Audio T Verdict
The Fyne Audio F5S brings the company’s IsoFlare point-source technology into a genuinely compact and beautifully finished standmount speaker.
Its coherent imaging and broad dispersion make vocals and instruments easy to place, while the magnesium compression tweeter delivers a smooth, detailed and surprisingly spacious presentation.
The downward-firing port and BassTrax diffuser help the F5S produce clean, evenly distributed bass without demanding a large room or excessive space behind the cabinet.
Add its adjustable presence control, bi-wire terminals and premium finish options, and the F5S becomes an excellent choice for smaller rooms, desktop systems and discreet home cinema installations.
Fyne Audio F5S Standmount Speakers
The Fyne Audio F5S is the smallest bookshelf speaker in the enhanced F500S Series.
It combines a compact cabinet with Fyne Audio’s three core loudspeaker technologies:
- IsoFlare point-source driver technology
- FyneFlute roll-surround technology
- BassTrax Tractrix bass-diffusion technology
Its principal features include:
- 125mm IsoFlare bass and midrange driver
- 19mm magnesium-dome compression tweeter
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet system
- Vented tweeter rear chamber
- Computer-optimised high-frequency waveguide
- Multi-fibre bass and midrange cone
- FyneFlute variable-geometry roll surround
- Downward-firing bass-reflex port
- BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser
- Rear presence adjustment of plus or minus 3dB
- Bi-wire loudspeaker terminals
- Magnetic removable grilles
- Real-wood veneer and piano-gloss finish options
Compact F500S Series Design
The F5S is designed for rooms and systems where space is limited but sound quality remains important.
At only 285mm high and 174mm wide, it can be accommodated more easily than many conventional standmount speakers.
Its compact dimensions make it particularly suitable for:
- Small living rooms
- Bedrooms and home offices
- Desktop audio systems
- Secondary music systems
- Discreet home cinema installations
- Rooms where larger cabinets would dominate the space
The F5S still benefits from suitable stands and careful positioning, but it provides considerably more flexibility than a larger standmount or floorstanding design.
The Enhanced F500S Series
The F500S Series succeeds Fyne Audio’s original F500 range with refinements to the driver technology, crossover, cabinet presentation and adjustment options.
F500S Series developments include:
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet systems
- Magnesium high-frequency diaphragms
- Vented tweeter rear chambers
- Computer-optimised high-frequency waveguides
- Extended treble response beyond 30kHz
- High-quality crossover components
- Rear presence controls
- Bi-wire loudspeaker terminals
- Magnetic grilles
- Premium real-wood and piano-gloss finishes
125mm IsoFlare Point-Source Driver
The F5S uses one 125mm IsoFlare driver to reproduce the bass, midrange and treble.
The high-frequency compression unit is positioned at the acoustic centre of the larger bass and midrange cone. Both sections therefore radiate from the same point in space.
This arrangement is designed to provide:
- Precise stereo imaging
- Stable vocal placement
- A coherent transition between midrange and treble
- Consistent dispersion across a wider listening area
- Natural reproduction away from the exact centre seat
- Reduced changes in tonal balance as the listener moves
The point-source design is especially useful in smaller rooms where the listener may sit relatively close to the speakers.
19mm Magnesium Compression Tweeter
A 19mm 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 quickly while placing unwanted break-up behaviour beyond its principal operating range.
The high-frequency unit is designed to provide:
- Smooth and extended treble
- Fine low-level detail
- Clean transient reproduction
- Controlled dispersion
- A natural transition from the surrounding midrange cone
- Reduced harshness and resonance
Fyne Audio specifies an overall in-room frequency response extending to 38kHz.
Neodymium Magnet and Vented Rear Chamber
The compression tweeter uses a powerful neodymium magnet system and a vented rear chamber.
The rear chamber helps move the tweeter’s low-frequency resonance away from the crossover region, supporting cleaner integration with the surrounding bass and midrange cone.
This contributes to:
- Smoother upper-midrange reproduction
- Reduced unwanted resonance
- Greater high-frequency control
- A cleaner transition through the crossover region
- More consistent performance at higher listening levels
Computer-Optimised Waveguide
The central tweeter fires through a shaped waveguide formed within the surrounding cone.
Its computer-optimised geometry is designed to:
- Control high-frequency dispersion
- Reduce internal reflections
- Support a smoother frequency response
- Match the directivity of the tweeter and midrange cone
- Preserve imaging across a wider listening area
Multi-Fibre Bass and Midrange Cone
The main 125mm cone uses a multi-fibre paper construction selected for its combination of low mass, stiffness and natural damping.
It reproduces bass and midrange frequencies before handing over to the centrally mounted tweeter at 1.8kHz.
The cone is designed to support:
- Natural vocal reproduction
- Fast transient behaviour
- Controlled bass output
- Low unwanted colouration
- A smooth transition through the crossover region
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 helps:
- Control energy travelling through the cone
- Reduce reflections from the cone termination
- Improve transient response
- Reduce unwanted resonances
- Limit colouration through the midrange
BassTrax Tractrix Diffuser System
The F5S uses a downward-firing bass-reflex port that directs low-frequency energy onto Fyne Audio’s patented BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser.
The diffuser converts the port output into a more evenly expanding 360-degree wavefront.
This arrangement is designed to provide:
- More even bass distribution throughout the room
- Reduced sensitivity to speaker toe-in
- Less obvious port noise
- Improved integration between the port and IsoFlare driver
- Greater flexibility when positioning the speakers
The F5S will still respond to nearby walls and corners, but the BassTrax system can make balanced results easier to achieve than with a conventional rear-facing port.
55Hz Bass Extension
Fyne Audio specifies an in-room frequency response from 55Hz to 38kHz within its published -6dB limits.
This provides useful bass depth for a speaker of this size, particularly when the F5S is positioned on suitable stands and carefully matched to the room.
The final low-frequency balance will depend on:
- Distance from rear and side walls
- Speaker-stand height and construction
- Room dimensions
- Floor construction
- Listening position
- Partnering amplifier
- The recording being played
Rear Presence Control
A three-position presence switch is positioned on the rear of each speaker.
It adjusts output between approximately 2.5kHz and 5kHz by plus or minus 3dB.
The control allows the F5S to be adapted to:
- Different room acoustics
- Reflective or heavily furnished spaces
- Partnering amplifiers and sources
- Nearfield or conventional listening distances
- Personal preference
Starting with the Presence Control
Begin with the switch in its neutral position and become familiar with the system before making an adjustment.
Use the reduced setting if vocals or upper-midrange detail sound too prominent. The increased setting may be useful where the room or furnishings make the presentation sound too restrained.
Crossover Design
The crossover operates at 1.8kHz, dividing the incoming signal between the multi-fibre cone and magnesium compression tweeter.
Fyne Audio specifies:
- A second-order low-pass filter
- A first-order high-pass filter
- Low-loss laminated-core inductors
- Polypropylene film capacitors
- Bi-wire connectivity
The crossover is computer optimised and refined by listening to maintain the timing and dispersion advantages of the IsoFlare point-source arrangement.
87dB Sensitivity
The F5S has a published sensitivity of 87dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
Fyne Audio recommends amplifier power between 30W and 90W RMS.
The ideal 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
- Whether the speakers will also be used for home cinema
The F5S does not require an unusually powerful amplifier, but a well-controlled design will improve bass definition, timing and stereo-image stability.
Eight-Ohm Nominal Impedance
Fyne Audio specifies a nominal impedance of eight ohms.
This makes the F5S a practical electrical match for many modern integrated amplifiers, stereo receivers and compact streaming amplifiers.
A stable and suitably powered amplifier remains important if the speakers will be used at higher levels or from a greater listening distance.
45W Continuous Power Handling
The F5S has a published continuous power-handling figure of 45W RMS.
This should not be confused with Fyne Audio’s recommended amplifier range of 30W to 90W.
A clean and controlled amplifier at the upper end of the recommended range can be safer than an underpowered amplifier being driven into heavy clipping.
If the sound becomes hard, distorted or mechanically strained, reduce the listening level immediately.
Bi-Wire Loudspeaker Terminals
Separate terminal pairs are provided for the high-frequency and low-frequency crossover sections.
This allows:
- Conventional single-wire operation
- Bi-wire operation
- Passive bi-amplification with suitable equipment
For normal single-wire use, the supplied terminal links must remain fitted securely.
Remove the Links Before Bi-Amplification
The links between the high-frequency and low-frequency terminals must be removed before separate amplifier channels are connected.
Leaving the links fitted can connect two amplifier outputs together and cause serious damage. Speak to Audio T before attempting a bi-amplified installation.
High-Rigidity MDF Cabinet
The enclosure is constructed from high-rigidity MDF and reinforced with internal bracing.
A rigid and well-controlled cabinet helps prevent stored mechanical energy from being released after the original musical signal.
This supports:
- Cleaner midrange reproduction
- Improved bass definition
- More stable stereo imaging
- Reduced cabinet resonance
- Greater clarity during complex passages
Magnetic Removable Grilles
Removable magnetic grilles provide driver protection without requiring visible mounting sockets across the front baffle.
The speakers can be used with the grilles fitted or removed according to visual preference.
Leaving the grilles fitted can be sensible where young children, pets or regular room activity create a risk of accidental contact with the IsoFlare drivers.
Premium Finish Options
Audio T currently lists the F5S in:
- Black Oak real-wood veneer
- Natural Walnut real-wood veneer
- Piano Gloss Black
The finish does not alter the published acoustic specification.
Real wood is a natural material, so the grain and tone of individual veneer cabinets may vary slightly.
Speaker-Stand Selection
The F5S may be described as a bookshelf speaker, but a rigid and correctly sized pair of speaker stands will normally provide the best performance.
A suitable stand should provide:
- A stable top plate
- Correct IsoFlare driver height
- A broad and secure floor footprint
- Suitable support for a 4.5kg speaker
- 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 help choosing a suitable stand height and top-plate size.
Using the F5S on a Shelf
The F5S can be used on a sturdy shelf or substantial item of furniture when speaker stands are not practical.
For shelf placement:
- Keep the front of each speaker close to the shelf edge
- Leave the BassTrax opening unobstructed
- Avoid enclosing the speaker tightly on every side
- Use a stable and level surface
- Keep both speakers at approximately the same height
- Avoid placing lightweight objects beside the cabinets
A shelf can reinforce bass more strongly than an open stand, so the distance from the rear wall and presence setting may need adjustment.
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 or shelf height will depend on the listening chair, floor and distance from the speakers.
Room Positioning
The BassTrax system makes the F5S relatively accommodating, but careful positioning will still improve the final result.
Begin with both speakers:
- The same distance from the main listening position
- A similar distance from the rear wall
- Clear of room corners
- Placed securely and level
- Separated enough to form a convincing stereo image
Move both speakers in small and equal increments while listening for changes in bass weight, central vocal focus and soundstage depth.
Toe-In Adjustment
The IsoFlare driver provides broad and consistent dispersion, so the F5S does not necessarily require aggressive toe-in.
Begin with each speaker turned slightly towards the main 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 wider and more relaxed presentation.
Nearfield and Desktop Listening
The compact cabinet and point-source driver make the F5S suitable for close-range listening when positioned carefully.
For desktop use:
- Raise the speakers so the IsoFlare drivers approach ear level
- Keep both speakers the same distance from the listener
- Avoid placing them directly against a wall
- Use secure isolation or compact stands
- Keep the BassTrax opening clear
- Begin with the presence control in the neutral position
A desktop can strongly reinforce upper bass, so small positioning changes may produce a significant improvement.
Adding an Active Subwoofer
The F5S provides useful bass for its cabinet size, 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 F5S’s natural range
The crossover, output level, phase and room position must be adjusted carefully so that the subwoofer supports rather than overwhelms the F5S.
F5S or F500S?
Choose the F5S When
- The smallest possible cabinet is preferred
- The room or listening area is compact
- Desktop or nearfield use is planned
- A 125mm IsoFlare driver suits the installation
- Lower purchase cost is important
- An active subwoofer may be added later
Choose the F500S When
- Greater bass extension is required
- A larger standmount cabinet can be accommodated
- Higher sensitivity better suits the amplifier
- A 150mm IsoFlare driver is preferred
- The listening room is small or medium in size
- Music will be played at more substantial levels
Explore the Fyne Audio F500S standmount speakers for the larger bookshelf model in the F500S Series.
F5S or F501S?
Choose the F5S When
- A compact standmount speaker is preferred
- The room is small
- A discreet visual presence is important
- Separate stands or desktop supports can be accommodated
- Nearfield listening is planned
- A subwoofer can provide additional bass if required
Choose the F501S When
- A floorstanding design is preferred
- Greater bass depth and scale are required
- The room is medium in size
- Higher playback levels are expected
- A supplementary bass driver is useful
- Speaker stands are not wanted
The Fyne Audio F501S floorstanding speakers add a dedicated bass driver and substantially larger cabinet.
F5S or F500SP?
Choose the F5S When
- Compact dimensions are the priority
- The system is intended for a smaller room
- Strong performance at an accessible price is required
- The rear presence control will assist room matching
- A modest amplifier and source system is being used
- The overall budget must also cover suitable stands
Choose the F500SP When
- A UK-built premium model is preferred
- Greater bass extension and sensitivity are important
- A 150mm Special Production driver is required
- More ambitious amplification is available
- Premium crossover and cabinet engineering are priorities
- The system can reveal the additional refinement
Explore the Fyne Audio F500SP standmount speakers for the UK-built Special Production alternative.
Adding Fyne Audio S-Trax Super Tweeters
Fyne Audio publishes an S-Trax positioning reference of 32mm from the front edge of the F5S cabinet.
The optional Fyne Audio S-Trax Super Tweeters are designed to extend high-frequency energy and enhance the perception of space and openness within a compatible system.
The audible result will depend on:
- The complete system
- The amplifier
- The listening room
- The recording
- The listener
Demonstration and careful positioning are recommended before purchase.
Stereo and Home Cinema Use
The F5S can be used as the main speaker in a compact stereo system or within a suitably matched F500S Series home cinema installation.
Its broad 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, configure:
- Speaker distances
- Channel levels
- Bass-management crossover points
- Subwoofer level and phase
- Room-correction settings
Automatic room calibration provides a useful starting point, but the final result should still be checked by listening.
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 positioning, presence-control and system adjustments are best made after the speakers have received regular use.
Cabinet and Driver Care
Clean real-wood cabinets with a soft, dry and lint-free cloth.
For the piano-gloss finish, 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, magnesium tweeter diaphragm and FyneFlute surround.
Key Features
- Compact two-way standmount speakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Smallest model in the enhanced F500S Series
- 125mm IsoFlare point-source driver
- 125mm multi-fibre bass and midrange cone
- 19mm magnesium compression tweeter
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet system
- Vented tweeter rear chamber
- Computer-optimised high-frequency waveguide
- FyneFlute roll-surround technology
- Downward-firing bass-reflex port
- BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser
- 360-degree port-energy distribution
- 55Hz to 38kHz in-room frequency response
- 87dB sensitivity
- Eight-ohm nominal impedance
- 30W to 90W recommended amplifier power
- 45W continuous power handling
- 1.8kHz crossover frequency
- Second-order low-pass crossover
- First-order high-pass crossover
- Low-loss laminated-core inductors
- Polypropylene film capacitors
- Presence control from 2.5kHz to 5kHz
- Plus or minus 3dB presence adjustment
- Bi-wire loudspeaker terminals
- Single-wire compatibility
- Passive bi-amplification compatibility
- High-rigidity MDF cabinet
- Internal cabinet bracing
- Magnetic removable grilles
- Black Oak real-wood veneer
- Natural Walnut real-wood veneer
- Piano Gloss Black finish
- 285mm cabinet height
- 174mm cabinet width
- 249mm cabinet depth
- 4.5kg weight per speaker
- Published S-Trax positioning reference
- Suitable for stereo and home cinema systems
- Seven-year passive-loudspeaker warranty subject to Fyne Audio’s terms
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Fyne Audio F5S speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product contains one stereo pair.
Are they bookshelf or standmount speakers?
Fyne Audio describes the F5S as a bookshelf speaker, but suitable stands will normally provide the greatest freedom for positioning and driver-height adjustment.
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 F5S uses one 125mm IsoFlare bass and midrange driver with a centrally mounted 19mm tweeter.
What material is used for the tweeter?
The high-frequency compression driver uses a magnesium dome.
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 F5S be placed close to a wall?
The BassTrax system makes positioning relatively flexible, but wall distance will still affect bass output. Try several positions before finalising the setup.
Can the F5S be used on a shelf?
Yes, provided the shelf is rigid, the BassTrax opening remains unobstructed and the speakers are not enclosed too tightly.
Are the F5S speakers suitable for desktop use?
Yes. Their compact dimensions and point-source driver suit close-range listening, although they should be raised towards ear level and isolated securely from the desk.
What is the frequency response?
Fyne Audio specifies 55Hz to 38kHz within its published -6dB typical in-room limits.
What is the sensitivity?
87dB 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 90W RMS.
What is the continuous power handling?
45W RMS.
Do the speakers need a powerful amplifier?
Not unusually powerful, but a capable amplifier will provide better bass control, timing and dynamics than a lightweight model being driven close to its limits.
What is the crossover frequency?
1.8kHz.
What does the presence switch do?
It adjusts output between approximately 2.5kHz and 5kHz by plus or minus 3dB.
Which presence setting should I use?
Begin with the neutral setting and only adjust it after listening in the room with the chosen amplifier and source components.
Can the F5S be bi-wired?
Yes. Separate high-frequency and low-frequency terminal pairs are provided.
Can the F5S be bi-amplified?
Yes, with suitable amplification and correct setup. The terminal links must be removed before separate amplifier channels are connected.
Are grilles included?
Yes. Removable magnetic grilles are supplied.
Which finishes are available?
Audio T currently lists Black Oak, Natural Walnut and Piano Gloss Black.
Are Black Oak and Natural Walnut real wood?
Yes. They are real-wood veneer finishes, so natural variation in grain and tone should be expected.
What are the dimensions?
Fyne Audio specifies 285 x 174 x 249mm (H x W x D), including the grille, terminals and any plinth but excluding feet.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 4.5kg.
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 correctly integrated subwoofer can extend bass performance, particularly 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 F5S. Compatibility, positioning and system benefit should be confirmed before use.
Are the F5S speakers suitable for home cinema?
Yes. They can be used as compact front, surround or rear speakers within a suitably matched home cinema system.
What 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 product registration, proof of purchase and the full warranty terms.
Related Fyne Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Fyne Audio F5S demonstrations
- Comparisons with the F500S, F501S and F500SP
- Amplifier and system-matching advice
- Speaker-stand and desktop-support guidance
- Room-positioning and toe-in setup
- Presence-control adjustment
- Single-wire and bi-wire cable advice
- Passive bi-amplification guidance
- 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 F5S.