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
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
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
In which case, EPZ, if you have any models in your line up that avoid the 5kHz peak, please let me know because I would love to enjoy a set of yours!
