BQEYZ KC2 2 BA + 2 DD Earphone

At a Glance:


Category: C (20-100 USD Bracket) Acquired at 26$, MSRP 40$

Overall Rating (S+ to D-): A B+


Overview:

When I first got these I disliked them, and you probably will too. Coming directly from my BQEYZ Summers, these sounded congested, unresolving and had weird staging, but as I later found, these are lovely IEMs, but they give up something for something at every step of the way. They can be picky at every single step of the way, but treat them well, and they will reward you with their sound. I think these are IEMs best suited for certain tracks, certain sources, cables and tips, but with those all done well, these reward you with a sound that punches well above their mid-fi price bracket.



Build: A

These are amazingly well-crafted IEMs, and beautiful to touch and see. The material looks to be an anodized aluminum and not the cheaper painted finish that flakes and chips like crazy (*ahem* Moondrop take some lessons from BQYEZ here). Unfortunately, this is also where the tradeoffs start. For one, these have big shells, very big. I’m not sure if it’s because there are 2 dynamic drivers, or for increased isolation or if it was a tuning decision etc, but what must be noted is that these can be uncomfortable for those with smaller ears. Another thing to note is the nozzle, which doesn’t have a ridge to hold tips in place (had some issues with the first tips I tried, reversed starlines), and while reasonably long, still doesn’t reach into your ears very deep. A final gripe, and yet another tradeoff is how recessed the 2 pin connectors on these are. A lot of cables will have fit issues, though the ones that fit properly will be rewarded in the durability aspect since most of the stress will be on the housings instead of the pins themselves.



Sound:



Tested on the ff:

Deezer HiFi and Foobar 2000

KGUSS BH-3

JCALLY JM20

CX-PRO



General Comments:

These are a 2+2 Dynamic + Balanced Armature setup, and once again BQEYZ shows me why they’re the masters of multi driver tuning. I don’t know what they did with those BAs, but as I’ll write about later, they’re pretty damn good. These are skewed to a neutral-cold tonality, but instrument timbre is still very organic and faithful and there is next to no artificial metallic twinge added (looking at you again KZ). As a package, these are very deliberately tuned for a specific result, and I think that BQEYZ definitely hit the mark here.



Bass: A

This is undoubtedly the weakest part of this IEM in my opinion, BUT, it’s neither bad, nor does it need to excel. It simply does it’s job the way it was tuned to, staying out of the way with regards to the mids and treble. Bass is lean and this IEM rarely adds character to the bass with regards to instrument timbre, it simply follows along with the track’s timbre and doesn’t stray from that. The lack of focus in tuning does mean that the bass occasionally becomes unpleasant or a weak link. Depending on the track, it can almost entirely disappear into the background behind a veil formed by the mids, it’s occasionally boomy and uncontrolled with certain tracks, and can’t muster up crisp toms and snares in the upper bass.



Mids: S

Love these. Silky, silky smooth, amazing texture and reproduction and quite forward. Vocal forward songs will leave you in awe with this IEM and you’ll find yourself tuning out the mediocre bass in favor of the vocals. Texture and reproduction on even similar sounding songs by the same singer will sound distinct and separate. However, if I listen to these critically I do occasionally hear a lack of support and body in some of the upper mids of female tracks and brittleness in the tones that shouldn’t be there. Male vocals don’t tend to have this issue but do occasionally suffer from a lack of warmth in their timbre, with voices sounding full-bodied, but with the occasional line sounding like it was mixed with a female second voice singing a note that doesn’t exist in the track. Let it be said that I am critiquing the mids harshly, and I would still only consider these mild gripes- put these on with a Celine Dion power ballad and feel the music in your soul LOL.



Treble: A+

Once again, I like these, but they're VERY weird. Some serious oddities with peaking and valleying in odd places and a roll-off. Fairly forward even as a person relatively insensitive to treble I can definitely always feel it whenever it is there. Most divide up treble into “airy” and “crisp”, I think these are decently good at both, treble textural reproduction is really good and it sounds like how I’d imagine the “correct” treble sounds. Combined with finite imaging, and good layering these IEMs execute treble about as good as anything in the 20-30$ price category. Detail reproduction is there, but thankfully these are not incisive and painful in any of the tracks I’ve put them on, an amazing feat for IEMs this cheap: treble is not “falsely detailed either, it’s all stuff that is there that this IEM simply brings out of the track rather than create from thin air. That being said, there are just What moments where I have no idea why the treble sounds that way.



Technicalities: A

I have to say, these have slightly odd soundstage and spatial positioning. Bass usually sounds like it’s slightly behind you, which can sometimes result in it being veiled. Mids are also unusual, on some tracks it’s staged high on your head, or around your forehead, which is something that you *mentally* need to burn in/get used to with these IEMs. Treble is the only one that sounds “typical”, it’s just off to the sides in a “pill-shape”. I would say these have narrowish-average soundstage, but very, very good imaging and layering which can give the illusion of a wide stage since instruments are well and distinct from each other. The pin-point levels of left and right finite imaging lend themselves really well to any instruments staged within those areas, but I need to caveat that by saying that these are quite narrow in terms of front-back stage depth, so it can sound flat, indistinct, or simply be difficult to pinpoint if something is staged in that area. A quick note on transient harshness (I am extremely sensitive to it) these IEMs deal with that incredibly well, even on some tracks that SHOULD have it, these smooth it over while retaining the original sound. All things said, very, very good for the price.



Summary:

Why are these only a mistress despite how good they are? Well, I believe your waifu IEM should be more balanced and versatile (mostly just have better and more forward bass really, and less treble wonk), so I think these are more of a specialist IEM than anything, amazing for vocals and treble, with reasonably good technicalities but faltering just a little on the bass aspect. These are still a “fun” IEM, just not in the typical way where bass is boosted to earth-shaking levels and mids are slaughtered and treble is nonexistent. No these are fun in a way that just makes you want to kick back and chill, savouring the sweetness of perfect vocals.

Introduction:
BQEYZ is a Chinese company that produces in-ear monitors. They specialize in the hybrid driver configuration of IEMs and the KC2, which was released in 2018, was one of the many IEMs they released in a short span of time. The KC2 currently retails for 55 USD, and was provided to me at a discounted price by BQEYZ in exchange for this review.

International purchase link

Specifications:
Driver units: 2 dynamic (10 mm and 6 mm) + 2 balanced armature
Impedance: 15 ohms
Sensitivity: 105 dB
Frequency response range: 7 Hz - 40 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 KC2 come in a very small and compact black glittered box. It can be noticed right away that the box doesn't tell you that much about what's inside. There is no model name, no picture or drawing of the IEM, or the driver configuration, which are usually seen immediately on the box. The only thing you will know right away is the brand, that it's an IEM that uses hybrid drivers, and the specifications.

Upon opening the box you will see the KC2 with the cable and medium eartips already attached. You will also find the small and large eartips, a quality control pass certificate, and an instruction manual. The instruction manual, same with the box, doesn't say that much about the KC2. Instead, all information can be found in the product page of online stores where the KC2 is available.

Build:
The shells are made of metal. It is on the larger side, perhaps necessary to house the uncommon driver configuration which is 2 BA + 2DD. The faceplates have this design that resemble gills.

Near the female 2 pin port there are left and right side indicators, which I think is redundant because first, it's impossible to switch the sides accidentally due to the shape of the shells, and second, the male pins on the cable have indicators as well.

On the rear side of the shell there are 3 vents, 2 of which are larger than the other. The nozzle here is also made of metal which doesn't have a lip unlike most IEMs, but eartips don't have any problems staying in place because the nozzle has an above average diameter.

The cable is a standard 4 core twisted, but the material used was not specified. If I had to guess, this is most probably copper. The male 2 pin is made of plastic, and I noticed that BQEYZ replaced it with an angled one. If you're going to look at the product page of the KC2 anywhere, the pictures will show that they used a straight design at first.

The splitter is made of metal, with a plastic chin slider. The L-type 3.5mm gold plated plug is made of metal as well.

Now let's get to the sound.

Lows:
The lows are presented in a lightweight manner. It is slightly recessed and the least highlighted among the three major frequency division. Subbass has an adequate reach with a moderate decay, while the midbass sound a bit soft and has a below average thickness to it.

Overall, despite the lows having some recession and lightness to it, the KC2 was still able to reproduce bass that has ample weight. Bass heavy tracks doesn't sound as heavy, but the presence was just sufficient to stay enjoyable.

Mids:
The mids are placed a bit upfront. Vocals here have enough substance but somewhat leans on the thin side. Female vocals are slightly more forward than the male vocals and occasionally, there is a very slight hint of aggressiveness and harshness in the upper mids.

Overall, the mids can rarely get uncomfortable depending on the track. Although it has good resolution. I recommend experimenting with different types of eartips to turn the upper mids down a notch.

Highs:
The highs have a forward presentation with an above average level of shimmer. The reach is above average with a moderate length of decay. The highs may sound aggressive sometimes just like the upper mids, and there are points where there is minor sibilance on some tracks.

Overall, the highs provide the fun factor in the KC2's listening experience. It has good energy and shine to it. There is some aggressiveness that needs to be considered but it's not that extreme and it's fairly manageable.

Soundstage and Imaging:
The stage has a slightly above average expansion. There is a lot more focus on the width than the height, although the height has good expansion as well. Imaging has great accuracy and clarity. Layering and instrument separation are above average with some little hints of congestion on complex tracks.

Conclusion:
The KC2 has a rather unusual driver configuration; rocking a 2 DD + 2 BA setup which is pretty rare. The only IEM I found to have this setup is the TRN V80. The KC2 was released 3 years ago and there were a lot of IEMs released in the same price range from that point until today, but the KC2 still remains a great choice. And that, is a testament to its overall technical performance.

Greetings,

Today we're checking out the KC2 from BQEYZ.

BQEYZ is a relative newcomer to the scene, headed by Dongguan Xianchao Acoustics Technology co. LTD out of China. Ever since KZ released the conflicted but successful ZS5, everyone has been trying their hand at the same twin dynamic, twin balanced armature (2+2) setup, though with varying success. The KC2 is BQEYZ's attempt and follows the ZS6's formula quite closely with aluminum alloy shells, the driver configuration, and 0.78mm 2-pin removable cables.

Is the KC2 a worthy purchase or just another has-been brand trying to ride the wave of KZ's success? Read on to find out.

Disclaimer:

I would like to thank Elle from BQEYZ for reaching out to see if I would be interested in reviewing the KC2. After seeing so much positive feedback about the brand from others in the community, I figured it wouldn't hurt to check them out. They were provided free of charge for the purposes of review. The thoughts within this review are mine alone and do not represent BQEYZ or any other entity. There was no financial incentive to write this review. At the time of writing the KC2 retailed for 57.99 USD and could be picked up here on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GWY7YN...eL-0eCF0_AwiCkoWwkfA2xZ85JnYtvcxGQvYKbnDiFHXM

Source:

The KC2 was easy to drive up to my typically low volumes, without the need for amping. As such I commonly paired it with straight out of my LG G6 and the Shanling M0. It was also powered by a TEAC HA-501 desktop amp with an ASUS FX53V sourcing music, though the HA-501 felt a little overkill and on higher damping settings introduced some grain into the treble.

Personal Preferences:

I listen primarily to various EDM sub-genres (liquid drum and bass, breakbeat, drumstep, etc.), hip hop, and classic rock. While I enjoy a variety of signatures in my headphones I generally lean towards slightly warm with elevated treble and sub-bass, an even and natural mid-range response, with reduced mid-bass. The HiFiMan RE800, Brainwavz B400, and thinksound On2 offer examples of signatures I enjoy.

Specifications:

• Frequency Response: 7-40 KHz
• Impedance: 15 ohms
• Sensitivity: 105dB

Packaging and Accessories:

The KC2's package is a compact grey cardboard box with a very subtle metallic texture. On the front in silver foil writing you find the BQEYZ brand name in the top left, “Hybrid Technology In-ear Headphones” in the bottom right. On the back you find a list of specifications and some brand information, namely the name of their parent company, location, and an email address. Lifting the lid reveals the KC2 and spare tips set within a cardboard coated foam insert. A very KZ-esque user manual sits underneath. In all you get:

• KC2 earphones
• Braided 0.78mm 2-pin cable
• Single flange silicone tips (s/m/l)
• Velcro cable tie
• Manual

In all, this is a very simple accessory kit. I actually quite liked the ear tips as the quality is good, they fit properly, and they pair well with the KC2. They stuck around for the duration of testing.


Build, Comfort, and Isolation:

The KC2's shells are all metal and look a lot nicer in person than in pics, in my opinion. The face plates are wonderfully crafted with light marks from the machining process visible in the swooping accents. L and R are printed on the protrusion housing the port for the 2-pin plugs, allowing you to easy differentiate which channel is which. Although, they are design for over-ear wear so you can't really mix it up anyway. The rear half of the shell is smooth with three neatly cut vents for the twin dynamic drivers within. On the bottom BQEYZ KC2 is laser printed and barely visible unless tilted at just the right angle to catch the light. The nozzle is a separate piece of metal, painted black for a nice contrast.

The cable is a mix of good and bad. Good is the hardware, like the flexible preformed ear guides that hold the cable in place around your ear. Also good is the y-split. It is a solid hunk of metal printed with the BQEYZ brand name. A fairly long, flexible strain relief protrudes out the bottom to protect the cable from bends. Strain relief at the top is omitted in favor of a useful chin cinch. KZ, you could take note of this. Lastly, the Dunu-esque 90 degree angled metal plug is well relieved and compact enough to avoid complications with phone or DAP cases. Unfortunately, the cable sheath is not so great. While similar to what KZ and TRN are doing with their cables right now, BQEYZ's is quite plasticky. It retains kinks and bends and is subject to tangling, especially in the winter weather we're experiencing right now here in Ontario, Canada. I'm sure it would be fine in warmer climates.

The KC2 is very comfortable, despite being quite a large earphone. The rounded, shallow fit design looks to have been inspired by the AKG N40, but is far from being a copy, and lets the earphone rest naturally in the outer ear. Weight is distributed evenly ensuring zero hot spots or odd fitment issues. Only if you have an exceptionally small outer ear or a particularly odd shape should you experience any issues fit the fit or comfort.

Isolation is about average which is better than I expected given the shallow fit design and ample driver ventilation. Using them in my office while answering emails, I can hear the clacking of the keyboard and cars passing by outside my window, but it's all slightly muffled. Taking them into a more demanding environment, like my local coffee shop, sees me increasing the volume substantially to counter the noise of the hustle and bustle around me. These are fine for moderately noisy areas, but unless tossing on some foams tips I can't see them being well-suited for use on public transit or in other similarly noisy environments.

Sound:

Tips: I used the preinstalled stock mediums for the duration of my testing, but also ran them for quite a while with medium KZ Starline tips.Despite the difference in bore size, I really didn't find there was much of a difference in sound. And that was more or less the experience running a wide variety of after market options (Sony, UE, EarNiNE, Havi, FiiO, etc.); not much of a difference. If the stock tips don't fit you well, just find something that does. The KC2 was fairly consistent regardless of the tips, in my experience. As always, your mileage may vary.

The KC2 has a vibrant signature with lots of treble energy, big bass, and a conservatively recessed mid-range that mostly affects male vocals.

Treble is well-extended with a tightly controlled, shimmery presentation to it. There is lots of space between notes giving the KC2 an open feel up top. Even upon cranking the volume (for me...keeping in mind I typically listen at very low volumes) I didn't find the kC2 particularly fatiguing despite the upper treble having more emphasis than lower, a trait I enjoy but find can wear me out. The most respectable aspect of the KC2's treble is how effortless it sound and how easily it reproduces everything. Such as one Run The Jewel's “Oh My Darling (Don't Cry)” where at around 2:30 the track gets extra aggressive with lots of harsh high pitched effect. In general, really nice treble for a budget friendly hybrid.

The mid-range displays a mild warmth which sounds really nice with female vocals. Take Riya on Lenzman's “Open Page” which who simply sounds liquid and sweet with lyrics that roll smoothly and flawlessly amidst the mellow beats. Male vocals are set further back than I'd like and are lacking the body present in female vocals, but they're mostly on point. Take Chrom3 on Brooks Brothers' “Carry me On”. His presentation is rife with emotion and carries an uplifting tone. Instruments like guitars and drum on Havok's “Covering fire” sound accurate and timbre rich. Lovers of metal and hard rock will find a nice companion in the KC2.

Bass is elevated with a satisfying balance through the upper to lower regions. Bleed into the mids is completely absent and there is no mid-bass bloat. Sub-bass rolls off slowly keeping the KC2 from offering an overly visceral presentation, but there is still some decent rumble. Either way, the emphasis is more or less spot on. I was quite surprised at how quick and nimble the low end was too, easily tackling the rapid double bass on Havok's “D.O.A” without any congestion or smearing. About the only aspects I can see improvements being made on is texture and impact. The KC2 lags slightly behind some of the competition here.

Overall detail and clarity from top to bottom is quite good as seems to be the case with hybrids in this price range. There is some smoothing going on in the mids and low end which reduces texturing slightly. I found the KC2 to have a very dynamic sound stage with effects having a lot of space to move about. Channel to channel transitions can be quite extreme, especially when there is some fade applied as the effect trails off. Well-layered tracks are represented decently with adequate instrument separation so as to prevent sounds from melding into one another. Overall I found it a very immersive experience.


Select Comparisons:

TRN V80: The V80 has a leaner presentation with additional upper treble emphasis making them brighter and more energetic. KC2's treble is tighter, more controlled, and lacks the uncomfortable sharpness the V80 displays at times. V80's mids lack the same amount of body and despite their leaner nature, do not come across as detailed. They are also slightly less pronounced making it sound less balanced and coherent. V80's bass is some of the best I've heard in a budget hybrid, evident when comparing the two. V80 digs deeper, is more impactful, and is more nimble with greater texture. It's a more engaging presentation. V80's sound stage is more confined and restricted than the KC2. Imaging quality is similarly accurate with the KC2 coming out just ahead. Same goes for layering and separation. When it comes to build, both are above average. The KC2 shells are larger but lighter, making them slightly more comfortable to me. The TRN's Dunu inspired shells are very comfy though, and better suited to smaller ears. Their cables are very similar with TRN using a softer, more flexible sheath that does not stiffen to the same extent in cool weather.

With the exception of it's outstanding bass quality, the V80 is outclassed by the KC2 when it comes to sound. It holds it's own in terms of build and comfort, however. I could not recommend the V80 over the KC2, but if you can't afford the latter the V80 is a suitable, more affordable alternative.

KZ ZS6: When I first put the KC2 in my ears and fired up a track, I was smacked across the face by a tidal wave of familiarity. “This thing sounds exactly like the ZS6,” I thought. Now that I've a/b'ed the two, I've reduced that to sounding almost identical, save for a few tweaks here and there. The ZS6 has slightly slower but deeper, more impactful bass. Treble is similarly boosted, but the ZS6 has an emphasis shift towards the lower treble making it more detailed but less shimmery. KC2's mids have a touch more weight and warmth to them. Imaging, layering, and sound stage are virtually identical save for the KC2 being slightly more open. Could be due to the larger earpieces, ventilation location, driver layout, or maybe just a superior tune. Either way, these two are tuned similarly enough that I can place one in each ear and within a song my brain has adjusted to the differences making for a completely viable, though not quite ideal, listening experience. Feels like I'm listening to an earphone with a mild channel imbalance more than two entirely different products. When it comes to build, they're both immaculately constructed for the price. I personally prefer the look of KZ's Campfire Audio inspired design to the AKG inspired KC2, but when it comes to fit the KC2 is probably going to be the one to win over more fans. While the ZS6's angular shells pose no problems for me, they do cause discomfort for others, something I can't imagine being an issue with the KC2. ZS6's paint job also wears out around the edges, another quality they took from Campfire Audio, something you aren't likely to experience with the KC2.

For me, choosing one over the other comes down to three things; aesthetics, ergonomics, and price. Get the one you like the look of more, and/or feel will fit you better, and/or is more affordable at the time. They're both outstanding products for the price and I can't choose one over the other.

Final Thoughts:

The KC2 came as a great surprise, easily surpassing my expectations and showing itself to be a well-build product with above average sound quality to match. While I think the cable needs some work, namely that plasticky sheath, and that a more impact and texture are needed in the bass, that's about all I can find to complain about here, especially for the price.

The overall sound is reasonably well-balanced with lots of detail and a spacious presentation. The shells are fairly large but are well constructed and free of sharp edges making them quite comfortable and unobtrusive during long listening sessions. Heck, even the included ear tips are perfectly viable to keep around and use, something that is less common than you'd hope it would be.

My experiences with the KC2 means BQEYZ is a brand I'll be watching, and one I hope runs the gamut to take on KZ as a viable contender across numerous price points. Thanks for reading!

- B9Scrambler


Some Test Tunes:

Aesop Rock - Skelethon (Album)
Hail Mary Mallon - Are You Going to Eat That? (Album)
King Crimson - Lark's Tongues in Aspic (Album)
King Crimson - Starless and Bible Black (Track)
Supertramp - Crime of the Century (Album)
Infected Mushroom - Legend of the Black Shawarma (Album)
Gorillaz - Plastic Beach (Album)
Massive Attack - Mezzanine (Album)
Fleetwood Mac - Rumors (Album)
Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels (Album)
The Prodigy - The Day is My Enemy (Album)
Tobacco - screw*d Up Friends (Album)
Felt - Felt 2 (A Tribute to Lisa Bonet) (Album)
Michael Jackson - Thriller (Album)
The Crystal Method - Grace (feat. LeAnn Rimes) (Track)
Jidenna - Long Live the Chief (Track)
Skrillex - Ragga Bomb (Track)
Big Grams - Run for Your Life (Track)
Funkadelic - Maggot Brain (Track)

You also find this review and much more on my blog audioreviews.org



Executive Summary

This 2+2 hybrid earphone is characterized by its outstanding balance and smoothness (including a fine, minimalistic bass) that are optimized when listening laid-back at low volumes. The earpieces are made of matte polished aluminium and are connected to a high-quality braided-helix type cable via 2-pin 0.78 mm connectors.



Disclaimer

I once again purchased the BQEYZ KC2 from the NiceHCK Audio Store for $0.10 for the purpose of this review. Thanks, Jim NiceHCK, for the discount! Following the review, the unit was donated. As always, I tested the BQEYZ KC2 across a section of music that broadly covers the frequency spectrum, including natural sounds generated by voices and orchestral instruments…and all that for many hours. I think Head-Fier @Emelya for putting me in contact with Elle from BQEYZ, who kindly provided the requested technical information (frequency response graphs, comparison table) displayed here.


Introduction

In the almost daily growing selection of great <$50 2+2 hybrid earphones such as the TRN V80, PHB EM-023 and other Campfire lookalikes, there are two more players: the BQEYZ K2 and the BQEYZ KC2. Both feature the same specifications but different tuning according to the manufacturer. I was struggling to write this as a quality distinction between the 2+2 hybrids is very difficult – and it therefore took a lot of time. I was struggling even further when taking into consideration what difference different sources, eartips, and insertion depth can make. In the end, it will come down to personal tonal preference as well as design and haptic which one to choose. Whichever you choose, you’ll get the right one. This review is of the BQEYZ KC2 and I really enjoy listening to it.


Specifications

• Price (at the time of the review): ~$50
• Product Name: BQEYZ KC2 Hybrid Metal In Ear Earphone
• Driver Unit: 2 Balance Armature (BA) + 2 dynamic (DD)
• Earphone type: In-Ear
• Impedance: 15 ohm
• Earphone Sensitivity: 105dB/mW
• Frequency Range: 7 –40000Hz
• Plug Type: 3.5mm straight plug
• Cable Length: 1.25m
• Earphone interface: 0.78 mm 2-pin connector
• Colors: Silver, Black
• Product Link: NiceHCK Audio Store

Click image to enlarge.

Packaging and Accessories

The box is really small, so small that it does not even contain a bag or case. Included are the two earpieces and 3 pairs of wide-bore [or rather intermediate-bore?] rubber tips (S/M/L), and a cable.


Physical Appearance, Haptic, and Build

Speaking of haptic: these aluminium earpieces have the smoothest feeling between my fingers of all I know, owing to their matte finish and the lack of corners. The earpieces are well rounded resulting in a 1950s space-age look. They also have some degree of mutual magnetic attraction (can’t be the aluminium)…when I lined them up for photos, one of them sometimes rotated. The braided helix-type cable is of high quality and includes a chin slider and memory wire. And, thank god, the connection is two-pin (0.78 mm) and therefore reliable. In summary, the build is immaculate.


Ergonomics, Comfort, Isolation, and Fit

The rounded corners facilitate a perfect fit for my ears…similar to the smallerTRN V80…and better than the Andromeda-oids such as the PHB EM-23 and the KZ ZS6. Isolation is average.


Source and Eartips

The BQEYZ KC2 is driven well with my iPhone 5S and the largest included eartips do the job for me.


Tonality

The sound is balanced and smooth with the gentlest of V-shapes. It is slightly warm yet somewhat lean (in a positive sense), probably from a “light” 60 – 250 Hz area. At high volumes and with rhythm guitar-oriented music the presentation is possibly a bit too soothing and relaxed and could be more engaging and dynamic. At low volumes, the clarity is unparalleled.

The bass and sub-bass are non intrusive and exceptionally focused and controlled. While there is good extension into the sub-bass, the basslines are extremely subtle and reminiscent of my personal benchmark, the UE900S. A gentle 300 Hz peak adds warmth and bass clarity to the presentation. The low frequencies are as dry and minimalistic as it can get in this price range.

The gentle bass foundation moves the midrange forward but vocals always keep the right distance. The latter are reasonably full and have a rather natural timbre - and the resolution is very good but slightly behind the TRN V80. The upper midrange is boosted which removes a bit of smoothness from the vocals, and a minor 7–8 kHz peak does not introduce sibilance.

The treble is smooth but energetic enough to give cymbals and flutes some sparkle. High piano notes resolve well. The frequency curve with its sharp roll off beyond 8 kHz does not correspond to the listening perception.

Soundstage, resolution, and instrument separation are very good and so is the three-dimensionality.


Click image to enlarge.

Select Comparisons

All these 2+2 hybrids below play in the same league. You have to pick yours according to sound preference, fit, and looks. Here a simple comparison:

• Treble intensity: TRN V80 > BQEYZ KC2 > PHB EM-023
• Bass intensity: TRN V80 > PHB EM-023 > BQEYZ KC2
• Fit (subjective): TRN V80 > BQEYZ KC2 > PHB EM-023
• Rip off factor: TRN V80 = PHB EM-023 > BQEYZ KC2
• Cable: BQEYZ KC2 > TRN V80 > PHB EM-023
• Accessories: PHB EM-023 > BQEYZ KC2 = TRN V80

TRN V80: has not only more bass, it is also more textured. Vocals are a bit denser and more intimate and their resolution and the instrument separation are marginally better. The slightly coarser treble may be fatiguing for some. The KC2 sounds overall leaner, slightly less dynamic, however smoother on the whole. It features in-house designed shells that are bigger than the V80’s (which are borrowed from the Dunu Falcon C)…and a slightly thicker and sturdier cable. 2-pin connector. $12 cheaper for no good reason.

PHB EM-023: has the least controlled bass of the three, much less energetic treble, yet smooth and full mids, and is harder to drive…but it offers the smoothest sound at higher volumes. This is the one for people who are bass and treble sensitive. Also cheaper but with a much bigger accessories package, although the two (!) included cables are not braided. MMCX connector.

Out of competition...BQEYZ K2: same interior, different faceplate and tuning. Nobody appears to have heard both side by side, but from descriptions and frequency response graphs it appears that the K2 has a more prominent bass and therefore a slightly more recessed midrange. The treble differences are less clear (frequency response curves are not conclusive) and I speculate the treble is essentially identical.


Concluding Remarks

What I like about the BQEYZ KC2 and its contenders is that you get a great sounding and sturdy earphone for less than $50, good enough as a daily driver outside the house, be it on the commute or travel. In such noisy environments you would not get a huge advantage from much more expensive earphones…however losing them could be infinitely more costly. This category strikes a good balance between cost and benefit.

But, choices, choices…it is getting so crowded with very good earphones in the <$50 segment that it is increasingly difficult to clearly recommend one model over another. The BQEYZ KC2 is yet another winner and particularly well suited for people who like a smooth and balanced sound and who don’t like an overly heavy bass. It is also for those who prefer a two-pin connector over MMCX. And quite frankly, if you asked me which one the best earphone below or at $50 is, I could not give you a clear answer. But the BQEYZ KC2 is certainly a contender and another one nobody will regret having. Definitely respect for this one, BQEYZ.

You can get it from the NiceHCK Audio Store.

My sincere thanks to Elle Zhou at BQEYZ for reaching out to get my feedback on the BQEYZ product line.

Full disclosure:
I've no affiliation with BQEYZ and receive no remuneration for the review other than retaining the review sample. I receive no remuneration or kickbacks for any included links.

As of February 2019 I've been sampling Budget-Fi in-ear monitors for approximately 15 years. The very first set of in-ears I purchased was the very warm sounding Philips SHE9500.



Back in 2004 or 2005 "most" of the earphones that were packaged with phones and/or mp3 players (that I sampled) had an anemic low end response which meant that the ambient low end frequencies from planes, trains or automobiles whizzing by would simply overpower the low frequencies in my music; being a complete novice at the time, my pendulum swung to the dark side, the SHE9500. I still own one final set out of the three or four sets I had purchased back in the day.

From that point forward I have always preferred my in-ear monitors to have a slight lift in the lower frequencies so I could hear EVERYTHING at all times regardless of my environmental setting. As my tastes and preferences have developed over the years a slight lift in the upper frequency range (to compliment and/or counterbalance the lift in the lower frequencies) became...."more appreciable". I still remember the day I learned my lesson about poorly tuned bass canons. It was the very day that I sampled the Klipsch Image One (first generation) headphones.



The Klipsch Image One(i) bass bled past the midrange and into the treble. I didn't think that was possible but the Image One's mountain of bass forced everything else into submission. From that point forward my pendulum swung back in the other direction but it never stopped or rested over dead center. I preferred my in-ear monitors to have not only a lift in the lower frequencies but now an additional lift in the upper frequencies. The sense of micro-detail, air and clarity took on new meaning for me. I was growing.

But what about a more "balanced" approach to tuning?

About me:

About IEMs:

My Ears:


Some of my favorite silicone eartips are the Tennmak Whirlwind eartips.



https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-...nd+eartips&dpPl=1&dpID=51Sqh-+7i0L&ref=plSrch

The BQEYZ KC2:



The first time I saw photo images of BQEYZ line up I was impressed with their decision to fashion their IEM housings in sturdy and light metal. My initial impression was that the K2, KC2, BQ3, etc. looked a bit bulky and uncomfortable. That was my first mistake. The KC2, with its rounded corners, sits comfortably in my outer ear with no pressure points (up, down, inside or out) to complain about. Once I insert them I almost forget that they are there. Looks can be deceiving so don't let the photo images scare you off. These are very comfortable in-ears.



Upon viewing the photo images of the detachable cable my initial thought was that I would need to upgrade the cable. My thinking was "high-end metal finish on the IEM but low-rent plastic connector for the cable". For the most part, this was my second mistake. I still think that BQEYZ should fashion a rectangular or more squared METAL housing for their connectors because the plastic connector "looks" somewhat pedestrian but the cable itself leans more toward being supple when you compare it to what is typically packaged with most $50+/- in-ears. In addition, there are many KZ models (AS10, ZS10 , ZSA, BA10, etc.) that would benefit from a redesigned "metal-finished square 2-pin connector".

The 90° 3.5mm jack and "y-split" strain relief seem sturdy enough to sustain long-term abuse and BQEYZ was thoughtful enough to include a cable cinch.

What about packaging? There was minimal effort employed here but I really don't care about "purdy" packaging, so....basic eartips (S, M & L), cable and earphones.

Thus far, BQEYZ is off to a good start. They got their foot in the door with a well-designed in-ear with a decent cable. Take note though,l those who are aware of the massive shift taking place in Chi-Fi right now are actively engaged in tip-rolling and cable upgrading. My point being that including a great cable and multiple sets of eartips would be great but many of us have learned not to expect much in accessories at the $50 price point so I won't be complaing about the no-frills packaging. If the IEM in question is worth keeping then you can personalize said IEM by scrolling through and purchasing one of the many, many choices on AliExpress or Amazon. Upgrade cables can be purchased for as little as seven dollars or well in to the hundreds of dollars. A $50 in-ear, a $20 cable and $1 eartip can sometimes sound as good or better than most of the "off-the-shelf" stock at your nearby big box store (cough, cough - BestBuy - cough)

At any rate, the cable is good; the eartips....not so much.

Done.


Sound:



Once you take a listen to the KC2 it becomes clear that this is where BQEYZ focused their attention. They have foregone the flowery packaging and placed their focus on the most important part of the equation; sound.

I opened this particular review with statements about my history and preferences because I thought you should know how the BQEYZ KC2 and a few other notable Budget-Fi models have effected my preferences.

My favorite Budget-Fi IEM for the last 18 months has been the KZ ZS6. I love it's airy and energetic nature. The ZS6 is infamous for its 10khz treble extension but I don't have an issue with it. Do keep in mind that I have shallow ear canals so insertion depth and higher frequency resonances may be different for your ears.

Initially, I thought I'd compare the KC2 with the ZS6 since both models are at the $50+/- price point, have well-designed metal housings, detachable cables and sport a 2+2 configuration....


....but the truth is that the more appropriate BQEYZ comparison to the ZS6 would be BQEYZ' own K2 model as opposed to this KC2. The sound signature of the ZS6 and K2 have more in common due to their slight lift in the lower frequencies. This KC2 on the other hand is more comparable to something like the Tin Audio T2 which I do not own. This KC2 offers a more balanced approach with no one frequency taking the lead unless the bass has a light footprint in the recording; that is when the midrange becomes more forward on the KC2.

As stated earlier in this review I tend to enjoy IEMs with a slight lift in the lower and upper frequencies. The BQEYZ KC2 does not fit that mold. Bass, mid-bass, lower midrange, upper-midrange and lower treble are evenly distributed across the frequency range.

In essence, the three main areas that the KC2 differs from the ZS6 are

1) Soundstage depth
2) Bass response
3) Treble response

These differences were clearly evident when listening to OceanLab's "Miracle (Above & Beyond Remix)". Once I detected the difference in depth and impact of the bass hit at the 3:17 mark...



... I knew that the KC2 was tuned for a completely different audience. Indeed, the KC2 was tuned for those whom have a preference for a more balanced approach. For the moment, I'll stay focused on the KC2's stock sound signature but later on I'd like to return to an "unorthodox" (or apples to oranges) comparison as well.

In the meantime...

Bass:

Bass is clean and quick, leaning more toward a dry presentation which works well for an in-ear monitor striving for a balanced sound signature. This sense of restraint allows the mid and upper frequencies to breathe and expand on the KC2; this became clear when comparing the KC2 to BQEYZ' own K2 while listening to The Police's "Roxanne". If you own both models you'll note that lead vocals and background vocals are slightly more vivid on the KC2.



The sub-bass does roll off but the mid-bass delivers a nice clean punch. It's not quite as visceral as I prefer but "visceral" is not the KC2's aim here. There is discernable separation between mid-bass and the waning sub-bass with ne'er a hint of blurring when sampling Sarah McLachlan's "Ice (Dusted Mix)".



Bass is clean (if slightly dry).


Midrange:

Midrange timbre is also admirable with good weight and density for both male and female vocals. There were times that I thought that the delivery was a bit smoothed over but the fault was to be laid at the feet of the recordings and not the KC2. Transparency and clarity is altogether evident in recordings such as Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car" or either of Simon & Garfunkle's "Sound Of Silence" recordings. Pay close attention to both recordings because the presentations are decidedly different. Note which recording sounds as though you are actually in the studio with the artists. I know that hearing spittle is an ongoing joke in IEM reviews but it's odd that you can actually hear it just before the first words are spoken on one of the recordings





I enjoyed the natural presentation of both Nat King Cole and Nellie Flutcher's "Can I Come In For a Second". Guitars and drums are lifelike and vivid while vocals remain transparent and clear in the recording.



The KC2 delivers a rich and smooth midrange.


Treble:

The KC2 effectively eliminates upper midrange stridency and lower treble pierce. But how? They've simply scooped/recessed the troublesome areas above the 4500hz area and below the 11000hz area. Drawing down this troublesome region can have a veil-like or dulling effect on vocals if the drawdown is too severe but there is always a trade off isn't there? Finding a good balance can be tricky. Get it wrong and community feedback in the forums can kill an IEMs chance of survival very quickly. Get it right and an IEM can hover above the sea of Chi-Fi that are clawing for recognition below. I believe that BQEYZ made the right choice. It was a "safe" choice but a good choice nonetheless.

The KC2 eschews the sparkle present in the ZS6 but that's no surprise since treble seems to be the new four-letter-word in all the IEM forums. Well-tamed upper frequencies would likely have given the KC2 more realism in the overall sound signature. I'm hoping that the BQ3 or perhaps another BQEYZ model will have that extra dose of sparkle and realism that I am missing on the KC2. The "sparkle" of the bells/triangles in Toni Braxton's "He Wasn't Man Enough" were definitely missing. On Basement Jaxx "Stay Close" the percussion up top on the right should contribute to a sense of air but the treble roll off does shackle the KC2's sense of realism.




Just keep in mind that these comments are coming from a treble junkie. I do understand that some folks simply can't abide the amount of micro-detail that I and my shallow ear canals enjoy.

This micro-detail junkie misses it. 'Nuff said.


Soundstage:

The KC2 has a very good but not stellar sense of air along with its very good but not stellar ability to layer. The layering is good but it's mostly hindered by the KC2's average soundstage depth. More soundstage depth would give the KC2 a more dynamic presentation. Again, I'm hoping that BQEYZ' own BQ3 or other model will tick the "soundstage depth" box for me.

To my ears the soundstage has above average width (using wide-bore silicone eartips) but only average depth. I find that soundstage depth can really transform an in-ear monitor if all other requisite ingredients (controlled bass, rich midrange and smooth treble) are present. Shallow soundstage depth can hinder an IEMs ability to really shine by limiting the overall delivery to a somewhat two dimensional presentation. Just one man's opinion, mind you.


What about response to EQ?

Your reward for sticking with me thus far is that all of the innuendos (relegating the KC2 as a fine al'round staple in-ear monitor) get turned on their head once EQ is introduced! If your DAP has a very good EQ then you will find out just how well the KC2 responds to it.

Everything was just fine in stock form but with the KC2 plugged in to my Cowon Plenue I hit "BBE" and the KC2 literally became just as exciting as my ZS6.....and you know just how much I love my ZS6. I own three sets and have a set being modded by a respected Head-Fi member. The KC2 running through Cowon's "BBE" just opened them up and it just stunned me. Better bass texture and impact, slightly wider soundstage and even a slight improvement in depth; not ZS6 depth but man, oh man the KC2 came alive. They almost went 3D on me and I didn't see that in the cards at all. I don't usually use EQ but I'll definitely use Cowon's BBE with the KC2 because the KC2 jumped to "superstaaaa" status for a $50+/ in-ear monitor. To be fair though Cowon's EQ is quite extensive. You can tweak your music with an almost infinite number of setups.


Summary:

Tuning is carefully measured to deliver everything whilst never overstepping. The bass avoids boom. The midrange avoids shrill behavior and the treble avoids pierce. The KC2 gives you most of the detail available JUST SHY of where things tend to get dicey on most Budget-Fi models. The Tin Audio T2, which I do not own, has occasionally been labeled as a bit bright for the treble-sensitive listener. I'll go out on a limb here and say that BQEYZ' "safer" tuning keeps the treble extension at bay on the KC2. This was clearly evident when sampled multiple genres, particularly jazz (trumpets), classical (baroque with trumpets) and EDM. Treble is politely detailed.

With all of that said, I must say that my appreciation has grown for a well-thought-out balanced in-ear monitor. The KC2 is more than sufficient for those of you that prefer a balanced approach. It is also a great choice for those of you who are handy with a proper EQ. I'm not necessarily handy with an EQ but you can still place me in the latter category. I just press the "BBE" button and blood starts pumpin'.

$50 goes a long way in 2019.

BQEYZ has only recently entered the Budget-Fi market but they've come out swinging.

Welcome to the club BQEYZ!

Looking forward to more of your work.

I'll be posting my review of the BQEYZ K2 before long so stay tuned.


In the meantime....

Pick up the KC2 at Amazon or AliExpress for approximately $50 (+/- $10)

Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Drivers-Earphones-Headset-Isolating-Detachable/dp/B07GWY7YNJ?th=1&psc=1

AliExpress:
https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.aliexpress.com/item/32901184803.html

Hope this was helpful.

Doc

INTRO:

I think it is safe to start this review with a background about me. This is my FIRST EVER review and it is worth mentioning Eiji Zerstorer Romero for pushing me to do this. He is a reputable reviewer and his personal blog on this IEM made me take a leap of faith. and oh boy, up till now, I'm in love with what i'm hearing. Carrying on..

I'm a pianist, sax player, musical director (sometimes) / arranger. I have loved music since 7 years old, and i grew up with my dad, who constantly play music through HiFi equipments. I can't remember the brand names but you can say, i have a sense of what sounds good. I listen mostly to jazz, fusion, rock alternative, pop, retro, reggae, bossanova, latin, ethnic, gospel and this is because as a pro musician, we should be versatile/flexible on genres we listen to. So i will be reviewing this from a musician's perspective. Moving on...

THE KC2 IN A NUTSHELL:

This IEM is truly what they say it is. It is not hyped as other IEM and actually often underrated. Owners of KC2's call it "The Gatekeeper" for it keeps you from side grading, and falling down the "rabbit hole". Many had removed many IEM's from their electronic carts when they heard KC2 and didn't waste anymore time on other IEM on this level. Though KC2's sound signature is somewhat appreciated by a particular range of listeners, it has made it's way on par with its rivals up to 100$ and above.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

I just got these 2 days ago, and i have been listening to it almost all day. and here are my impressions so far.

-- well built shells. unlike my KZ ES4's which are made of plastic. These are light metal and can handle falls
-- Detailed sound. Balanced.
-- not boomy, so clearly not for bass heads. but bass presence is there.
-- I was a bit concerned on the cables because they are thin in someway compare to some IEM's i have used before.
-- Sound signature is warm, neutralish,
-- easy to drive
-- soundstage, imaging, and instrument separation are amazing

This review will not be very technical but rather aims to give you a testimonial as a musician. This review will be very helpful if you are a singer, intrumentalist, musician, recording artist and anyone who makes or produce music for a living. Don't worry, i will not tell you to stop reading if you are not one of the things i mentioned above. Pls do join me as you read along.

This review will be mainly divided into 3 parts from here on out.
SOUND
FITTING
BUILD


Let's talk about the BASS.

If you are a bass head, this will not probably for you. i'm not saying that KC2 suffers from lack of bass, definitely the rumble and presence of bass is there, it's just bass here is PUNCHY and has more ATTACK. As an analytical listener, too much bass that bleeds to mids and trebles is a turn off. I like my bass to be present and felt. Actually I do love bass. I even play bass on my keyboard on times a bass player is not available. I just don't like too much of it that it brings down the details. So bass is here guys, and it is here to stay. And it punches.

On to TREBLES.

Before i had these, i was coming from a bright neutral HP (headphones). Namely the Samson SR850. I bought those for mixing my self made tracks that i make for my wife. She is a singer btw. And to be honest, it is sometimes fatiguing to listen to because those cans has a Treble boost. It sounds so thin sometimes that it pierces my hearing. Even my wife complained about it when she put them on. the KC2 has a treble roll off, but to my surprise, that roll off doesn't take any details off. I'm here to tell you, if you're a guitar player, piano, horns, or just want to hear the instruments that are in the 4k-10k frequencies, they are present here. You have the details here in a NOT fatiguing way.

I saved the best for last. MIDS

I will tell you now upfront, if you love vocals, or if you are a singer by profession, and need to analyze vocals critically, this is the best part of KC2's. These babies are mid centric. I guess this is the reason that even though we have a treble roll off, the details was maintained. I'm still in awe how a mid centric sound signature managed not to sound BOXY or HONKY TONKY. I can't more emphasize how good the mids are in these IEM. If you have tried a Shure IEM and loved it, I'm pretty SHURE you will love the mids here. (see what i did there hahahaha)

on to FITTING

So far, KC2's fitting is ok with me. I can't say its perfect for my ears, but as long as they don't fall off my ears while i'm on the move, i'm fine. but if you are going to use this for jogging, there are other IEM's out there for that purpose. KC2 are not it. I did changed to small tips though. But many users, are strongly suggesting to get tip upgrades for this. Some to tips to look out for are Spiraldots, Tanchjim, and Final Type E. Personally, i'm thinking of upgrading tips soon.

how about the BUILD?

The shell itself is well built. It is metallic, and will endure falls. My ES4 opened like an oyster after a few falls, and now only a tape is holding it and extending its life. The build of the cables specially near the drivers, concerns me. it feels they will snap anytime. Again, a cable upgrade is STRONGLY recommended here. 8 core will suffice.

CONCLUSION/VERDICT

At the time i was buying this, the BLON03 was hyped on fire! I was gonna settle for BLON coz it's cheaper, but i did not like the fact that i purchased something out of hype. And I have no regrets here, though i don't own a BLON, i'm truly madly in love with my KC2's right now. If you are an analytical listener, love details, and vocals, there in none on par with KC2 at this price range. If you are concern bass won't be enough for you, well that depends on how bass hungry you are. IF you don'y have a dac/amp, you don't need one for these baby. They are very easy to drive. I totally recommend this to a fellow musician, whatever genre he/she listens to. You have my word for it. For bass heads, there are more options out there, but KC2 is not deprived of bass.

Here are the gears i used to test KC2:

DAP: iphone 7 plus with Apple dongle
Music Source: Apple music, Deezer HIFI, offline ALAC files, (converted from flac), courtesy of Eiji Romero.

TRACKS:

When You Say Nothing At All - Allison Krauss (deezer hifi)
Plastic Love - Friday Night Plans and Mariya Takeuchi
In the Air Tonight - Phil Collins - flac converted to ALAC
How You Remind Me - Nickelback - flac converted to ALAC
All the Things You are - Ella Fizgerald - flac converted to ALAC

Intro
The KC2 is another model of the BQEYZ family and is almost related to the K2.
Technically and haptically the new BQEYZ models are in the first league and show only subtle differences between each other, so that it is difficult to choose a general winner, but rather based on personal preferences.

The KC2 is close to the TRN V80 and very balanced in all frequency ranges.


Handling
Short and sweet:
Robust metal housing, despite the size a very pleasant wearing comfort, detachable cables, which are among the best you get at the moment, cool optics and a good isolation. No more and no less you get here for your money.

The packaging with contents is very minimalistic, as with all BQEYZ models, but that's not the point.


Sound
That's the best I've heard about a balanced in-ear for a long time and it's easy to tell the difference to the smaller brother (KB1).

The bass is not as emphasized as the KB1 and rather reserved. Nevertheless it is extremely controlled and on the point. Due to its dry, matter-of-fact nature it produces some details, but prefers the mid-bass most of all.
It has no bass head potential, but works very cleanly and also delivers enough sub-bass to do many styles justice. Only for die-hard electro fans it could be too little. A little more dynamics would also be welcome.

The mids are pretty close to perfection for the price range we're in here.
Pleasantly warm, very good and natural tonality and especially accurate. The upper range is slightly raised, which brings the voices slightly forward, but just the right amount.

The highs also do everything right. If you look at them separately, you could speak of a V-signature. Because the middle heights are somewhat reduced compared to the others, there is almost no emphasis on the sibilants and also no exhausting sharpness. The repeated ascent in the highest range provides airiness and brilliance.

The stage and three-dimensional presentation are above the average in the price category.


Outro
It's hard to say anything negative about the KC2. If you're looking for a hair in the soup, you could wish for an even deeper frequency response and a bit more dynamics. Otherwise, the KC2 are extraordinarily good and certainly one of the best currently under 50 € to get. BQEYZ know their trade!
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more reviews at:
https://david-hahn.wixsite.com/chi-fiear
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This IEM is indeed a hidden gem from 2018,a superbly tuned masterpiece for audio enthusiasts out there. A balanced sounding as most online reviewers describe its sound signature,I can say it as a "balanced to neutralish" in my hearing perception.A tight bass ,Clean presentation on mids,separation of instruments has a good spacing, vocals are both natural and well-textured in both male and female.not an even a hint of sibilance.The highs/treble is slightly elevated as it crisp and well-details on brilliance region that gives airyness yet it doesn't sound strident or harsh.The micro-details were delineated.The cymbals sounds natural and doesn't sound splashy as most treble leaning (bright) and V shaped IEMs are susceptible in this kind of characteristic.Imaging is one of the strength of this one for pinpointing accurately the positionings of instruments and the soundstage is wide and spacious and the depth is just average(wishing for more depth.)
Tested in my LG V20 and LG G7 (both normal impedance mode and force aux mode.)
Tracks tested:
Eric Clapton- Tears in Heaven ( DSD128)
Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody (24-bit /96 khz. FLAC)
Sophie B. Hawkins- As I Lay Me Down (16-bit/44 khz FLAC)
David Bowie- A Man Who Sold The World ( 24-bit/192 khz. MQA.FLAC)
Metallica- Motorbreath (24-bit/96 khz FLAC)
Slayer- Raining Blood ( 24-bit/44 khz FLAC)
Mariah Carey- Love Takes Time (16-bit/44 khz FLAC)
Billy Idol- Eyes Without A Face ( 24-bit/96 khz FLAC)
Santana featuring Alex Band - Why Dont You and I (16-bit/44 khz FLAC)
The Eagles- Hotel California (24-bit/44.1 khz MQA.FLAC)