Audio T Verdict
The Fyne Audio F500S combines the precise imaging of a point-source loudspeaker with an impressively confident and full-bodied performance from a manageable standmount cabinet.
Its evolved 150mm IsoFlare driver keeps voices and instruments focused across a wide listening area, while the magnesium compression tweeter delivers a smoother and more refined top end than the preceding F500 design.
Bass is tight, tuneful and surprisingly substantial for the cabinet size. Fyne’s downward-firing port and BassTrax diffuser also make the speaker less demanding of room position than many conventionally ported alternatives.
Add the adjustable presence control, bi-wire terminals and excellent finish quality, and the F500S becomes an appealing choice for anyone seeking a revealing but easy-to-enjoy speaker for a small or medium-sized room.
Fyne Audio F500S Standmount Speakers
The Fyne Audio F500S is a premium two-way standmount loudspeaker and the larger of the two bookshelf models in the enhanced F500S Series.
It combines Fyne Audio’s three core loudspeaker technologies within a rigid and extensively braced cabinet:
- IsoFlare point-source driver technology
- FyneFlute roll-surround technology
- BassTrax Tractrix bass-diffusion technology
Its key features include:
- 150mm IsoFlare bass and midrange driver
- 25mm magnesium-dome compression tweeter
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet system
- Vented tweeter rear chamber
- 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
Evolved F500S Series
The F500S Series succeeds Fyne Audio’s original F500 range, retaining its compact proportions and core point-source concept while introducing refinements to the driver, crossover, cabinet and finish.
The most significant developments include:
- A magnesium high-frequency diaphragm
- A neodymium tweeter magnet system
- A vented rear chamber behind the tweeter
- A computer-optimised high-frequency waveguide
- Extended treble performance beyond 30kHz
- Improved crossover components
- A rear presence control
- Updated real-wood veneer options
- Magnetic grilles
The result is a more refined and adaptable version of an already successful standmount design.
150mm IsoFlare Point-Source Driver
The F500S uses one 150mm IsoFlare driver to reproduce the bass, midrange and treble.
The high-frequency unit is positioned at the acoustic centre of the bass and midrange cone, allowing both sections to radiate from the same point in space.
This arrangement is designed to provide:
- Precise stereo imaging
- A coherent transition between midrange and treble
- Consistent dispersion across a wider listening area
- Stable vocal placement
- Natural reproduction away from the exact centre seat
- Reduced changes in tonal balance as listening position varies
The point-source design is particularly effective with voices and acoustic instruments, where timing and spatial relationships are important to a convincing presentation.
25mm Magnesium Compression Tweeter
A 25mm magnesium dome forms the diaphragm of the IsoFlare high-frequency compression driver.
Magnesium combines low mass with high rigidity, allowing the diaphragm to respond quickly while pushing unwanted break-up behaviour beyond the main operating range.
The tweeter is designed to provide:
- Extended high-frequency response
- Fine low-level detail
- Clean transient reproduction
- A smooth transition through the crossover
- Reduced harshness and resonance
Fyne specifies an overall in-room frequency response extending to 34kHz.
Neodymium Magnet and Vented Rear Chamber
The high-frequency driver 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, where it might otherwise interfere with the transition between the high-frequency unit and the surrounding midrange cone.
This contributes to a cleaner and more controlled presentation through the presence and treble regions.
Computer-Optimised Waveguide
The shape surrounding the compression tweeter acts as a waveguide and forms part of the IsoFlare point-source system.
Its computer-optimised geometry is designed to:
- Control high-frequency dispersion
- Reduce internal reflections
- Support a smooth frequency response
- Match the directivity of the tweeter and midrange cone
- Maintain consistent imaging across the listening area
Multi-Fibre Bass and Midrange Cone
The main 150mm cone uses a multi-fibre paper construction chosen for its balance of stiffness, low mass and natural damping.
The cone reproduces bass and midrange frequencies before handing over to the centrally mounted tweeter at 1.7kHz.
Its characteristics support:
- Natural vocal reproduction
- Fast transient behaviour
- Controlled bass output
- Low colouration
- A smooth transition into the high-frequency driver
FyneFlute Roll Surround
The outer edge of the bass and midrange cone uses Fyne Audio’s FyneFlute surround.
Rather than using 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 surround
- Improve the termination of the cone
- Support cleaner transient response
- Reduce unwanted colouration
BassTrax Tractrix Diffuser System
The F500S 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 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 main driver
- Greater flexibility when positioning the speakers
The F500S still responds to room boundaries, but its bass system can make setup easier than a conventional rear-facing port.
45Hz Bass Extension
Fyne Audio specifies an in-room frequency response of 45Hz to 34kHz within its published -6dB limits.
This allows the F500S to reproduce convincing bass from a relatively compact cabinet, making it suitable for many music systems without automatically requiring a subwoofer.
The final bass response will depend on:
- Distance from the rear and side walls
- Speaker-stand height and construction
- Room dimensions
- Floor construction
- Listening position
- Partnering amplifier
- Source material
Rear Presence Control
A three-position presence switch is positioned between the rear loudspeaker terminals.
It adjusts the output between approximately 2.5kHz and 5kHz by plus or minus 3dB.
The available settings allow the F500S to be adapted to:
- Different room acoustics
- Reflective or heavily furnished spaces
- Partnering electronics
- Listening distance
- 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 voices or upper-midrange detail sound too prominent. The increased setting may be useful where the room or furnishings make the presentation sound too restrained.
Bi-Wire Loudspeaker Terminals
Two pairs of terminals are provided for each speaker, allowing conventional single-wire or compatible bi-wire operation.
For normal single-wire use, the supplied terminal links must remain securely fitted.
Bi-wiring uses separate cable runs for the high-frequency and low-frequency crossover sections. Any audible benefit will depend on the amplifier, cable and complete system.
Bi-Amping Requires Correct Setup
The terminal links must be removed before using separate amplifier channels for passive bi-amping.
Leaving the links fitted can connect two amplifier outputs together and cause serious damage. Speak to Audio T before attempting a bi-amplified installation.
89dB Sensitivity
The F500S has a published sensitivity of 89dB for 2.83V measured at one metre.
This allows it to work with a wide range of quality stereo amplifiers without requiring unusually high power.
Fyne recommends amplifier power between 30W and 100W RMS, although the suitability of a particular amplifier also depends on:
- Its current delivery
- The size of the room
- The listening distance
- The preferred volume level
- The dynamic demands of the music
Eight-Ohm Nominal Impedance
Fyne Audio specifies a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
This makes the F500S a practical partner for many modern integrated amplifiers, stereo receivers and pre-power systems.
A stable and well-designed amplifier remains important, particularly where the system will be used at higher playback levels.
Crossover Design
The crossover operates at 1.7kHz, dividing the audio signal between the multi-fibre cone and magnesium compression tweeter.
Fyne specifies:
- A second-order low-pass filter
- A first-order high-pass filter
- Low-loss laminated-core inductors
- Polypropylene film capacitors
The crossover is designed to preserve the phase and dispersion advantages of the IsoFlare point-source arrangement while protecting each section of the driver from frequencies outside its intended range.
Rigid and Extensively Braced Cabinet
The enclosure is constructed from high-rigidity MDF with extensive internal bracing.
A rigid cabinet helps prevent stored mechanical energy from being released after the original musical signal.
This can support:
- Cleaner midrange reproduction
- Improved bass definition
- More stable stereo imaging
- Reduced panel resonance
- Greater clarity during complex passages
Magnetic 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.
Where young children, pets or regular room activity create a risk of accidental contact, leaving the grilles fitted provides useful protection for the IsoFlare drivers.
Black Oak, Natural Walnut and Piano Gloss Black
Audio T currently lists the F500S in three finishes:
- Black Oak real-wood veneer
- Natural Walnut real-wood veneer
- Piano Gloss Black
The finish does not change the published acoustic specification.
Real wood is a natural material, so the grain and tone of the veneer may vary slightly between individual cabinets.
Speaker-Stand Selection
The F500S should be placed on a stable pair of speaker stands rather than directly on a shelf or lightweight item of furniture wherever possible.
A suitable stand should provide:
- A stable top plate
- Correct tweeter height
- A broad and secure floor footprint
- Suitable support for an 8.3kg speaker
- Safe installation on the intended floor
- Freedom to optimise room position
Browse speaker stands and brackets at Audio T, or contact your local store for help selecting the correct stand height and top-plate size.
Tweeter Height and Listening Position
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 and distance from the speakers.
Room Positioning
The BassTrax system makes the F500S 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 enough to create a convincing stereo image
Small movements can significantly affect bass balance and central image focus, so make adjustments gradually and listen from the normal seating position.
Toe-In Adjustment
The IsoFlare driver provides broad and consistent dispersion, so the F500S does not necessarily require aggressive toe-in.
Begin with the speakers facing 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 focus, while a more forward-facing position may produce a wider presentation.
Adding an Active Subwoofer
The F500S offers useful bass extension on its own, but a well-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
- Reducing the demands placed on the main speakers where bass management is available
The subwoofer’s crossover, level, phase and position must be adjusted carefully so that it supports rather than overwhelms the F500S.
Optional Fyne Audio S-Trax Super Tweeters
Fyne publishes a placement reference for its optional super-tweeter products, with the S-Trax position measured 44mm from the front edge of the F500S cabinet.
The 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 benefit will depend on the complete system, room and listener.
F500S or F5S?
Choose the F500S When
- A larger standmount speaker can be accommodated
- Greater bass extension is required
- 89dB sensitivity better suits the amplifier
- A 150mm IsoFlare driver is preferred
- The room is small or medium in size
- Music will be played at more substantial levels
Choose the F5S When
- The smallest possible cabinet is preferred
- The listening room is compact
- A 125mm IsoFlare driver suits the installation
- Speaker placement is particularly restricted
- Lower purchase cost is a priority
- A more discreet secondary system is being assembled
Explore the Fyne Audio F5S standmount speakers for the smaller model in the range.
F500S or F501S?
Choose the F500S When
- A standmount design is preferred
- The room is small or medium in size
- Separate speaker stands can be accommodated
- Precise imaging is the priority
- A more compact visual presence is wanted
- A subwoofer may be added later
Choose the F501S When
- A floorstanding design is preferred
- Greater bass depth and scale are required
- The room is medium or larger in size
- Higher playback levels are expected
- A dedicated supplementary bass driver is useful
- Speaker stands are not wanted
The Fyne Audio F501S floorstanding speakers retain the 150mm IsoFlare driver while adding a separate 150mm bass unit and larger enclosure.
F500S or F500SP?
Choose the F500S When
- Strong performance and value are priorities
- The latest magnesium-diaphragm F500S design is preferred
- The standard F500S finishes suit the room
- A less expensive standmount is required
- The presence control will assist room matching
- The complete system budget must include suitable stands
Choose the F500SP When
- A UK-built Special Production model is preferred
- Higher-grade cabinet and crossover engineering are required
- A more ambitious partnering system is available
- Greater refinement and scale justify the additional cost
- Premium finish options are important
- The system is likely to reveal the upgrade
Explore the Fyne Audio F500SP standmount speakers for the premium Special Production alternative.
Suitable for Stereo and Home Cinema
The F500S can be used as the main left and right loudspeaker in a stereo music system or as part of a timbre-matched F500S Series home cinema installation.
Its broad dispersion and point-source imaging can be particularly useful where several people 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, presence level and system balance are best made after the speakers have received regular use.
Cabinet and Driver Care
Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry and lint-free cloth.
For the piano-gloss finish, use a clean microfibre cloth and avoid applying pressure where 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 speakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Part of the enhanced F500S Series
- 150mm IsoFlare point-source driver
- Multi-fibre bass and midrange cone
- 25mm magnesium compression tweeter
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet
- Vented tweeter rear chamber
- Computer-optimised high-frequency waveguide
- Extended treble response beyond 30kHz
- FyneFlute roll-surround technology
- Downward-firing bass-reflex port
- BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser
- 360-degree port-energy distribution
- 45Hz to 34kHz in-room frequency response
- 89dB sensitivity
- Eight-ohm nominal impedance
- 30W to 100W recommended amplifier power
- 50W continuous power handling
- 1.7kHz crossover frequency
- Second-order low-pass crossover
- First-order high-pass crossover
- Presence control from 2.5kHz to 5kHz
- Plus or minus 3dB presence adjustment
- Bi-wire loudspeaker terminals
- Magnetic removable grilles
- High-rigidity MDF cabinet
- Extensive internal cabinet bracing
- Black Oak real-wood veneer
- Natural Walnut real-wood veneer
- Piano Gloss Black finish
- 325mm cabinet height
- 204mm cabinet width
- 317mm cabinet depth
- 8.3kg 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 F500S speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product contains one matched stereo pair.
Are they bookshelf or standmount speakers?
Fyne describes the F500S as a bookshelf speaker, but a rigid pair of correctly sized speaker stands will normally provide the best positioning and performance.
What is an IsoFlare driver?
It is Fyne Audio’s point-source arrangement in which the tweeter is mounted at the acoustic centre of the bass and midrange cone.
What size is the IsoFlare driver?
The F500S uses one 150mm IsoFlare bass and midrange driver with a centrally mounted 25mm tweeter.
What material is the tweeter diaphragm?
The F500S uses a magnesium-dome compression tweeter.
What is FyneFlute?
FyneFlute is the shaped roll surround around the bass and midrange 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 the port output into a more even 360-degree wavefront.
Can the F500S 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 45Hz to 34kHz within its published -6dB typical in-room limits.
What is the sensitivity?
89dB 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 100W RMS.
What is the continuous power handling?
50W RMS.
Do the speakers need a powerful amplifier?
Not unusually powerful, but amplifier quality and current delivery remain important. Room size and required listening level should also be considered.
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. Use the lower or higher position only after listening in your own room or comparing the settings during a demonstration.
Can the F500S be bi-wired?
Yes. Two pairs of rear terminals are provided.
Can the F500S be bi-amped?
Yes, with suitable amplification and correct setup. The terminal links must be removed before separate amplifier channels are connected.
Are grilles supplied?
Yes. Removable magnetic grilles are included.
Can the speakers be used with the grilles removed?
Yes. This is largely a matter of appearance and driver protection.
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 325 x 204 x 317mm (H x W x D), including the grille and terminals but excluding feet.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 8.3kg.
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 adjusted active subwoofer can extend low-frequency performance in a larger room or home cinema system.
Can the Fyne S-Trax super tweeters be used?
Fyne publishes an S-Trax positioning reference for the F500S. Compatibility, positioning and system benefit should be confirmed through Audio T.
Are the F500S speakers suitable for home cinema?
Yes. They can be used as stereo front speakers or within a timbre-matched F500S Series 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 proof of purchase and the full warranty terms.
Related Fyne Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Fyne Audio F500S demonstrations
- Comparisons with the F5S, F501S and F500SP
- Amplifier and system-matching advice
- Speaker-stand compatibility checks
- Room-positioning and toe-in guidance
- Presence-control setup
- 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 F500S.