yes it fits in the case perfectly...
Hi i have 7hertz and thinking to buy UTWS5. Does 7hertz sound better in this?
@@rishabdharya3061 it sounds fine with this... if you want/need a wireless solution its the only game in town
@@dixter1652
Not only the timeless
This has a 2 pin version
S12 pro on the 2 pin would be crazy
If it had a good mic for calling then I would have got this right away. Tired of crappy Samsung Buds live.
Any updates on better mics?
Comment for da algorithm
Streak count: 106
Still sold out
Dang it.... why can't they get the darn microphone right??? I REALLY need a good pair of TWS headphones that I can use on conference calls...
because it's a mic almost behind your head, it's really hard to do it right
@@temporoyale6251 yeah, and it's also in part of limitation of Bluetooth technology.
Shure TW2, they work really good for calls. At least in a quiet environment.
uh, I think BTR5 is better-
You're entitled to an opinion. But it's apples to oranges - BTR5 is not TWS.
AirPods Pro or UTWS5 AirPods Pro or UTWS5 😰
UTWS5 ftw
That depends - do you have any good IEMs to use with it? 😅
for the price of the airpods pro you can get some 100~ dollar iems and the utws5, it will sound a hell of a lot better most likely. but the airpods pro have muuuuch better features in terms of active noise cancelling and call quality. if you have an iphone theyll also run super smoothly. the utws5s are a bit more janky in that regard.
@SOUL SEEKER they can but with little power to spare so probably not ideal.
@@PrimeAudioReviews I was going to use the zex pro, Lea or cra. I don’t want to use my wired iems with it
edit: I was going to buy one of those cheaper iems with the tws adapter so the price wouldn’t be too far off from the AirPods Pro, I think I choose these but they’re sold out :(
👁️👁️
"they started at utsw1, then they had the utsw3, i cant remember all the models, theres too many to mention" you just mentioned them all. literally all 2 of the previous models. maybe speak with a little more authority and knowledge if you want to be a reviewer.
I don't have time to fact check every trivial detail for each and every product I cover - I'm too busy making reviews. Besides, there's always some pedantic a$$hat in the comments willing to clarify...