Audio T Verdict
The Fyne Audio F501S combines the precise imaging and coherence of an IsoFlare point-source driver with the greater bass depth, scale and authority of a dedicated floorstanding design.
Its magnesium compression tweeter gives the F501S a smooth, detailed and refined top end, while the supplementary 150mm bass driver provides convincing low-frequency weight without overwhelming the music.
Fyne Audio’s downward-firing port and BassTrax diffuser help distribute bass evenly around the room, making the F501S easier to position than many conventionally ported floorstanders.
With a useful presence adjustment, straightforward amplifier requirements and premium real-wood finishes, the F501S is a highly capable all-rounder for both music and home cinema systems.
Fyne Audio F501S Floorstanding Speakers
The Fyne Audio F501S is a premium 2.5-way floorstanding loudspeaker from the enhanced F500S Series.
It combines a 150mm IsoFlare point-source driver with a dedicated 150mm bass unit, delivering the focused imaging of Fyne Audio’s concentric driver technology alongside the depth and scale expected from a floorstanding speaker.
Its principal features include:
- 2.5-way floorstanding design
- 150mm IsoFlare point-source driver
- 25mm magnesium-dome compression tweeter
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet system
- Vented tweeter rear chamber
- Computer-optimised high-frequency waveguide
- 150mm multi-fibre bass and midrange cone
- Dedicated 150mm multi-fibre bass driver
- FyneFlute variable-geometry roll surrounds
- Downward-firing bass-reflex port
- BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser
- Rear presence adjustment
- Bi-wire loudspeaker terminals
- High-rigidity, internally braced MDF cabinet
- Premium real-wood and piano-gloss finishes
The Enhanced F500S Series
The F500S Series builds upon Fyne Audio’s established F500 and F500E designs with refinements to the driver technology, cabinet presentation and system-adjustment options.
Key F500S Series developments include:
- A magnesium high-frequency diaphragm
- A neodymium tweeter magnet system
- A vented rear chamber behind the tweeter
- Extended high-frequency performance beyond 30kHz
- A rear presence control
- Premium real-wood veneer options
- Magnetically attached grilles
The F501S offers a clear step up from the entry-level F501E while retaining sensible dimensions, approachable amplifier requirements and strong value.
2.5-Way Floorstanding Design
The F501S uses a 2.5-way configuration rather than a conventional two-way or three-way arrangement.
The upper IsoFlare driver reproduces the midrange and treble while also contributing to the bass. The lower 150mm driver operates through the low-frequency region only.
This arrangement provides:
- Greater bass depth than a standmount design
- Increased low-frequency output
- Improved room-filling ability
- Higher useful output during demanding passages
- Point-source reproduction through the critical vocal and treble regions
- A relatively slim and manageable cabinet
150mm IsoFlare Point-Source Driver
The upper driver combines a 150mm multi-fibre bass and midrange cone with a centrally mounted magnesium compression tweeter.
Placing the high-frequency unit at the acoustic centre of the larger cone allows both sections to radiate from the same point in space.
This point-source arrangement is designed to provide:
- Precise stereo imaging
- A coherent transition between midrange and treble
- Stable vocal placement
- Consistent sound across a wider seating area
- Natural reproduction away from the exact centre position
- Reduced changes in tonal balance as the listener moves
The broad and controlled dispersion makes the F501S particularly practical in living rooms where more than one person may be listening.
25mm Magnesium Compression Tweeter
A 25mm magnesium dome forms the diaphragm of the IsoFlare high-frequency compression driver.
Magnesium combines low moving mass with high rigidity, allowing the diaphragm to respond quickly while pushing unwanted break-up behaviour beyond its principal operating range.
The high-frequency unit is designed to provide:
- Smooth and extended treble
- Clear vocal detail
- Clean transient reproduction
- Controlled dispersion
- A natural transition from the surrounding midrange cone
- Reduced harshness and resonance
Fyne Audio specifies an in-room frequency response extending to 34kHz.
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 midrange cone.
This arrangement 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 bass and midrange cone.
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
- Preserve imaging across a wider listening area
Multi-Fibre Bass and Midrange Cone
The IsoFlare driver uses a 150mm multi-fibre paper cone chosen for its combination of stiffness, low mass and natural damping.
It reproduces bass and midrange frequencies before handing over to the centrally mounted tweeter at approximately 1.7kHz.
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
Dedicated 150mm Bass Driver
A second 150mm multi-fibre driver extends low-frequency output and adds greater scale to the F501S presentation.
This supplementary bass unit operates below the 250Hz crossover point and works alongside the low-frequency output from the IsoFlare cone.
Its contribution helps provide:
- Deeper bass extension
- Greater impact from drums and bass instruments
- Improved room-filling ability
- Reduced low-frequency workload for the upper driver
- Higher useful output during demanding passages
- Greater scale with orchestral and electronic music
FyneFlute Roll Surround Technology
The outer edges of the multi-fibre cones use 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 F501S uses a downward-firing bass-reflex port that directs low-frequency energy onto Fyne Audio’s 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 drive units
- Greater flexibility when positioning the speakers
The speakers will still respond to nearby walls and room corners, but the BassTrax system can make balanced results easier to achieve than with a conventional rear-facing port.
36Hz Bass Extension
Fyne Audio specifies an in-room frequency response from 36Hz to 34kHz within its published -6dB limits.
This gives the F501S useful low-frequency depth for music, television and home cinema without requiring a particularly wide or visually dominant cabinet.
The final bass balance will depend on:
- Distance from rear and side walls
- Room dimensions
- Floor construction
- Listening position
- Partnering amplifier
- Speaker and listener symmetry
- The recording being played
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 control allows the F501S to be adapted to:
- Different room acoustics
- Reflective or heavily furnished spaces
- Partnering amplifiers and sources
- 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 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.
90dB Sensitivity
The F501S 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 broad range of quality stereo amplifiers and AV receivers.
Fyne Audio recommends amplifier power between 30W and 150W RMS.
The ideal amplifier will also depend on:
- Current delivery
- Room size
- Listening distance
- Preferred playback level
- The dynamic demands of the music
- Whether the speakers will also be used for home cinema
Eight-Ohm Nominal Impedance
Fyne Audio specifies a nominal impedance of eight ohms.
This makes the F501S a practical electrical match for many modern integrated amplifiers, stereo receivers and home cinema amplifiers.
A capable and stable amplifier will still provide better bass control, dynamics and definition than a lightweight design being driven close to its limits.
75W Continuous Power Handling
The F501S has a published continuous power-handling figure of 75W RMS.
This should not be confused with the recommended amplifier range of 30W to 150W.
A clean and controlled amplifier at the upper end of the recommended range may 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.
Dual Crossover Frequencies
The F501S uses crossover points at 250Hz and 1.7kHz.
The lower crossover controls the contribution of the supplementary bass driver, while the upper crossover divides the signal between the IsoFlare cone and compression tweeter.
Fyne Audio specifies:
- A second-order low-pass filter
- A first-order high-pass filter
- A passive bi-wire crossover arrangement
- A dedicated presence adjustment circuit
The crossover is designed to maintain the timing, phase and dispersion advantages of the IsoFlare point-source arrangement.
Bi-Wire Loudspeaker Terminals
The F501S provides separate terminal pairs 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 extensive 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
Compact Floorstanding Proportions
At 984mm high and 250mm wide, the F501S offers substantial cabinet volume without becoming visually overwhelming.
Its dimensions make it suitable for:
- Small and medium-sized living rooms
- Stereo systems requiring deeper bass than a standmount speaker
- Home cinema installations requiring substantial front-channel performance
- Rooms where wider loudspeakers would dominate the layout
- Systems where separate speaker stands are not wanted
Premium Finish Options
Fyne Audio publishes the F501S in:
- Black Oak real-wood veneer
- Natural Walnut real-wood veneer
- Piano Gloss Black
Audio T currently offers selectable Black Oak and Natural Walnut versions, with finish availability subject to current UK stock.
The finish does not alter the published acoustic specification.
Real wood is a natural material, so the grain and tone of individual cabinets may vary slightly.
Magnetic Removable Grilles
Removable magnetic grilles provide driver protection without requiring visible fixing points 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 drivers.
Room Positioning
The BassTrax system makes the F501S relatively accommodating, but careful positioning will still improve the final result.
Begin with the 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.
Distance from the Rear Wall
Moving the F501S closer to a wall will normally increase bass output, while bringing it further into the room can produce a leaner and more clearly defined low-frequency balance.
Begin with a sensible gap behind the cabinets and adjust according to:
- Room size
- Wall construction
- Listening position
- The amount of bass in the system
- Personal preference
Avoid placing the speakers tightly into corners unless additional low-frequency reinforcement is genuinely required.
Toe-In Adjustment
The IsoFlare driver provides broad and consistent dispersion, so the F501S 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 produce a wider and more relaxed presentation.
Floor Levelling and Stability
Each cabinet should stand level and remain free from rocking.
A secure installation helps:
- Improve bass definition
- Maintain stereo-image stability
- Reduce cabinet movement
- Protect the floor
- Prevent accidental instability
Check the suitability of the floor fittings for carpet, wood, laminate, tile or stone before installation.
Amplifier Matching
The F501S can be partnered with a wide variety of integrated amplifiers, stereo receivers and pre-power systems.
A good match should provide:
- Stable operation into an eight-ohm nominal load
- Sufficient power for the room and listening distance
- Good current delivery
- Low noise
- A tonal balance that suits the room and source components
The speakers’ 90dB sensitivity means very high amplifier power is not essential, but better amplification will normally improve bass control, timing, soundstage depth and clarity.
F501S or F501E?
Choose the F501S When
- A magnesium compression tweeter is preferred
- A rear presence adjustment is useful
- Real-wood veneer finishes are important
- A more refined high-frequency presentation is required
- A higher-quality partnering system is available
- Greater long-term upgrade potential is wanted
Choose the F501E When
- Lower purchase cost is the priority
- A practical Black Ash finish suits the room
- A titanium compression tweeter is acceptable
- The same published bass extension is sufficient
- A straightforward stereo or cinema system is planned
- The wider budget must also cover amplification and sources
Explore the Fyne Audio F501E floorstanding speakers for the more affordable model in the range.
F501S or F500S?
Choose the F501S When
- A floorstanding design is preferred
- Deeper bass and greater scale are required
- A dedicated supplementary bass driver is useful
- Higher playback levels are expected
- Speaker stands are not wanted
- The room is medium in size
Choose the F500S When
- A standmount design is preferred
- The room is smaller
- A more compact visual presence is wanted
- Separate speaker stands can be accommodated
- Precise imaging takes priority over bass scale
- An active subwoofer may be added separately
The Fyne Audio F500S standmount speakers use a similar 150mm IsoFlare driver within a smaller cabinet.
F501S or F500SP?
Choose the F501S When
- Floorstanding bass depth is important
- A larger-scale presentation is preferred
- A dedicated supplementary bass driver is required
- Speaker stands are not wanted
- Greater room-filling ability is useful
- Premium performance at a lower cost is the priority
Choose the F500SP When
- A UK-built premium standmount is preferred
- Special Production engineering is important
- Greater crossover and cabinet refinement is wanted
- Precise imaging takes priority over floorstanding scale
- Luxury finish options are important
- A more ambitious amplifier and source are available
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 44mm from the front edge of the F501S 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.
Adding an Active Subwoofer
The F501S already provides useful low-frequency extension, but an active subwoofer can add greater depth and scale where required.
A subwoofer may be worthwhile for:
- Larger rooms
- Electronic and orchestral music
- Home cinema effects
- Lower-volume listening
- Reproducing frequencies below the speakers’ natural range
The crossover, output level, phase and room position must be adjusted carefully so that the subwoofer supports rather than overwhelms the F501S.
Stereo and Home Cinema Use
The F501S is suitable as the main speaker in a stereo music system or as the front left and right pair in an F500S Series home cinema installation.
The IsoFlare driver’s controlled dispersion helps maintain clear dialogue and stable effects across a wider 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 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, magnesium tweeter diaphragm, supplementary bass cone and FyneFlute surrounds.
Key Features
- Premium 2.5-way floorstanding speakers
- Supplied as a stereo pair
- Part of the enhanced F500S Series
- 150mm IsoFlare point-source driver
- 150mm multi-fibre bass and midrange cone
- 25mm magnesium compression tweeter
- Neodymium high-frequency magnet system
- Vented tweeter rear chamber
- Computer-optimised high-frequency waveguide
- Dedicated 150mm multi-fibre bass driver
- FyneFlute roll-surround technology
- Downward-firing bass-reflex port
- BassTrax Tractrix profile diffuser
- 360-degree port-energy distribution
- 36Hz to 34kHz in-room frequency response
- 90dB sensitivity
- Eight-ohm nominal impedance
- 30W to 150W recommended amplifier power
- 75W continuous power handling
- 250Hz lower crossover frequency
- 1.7kHz upper 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
- Single-wire compatibility
- Passive bi-amplification compatibility
- High-rigidity MDF cabinet
- Extensive internal bracing
- Magnetic removable grilles
- Black Oak real-wood veneer
- Natural Walnut real-wood veneer
- Piano Gloss Black finish
- 984mm cabinet height
- 250mm cabinet width
- 317mm cabinet depth
- 18.6kg 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 F501S speakers sold as a pair?
Yes. The Audio T product contains one stereo pair.
What type of speaker is the F501S?
It is a passive 2.5-way floorstanding loudspeaker with a downward-firing bass-reflex port and BassTrax diffuser.
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 F501S uses a 150mm IsoFlare bass and midrange driver with a centrally mounted 25mm tweeter.
What material is used for the tweeter?
The high-frequency compression driver uses a magnesium dome.
Does the F501S have a separate bass driver?
Yes. A dedicated 150mm multi-fibre bass driver supplements the low-frequency output from the IsoFlare cone.
What is FyneFlute?
FyneFlute is the shaped roll surround around the main cones, 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 F501S 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 completing the installation.
What is the frequency response?
Fyne Audio specifies 36Hz 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 150W RMS.
What is the continuous power handling?
75W RMS.
Does the F501S need an especially powerful amplifier?
No. Its 90dB sensitivity makes it relatively easy to drive, although a capable amplifier will improve bass control, dynamics and clarity.
What are the crossover frequencies?
The supplementary bass driver crosses over at 250Hz, while the IsoFlare tweeter crossover operates at 1.7kHz.
What does the presence switch do?
It adjusts the 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 F501S be bi-wired?
Yes. Separate high-frequency and low-frequency terminal pairs are provided.
Can the F501S 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?
Fyne Audio publishes Black Oak, Natural Walnut and Piano Gloss Black. Current Audio T selectable finishes are subject to availability.
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 984 x 250 x 317mm (H x W x D), including the grille, terminals and plinth but excluding spikes.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 18.6kg.
Can an active subwoofer be added?
Yes. A correctly integrated subwoofer can extend bass performance further, particularly for home cinema or a larger room.
Can Fyne Audio S-Trax super tweeters be used?
Fyne Audio publishes an S-Trax positioning reference for the F501S. Compatibility, positioning and system benefit should be confirmed before use.
Are the F501S speakers suitable for home cinema?
Yes. They can be used as the front left and right speakers within a 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 registration, proof of purchase and the full warranty terms.
Related Fyne Audio Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Fyne Audio F501S demonstrations
- Comparisons with the F501E, F500S and F500SP
- Amplifier and system-matching advice
- 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
- Floor-levelling and stability guidance
- 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, positioning, cabling and system matching for the Fyne Audio F501S.