EPZ G10

THE EPZ G10 Universal IEM
Redcarmoose Labs March 9th, 2024

10MM PU + LCP Dynamic Driver Sonion IEM in Ear Monitor
$55.78 USD without USB
$62.52 USD with USB
https://www.linsoul.com/products/epz-g10

• Dynamic unit: 10MM dual cavity dual magnetic circuit, PU+LCP liquid crystal molecular sphere top diaphragm
• Sensitivity: 100db (± 3dB)
• Frequency range from 20Hz to: 20KHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω
• Plug diameter: 3.5MM
• Earphone plug type: 0.78MM dual pin
• Wire: 4-core single crystal copper silver plated
• Cable length: 1.2M
• Microphone: Yes
• Carbon fiber fluorescent panel
• 3D printing technology
• 360 ° omnidirectional noise reduction microphone

EPZ:
The EPZ company here is trying to fit in with offering a bundle. As such searching the web on-line or in a store, we may find extra value in seeing a microphone cable with the sound cable as a way to hook the G10 to the audio 3.5mm port and microphone port on a PC? Also this fluorescent flashlight which goes to momentarily act to make the G10 faceplate to light-up green for less than 1 second. Still the offerings, while different may be of value to a gamer, but as for pure sound response, I would need something more to buy into the G10 marketing. Namely low-end.

Yep, even with the extras included, the sound is the most important feature of the G10. While the EPZ G10 offers an incredible build, there are slightly long nozzles and a very smooth and joyful form factor………..again the low-end could have used an ounce or two more finishing before the G10 left the factory floor. And if you read my reviews I try not to be too fussy. Really I’m a pretty easy going reviewer, always looking to try and make things work-out. There is no way that offering a 3 star review is something I want to do, except if you are reading this review, I hope you read a few more on the G10 before making up your mind to make a purchase.

Biases:
Some recent history to always be mindful of as a reviewer, if you are to know yourself. What have you recently heard that could skew your understanding of a new IEM response? Did you just do a review of a 5 times more expensive IEM, therefore making this new lesser cost IEM sound cheap, or un-involving?

Your personal tone target:
A basic personal target response (which you own) to keep aware of. That a new IEM may not be so bad even if it doesn’t match your desired sound signature. All these things are important to somehow try and keep the subjectivity at bay. When in reality reviews are always subjective, yet we are looking for basic tone and technicality ideas of even, correct and complete responses or variations of those ideas.

The G10:
Here we are hearing an IEM which is deficient in both sub-bass and middle bass, and lower midrange. As such whatever fireworks are in focus through the balance of the tune are helping to delineate the 2.5kHz to 4.5kHz shelf. This results in a thin demeanor and emphasizing the lack of note weight. Along with that we are witnessing a going thru the motions style of musicality……….with an assortment of IEMs both lesser priced and slightly more money still outperforming the G10 at its very own game.

And example of success here is the 7Hz Salnotes Zero and Zero 2:

Probably the biggest thing is the bass or lack of it. Note graph.

Now I want you to focus not only on the amount of peak from 2.5kHz to 4.5kHz……….I want you to see how that peak sits in relation to the lows. The midrange peaks here are at least 5dB higher than the top of the bass energy. With a slight dip at 3.5kHz we are introduced to a wildly pushed midrange shelf, so much that it is all you hear. This is even greater spice than the EPZ Q5 I just reviewed. And many of the same issues can be found, like lack of note weight, an overbearing thinness……….and overall dryness that makes doing a review a chore and not the very reason I signed-up for reviews in the first place.



Build:
They may have thought that due to build comfort the the G10 could find a use in gaming. And sure the build and fitment are really good. The fact that you can wear them for extended periods of time is a benefit here. Though the nozzle lengths are dramatic in portion, so this ends a personal thing if they would work or not. Meaning these sit deeper in-ear than the last few IEMs I have reviewed. Though look at them, they are truly gorgeous here. One vent off the center of the side as shown in photos. A 2Pin which accents cables well. Yet there is something about the polish on them, just how and to what extent they are finished.



The sound:
Strangely after doing the Q5 review these G10 IEMs are way less money but I like them equally the same as the EPZ Q5. Sure if you look at the graph there is actually a smoother and more together style of tune than the drastic Q5. What I mean is there is a slightly less forward set of shelf at 2.5kHz to 4.5kHz which enables a slightly more musical approach to tuning than the Q5. If you look at the comparison graph between the Q5 and G10 it really shows what’s up here. That while less upper midrange shelf promoted by the G10 it is also met with a lower bass contrast. Now at first you would think this is all bound bass energy and you could be forgiven for guessing that. Except it is the contrasts that we are most interested in, that and the fact that while the G10 has less technical abilities, there is also a smoother rendition here as we are dealing with less brightness compared to the Q5. So less intensity means that even though there is less bass in comparison to the Q5, there is still an accessible style of balance even though the graph shows a tremendous reduction in bass with the G10. I mean I’m guessing they thought this tune would be great for gaming? But for music and gaming we run into the standard issues here.



The issues:
To start let’s look at another contender for an IEM at around $24.99.
So sure the first thing we note with the 7Hz Salnotes Zero 2 is the bass additives. And really it is not just the bass but this while gambit of energies of lower emphasis travels upwards into the midrange. This simply means there is a warmer take on the 7Hz Zero. A more V-shaped idea and I simply think it is better. The next additive is the 1.5KHz to 6kHz area is sitting lower than the G10. This 2X compounds the thickness found in the bass and lower midrange, resulting in a totally different take on what an IEM could be. Is it the same as far as technicalities?

The Zero 2:
While sure the Zero 2 is a reinterpretation of the famous Zero 1. What they did was a very precise tuning of added bass, took off the treble energy but left vocals intact. But besides the dynamite tuning there is an advancement in technicalities to where the stage is simply better organized and fill-out in all directions compared to the G10. Inside of that fill-out is better constructed imaging and better/more natural placement of elements. I won’t go on as to dilute the points I have made.

The original Zero:
Here is the thing, even though missing the lows and a different tune than the more filled out Zero 2, and probably more mainstream acceptance of the Zero 2, the Zero 1 midrange is clearer, showing a broadcast of farther elements into the stage. I mean everyone who owns the original Zero knows this. And even if there is less bass than the Zero 2 that bass that is there with the Zero one. The Zero 1 is owning a transient bass edge and placement into the stage. Oh…..this stage……..well it is bigger, more natural and holds elements of both width girth and top to bottom front to back size. Yep it is bigger all over. And the imaging…….holding bigger broader imaging of elements far greater than the G10 ever hoped to accomplish. To quickly sum-up the Zero 1 it is a more natural and bigger display of correct imaging which holds value, and the timbre is something special to boot and better than the G10.



Cable:
Here you can get a microphone and the cable is not bad though 4.4mm makes a world of difference.





Packaging:
Here is a smorgasbord of stuff, more than you would guess for the asking price. Six sets of ear-tips, a pouch, a audio splitter cable to go into the sound card of your PC, Quality control paper work and a manual. And finally a UV flashlight to activate the faceplate shell into a glowing green for 0.5 of a second.








Music tests:
Here I’m using the WM1A along with my typical wide-bore ear-tips. Cable put into use is the SIMGOT AUDIO LC7 in 4.4mm.



Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Here is kind of the same phenomena that we will encounter with the Hans Zimmer song to follow here. These songs can make an IEM become more than it truly is. The vividness of the contrasts found at times will optimize playback. The difference here is that now we can crank it and not fear of the treble energy found in the Q5. Yep, because we can get volume the playback is more dramatic and bigger. Also I’m not unusually sensitive to treble/midrange boosts, which is really saying nothing about the Q5! Here the stage somehow seems bigger than it is, the details while congested are still relaying the song's message. Also the uniformness of vividness seems to be a feature which works with this song. Meaning the excessive bass in this number somehow activates the G10 making it more than it is. Yet I mean simply because this G10 IS getting this level of playback, then it is self-for filled in quality? The best I have ever heard the EPZ G10 sound, really?

Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski
Grand Turismo OST
Academy Race
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
For starters this is really OK? Sure it doesn’t have the contrasts of many IEMs in this price range. And I don’t take back anything I said, as missing note-weight, missing real bass and not fully dialed in to project the imaging needed to make this shine.One of the big issues here is note weight and the fact that note weight is combined with reverberations. Meaning often when you can grasp good note weight, you are also getting good reverberations, yet here they are compromised.



Hans Zimmer
Inception OST
Old Souls
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
After those Zero and 7Hz Zero 2 comparisons the G10 may not be all that bad when this song comes on. I mean I actually like the fit better than the Q5. Also again less top end heat than the Q5. While this playback is not the very biggest in the price realm there is a nice quality to it. At 00:54 there is a bass drop that while not at all out front…….seems well blended and mixed with the overall tone. What I’m trying to say is that it is connected as full-range single DDs often do. While this song was just used in the Zero 2 and Zero review section, it is true that the 7Hz simply do better separation. Where here I can’t leave out that while there is a politeness to it all, there is also a lack of real bass energy, which in a song like this is a must. Here they are relying on that midrange to offer-up all the details, and sure there is bass, and it is even separated and fun, and with this song more fun than the G10 has rights to perform………..but that is kinda how it goes, get a dramatic song and even the middle of the road IEMs have fun doing it.

Conclusion:
In many ways I like this better than the EPZ Q5 I just reviewed. Yet they both are going to get 3 out of 5 scores. And much of the same issues are held by both, lack of note weight, a crazy tune with very little bass. I could go on except I have already made my points so it’s senseless to pour salt into the wound. They look nice and are built well, and they fit really well, actually as good or better than most. You get a nice box opening experience and a lot of extras. Still I wonder why they are giving all these extras, to maybe make-up for the lack of superior sound? When a $19.99 IEM or a $24.99 IEM beats you in the sound department………..well that’s something to be concerned about. There are no amount of “fee gifts” which can make-up for such sins.

$62.52 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/epz-g10

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Kareena from Linsoul for the love and EPZ G10 review sample.

Linsoul website: https://www.linsoul.com/
Linsoul Aliexpress Store: https://ddaudio.aliexpress.com/store/2894006
Linsoul USA Amazon Store link: https://www.amazon.com/s?i=merchant-items&me=A267P2DT104U3C

Equipment Used:
Sony WM1Z Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Sony WM1A Walkman DAP MrWalkman Firmware 4.4mm and 3.5mm
Samsung Phone 3.5mm
HiBy R3 II 3.5mm/4.4mm output

Review Of The EPZ Audio G10​

Introduction​

After being impressed with the EPZ Audio Q5, I'm eager to learn more about their other IEMs. This Chinese firm specializes in the production of electroacoustic equipment, primarily IEMs, but has lately expanded into dongle dac/amps, wireless TWS, and other areas. I was fortunate enough to receive the EPZ Audio G10, a gaming-focused IEM, but before we go any further, I'd like to clarify some things up.

Disclaimer​

*Since this unit tour was organised by the kind people at Linsoul, I am grateful to them. And as I've said in all of my evaluations, the same is true for this one: all of the concepts I've expressed below are entirely my own, original ideas that haven't been influenced by anyone else. If interested, go to this link.
*I am not associated with the connection, and I receive no financial assistance from anyone.
*For the remainder of the review, I will refer to these IEMs as “G10.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the G10 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The G10 features a single dynamic driver setup with a 10mm LCP diaphragm. The shells are constructed of resin and feel lightweight in your hands and ears. The faceplate features a fading design that lights when exposed to sunlight or UV light due to the fluorescent paint employed. It also includes the G logo in the center and EPZ inscribed on both sides. The shells are ergonomically safe since they fit comfortably and do not cause discomfort even when worn for an extended period of time. The wire that comes with the IEM is the same cord that comes with most IEMs in this price range, except this one includes a higher-quality mic with one button. The cable contains a two-pin connector on one end and a 3.5mm straight termination plug on the other. The additional accessories include six pairs of silicon eartips in two types and three sizes, a UV light, a carrying pouch, and a 3.5mm splitter with a dedicated female 3.5mm microphone input and female 3.5mm audio output. Technical characteristics include an impedance of 32 Ohms and a sensitivity of 100 dB. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz.

Sound​

To my surprise, the G10's response is neutral with a sub bass boost, with the mid range emphasised, specifically the upper midrange and lower treble, to help amplify the presence as well as the note characteristics, which include tonal balance shift, details, positioning, and so on. The response is one of the finest I've heard in this price range; it doesn't go above and above, but it does give a reasonable response with better midrange than any other IEM that uses the same response. Because the frequencies above 13k are reduced, the midrange becomes more prominent and relevant in the mix; yet, this does not imply that the treble is lacking; let me explain in further detail.

Treble​

The treble region's response is mostly in the lower treble, although the upper treble contributes to one of the most clean and open-sounding results. The high treble sounds smooth and controlled, allowing the singers and instruments to sound more tonally thick and provide astounding note creation, which contributes to note fidelity. The extension is sensed, although it does not have a significant impact on the overall mix. The notes have a very vivid response. In contrast, the lower treble has greater vitality, allowing vocalists and instruments to seem more prominent and richer than the upper treble. Even if the reaction seems bold and energetic, it does not elicit an intimate or passionate response due to the open presentation. The vocals and instruments have clear notes, making responses expressive; also, no objectionable sounds are created. As a result, the overall presentation of the treble region is controlled yet lively and forward-looking, with excellent clarity.

Mid Range​

In terms of the midrange, I feel this is the cleanest I've heard; this does not imply that it's the clearest or most revealing. By this, I mean that the notes are spread out, giving each note its own identity, resulting in the voices and instruments seeming distinct and segregated, allowing for a clean response if not clarity. The crisp response prevents the notes from being sharp or peaky, and they sound tonally nice. The upper midrange has more vitality than the lower treble, making it easier to convey singers and instruments. The lower midrange sounds well enough to make the higher frequencies sound more natural and lifelike. However, I believe that the notes lack a rich and warm reaction. The notes are more exposing than I want, but the tonal balance is excellent. As a result, the mid-range area seems clean, open, and resolved.

Bass​

When it comes to the bass area, I feel the response is leaner than I expected; having a LCP composited diaphragm made me expect the bass to be more pounding and punchy. However, the bass feels more detailed and textured. The emphasis is on the sub bass, which reaches deep enough to generate a faint rumbling in the ear canals, while the punches are swift and accurate. The mid bass lacks meaty presence since the thumps aren't as impactful and the smashes are more audible than necessary. The bass is well controlled, which helps to maintain the response linear and crisp. However, such a response is more note-accurate than organic or natural sounding. Overall, the bass area is well-presented, textured, and detailed.

Technical Performance​

The G10 outperforms its competition in terms of technical skill, particularly imaging, separation, and details. However, I believe that KZ's planars provide a greater response in terms of resolution and detail. Let us expound on this issue.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The stage is wide enough to sound large, but the response is more stereo than surround. The image is sharp and clear, but it might have been clearer. The distinction between the notes is distinct, making it easier to pinpoint the source of the sound.

Speed & Resolution​

The resolution is excellent, and the details, particularly the macro elements, are really expressive; nevertheless, the micro details suffer. The assault and fade of notes is quickly paced and makes it a beautiful resolving IEM.

Sound Impressions​

Sources​

Sony WM1A - With this combo, I noticed that the response seemed broader and more expansive, which made the vocals sound more open and separated. The bass had increased energy and presence across the bass area. The treble felt somewhat raised, resulting in a lighter and crisper yet smoother response.

Tempotec V6 - With this coupling, the vocals are more accentuated and come across more front, making it seem more intuitive for mental perception. The bass seems more controlled and perhaps leaner. The treble sounds as it is. However, the answer appears to have pushed whichever location was stressed even further. To be honest, the music that resulted from this combo was quite enjoyable and exhilarating to listen to.

Gaming​

As previously said, they are gaming IEMs designed primarily for gamers that like listening to music while still meeting their gaming needs. I tested these IEMs while playing CS:GO2, Valorant, Genshin Impact, and other games, and discovered that the voices and SFX were more accentuated than any other IEM; in fact, the footfall were plainly heard, however other SFX playing would occasionally drown out the delicate noises. However, the vocals were more clear and nuanced than any other IEM I'd heard in this price range. However, the whole game experience, which includes blasts, hefty and intricate SFXs, was missing in note weight and wow features.

Tracks Used​

Luna Haruna - Glory days
Luna Haruna - Overfly
Rokudenashi - The Flame of Love
LMYK - 0 (zero)
ORESKABAND - Jitensya
Marina Horiuchi - Mizukagami no Sekai
RADWIMPS - Suzume
Indila - Love Story
Indila - Tourner dans le vide
Earth, Wind & Fire - September
Tom Petty - Free Fallin'
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Nirvana - Smells Like Teen Spirit
Blue Oyester Cult - (Don't Fear) The Reaper
Guns 'N' Roses - Sweet Child O' Mine
The Police - Every Breath You Take
Gojira - Amazonia
TV on the radio - Wolf Like Me
Bring Me To The Horizon - Can You Feel My Heart
Bring Me To The Horizon - sTraNgeRs
Avril Lavigne - Dare To Love Me
Travis - Love Will Come Through
Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know
DJ Shadows - Six Days (Remix) [feat. Mos Def]
Lady Gaga - Just Dance
Lil Wayne - Lollipop
Flo Rida - Low
Sebastian Lopez & Flug - Electronic Measures
Federico Mecozzi - Blue (Da Ba Dee)
Wayve - Not Enough
Kai Wachi & TeZATalks - Ghost
NGHTMRE, Zeds Dead & Tori Levett - Shady Intentions
Zeds Dead, DNMO & GG Magree - Save My Grave
Skrillex, Noisia, josh pan & Dylan Brady - Supersonic
Skrillex & Nai Barghouti - Xena
Skrillex, Missy Elliott & Mr. Oizo - RATATA
Kaifi Khalil, Eva B & Wahab Bugti - Kana Yaari
A.R. Rahman, Javed Ali & Mohit Chauhan - Kun Faya Kun

Conclusion​

To summarize this review, the G10 is more of an audiophile IEM than a gaming IEM, but it readily caters to both, whether you want to listen to clear and detailed sounds, conversations, or minute subtleties created during gameplay. These low-cost gaming IEMs provide excellent value for money. Therefore, I wholeheartedly suggest the EPZ Audio G10.

Introduction:-

Hello guys, Today I will review the EPZ g10. Its an iem which is targetted towards the gaming audience. Also it has a small party trick where in you can use the included UV light and it turns the faceplate green for few seconds.

I have also shared a video version of the review at YouTube any support there in form of a view, A like or A subscribe is greatly appreciated. But if you so wish to read the written version you can read this.



Before I start the review I would like to say thanks to EPZ for sending me the review unit, but all the thoughts and opinions you are about to hear are my own.

You can buy the it here (unaffiliated link) :-

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805423886165.html?

If neither of the links work, then search for "EPZ G10" in aliexpress and buy the one from the official EPZ store.

I will be as usual following my bullet style format for better readability for those who are dyslexic and in general find it hard to read long paragraphs. I follow this guide in general from the British Dyslexia Association.

So lets start the review!

---

Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories :-



1. The price of it is $35



2. They come with the iem, cable which has a mic, a Uv light, 3 pair of white and black tips each, a pouch and a headphone splitter for your computer.






3. The muted faceplate of the iem looks very good.



4. Using the provided UV light you can see that the faceplate turns green for few seconds. I don’t know why it is provided, but hey it is cool.



5. The cable also has a mic, who test I will give now.

---

Sound Signature:-


1. I would say the overall sound signature is V with leaning towards the bright


2. They sound very very very similar to the Q5


3. If anything I would say these sound even more spicy on the upper mid range.


4. I will be using the Hiby FC6, Fiio BTR5, IFI Hip Dac 3, IFI Go Blu, Colorfly CDA M1, Colorlfy CDA M2, Muse Hifi M4, Fosi Audio N3, Aune Yuki, Hiby M300, Akliam PD4 Plus, Kinera Usb C dongle dac, Razer Usb c dongle dac & My smartphone



Bass-


1. The overall bass is very light, specially for an iem oriented towards gaming


2. The bass is more sub-bass focused than mid-bass focused.


3. There is no mid-bass bleed, hence instruments sound quite good.


4. Where it does fall is when listening to songs like crack crack crackle like classy, while the bass has a great quality it lacks that overall punch and thump I would need to enjoy the sound.


5. When using the Xbass mode of the ifi hip dac 3 it sounds OK at lower volumes but distorts at higher volume



Mids-


1. The mids overall is quite ok and takes a bit of a back seat


2. The male vocals from Chris Cornell, Bill withers etc. doesn't have that richness and thickness I would like.


3. The female vocals is where it shines at plays very well here. It plays it so well that few might hav issues with and could be too much for many here.


4. This could get a bit spicy when listening to it at higher volumes or if you are very sensitive to it. But at low volume level it does sound ok and manageable



Treble-



1. The overall treble is kind surprising as to how good it is, in my opinion the treble here is better than the Q5


2. It has this very clean representation here


3. While the Q5 was treblehead, this has a very clean treble without being too much.


4. Although It could get a bit sibilant for some, so I wouldn't suggest this to people who are very sensitive to this.



Technicalities -

For this price range its ok, if the track gets too busy I think it falls very quick.



Soundstage -

Soundstage is good, It has a good ball of soundstage.



Imaging -

This to is very good, and the left and right transition when playing games is very good. Probably its strongest point.



Gaming test -


1. Now again the case is very similar to the Q5 here, you would expect it to do good while gaming here. But ehh…


2. While the G10 does help in most aspects of the game, but while playing if the situation got too busy it did sounded shrilly and it became to piercy even though the overall treble is better than the Q5.

---

Recommendations:-



1. Well I was quite excited for the G10, while I do think EPZ has a lot of potential specially with the industrial experience they have.



2. The G10 is quite ok for the price specially if you are a treblehead, but while gaming I think it lacks that bass punch which might be a bit off putting.



3. I hope EPZ could revise the G10 with tad bit more bass and tame the upper mids and treble a bit to make it sound more balanced. That could be very well done for gaming.



4. That was my review of the EPZ g10, I hope you liked it.

---

If you have any questions please feel free to ask me and also if you have any issues regarding this format of review please do comment I will try to mend it. Also sorry to those who are used to reading long paragraphs of review in headfi. I hope my review was upto the mark, I appreciate any feedback.

Again a big thanks to EPZ for making this review possible.

Have a great day ahead