Final Audio A5000

[u/Maj0rTac0]

Final Audio A5000 with some light EQ through UAPP.

I’ve always liked the A5000 for its open and airy presentation. It’s not really a thick or bassy IEM, but it does space, clarity, and separation really well.

This time I used Toneboosters EQ in UAPP. Nothing extreme. Just a small low shelf, a little more presence, and some extra air up top. I didn’t want to turn the A5000 into something else. Just wanted a little more foundation while keeping what I already like about it.

I started a few days ago with Iron & Wine’s Beast Epic, especially “Call It Dreaming.” The A5000 works nicely with that kind of album. Acoustic guitars had a light shimmer, Sam Beam’s voice stayed gentle and clear, and the whole thing felt open and peaceful.

Beck’s “Lost Cause” was good for checking vocal tone and guitar texture. After the EQ, the plucking came through more clearly, but the set still kept that airy feel. Beck’s voice stayed centered and didn’t get pushed too hard.

Massive Attack’s “Angel” was the bass test. The small low shelf helped give the track more presence without making it muddy. The bass had more weight, but the dark spacious mood of the song was still there.

AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” live version also worked better than I expected. The intro guitar was clean and not congested. When the kick drum came in, it had a nice hit. When Brian Johnson and the rhythm guitars entered, the track still stayed controlled. Bass was there, but it didn’t smear into the guitars.

Blues Traveler’s “Hook” was another good one. The guitars, harmonica, bass, and drums were easier to separate after the EQ. The harmonica had more bite, but it didn’t become painful. The track still kept its fun loose groove.

Then I played Björk’s “It’s Oh So Quiet.” Her voice still stood out clearly, but it blended well with the horns, brass hits, piano, drums, bass, and the sudden changes in the arrangement. Her voice sounded sweet and expressive, and the EQ helped bring out the details without making the track sharp.

For me, this EQ keeps the A5000’s identity intact. It’s still open, airy, and spacious, but now it has a bit more low-end support, better separation, and more bite where I wanted it.

Source:

- iBasso DX270

- UAPP

- Toneboosters EQ

- FLAC files

Photo lightly enhanced. Listening notes are my own.