BQEYZ Autumn

My long overdue look at the BQEYZ Autumn, a 13mm single DD. It was bought from BQEYZ AliX store on the 4th of December 2023. So I have had these in my collection for quite a while at this point in time. Back then I didn't do reviews at all, I was just looking for a good IEM. Did they do this job until now, yea i grab them from time to time out of my watch box to listen to. Let’s dive a little deeper into why I like them. Even in 2024

Specs
DRIVER UNITS: 13mm Dynamic Driver 6 µm ultra-thin PEN diaphragm
Impedance: 46Ω
Sensitivity: 110dB/mw

Shell is made out of metal even though I use my set from time to time paint or anodizing has been flaking up or off. It's a little surprising that we were able to put a 13mm DD in the shell. It's not that but space was at a premium. Even some of my friends didn’t wanna believe that there was a 13mm driver inside. The shell fits even my friend's smallest ears. Yes, she has a real hard time finding iem’s that fit her.
4-core silver + copper mixed cable has been used which is more than plenty enough for most iem’s. At first glance you can think phuh 46Ω that gonna be hard to drive properly and one one side it kinda is but the 110dB helps in that regard i have harder iem’s to drive.

Tonality: Here i have to add it has 3 Tuning Magnets that can be used. What is quite easy in use then other solutions that we have to remove the nozzle. In this case here you can switch a magnet that is different in strength to change the tuning.

The tuning filter seems to “only” affect the bass region but this is not true for what i heard so far. Since your ears hear the hole spectrum the hole signature changes with them. Keep that in mind as well; bass has an effect on treble and vice versa. On the Bass magnet I found the soundstage to be the smallest. If you lose a magnet well you're kinda out of luck because then the whole bass region drops away. This is not advisable. You can buy the Magnet Filters on their own on the BQEYZ Aliexpress store

The Gray magnet: Tier “bassy” signature
It becomes more of a V shape of sound but the emphasis still is on the bass to neutral even. I found that some instruments and high hats can be a little on the hot side. The bass does get a boost but far from a basshead iem plenty of bass to give the sound a little more kick and body overall. The soundstage was also the smallest out of the 3 tuning. Since bass can take up too much space. The DD is far from slow to handle bass decay and attack on my guitar where plenty good. Male vocalists got their organic voice especially if male vocalist had a deep voice. Female vocals were fine to be honest the bass didn’t overpower them nor they thin.

The Gold magnet: The “balance” signature
Here is more of a U shape/balance to give the child a name, It has been said this is also the midpoint between the 3 Tuning Magnets. The stage opened up a little cuz the slightly reduce the bass. gave a little more depth as well but a little less body to lower male focals. While female vocal can be very energetic some a bit overpowering upper treble at 5khz might be a problem for some

The Silver magnet: The “treble” signature
The Magnet tuning becomes cold neutral giving a lot of clarity and micro details back into the mix that might have been lost or less noticeable on the other tuning. Feels like the bass is lying by being that neutral, same for the midrange. Feels like “monitor” ish but yet the treble energy goes through the roof. This is not the magnet to shoot if your treble sensitief.

I spend most of my time on the Gray magnets. To give the music that little bite back. Where the E on my guitar at round 83hz sounded to me the most pleasant to me. I rolled on the Penon Black Liquer tips and a mix of the stock cable and a Xinhs 4.4mm cable As sources I used my trusty Fiio KA17 and M11Plus ESS. Gonna keep it brief since I went through all the magnets above.

Bass: Even on the Gray music bass was a little on the tin side for me but everybody likes their music different. I listen to a lot of hardrock i really wanna feel and hear the attack of the instruments. And there for me it still lacks a little bite. The decay of and the attack where fine just the qualilty was tin for my taste. In slower songs this fine just in harder to play song it loses his head.

Mids: Where a little recessed but still present in the mix. In a good way not muffed, not pushed all the way, not in your face as well. There is absolutely no bleed coming from the mids. Vocal male vocals get the warmth back and also we’re more organic than on the other magnets for me.

Treble: Well i have to say for some people i might be too much especially the region at around 4-5khz where the lower treble peaks. Most people will be fine with it. I found it in some cases a little too much. that extra energy that some people really gonna like i tend to have a preference for a balanced to warm tuning that how i like my music is. Are other ways wrong, not your preference and that's fine. I have to add it really depends on what type of music i’m gonna listen to.

Technicals: In bustier tracks it felt sometimes it lost control over the song that was played back. To give you an example Jonny Cash - Hurt one of the tracks i have in my playlist. At the end there is a part where the music builds up to a climax and most iems fall flat on that part. I have to say in other genres like Country, Blues, Jazz Soul even slower rock songs yes they do exist. There were fine DDs that had control over it. The playback was really enjoyable. I know this was not made to use on Metal and Hardrock. This one has been made for having a nice melody and for the people who really like Piano, Saxofoon etc. that is why I still grab them from time to time depending on my mood and what music I wanna listen to.



Soundstage: Well even i made the choice of using the Gray magnets that make more of a V shape sound they still feel open. Listen back to the other magnets, yes this one is the most closed off but they are far above average on soundstage.

But all said and done, This is a set that is criminally underrated for me. Even if it is an older set I still hold its own. It is easier to swap a magnet than a nozzle in my eyes. Depending on what that you want, yes the risk is also that the magnet gets lost. and to be honest once you choose your tuning you almost never swap back it happens that go back to the Gold one and that’s really nice. I don't have to pinch off my eartips and swap my nozzle. no here i have just grab the tool and extract the magnet en put other inset and of you go. I might have to add that some people might have trouble with the treble. I'm neither a treble head nor basshead. but even then some notes were sharp. and i also have the Simgot EA1000 in my collection and still pick this one out of my box to listen to. It’s just a very well tuned iem id you find the right Genres for it. I have it’s not an overall perfect but no IEM is. So keep it in mind what music you listen to. Cue that makes or breaks a iem for you not the sound signature they put into it but what is your use case of the iem you looking at what music genre to you listen what do you like in your music is warm, dark bassy, airy etc.

The folks at BQEYZ are best known for their hybrid and multi-driver efforts. Their popular models such as the Summer or Spring had DD + BA + Piezo configuration. In fact, BQEYZ is one of the few manufacturers who still use Piezo drivers and has extensive know-how about this driver type.

The Autumn, being a single-dynamic offering, mark a shift in BQEYZ’s approach. Simplifying the driver count allows for easier tuning but also makes maintaining technicalities a challenge.

Do the BQEYZ Autumn pass the hurdle, or do they fall by the wayside? We’ll find out in the following.

This review originally appeared on Audioreviews.

Note: the ratings given will be subjective to the price tier. Elle Zhou of BQEYZ was kind enough to send me the review sample.
Sources used: Sony NW-A55, Questyle CMA-400i
Price, while reviewed: $200. Can be bought from HiFiGo

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Accessories​

The BQEYZ Autumn come with 6 pairs of eartips, a 4-core silver + copper mixed cable, and the proprietary tuning magnets along side a tool to remove the magnets. A carrying case is also included which gets the job done without being flashy.

Build​

General fit and finish are excellent here, with the BQEYZ Autumn having a polished aluminum shell. The shell is a two-piece design with the seam between the pieces barely noticed.

There are three vents on the inner-side of the IEMs. The nozzle is also metal. Lastly, BQEYZ has opted for 0.78mm 2-pin recessed connectors, which I personally prefer over flush or raised connectors.

Comfort and isolation​

Comfort is very good but isolation is lacking due to the vents placed on the inner side of the earpiece.

Internals​

BQEYZ went for a 13mm single dynamic driver here, with not much being told about the diaphragm material. Elle Zhou confirmed that they are using a 6 micro-meter ultra-thin PEN diaphragm.

The driver is housed in a dual-cavity structure which is becoming pretty standard lately.

BQYEZ Autumn Sound Analysis​

Listening setup: BQEYZ Autumn with normal filter + stock cable + Radius Deep-Mount tips + Sony NW-A55

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The BQEYZ Autumn have a slightly V-shaped tuning with emphasis around mid-bass and lower-treble. What makes them stand out is how relaxing the signature is, as the transients are rounded and leading edge of notes are softened out.

Bass here is mostly characterized by the mid-bass bloom that adds some extra decay to bass notes. Snare hits also get extra thickness and body as a result. This tuning works well for moderately paced tracks but leaves you wanting in fast metal tracks.

Sub-bass rumble is lacking, so sudden bass drops lack the physicality you expect. Macrodynamic punch is lacking as well, so the BQEYZ Autumn isn’t really suited for portraying the energy in tracks.

Mids are fairly well tuned. Lower mids are recessed but doesn’t sound drowned out. The recession gives a sensation of laid-back vocals that is devoid of shout or shrillness. If you don’t mind midrange recession, the Autumn won’t be disappointing. However, for those seeking more forward or energetic vocals – this ain’t it.

Then comes the treble, and here we have perhaps the only tonal oddity of the Autumn. The 5kHz peak is quite prominent and makes leading edge of cymbal hits sound a bit brittle. This presence region emphasis is needed to keep the Autumn from sounding overly dark but this also leads to over-crispness at times.

Upper-treble has decent extension with resonances being heard well until 13kHz. The airiness is kept in check so it doesn’t lead to fatigue.



Before getting into technicalities, let’s talk about the filters. The filters only increase or decrease the amount of bass but due to how we perceive sound, this change in bass markedly alters the presentation.

The normal filter is the one I found the most balanced, with the bass filter making things too bassy and the treble filter making the 5kHz peak even more prominent.

When it comes to staging, I found the stage width to be quite good. Everything is well separated, and the Autumn don’t sound cramped. However, stage depth is limited.

Imaging is also average with positional cues often being hazy. The saving grace here is the reproduction of microdynamics that allows you to delineate between instruments playing at differing volumes.

Finally, resolved detail is above average for a single dynamic IEM but the Autumn will be bested by a number of multi-BA or hybrid offerings in this range.

Compared to Final E4000​

Final E4000 have been one of my default recommendations for a single dynamic driver IEM under USD $200.

In terms of build, the Final are no slouch with a similarly solid aluminium shell. Final went for a barrel shape and mmcx connectors but both IEMs are at equal playing field here.

Comfort and Isolation wise I think E4000 wins as they block more noise than the Autumn. Accessories are about par on both.

As for the sound, E4000 have a similarly bass-boosted, warm tuning but Final has even less emphasis in lower treble. This results in a tad darker tuning than the Autumn. Another noticeable change is the staging and imaging where the E4000 sound more expansive and accurate respectively.

Resolved detail is a bit better on the Autumn due to better upper treble extension. Macrodynamic punch is better on the E4000 meanwhile. Mids are also more engaging on the Final IEMs.

One advantage of the BQEYZ Autumn is the filter system that isn’t available on the E4000 at all. So if you want to change the tuning on the fly the Autumn will be better suited. E4000 are also more difficult to power, requiring better amping.

CONCLUDING REMARKS​

BQEYZ have tuned the Autumn fairly well. They didn’t just try to copy-paste an existing target curve and instead went for their own flavor of sound which is rarer to see these days. I do wish that the Autumn were a bit better in terms of technicalities, esp the imaging department. BQEYZ’s previous offerings were better in this regard so this one is a backward step.

Other than that, the Autumn are a solid pair of single dynamic IEMs, and on sale price they warrant a closer look.

The review sample was kindly provided by BQEYZ in exchange for a honest review which reflects my own subjective opinion without any intervention from the manufacturer.
I didn't receive monetary or any other kind of compensation and I don't use affiliate links.
The price is €189 and you can order yours from here.




BQEYZ Autumn

Following the success of the Spring and Summer earphones, BQEYZ has introduced the third season of earphones, the brand new BQEYZ Autumn.
Unlike the previous two seasons, the latest Autumn features a single dynamic driver configuration housing a large 13mm dynamic driver with a dual-cavity structure on each side.
With this structure, it can effectively control the air pressure, increase amplitude of the diaphragm and improve the longitudinal soundstage by more than 50%.



Replaceable Magnetic Tuning Filter

The biggest feature of BQEYZ Autumn earphones is the replaceable magnetic tuning filters that are essentially back tuning vents with different diameters.
Unlike the front sound tubes that attenuate the higher frequencies, these side tuning vents bring changes only to the bass/mid-bass.
It comes with three filters with different colors for easily distinguishing between them.
Gray for bass, Gold for normal and Silver for treble tuning.
Switching is done very easily thanks to the magnetic stylus that is provided with the earphones.
The filters are magnetically attached to a metallic tray and the only thing you have to do is to use the stylus for attaching or removing them from the earshell and the tray.
A very novel design that I like a lot and worked much easier than the screw replaceable sound tubes of other earphones.
Moreover, the magnetic force of the tuner makes the dynamic driver get double magnetic force to enhance the transverse soundstage of the earphone.
According to BQEYZ the bass mode is suitable for warmer music such as electronic music, dance, DJ, symphony, lyrical oldies songs and drums.
The normal mode is quite neutral, warmer and balanced, suitable for POP and for most kinds of music while in the treble mode the vocals are cold so it is more suitable for those songs with cool elements.




Design and fit

The shell of BQEYZ Autumn earphones is made through a 5-axis CNC milling process.
Build quality is excellent, as for looks they are neat and elegant with a contemporary styling while the two cupped spots on the faceplate are very unique.
The ear shells are lightweight and the fit is extremely comfortable, stable and stress free but with the minus of the moderate noise isolation.
They are available in three different colors, green, blue and purple.



Cable

The Autumn uses a detachable 0.78mm, 2pin connector cable that is made from a mix of four high quality copper and four silver-plated copper strands.
The build quality of the cable is great, it is well made, it offers good handling experience and low microphonic noise while all the plugs are made from high quality aluminium.
You can order the Autumn with either a 4.4mm, 2.5mm or 3.5mm cable.



Accessories

The Autumn comes well packed in a beautiful black and orange box which includes the cable, the three filters magnetically attached to a metallic trace, the magnetic stylus, three pairs of eartips in two different styles, a brush and a very nice carrying case.



Listening impressions

With a 46Ω of impedance and 110 dB/mW of sensitivity the Autumn is not that difficult to drive but it really benefits from some quality amping.
Most USB DAC dongles will do the job except the really weak ones.
My sample came with a 4.4mm cable and I have used various USB sources, including FiiO KA3, iFi Go bar, Shanling UA3 and my two trusty DAPs, the FiiO M11 Plus ESS and iBasso DX240.



Normal tuning filter

With the "normal" tuning filter attached, the Autumn has a balanced frequency response.
Sub-bass is quite extended, followed then by an almost neutral bass to mid-bass tuning with just a touch of bass emphasis.
The mid-range is evenly tuned, just mildly forward in the upper part of the register while the treble is adequately extended and mostly controlled without any seriously alarming peaks, except an upper treble one.

Treble is not bright or harsh and it doesn't cause any listening fatigue until you raise the volume too much.
At normal listening volumes it should be considered mostly smooth with good amounts of sparkle and airiness but not that vivid and extended.
The texture is not the most refined while the timbre is quite natural but a little dry and metallic.
Body weight is good, the sound is not thin but higher pitched percussion instruments fade away a touch faster than the ideal and as a result certain instruments like cymbals or bells sound a bit anemic without extra bite.
Nonetheless, treble performance is mostly good and Autumn doesn't sound boring, dull or slow.

The mid-range has a musical personality with a more natural timbre than the treble, voices especially sound lifelike with plenty of harmonic saturation.
Articulation is also finer and of higher quality with a full bodied texture and great separation between the inner lines.
Additionally the high quality bass doesn't cloud the mid-range and allows plenty of space for it.

The "normal" filter bass tuning is well balanced between adequate sub-bass quantity and excellent bass linearity with a mild emphasis while mid-bass stays clear and well defined.
The good technicalities result in a detailed and resolving bass line with excellent layering where nothing gets masked behind the lines and every bass instrument is clearly heard.
The overall quality is good as it combines speed, control, precision and tightness with intense body weight and sufficient dynamics.
It is not the most visceral or impactful presentation but still a realistic performer.

The overall sound signature of the Autumn is musical and organic, it may not be the last word in technicalities and transparency, especially in the treble, but at the end of the day, is an engaging earphone suitable for everyday listening with most kinds of music.
And although it wouldn't be my first choice for critically listening to classical music, I very much enjoyed my favorite baroque tunes during a weekend seaside trip.



The tuning system is very effective at successfully altering the bass frequency response, adding great versatility thanks to the three distinguishable sound profiles.

Bass tuning filter

The "bass" tuning filter raises the sub-bass to about +5db and then the curve starts gently downsloping, reaching zero level at about 250 Hz.
So we are effectively talking about a more intense bass response giving the Autumn a considerable edge for bassy tunes without severely affecting technicalities and mostly without masking the mid-range.
There is some loss in clarity and mid-bass definition plus some lack of control but still very good and technically adequate bass performance that doesn't cloud the rest of the frequencies.

Treble tuning filter

The "treble" filter on the other hand mildly attenuates the bass starting at about -3db for the sub-bass and stays almost linear up to the lower mids.
This is the least effective filter because it essentially doesn't bring any real benefits for the treble which stays the same regarding both frequency response and technicalities but it gets the "placebo" like effect of being more prominent due to the bass reduction.
With this filter, there is a chance that you may find the bass as lackluster for most kinds of music without worthy improvements for the treble.



Autumn offers an expanded and airy soundstage with surprisingly good depth for the category and good but not class-leading imaging.
The effect gets better with the "normal" tuning filter which offers the most open and holographic recreation of the recording venue.

In the end

The Autumn might not be the last word in technicalities and treble resolution but in the end it is a well tuned and enjoyable earphone with an organic and natural timbre without any serious tonal shifts.
The magnetic tuning system is truly effective, especially for raising the bass response without negatively affecting the rest of the sound qualities, so we have at our hands a versatile and engaging earphone that is a great companion for everyday listening with most kinds of music.

Test playlist

Copyright - Petros Laskis 2022.