In the rapidly evolving world of high-fidelity audio, Fyne Audio has managed to achieve in less than a decade what takes many manufacturers a lifetime: establishing itself as a premier name in passive loudspeakers. Known for their meticulous engineering and premium sound signatures, the company has now taken a significant step into the realm of active, wireless stereo systems. The result is the Fyne Audio Cubitt 5—a speaker system that promises the sonic sophistication of a high-end Hi-Fi setup with the modern convenience of Bluetooth and digital connectivity. However, as our testing reveals, this marriage of old-school acoustic mastery and new-school convenience is a complex, often contradictory affair.
Main Facts: The Anatomy of the Cubitt 5
At its core, the Cubitt 5 is designed to bring Fyne Audio’s proprietary "IsoFlare" technology to a broader, more modern audience. This point-source driver configuration, where a 19mm titanium dome tweeter is precisely positioned in the acoustic center of a 127mm multi-fiber mid/bass driver, is designed to ensure superior driver integration and a more consistent sound dispersion pattern.
The system is powered by a robust 240-watt Class D amplifier arrangement—providing 60 watts per driver—which suggests a level of headroom rarely found in compact wireless speakers at this price point ($749 / £549 / AU$1,499). The cabinet is a bass-reflex design with a front-firing slot, and the system offers an impressive frequency response of 43Hz – 34kHz.
Connectivity is handled exclusively by the primary speaker, which acts as the hub. Users are treated to Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD support, a dedicated moving-magnet (MM) phono stage for vinyl enthusiasts, a line-level analog input, an optical digital input, and an HDMI ARC port for seamless integration with modern televisions.
Chronology and Development: A New Direction for Fyne
Fyne Audio’s rise to prominence was built on the back of passive floorstanding and bookshelf speakers that prioritized naturalism and scale. The development of the Cubitt 5 represents a calculated pivot. Recognizing the shift in consumer behavior toward all-in-one wireless solutions, Fyne Audio opted not to create a smart speaker in the vein of Sonos, but rather a "pure" active Hi-Fi system that removes the need for external amplification while maintaining traditional audiophile standards.
Throughout the launch phase, the company emphasized that the Cubitt 5 was intended to be a "set-and-forget" solution. By leveraging the research and development from their more expensive passive ranges, they aimed to bypass the "lifestyle" compromise often found in active wireless speakers. While the physical design and acoustic engineering phases were clearly handled with the company’s usual rigor, the implementation of the user interface appears to have been treated as an afterthought—a choice that has become the primary point of contention in the product’s reception.
Supporting Data: Performance Under the Microscope
To evaluate the Cubitt 5, we subjected the system to an extensive, week-long testing process. Our setup utilized a FiiO M15S digital audio player for high-resolution Bluetooth testing, a Technics SL-1300G turntable equipped with a Goldring 1022 cartridge for the phono stage, and a Philips OLED806 connected via HDMI ARC.
Sonic Performance
The sound quality is, without hyperbole, among the best in the sub-$750 category. When playing music, the Cubitt 5 delivers a soundstage that defies its modest 260 x 165 x 215mm dimensions. It is remarkably coherent; the point-source nature of the IsoFlare driver provides a "sweet spot" that is wider and more forgiving than traditional separate-driver configurations.
In our testing, the midrange was the star of the show. Vocalists were presented with an intimate, textured quality that felt organic and unforced. The treble, while occasionally aggressive, remained controlled, providing crisp detail without veering into sibilance. The bass, while perhaps not reaching the absolute depths of 43Hz as claimed, provided a solid, punchy foundation that gave tracks like Julian Cope’s Peggy Suicide a sense of weight and authority.
The "Hiss" Factor
A significant, albeit localized, drawback is an audible electronic hiss that emanates from the speakers when the system is powered on but not actively playing music. While this noise floor is effectively masked once a track begins, its presence is a jarring reminder of the system’s active circuitry. For users intending to place these on a desktop within arm’s reach, this hiss may prove to be an insurmountable annoyance.
Official Responses and Design Philosophy
Fyne Audio has leaned into the aesthetic appeal of the Cubitt 5, offering five distinct, high-quality finishes: olive green, arctic white, midnight black, pearl titanium, and pebble gray. The construction quality is exemplary, featuring seamless, soft-touch paint and a lack of visible fasteners.
However, the company’s decision regarding the user interface—or lack thereof—is polarizing. By omitting on-unit controls, Fyne Audio has forced users to rely entirely on an included remote handset. In a market dominated by smartphone apps and tactile hardware, this decision feels antiquated. The remote itself is a lightweight, plasticky affair that lacks the premium feel of the speakers it controls. Furthermore, the absence of any visual feedback—such as an LED display or an app-based interface to show volume levels or active input—means the user is often left guessing the state of the system.
Implications: The Verdict for Potential Buyers
The Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 sits in a strange, liminal space. It is a product that sounds like a $1,500 system but behaves like a budget Bluetooth speaker from a decade ago.
Why You Should Buy
For the purist who values audio performance above all else, the Cubitt 5 is a revelation. It manages to deliver a "grown-up" sound in a package that will fit on almost any shelf. If your primary goal is to upgrade your TV audio or provide a high-fidelity home for your vinyl collection without the clutter of a separate amplifier and cables, this is an excellent choice. The engineering of the IsoFlare driver is a genuine triumph, and for the price, the sheer musicality on offer is difficult to match.
Why You Should Hesitate
If you are looking for a desktop speaker system, look elsewhere. The inherent electronic hiss is a deal-breaker for near-field listening. Additionally, if you are a user who enjoys the tactile feedback of a volume knob or the convenience of a modern smartphone control app, the Cubitt 5 will prove frustrating. The reliance on a low-rent remote control creates a disconnect between the premium build of the cabinets and the experience of actually using the device.
Summary Scorecard
- Features: 5/5 – The acoustic engineering and versatile input selection are top-tier.
- Sound Quality: 4/5 – Exceptionally balanced and detailed, though the standby hiss prevents a perfect score.
- Design: 5/5 – Beautifully built, with a wide range of stylish finishes.
- Usability: 3/5 – The lack of app support and on-unit controls is a significant oversight.
- Value: 4/5 – A sonic bargain, provided you can overlook the lackluster interface.
In conclusion, the Fyne Audio Cubitt 5 is a testament to the fact that while Fyne Audio has mastered the science of sound, they are still learning the art of the modern digital user experience. It is a magnificent-sounding system that demands a certain level of patience from its owner. If you can forgive its minor technical flaws and its dated control scheme, the Cubitt 5 will reward you with a listening experience that punches well above its weight class. For those who prioritize "how it sounds" over "how it behaves," it remains one of the most compelling options under $750.
