Audiosense AQ4

TONALITY: 8.7/10
TECHNICALITIES: 8.4/10
CONSTRUCTION-DESIGN: 8.2/10
SOUND VALUE: 8.8/10


Even if Audiosense is quite known and respected among chinese audio community, it's more of an underdog here in western world. This is what i would call the ''chifi irony'' where the most serious and professional audio companies get overshadowed by less experienced one.
Since they begin as an independant registered company 5 years ago (after working for other audio companies as OEM tuner-manufacturer), Audiosense have always been about Knowles Balanced Armature obsession, with whom they collab closely.

In the past I have tested near all their IEM model, from single BA T180 to triple BA T300, to finally get blown away by their flagship, the legendary Audiosense T800: a 8 knowles BA bass monster with energic yet very cohesive and lush W shape signature. From this day, when I hear Audiosense launch a new IEM, i go gaga...but kinda always wish for something that will be better than T800. Well, while the DT600 were very good, their L shape warm signature wasn't as exciting and immersive as T800 to my ears. Still, I see that Audiosense learn from their experience because it was a big step up from AQ3 and other models of T serie.

Today, I will review their latest offering, the AQ4, an hybrid with one 10mm dynamic driver and 3 Knowles balanced armature. Let me tell you already: the tuning evolution still upon it's game here!

EVERYTHING ABOUT TONALITY

The AQ4 deliver a smooth balanced signature that hesitate between warm neutrality and V shape fun. It doesn't sound like an IEM using balanced armature, its too warm and cohesive for that. Timbre is suprisingly natural and have good density as well as nuance. For the Harman target lover, it will be pleasant, but for those that find harman curve too soft, it will deliver enough dynamic fun too.

The tonal balance is thick as a whole but still keep definition of every single instrument in a warm, weighty way with good tactile relief and organic presence.

Bass is warmest part, it have a thick weighty slam too it that avoid important bleeding and embrace the lower mids gently. Its attack speed match well those of the BA since they are dampened in attack vividness. As an audiophile obsess by bass quality, i would say firstly that it's superior in control and resonance than the AQ3 and doesn't veil mids and treble, but it's not the most flexible, transparent, clean and detailed bass. This is more of a thick thumpy juicy ''club bass'' than a refined, well define and separated ''realist bass'' that can extend naturally down to 20hz. Energice yet warm with just enough texture to not be too dark to perceive it's roundness, AQ4 bass is more about well weighted quantity, energy and presence than quality of resolution, precision and speed. Still, I can enjoy jazz like Phronesis with the AQ4 because of the bass keep its balance and stay in the back yet deliver the punch, even if you can't extract perfectly the acoustic bass line articulation. In the other hand, when it come to thick electric bass line, toms, digital kick and cello, we are in eargasm territory.

Mids are smooth, warm and lush, a bit lean in lower range but never thin or too light in weight. In fact, piano sound marvellous with the AQ4, since note weight and density is there as well as a pleasant smoothed timbre. Piano is a good instrument to test mid range versatility and AQ4 pass it with glory. Sure male vocal aren't as full bodied as female, but still, the presence is there and they don't feel recessed nor dry or lacking in density, they have texture nuance and no balance issue like too much lower or higher harmonic unbalance. They aren't your typical balanced armature mids, its coherent and impressively natural, female vocal sound even better than Yume since they have a thick roundness, free of sibilance or shoutyness. Gentle yet wide in presence and romantic in tone, this will please female singer fan for sure unless they favorise lipsy analytical approach of the vocal. Weigh, density, with soft definition that sure affect crispnest and sharp resolution yet doesn't get mix up or messy with busy track due to superb layering capacity of 3 knowles BA.

Highs are full, round and complex in nuance even if a bit dark in micro-details texture. The are extremely well balanced with rest of spectrum and never too energic or pushed fowards. I would say they can feel lacking in air, sparkly and snap, but not richness of sound info and layers. This is the type of treble that doesn't creat wow effect at first, but show it's richness is realist unforced details like box texture of strings that is there but not boosted, so if you do your critical listener you can dig and find new sound info and nuance in plentyness, whitout never going overlmed by energy or unbalance. Think about Final E4000 type of treble, and your not far from the presentation of AQ4 highs. Sure, this will lack a bit of bite for electric guitar or violin, or sparkle for acoustic guitar, but the bodied tone will be right and presence well define in layer. As well, we have minimal snap and brilliance to add a bit of energy. We can say to some extend that AQ4 add a bit of extra lower harmonic but in a pleasant colored way. We have as well some warm resonance to post attack, adding an analog feel to the sound.

EVERYTHING ABOUT TECHNICALITIES

While they are far from being bad and sure on par or better than anything like FIIO FH3, Audiosense AQ3, Dunu DK2001, I don't think the goal of AQ4 is to focus on technical advantage of their drivers but more about achieving an organic, cohesive and appealing balance that will permit long immersive listening session without any fatigue. The slight bass warmth can even detract attention from technical talent.
Dynamic articulation and layering are excellent, yet not presented in a spacious open way, it's coherent in addition without becoming and offer a wide spatiality.
Attack speed is a bit slower with the dynamic driver, but never sloppy. When it come to mids, you don,t feel you lack anything is dynamic and presence. Treble tough show more of the BA perfomance in term of speed in attack and precision in definition and snap, for example a very fast percussions solo with be easily rendered.
What impress too is how the different drivers work well in tandem and never feel imbalance.

Sides notes:
Eartips choice will greatly inflict on sound rendering as well as clarity of audio source. For amping, unlike most of Audiosense IEM, this time it can handle it but the sound benefit is minimal. Same for cable, it doesn't inflicet alot on tonal balance and timbre. (personal eartips choice: KBear 07 wide bore yellow ear tips)

CONSTRUCTION-DESIGN-ACCESSORIES

Good construction overall, plastic is thick and of good quality, seem durable. Back plate is a bit generic in these sens it's use often in chifi iem, but it look good nonetheless. Shape is organic and fit well. It's light and comfy.

Cable is quite good, litz copper braided, seem durable, and it's the same as DT600 and T800 cable, the ear hook is a bit too curvy for my ears but we can get rid of it if we wish.



As always, accessories are generous with Audiosense, but instead of pelican case like other models, it's a (false?) leather carrying case with (false?) wool in it to keep warm your AQ4. We have 2 different type of silicon eartips in 3 size, and 3 size of memory foam eartips. A cleaning brush.


COMPARISONS

VS AUDIOSENSE T800 (8knowles BA-300$)

Let's begin by saying the AQ4 is better balanced than the T800, i'm surprise myself to admit that, but it's less of an energic W shape and bass is less boomy with AQ4. Still, bass is a bit slower and more prompt to add warmth to mids but have a more natural flexibility. Resolution, attack speed and overall technicalities go to T800, while tone is smoother and more natural with AQ4, texture might be less abrasive and detailed, but less fuzzy-grainy too. Soundstage and imaging is more holographic with T800, yet not as transparent and deep. We have more upper mids bite with T800, so rock will sound more energic.
All in all, T800 still create more WOW effect but to the cost of a less natural and cohesive tonality than AQ4.

VS TRI I3pro (1DD+1planar+1BA-180$)

More crisp airy U shape and analytical, notably less well balanced and cohesive between different drivers, the I3pro feel thin sounding appart bass that feel more boosted and resonant. Timbre is less thick and natural than AQ4 but have greater transparency and details in mid range. Treble is brighter, sharper, sparklier and snappier with I3pro, airier too. Soundstage seem bigger, taller and deeper. All in all, after AQ4 listen, the I3pro sound quite artificial and forced in treble, but more spacious open and energic.

VS IKKO OH10 (1DD+1knowle BA-180$)

OK, these gem pass test of time and still have a solid fan base and it's for good reason, even if they have 1BA instead of 3 for the AQ4, they hold their ground without shame. But tonality here is very different here, its bright balanced V shape. What hit first is bass quality which is clearly superior to AQ4, its punchier, tighter, more textured and well resolved and better separated too, slightly less warm and boosted too. But limit of a single BA for mids and treble is shown in amoung of free sound layers we have, even if warmer, the nuance and articulation of layer is superior with AQ4, as well, timbre is notable fuller and lusher when it come to vocal which OH10 deliver in a brighter, shoutier way with more high harmonic push. Soundstage i this time wider and more open with AQ4 and imaging, while not as crisp, have more accurate positionning in a 3D space.
All in all, i find way more musical and enjoyable AQ4 due to fuller and more natural timbre and more cohesive balance, technicalities while near on par are more versatile and complete in rendering, only the bass have superior technicalities here.


CONCLUSION


While i didn't like the AQ3 and was not fully satisfy with the DT600 balance, both having strange bass behavior, i wasn't that confident I would enjoy the AQ4.
And I was SO wrong, to my ears, it's the best achievment in term of multi drivers tuning from Audiosense, offering a balanced lively signature with a very refined cohesion between drivers that I rarely or ever heard in this type of multi-BA hybrid. This isn't an easy task, and the choice to go warmish tonality was the right one, since even softed BA offer great presence and round definition if well done.
This permit the AQ4 to be greatly versatile in sound too, with a fast yet not agressive attack, warm weighty bass that doesnt veil mids, and snappy highs that doesn't create splash or unwanted resonance.
In fact, the AQ4 sound like a single dynamic driver earphones with ultra flexible technicalities, this is the type of IEM that wow you in the long run, since you discover new nuance in your music when you travel in it. And the travel can be long since it's fatigue free and smooth as butter.
A big win from Audiosense that proof they gain maturity with the experience of their last tuning, and a perfect complement to more bright and energic sound of the marvellous T800 flagship multi-BA.
If you search for a rich sound experience, smooth , lush and bassy with beautifull vocal and natural timbre yet well resolve and articulate in sound layers, or if you are afraid of artificial sounding hybrid with BA, the Audiosense AQ4 is a logical answer. And a great mid-tier IEM bargain too.
Highly suggested!!


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PS: I wanna thanks Audiosense for sending me the AQ4. I'm not affiliated nor influenced or pay by AS to promote their product.

You can buy the Audiosense AQ4 from Hifigo here:
https://hifigo.com/products/audiosense-aq4

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for more audio reviews, your welcome to give a look at my audio blog here:
https://nobsaudiophile.com/

Introduction:
Audiosense is a company from China that right now, exclusively produces in-ear monitors in universal fit. At the moment they have three main lineups. The AQ series with a hybrid driver setup, with the exception of AQ0 that utilizes a single dynamic driver, the DT series with shells resembling a custom fit in-ear, and the T series with more universal fit shells that is reminiscent of what Shure and Westone uses. The AQ4 is latest addition to the AQ lineup that currently retails for 170 USD, and was provided to me at a discounted price by Audiosense in exchange for this review.

International purchase link

Specifications:
Driver units: 10 mm dynamic + 3 Knowles balanced armature
Impedance: 10 ohms
Sensitivity: 101 dB
Frequency response range: 20 Hz - 22 kHz

Source:
Poco X3 paired with Cayin RU6, FiiO KA3, Tempotec Sonata E35 and Zishan U1

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 AQ4 comes in a basic medium sized rectangular box. Opening will reveal the earphones inserted in a dense piece of foam, with the leather zipper case below it. The case containst the cable with a velcro strap, a cleaning tool, AT400/AT100, GT40S, and generic silicone eartips all in small, medium and large sizes. Underneath the case is the instruction manual.

Build:
Just like most Audiosense in-ear monitors, the shells of the AQ4 are made of 3D-printed resin. It has a smooth and glossy surface. The faceplates have this texalium design which looks like carbon fiber but silver in color. At the side of the faceplate, there is a small gold colored Audiosense logo. Right below the female MMCX connectors, there is a single vent. The nozzles has a lip but are relatively short compared to previous in-ear monitors from the brand. Underneath the metal mesh filter, it can be noticed that there are three holes, indicating that there are tubes connecting to the dynamic and balanced armature drivers.

The cable is the standard Audiosense 8 core 6N single crystal 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 climax of the AQ4, having really powerful rumbles. Subbass has excellent depth; able to reach those strikingly low frequencies. Decay is above average yet does not overstay. The weight of the midbass is slightly elevated with sufficient slam, but it is positioned a bit laid back compared to the subbass

Overall, bassheads will definitely like the presentation of the lows in the AQ4. As expected, the lows will bleed to the other frequencies every now and then, but since the highlight is on the subbass and midbass is just adequate, the impact is very little.

Mids:
The mids are just partially recessed but with very good transparency. Upper and lower mids are linear and share the same note weight. Instruments have great articulation and doesn't feel squeezed in due to the authoritative lows. Drum hits feel solid and acoustic guitars are very clear and crisp.

Overall, despite the very slight recession and dominance of the low frequencies, the AQ4 still manages to present the vocals and different instruments with impressive finesse.

Highs:
The highs are slightly elevated, but not as much as the lows. The reach in the treble is slightly above average, and noticeably there is a bit more focus in the lower treble. Decay is on the average side. Cymbals have sufficient substance but can rarely sound a little grainy depending on the track.

Overall, I would have preferred if the upper treble had a bit more push where it can match the energy of the lows. Nevertheless, the AQ4 can still reproduce a decent amount of details and subtleties.

Soundstage and Imaging:
The AQ4 has an average size of stage. The height has more expansion than the width. The accuracy in the imaging is slightly above average as well as the layering. Instrument separation is adequate but can sometimes get affected by the lows bleeding into mids. Small amounts of congestion can be noticed especially in busy tracks.

Comparisons:
Audiosense AQ4 (1 DD + 3 BA, 170 USD) vs. Audiosense AQ0 (1 DD, 99 USD)
The AQ0 has a bit more quantity in the lows. Depth is just identical but the AQ0 has a slightly longer decay and marginally stronger rumble. However, it can be noticed that the subbass in AQ4 is more forward. Midbass is very, very close in both weight and impact, but the AQ4 has a smoother, rounder reproduction. The mids are also slightly more forward in the AQ4, and are much more natural and lively. Vocals have better articulation and clarity in the AQ4, and instruments sound more spacious and airy. The AQ0 though, has thicker lower mids. With the highs, the AQ4 has better reach and has longer decay. Cymbals and guitars are more lifelike and energetic. Soundstage, both height and width are bigger in the AQ4. Imaging is clearer and more accurate, instruments are more separated and has better layering as well in the AQ4.

Audiosense AQ4 (1 DD + 3 BA, 170 USD) vs. Audiosense DT300 (3 BA, 180 USD)
The AQ4 can definitely reach deeper in the subbass. Although the DT300 has cleaner texture, the AQ4 has more impactful, longer lasting slam. Midbass in the AQ4 is more pronounced and heavier hitting. Upper and lower sections of the mids sound slightly thinner in the DT300, but has better clarity and sense of air. Acoustic guitars and kick drums are reproduced more organically in the DT300. The biggest difference is with the highs. The DT300 was able to present better subtleties, much better reach and shimmer in both the lower and upper treble. Instruments in this section sound more solid in the DT300. There is not much difference in the imaging as well as the expansion in the soundstage, except that the DT300's stage is somewhat taller.

Conclusion:
Audiosense has done it again. They seem to really prefer the V-shaped or warm sound signature, as most of their products sound this way. The AQ4 is no exception, but Audiosense still managed to tune it in a way that the soundstage, detail reproduction, and other technicalities are not left behind. It would be nice to see, and hear, Audiosense explore other sound signatures, but the AQ4 is no slouch and one of the best options for its price.

Note: The cable that was used on the picture wasn't a stock cable from the box but from XINHS. Aesthetics reason.

Click to expand...

Hello there mates, Iend me your eyes to read and checkout my new content for the latest IEM review article. And what we have here is the current offering from one of my favourite “Chi-Fi” audio company out there, AUDIOSENSE. As some of you are already aware that I’ve done a lot of reviews on their products (No, they aren’t free as I still paid them in a reasonable discount) and most of their products are aesthetically eye pleasing and has this well-thought mature tuning that I give them a consistent high mark rating in both Head-Fi and also in my own blog.

You can check my other reviews on AUDIOSENSE products if you are interested:

• AUDIOSENSE DT100
• AUDIOSENSE DT200
• AUDIOSENSE DT300
• AUDIOSENSE DT600
• AUDIOSENSE AQ0
• AUDIOSENSE T800

It really takes a tad longer to release the newest product from their AQ series and a suitable replacement for their AQ3 which is quite a bummer in my part as I didn’t have a chance to test and review them. As I’m quite chuffed about on these new sets, I almost forgot to mention that AUDIOSENSE currently has two (2) series on their product line-up, The DT series which are a single or multiple all-balanced armature set-up and a replacement of their previous T series line-up and the AQ series which are more of hybrid set-up consist of dynamic driver and balance armature driver(s) with exception of AUDIOSENSE AQ0 which only has a single DD set-up.




Here it is, their latest offering and a much awaited product for AUDIOSENSE fans out there, The AUDIOSENSE AQ4. The AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is an IEM with hybrid driver set-up like its predecessor, AQ3 with another added driver. Its drivers’ set-up comprised of one (1) 10mm dynamic driver and three (3) balanced armatures. As we all know that AUDIOSENSE only uses a more premium and proven balanced armatures on their product line-up which is Knowles drivers that they have a strong relationship with the Knowles Corp.



The inner components are encapsulated in a high quality medical grade 3D-moulded resin shell. Within its cavity base, each drivers has its own sound tubes that will give a more separation and clarity on specified part of frequency range for less distortion and cleaner output. It has also a single vent hole that gives a better performance on its 10mm dynamic driver as it releases some excess of air pressure to deliver a more faster, dynamic sounding bass registry. For aesthetic sakes, AQ4 is similar to DT200 and T800 which has carbon fibre-like finish on its faceplate albeit with different colour scheme which is silvery. Like all AUDIOSENSE IEMs, AQ4 still uses a MMCX cable for flexibility and adjustability for their preferred connection knowing that their MMCX socket are proven to be of a high quality.




The dimensions of each shells are on average-size as it properly snug well into my lug holes without any discomfort and not even a hint of soreness in the tragus and cochlea part due to a well-thought ergonomically shell design. Due to its good sealing, it really gives a good isolation against external noises from outer surroundings.




One of the slight changes of AUDIOSENSE AQ4 was its packaging box and its included accessories. The packaging box is leaner and tad smaller compare to the previous AUDIOSENSE products with more bulkier packaging.



Here are the following contents inside of the packaging box:

• A pair of AUDIOSENSE AQ4 shells.
• A light copper 8 strands, 19 core OFC cable with an L-shape 3.5mm termination plug in a MMCX connector.
• MMCX removing clip
• Three (3) pairs of AUDIOSENSE S400 eartips of different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of AUDIOSENSE GT40S eartips of different standard sizes.
• Three (3) pairs of AUDIOSENSE AT400 foam tips.
• An instruction manual
• A zippered hard-bound faux leather IEM case ( which is identical to Campfire Audio's leather case.)
• A cleaning tool with ear wax remover and brush.

To be honest, I still prefer the previous Pelican-like IEM container case that was included in previous AUDIOSENSE products as it is really proven and tough enough to protect your precious IEMs from accidental falls and scratches.




As for drivability, AUDIOSENSE AQ4 really scales up even to a decent source like its prior cousins. It is easy to power up due to its low resistance/impedance and good sensitivity rating as all AUDIOSENSE products are known for that position. This particular set only need an ample amplification to sound it fuller and dynamic at decent volume level but if you plug it on better sources like dedicated DAPs, desktop DAC/Amp and some LG phones with Quad DACs, It definitely shines and has better dynamics and more cleaner output.





When it comes to its tonality and sound profiling, AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is tuned to be more of a “balanced-neutral” sound signature with more boosted on bass region and a neutral midrange and treble. Some will probably perceived it as a mild U-shape sounding but in my hearing perception, it is more of a L-shape sounding.





Here are some sound characteristics that I can describe based on my meticulous observation from each part of audio frequency range spectrum.



LOWS/BASS: Superb Tactility

As I said that the bass of AQ4 is the most prominent in the overall frequency range spectrum. It is unequivocally elevated but it was done splendidly. It has very dynamic sounding, a slam that really resonates and a very detailed one too. I still wondering on how did AUDIOSENSE manage to deliver it such a very tactile and haptic bass response on AQ4.

Sub bass performs very well on how it extends and have a good reach depth that I discerning heard those reverberation and rumbling from sub bass-laden tracks especially on synth-pop genre. Electronic bass instruments such as drum machines and synthesizers really presented in a very detailed manner that I can pinpoint out each distinct timbre.

When it comes on the facet of mid bass , this is where I really paying attention as most of my favourite bass instruments and vocal type are usually situated on this part of bass region on how they really correlate on general audio spectrum in both quality and quality aspect. It has a very well-textured definition that it really gives a good dense note and depth especially on bass kicks, bass guitars, bass-baritone vocals and even bass trumpets in some orchestral tracks. Bass kick have this very authoritative and sustaining sounding that I really want especially on classic rocks (John Bonham's bass kicks should be sound authoritative and very haptic in my ears), a weighty and earthy sound of a bass guitar that it gives a more growl and resonance, bass baritone characteristics has that gravelly and detailed voice (Barry White should sound like Barry White) and lastly, fuller and somber sound of a bass trumpet.

Despite of that bass emphasis, it remains to sound very clean as it doesn’t have even a hint of bass bleeds that might affect the overall presentation. I’m very attentive on this one as I really want my mids to be very clean and segmented from other frequency range, free from bass smudges that AQ4 delivers it properly and well-controlled in that manner. Is this one recommended to bass heads? No doubt that they will appreciate this one.



MIDRANGE: That Intoxicating Profuse Vocals

Another strength of AUDIOSENSE AQ4 was the quality of its mids on how it was well-presented across the frequency range spectrum. Some of you were already aware on my preference as I really want a very well-textured, clean and detail mids for I am a self-professed midcentric bloke.

The midrange quality is neutral, a bit linear with just a tad of warmth, almost pristine and well-detailed for its given value that is very compelling and offers competitive pricing. To all the qualitative aspects on its midrange, it really gives a better effect in both vocals and instruments.

As for vocals, both males and females really benefited on a well-done mids for more lush and sufficient clarity due to that capable full range Knowles BA drivers. Male vocals of all types has a more power, guttural, agile and power, that a tenor and falsetto voice really sound very natural and leaves a powerful impression to its listeners. Female vocals are equally presented in such a grand manner as they sound energetic, more open, lively and vivid and yet they remain to euphonic, pleasant and sweet to listen. From Edie Brickell to Mariah Carey, the vocal quality was indeed captivating and admirable. There are only few IEMs in the same price range and category that really delivers a smashingly good vocal quality and AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is one of them.



As for instruments, percussive like having some vibrant sounding shakes from maracas, a snappy and clacking sound of the castanets (I also listen to some Flamenco tracks too) and sustaining hit from snare drums sounds organic and intrinsic as a dynamic sounding of maracas and castanets on how they were shaken and rattling by clicking has this accented airy sound which are very precise in my ears and a well-treated thudding and pounding snare strikes that gives a sustaining upbeat that dwells on my listening experience. Strings like acoustic guitars and violins has crisp and lively sound that it has delicate and precise on how plucking of each strings give a distinct note in a guitar, on the other hand, a presentation of a vibrant and lustrous sounding of a violin. Brass instruments like saxophone, trombones and trumpets has a very organic bright, intense and powerful brassy sound along with a more ponderous sound characteristic of a horn. Pianos sound more rich and sensuously resonating on articulate manner every press on a piano note key.

Overall, if I'll ever rate the qualitative and quantifying aspect of the mids on this set, I definitely give it a high score.



HIGHS/TREBLE: Smooth, Relaxing and Soothing

Due to its more neutral approach on tuning the treble aspect, It has a clean, smoother delivery with a satisfactory sparkle and an average to above average airy extension. At least that treble quality doesn’t sound dull and dark and subsequently as upper mid peaks are seems to be controlled and it doesn’t sound that it was forcefully tuned that might ruin the quality of harmonics.

Upper mids are tastefully well-done as I don’t encounter any sibilance nor strident that treble sensitives will find it as unpleasant and annoying on their listening experience. Even in some sibilance-laden tracks, I really surprised on how the AQ4 did manage to brought it under control by minimizing the hissing sound.

In regards of resolution and resolving capabilities, it has a very competent detail retrieval that it captures an amount of information in every ounce of details from tones, notes and harmonics. Macro-details retrieval is also a commendable as you will feel more on its physical and solid dynamic presentation with the audio frequency spectrum.

Since that cymbals has a suffice amount of shimmer and gleam with just moderate part of air on it. That airiness on how it was presented actually gives me a little concern that I perceive it as insufficient given that it has a high performance Knowles BA drivers that handles the presence and brilliance treble but it still manage to sound more logically. Both Lo and Hi-hats sounds has a superb timbre on how it really capture that shorted snap and “chicky” sound.

Despite of a slightly perceived imperfection on treble extension as it only barely pass on my standard. It still delivers a veritable and estimable treble trait that you won’t even mind that specific dearth.



SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES: Enveloping 3D-feeling

As I tested a lot of hybrid driver set-up IEMs out there, technical aspect is one of the most important criteria that I’m looking for and AUDIOSENSE AQ4 really pass on my standard in flying colours. Dimensions of soundstage are properly proportional as it has an above average width on its perceived sound field, with a good immersive depth along with a good height reach as of you feel that you are in medium-size movie theater hall.

In regards of imaging aspect, I can accurately pinpoint to locate the exact placement instruments and singer as I can even give some estimate the distances on how farther or closer the positioning on such certain thing it is (Hotel Califonia live version, mate!). It has good separation as I can really hear and differentiate that distinction of timbre from each instruments and layering of instruments was also commendable for it has an adequate sense of spacing and gaps on each instruments and proper stacking and placement of each row that it won’t be an issue on congestion and feels constricted especially on a complex multi-instrumental track . It is more of 3D-like sense on spatial field as it is really enveloping and undergo in some sort of surround feeling my perceived head stage.

Coherency of its hybrid-driver set up performs impressively given that to make a cohesive and compatible performance on such typical hybrid setup is a hit or miss affair. It really delivers a fast transient response and a more consolidating and solid resolve on its attack bite and decay. On a timbre quality, it is very natural and balanced sounding with just minimal warmth added that I can tell that it has an exact tone colour.

PEER COMPARISONS: (added new feature in my review pattern as it was requested by many)

See Audio Yume:

• It has better bass response than Yume, Yume is more of a sub bass focus while AQ4 is has equal emphasis on sub bass and mid bass. AQ4 has a more dynamic and better bass in both quantity and quality.
• Both have good mids, Yume is a cleaner and more transparent that it gives more rendition in female vocals while AQ4 is more versatile as both male and female have well-textured that gives a more robust weight note.
• Trebles are similar, both have less extended which are both inadequate.
• Technicalities goes to AQ4, wider soundstage, a tad better separation on layering and imaging accuracy.

See Audio Yume Midnight:

• Both have similar characteristics on bass quality but AQ4 has more elevation.
• Mids are quite comparable and complemented on each other as they have that a bit of warmth but I give it Yume Midnight due to more resolution capability
• Treble is better on Midnight, even that they have both sufficient shimmer and smooth response but Midnight has better treble extension.
• Technicalities has similarities, but Midnight has bit wider stage, AQ4 is no slouch here as it has better depth and layering.

TRI Starsea:

• Starsea is way cheaper and affordable than AQ4 as it has only half of its price.
• Starsea has a switches for tuning versatility.
• Starsea is more of U-shape sound while AQ4 is more of a neutral bass boost approach. Tonality is superior on AQ4, well-textured, better resolution and solid, Starsea is a bit leaner in my liking and has sub par resolution quality due a less emphasis on mids which were scooped.
• Technicalities are better on AQ4, soundstage, imaging and coherency. Starsea is only average in all aspects.

Before I do a forgone conclusion of this review, AUDIOSENSE once again able to release a very smashing product that has a potential to be a disruptive one or somewhat a dark horse in a very competitive midrange segment in a ever growing state of current portable audio market. Why it is compelling to buy the AUDIOSENSE AQ4? It has an aesthetically eye pleasing shell design…check, A very classy presentation on its packaging…check, AUDIOSENSE is very generous on including a lot of fine quality accessories out of the box…check and lastly, it is well-tuned and very mature sounding for an IEM that has competitive and affordable price tag for its performance comparable to a more expensive ones… big check!

AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is one of the few IEMs in the price range segment has this faithfully tonally accurate tuning with a very competent technicalities. Not a bat of eyelid, I will instantly recommend this product to everyone.



AUDIOSENSE AQ4 is now available in most e-commerce stores and its current price value is US$179/£137.





SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: AUDIOSENSE AQ4

IMPEDANCE: 10Ω

SENSITIVITY: 101dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz - 22KHz

CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M

PIN TYPE: MMCX CONNECTOR

PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm

DRIVER UNITS: (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER & (3) BALANCED ARMATURE DRIVERS.



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 *'*

Lucretia my Reflection – The Sisters of Mercy **

Suzanne Vega – Luka **

Milli Vanilli – Girl You Know It’s True **




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 Ms. 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://m.facebook.com/AudiosenseIEMs/


Official Site:
http://www.audiosense.cn/


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


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