Introduction

TinHiFi has been around for a while now, but in different forms, particularly as an OEM/ODM outfit that has had its hands on many TWS earphones sold by other brands. The company launched its own brand, TinHiFi, in 2017, the name based on the Chinese homophones for "Listen" and, of course, HiFi. It promises a lot for its products, including "gorgeous workmanship and breathtaking sound quality," but has emphasized function over form always. Today, we introduce the brand to TechPowerUp as we take a look at the latest and greatest of its consumer level T series with the TinHiFi T5. Thanks to Linsoul for sending us a review sample.


There are currently three product series from TinHiFi: the T, P (planar, higher-end) and TWS. The T series has been its bread and butter since inception, competing with the likes of BLON for offering excellent value for money to where western brands just can't compete. The T2 and T2 Plus in particular get strong recommendations from users and reviewers alike, so when the company announced a new addition that went north of $100 with the T4, people were not too ecstatic. The TinHiFi T4 can now be had for under $100 more often than not, which introduced an open spot for a newer, even higher-priced T5. We take a look at the TinHiFi T5 today and see how it stacks up against the ever-growing competitive world of in-ear monitors.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

Packaging for the TinHiFi T5 is classy looking and begins with a plastic seal over the product box. The box is predominantly white and minimalist, only having the TinHiFi logo in gold in the bottom-left corner and a larger T5 in the middle. More of the logo in different iterations is seen on the sides, along with a QR code that leads you to the company website and communication platforms for support. On the back, TinHifi put "天天动听," which translates to "beautiful every day," and I did like that the company uses "P.R.C" rather than just China. Maybe it's a way to look beyond the usual Made in China tag, maybe it's to ensure there is no confusion with the nearby ROC (Taiwan). Regardless, more QR codes and a retail barcode are seen here. Opening the box is not as easy as it may seem since the two-piece packaging is snugly packed. I had to dig the inner compartment out with my fingernails slightly before gravity assisted, which contributes to that feeling of opening a luxury product because of the tight tolerance in the packaging itself. We are then greeted to a monochrome unboxing experience even inside, with a black base that hosts the components.


At the top and enclosed by thick foam all around is a white carry case to complement the packaging thus far. This big box is similar to some watch boxes and feels the part with a plush exterior surface that is hemmed and stitched on the sides beautifully. Unsurprisingly for this price class, faux leather is used, but with the metal badge on the side and a magnetic clasp that keep things tidy inside, it still feels premium in hand. We see a substantially sized compartment inside, again lined with the plush leatherette that can fit everything you need as far as the T5 IEMs go.


There are two plastic zip-lock bags inside the carry case, the larger of which accommodates the cable that we will examine in more detail on the next page. The other bag contains a set of two memory foam ear tips, and in white to continue the theme. As the air pockets in the middle show, these are black medium density foam tips with a relatively large bore at ~6 mm. Inside the same bag is a strip of plastic that hosts peel-off metal mesh filters for the IEM nozzles, lest you lose the two pre-installed or they get too dirty. I don't get why other brands do not do this since it adds next to nothing to the cost and aids the longevity and hygiene of the product.


Below the case is a slightly thinner foam piece that has cutouts to accommodate the two ear buds, giving us our first good look at the TinHiFi T5. I also appreciate the pull tags on the side that lift each ear bud upwards slightly to help pull them out easily, and it is this sort of attention to detail that makes for a great first impression.


Underneath is the final set of accessories, once again with foam lining everywhere for fantastic protection throughout. There is some paperwork, including a short user manual and two cards that definitely remind you of the different culture TinHiFi operates in compared to the west. It's not as cringe-inducing as with BLON, but there are some glorious translations which just don't play as well in English.


A larger cutout in the foam layer houses a pair of plastic tweezers, the inclusion of which I was not expecting, though it makes a lot of sense in hindsight. It helps remove the nozzle filters for replacement, or the other ear tips from the cutouts in the foam underneath. TinHiFi also includes a cleaning brush with a nice grip on the other end. Note how these two are in black and white again.


This sneak peek at the IEM buds revealed they do not come pre-installed with any tips, and we saw a set of white memory foam tips earlier too. Fret not, TinHiFi also includes a larger set of silicone ear tips with the T5. There is the more conventional set of silicone ear tips in sizes S/M/L ( on the right above) but also a more grippy bore on a similarly designed set that again comes in S/M/L sizes. Notice how the grippy bore set has a smaller opening, which is the biggest difference between the two aside from installation being slightly more finicky but longer-lasting with the grippy bore tips.