Audio T Verdict
The Fyne Audio F500SP takes the compact and engaging character of the original F500 and elevates it with technology and construction techniques drawn from Fyne’s more ambitious F700 Series.
Its UK-built Special Production IsoFlare driver creates a focused and coherent stereo image, while the twin-magnet motor system, premium BassTrax arrangement and carefully tuned crossover give the speaker greater bass authority, refinement and control than its modest dimensions suggest.
A sensitivity of 90dB and an eight-ohm nominal impedance make it relatively straightforward to drive, although its transparency and dynamic ability reward a capable amplifier and suitably revealing source components.
For anyone seeking premium floorstander-style scale and imaging from a beautifully finished standmount loudspeaker, the F500SP is one of Fyne Audio’s most appealing compact designs.
Fyne Audio F500SP Standmount Speakers
The Fyne Audio F500SP is the smallest model in the UK-built F500 Special Production Series.
It combines the manageable cabinet dimensions of the award-winning original F500 with acoustic technology, crossover components and construction techniques derived from the premium F700 Series.
Its principal features include:
- UK construction, hand finishing and pair matching
- 150mm Special Production IsoFlare point-source driver
- 25mm magnesium-dome compression tweeter
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet system
- Multi-fibre bass and midrange cone
- Twin-magnet low-frequency motor system
- FyneFlute variable-geometry roll surround
- Downward-firing bass-reflex port
- Premium BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser
- Low-loss Cryo-Lite treated crossover
- Bi-wire loudspeaker terminals
- Fifth grounding terminal for the driver chassis
- Anodised aluminium plinth
- Diamond-cut aluminium driver trim
- Premium gloss and real-wood finish options
Special Production Engineering
Fyne Audio’s Special Production models are designed to bridge the gap between its standard ranges and premium UK-built loudspeakers.
The F500SP retains the familiar parallel-sided cabinet of the original F500 while adding selected technology from the F700 Series.
Special Production improvements include:
- A dedicated SP version of the IsoFlare driver
- A more powerful twin-magnet bass and midrange motor
- A refined magnesium compression tweeter
- A tuned low-loss crossover
- Cryo-Lite treated crossover components
- An upgraded BassTrax port arrangement
- Additional internal cabinet damping
- Premium aluminium detailing
- UK hand finishing and pair matching
Designed and Built in the United Kingdom
The F500SP is built, hand finished and pair matched at Fyne Audio’s manufacturing facility in Glasgow.
Bringing production and engineering together allows Fyne Audio to control important aspects of the finished loudspeaker, including:
- Driver installation
- Crossover assembly
- Cabinet finishing
- Mechanical alignment
- Quality-control testing
- Acoustic pair matching
The result is Fyne Audio’s most accessible premium UK-built standmount loudspeaker.
150mm Special Production IsoFlare Driver
The F500SP uses a 150mm Special Production IsoFlare point-source driver derived from the units developed for Fyne Audio’s F700 Series.
The high-frequency compression driver is positioned at the acoustic centre of the bass and midrange cone. Both sections therefore radiate from the same point in space.
This arrangement is designed to provide:
- Precise stereo imaging
- A coherent transition between midrange and treble
- Stable vocal placement
- Consistent dispersion across a broad listening area
- Natural reproduction away from the exact centre seat
- Reduced changes in tonal balance with listening position
The point-source arrangement is particularly effective with voices, acoustic instruments and live recordings where timing and spatial relationships are central to a convincing performance.
25mm Magnesium Compression Tweeter
A 25mm magnesium dome forms the diaphragm of the centrally mounted high-frequency compression driver.
Magnesium combines low moving mass with high rigidity, allowing the diaphragm to respond rapidly while placing unwanted break-up behaviour beyond its primary operating range.
The tweeter is designed to deliver:
- Extended high-frequency response
- Fine low-level detail
- Clean transient reproduction
- Controlled dispersion
- A smooth transition from the surrounding midrange cone
- Reduced resonance and harshness
Fyne Audio specifies an in-room response extending to 34kHz.
Neodymium High-Frequency Magnet System
The compression tweeter uses a powerful neodymium magnet system.
Neodymium provides a strong magnetic field from a relatively compact assembly, helping the high-frequency diaphragm respond quickly and maintain control during fast musical transients.
The tweeter and surrounding cone work together through the IsoFlare waveguide to provide consistent radiation across the listening area.
Multi-Fibre Bass and Midrange Cone
The main 150mm cone uses a multi-fibre paper construction selected for its combination of stiffness, low mass and natural damping.
It handles bass and midrange frequencies before handing over to the compression tweeter at the 1.7kHz crossover point.
The multi-fibre cone supports:
- Natural vocal reproduction
- Fast transient response
- Controlled bass output
- Low unwanted colouration
- A smooth transition through the crossover region
Twin-Magnet Motor System
The Special Production bass and midrange driver uses a twin-magnet motor system.
The additional magnetic strength helps maintain control over the cone as it moves, particularly during demanding bass passages and sudden musical changes.
This contributes to:
- Greater bass authority
- Improved dynamic control
- Reduced compression at higher listening levels
- Faster starting and stopping of notes
- Improved integration with the BassTrax system
FyneFlute Roll Surround
The outer edge of the bass and midrange cone uses Fyne Audio’s FyneFlute surround.
Rather than relying on a conventional surround with a uniform curved profile, FyneFlute incorporates carefully shaped fluting around its circumference.
This design helps:
- Control energy travelling through the cone
- Reduce reflections from the cone termination
- Improve transient behaviour
- Reduce unwanted resonances
- Support cleaner midrange reproduction
Premium BassTrax System
The F500SP uses a downward-firing bass-reflex port that directs low-frequency energy onto a premium BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser.
The diffuser converts the port output into a more evenly expanding 360-degree wavefront.
This arrangement is intended to provide:
- More even bass distribution throughout the room
- Reduced sensitivity to toe-in
- Less obvious port noise
- Improved integration between the port and IsoFlare driver
- Greater flexibility when positioning the speakers
The F500SP will still respond to nearby walls and room corners, but the BassTrax system can make it easier to achieve balanced bass than a conventional rear-facing port.
42Hz Bass Extension
Fyne Audio specifies an in-room frequency response of 42Hz to 34kHz within its published -6dB limits.
This gives the F500SP impressive low-frequency reach for a cabinet measuring just over 32cm high.
The final bass response will depend on:
- The distance from rear and side walls
- The construction and height of the speaker stands
- The dimensions of the listening room
- The floor construction
- The listening position
- The partnering amplifier
- The source material
Low-Loss Cryo-Lite Crossover
The crossover operates at 1.7kHz and divides the incoming signal between the multi-fibre cone and centrally mounted compression tweeter.
Fyne Audio specifies:
- A second-order low-pass filter
- A first-order high-pass filter
- A low-loss passive design
- Cryo-Lite treated components
- Bi-wire connectivity
Cryo-Lite treatment is used to reduce unwanted electrical resistance within selected crossover and internal connection components.
The crossover is tuned to preserve the timing and dispersion advantages of the IsoFlare point-source arrangement while protecting each section of the driver from frequencies outside its intended operating range.
Premium Five-Terminal Connection Panel
The rear connection panel includes two pairs of loudspeaker terminals and a fifth grounding terminal.
The two main terminal pairs allow:
- Conventional single-wire operation
- Bi-wire operation
- Passive bi-amplification with suitable equipment
The additional fifth terminal provides a grounding connection for the driver chassis.
Driver-Chassis Grounding Terminal
The grounding terminal is designed to help drain radio-frequency interference that may be collected by the driver chassis, amplifier or connected cables.
Reducing this unwanted interference can help preserve low-level information and maintain a quieter electrical environment around the loudspeaker system.
Check the Grounding Arrangement First
Only connect the grounding terminal to a suitable grounding point supported by the partnering amplifier or system.
Do not connect it directly to a mains-earth terminal, random chassis screw or another improvised point without advice from Audio T or the equipment manufacturer.
Single-Wire and Bi-Wire Operation
For normal single-wire operation, the high-frequency and low-frequency terminal pairs remain connected by the supplied links.
Bi-wiring uses separate cable runs from the same amplifier channel to the two crossover sections.
Any audible benefit will depend on:
- The partnering amplifier
- The speaker cable
- The quality of the terminal links
- The wider system
- The listening room
Remove the Links Before Bi-Amplification
The terminal links must be removed before separate amplifier channels are connected to the high-frequency and low-frequency terminals.
Leaving the links fitted can connect two amplifier outputs together and cause serious damage. Speak to Audio T before attempting a bi-amplified installation.
Heavyweight Braced Cabinet
The F500SP uses a substantial parallel-sided cabinet with extensive internal bracing.
The rear of the IsoFlare driver is mechanically coupled to the internal bracing using energy-absorbing damping material.
This arrangement is intended to:
- Increase cabinet rigidity
- Control unwanted mechanical energy
- Reduce panel resonance
- Improve bass definition
- Provide a stable mechanical reference for the driver
- Support clearer midrange reproduction
Anodised Aluminium Plinth
An anodised aluminium lower plinth provides a rigid foundation for the cabinet and forms part of the premium BassTrax arrangement.
It also establishes the correct clearance beneath the downward-firing port and diffuser.
Do not place the speaker directly on a soft surface that could obstruct the intended gap beneath the plinth.
Diamond-Cut Aluminium Driver Trim
The exposed IsoFlare chassis uses diamond-cut aluminium detailing.
This provides a clean visual transition between the driver and cabinet while highlighting the engineering at the centre of the loudspeaker.
The aluminium trim also complements the lower plinth and premium rear terminal panel.
90dB Sensitivity
The F500SP has a published sensitivity of 90dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
This makes it relatively straightforward to drive and allows it to work with a wide variety of quality stereo amplifiers.
Fyne Audio recommends amplifier power between 30W and 120W RMS.
The suitability of a particular amplifier will also depend on:
- Its current delivery
- The size of the room
- The listening distance
- The preferred playback level
- The dynamic demands of the music
- The overall quality of the system
Eight-Ohm Nominal Impedance
Fyne Audio specifies a nominal impedance of eight ohms.
This makes the F500SP a practical partner for many high-quality integrated amplifiers, stereo receivers and pre-power combinations.
Although it does not present an unusually difficult nominal load, a well-designed amplifier will make the most of its bass control, stereo imaging and dynamic ability.
60W Continuous Power Handling
The F500SP has a published continuous power-handling figure of 60W RMS.
This should not be confused with Fyne Audio’s recommended amplifier range of 30W to 120W.
A clean and suitably controlled amplifier at the upper end of the recommended range can be safer than an underpowered amplifier driven into heavy clipping.
Audible distortion, hardening or mechanical distress are signs that the playback level should be reduced immediately.
Speaker-Stand Selection
The F500SP should be placed on a rigid and stable speaker stand rather than directly on a lightweight shelf or item of furniture wherever possible.
A suitable stand should provide:
- A secure top plate
- Correct IsoFlare driver height
- A broad and stable floor footprint
- Suitable support for an 8.1kg loudspeaker
- Safe installation on the intended floor
- Freedom to optimise room position
- Clearance for the BassTrax system
Browse speaker stands and brackets at Audio T, or contact your local store for advice on top-plate dimensions and listening height.
IsoFlare Driver Height
The centre of the IsoFlare driver should normally be positioned close to seated ear height.
Correct height helps preserve:
- Natural tonal balance
- Central vocal focus
- Soundstage height
- Consistent off-axis response
- The intended point-source presentation
The ideal stand height will depend on the listening chair, floor construction and distance from the speakers.
Room Positioning
The BassTrax system makes the F500SP relatively accommodating, but careful positioning will still improve its performance.
Begin with both speakers:
- The same distance from the listening position
- A similar distance from the rear wall
- Clear of room corners
- Placed on stable and level stands
- Separated sufficiently to produce a convincing stereo image
Move both speakers in small and equal increments while listening for changes in bass weight, central focus and soundstage depth.
Toe-In Adjustment
The IsoFlare point-source driver provides broad and consistent dispersion, so the F500SP does not necessarily require aggressive toe-in.
Begin with the speakers facing slightly towards the normal listening position, then compare:
- Central vocal focus
- Soundstage width
- Treble balance
- Image depth
- Performance away from the centre seat
Greater toe-in can strengthen image focus, while a more forward-facing position may create a broader presentation.
Premium Finish Options
Fyne Audio publishes the F500SP in:
- Natural Walnut
- Piano Gloss Walnut
- Piano Gloss Black
- Piano Gloss White
Current Audio T selectable options may vary according to UK production and available stock.
The finish does not change the published acoustic specification.
Natural wood grain and tone can vary between individual walnut cabinets, while the gloss finishes require careful cleaning to avoid fine surface marks.
F500SP or F500S?
Choose the F500SP When
- UK construction and pair matching are important
- F700-derived IsoFlare technology is preferred
- Greater bass extension and sensitivity are useful
- A twin-magnet motor system is required
- Premium crossover components justify the investment
- Luxury gloss finishes suit the room
Choose the F500S When
- A substantially lower purchase price is preferred
- The newer standard F500S design suits the system
- A rear presence adjustment is useful
- Real-wood Black Oak or Natural Walnut is preferred
- 89dB sensitivity is sufficient
- The complete budget must also include stands and amplification
The Fyne Audio F500S is the current standard standmount model, while the F500SP adds premium UK construction and selected technology from further up the Fyne Audio range.
F500SP or F501S?
Choose the F500SP When
- A premium standmount design is preferred
- Precise imaging is a priority
- The room is small or medium in size
- Separate speaker stands can be accommodated
- UK-built Special Production engineering is important
- A more compact visual presence is wanted
Choose the F501S When
- A floorstanding design is preferred
- Greater bass scale is required
- The room is medium or larger in size
- Higher playback levels are expected
- A supplementary bass driver is useful
- Separate speaker stands are not wanted
Explore the Fyne Audio F501S floorstanding speakers for a larger alternative using a 150mm IsoFlare driver and supplementary bass unit.
Adding Fyne Audio S-Trax Super Tweeters
Fyne Audio publishes an S-Trax positioning reference of 44mm from the front edge of the F500SP cabinet.
The optional Fyne Audio S-Trax Super Tweeters are designed to extend high-frequency energy and improve the perception of space and openness within a compatible system.
They should be demonstrated and positioned carefully, as the audible result will depend on:
- The complete system
- The listening room
- The amplifier
- The recording
- The listener
Adding an Active Subwoofer
The F500SP provides useful bass extension on its own, but a carefully integrated active subwoofer can add greater depth and scale.
A subwoofer may be particularly useful for:
- Larger rooms
- Electronic and orchestral music
- Home cinema systems
- Lower-volume listening
- Reproducing frequencies below the F500SP’s natural range
The subwoofer’s crossover, output level, phase and room position must be adjusted carefully so that it supports rather than overwhelms the F500SP.
Suitable for Stereo and Home Cinema
The F500SP can be used as the main left and right loudspeaker in a stereo music system or within a suitably matched home cinema installation.
Its point-source dispersion can be particularly useful where several listeners need to hear consistent dialogue and effects across a seating area.
For home cinema use, amplifier power, crossover settings, channel levels and speaker distances should be configured through the AV receiver or processor.
Running In
New loudspeaker drive units can change slightly as their moving components settle through normal use.
Enjoy the speakers at sensible listening levels and allow their performance to develop naturally rather than using unusually loud or specialist running-in signals.
Final adjustments to positioning, toe-in and system balance are best made after the speakers have received regular use.
Cabinet and Driver Care
Clean the cabinets with a soft, dry and lint-free cloth.
For piano-gloss finishes, use a clean microfibre cloth and avoid applying pressure where loose dust could mark the surface.
Do not use:
- Abrasive cleaning products
- Furniture polish
- Solvents
- Aerosol sprays
- Excessive water
Avoid touching the IsoFlare cone, tweeter diaphragm and FyneFlute surround.
Key Features
- Premium two-way standmount loudspeakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Smallest model in the F500 SP Series
- Built, hand finished and pair matched in Glasgow
- F700-derived Special Production technology
- 150mm SP IsoFlare point-source driver
- Multi-fibre bass and midrange cone
- 25mm magnesium compression tweeter
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet system
- Twin-magnet low-frequency motor
- FyneFlute roll-surround technology
- Computer-designed point-source waveguide
- Downward-firing bass-reflex port
- Premium BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser
- 360-degree port-energy distribution
- 42Hz to 34kHz in-room frequency response
- 90dB sensitivity
- Eight-ohm nominal impedance
- 30W to 120W recommended amplifier power
- 60W continuous power handling
- 1.7kHz crossover frequency
- Second-order low-pass crossover
- First-order high-pass crossover
- Low-loss Cryo-Lite treated crossover
- Bi-wire loudspeaker terminals
- Fifth driver-grounding terminal
- Heavyweight internally braced cabinet
- Energy-absorbing driver-brace coupling
- Anodised aluminium lower plinth
- Diamond-cut aluminium driver trim
- Natural Walnut finish
- Piano Gloss Walnut finish
- Piano Gloss Black finish
- Piano Gloss White finish
- 323mm cabinet height
- 200mm cabinet width
- 320mm cabinet depth
- 8.1kg weight per speaker
- Published S-Trax positioning reference
- Seven-year passive-loudspeaker warranty subject to Fyne Audio’s terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Fyne Audio F500SP speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product contains one stereo pair.
Where are the F500SP speakers made?
They are built, hand finished and pair matched at Fyne Audio’s facility in Glasgow.
What does SP stand for?
SP stands for Special Production. The model combines the original F500 cabinet format with technology and components derived from Fyne Audio’s premium ranges.
What is an IsoFlare driver?
It is Fyne Audio’s point-source arrangement in which the compression tweeter is mounted at the acoustic centre of the bass and midrange cone.
What size is the IsoFlare driver?
The F500SP uses one 150mm IsoFlare bass and midrange driver with a centrally mounted 25mm tweeter.
What material is the tweeter diaphragm?
The high-frequency compression driver uses a magnesium dome.
What is the twin-magnet system?
It is the motor arrangement used by the Special Production bass and midrange driver to provide stronger magnetic control over the cone.
What is FyneFlute?
FyneFlute is the shaped roll surround around the main cone, designed to reduce reflected energy and improve transient behaviour.
What is BassTrax?
BassTrax is the Tractrix-profile diffuser beneath the downward-firing port. It spreads port output into a more even 360-degree wavefront.
Can the F500SP be placed close to a wall?
The BassTrax system makes positioning relatively flexible, but wall distance will still affect bass output. Experiment with several positions before finalising the setup.
What is the frequency response?
Fyne Audio specifies 42Hz to 34kHz within its published -6dB typical in-room limits.
What is the sensitivity?
90dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
What is the nominal impedance?
Eight ohms.
How powerful should the amplifier be?
Fyne Audio recommends an amplifier rated between 30W and 120W RMS.
What is the continuous power handling?
60W RMS.
Do the F500SP speakers need a powerful amplifier?
Their 90dB sensitivity makes them relatively easy to drive, but a capable amplifier will provide better bass control, dynamics and resolution.
What is the crossover frequency?
1.7kHz.
What does Cryo-Lite treated mean?
Fyne Audio uses Cryo-Lite treatment on selected crossover and internal connection components to reduce unwanted electrical resistance.
Can the F500SP be bi-wired?
Yes. Two pairs of rear loudspeaker terminals are provided.
Can the F500SP be bi-amplified?
Yes, with suitable amplification and correct setup. The terminal links must be removed before separate amplifier channels are connected.
What is the fifth terminal for?
It provides a grounding connection for the driver chassis to help reduce radio-frequency interference within a suitably configured system.
Should the grounding terminal be connected to mains earth?
Not without specific technical advice. It should only be connected to a suitable grounding point supported by the partnering equipment.
Which finishes are available?
Fyne Audio publishes Natural Walnut, Piano Gloss Walnut, Piano Gloss Black and Piano Gloss White. Current Audio T availability can vary.
What are the dimensions?
Fyne Audio specifies 323 x 200 x 320mm (H x W x D), including the grille, terminals and plinth but excluding feet.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 8.1kg.
Which speaker stands should I use?
Choose a rigid stand with a suitable top plate, secure floor contact and a height that places the IsoFlare driver close to seated ear level.
Can an active subwoofer be added?
Yes. A carefully adjusted active subwoofer can extend low-frequency performance in a larger room or home cinema system.
Can Fyne Audio S-Trax super tweeters be used?
Fyne Audio publishes an S-Trax positioning reference for the F500SP. Compatibility and positioning should be confirmed before use.
Are the speakers suitable for home cinema?
Yes. They can be used as premium front left and right speakers within a suitably matched home cinema system.
How long is the warranty?
Fyne Audio passive loudspeakers carry a seven-year manufacturer warranty for the original registered owner when purchased through an authorised dealer, subject to proof of purchase and the full warranty terms.
Related Fyne Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Fyne Audio F500SP demonstrations
- Comparisons with the F500S and F501S
- Amplifier and system-matching advice
- Speaker-stand compatibility checks
- Room-positioning and toe-in guidance
- Single-wire and bi-wire cable advice
- Driver-grounding connection guidance
- Passive bi-amplification advice
- Active subwoofer integration
- S-Trax Super Tweeter demonstrations
- Stereo and home cinema system planning
- Finish comparisons and cabinet-care guidance
- Speaker-cable selection and termination
- Fyne Audio warranty-registration guidance
- Ongoing system and after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss amplification, stands, positioning, cabling and system matching for the Fyne Audio F500SP.