I’ve been listening to the FR5s for a couple of weeks now, and for a number of reasons, I can confidently say they’re the best investment I’ve made in quite some time. While I consider myself an audiophile, I’m nowhere near the level of expertise of many of you. I just know what sounds good to me, even if I can’t always explain why from a technical standpoint.
From the build quality to the sound performance, the FR5s are, without question, a solid five-star product. What impresses me the most—though I’m not sure if this is technically accurate or just my perception—is what I’d describe as their “presence.” Regardless of the artist, genre, or recording quality, these speakers deliver a depth that brings certain elements, like vocals or instruments, distinctly to the forefront, while others seem to recede naturally into the background.
I may not be explaining this correctly, but it’s something I haven’t experienced in any of my previous systems. I’ve heard both narrow and wide soundstages before, but the sense of depth the FR5s create is something new to me. It also feels like each sound is wrapped in a subtle darkness or silence, which isolates and enhances it, making each element stand out more clearly.
All of this to say—despite my clumsy attempt at describing the experience—they sound fantastic. Unless I find myself chasing after a set of 10s, 20s, or 30s, the FR5s have earned a permanent place in my setup.