In today’s feature, Kurt reviews the TinHiFi T5S, which is a new-generation Ultra-Linear diaphragm dynamic driver universal IEM priced at $129.99.
Disclaimer: This sample was sent to me in exchange for my honest opinion. Headfonics is an independent website with no affiliate links or status. I thank TinHifi for their support.
Click here to read more about TinHiFi products we have previously reviewed on Headfonics.
Note, this article follows our latest scoring guidelines which you can read in more detail here.
TinHiFi has been a well-known IEM maker in the audio community for the last few years. With their success from the TinHiFi T1 upwards to the likes of the recently reviewed Planar P1 MAX II, they’ve gotten a lot of people following their tuning and style.
Now they have a new addition to the TinHiFi T series IEM lineup called the TinHiFi T5S priced at $129.99.
With a similar single dynamic driver setup as the older TinHiFi T5, I find out how it performs and compares to similarly priced competing IEMs in my full review below.
Features
The TinHiFi T5S has a single 10mm dynamic driver setup. TinHiFi calls this new dynamic driver their next-generation ultra-linear diaphragm dynamic driver. In other words, it’s an improved and updated dynamic driver.
The dynamic driver is different from previous versions with a new and unique Topping diaphragm constructed from 3 different types of nano-materials and backed by a CCA voice coil.
This type of driver diaphragm minimizes nonlinear distortion to create a clearer and more accurate sound experience. TinHiFi adds that this also adds better transparency and soundstage performance.
The T5S is rated at 32Ω and 103 dB/mW @1kHz which reminds me of older generation medium efficiency drivers. Most modern sources such as dongle DACs will handle it just fine but smartphone jacks, (if there are any left) might need plenty of volume headroom.
Design
The TinHiFi T5S uses a full metal build for its shell. This can be a hit or miss depending on the temperature of your surroundings. The design resembles a premium piece of electronics. There isn’t much to see aside from design refinements.
Its faceplate is noticeably the main design point. The TinHiFi name is there with a rainbow-patterned luster on it. For its feel, it’s smooth to the touch. There are no bumps or sharp textures on it. Its color is similar to a gunmetal or a dark gray touch.
Its size is kept in between the small and medium sizes. I didn’t have any issues fitting it since it’s relatively small. There are 2 vents on the shell, one on top and one near its nozzle which helps alleviate ear pressure.
Comfort & Isolation
The comfort of the TinHiFi T5S is good. Most people will not have issues with it unless you have extra small ears.
Its shell is relatively compact and smaller than average compared to the MOONDROP KATO though still bulkier than the dimunutive Sennheiser IE 200.
Its most peculiar aspect is that short-term and long-term usage will depend on your temperature since temperature absorption is a problem.
Living in an area with high temperatures, the TinHiFi T5S conducts the heat so well that I feel the heat in my ears.
The same can be said for colder areas. Using it in an air-conditioned room, you feel an extra chill in your ears as well. With my usage, I couldn’t use this in the afternoon since it’s a powerful heat absorber.
Meanwhile, I would describe the passive isolation of the TinHiFi T5S to be above average while retaining a secure fit. Sleeping with the TinHiFi T5S is possible too so long as you can manage the temperature variations.
Commuting with it isn’t great. Going out with it under the tropical sun will bring you a scorching experience in your ears after a prolonged session.
Tips
Inside the box, there are two types of silicone tips. The first type is a silicone tip that you normally find with most budget IEMs, and the second I would loosely describe as a more refined version of the first.
There is also a set of white foam tips attached to the TinHiFi T5S out of the box with accompanying foam tips inside the box.
Using either of the silicone tip versions didn’t give me a good experience. The foam tips also seem to impede my overall listening experience. The foam tips remove the higher-end frequencies or the treble. Using different tips, namely wide bore ones, gave me a better experience.
Stock Cable
The TINHIFI T5S stock cable is a hybrid wire composition with 28 strands of 0.06mm enameled copper and 54 strands of 0.05mm silver-plated copper.
This is an attractive black-and-white finished braided version with the white part slightly more transparent with silver strands visible underneath. However, the cable is a bit stiff so not that pliant or as easy to manage as some competing budget IEM cables. Despite that, it does stay put on my ears quite well.
The chin slider’s design is stylish and quite functional with good sizing adjustment and doesn’t seem to catch or cause stress when moving it up and down the cable.
Packaging & Accessories
We get a lot inside the T5S box. TinHiFi didn’t leave out anything for a great unboxing experience.
Opening the box, we have the drivers with the foam tips attached, and above it, there is a set of tweezers and a brush that would be used for changing the filters. You also get the warranty card, a big carrying case, the stock cable, ear tips, and extra filters.
The carrying case is a great addition. The design of that case is white with a threaded pattern above. In front of it, there’s the shiny metal piece with the TinHiFi name on it. You can easily fit the IEMs with the stock cable and have enough room for a spare dongle DAC for your daily needs.
Sound Impressions
The following sound impressions of the TinHiFi T5S were completed using a mix of the Colorfly CDA-M2, and the FiiO KA11.
Bass
The TinHiFi T5S has a sizeable bass response, one that I could feel throughout my listening sessions.
The problem I have with its bass is the quality of it. The bass is strong but borders on muddy when pushed hard. I couldn’t hear the finer details on the low end due to the elevated bloom.
All I could feel was how powerful the bass was which I am guessing is what some bassheads might love. It is certainly potent and continuous with a decent slam and adds a layer of fun to my music library despite my music not being that bass-heavy.
Mids
The mids of the TinHiFi T5S have a relatively natural to slightly warm timbre for instruments and vocal notes.
There is a good level of tonal accuracy here despite the muddy bass. Fortunately, that muddiness doesn’t leak into the mids that much. I could still hear clear vocals without much bass interference. I can only hear that slight muddiness in lower volumes.
My listening volume is around 75 dB, and on that level, I couldn’t hear the muddiness too much. It sounds clear and clean at this volume. Its mids make the overall listening experience musical with the added warmth making them sound more intimate than normal.
Treble
The treble of the TinHiFi T5S is the part I feel is lacking the most. From the detail retrieval to the sibilance, it’s not done well. The sibilance is my main concern. It’s very noticeable throughout a listening session.
Higher-pitching vocals are strongly affected by it and finding songs that aren’t affected by this issue was quite rare though foam tips do help subdue it.
Lower pitching vocals aren’t as affected by sibilance. It’s still there but not as present throughout. However, the detail retrieval isn’t great. It’s only average, but it does get the job done.
Staging & Dynamics
The soundstage of the TinHiFi T5S is decent as well with noticeable depth and width but nothing too exciting. Imaging is done well though. It’s extra precise with this aspect since I could tell where each aspect of the music is quite easily.
The dynamics are surprisingly good with a keenly observed contrast between quiet and high-impact notes during my listening sessions on higher volume.
Keep the volume high and the mids sound clear and clean. However, in lower volumes, the mids become muddier than usual.
Overall, the staging is okay while the imaging is done better. The dynamics need some improvement for lower volumes but listening to it at higher volumes is a bit of a band-aid fix.
Click on page 2 below for my recommended pairings and selected comparisons.
