Final E4000 and E5000 review everyone! We’re finally at the peak of the E-series lineup from Final Audio and it’s most likely that you’ve also checked our previous Final E1000, E2000 and E3000 review. You might have been thinking all this time as to what’s the rationale behind creating 5 tiers in a product line and not the usual trinity (Small, Medium, Large – Low, Medium, High – Entry, Mid, Top) and the most logical reason I could find given that I’ve tried all five units is that the growing audiophile market has greatly diversified based on price preference and the covering these levels allows most individual to have a taste of what Final has to offer.
The clear hierarchy from its naming scheme has made it clear that the Final E1000 and E2000 are your budget-friendly solutions and the E3000 is the mid-level bargain which dips its toes in both its lower and upper tier siblings. The Final E4000 and E5000 review units which we will be checking out is where the big boys come in. They are considerably priced higher with the Final E4000 pegged at $149 and the Final E5000 pegged at $279.
Final E4000 Specifications:
- Housing: Aluminum black alumite finish
- Driver: 6.4mmΦ dynamic driver
- Connector: MMCX
- Cable: OFC cable
- Sensitivity: 97dB
- Impedance: 15Ω
- Weight: 18g
- Cord length: 1.2m
Final E5000 Specifications:
- Housing: Stainless steel mirror-finished
- Driver: 6.4mmΦ dynamic driver
- Connector: MMCX
- Cable: OFC silver coated cable
- Sensitivity: 93dB
- Impedance: 14Ω
- Weight: 24g
- Cord length: 1.2m
You can check the various Final dealers for more details. S’Next Co. and Final sent in the Final E4000 and E5000 review unit IEMs in exchange for an honest take on them and no other monetary factors are involved.
Packaging and Build Quality
E4000
Final is certainly one brand that emulates simplicity is beauty as a core aspect of their design which is best exemplified on the retail packaging of the Final E4000 and once again show up on the E5000, both the Final E4000 and E5000 review units sport same packaging setups. Minor differences such as the actual product snapshot and product specifications and description can be observed which is what separates the two at best in terms of their packaging presentation. Here’s a complete list of what you’d find in a brand-new pair of Final E4000.
E4000 Accessory Set
- Black silicone carry case
- Final Type E ear tips (SS, S, M, L, LL)
- Black Over-ear Ear Hook
- Karabiner
A full-on discrete and industrial look which comes in an all-black silhouette is the theme of the Final E4000. Just like the E2000, the E4000 features the signature bullet-type machined aluminum housing with an alumite finish with the same L-R indicators and model name placement. The nozzle design and length are still the same on both the E2000 and the E4000.
The differences start to build up with a start on the overall housing size making the E4000 considerably longer than the E2000 as well as losing the vented mesh on its faceplate which is replaced by a fully enclosed faceplate on the E4000 with the Final logo on it along with a minor metallic silver ring on its edges. The venting process of the E4000 is now in the form of a distinctive acoustic chamber which is located next to the MMCX connector.
The biggest improvements on the E4000 is its MMCX connector type removable cables which isn’t really much of an “improvement” if we go by the “usual” and “standard” audiophile IEMs since you can find removable cables nowadays on $30 to $50 IEMs. The MMCX connectors used on both the Final E4000 and E5000 review units are considerably more robust and snug compared to the ones you’d find on the likes of KBEar IEMs, not to mention the satisfactory clicks that can be heard when snapping the MMCX connections on the E4000 too.
With an MMCX detachable cable, the Final E4000 utilizes an OFC cable which is sheathed in a soft and flexible black rubber which doesn’t feel too sticky or dry to the hands. There is also no factory smell left off the cable which can’t be said on some other brands, notably KZ.
The stock cable of the E4000 which is only marketed to be an authentic OFC cable and is most likely the same one’s used in the entire E series lineup save for the flagship E5000. The one used on the E400 though is considerably thicker and has better tension to it making more resistant to tangles and folds. Microphonic noise on the cable is also kept at a minimum.
E5000
There’s a certain level of setback on the Final E5000 given that they come in an almost identical packaging with the E4000. A little sprinkle of separatory design cues would have made a big difference in terms of having that “you-get-what-you-pay-for” approach with the E5000. There’s always room for improvement and it might be a minor nuance to some which is worth considering given the relentless tugging of audiophile brands for superiority.
The Final E5000 packaging needs no more elaboration and here is what you get inside.
E5000 Accessory Set
- Black silicone carry case
- Final Type E ear tips (SS, S, M, L, LL)
- Clear Over-ear Ear Hook
- Karabiner
We are finally here at the endgame, or so they say. The Final E5000 represents what the totality of the E-series conveys and there are key aspects to it that are worth mentioning, both in sound and build quality, let’s take on the latter first. The Final E5000 throws away all reservation when it comes to its design language as compared to its siblings. It now shines and shimmers and commands a glance or a look with its all metallic finish housing and its OFC silver coated stock cable.
The most perceptible physical change on the Final E5000 aside from its stock cable is its housing. It now sports a stainless-steel mirror finish with subtle assembly revisions as compared to the E3000. The dimensions and structure that was employed on the E4000 housing is also used on the E5000 plus the added weight to it which still works great and doesn’t feel heavy to the ears and stays intact even with minor head or body movements.
It surely won’t drop off if you choose the right ear tips from the 5-sized Final E ear tips it comes with. Its mirror-finished stainless-steel housing has its perks, mainly sturdiness and the feel of first-rate components but also has its downsides mainly it being a hotbed for fingerprints and the clandestine jerking and rattling of both housing when stored in their silicone carry case. I have noticed minor hairline scratches on both IEMs even with great care which leaves no suspect but its storage process.
On to the cable, the E5000’s stock cable has some bragging rights tied to it with just the words Junkosha and JUNFLON which you could google out if you’re into too deep with technicalities. Spec’d out with a high purity OFC silver coated cable and an MMCX connector developed in-house, the E5000 stock cable looks as premium as can be. An unassuming twisted configuration is used on it and gives just the right amount of tension for stability when worn and flexibility when storage comes into play.
All other parts of the E5000 cable comes in a stainless-steel mirror finish with see through plastic for the chin slider and part of the 3.5mm gold-plated housing. The cable noise is kept at a minimum and using it either worn over the ear or just the casual hanging gives out a fairly similar result except I personally prefer wearing it hanging down which compliments the E5000’s bullet type housing design.
Tonality and Isolation
E4000
With 5 iterations to choose from in Final’s E series, breaking them into parts would be of great help and this is where the E4000 closes the book with regards to having a balanced sound. The E4000 has great coherence all over the frequencies and no clear-cut frequency is able to dominate the sound experience. It’s closest sibling would be the E2000 and I didn’t even think about it, but they are also the pair that is almost built the same so are we expecting a bright sounding E5000 given that the E3000 exhibited this same signature? We’ll get there.
E5000
The Final E5000 shoulders the bulk of the load in ensuring that the E series ends not only on a positive not but do it with absolute confidence that Final knows how to craft a distinct hierarchy of product lineups. The Final E5000 showcased an overall warm sounding signature with a slight emphasis on the lower midrange region. Doing a masterful control on the low-end performance presents everyone that Final knows how to do dynamic drivers justice. I mainly used the Sony WM1A and the Sony CAS-1 off a MSI GF62-8RE laptop via Foobar2000 v1.4 outputting various FLAC files which would be mentioned along the realview for the duration of the Final E4000 and E5000 review. Both sources have enough power to push both IEMs to their preferred output juices.
Lows
E4000
Surely this was tuned to sound reference at best and the low-end region is indeed what it should be when it wants to cooperate with other frequencies. The Final E4000’s sub bass sounds thick and resounding minus any overpowering punchy drops. Depeche Mode’s No More and Going Backwards in 16/44 FLAC was rendered with a sturdy and solid mid bass with a noticeable lack of thump. The overall low-end performance of the Final E4000 can be summed up to having a tight, full and robust texture and average speed and attack which leaves a relaxed and mellowed out atmosphere where the succeeding frequencies can freely work their way. Hardcore bass lovers might feel left out with this sound, but it certainly doesn’t reach an experience not worth trying, even owning.
E5000
The Final E5000 picks all the pieces that made the E4000 low-end sound memorable and add more power and attack to it, at a price of course which we would tackle more later. The E5000 is capable of showcasing a nimble and punchy sub bass all the while delivering a rugged and distinct rumble that makes busy tracks sound great. David Guetta’s “Say My Name” and “Flames” in 16/44 FLAC gives out one of the tightest mid bass deliveries I have heard with a punchy aftermath despite the track not being totally built with it. It is no overstatement that the Final E5000 low-end really performs exceptionally rich and clear. You can hold it against me if you get disappointed with the Final E5000’s lows.
Midrange
E4000
The Final E4000 showcases an energetic and full sounding lower midrange which gives the necessary components to create an overall balanced sound. Ed Sheeran’s “How Would You Feel” and “Save Myself” in 16/44 FLAC is rendered with in such a way the shows the aspect of how the lower midrange is able to create a foundation for a male vocal to sound articulate and smooth. A controlled upper midrange completes the ensemble. The female vocals using Ellie Goulding’s “I Do What I Love” in 16/44 FLAC are rendered in the same manner but exhibits how the E4000 is able to handle a lively approach in the upper midrange. Those that love pronounced midrange won’t get the vibe that the E4000 radiates but those that love a delicate approach would be highly tempted.
E5000
It has been quite a ride with the E series and one thing is for sure with their performance, the midrange is not something to be disappointed of. The E5000 fortunately falls into the same aspect which being the flag bearer model, should be a given. It would be a letdown if it falls off the chart compared to its siblings. Pulling out Lana Del Ray’s “Lust For Life” in 16/44 FLAC exudes a full-sounding lower midrange which provides a rich foundation for the vocals to work on, it renders the male and female vocals smooth and sound natural, almost too natural sometimes. The upper midrange is open sounding with a slight touch of pullback that makes the overall midrange sound relaxing and laid back. The Final E5000 is an IEM that clads you in a calm and serene experience that diverges from the analytical and critical aspect of reference sound.
Highs
E4000
With the trend of handling different frequencies in a mellow manner, the Final E4000’s high frequency performance makes no exception and is indeed tamed and smoothed out. Throw away any expectations of edgy highs and sudden peaks, Final made no room for those in this IEM. What it offers is a crisp and sweet treble delivery with precision as exemplified when handling tracks such as Lady Gaga’s “Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” in 16/44 FLAC. I’m not really into most of Lady Gaga yet the Final E4000 doesn’t make the experience that unenjoyable but instead made it somewhat a welcome exploration which made me push for other Lady Gaga tracks, still not into her though.
The treble sparkle which is sometimes a sought-after aspect of an IEM is very hard to find if there is at all on this set. There are times that high frequencies are pushed at the brink of sounding distorted which goes to show that this isn’t just the IEM for it.
E5000
The Final E5000 tackles, no, caresses the high frequencies in an approach that makes trebleheads like me nod our head. There is an immediate sense of unwinding and settling down which is usually seen as lackluster specially when categorizing the strength of an IEM by being able to handle the highs be it in a bright and peaking or a toned-down manner. Versatility is only afforded to the best of the best and the Final E5000 just missed the homerun on this aspect. The overall high frequency performance of the Final E5000 comes out mellow, sweet and clean. Sparkle could easily say he was there, but treble bite failed to catch the bus.
Soundstage and Imaging
E4000
The Final E4000 offers a surprisingly wider soundstage than I had anticipated it to have given the experience I had with its lower siblings. The focus on the E4000’s soundstage is more about width than depth and the left to right and right to left panning is very distinct and creates a well-placed instrument separation tone. The imaging is clear and precise with great detail retrieval overall.
E5000
The Final E5000 handles the soundstage with a masterful balance of width and depth. There is no distinct inclination towards being a width monster or a depth king. It instead gives out crystal resolution and clarity in terms of instrument placement and imaging. Left to right and right to left panning is very distinct which was also showcased by its E4000 sibling. Precision and accuracy are on full display on this IEM.
Conclusion
It has been a completely fulfilling and rewarding journey that I had with the Final E series and one that I would be revisiting and redoing for the considerable time. The lineups approach of simplicity and offering the intrinsic needs of an audiophile is a manifestation that when basic things are handled to perfection, memorable results are savored. This Final E4000 and E5000 review clearly shows that both doesn’t undermine each other despite the inherent belief that 4 is inferior to 5. They offer starkly different experiences, the Final E4000 a discrete and coherent sounding signature and the Final E5000 a glaring and skillful management of frequencies. You wouldn’t be regretting picking either over the other since you surely already know which approach, you’d pick right off the bat. The Final E4000 and E5000 gives you the “flip-a-coin” experience, you damn well know what you’d pick between the two the moment you tossed that coin up.
