TEST: Fluid Audio F5

 To be honest, I didn't believe that near-field monitors would make it this far. As a child of the eighties, I was used to the A-monitors in large studios being at least the size of refrigerators, if not freezers. The notorious NS-10s from Yamaha were used as B-monitors (“what sounds good here, sounds good everywhere”) and the infamous Quakers from Audax were used as car radio imitations. The professional recording studio was ready!

Those days are a long time ago and have long been forgotten in the majority of the professional audio industry. When combined with an appropriate subwoofer, current nearfield monitors have comparable sound qualities with significantly smaller dimensions, with three standard sizes having become established in recent years. In addition to the 8 inch version as the main monitor and the 6 inch version in the middle range, the small 5 inch versions in particular have increased significantly in recent times due to their small dimensions.

Especially in project studios or at home DAW workstations, minimal size with maximum sound is important. With the Fluid Audio F5, the company founded by the former JBL and M-Audio decision maker Kevin Zuccaro is now preparing to send a new alternative into the race for buyers' favor. In terms of price, the system is priced in the lower segment due to the popular combination of “Designed In USA” and “Made In China” and deliberately targets beginners as a target group.


construction

Structurally, the Fluid Audio F5 is based on the two-way system, which is implemented in the form of a one inch dome tweeter and a 5 inch bass/mid speaker, which are separated at 2.5 kHz. The box's housing is covered with a fine-grained, black film and is made of the popular medium-density fiberboard, known as MDF for short. In terms of weight, the box is a clear lightweight at just under 5 kilograms, especially since the housing dimensions of 260 mm x 175 mm x 195 mm (HxWxD) can also be classified as very clear.

When looking at the box, the interested user will notice two special features on the front and back. On the one hand there is a volume control in the form of a fader on the front, which is also responsible for the letter F in the product name, and on the other hand there are the comparatively large cooling fins on the back of the case. If you look at the cooling fins skeptically at first glance, as they may take up a lot of space on the back, this consideration is resolved when you look at the cable connections.

Both the cold device plug used and the symmetrical XRL, jack or asymmetrical RCA plugs require an appropriate distance from the nearest wall. Even if the bass reflex opening of the housing radiates to the front, it should not go unmentioned that you should not place a speaker, no matter how small, directly against a wall, and especially not in a corner. The danger of uncontrolled drone frequencies is too great. Another advantage of placing the heat sinks outside the housing is the fact that the woofer has more space for its stroke, which is reflected in a more open sound in the bass range.

The placement of the volume control in question on the front of the housing actually brings with it a level of convenience that users of volume controls installed on the back sometimes sorely miss. However, what becomes a real problem is the execution of the sliders. For example, if you use two speakers, each housing with its own volume control, only the -6dB point, which is provided with a grid, can be set equally on both speakers.

However, if you want to set both speakers to -4 dB, for example, you have to do a lot of fiddly work before you achieve the perfect balance of the volume. A potentiometer that is rasterized in at least 2 dB steps would be a much better choice. Or you can introduce the control of the smaller F4 variant into the F5 by managing both housings using just one volume control, as is often done with simple PC listening from the electronics discounter.

When it comes to power amplifiers, the Fluid Audio F5 uses a bi-amping system, which allocates 40 watts to the woofer and a comparatively generous 30 watts to the tweeter, probably because power amplifiers with lower power output are hardly available on the market anymore. According to the manufacturer, the system has a frequency response of 49 Hz to 22 kHz with a sound pressure of 100 dB (A-weighted). By the way, the system does not have filter switches to adapt to the respective room acoustics.

When it comes to optics, the Fluid Audio F5 has to be praised. From the optical design of the front panel, to the hard rubber version of the company logo, to the very, very small blue operating LED, which turns red in standby mode, the entire appearance of the system can almost be described as elegant. The boxes are also delivered with small foam rubber pads, which do not lead to a real decoupling of the system, but protect the table top and housing from scratches. The enclosed operating instructions provide information in five different languages (English, German, Swedish, French, Dutch) about the most important key points of the system and provide specific practical tips.


Practice

After placing the speakers in the stereo triangle and switching them on, a very low level of noise can be heard, which in practice is not a problem. The first sound impression is very good. The individual instruments can be clearly perceived in their spatial gradation, and the depth gradation is appropriate. Fortunately, the low mids are not masked by the high bass, as is often the case with cheaper speakers from other manufacturers. The highs sound balanced, the mids are concise and pleasant.

In addition, the loudspeakers are characterized by high impulse fidelity and only choke when they reach the limit of the maximum sound pressure. In terms of frequency, the box is of course limited in terms of its size and woofer equipment. Bass-emphasized music is therefore only possible in conjunction with an external subwoofer. However, when monitored directly at the DAW workstation, the Fluid Audio F5 leaves an excellent impression. The bi-amping system in general and the high-frequency range in particular are reproduced in a very airy and direct manner thanks to the tweeter's oversized power amplifier and represent one of the highlights of the system.


Conclusion

With the Fluid Audio F5 system, the American company is making a very good first impression in the consumer sector. With an excellent price-performance ratio, the product knows how to position itself successfully in the highly competitive market and will find its buyers. If a few spatial filters and a potentiometer grid had been installed, the first impression would be perfect.

——————

Additional Informations:

Fluid Audio stands as a testament to innovation and dedication in the realm of audio technology. Founded with a vision to revolutionize the audio industry, Fluid Audio has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in sound reproduction. In this comprehensive article, we delve deep into the genesis and growth of Fluid Audio, tracing its roots, pivotal moments, and the driving forces behind its success.

1. The Genesis:
Fluid Audio was born out of the shared passion of a group of audio enthusiasts who believed in the power of sound to shape experiences. The company was founded in [insert year] by [founder(s) names], with a mission to create studio monitors that offered unparalleled clarity and accuracy at an accessible price point. The founders, drawing upon their extensive experience in audio engineering and product development, embarked on a journey to redefine the standards of professional audio monitoring.

2. Early Challenges and Triumphs:
In its nascent stages, Fluid Audio faced numerous challenges typical of startups in the competitive audio industry. Limited resources, fierce competition, and the need to establish credibility posed significant hurdles. However, the company's commitment to innovation and quality soon began to set it apart. One of Fluid Audio's early breakthroughs came with the introduction of [insert milestone product], which garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional performance and affordability. This success marked the beginning of Fluid Audio's ascent in the market.

3. Innovation and Differentiation:
Central to Fluid Audio's success has been its relentless focus on innovation. The company has consistently pushed the envelope, introducing cutting-edge technologies and design concepts to its product lineup. From advanced driver materials to proprietary waveguides, each innovation has been meticulously crafted to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. Fluid Audio's commitment to differentiation has enabled it to carve out a distinct identity in a crowded marketplace, attracting a loyal customer base of audio professionals and enthusiasts alike.

4. Collaborations and Partnerships:
Fluid Audio's journey has been enriched by collaborations and partnerships with industry leaders and visionaries. By leveraging the expertise of renowned audio engineers, producers, and artists, the company has been able to refine its products and stay ahead of the curve. Collaborative projects have not only enhanced Fluid Audio's technical capabilities but have also provided valuable insights into the evolving needs of audio professionals.

5. Expansion and Global Reach:
As Fluid Audio's reputation grew, so did its reach. The company expanded its distribution network, forging partnerships with leading retailers and distributors worldwide. This strategic expansion enabled Fluid Audio to tap into new markets and connect with a diverse audience of musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts. Today, Fluid Audio products are available in [number] countries, cementing the company's position as a global leader in studio monitoring solutions.

6. Community Engagement and Support:
Beyond developing cutting-edge products, Fluid Audio has fostered a vibrant community of users and supporters. Through online forums, social media platforms, and educational initiatives, the company has cultivated a dynamic ecosystem where users can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects. Fluid Audio's commitment to community engagement extends beyond mere marketing; it reflects a genuine desire to empower and inspire the next generation of audio professionals.

7. Awards and Recognition:
The accolades bestowed upon Fluid Audio serve as a testament to its commitment to excellence. Over the years, the company has received numerous awards and accolades for its innovative products and contributions to the audio industry. These honors not only validate Fluid Audio's dedication to quality but also serve as a source of motivation to continue pushing boundaries and raising the bar for audio performance.

8. Future Outlook:
As Fluid Audio looks to the future, its vision remains as clear as ever: to continue pushing the boundaries of audio technology and delivering best-in-class products to its customers. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, the company is poised to build upon its legacy and shape the future of professional audio monitoring.

Conclusion:
Fluid Audio's journey from humble beginnings to global prominence is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and innovation. Through a combination of cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to quality, Fluid Audio has not only redefined the standards of audio monitoring but has also inspired a new generation of audio enthusiasts. As the company continues to evolve and innovate, one thing remains certain: the future of audio is in capable hands with Fluid Audio at the helm.