Audiosense AQ0

I'm going to keep this short and sweet. The AQ0 truly is a hidden gem. It's been out nearly 2 years and still nobody's picked this up. Yes it doesn't have the resolution of some of the planars coming out. I've just received my Raptgo Hook-x and yes , it has superb resolution through the frequencies but does it have the note weight of the AQ0? No, does it f###, not much out there does. The AQ0 is a simple beast, just off neutral with a bass bias maintaining really clear mids and treble, it's dark with an unusual airlines giving just above average staging and vivid imaging, really nice timber. Their not perfect by all means thi AQ0 just beats anything I've owned or tried near this price point for shear enjoyment, energy or engagement. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED

Good day! After three days of observation and casual usage, here is my review for the Audiosense AQ0- The so-called “underrated” IEM by few. Let's see whether it's truly underestimated!
Disclaimer/s:

• Because I paid for it with my own money, the following claims and observations will be as truthful and honest as possible, with as little bias as possible.
• The following remarks and observations shall be made and owned only by me.
• Audiosense is unaware that I will be conducting this evaluation, and no compensation for this review is/was involved.
• Your mileage may (and always, will) vary.

Burn-in time: 5 hours per day, 3 days.

Source/s used:

• Hidizs AP80
• Not-By-VE Avani Realtek Dongle
• Samsung Galaxy S3 (WM1811 DAC)
• Non-HiFi smartphone (realme 5i)

Sound signature:

• Balanced-warm. Depending on the source matched, it might sound u-shaped at times. Big, controlled bass, clear mids, and well-extended highs with no roll-off.

Lows:

• Lows are elevated and deep, with big quantity. However, the AQ0 did a great job of presenting the lows. Subbass is the elevated portion, not the midbass. Exhibits decent sub-bass rumble when needed. Overall, the bass packs a punch with quick and well-controlled decay. Bassheads will enjoy this IEM on EDM and bass-heavy tracks.

Mids:

• Mids are I’d say near neutral, but can suffer from slight recession depending on the source paired, particularly with a non-hifi smartphone. Lower mids have decent weight and clarity. Upper mids exhibit above-average clarity with sufficient sparkle. No instances of peaks or sibilance are present.

Highs:

• Highs are also decently extended and do not lack any air. It isn’t rolled off or bright either. I would say it’s on the “sweet spot”. Detail retrieval is above average for this price point. Microdetails can be heard easily without being analytical.

Soundstage, Imaging, and separation:

• The soundstage is average, wider than deep. Separation is also average, it can suffer a little bit of congestion, but far from being bad or unbearable on this specific track (Cö shu Nie – Asphyxia). Imaging is also near precise and can handle five or more instruments and vocals decently.

Pros:

• An all-rounder sounding IEM
• Above-average detail retrieval for its price point (100usd)
• Tuning on the lows well done
• Clear mids
• Fatigue free yet enjoyable highs
• Above-average fit and isolation (subjective)
• Very good set of accessories. It comes with 3 pairs of stock tips, 3 pairs of OEM EP-EX11 ear tips, A canvas IEM case with wool walling inside, and an MMCX remover tool.
• Very good IEM stock cable. Tightly braided and does not tangle based on my experience. Comes with a built-in winder as well.

Cons:

• None for its asking price we're talking about an IEM that can sound well with most genres (100usd), really.

AudioSense AQ0 Review - True Hidden Gem

Intro

Audiosense is no stranger to the IEM scene when it comes to producing high quality IEM. Their critically acclaimed T800 is no stranger to anyone i believe. I’ve not heard of that model so I can't comment much on that, but the T800 did receive a lot of positive praise among reviewers. Let us find out if AQ0 is able to keep up with the pack!


Specifications

Driver: 9.2mm Graphene Composite Diaphragm Dynamic Driver
Frequency Reponse: 20Hz - 22Khz
Impedance: 32ohms
Sensitivity: 101 3dB
Cable Length: 1.25m OFC Cable


Packaging and Build Quality

It came with a fairly simple packaging. A plain box with a hard carrying case and two packs of eartips. I like the hard case and the quality feels pretty good and it’s able to protect the IEM stored inside. The cable’s quality is pretty solid for stock cable at this price point.

The build quality of the earphone doesn’t look cheap at all despite being a 3D printed resin housing. I’d say it looks as good as SeeAudio’s Yume which is priced much higher.




Source

Cayin N3 Pro(Tube Mode - Triode) -> AudioSense AQ0
Tidal (MQA/HiFI) -> VE’s Oddysey HD Type C Dongle -> AudioSense AQ0




Sound

Prior to writing this review, AQ0 has gone through at least 40 hours of burn in hours and also i’ve been using them extensively for at least a week averaging at 2-3 hours a day. I am using stock cable but for ear tips I am using JVC’s spiral dots. Upon first listen to AQ0, I am already very much in love with its tuning compared to Moondrop’s Aria. It gives a more engaging sound and much more dynamic presentation compared to Aria.


Bass

The sub bass and mid bass is definitely being emphasized here, but, in a very controlled manner and also high in quality, it will make its presence when it’s called for. In tracks like Hans Zimmer’s Why So Serious, at minute 03:27 onwards, there are no instruments playing but only the bass, you can clearly hear the sub bass’s rumble and it doesn’t even distort nor sound bloated. Whereas on Moondrop’s Aria, it doesn’t feel like the sub bass extends that much compared to AQ0. The bass in AQ0 is done right and if you even feel like you need more bass, just use the stock tips and it will give you even more oomph, but having said that, this is definitely not a basshead’s IEM. It gives the right amount at the right time when it’s called for.


Mids

The mids are smooth and clean and it feels pretty intimate. Female vocal however, sounded very full and thick compared to male’s. Take Diana Krall’s Like Someone In Love for example, Diana’s voice sounded very full and thick whereas Andrea Bocelli’s Hallelujah, his vocal isn’t that full and thick but the overall experience is still very good.


Treble

The treble is smooth and treble sensitive people will not have an issue here. It is not sibilant and very controlled. I can comfortably listen to it for a long period. Overall, very good extension to my ears.


Soundstage/Imaging

The moment i hit play on my DAP and Hans Zimmer’s Molossus started to play, i am greeted with a very detailed presentation and also soundstage that is above average. It doesn’t feel as constricted as Aria’s. Bloodborne’s OST by Suzuki Nobuyoshi namely Ludwig,the Holy Blade,gives me the feeling that I am within the hall where the artist is performing. Imaging is above average as well, instruments can be pinpointed clearly at where they are coming from and they doesn’t overlap with others. This capability is very well demonstrated in tracks like Kitaro’s Silk Road Fantasy. Very immersive


Final Thoughts



I am not sure why AQ0 is not popular here in Malaysia or somewhere else as I can hardly find any reviews about it. AQ0 is a true hidden gem. At it’s price point, the closest competitor to it is Moondrop’s Starfield, I have not heard of it so I can't really compare them, but for it’s sibling which is Aria, I would definitely pick AQ0 over Aria anytime. AQ0 is a versatile IEM which is suitable for a wide range of music, it handled most of the tracks i threw at it pretty well, of course not without flaws for sure. Soundstage is a little lacking in terms of depth and height but not so much that it compromises the overall experience. If anybody asks me about this AQ0, I will recommend it to them without any hesitation. Just give it a try. I am sure it will give you much more fun compared to Aria.


*This unit is provided to me at subsidised price by Audiosense in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

If you are interested in purchasing the unit, you may head to their shopee store to grab it at the link below:

https://shopee.com.my/AUDIOSENSE-AQ...D-Printing-Resin-Shell-i.406961882.9471720674

Introduction:
Audiosense is a Chinese company that specializes in producing in-ear monitors. Their lineup mostly consists of IEMs with full BA setups. Their DT and T series exclusively use BAs, while their AQ series uses a hybrid setup of BA + DD. The only exception is the AQ0, which utilizes a single DD setup. The AQ0 currently retails for 99 USD, and was provided to me at a discounted price by Audiosense in exchange for this review.

International purchase link
Philippines purchase link

Specifications:
Driver unit: 1 9.2mm dynamic
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 101 ± 3 dB
Frequency response range: 20 Hz - 22 kHz

Source:
Poco X3 paired with iBasso DC03 and Shanling UA1

Test tracks:
Africano - Earth Wind and Fire
Dark Necessities - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Gurenge - Lisa
The Chain - Fleetwood Mac
Monsters - All Time Low
Ours - Taylor Swift
Stay - Mayday Parade
Snuff - Slipknot
Yesterday Once More - Carpenters
So Slow - Freestyle
Aurora Sunrise - Franco
Attention - Pentatonix
Blue Bird - Ikimono-gakari
You're Still The One - Shania Twain
Anyone Who Knows What Love Is(Will Understand) - Irma Thomas
Salamin - Slapshock
AOV - Slipknot
Hey Jude - The Beatles
The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
...and a lot more.

Unboxing and Accessories:
The AQ0 comes in a basic rectangular white box. Upon opening, you will see the AQ0 earphones nested on foams, a fabric hard case, and the instruction manual right below it. Inside the case is the cable with a velcro strap, 3 pairs of their GT40S eartips, and another 3 pairs of generic silicone eartips.

Build:
The shells are made of 3D printed resin which has a smooth and glossy surface. The faceplates are decorated with abalone flakes, with the left plate having the "AUDIOSENSE" text and the Audiosense logo with the right plate. Below the female MMCX connectors there is a rather huge oval vent, and a smaller but still larger than usual, circular vent near the nozzles. The nozzles have a lip to hold eartips in place, and a metal mesh filter.

The cable is the standard Audiosense 8 core oxygen-free copper which is very soft, lightweight, and tightly braided. The male MMCX connectors are made of plastic with color coded side indicators. The splitter and chin slider are made of metal, while the 3.5mm L-type gold plated plug is made of hard rubber.

Now let's get to the sound.

Lows:
The lows are the main attraction in the sound of the AQ0. Subbass drops hard and with authority, along with a substantial amount of rumble and an above average decay. Midbass is controlled and placed slightly more forward than the subbass. The thickness in here is just enough and the impact feels less than the subbass.

Overall, the AQ0 provides lows that most bassheads know and love. What I love about it is that the subbass has more presence than the midbass, minimizing the bleed into the other frequencies.

Mids:
The mids are slightly laid back. Upper and lower mids are presented in a linear manner, with both of them sharing the same weight and position; recessed and moderate in thickness. The level of articulation in here is below average, making voices and some instruments lose a bit in finesse and energy.

Overall, even though the lows does not interfere that much, the mids of the AQ0 still needs some improvements in its transparency to make it really standout in this price range.

Highs:
The highs are reproduced in a neutral fashion. It is placed right in the middle of the mix, and adds a decent amount of airy feel in each track. Treble reach is slightly above average, with a decay that has a bit of an elevation in its length.

Overall, unlike other IEMs with a V-shaped signature, the highs of the AQ0 is not on the same level as its lows but it holds its ground well. Despite being one-upped by the lows, it is still able to maintain a good level of presence.

Soundstage and Imaging:
The stage has an average expansion, with the width having noticeably more space and expands more than the height. Imaging is good enough, but definitely affected by the below average clarity of the midrange. That being said, the layering and separation of the instruments are still great, although there are some hints of congestion here and there.

Conclusion:
The AQ0 has that signature Audiosense build quality, and the pleasantly warm lows that satisfies the basshead in me. What separates the AQ0 from the countless other IEMs with the same signature is that Audiosense shifted the focus to the subbass only instead of boosting both the sub and midbass, resulting in that powerful slam without compromising the mids and highs that much.

About me:
Music lover and earphone enthusiast, most of my previous reviews are in spanish.

Disclaimer: This unit was loan to me by my fiend Moisés

Gear used:
Fiio Q5s, Hiby R5, IFI Zen Can+Zen Blue

About Audiosense:
Audiosense is a chinese IEM brand that is focused on Balanced Armature and hybrid IEMs aiming to provide “a sonic masterpiece with worthwhile price”.


About AQ0:
This is the entry level IEM from the AQ series which is conformed by 3 earphones: the AQ0, AQ3 and AQ7 which is audiosense´s current flagship.



Specifications:

Single 9.2mm dynamic driver
Frequency Response: 20Hz-22Khz
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity (1kHz): 101db
Net Weight: 4.03g
Cable length: 1.25m oxygen free copper

Accessories:

The AQO comes in a white cardboard box, inside we can find a very complete accessory set conformed by a gray carrying case, a warranty and descriptions manual, 6 pairs of ear tips, the 1.2m cable and the earphones.

Greetings and welcome to my another IEM review and I'm doing another product review from Audiosense...again.

No need further introduction about their company again as I keep introducing their products in every month.This written article will be my fifth one for Audiosense product (I admit that I'm turning into an Audiosense witness or a resolute believer), and now I have this particular item from them, The Audiosense AQ0.



Audiosense AQ0 is the first product offering from their new AQ series line for their hybrid driver set-up range. It has a single dynamic driver set-up, This type of dynamic driver seems different compare to a common dynamic driver as Audiosense put some other materials like a graphene diaphragm for better nimble conductor to deliver more signal current, less distortion and improvements of its durability. Like all Audiosense products, it uses a high quality MMCX connector for flexibility purposes.



Those shells encapsulates the graphene drivers are made of a 3D-printed resin which are more proven to have good structural design and more skin-friendly. The shell's structural design was very ergonomically design as they fit snugly into my ears without any stress or soreness. They do have an above average sealing into my lug holes as I barely hear some external noises from outside. Audiosense chooses a turquoise hue for its overall colour with a mother-of-pearl pattern-like on its face plate. Since it is a single DD driver set-up, it has vent that allow to release some build-up pressure and gives more "breathing" space on its driver.



Audiosense AQ0 included accesories on its packaging box are noticeably similar to its DT cousin, The DT100. As it has a two types of eartips in three different standard sizes, a moderately thick 19-core 6N single crystal copper golden brown cable in a L-shape 3.5mm termination with a velcro cable winder, a simple instruction manual and a stone gray colour canvas IEM case that is identical to Campfire Audio's stock IEM case. Audiosense also included a MMCX assist tool too.



This set of IEMs needs only some ample power from its source as they are suprisingly undemanding to be driven but they scales well on better sources like DAPs, dedicated desktop DAC/amps and even my LG quad DACs can be able to give the best possible output and fuller dynamics too.





This is the most important aspect of this IEM review and it is to determine its kind of tonality. The Audiosense AQ0 is more on a U-shape sound signature in my hearing perception, as it is obviously to have more prominent bass, more neutral mids and some emphasis and elevation on its treble region.

These are the sound characteristics from each segment of audio frequency spectrum based on my observation.

LOWS/BASS:

As I observed, the bass is somehow the most prominent on this one, it has good texture on both parts of bass frequency range. It has that punchiness, impactful and well-controlled as those are a good characteristics of well-tuned, high quality dynamic driver. Its transience are quite nimble as it decay fast as expected again from a high quality dynamic driver.

Sub-bass is quite a performer here as I feel that natural rumbling sound from it. Some synthpops and electonica genre (usually 80s to early 90s tracks) with more prominent sub-bass focus tracks will appear even more presented as it show how gruffy the very low end of audio spectrum on some mixes.

Midbass texture are well-bodied on how does it shows the quality of bass kicks and bass guitar as they sound sustaining, authoritative and weighty respectively. Male vocals in low registers such bass baritone such as sounds even deep and more guttural.

In my opinion, these kind of bass characteristics will be a sublime and terrific for a basshead who love a quality and a subtantial low end.

MIDS:

The mids are linear, clean and smooth. It has some added warmth into it too. Male vocals has an enough texture to show it show an adequate heaviness and deep-seated vocals on baritone and tenor singers. The female vocals are more prominent on this one as they sound appealing, prominent and even detail especially to high pitch ones as there are some instances that they are a little bit shrilly in a very few female vocal-centric tracks.

The timbre quality of instruments sound natural and renders the each tonal colour of every instrument very precisely and accurately detail. It is also pay my attention on a acoustic guitars and other instruments like Shamisen as they sounds crunchy and very lively as I feel that every plucking of its strings, the sharp and penetrating sound from a snare hits, a brilliant and lustrous sound of violin, a whistling and clear sound of a flute and last is a rich tone and ear-enveloping tune of piano.

Overall, the presentation of the mids is lush, thick and has a satisfying resolution on its own right.

HIGHS/TREBLE:

The layout of the treble region on I perceived it is more on a natural sounding as it is neither dark or too bright sounding. These type of treble is more on a "safer" as per se on being a balanced one.

The emphasis on upper mids in essence that I perceptible hear that elevation as its gives more energy to limits of some high range vocal, though I sense a very minimal amount of sibilance in a few sibilance-laden tracks but not to the point that I find them irritating and annoying into my ears.

It has an acceptable detail retrieval but if focuses on more macrodynamics rather than microdynamics, it has decent airy extension for a dynamic driver set. Crashing on cymbals strikes sounds more on natural that it has retain shimmer and clanging characteristic though there are some instances that its borderline on being splashy while hi/low hats has the shortened and muffled sound whenever I want hear that chicking sound.

SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

My estimation on its sound field dimensions regarding on its soundstage that it has an above average on wideness scale with decent perceived depth and average height. Imaging performs alright, not the best aspect for a DD in my opinion but I can still sense the placement of vocals and instruments of each location. Separation and layering performs competent enough to have a decent spacing and gaps of each row.

Coherency is not an issue here as its single DD driver performs very well with almost zero percent of having phasing and distortion issues.


To end my review and give a verdict about Audiosense AQ0, All I can say is that this fine piece of device indeed delivers a matured warm-sounding IEM that audio enthusiast leaning towards more coloured sound signature will probably like this kind of tuning. Even a neutralheads like me, I somehow enjoying this kind of tuning, a warmish and natural sounding that will be my alternate, all-rounder set (my mood influence and changes the type of music I'm listening...). And for a $100 dollar price range IEM with appealing aesthetics on its shell casing, this one in my opinion is one of the best lookers out there.

Audiosense DT100 currently cost about $99.00/£74.00 and it is still available to all e-commerce sites.




SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: Audiosense AQ0
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 101dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 10Hz - 40KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.25M
PIN TYPE: MMCX Connector
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
DRIVER UNITS: One (1) Dynamic Driver


Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*



P.S.
I am not affliated to AUDIOSENSE nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to thank Elaine Wong for this providing this review unit, I truly appreciate on her generosity towards me and other reviewers.

If you are interested this IEM product from Audiosense, Just check their FB Page and E-commerce sites links below:

FB:
https://mobile.facebook.com/AudiosenseIEMs/

Aliexpress:
AUDIOSENSE Official Store
https://m.aliexpress.com/store/v3/home.html

Shopee (ASEAN Market):
https://shopee.ph/audiosense.ph