FiiO FF5 earbuds

The FF5 is an earbud: it rests in the outer ear instead of sealing the ear canal, so you keep hearing your surroundings and there is no pressure in the ear. It uses a large 14.2 mm dynamic driver with a carbon-based diaphragm and a PU surround, which FiiO chose because it is light and stiff at the same time. Small acoustic resistance pipes in the housing are meant to extend the bass, which earbuds usually lack, and a vented back lets some of the air pressure out to reduce reflections inside the shell. FiiO tuned the FF5 with the focus on female vocals rather than heavy bass. The aluminium earbuds weigh about 3.4 g each, the cable detaches at expanded MMCX connectors and works with 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm balanced sources, and you get three kinds of foam covers plus silicone rings for a firmer fit.

• 14.2 mm dynamic driver with carbon-based diaphragm
• Detachable MMCX cable, 3.5 mm and 4.4 mm
• Aluminium, about 3.4 g per earbud