EPZ Q5

Introduction
I purchased the EPZ Q5 directly from a marketplace, without prior experience with other EPZ series products. This review is based purely on personal experience, so opinions may vary. The EPZ Q5 comes with a complete set of accessories.

IEM
EPZ Q5 features a Single Dynamic Driver with a sensitivity of 109dB ±1dB and an impedance of 26 ohms. As you would imagine, this gives the EPZ Q5 easy handling: plug it into a phone and away we go. Its design is also compact and lightweight.

Sound Quality
- Bass : Bass is good with deep and quick sub-bass. This bass gives a good round tone which is suitable for two pedal tracks.
- Mid: The midrange is slightly recessed, with occasional sibilance on female vocals. However, male vocals come across as normal and pleasant to hear.
- Treble: Treble is the highlight here, characterized by an airy, sparkling, and "crisp" quality. Free from metallic or harsh tones, the treble enhances the sound of guitar distortion and violin, making them sound epic.
- Technical Performance: The EPZ Q5 offers accurate 3D imaging, making it suitable for gaming. Additionally, it has good sound separation, a wide and expansive soundstage, and clear micro-details.

Conclusion
The EPZ Q5 is a unique and engaging IEM with a "Cold" Harman tuning, ideal for those who enjoy energetic music. Its compact, lightweight design adds to its comfort, and it’s easy to drive with just a phone.

Additional Notes
Please feel free to share any comments or suggestions to help improve this review.

Preface:

I would like to thank EPZ for sending this unit as part of the review tour.

Also, I’m not a seasoned reviewer, so whatever I say is purely my observation and your results may vary.

I’m not the one to usually focus on specifications and numbers. I focus more on how happy I am with the equipment’s sound and that’s it.

Disclaimer: All impressions and opinions in this review are my own. I have not been paid or compensated by EPZ or any other entity for this review. My assessment is based solely on my personal experience with the product.

Sources used:

• Dita Navigator
• iBasso DC07 Pro
• L&P W2 Ultra
• D16 Taipan
• RME ADI-2 Pro FS R

Introduction:

Stepping into the world of budget audiophile IEMs can be a daunting task. Countless brands promise exceptional sound at wallet-friendly prices, but few truly deliver. Enter EPZ, a relatively new player making waves with their focus on innovative designs and accessible audio experiences. Today, we're taking a close look at their intriguing offering, the EPZ Q5.

Box contents:

• IEMs
• 3 pairs of eartips (S/M/L)
• 0.78mm 2-pin Cable (3.5mm terminated)
• Standard Carry Case

Design and Build:

Build Quality:

First impressions? These IEMs feel pretty darn solid for the price. The shells are made from some kind of 3D-printed resin, which gives them a smooth, almost porcelain-like finish. They're surprisingly lightweight, and the ergonomic design fits my ears like a glove.









Cable:

Okay, here's where I gotta vent a little. The stock cable that comes with the Q5 is, to put it bluntly, a bit of a letdown. It's thin, feels kinda cheap, and tangles like nobody's business. I swear, I spend more time untangling this thing than actually listening to music. The MMCX connectors also don't inspire much confidence. It's a shame, really, because the Q5 deserves better.



Comfort:

The Q5 is extremely comfortable to wear. The lightweight shells and ergonomic design make them disappear in my ears. I've worn them for hours on end without any discomfort or fatigue. The nozzle length seems just right, and the included ear tips provide a good seal.

Sound Analysis:

Tonality:

The overall tonality of the Q5 leans towards a balanced presentation with a hint of brightness. It's not overly warm or analytical, finding a nice middle ground that works well for a variety of genres. While listening to "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac, the Q5 did a fantastic job of capturing the delicate balance between the acoustic guitar, Lindsey Buckingham's soaring vocals, and the driving rhythm section. However, when I switched to something more intricate like "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, the busier sections felt a bit congested, lacking the spaciousness I craved.

Sub Bass:

The sub-bass on the Q5 is present but not overwhelming. It extends reasonably deep, providing a satisfying rumble without muddying the waters. When I cued up "Limit to Your Love" by James Blake, the deep bass notes had a decent amount of weight and texture. The decay was a tad slow for my liking, though, making the bass linger a bit longer than I prefer. This was less noticeable in tracks like "Angel" by Massive Attack, where the sub-bass is more integrated into the overall mix.

Mid Bass:

Moving into the mid-bass region, the Q5 delivers a punchy and controlled performance. "Hysteria" by Muse showcased the Q5's ability to handle fast and dynamic bass lines with precision. The decay here is quicker than in the sub-bass, which helps to keep the sound clean and articulate. However, I felt the mid-bass could benefit from a touch more warmth and body, especially in tracks like "Smooth Operator" by Sade, where a richer bass response would have added to the overall groove.

Lower Midrange:

The lower midrange is where I have some minor gripes with the Q5. While male vocals in "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen sounded natural and present, they lacked a bit of weight and richness. This region feels slightly recessed, which can sometimes make instruments like cellos and baritone saxophones sound a bit thin. This was particularly noticeable in "The Sound of Silence" by Disturbed, where the depth and resonance of the cello felt somewhat diminished.

Upper Midrange:

Thankfully, the upper midrange is a strong point for the Q5. Female vocals are clear and articulate, with a good amount of presence. Listening to "Rolling in the Deep" by Adele, her powerful vocals soared effortlessly, capturing the emotion and intensity of the song. However, I did notice a slight peak in the upper midrange that occasionally introduced a hint of sibilance on tracks like "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap.

Lower Treble:

The lower treble is where the Q5 starts to shine. It's crisp and detailed, adding sparkle and airiness to the overall presentation. Cymbal crashes in "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins had a realistic shimmer without being harsh. The decay is well-controlled, preventing the treble from becoming fatiguing. However, I felt that the lower treble could have been a touch smoother, as it occasionally sounded slightly edgy in tracks like "Kashmir" by Led Zeppelin.

Upper Treble:

The upper treble extends well, providing a good sense of air and spaciousness. "Baba O'Riley" by The Who highlighted the Q5's ability to reproduce the high-pitched synthesizer lines with clarity and detail. However, the upper treble can be a bit hot at times, bordering on sibilant with certain recordings. This was evident in "Walking on Broken Glass" by Annie Lennox, where the high notes occasionally became piercing.

Staging:

The soundstage on the Q5 is decent but not outstanding. It has a good sense of width, but the depth and height are somewhat limited. In "Hotel California" by The Eagles, the instruments were well-placed across the soundstage, creating a sense of space. However, the soundstage felt a bit compressed in "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd, lacking the expansive feel that I've experienced with other IEMs.

Layering and Separation:

The Q5 does a respectable job with layering and separation. In complex tracks like "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead, the different instruments were generally well-defined and easy to follow. However, during busy passages, the separation could become a bit muddled, losing some of the individual instrument definition.

Timbre:

The timbre of the Q5 is mostly natural, with instruments sounding relatively close to their real-life counterparts. Acoustic instruments like the piano in "Clair de Lune" by Debussy were reproduced with good accuracy. However, electric guitars in "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath lacked a bit of bite and aggression, sounding slightly polite.

Detail Retrieval:

The Q5 is a fairly detailed IEM, revealing subtle nuances in the music. In "Teardrop" by Massive Attack, I was able to pick out subtle background details that I hadn't noticed before. However, the detail retrieval isn't class-leading, and some micro-details were lost in the mix, particularly in busy orchestral pieces like "Jupiter" from Gustav Holst's "The Planets."

Conclusion:

The EPZ Q5 is a solid all-rounder that offers a balanced sound signature with a hint of brightness. It excels in the upper midrange and treble, providing clarity and detail. However, it has some minor weaknesses in the lower midrange and bass, which prevent it from achieving a higher score. Overall, it's a good option for those looking for a detailed and engaging listening experience without breaking the bank.

Ladies and gentlemen, today I am here to bring you a review of the EPZ Q5 earphone. EPZ is a relatively new brand on the market, offering very interesting options for consumers, from more affordable products to high-end models. The EPZ Q5 is an earphone that has been in development since 2019 (according to the manufacturer), and I believe it is one of the brand’s most striking models, especially because of its market positioning. The Q5 is priced around $50, a range with many strong competitors, which has recently seen a shift where $50 earphones today are expected to perform better than the $70-80 earphones from a few years ago.

Starting with the physical aspects, the Q5 comes in a very beautiful box, showcasing the brand’s meticulous care and attention to detail in product presentation. It's worth mentioning that in the first batch, the Q5 came disconnected from the cable, but in more recent batches, it comes pre-connected to avoid potential problems or difficulties for the customer in attaching the cable. The shells feature a beautiful “drop” design, in a material that resembles porcelain. I must confess that this material doesn't seem to be the most robust; I got the impression that if pressed too hard (for example, in a fall or step), it might break like an egg. The box is generously sized and tastefully detailed. The accompanying cable is excellent—light, well-fitting, and easy to handle. It also comes with 3 pairs of traditional high-quality tips and 3 pairs of shallower tips, which were my favorite during testing. These tips, besides being comfortable, reduce the bass and provide more air to the earphone. Additionally, there is a simple yet effective case for storing and protecting the earphones.

The EPZ Q5 is a removable cable earphone and features the controversial MMCX connector. I found it somewhat surprising that the brand opted for this approach, as there aren’t many options with this type of connector in this price range, and the market generally doesn’t favor them. However, in its defense, I can say that they work very well, and I haven’t encountered any problems with them so far.

In terms of fit, this is one of the Q5's highlights. Its shell has a unique shape, not too large, and it will surely fit all ears, from large to small. The isolation isn’t the best due to this, but it doesn’t disappoint either. There are two color options available: black with gold and white with gold (my choice, and this version looks charming, impossible not to think of Michael Guy Chislett’s iconic Gretsch).

From the first moment I saw the EPZ Q5, even before having it in hand, I noticed something about its design that reminded me a lot of European design, especially Slavic architecture. If I didn’t know EPZ was a Chinese brand, I would definitely guess that this earphone came from a Belgian, German, Romanian, or Norwegian manufacturer. In short, the earphone is beautiful—not too flashy, but rather more simple and minimalist, with great taste.

Equipped with a single dynamic driver, the Q5 isn’t too difficult to amplify, but to achieve 100% of its performance, a decent source is needed (more than just a phone output). When well amplified, it gains detail, dynamics, and everything becomes more precise, especially in the bass and treble. Using a simpler source, it still sounds good but has room for improvement. For these tests, I used the following sources:

- Moto G73

- Samsung A32

- iPhone 6S

- Moto G8 Plus

- Tempotec Sonata BHD

- Fiio KA11 (best source for it)

- Letshuoer DT01

- Conexant Cx31993

- Realtek ALC 5686

- VE ODO


Moving on to the sound, the Q5 has a fantastic tonality. It follows a U-shaped sound signature, though it deviates from the well-known Harman Target curve and takes on a more proprietary and elegant approach—very musical, and at times, fun. Overall, it sounds very balanced, and we could say it’s a neutral earphone. I’ve had trouble, and I still haven’t decided, whether to classify it as warm neutral or cold neutral. It covers both ends well and is too cold to be warm and too warm to be cold.

Starting with the bass, the Q5 immediately shows its strength. There’s a very well-placed boost, especially in the sub-bass region, and I can say it’s an excellent and healthy amount—not too much, not too little. Majestic bass. If you're listening to something more fun, the bass is there to show its power. When it doesn’t need to stand out or needs to appear more discreetly, it also does that well, without overshadowing anything. But what impresses most is the quality of this bass. It extends well, has great speed (neither too fast nor too slow), and most importantly, it’s very detailed. The bass is highly resolute, textured, and physical, incredibly detailed. When properly amplified, the bass becomes dynamic and responsive. In many songs, it gives an "optical" aspect to the bass and drums, allowing you to notice every detail. In several bass lines, it felt like I zoomed in on the bass track, and the bassist was playing right next to me. The bass is splendid and flawless!

Moving to the mids, this is where the Q5 decides to show its strongest personality. The mids of the Q5 are more embellished and have a complex character. In terms of positioning, I’d say they’re slightly recessed—not negatively, but in a calmer, more elegant way. The best word to describe the Q5's mids is elegance. They are delicate, pragmatic, and overall, they present everything with great tonality. The pinna gain is slightly calmer than what we’re used to in today’s market, which makes voices sound very breathable and calm. I found no flaws here either, and I must particularly praise the female vocals, especially the softer ones! They are beautifully positioned with a tone of grace and class. Some people classify the Q5 as a V-shaped earphone, but I disagree with that classification. Based on my personal view and literature, the mids would need to be even more recessed to be truly considered V-shaped.

As for the treble, the Q5 is generous here and shows a more engaging and warm treble region. At no point is there any sibilance, harshness, or unpleasantness! The treble has excellent timbre, extension, and airiness, bringing a lot of detail, color, and physicality to sounds that benefit from this part of the spectrum. Cymbals sound beautiful here! In terms of positioning, on a scale of 0 to 10, with 5 being neutral, I’d place the treble at around 7. The treble is crafted with care—a bold but well-judged and implemented response. It’s present in a perfect amount, highlighting timbres without interfering with anything else.

When it comes to technical aspects, especially when well amplified, the Q5 is a very competent earphone, with great detail, good resolution, imaging, and instrument separation. Its soundstage is relatively wide—more on the large side than claustrophobic. It's quite surprising how musical and technical it can be in this price range. Its driver works impressively in this regard!

Overall, the Q5 is a refined earphone, and I can’t find any serious flaws. If it had been released a few years ago, it would have cost much more. It has proven to be a great all-rounder. Pop music? It can handle it! A smooth jazz track? It excels! Rock or metal? Plenty of energy! Acoustic tracks? It shines!

In addition to its excellent presentation and inviting shell that will fit all ears, the Q5 is an almost unanimous recommendation for its price range. The competition is tough, but the Q5 stands firm and fights bravely.

Metaphorically speaking, the Q5 is the kind of person who stands out easily in a crowd. It manages to do everything very well, accomplishes all its tasks with excellence, and has an even greater glory—it has personality! From the connector to some design choices, and especially in sound, it differentiates itself in some aspects and is not afraid to be different. It stands its ground, and because of that, it garners great respect. In any collection, it won’t be overlooked, as it’s not just more of the same and deserves a place of prominence.

Comparisons:

Truthear Zero Red: The Red follows a slightly warmer personality, with a much more subdued treble region, warm mids, and more pronounced bass. It ends up losing detail, has a narrower soundstage, and is generally a less technical earphone, but more musical.

Trn Conch: Even being in a price range well below the EPZ Q5, the Conch holds its ground bravely against it. The Conch is a more technical earphone, has a wider soundstage, and better instrument separation than the EPZ Q5. The treble region in the Conch is even livelier, and the bass response is softer. It’s as if the Conch takes the cold side of the EPZ Q5 and amplifies it.

Trn Medusa: A recent release from Trn, it surprised me because it largely follows a similar tuning path to the EPZ Q5. The Medusa has an even larger soundstage, more detail, and a lot of airiness (coming from a more prominent treble region). The bass of the Medusa does not achieve the same refinement that the Q5 has. The Medusa comes with a very interesting kit, including a modular cable that surpasses the Q5, but overall, they are very close earphones, and the choice between one and the other will come down to whether you are looking for technicalities or musicality.

Dunu Titan S: An earphone from a category above the Q5, but recently, with the launch of its newer sibling (S2), it is often found at the price of the EPZ. The Titan S follows a much colder personality, with a lot of detail, depth, soundstage, and very well-developed instrument separation. The Q5 is not as technical as the Titan, but it’s not far behind either. In what it loses in technicalities, it makes up for in musicality. The Titan S often sounds like a more distant earphone, which the Q5 does a great job of preventing. They are two excellent earphones that complement each other very well.

Synergy:

In "Where is the love? - Black Eyed Peas (2003)," the Q5 shows all its capabilities, with a clean, engaging, and responsive presentation. The bass line in "Lauren - Men I Trust (2016)" surprises with its physicality and presence, delivering a truly captivating performance! In "Senhor do Tempo - CBJR (2005)," with the Q5, I could perceive the micro-detail of the sound of hands dragging on the guitar strings (commonly known as squeak); it was literally an "Eureka!" moment! In the track "Temptation - Diana Krall (2004)," reaching its peak, the cymbals at the beginning are super physical, with the bass providing a solid foundation, and the vocals delivering a complete show—delicate, smooth, and elegant! It’s a delightful experience that fills the eyes. "Shiny Happy People - R.E.M (1991)" is another demonstration of all the sumptuousness and effectiveness of the Q5. A presentation that is a pleasure to listen to!

EPZ Q5

Shout out to Gadget Generations for providing me with this IEM for review. I won’t be keeping this IEM and no exchange has been made except an honest review. No one influenced me to say anything good or bad about the product, all thoughts and opinions are mine and honest to my findings.

Introduction

I never used an EPZ IEM before this and I am completely new to this brand, so I had a blank slate in my mind. I must say the packaging of this IEM is extremely good as a budget IEM. I have seen IEMs costing 10X the price use worse packaging than this. There are two types of tips in the box and a small carry care.

This IEM consists of a single Dynamic Driver, which is responsible for producing the entire frequency spectrum and I must say they do a great job of providing that. I don’t have much experience with IEM priced at this range so I might sometimes compare it to a higher priced IEM.

The tonality of this IEM

The tonality of this IEM is bright bass-boosted neutral (Not enough sub-bass amplitude to call it a V-shaped IEM for me). The bass is there but not flaunting off. The midrange is neutral and the treble is very according to my preference in neutrality. Through and through this IEM is a very neutrally tuned IEM with great technicalities for the price.

Let’s start with a few things I liked about this IEM.

Soundstage – The soundstage of this IEM is very well stretched and spaced out. The depth can be observed to a great degree. It is not unnaturally stretched Left to Right or Front to Back, but it is very evenly distributed in every dimension. The scope of the soundstage feels very distant and not claustrophobic even a bit on the busiest tracks.

Imaging – The imaging on this IEM on the other hand is very well implemented in the soundstage. I have seen a lot of cases with budget IEMs where, imaging gets sacrificed which leaves me sometimes unsatisfied, which is not the case with this IEM in the slightest. The imaging on the soundstage is very well done. It is not laser focused and you can’t expect laser focus imaging under $400, so it is not worth complaining about.

Treble – The treble on this IEM feels surprisingly airy and extremely enjoyable. The treble is not shy of flaunting its elevation yet they never ever felt peaky and unrefined. This was unexpected from a set price this low.

Bass – The Bass is very well rounded. The sub-bass and mid-bass coherency is extremely suitable for the enjoyment factor. The thump and thud are there. And there is no bleed in the midrange.

Now few things that you can’t get away with any budget sets

Vocals – Vocals on this set sound very average. Lower-mid especially sounds a bit dry sounding and not engaging. Upper-mids on the other hand sounded fine.

Resolution – Resolution on this set is very average, although the micro contrasts are well projected but the resolution will not be enough to serve well to very complex & busy genres of music.

Conclusion

This IEM is for someone who is looking for a budget IEM to serve all of the genres one can think of. This IEM is very good for the price it is getting sold at. I would say that this IEM will satisfy the tech lovers most, with its exceptional soundstage and imaging capabilities.

Comparison

Rose Technics Quiet Sea – Quiet Sea is more more organic sounding IEM. The soundstage is better in Q5 but the treble is more safe on the quiet sea. The bass is better on Q5 whereas lower-mids are better on quiet sea. Both of them are very different IEMs, but if I had to choose one – I would choose Q5 for the fun elements it offers.

Tinhifi T2 – T2 has more bite in treble but the soundstage and imaging are better on Q5. Bass is better in Q5 but the mids are tuned better in T2 although it sounds a bit boxy sometimes in T2. If I had to choose between these two I would have chosen T2 for Orchestra and for everything I would choose Q5.


Watch My YouTube review of this IEM -

EPZ Q5 offers quite an impressive sound quality. The Design reminds me of my favorite daily driver Meze Advar and that makes them very very comfortable for day-to-day usage. They come in a very budget-friendly segment which makes them very much reachable for the ones who are looking for a musical entry-level IEM that can be used for longer durations without any fatigue.



I have had the chance to listen to EPZ Q5 as a part of the review tour conducted by the brand itself in India. The impressions are based on my taste in music and my gear.

The box has been very neatly designed and comes with a bunch of accessories such as ear tips, a carry case, and a cleaning microfiber cloth. The stock cable is quite soft and comfortable and comes with a fixed 3.5mm termination with a 2-pin connector design.



Regarding the sound part, out of the box, I found them a bit on the leaner side with an emphasis on treble but things started changing as soon as I changed the stock eartips. This is the first thing I recommend to anyone who is going for this pair. By replacing with a bit bass-oriented tips the IEMs develop much thicker notes and the treble sparkle gets in control making them quite musical. The mids although sound a bit recessed as a result of v-shaped tunning. The soundstage is quite expansive and offers good stereo transitions. The overall sound quality perfectly shines as per the price segment.



In conclusion, the IEMs are capable of delivering a high price-to-performance ratio. They are a charm for those who are looking for a comfortable yet affordable pair and love a kind of v-shaped sound signature. However, my recommendation would be to experiment a bit with different cables and ear tips for desired results. The IEMs respond very well to tip-rolling. I'll be definitely grabbing myself a pair of these for my day-to-day casual usage.

Before starting the review I want to thank EPZ for arranging a review tour of this iem in my country.

Unboxing and Accessories Package

The unboxing experience is quite lavish. The box has magnetic flaps to open, then the iems are presented in front of you with a small accessories package.





The accessories package includes 1. Cable 2. Eartips 3. Carrying Case. The carrying case provided is very good, has good build quality, and perfect size. The cable provided is on the thinner side, in my opinion, they could have provided a better cable. The eartips provided are also good.

Design, Fit, and Comfort.

In terms of design, we all know they took inspiration from meze advar. I say they took inspiration from the right people. The design is very good and ergonomic. The shells are small and light and provide a deep fit, they do not protrude out of the ears that much. This makes them a perfect candidate for sleeping iems. I can easily wear these iems for hours with no sign of discomfort. The shells are made of plastic and have a metal insert on the faceplate. The quality of the shell is not up to the mark. The isolation provided is decent. The iem has an mmcx connector, so this is up to you if it’s a con or a pro, some people like it some love it. In my personal opinion, I like 2 pin connectors more.

Frequency Response



I used Divinus velvets for sound evaluation. Q5 has a V - shaped signature.

Bass

EPZ used a very good quality driver for the price. So, the bass performance is very good as an extension of that. The bass quality is very good for the price. The sub-bass goes deep. Sub bass texture and ruble is also excellent. Q5 has no issue playing the tripple drop in the track Kil Jill by Big Boi. The mid-bass thump is also good with a decent slam. The decay of the bass is slightly on the quicker side, but over all, I can say the bass performance is excellent for the price.

Mids

Mids are slightly recessed due to v-shaped tuning. 300hz - 1khz region is slightly recessed but to counteract that 5khz region is slightly boosted. This prevents the mids from sounding too recessed. This can be a good or bad thing for people who are sensitive to this region. In my opinion, 4-6khz can get much for my personal preference. Vocals sound good, males sound decent with enough heart and body. Female vocals are good they sound extended and open. Guitars can sound a bit forward in the mix due to the slightly boosted presence region. The timber is not the most natural, it leans on the metallic side.

Treble

The treble performance is very good. Mid-treble is on the lively side but it never gets too much. The extension is excellent. Q5 sounds very airy, and due to this macro detail performance is very good.

Detail retrieval and Technical Performance

The detail retrieval performance of Q5 is excellent, it presents macro and micro nuance in the tracks well. The technical performance is also very good for the price. The staging width is good. The instrument separation and layering performance is decent as well. The imaging performance is also up to the mark.

Conclusion

EPZ Q5 is a very good iem. It has excellent bass and treble performance. If you are okay with its cons, I can highly recommend this iem.

If you're interested in graph comparison, here's the Link

+ i'm a normal asian dude with some music producing background
+ i like clean balanced sound signature with focus on sub bass and lower treble, especially looking for a good dynamism and harmonic playthrough, i like vocal, not necessary mid dominant, can consider myself as treblehead
+ 60-68db listening session
+ Avarage score 4/10 (Quarks/ 7hz Zero) Middle score 6/10 (Tanchjim Kara)
+ Bias score is i like it or not, doesn't sum on overall score

Click to expand...

By the way the one on " " will be my true off my chest description, it will be unfiltered so...

- Bass (6.5/10): "boosted, very boosted subbass, detail is subpar. Still get a high point for the extreme natural tuning and badly tuned subwoofer experience"
- Mid (6/10): sound recessed, overall sound is very correct and true to record, separation isn't the best but pretty much depend on songs.
- Vocals (10/10)*: "foward and robust, sound extremely, crazy fun. Sound good with both male and female vocals. Won't be natural and obviously won't be true to life, but it is so fun that i really recommend everyone tried it for once. Obviously i bias this since it sounds similar Sony 7506 which is my second headphones, but it is good!"
*Actual score: 7.7/10
- Treble (6.5/10): very unforgiving, very sparkle with moderate shimmering, sounds robust and very fun, give off "fake detail" kinda sounds. Can sound sibilance.
- Detail (6.5/10): Macro (7/10), Micro (6/10)
- Soundstage (7/10): Large room (6.3/10) to Small Stadium soundstage (7/10) depend on songs
- Imaging (6/10): Accurate small holographic imaging, anything out of that small ball will became blurry
Bias (8/10): bass boosted neutral, maybe a little too neutral
Overall : 6.6/10
Bro what, that robust sounds, can't believe this is 30$

1. INTRO
• First of all, I would like to thank EPZ HIFI Earphones for sending me this EPZ Q5 for review.

• Disclaimer this review is also subjective, everything is based on personal opinion & based on what I feel with my own ears, source & personal playlist.

• Disclaimer for this review, the eartips & cable that came with the iem were purely used

• Lastly, this information is also light enough to be driven using a cellphone, but again using a good source has the potential to maximize its potential.

2. COMPLETENESS

This EPZ Q5 has quite good equipment for me with the following details:

- A pair of iems
- A cable
- 6 pairs of eartips
- 1 case
- 1 rag

Yes, overall for me it is quite good because all the equipment can be used & is useful.



3. FITTING & BUILD QUALITY

• FITTING: In terms of fitting, this iem tends to be good for me, even though the shape is not convincing, the reality is that when I put it on my ear, the fitting is good. The earhook from the cable also fits comfortably around my ears. Overall, there are no complaints about the fitting.

• BUILD QUALITY: The build quality itself is quite good for me. The housing is made of resin which is quite good. The premium cable for me is quite good & good looking.

4. SOUND QUALITY



• BASS: For bass, the EPZ Q5 has just enough quantity with a focus on the sub-bass area. The subbass has good extension and feels like it has enough depth with good rumble. As for the midbass here, the impact is also quite good, it feels soft and soft. In terms of texture & control, it feels quite good. In terms of speed, the EPZ Q5 is considered one of the best in its class, so this is a really good IEM for metal. Overall, for me, the EPZ Q5's bass presentation is one of the best in its class, even though the quantity is just enough, the quality of execution is quite good.

• MID: The mid of the EPZ Q5 is positioned a bit back behind the bass & treble. The weight tends to be a bit thin & there is boosting in the uppermid area which makes the female vocals feel more dominant than the female vocals. Honestly, the presentation of the male vocals here is not very good, it feels a bit thin in weight & less enjoyable than the female vocals. As for the female vocals, the presentation is quite clear, quite sweet, energetic & natural. The presentation of the instrument itself here is also quite good, it feels detailed, loose & natural. The timbre here also feels natural. Overall, for me the presentation of the mids is good, although not the best because the weight is a bit thin & the male vocals are not that good, although they are still enjoyable.

• TREBLE: For the treble itself, the EPZ Q5 has a good presentation. The treble is classified as having good extension & texture. the detail of the treble is also good & gives an airy impression too. As for the timbre itself, it's also okay, it doesn't feel plasticky & there's no harsh or piercing impression. Overall this treble is one of the best for me in its price class.

• TECHNICAL: Technically, the EPZ Q5 is also quite good for its competitive price class. He has a stage that is quite wide on the right and left & for the top and bottom it is also quite okay for me. The separation & imaging is also good, everything feels neat and quite accurate. For detail, micro detail & resolution, it is also said to be quite good. Yes, overall, for its technical price class, IEM is one of the best for me.

5. COMPARATION

• EPZ Q5 VS 7HZ SONUS: The EPZ Q5 definitely feels better than the Sonus, the bass & treble extension I feel like the EPZ Q5 feels a little better than the Sonus. For the vocals, the sonus presentation is a little better, although it's still more natural in Q5, in sonus the vocals feel more balanced, the male vocals also feel a little better, the female vocals feel sweeter too & the position is just right, not as backwards as in Q5. Technically, the Sonus clearly wins, the Q5 only wins a little in terms of clarity, the rest is good, the Sonus.

• EPZ Q5 VS KEFINE DELCI: The Delci bass feels more fun & the impact feels better than the Q5, although for subbass extension the Q5 feels better than the Delci. but for Delci bass the presentation is better for me. The Delci vocals feel more full-bodied, the presentation also feels smoother, more balanced & more natural than the Q5. For me, the Q5's treble presentation is better than the Delci which tends to be smooth. Technically, you could say that the Delci is a little better in the clarity section which feels clearer & the stage feels more spacious on the right and left.

6. CONCLUSION

EPZ Q5 is an interesting iem for me, it has a deep v-shaped sound direction. He has good top-down extension & good technical for his price class. This iem is really suitable for v-shape iem lovers & also suitable for those who like metal or who need quite good technical skills. Apart from good sound in its price class, IEM also has good fittings and good cables and eartips that are comfortable to wear. Maybe I only have one complaint, namely the pin connector which uses mmcx, apart from that, I really like this iem



7. PROS & CONS

• PROS:
- Quite good equipment
- Comfortable fitting
- Good bass extension
- Good treble extension
- Good technical
- Good cable
- Good girl vocals
• CONS:
- V-shape
- MMCX connector
- Mid weight is a bit thin
- Male vocals are not good

8. PLAYLISTS:
Suis from yorushika - Wakamonono Subete
Kessoku Band - Shine As usual
Yorushika - Sunny
Linkin Park - In The End
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Face Down
Green Day - Wake Me Up When September Ends
The Rock - Munajat Cinta

Hey, that's all for this review, sorry if it's not neat or good. Thank You

regards

EPZ Q5 Review: The Kingslayer​

WATCH FULL REVIEW HERE:​

PRICE: $50​

PROS:​

Well-done Bright U-Shaped Sound signature
Clean but deep-reaching low end
Open, clean midrange
Energetic but smooth and well-extended treble region
Fantastic technical ability
Comfortable fit
Good accessories

CONS:​

Not for treble sensitives
Mids sound a little thin and dry
The design might seem a little unoriginal
Not the most stable fit
MMCX (bias)

WHO THIS SET IS FOR:​

Trebleheads
People who want a very technical sounding set for under $100
People who like MMCX connectors (a rarity nowadays)
People who like a very clean and lean sound
People who want a very lightweight and comfortable IEM

WHO THIS SET ISN’T FOR:​

Treble sensitives
People who want bodied lower mids
People who don’t like MMCX connectors
People who want a more stable fit
People who want a more original design

RECOMMENDED GENRES:​

Classical
Vocal Pop
Jazz

SHORT REVIEW:​

EPZ has made a statement in the budget scene with the Q5 proving itself to be a proper contender against the likes of the Simgot EW200. Bright neutral to give your listening sessions extra spice, the Q5 is a very technical set for the price that doesn’t skimp out on tonality. It might be a little too bright for most people and it may not be the best for music with lower midrange emphasis, but there’s much to love about the Q5 if you’re a treble-seeking, technical-focused sound. RECOMMENDED WITH CAVEATS!

FULL REVIEW:​

In the land of the Chi-Fi, many climb the treacherous mountain of “Value”. Reviews and consumers alike argue that IEM is the best IEM or what brand is the best brand. With new brands popping out faster than my acne, how can a brand stand out from the market? Be bold and weird? Be safe and generalist. Or put out so many sets to overwhelm the market into picking one.

EPZ is a brand many have come to love, not for providing weird sets alone but neither for playing it safe. They live in that middle ground of making safe yet focused sets depending on their target demographic, whether it’d be gamers or hardcore audiophiles. So when they created a set that rose to become the competitor to one of, if not, the biggest budget IEM in the market today, how did it fair?

DISCLAIMER: The EPZ Q5 was sent over by EPZ in exchange for my honest thoughts.

PLAY IT SAFE, BUT PLAY IT COOL​

EPZ has been a brand that I’ve been paying close attention to for a while. They’ve put out very interesting sets in the past and have garnered quite the following recently. So when I got the opportunity to review their products, specifically the Q5, I was stoked. The Q5 made waves last year and now is the perfect time to see how this $50 truly fairs in today’s hyper-competitive market

UNBOXING​

The unboxing experience of the EPZ Q5 is pretty bog standard for this price range. Coming in a rather large longitudinal box that features the FR graph, the layout of the inclusions are pretty nice and easy to find.

Here are the full list of inclusions:

• EPZ Q5 IEMs
• 6 pairs of eartips
• Carrying Pouch
• Paperwork

For $50, the inclusions seem just about acceptable. A nice, spacious case with 3 sets of unique-looking ear tips is more than enough for me, but definitely not beating the competition in accessorizing.



More on the eartips, these look like a stubbier Dunu S&S tip and depending on the IEM, these could genuinely fit fantastic. On the Q5, they fit quite nice but prefer a set with longer, deeper nozzles to really fit well.



The rest of the eartips are your basic 07 style tips that are tried and tested. You either love it or hate it. No in-between.

BUILD & FIT​

If you are in any way knowledgeable about different kinds of in-ear monitors, you can probably a very distinct similarity between the aesthetics of the Q5 to another set.



But before diving into that, let’s talk internals. The Q5 features a single Ceramic Carbon Nano moving coil dynamic driver housed in a DLP 3D printed resin shell and features an MMCX connection. Not common we find MMCX in the budget realm nowadays, but this serves as an option for those who like MMCX connectors. I do not like MMCX connectors myself, but I can respect those who do. I want to put a little bit of focus on that Ceramic Carbon Nano dynamic driver as this is not common to find in this price range. A set that comes to mind with a similar configuration is the NiceHCK N3 which features a 7-layer piezoelectric ceramic tweeter on top of the 10mm carbon nanotube dynamic driver. Most sets at this price go with LCP, DLC or a mixture of both (SCP of EW200) so this is certainly interesting to see.



But let’s cut the chitchat. Yes, this looks VERY similar to the Meze Advar with the little sinkhole in the center and the overall rounded shape that gives it a very prestige and premium look. The difference. My unit in particular has less in common with the Advar as it is in a white and gold color but the black and gold are particularly similar. Regardless, I’m not here to claim that they stole the design. Other aspects such as the overall size, the inner shell and the shape are different from each other. But I thought it was interesting to see the similarities, especially with the little butthole-looking faceplate both feature. Nonetheless, the build quality feels REALLY good for a resin build. It feels more like ceramic due to the white finish and if it wasn’t for the fact that it doesn’t make any sound when I clack, I would’ve been fooled to think it was a glassy material.



Anyways, the fit is thankfully pretty good. It’s a little shallow depending on the eartips you use, but the stability and seal are surprisingly impressive for the form factor. This is similar to the EW200 in a way due to the small, lightweight and fatigue-free fit that comes at the cost of seal and stability. In the Q5’s case, it improves upon all aspects but, depending on your ear anatomy, may have brought in a rather nasty case of driver flex. Personally, I haven’t experienced issues with Driver Flex, but I know people have noted that they’ve experienced Driver Flex with the Q5.



You might think I’m gonna talk about how much I hate the MMCX since the Q5 is one of the few IEMs in the budget space released recently with MMCX, but I also know that some people have had the same experience I had with MMCX but with 2-pin. And at the end of the day, if you don’t cable roll every single day, you’re fine. If you do, well, my point with MMCX still stands.

The cable is alright, but admittedly on the thinner side. It’s very lightweight and does not irritate my sensitive skin, but it’s even thinner than the cable that comes with the likes of the EW200. I like how soft the cable is, but this also leads to being quite tangle-prone due to the combination of the thinness and the softness. Pair that with the fact that it’s terminated to MMCX guarantees that if I get the chance, I am 100% cable rolling the Q5.

SOUND​

Sound Signature​

The EPZ Q5 features a bright u-shaped sound signature with a boosted low end, slightly recessed and thin midrange, and very sparkly and energetic treble. As someone who finds bright v or u-shaped IEMs as their guilty pleasure, the Q5 was quite the treat when I first put them in after spending days on the rather chill Dunu Falcon Ultra. This follows the tried and tested bright u-shaped sound signature that many of the highly-acclaimed sets have been featuring (and will compare to later)

Drivability​

The Q5 is quite easy to drive with a sensitivity of 109db and an impedance of 26ohms. But there’s something about that Ceramic-Carbon diaphragm that makes this thing sound considerably better with better sources, more than other sets I’ve tried in this price range. I highly recommend using a cleaner, more powerful, and warmer (personal preference) source to balance out the brightness and bring out the best of this set.

Bass​

As a bright u-shaped IEM, you’d expect the bass of the Q5 to take the immediate back seat in the overall tuning. But the Q5 doesn’t throw the bass out for the sake of the sparkle. The bass of the Q5 is clean, and tight but kicks when it needs to. It doesn’t force out the bass like another u-shaped set, instead giving it a cleaner and deeper bass that allows for it to be quite versatile depending on the genre. It’s not the most tactile bass which saddened me nor did it provide sufficient note weight for low midrange vocals and instruments, but it did act as the perfect balance to keep the mids from sounding overly thin and distant with the deep, rumbly, and impactful low end on the tracks that call for it and a clean and tight bass on tracks that don’t.

Listening to Umbrella by Penthouse was quite a treat, albeit lacking in the texture. Especially during the start with the slow but very groovy bassline, the Q5 was able to present the bass with such finesse to make a man cry. The texture was the biggest turn-off for me though as the midbass lacked the punch and tactility that I looked for in this track

Mids​

U-shaped sets have a very distinct midrange quality that sounds neither recessed nor forward (at least in the lower registers). The Q5 is no different as the brighter tone affects the vocals by making the lower frequency vocals sound a little bit thin on some more balanced tracks, but sufficiently warm on warmer tracks. I loved how clean the vocals on the Q5 sounded overall. It’s not really the best for male vocals or bassy instruments, but upper vocals and higher frequency instruments like violins, flutes, and the like sound wonderful. The beautiful of bright u-shaped sets like the Q5 is that when you listen to female vocal-centric or instrumental tracks, the balance of the deep low end and the emphasis in the upper mids give it such a harmonious sound that my usual midbass-focused tastes can’t really do.

Listening to the likes of Laufey, Diana Krall and Samara Joy were quite the treat. Their vocals are on the lower registers, around contralto to mezzo-soprano and the leaner nature of the midrange give their vocals the much-needed leanness to make their vocals sound ethereal. However, Earth, Wind & Fire showcases the weakpoint of the Q5 when it comes to male vocals with Maurice White’s vocals often sounding quite thin and dry, lacking engagement but keeping vocals sounding clean

Treble​

The highlight of the Q5. This is what will make you fall in love with the Q5 or what’ll turn you away. The treble is sharp, snappy and energetic, moreso than your usual neutral tuned set in this price and follows a similar level of energy as the likes of the EW200 and Qingluan Z4. The difference is that while the Q5 sounds bright, it’s a smooth kind of bright. Low to mid treble have such a smooth overall balance that doesn’t sound overly sharp but is definitely hot depending on the track. I think it’s obvious but just to be sure everyone’s on the same page, this is not for treble sensitive people. This is for the trebleheads like myself who absolutely LOVE this level of sparkle. The only thing I would like to point out is the rather aggressive upper treble presentation that might come across as overly airy for some people. This reminds me of the treble of the Ziigat Nuo and TRN Conch, but not at the same level thanks to the contrast with the upper mids.

Listening to Toto’s IV showcases the hot refinement of the treble that the Q5 can produce. It’s hot, but it’s a smooth level of hot. It’s not stabbing, moreso that it brings out the treble detail a lot. And listening to this on DSD is quite the treat as you get a lot of that detail without going deaf thanks to the brighter tuning. This also makes the Q5 perfect for darker tracks like Shooting Star by Penthouse. The brightness gives the track the much needed upper frequency energy that most sets can’t really give.

Technicalities​

Arguably the biggest reason you’d even consider getting this set, the Q5 is an absolute technical beast for the price. This is a $50 set that puts $100 IEMs to shame with how absolutely amazing the technical ability is.

First, separation and layering is top notch. Listening to complex tracks is a breeze with this set, even with metal tracks like the Constellation album by August Burns Red. Instruments have a sufficient spacing from one another that doesn’t sound too wide and distracting but not cramped in any way Imaging and headstage is wonderful with instruments with a very tall and wide perceived stage. This thing is also insanely resolving as the brightness doesn’t sound forced and gives that “hi-res” sound. The only thing that this suffers in is dynamics as, especially in the low end, the tactility and note definition can get a little bit soft and smoothened out. But it does still maintain superb detail retreival in the top end, making it sound almost like a hybrid set.

REAL WORLD USAGE​

Casual Use​

Unfortunately, I don’t fancy this set for casual use. It all stems with the fact that the treble energy can distract and push back the lower-frequency sounds a little bit too much that makes the overall sound a little unengaging, particularly in movies. Watching YouTube content sounds pretty nice, but depending on how the voices were mixed, can also be a little pushed back and bring the harsher sound up. The fit, while great, is not the ideal fit for commutes as it has the tendency to slip out over time. But sitting at your desk and working is perfectly sufficient.

Gaming Use​

Similar to casual use, the gaming performance of the Q5 is solid but not what I’d really go for. The lack of a midbass emphasis makes it quite poor for playing games like Valorant that need midbass to bring out some of the nuanced lower midrange sounds and the brighter nature can give certain guns a little bit of a sharp tinge that might become unbearable over a long period of time. It fairs worse with environmental games with the only thing going for it being the fact that it can bring out nuances in the high frequencies of the sound design. It sounds a little dull on the lower frequencies and might come across a little boring sounding.

COMPARISONS​

vs Simgot EW200​

You can’t talk competitive bright u shaped sets under $100 without mentioning the Simgot EW200. The EW200 sports a more engaging, richer, tactile and impactful bass with a warmer low end overall with a more defined overall sound. The Q5 on the other hand has a cleaner, smoother and snappier sound with better separation and headstage. It’ll come down to whether you want a more engaging or cleaner sound. But you can’t go wrong with either set.

vs EPZ Q1 Pro​

The little brother who isn’t that much cheaper than the Q5, the Q1 Pro has a leaner, thinner but less bright overall tone with more emphasis on the upper midrange. It’s overall more bass shy with a flatter but oddly better-sounding timbre midrange compared to the Q5. The tamer treble contributes a lot to this as the Q5’s boosted treble can make the overall sound thinner compared to the Q1 Pro. However, the Q5 has better overall technical ability compared to the Q1 Pro and makes the Q1 Pro sound closer to $20 than $50.

vs CCA Duo​

Another bright u-shaped set that is closer to sounding neutral, the Duo has a better overall tonal balance but a worse extension on both the bass and the treble. The Q5 is more technical than the Duo, but the Duo has better midrange timbre and balance that makes both male and female vocals sound balanced and clean. The Q5 is more technical sounding compared to the Duo overall.

vs CCA Rhapsody​

The Rhapsody is a considerably more fun, engaging, and impactful sounding set overall due to the massive bass boost complimented with the forward upper mids. As a whole, the Q5 is the more coherent sounding set as the Rhapsody suffers from having a slower bass and faster treble. The Q5 is more technical and dynamic sounding overall but the Rhapsody has a richer and deeper sound overall.

CONCLUSION​

The Q5 is arguably the set that put Q5 in people’s mouths. The Q5 is undoubtedly one of the best sounding IEMs you can get under $100 if you seek that bright, technical and analytical sound that doesn’t compromise on fun. This is the perfect competition for the king of the budget, the EW200 with its similar bright U-Shaped sound signature that took the market by storm last year.

But just like the EW200, the Q5 is not for everyone’s ears. No set is, but the Q5 is especially unforgiving for treble sensitives as it has the tendency to sound even sharper in the upper treble. The lower mids also sound a little thin due to the treble emphasis and leaner midbass and the tactility leaves more to be desired. The shape and the MMCX connector may also turn some people away who prefer a larger shell and a 2-pin connector.

However, there’s very little to fault about the Q5 as a whole. For $50, you get a small, lightweight, and comfortable IEM that sparkles unlike anything else. If you’re a treblehead like me and like a proper bright U-shaped IEM that focuses on being analytical, the Q5 is a must-buy!

Thank you for reading my review on the EPZ Q5. If you would like to order one, consider using the non-affiliated link below: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005005790619423.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

Disclaimers

I bought this iem with my own money. This review is completely subjective.



Accessories

Q5 comes with a really good box design, carrying case, eartips, cable and iem itself. Good accessories and presentation for the price.



Build

Q5 fully made out of plastic and comes with a metal nozzle. It has a really good quality cable.



Sound-Tonality and Technicalities

I love this IEM because it has a really good tune and driver quality for 50-60 dollars. Q5 have a pretty decent soundstage depth, imaging and bass presentation with clear highs and midrange. Instruments sounding really textured. And it has enough note weight. The only issue is upper midrange sometimes being too much… But i think this is not a problem for that price range.




Conclusion

Overall, this is a really good iem for the price. But you have cheaper and better options like Simgot Ew200…

EPZ Q5- Replica of an end?




DISCLAIMER:

This was sent by EPZ themselves.

I actually already made a video review of this unit. But I feel like I didn’t give enough justice. I am writing this review to reiterate my findings with the said product. That being said, my impressions are based on my biases and preferences.


Videos review here:


1st impressions




Final impressions





WHAT’S IN THE BOX?


Well, the box I got is actually bigger compared to other competitors. Not that it matters sound wise, but I do feel that it could have been smaller just for the convenience of shipping it. Anyhow, inside you get a standard inclusion of cables, eartips, cables, and ofcourse the IEMS. Nothing much to say really, other than, the box is well thought out, but could be a bit too big for some.




BUILD and COMFORT


They are built quite nice. I am very familiar with the fit because it has a bean shaped design which is similar to one of my favorite IEM in my collection, the Acoustune RS One. It is worth mentioning that this does have an MMCX pin connector. Personally, I don’t mind because I don’t cable roll that much recently. I also think that the design works better with a rotating mmcx than a stable 2 pin, at least for my ears.

Comfort is good and I think I can wear them for hours on end.




SETUP:

-Shanling M3X using UAPP, Hiby ang stock player

-stock cable

-stick eartips don't work for me so I used aet07s




A contender at $50-$100


I honestly think that the DD they are using is of good quality. When people ask suggestions about which IEMS to buy in this price range, I can only give a few, and this includes the EPZ Q5. I am confident that the fit is good for everyone, and the sound quality they get is pretty decent.


The overall tonality is leaning to a U shaped signature with emphasis in upper mids to lower treble. Bass has enough presence to support male vocals and instruments. Probably not slamming and punchy bass, but just enough to keep you engaged.


The mids are natural but with a tinge of brightness. I think there is a peak around 7-8k, and it can be overbearing in some tracks, especially when female vocals reach a certain high note. However, I do find the vocals to be very mature and pleasing sounding with the right volume.

The quality that I like about this is set is probably its technical ability. It extracts a lot of detail making you think they sound Hi-Res. I mean, they really are technical in a way that, it also gives you enough stage proportion. The upper mid peak might be the biggest contributor to its “resolution” but I don’t think that is the only reason.


EPZ house sound


As mentioned above, it might not be the peaks but a house sound from EPZ. I heard the EPZ K1, and I felt the same way. Although the K1 has a different sound signature, but how the details are presented is similar. It’s like, my ears hear the peak, my mind knows they can be bright, but they are not piercing, or probably just edging it.


The extra energy that EPZ gives in that region is enough for it be remembered. Heck the EPZ Q5 sometimes feels like a hybrid of 1DD+2BA. That is how good it separates instruments and layers things.


The treble isn’t particularly peaky, but I can see that it needs some refinement. It has enough sparkle, or however you may call it haha. But yeah, it has this incisive quality to it. Cymbals sound fine, well actually above average in that regard.


What's there to fault?


I know, I know. The graph says otherwise. But I believe my ears more than what I graph. The measurement does have some accuracy in determining its sound signature. But what I am baffled is the quality of sound it presents. Drums sound more textured, guitars sound screechingly good, if that is even a word lol, and just the overall feel to it sounds spacious and well layered.

Maybe the only CON I can find is the peak at 7-8k from the graph, other than that, I think it is really hard to fault this IEM with the value proposition.



PROS

Good balance in bass and treble

Natural sounding string instruments

Good detail retreival

Good stage proportion especially stage depth



CONS

Upper mids can be shouty

Treble can have more natural presentation especially cymbals(hi-hats..no problem with rides)

Male vocals can use more heft




SCORING

-Please be reminded that my scoring is always based on its price range.


TUNING - 2.5

BASS - 2.5

MIDS - 2.5

TREBLE - 2.5

TECHS - 3


Final SCORE = 13


A rank


-generally better than other sets. Very good for the price but the tonality might not match your preferences




Check my scoring here :


https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/15WhgCgiMzWfF3ccgB8SK5-Cg7m87kpIShtxsyg2u-AI/edit?usp=sharing




COMPARISONS



EW200

This is inevitable. When I heard the EPZ Q5, the EW200 came to my mind. The tuning is similar in a way that, the drivers used on these sets are of high quality. Clarity might be on par, but I think the Q5 strikes a better balance in bass and treble. Both have upper mid peaks, so in a way, the Q5 mitigates that peak with its bass. On the other hand, the EW200 might suit for people who looks for a more forward treble presentation


Celest Pandamon

This set might be a bit old, relative to how fast Chifi has been releasing IEMS. But I still think that the Pandamon is still relevant. Although tonally, they might not be comparable, I do think that technically, the Pandamon can have more nuance with its presentation. They have different drivers to begin with, but if you were to choose, the Pandamon leans to a more natural and neutral tuning. Pick the EPZ Q5 if you want a more balanced sound


Crinacle Red

The crinalce red presents a Dual DD setup. Does it mean it is better? I might think otherwise. Although tonally, the Red is much smoother and more correct sounding, but at times, I just don’t feel the music. I would probably pick the Q5 if I want a more fun sound.




FINAL THOUGHTS


When the Q5 was released, there were mixed feelings about it, if I remember correctly. There were criticisms about copying a design from another brand, while people who initially heard them, praised the Q5 for its cost performance.


This is ChiFi, and I won’t be surprised when one day, moondrop copies KZ designs. I am not saying it is likely to happen, but I hope you get what I mean.


Other than the design criticisms, I do think EPZ deserves some praise with this budget offering. Having heard of their other models like the G10 and K1, EPZ continues to surprise the market with its price to performance ratio, tuning direction and the quality of sound each model offers.


Is EPZ a copycat? Well in my opinion, they might have made a replica of a possible endgame set for folks who are budget constrained.





==========================

WHERE TO BUY: non affiliate links


https://www.linsoul.com/products/epz-q5


Just found this amazing item on AliExpress. Check it out!

US $72.50 | EPZ Q5 Earphones Wired HIFI Ceramic Carbon Nano Moving Coil IEM In Ear Monitor MMCX Detachable Cable Earbuds Gaming Headset

https://a.aliexpress.com/_olPXjJo





MY LIBRARY:

I grew up listening to 90’s music. Alternative, punk-rock, screamo, rap, Philippine OPM, Anime songs, JPOP, KPOP, metal, reggae and a lot more.

The artists I regularly listen to are:


Rock-Alternative-Metal

Incubus, 311, BMTH, Matchbox 20, The Goo Goo Dolls, Paramore, Polyphia, The Calling,, Babymetal, Metallica, Slipknot, Bon Jovi, Coheed and Cambria, Deftones, Red Hot, Green day,


OPM(Original Pinoy Music):

E-heads, Slapshock, Parokya, Urbanddub, Up Dharma Down, Bamboo, IV of spade, Kamikazee, Rivermaya


POP:

IU, Yoasobi, Yorushika, Milet, Reona, Maroon 5, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Taylor, Dua Lipa, Oliva Rodrigo, Billie Eilish


OTHERS:

Carpenters, Micheal Learns to Rock, Celine Dion, Bob Marley, Sitti, Daft Punk, Pink Floyed, Earth wind and fire, Amber rubarth, Sia, Yosi Horikawa


I listen to more, but I can’t just list them all here.haha. Just giving you an idea on what I listen.


Thanks for reaching here. Hope you enjoyed reading.

Introduction

EPZ is a new brand to me, established in 2019. It's not a new brand to the public though, as it has a good catalogue of IEMS, cables, TWS, even dongles to its credit. And that's not a one day thing. Although it is true that it is now becoming better known to the general public. Manufactured by Shenzhen Jiuzhou Electronics, EPZ has its own shop on AliExpress and it is there where you can corroborate what I have said and see the number of models they already have. It is true that there is not much more information about it and that is why I will focus on the model to review in this article. This is the EPZ Q5, an IEM that uses a dual-cavity dual magnetic circuit and a self-developed carbon nanocomposite ceramic diaphragm. Its ergonomic design is reminiscent of another famous model. It is made of skin-friendly resin and uses MMCX interface. It is priced at around $80, although it is currently available at a slightly lower price. Let's take a closer look at this promising new model called EPZ Q5.



Specifications

• Dynamic driver: Dual-cavity nano piezoelectric carbon ceramic diaphragm and dual 10MM magnetic circuit.
• Frequency range: 20-20kHz.
• Capsule: 3D printed resin cavity.
• Sensitivity: 109db(±1db).
• Impedance: 26Ω.
• Jack: 3.5mm SE.
• Connection interface: MMCX.
• Cable: 4-core silver-plated monocrystalline copper.
• Cable length: 1.2m.

Packaging

The EPZ Q5 comes in a relatively large, matt black box with dimensions 192x132x60mm. All lettering and inscriptions are done in gold ink. On the main side there is a circle with strands forming a kind of spiral. In the centre is the name of the model and surrounding it is a phrase that refers to the fact that the brand started in 2019. At the top left is the brand logo and at the bottom is the brand slogan. On the rear face, at the top are the characteristics of the model. In the centre is the frequency response. It is quite similar to my measurement, but without the peak at 5kHz. At the bottom is the brand name and to the right a sticker indicating the model, i.e. black, MMCX interface and 3.5mm SE plug. It is also available in white, but I don't think a balanced connection is available. The box has no protective outer cardboard and opens like a sealed box. The inside is separated into two parts: the left part is a black foam mould containing the IEMS with the cable in place. On the right side is a small black cardboard box with gold concentric circles, which contains the accessories. The complete contents are as follows:

• The IEMS EPZ Q5.
• One cable with silver-plated 4-core monocrystalline copper conductor.
• Three pairs of black silicon tips.
• Three pairs of white silicon tips with black core.
• One zippered carrying case.
• One black cleaning cloth.
• One instruction manual in several languages, including English.
• One certificate of guarantee.

The box is relatively large for the contents. The case is classic but with a very nice dark grey faux-leather surface finish. There are two sets of silicone tips, one black, flatter and cylindrical. The other is more conventional and larger. The cable has a quite acceptable quality and I find that the accessories are in accordance with the price of the product.



Construction and Design

The EPZ Q5 is made of skin-friendly resin and uses MMCX interface. I have to say that I am not a big fan of the MMCX connection and clearly prefer the 2Pin connectors. But I have to say that I have no complaints about the MMCX connection during the time I have used them during this review.
The capsule design is oval with a spiral connection interface. It has a concave, gold-plated disc on one side of the outer face. This shape is undoubtedly reminiscent of another famous model. In the centre of the golden disc is a hole with a grille at the bottom. Around it is the same legend as on the lid of the case. The surface of the capsule is smooth and polished. The inner face is inscribed with gold lettering indicating the model name, the channel lettering and the numbering 0307. The base of the mouthpieces is slightly inclined and at the very source there is a small hole in the base. The nozzles themselves are metallic and gold-plated and have two diameters. The lower one is 5mm and the upper-outer one is 5.7mm. Each is protected by a perforated metal plate. Finally, the MMCX interface is gold-plated.
The cable is 1.2m long and consists of a silver-plated 4-core monocrystalline copper conductor. It consists of two strands twisted together, which are shielded with transparent plastic. The connector is gold-plated and is a 3.5mm SE connector. Its sleeve is gold-plated, matching the outer concave disc of the capsules. It is a cylinder with a metal housing depressed in the centre. The splitter is the same, but shorter. The same design is repeated for the sleeves of the MMCX connectors, with the difference that they have a white lettering to indicate the channel. The fitting piece is a ring with two holes joined in the middle, through which the two cables pass. The cable has a Velcro strap with the brand name on it to hold it in place.
As already mentioned, the design of the capsules is not original. The cable is slightly stiff and has a subtle tendency to get a shape. In my opinion, I would have preferred a copper cable for the sound profile of the Q5s. On the other hand, I would have liked to be able to choose a balanced connector. Finally, the model in this review is black, but it is also available with white capsules.



Adjustment and Ergonomics

The capsules are relatively small and their weight is very low. The shape fits very well in my pinna. The inclination of the nozzles is quite appropriate. They have a length that could allow a medium insertion, but their diameter may prevent this. As usual, I have used my large silicone tips filled with foam that I make myself. With them, the insertion is shallow and the insulation is quite good. The diameter of the mouthpieces and their length means that the insertion is deeper and this means that, despite the good ergonomic shape of the capsules, they are not as comfortable for my morphology. On this occasion, I require a less thick foam padding to make the whole thing more comfortable. Even so, I don't get the same comfort as with other IEMS, despite the low weight and the good shape of the capsules. Although, I insist that it may be due to my own ergonomics.



Sound

Profile

The EZP Q5s have a V-profile with a dual tendency towards sub-bass and initial brightness. The peak is between the high-midrange and early treble, with a peak at 5khz that can be abrupt, insistent and persistent, depending on the music being listened to. The midrange feels contrasted, due to the unevenness between the first and second half of this range. The transition between bass and midrange is relatively clean, although the general tendency is towards thinness of sound.



Bass

The lower end feels emancipated although it has some colour. It is not perceived as completely deep or dark, but has more of a sonorous than a sensory behaviour. It loses some realism and naturalness. But it also suffers from a certain physical bulk because it is more compact and faster. On the upside, its execution is precise and concise, the hit is fast and there is hardly any aftertaste. It has a certain roughness, albeit slight on its surface, not too noticeable throughout its curve, but enough to counterbalance the colour by means of that light texture that gives it realism. All this is reinforced by the pure tone test. The lower tone is more audible than perceptible. In this way, the colouring is noticeable from the beginning of the audible tones. Having less physical sensation and more vibrational than sensory behaviour, the end result becomes more obvious. And the translation of this way of proceeding to real music is as I said: more audible, without too much power, volume or punch, yet clean, strict, dry, slightly rough, but with good descriptive capacity.
Overall, I'd say its level of presence is above neutral, but it doesn't quite satisfy my bass-lover's demands, lacking personality, power, punch, volume and depth. Despite this, it is good on the technical aspects, able to follow complex, unfiltered bass lines accurately, quickly and efficiently. It is not very adept at creating layers and stratifying bass, though, because it feels a bit thin and not very voluminous. In fact, the bass it demonstrates doesn't produce much volume, remaining borderline neutral and somewhat bland despite the good technical performance.



Mids

The transition to the midrange is clean, the product of a bass that does not overreach or cross the border. I would even say that sometimes it doesn't even go as far as that. But that's usually good news for the midrange. In this sense, the first half of the midrange feels very limpid, without a hint of haze and far removed from any muddy feel. On the contrary, the appearance of this first phase is rather thin. It suffers from a certain groundedness and there is no perceived warmth, but instead brightness and high nuances are more predominant. The male vocals are lean, though they feel very clear, even evident. I thought they would be presented in a more distant way, but they have a certain vigour that projects them. Or, rather, that projects their edges, nuances and details. In this respect, the timbre veers towards brightness, while the body is wiry and the physicality low.
The transition to the second half is more abrupt, it is the change that unequalises the sound and splits it in two. This generates a sense of hollowness in the first part, as well as a sonic preference that gives more importance to high notes, nuances, details and harmonics. As a result, the sibilances are more evident and the sound takes on a vivid, splashy, persistent, more piercing nuance, which can counteract the musicality of the whole, even though the first half of the sound is relatively good, on the whole.
I still miss body and base even in the female vocals, where hisses are more prominent. But also in the rest of the instrumentation. The Q5s manage to make the mix clear, polished, relatively pure and transparent, at the cost of losing the physical part of the midranges. In this way, it seems that the music is sustained on a thin and thin base, which is not badly developed, but which is projected more than necessary, loaded with an energy that can be tiring due to its predominance and the lack of balance with a more testimonial first half.



Treble

The treble begins excited and sharp, and then immediately relaxes slightly. Even so, the sum is concentrated and energetic. The high notes are perceived as close, present, vigorous, fine, even piercing. Yes, they are crisp and sparkling, but they work quickly. It's not a lingering glare, but it can be lacerating over time, to sensitive ears, due to its predominant character. As I mentioned, despite the moderation in successive frequencies, the energy level enters a plateau phase where the build-up makes the range feel extended, even into the air zone. Moreover, this aspect is distinctly elevated, becoming slightly surprising for a single dynamic driver. In this way, the sensation of air is perceived in every sound.



Soundstage, Separation

With such a clean and transparent sound, the scene feels open, steamy and gauzy. Details are evident and the thin base makes the sound feel more fluid, dynamic and with more movement. The size of the soundstage has good headroom, it is wider than it is deep, and this aspect is perceived more by the distance ratio between the nuances and the base, than by the depth provided by the shallow bass. It is true that the low end has a certain roundness, texture and a punch that goes beyond neutrality. But the result does not counterbalance the presence and energy in the second half of the frequency range.
The remarkable definition of the notes, as well as their level of separation, finesse and thinness, creates a clean, clear, discernible, descriptive and richly nuanced sound. The edge of the sounds is evident and in the foreground. In this way, the macro detail is accentuated, but the micro detail is relegated to a background that can be barely perceptible.
The image is not dispersed, but this sensation of volatility, together with the lack of a base, makes the origin of the weaker elements more perceptible, leaving the musical mass, which should be more corporeal and physical, on a freer plane. Even so, the image is correct despite this light positioning.
On the other hand, it is worth noting that the music never feels congested, unless the treble presence is too abundant. This can be useful as monitor headphones for observing obvious details in the foreground, without the timbre suffering too much.



Comparisons

NS Audio NS3

I like to compare IEMS similar in price, performance and FR. On this occasion I thought that the NS Audio NS3 could be a good rival for the EPZ Q5. By no means are the NS3s new, I reviewed them in September 2019. Do they still make sense? In my opinion they do. They may not be the highest resolution IEMS at the moment, but for $70 I still think they have a special charm, both for their stabilised wood outer panel and for their smooth, warm and musical analogue sound. In terms of construction, the NS3s stand out for the wooden panel placed on their external face. Internally, the capsules have a very ergonomic shape, although the mouthpiece is somewhat short, which may limit the best fit or insertion. In my opinion and despite the good shape and size of the Q5s, the NS3s are more comfortable in the long run. Their size and shape fits better in my ear. In terms of accessories, the NS3s do not come with a zippered case, but with a cloth pouch. Both cables are silver plated, but the NS3 cable has 4 coiled strands, while the Q5 has two and is thicker overall. But the NS3 cable is less stiff and more manageable.
In terms of sensitivity, the Q5s are easier to move around with.
In terms of sound, despite the similarity in the graphs up to 2khz, the big difference is in the peak at 5khz that the Q5s have, while the NS3s have a marked valley right at those frequencies. On the other hand, that higher energy difference at 3.5kHz is not noticeable for clarity. The NS3s have a bit more bass overall, they feel warmer, but also darker and softer. And that bass is also more natural, deeper, realistic and better executed. It is free of colouration and in the very low frequency pure tone test its behaviour is more natural and sensory. The Q5s have that more vibratory colour and behaviour that elevates the reproduced frequency result. The punch is somewhat superior in the NS3s, with a rounder bass, more volume, better texture and a more pleasant and realistic behaviour. It is not as dry, clean and fast with the Q5s, but more enjoyable, even lush in its development. In the overall sound of both, the bass and midrange are more predominant in the NS3s, while the mid-highs and highs are the protagonists in the EPZs.
In the midrange the Q5s have more clarity and transparency, their notes are lighter, thinner, but also more defined and separated. Notes have more weight and thickness in the lower midranges of the NS3s. This gives the base of the instruments and voices a fleshier, more physical and voluminous body. That gives it that point of lushness and fullness, which pushes the midrange to a closer, more present and elevated stage than the Q5s. Above all, the male voices take on a much more elaborate and emphatic presential physicality, as well as possessing a richer and more descriptive texture. The thinness of the male voices contrasts with the greater presence of the high-pitched nuances, as well as their hiss. But there is no trace of the flesh, of the body of the base, something that limits its enjoyment and its resemblance to reality. On the other hand, the smoothness and that distinctly darker spot does not detract from the NS3 midranges. They clearly don't have that transparency. But listening to vocal music with the NS3s is a much more evocative experience than with the Q5s.
Female vocals are not as clear and evident on the NS3s, they are also thicker. Perhaps here one could argue the naturalness of the timbre in favour of the EPZs. But I still think the greater energy of detail and hiss works against them.
Instrumentation is distinctly thicker and smoother on the NS3s, while on the Q5s it is leaner, even piercing in more cases.
The big difference is in the treble. Whereas the NS3s almost start out omitted or nuanced, the Q5s have much more energy, extension and air. It's clear that all this gives more explicit macro detail, more light, transparency, clarity, but also more separation, thanks to the better resolution and finer notes. The scene is more open and volatile in the EPZs. Whereas the NS3 has more depth, but also more closeness and proximity, a somewhat more intimate scene, which allows the details to feel close. Not as high resolution as the Q5s, macro detail is not as evident. At the micro level, though, neither is too explicit. It seems that the Q5 allows more of it to be glimpsed, although, at times, the macro detail covers up the micro detail, obscuring it.



Conclusion

The EPZ Q5 has an excited V-profile that veers towards brightness, placing the emphasis on the nuances rather than on its base, although it is quite resolute and correct in the first half of the frequency range. In this initial phase it is technical, efficient, relatively neutral, descriptive, even moderate. But, from this point on, the energy level rises more than necessary, generating a lot of clarity and transparency, although with side effects that can be unpleasant for delicate ears. Despite this, it has remarkable presence and extension in the upper area, as well as a high level of separation and distance between elements, creating an open, gaseous and volatile scene, where macro details are evident.
The Q5 is based on a design inspired by an existing model and takes up its ergonomic quality, although it is necessary to emphasise the search for the most suitable tips to make the most of these aspects.
The accessories package is quite adequate, including a customised zipped case and a silver-plated cable with gold-plated sleeves that match the capsules.
Although, for the initial price the Q5s are in a price range with too much competition to rival other established models, the current offerings allow their price/performance ratio to improve thanks to their technical abilities and accessories.



Sources Used During the Analysis

• ifi hip dac 3.
• Aune Yuki.
• Burson Audio Playmate II.
• Tempotec V3.
• MUSE HiFi M3 II.
• Hidizs SD2.
• Aune X8 XVIII Magic DAC + EarMen ST-Amp.

Purchase Link



You can read the full review in Spanish here

The EPZ Q5 Universal IEM
Redcarmoose Labs March 9th, 2024

Manufacturer Specification:

• Brand: EPZ
• Model: Q5
• Driver: 10mm self-developed dual-magnetic circuit, dual-cavity ceramic carbon nano-composite diaphragm
• IEM Weight: 4.17g
• IEM Dimensions: 18mm (height) x 20.3mm (width) x 20.3mm (max depth)
• Shell: 3D printed resin shell & acoustic cavity
• Impedance: 26Ω±15%(@1kHz)
• Sensitivity: 109dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
• Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz
• Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Cable: 1.2m 4-core single crystal copper silver plated cable
• Connector: MMCX Single Pin with 3.5mm jack

$77.70 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/epz-q5

The EPZ Q5 comes in a nice box opening experience, and is really on the smaller and lighter side as far as weight and size goes. The thing is it does scale really well and will go to show you the quality of file and source components you are using. That said, the Q5 can come off un-involving and thin in regular phone use.

If I could suggest some things?
https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/7hz-salnotes-zero-universal-iem.25980/reviews#review-28978


https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/7hz-x-crinacle-zero-2.26878/reviews#review-32694


You see there are other offerings which still go to get better well roundedness at a lesser price point.

The peak intensity here with the EPZ Q5:
Don’t get me wrong here. Except notice that spike between 3.5kHz to 7.5kHz? Where the Zero 1 and Zero 2 avoid these intensities and I seemly find them smoother. Due to such smoothness I find them more enjoyable, despite any drawbacks. Yet to be real here, comparing the Q5 to the Zero 1 and Zero 2 with all three using the same aftermarket cable (MMCX and 2Pin) and my regular wide-bore ear-tips and Sony WM1Z DAP. That while more aggressive the Q5 did show its value in performance beating out the lower priced rivals in detail and bigger imaging. Now there is one point I really want to drive home here. If you think you're going to get the Q5 and simply use the provided 3.5mm MMCX cable to quickly attach it to your phone, you’re probably not going to be thoroughly impressed. Meaning the Q5 has the ability to replay whatever is upstream. This is so very surprising to me as I was to rate the Q5 much lower until I looked through my equipment and discovered truly what it would do. This side-by-side with the Zero 1,2 was part of that discovery. As sure tuning would have you believe that I would like the Zero Twins better, and in that regard we have a more balanced example of the tuning art.

Not going by sonic memory, but doing direct comparisons (in-real-time) is the best way I know to explain sound signatures. As sure there is that Q5 peak and if you look carefully it rises above even the total amount of bass energy. As such I matched it with a 4.4mm aftermarket cable and took it to the very V shaped WM1Z with MrWalkmans firmware installed.

Results:
Sure that spiciness bump is going to be always there. It in itself goes to add to the proclamation of clarity here. Yet there is more, more bass definition and imaging into a better, more realistic idea of bass replay, than the Zero 2 and miles better than the Zero1. Some may even question why I’m using these for comparison?

Two reasons to compare to the Zero Twins:
Two reasons, one they are a known commodity, and two........they help delineate the real reason I think people should take caution when choosing the Q5? So that kinda becomes a double edged sword in that yes, this brightness helps make the Q5 seem more vivid and it really scapes the ceiling of what peak areas would even be acceptable. Though what this gets you is soundstage width and size. Yep, there is a trick sound engineers use to add to the soundstage width and overall size by enlarging the midrange frequencies. Still even with the energy the soundstage is only slightly above average.

Can you take it, the peak I mean?
I mean that’s the only thing here, that yes there are all kinds of benefits to a tune like this, yet I can’t help but think it limits the genres and sources you need to choose to run through the Q5? Now that doesn’t mean there are avenues that you can travel to seemingly down-tune this peak if you get your pair and start to notice it. One way I worked with this peak issue was to switch DAPs and change ear-tips. So going with the dual density (SONY HYBRID EP-EX11 Japan Version) was the correct way to reach a special tune. Added to the mid centric Sony WM1A provided a less contrasty way to interpret the Q5. Now while there was no real way of totally changing the overall character here, this reduction in peak was kind of blending the tone all together to find less peaky vividness. As such different sources and ear-tip nozzle diameter size are our friends and useful tools in finding a way into Q5 enjoyment. Anything to combat the dryness and lack of note-weight.

Results from a phone:
Here is where I really find issue with the Q5, seemly adding to the thinness that is regularly found with simple phone use. You see this dryness and lack of real deep end is then compounded to come-off as the poster child for standard 3.5mm phone playback. Where some IEMs use bass emphasis too counteract the thinness and add note-weight, here we are in a style of trouble compounded by the 3.5kHz to 7.5kHz peak. If I was to use a phone any number of Dongles and 4.4mm add-ons would help smooth-out the party.

Balanced:
I can’t help but think this use of balanced 4.4mm output changed the sonic landscape. Making an IEM I almost didn’t know how to review became a somewhat enjoyable experience. I say this that if you find the Q5 thin out of the box, simply burn-it-in for a few days and try to locate a copper cable in 4.4mm to join it with. Really the cable I used was not dark in any way, but is renowned for letting the pure character of an IEM through.

Music Tests:
Using a hybrid Orange ear-tip seemed to do the trick of getting both the Q5 charter and staging transferred here. I’m using the Walkman WM1A with no EQ.





Kaveh Cohen, Michael Nielsen
Forza Motorsport OST
Brotherhood
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Finding this as my regular testing track should be of no surprise. I choose this for a few reasons, though one of the main reasons here is if the piano comes off too forward or too intense. This style of tune no matter what asks for slightly lesser volume. And with that stated at what I would call slightly less than normal the piano starting at 00:09 comes off both correct sounding and not too bright, but going that direction. Though I will say get timbre here, and separation, very natural. I would call the stage about medium, maybe on the border of medium large. While there is decent width as well as forward to back thickness. Really the top to bottom placement is average with the primarily spectacle being width. As such the real second level of the song promotes a soft next level feeling at 00:42. This somehow is not that contrasty or promoted with density of bass, but rather a complete but maybe too smooth of rendition? Showing the details and adding a nice noticeable completeness, yet withholding some of the dynamics which will often pull on the heart stings. It’s not boring, and way way better than out-of-the-box with 3.5mm single ended, even single ended 3.5mm from an audiophile DAP. Yet I would say I have heard this better for less money………..of course maybe it is all simply the volume needed to be reduced……..reduce the volume and reduce the emotional factor!



Hans Zimmer
Inception OST
Old Souls
44.1 kHz - 16 bit
Amazingly the opening is almost just right, with a free open space which finds the piano played inside. Yet when the bass hits there is nothing really dramatic or of incidence to it, making me wonder why we are even here? While yes, all is playback, only there is very little excitement to a song that should have excitement dripping? We are only going through the motions, and while technically correct there is something left out and I’m not sure I know what it is………….though to start with the word soul comes to mind…….it is missing the soul here, no pun intended?



Gdanian
Induction
Shield Emitter (feat. Tineidae)
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Balanced is how I hear this interpretation, while seemingly everything has its place, this is not exactly boring though I have heard it with more spice at times, where here everything has been homogenized……..flowing together as one, typical of DDs at times. I mean sure the fun aspect is finding where the bass in this chooses to position itself, and sure there is a careful and correct way about how the song is replayed…….almost too careful?

Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski
Grand Turismo OST
Academy Race
44.1 kHz - 24 bit
Seemingly smaller stage than expected? Yet when the bass hits even at the start at 00:11 in we are met with decent technicalities and tune. While this song is again asking for a slightly lower volume to be used to deal with the midrange peak. There is nice cohesive playback and well done separation here. As such the upper midrange still asks for carefulness in volume use? Well itemized and entertaining nonetheless, some of the attacks are thin and refuse to hold note weight.

Packaging:
6 pairs of ear-tips and a nice cleaning cloth. A full-size branded zipper case and some paperwork.







Build:
Coming in at only 4 grams each the Q5 excels at wearability. While on the smaller side of small it is a jot to wear, even when jogging or involved with outdoor sports. Where MMCX can be unreliable and limit your cable rolling choices, it does seem to work well with the form factor present. As such we are offered a 3D resin shell with a vent surrounded by an aluminum piece. And really the nozzle works well to both hold on any style of ear-tip, and reach a level of ergonomics which is correctly angles and just long enough, without being on the longer side.

Conclusion:
Well there you have it. The EPZ Q5, a copy of another more expensive IEM, the Meze Advar. While doing to terms with sound replay probably the bass weight is what threw me off the most emotionally, I mean I need a certain amount of density to really feel the music. Now even if they won’t give me that, give me some bass attack edge and we will be fine, but no the Q5 is stingy there too. There is always that slight fear of sibilance no matter what tip we use or what source is put into play. And finally there is a level of dryness that permeates all, a dryness that will counteract musicality in its steps. While sure the openness of the stage did the amount of footwork so that it wasn’t all bad, but I have to ask myself, am I truly judging this compared to IEMs at the same price, and I am. While in many ways it is better than the 7Hz Salnotes Zero and Zero 2, the tuning seems to be too hot in areas where the Zero 2 especially beats it. To where of course the Q5 is more detailed and offers better technicalities as far as separation and sculpturing, though it just shows how important a good tune like the Zero and Zero 2 can be in the end. While the Q5 does great imaging and an airy crisp detail orientated treble and midrange, there is more to the equation, and things that matter more in the end……………..

$77.70 USD
https://www.linsoul.com/products/epz-q5

Disclaimer:
I would like to thank Kareena from Linsoul for the love and EPZ Q5 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

As you can see they are on the smaller side of the street.

Review Of The EPZ Audio Q5​

Introduction​

EPZ Audio, a Chinese business, has recently gained a reputation in the audiophile world for its budget-friendly yet value-for-money IEMs, allowing budget-conscious audiophiles to experience fantastic sounding IEMs regardless of quality or quantity. There are several inexpensive IEMs such as the G10, K1, Q5, and others, and I was fortunate enough to evaluate the EPZ Audio Q5, but before we go any further, I'd want 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 “Q5.”
*I am using different Ear-tips for convenience and better versatility.
*Finally, I will only evaluate the Q5 based on their performance, even though I will explain how it feels and seems physically and aesthetically.

Specification​

The Q5 features a single dynamic driver with a self-developed 10mm ceramic carbon nano composite diaphragm. The shells resemble the world-famous Maze Advar, however the material quality is subpar. The shells feel hefty in your hands, but they also appear to be of high quality for the price. The shells feature a bas port on their faceplate. The comfort and fit were not an issue; in fact, the IEMs were quite comfortable even after wearing them for an extended amount of time.The cable has mmcx connectors on one end and a 3.5mm straight termination plug on the other. The cables appears to be a standard wire that comes with other IEMs in this price range, despite the fact that it is a four-core single-silver-plated crystal copper cable.Other accessories include six sets of eartips in two kinds and three sizes, as well as a carrying case. According to the technical specs, the impedance is 26Ohms and the sensitivity is 109dB. The frequency response ranges from 20Hz to 20kHz.

Sound​

The Q5 sounds above its price point; in fact, it has some similarities to how Simgot tunes their IEMs. The Q5 responds with a milder V-shape tuning, allowing for a vivid treble and a meatier and weightier bass. To be honest, when I paired it with my WM1A, I wasn't impressed since the high frequencies sounded metallic and lifeless, the voices sounded compressed as if they were locked in a box, and the bass seemed a touch light on note weight and at times muffled. I wasn't a fan of this IEM at first, but after trying the V6, I saw more characteristics and quality in the notes, which is when I realized they certainly needed power. When I combined my WM1A and V6 with my Aunt X7S amp, it sounded far better than before, and I believed the tuning sounded like the EA500 or EA1000, with the vocals being more prominent in the mix without being interrupted by instrumentation. Let's go deeper into the sound to learn more.

Treble​

Not that I am not impressed by this response, but I find it to be far better tonally than the EA500, despite the fact that I feel the EA500 has far more technical skill, whether in the upper mid range or lower treble. The high treble extends beautifully, making the voices seem bigger and more complete, while the instruments sound sparkly and exciting to listen to. The notes have decent control and never go off in terms of offensive reaction, however I suppose the lower treble breaks the boundary somewhat, sounding metallic but not harsh. The notes have a solid detailed response and come over well due to the effective energy in the mix, particularly in the upper midrange and lower treble. The voices seem more energetic and upfront, with a crisp and sophisticated response, and the instruments sound alive yet lean, introducing artificial timbre. As a result, the overall presentation of the treble area is broad, light, and lively.

Mid Range​

When it comes to the midrange, it sounds more stunning tonally, with greater note weight and solidity than the EA500's. The quality of the notes in this region is duller, yet more natural to listen to. The upper midrange resonates with the same vigor as the lower treble, but it provides a more heavy response, making it more enjoyable to listen to. The voices sound fuller and more forward than the lower treble, which helps to maintain note integrity by preventing any extreme or intimate forwardness. The instrumentation, on the other hand, sounds as pristine as the vocals, but they complement them well. The notes do not sound ambiguous but lack contrast, which I feel the EA500 accomplishes better. The lower midrange has strong note weight and depth, making the response warmer and allowing the top frequencies to sound as tonally agreeable as possible. The vocals and instruments seem deep and muttering, which is a good thing since it helps to make the notes sound more real. As a result, the midrange region's overall presentation is broader, more pleasant tones, and more forward in the mix.

Bass​

When it comes to the bass, the balance between the mid-bass and sub-bass regions improves the tone quality, with appropriate nuances and warmth in the mix. In reality, the amount is not overemphasized or dominant in the mix, and while the bass area has an established presence in the mix, the control over the note is excellent. The emphasis is on the subbass area, which reaches sufficiently deep and aids in rumbling in the ear canals. Although the punches are not particularly hard hitting, they are heard with enough power. However, due to increased sub bass presence, the mid bass does not produce overwhelming slams and thumps and is well controlled; as a result, the slams and thumps have a good impact but do not last long, allowing for a more natural and organic response without interfering with the overall response, even though the mid bass does leak into the lower mid range. The bass nuances and textures aren't as impressive as the EA500, but the notes are warmer and thicker. Overall, the bass area is presented in a pretty controlled, warm, and organic manner.

Technical Performance​

In terms of technological features, the Q5 excels, although it is not superior than the EA500. It does, however, perform well when compared to IEMs such as Ziigaat Cinno, PR2, Forteza, and so on. Let's get into the specifics.

Soundstage, Sound Imaging & Separation​

The stage is beautifully distributed, allowing for a wide reception, but it is not well defined in depth and forwardness in the surround response, where I see the stage as more elliptical in presence. The imaging is acceptable, though it might have been crisper and clearer, but the separation is excellent, with a definite difference between the notes that aids in determining where a given sound is originating from.

Speed & Resolution​

The resolution is fairly detailed, with expressive macro features but modest micro details. The assault and fade of the notes are also adequately controlled, preventing a muddy or messed-up reaction and instead allowing for a decently resolved one.

Sound Impressions​

Sources​

Sony WM1A + Aune X7S - With this pairing, the Q5 sounded more open and expansive, with improved voice and instrument separation, making the vocals sound richer and clearer. The bass sounded louder but had little effect, whilst the treble sounded more controlled and smoother.

Tempotec V6 + Aune X7S - With this pairing, the Q5 sounded more near in the midrange response, with the treble also upfront but the midrange receiving more focus in the mix; in other words, the midrange became more forward and full. The bass sounded more controlled, making the whole reaction more reactive to the simulation and more fun to listen to rather than restful.

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 evaluation, I see why people like the Q5 response; the quality and quantity are reasonable for the price. People on a tight budget who want tuning similar to the EA1000 or EA500 without sacrificing technical specifications might consider the Q5. The Q5's sound is stunning and gratifying, but be aware that they require power to open out and sound their best. These are my heartfelt recommendations.

Introduction:-


Hello guys, today I will be reviewing the EPZ Q5. So epz has been in the audio game for a long time, but its recently they have started making iem an dother products under them own name. Before they were purely an ODM/OEM brand making parts or iems for other brands.

So the Q5 is a sort of a new iem from them.

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 them here (Unaffiliated link) :- https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805604304671

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!

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Build Quality, Comfort and Accessories :-



1. The packaging for its price of $50 or even less when during the sale is absolutely fantastic



2. It comes with the iem which looks like the meze advar, the mmcx cable which is very supple and nice, 3 pairs of small bore and 3 pairs of wide bore tips, a fantastic carrying case and also a cleaning cloth.



3. I don’t mind the MMCX connector but a 2 pin might have been better here. Also the build quality for its price is really good



4. The carrying case is absolutely perfect size when using it daily.



5. I have the black colour, and then are very comfortable to wear and I can wear them for 5-6 hours easy.



6. They have a quite a bit of driver flex and also they are quite easy to drive



7. They have a 10 mm ceramic carbon nano dynamic driver

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Sound Signature:-



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



2. I have used the narrow bore tips as that gives me tad more bass although it does narrow the soundstage a bit.



3. It has great tonality and timbre



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, although the quality of it is quite decent for the price.


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


3. There is no mid-bass bleed, hence the instruments from my test tracks sounds really clean and well controlled for the price.


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 really good and doesn’t distort.



Mids-



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


2. The male vocals from Chris Cornell, Bill withers etc. doesn't have that richness and thickness I would like. Although lighter sounding male vocals like the ones from Flumpool, Spitz etc. sounds quite good


3. The female vocals is where it shines at plays very well here.


4. Although again 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 very good and clean with the right song



Treble-



1. The overall treble is kind surprising as to how good it is


2. It has this very clean representation here


3. If you are a treblehead you will like this very much


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



Technicalities -

For this price range I could say it probably is the best out there, it reminds me a bit of the geekwold Gk20. When listening to the live album of Casiopea from 1985, the instrument separation was really good.


Soundstage -

This is surprisingly good, I was quite shocked as to how good these were it has equal amounts of depth and width giving it a very well rounded soundstage for this price.



Imaging -

This to is very good, and the left and right transition when watching any movies was great. Listening to yumeji by Nano. Ripe the initial few seconds sounded really good with the awesome imaging.



Gaming test -

1. Now with the great soundstage and imaging you would expect a great gaming experience, well yes and no


2. While these 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.


3. Although these are ok for occasional gaming, I wouldn't suggest them buying just for gaming.

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Comparison & Recommendations :-



1. V/S Ew200 – They are both very similar but I feel at this price point the Ew200 makes a better case with the bass having a better texture. Although the Q5 has better female vocals and more treble extension uptop, those who find the EW200 to be thin or sparkly the Q5 takes it few notches above.



2. V/S BGVP P05 – The p05 is exact opposite and it is a great warm sounding iem with much greater bass. They both have similar soundstage, while the imaging on the Q5 is better. If you like a more darker signature then the P05 should be your option



3. V/S Aoshida E20 – The e20 follows the harman target quite closely. The E20 has a larger soundstage but the Q5 has better imagine. When wearing them the E20 is much lighter while the Q5 is much more smaller. But overall I prefer the presentation of the E20 a bit better, although the packaging of the Q5 for under 50 is much better than the E20



4. Well overall I do think the Q5 is very clean sounding iem. If you want a very clean sounding iem and listen to lot of live J-pop performance this is a great choice.



5. But If you listen to any genre where bass is needed I would advice you not to buy and look at other option, although this iem appreciates the treblehead it could be quite too much for many.



6. This was my review of the Q5, I hope you liked it.

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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

How I review: (See Previous Reviews)
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Model: EPZ G10
Price: £46.91 - AliExpress
Review Reference: RC119

Manufacturer Specification:

• Brand: EPZ
• Model: Q5
• Driver: 10mm self-developed dual-magnetic circuit, dual-cavity ceramic carbon nano-composite diaphragm
• IEM Weight: 4.17g
• IEM Dimensions: 18mm (height) x 20.3mm (width) x 20.3mm (max depth)
• Shell: 3D printed resin shell & acoustic cavity
• Impedance: 26Ω±15%(@1kHz)
• Sensitivity: 109dB/Vrms(@1kHz)
• Frequency Response Range: 10Hz-50kHz
• Effective Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Cable: 1.2m 4-core single crystal copper silver plated cable
• Connector: MMCX Single Pin with 3.5mm jack

Includes:

1 x Pair IEM
1 x Detachable 4-core single crystal copper silver plated (no mic)
1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty Card
6 x Pair spare tips (3 x flat style SML, 3 x medium bore SML)
1 x Carry Case
1 x Microfiber cleaning cloth

YouTube Review:



Introduction

EPZ have had quite the year, raising their heads above the parapet of relative Chifi obscurity to elevate their profile enough to force the usual suspects into raising their game substantially if they hope to maintain market share going into 2024. I recently reviewed their G10, and was wowed with what I encountered - EPZ don't just deliver good audio hardware, but they make the whole consumer experience enjoyable, with themed unboxing experiences and relatively decent accessories given their price bracket.

The 5 in Q5 I'm sure represents the 'Five Years of Glory and Prosperity' that have followed EPZ building their brand out in 2019. Whilst they are relative newcomers to the market - they aren't strangers to the scene, having been originally founded much earlier, focusing mostly on OEM manufacture of shells and audio components. Realising that they could probably carve themselves a niche in this saturated marketplace - that's exactly what they've done - and we're now seeing the fruits of their labour, with high quality products thanks to their experience and expertise, with nicely engineered shells and the use of their own in-house drivers delivering excellent value for money and audio that belies the relatively lowly price tag.

The Q5 are another Harman-diffuse-field set with a slight w-shape sound, and great build quality and ergonomics, albeit with more than a hint of homage paid to Meze Audio's Advar. If you can get over the stylistics, you're left with a very technically capable IEM that excels with some genres in particular. Whilst it perhaps isn't quite up there with the G10 in terms of bang-for-buck, the Q5 are one of my favourite sets of 2023 for their straightforward driveability, excellent comfort and mature, natural sound.

Unboxing

Theming is something we've grown somewhat accustomed to with Chifi releases throughout 2023. It isn't enough any more to deliver a Harman sound without a story - and with EPZ here, it manifests in quite the unboxing, which takes the unravelling of a few layers to get access to the goodies. Eventually, you're greeted with the first of a few accessories - the EPZ carry case. It's fairly unremarkable, measuring 100mm wide, 72mm high and 36mm deep, but there's enough room for the sleek shells of the Q5 and their cable, as well as room in the side pocket for the array of spare tips.



And it is quite the array. EPZ have included a SML selection in both flat and NiceHCK 7-style rounder, medium-bore tips. The latter are similar to those included with the G10, and whilst they worked on that model, they don't jive well with the Q5, for me at least. I'll talk about their positional sensitivity later, but the experience initially wasn't great for me until I switched the tips to the Azla Sednaearfit Crystal ones - this mitigated the driver flex I was experiencing with the former, and ill-fit and comfort with the latter. Don't take my word for it though - tips are a very subjective experience, and at least EPZ have given you a couple of options here.



Also in the box are a somewhat hard-to-read manual, a QC approval card and an EPZ-branded microfibre cleaning cloth, which helps no end with the inevitable finger-marks which plague the black version I'm testing here.



Finally, there's a 1.2m MMCX 4-core single crystal copper silver plated cable, and it's a good one too. Overall, a pretty nice package for those who don't have boxes and boxes of this stuff already - if you're entering this hobby and you're looking for a set that can get you up and running quickly, EPZ are a brand that you can't really go wrong with.

Design and Build Quality

The Q5 are very slim-profile, stage-style IEMs that feature a high-quality glossy piano-black finish and concave funnel-style void with a tuning aperture in the centre. Sure it's a homage to the Advar, but they're $600 IEMs - whilst they may look similar on paper, and maybe even on the screen, in reality, an homage is really all it is. Despite that, the Q5 do possess their own impressive build quality and finish, although as you would expect, it's a long way from the precision engineering on its look-a-like.



The Q5 are a low profile, slimline IEM, measuring 20.3mm wide, around 18mm high and around 20.3mm in depth. There's a nice curvature to the outside, and the macro shot here reveals the persistence in underlining the 5 year anniversary theming, with the message 'EPZ AUDIO - STARTED IN 2019' circling the tuning hole. They're lightweight too - weighing in at just over 4g, which is slightly below average for 3d printed resin shells, no doubt aided by the carbon drivers.



Here's evidence of where the cleaning cloth comes in handy! The inside of the dermatologically-friendly 3d printed resin shell has very subtle curves, but despite this, it ensures a snug, comfy fit with decent isolation, matching up with the antihelix area quite well.



As mentioned previously, it's a single pin MMCX connector which marries the cable and the IEM, which is kinda expected being a stage-style IEM. MMCX ensures a little more flexibility in the wearing, but you do have the rather tiresome 5-20 minute spell the first few times you connect (and remove them) where you 'find the bite' and are able to get them to click into place rather than pretend they're connected and then suddenly release. Once connected, they work well with a more active user.



The nozzles and MMCX connector have a matching brassy finish. The nozzle is medium insertion, so not too invasive, but sufficient isolation with good noise cancelling properties without feeling too stuffy.



The connectors display the L (or R) on the outside to denote which is which. As you see here, it's an ultra-ergonomic design that in truth probably fits Kemar better than it does me! The ear hooks are super comfy, although I did notice they had a habit of coming loose the first few times I wore them. After getting used to them, they have remained in place ever since.



Overall, it is a super-comfy, lightweight, ergonomic IEM with good fit for prolonged use. Isolation is also good enough to ensure that the Q5 are a versatile, go-to set which work well for both home and active use.

Audio & Sound Signature

The Q5 sport a dual cavity, dual magnet 10mm dynamic driver, developed in-house by EPZ. The back of the box shows the frequency response - a mild W shaped sound that, like the G10 and many others in its price category, follows the Harman 2019 target curve, however it has enough nuances to the sound to stamp its own authority and position it for some music styles more than others. For vocal jazz, opera, blues, movie soundtracks, and particularly melodic techno, the Q5 are very well positioned. For rock and metal, they're perhaps not quite so well suited, and when we look at the graphs, there are plenty of hints as to why that might be.



As I mentioned in my review of the G10, the Q5 has a moreish sound that does bring me back to it quite often. Its sound signature aligns to my preferred music style - Anjunabeats - with a slightly elevated lower frequency response, warmth and natural tonality and solid texture to the midbass. The subtle boost at 80JHz injects warmth and body, and as with the G10 steers clear of one-note thump. Kick drums are clean and tight, fast and punchy. The bass is tactile and tangible, and not coloured or blurred, leaning into midbass rhythm over subbass rumble. Its mix of mid bass punch and top-end air produce a sound with momentum and spaciousness. You still get full lows to anchor the sound, but details shine through with the Q5's fast transient response. For deep, progressive vocal house from the likes of Eli & Fur, the Q5 are really in their element - bass conveys power more than prominence. They aren't basshead IEMs, but the texture is above average in its bracket.

Through the midrange, the Q5 captivate - for the most part. Lower mids accentuate 300Hz for male vocals, which sound natural and buttery. Move over to opera, and tenors in particular resonate emotion with expression, power and weight. The Q5 are a very musical set, endowed with transparency- strings receive added spice and detail and synths have a rounder attack. As the response ascends, so does the energy - the upper mid lift places female vocals brightly atop mixes. Mostly, female vocals are silky in their presentation, augmented by the warm, organic, immersive sound signature.

Where the Q5 don't excel is rock. The peak at 5k can result in perception of low treble sibilance. Whilst the Q5 don't wilt at a congested arrangement, more complex, energetic rock tracks don't flex the Q5's surprisingly excellent imaging. Guitars can have a metallic overtone - the only real blot on the copybook of an otherwise believable, honest-to-the-source presentation. The trebles are otherwise slightly-south-of-neutral, dialling back brilliance in favour of realism with a graceful triangle decay of sparkle and space without fatigue. Its a polite treble response that gives sufficient attack and texture to percussion and sizzle to cymbals to offer a happy medium of detail and energy that makes prolonged listening enjoyable, and rarely fatiguing.

Imaging on the Q5 is a particular highlight. Layering and coherency impress for a single DD budget set - they're a smooth, musical IEM with accurate and precise placement and good width to the soundstage. Resolution here is much better than I'm used to experiencing at sub £50. The Q5 are a real gem, with technicalities that make a mockery of their price and are a real statement of intent from EPZ in this respect.

However, their positionally-sensitive nature is worthy of a mention here. It takes a while to organise the Q5 into optimum position, with optimum tips too. There is a slight brightness to the Q5 that is more detectable with more simple styles of music. This is amplified unless the Q5 are pointed in their prime position. It took me quite a while to work out what that was. It also took quite a bit of tip rolling to get the sound spot on too. This is quite subjective, but is reflective of my own experience with the Q5.



Comparing them to the G10, the Q5 are a more lively listen. Thanks to the increased lower mid-focus, male vocals exude more creaminess, and are unmatched by their more linear little sister. The G10 is smooth, but the Q5 have crisper note presentation. Strings have more rosiny bite and cymbals more shimmer than the G10, but on rock and 80s the G10 offer slightly greater versatility, negating the metallic overtone on more congested performances.

The Q5 cost a bit more than the G10, and whilst musically the Q5 are superior, the G10 will appeal to those on a strict budget with their excellent bang-for-buck.



The Zero2 are the darling of reviewers across Headfi and YouTube, but it didn't really tickle my fancy. It feels a bit like they went too far the other way from the Zero, and the result is a coarser, boomier, less-resolving affair with more rumble but inferior staging and technicalities. Next to the thunderously bass-soaked Zero2, the Q5 may underwhelm for those who feel the need for low-end power. Listening to thumping hip hop or aggressive EDM, the Zero 2 stomps mightily thanks to the boosted 40Hz slam, whilst synth growls shudder, but switching genres quickly reveals the Zero2's weaknesses. Ambient electronica loses its glistening atmosphere, smothered in blurry echo. The Q5 by comparison projecting clear and true, with its euphonic, more accurate and faithful midband reproduction, augmented by added air and vastly superior microdetail.

The Zero2 cost quite a bit less than the Q5, but the Q5 are worth every extra penny a far better value proposition.



The Simgot EA500LM are even warmer than the Q5, with a little more subbass rumble and thump, whilst delivering great texture and depth within their price category. The subbass extension makes them a more discerning basshead set than the Zero2, with a thicker note weight than the Q5. From a treble perspective, the LM sharing a similarly bright yet natural presentation to the Q5, rarely teetering on the fatiguing. The staging is more intimate on the EA500LM, but their improved technical performance means they cope slightly better with more congested arrangements, making up for the notably inferior width with slightly superior depth and height. The LM also offer some added versatility by including additional nozzles for alternative tunings.

Summary

This is the second EPZ set I've been testing over the last few weeks, and again, it doesn't fail to impress. Both of EPZ's single DD releases in 2023 have showcased their abilities to deliver modern, Harman-df tuning with above average technicalities, whilst also projecting what buyers want in terms of the ergonomics and overall package. Both the G10 and Q5 are ideal for newcomers feeling their way into the hobby, with build quality and overall package that offer great value for money and longevity.

Due to the way the stock tips engaged with my ears, it took a little tip rolling to mitigate driver flex and maximise comfort and audio delivery, but once I did I was extremely happy with the Q5. Some will no doubt take exception to the Advar-homage appearance and MMCX cable, but these are very minor quibbles as far as I'm concerned. The Q5 is a very solid choice in the sub £50 category, and outperforms many IEMs priced much higher by the names we know, but perhaps are falling out of love with.

TLDR version on YouTube: TDLR - EPZ Q5

The EPZ Q5 have been sent to me directly by EPZ for me to try them out and to share my opinions in this review. EPZ have made no requests and understand that I publish my honest opinions, good or bad, where I try to stay as unbiased as humanly possible.

The Q5 are available from the official EPZ store on Aliexpress, you can find a link to them by visiting the version of this review published on my blog (link at the end of this post).

As with all links I share, it is a non-affiliate link.

To avoid being repetetive in my reviews, you can find all the info about how I create the reviews, equipment used, how I receive the products and how to interpret my reviews by visiting: About my reviews



Intro…

EPZ are a company that I really didn’t know anything about except for having seen a few images of the actual IEM I am reviewing today. I have not read any reviews of their products, nor seen any measurements, and when they reached out to me to offer to send a couple of models, saying that I had been recommended by a friend in Spain, I honestly didn’t know who they were.

I am always interested in trying out things I know nothing about, as long as it doesn’t involve any drama from the people who want to send it. This is something that happens more than you can guess, with people requesting all kinds of things that I just politely decline. I do this for fun and if I can’t review something on my own terms and be totally honest about it, well, there are plenty of other things out there to try out. I am not anyone special as a reviewer, I don’t have tens of thousands of followers, but the one thing I do have is a job that is nothing to do with my reviews (although it is audio related), so I don’t need to make any income from the reviews (in fact, I actually lose money) and I certainly don’t need any more stress than my real job brings me. So if I can’t have fun, then I’ll do something else.

But anyway, as always, I am rambling on about nothing of value to this review and the only reason I started on this tangent is because EPZ reached out to me and I knew nothing about them but as they were very easy going and just wanted me to check out their stuff, I was happy to do so.

The Q5 that I am reviewing today (yes, this is an actual review, not just me going on about irrelevant things) is available on their Aliexpress store for around 55€ at the time of putting this review together. Their listing says that it is a “10mm dual magnetic circuit dual cavity ceramic carbon nano piezoelectric horn”, it is actually a 10mm dynamic driver, so I am not sure where the piezoelectric horn comes into play. Other specs are listed as having a 109db sensitivity with a 26 Ohm impedance.

My search on Google didn’t actually bring back any stores that seem to carry the Q5 other than Aliexpress and Amazon Japan, although I may be missing something.

So, let’s take a look at this set of IEMs that falls outside the ultra-budget category of sub 50€, but only just.



Presentation…

As always, I like to point out when something is different in the presentation side of things and the box of the Q5 is actually quite unique, at least in comparison to IEMs that I have received.

The outer cardboard sleeve is nothing unusual, although it does feature a largish design in bronze, with the model, make and information that EPZ started in 2019 (so they are not new). There is also a slogan that reads “Sound for the custom pleasure in it”, which is the usual case of something that is probably a very nice phrase in Chinese losing elegance once translated.

On the sides there are some basic specs and also a 5th anniversary logo, while on the back we get the graph and more detailed specs. All of these are in the same bronze colour.

Upon removing the outer sleeve is where things get interesting with the box. Rather than a lift off lid, or some kind of sliding system, the box actually hinges in the middle, with the two halves of the top dropping to the sides and the center popping up. This reveals the a small card cover that opens like the front of a booklet, which shows Q5 in the center and reads “Five years of prosperity and glory” underneath, again, all in the same bronze colour.

I find the way the box opens to be rather unique, although it doesn’t make it too easy to access the contents. The main part of the box reveals the IEMs in their foam cutouts, with a semirigid storage case beneath with the cable and 6 sets of tips. In the bottom of the box, an accessories box if included that contains the documentation, user manual and a microfiber cloth.



Build and aesthetics…

The first time I came across a photo of these IEMs, they were the black version and it was in the Meze Advar thread on Head-Fi where somebody pointed out how blatantly similar to the Advar they are. There is no denying that the aesthetics are almost identical to those of the Advar, which means they are a very good looking set of IEMs.

The EPZ are well built, with a 3D printed resin shell that honestly looks like ceramic, with that same bronze look in the center circle. They even use the same text around that center circle in this case reading “EPZ Audio started in 2019”.

The version I received is the white one which I personally think looks even better than the black one, with bronze coloured hardware on the white cable that matches the IEMs.

Honestly, these IEMs look great, seem to be very well built and give an impression of being of a much higher price point than they actually are, it is such a shame that they decided to copy the Advar aesthetics as they seem to be capable of making high build quality. I know that they are certainly not the only company that does this but it doesn’t make it any better.



Sound…

All tracks mentioned are clickable links that allow you to open the reference track in the streaming service of your choice (YouTube, Tidal, Qobuz, Spotify, etc.)

Getting past the negativity of the copying of the Advar in the aesthetics department, we can forget all references to the Romanian brand and judge the Q5 on their own merits. They are not similar in sound to the Meze in any way (or in price point), but that does not mean that are not a good set of IEMs for what they bring to the table at their price point.

As always, let’s start off with a look at the graph comparing them to my usual preference:



The subbass is present at a level that I find more than adequate, with a performance in the lower ranges that is very respectable for a set of IEMs at this price point. It may not be the most amazing subbass out there but it is difficult to really pick faults with it. “Chameleon” shows the lower notes to be fairly quick and controlled, with the low ranges not affecting the overall performance of the IEM.

The midbass is similar in its performance, with a clean response that has just enough body to give a little bit extra to the lower notes of the acoustic instruments that I enjoy. “Crazy” being my usual fatigue test for midbass does not come across as overly present and is well controlled, meaning that this frequency range does not become fatiguing for me.

The transition into the mids is clean, however, there is a slight lack of presence in mids that can leave certain vocals a little hollow, especially due to the response we get as we climb into the higher mids and lower treble.

The upper mids range is just a touch too high but it would not really be an issue is it wasn’t for the peak at 5kHz as we go above it.

Yes, my dreaded 5k peak! It has been a while since I listened to a set of IEMs with such an emphasis on 5kHz and I’m afraid I find it very uncomfortable. The higher notes of electric guitars, vocals and even percussion comes across as very harsh and it is something that I find I am allergic to. It really makes the Q5 a difficult listen for me.

Moving past the 5kHz mark, there is also quite a bit of presence in the upper treble, which does add air and brilliance to the sound but at the same time it sums up to the upper mids and 5k peak, putting a large emphasis on these ranges and making things come across as very bright.

While I wouldn’t say that the lower range is lacking, at least not for my preferences, it is not enough to counteract the upper ranges and these lead to a tuning that can make the result harsh and even quite thin.



Conclusion…

I have said it in the past many times, I am someone who suffers a lot from 5kHz peaks and the Q5 puts a lot of emphasis on that exact frequency, maybe it could be called the Q5K

This means that I have a major issue in being able to enjoy these IEMs, which I feel is a shame, because I think they are a well built and good performing set of IEMs, even if I am not keen on what they have done with the aethetics (not because I don’t like them, I love them, just that they are not original).

I do have another set of EPZ IEMs that I haven’t listened to yet and I hope that the things that stop me from enjoying this set are resolved on that set, but I guess I will let you know when I find out.

__
As always, this review is also available in Spanish both on my blog (www.achoreviews.com) and on YouTube (www.youtube.com/achoreviews)

All FR measurements of IEMs can be viewed and compared on achoreviews.squig.link

All isolation measurements of IEMs can be found on achoreviews.squig.link/isolation

DISCLAIMER

I bought the Q5 at a discounted price from Aliexpress.
It can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005790619423.html (no affiliate links).




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 10 mm ceramic carbon nano dynamic driver
• Impedance: 26 Ω
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: 109 dB
• Cable: MMCX; 4-core single crystal copper silver-plated cable; 3.5 mm termination
• Tested at $54 USD (frequently on sale for cheaper)

ACCESSORIES



Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of wide-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- 3 pairs of narrow-bore silicone eartips (S/M/L)
- Cable
- Carrying case
- Cleaning cloth

For a set retailing around $50ish USD - and even cheaper than that on sales - the accessories are par for the course.




No foam tips are included. However, we have 2 variants of silicone tips - the wide-bore ones boost soundstage and treble, whereas the narrow-bore ones compress soundstage but tame the treble slightly.




Included is a 4-core single crystal copper silver-plated cable. This is on the tangly and thinner side. There's a chin cinch for added grip. Sadly, it is an MMCX cable, which in my experience, may be less robust than 2-pin ones with frequent cable swapping.

A rectangular semi-rigid zipper case graces the packaging. The innards have a soft material and webbing to cushion the contents. Lastly, we have a velvety cleaning cloth.

The rest of this review was done with the stock cable and stock narrow-bore silicone tips. No aftermarket accessories were used, so as not to add any confounders to the sound.


BUILD/COMFORT



Fashioned from dermatological-friendly 3D-printed resin, the housings suspiciously look like the (more expensive) Meze Advar's shells. While CHIFI may understandably be not so robust with regards to patents and licensing, it would have been more respectable if EPZ could have sourced for a more individually unique design for the Q5.

Thankfully, the housings are light and ergonomic, no complaints with fitting on my end. The inner aspects are smooth without any protuberances. EPZ has nicely added serial numbers to each IEM, which adds a whiff of exclusivity.



When placing an order, one can opt for a black or white design.



As discussed above, the Q5 utilizes MMCX connectors, which are not my preferred ports. Nevertheless, on this model, the cables connect and disconnect off quite easily, with no overly loose or tight connectors. Hopefully, it will last a long time.

Despite being vented, isolation is above average. Unfortunately, I found driver flex on my set, but this is partially dependent on ear anatomy and type of tips used, so YMMV.


INTERNALS

The Q5's engine is a dual magnetic dual cavity 10 mm ceramic carbon nano dynamic driver.




DRIVABILITY

I tested the Q5 with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Fiio K11 DAC/amp
- Fiio KA13 dongle
- Hiby R3 Pro Saber 2022 DAP
- Khadas Tone Board -> Schiit Asgard 3 amp
- Questyle M15 DAC/AMP dongle
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW A-55 DAP (Walkman One Neutral Mod)
- Sony Walkman NW WM1A DAP (Walkman One WM1Z Plus v2 Mod)
- Smartphone

This IEM is relatively easy to drive, and amplification isn't 100% required.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES


Graph of the EPZ Q5 via IEC711 coupler.

Tonally, the Q5 is tuned to a bright V-shape.

This IEM is sub-bass focused. Sub-bass extension is not the deepest though, and quantity is just north of neutral but not at true basshead levels. Laudably, the bass quality is solid, and we hear a fast and clean bass with no mid-bass bleed. Texturing is quite decent for the coin.

The lower midrange is a tad recessed. With no big mid-bass to bleed into this area, it is on the thinner side for note weight. However, we get a very transparent and clean midrange, and the Q5 allows instruments to be nicely layered on a dark background. The upper mids sport about 8 dB of ear gain, and vocals are in the forefront, and are just at the edge between shoutiness and forwardness (as per the Fletcher Munson curve, at louder volumes, this region might be fatiguing, but should be manageable at low to moderate volume levels).

The lower treble continues on from the upper mids peak, and climaxes at around 5 kHz, bringing lots of clarity and resolution to the table. Trebleheads will like this tuning choice, though treble-sensitive folks might need to look elsewhere. We have a lot of micro-details showcased, but there admittedly are instances of sibilance.

Timbral accuracy is quite decently portrayed, as per its single DD roots.

In technicalities, the Q5 shines for a $50ish single DD. Soundstage is above average in all directions. Micro-details and clarity - as alluded to - are very good. Imaging and instrument separation belies its price point. Along a spectrum between musicality and analyticity, the Q5 definitely sings towards the latter.


COMPARISONS

Comparisons were made with other budget single DD sets. BAs, hybrids and planars were left out of the comparisons as the different driver types have their pros and cons.




Dunu Kima Classic

The Kima Classic is more V-shaped, with greater bass and upper mids on show.

The Kima Classic has inferior technicalities, losing to the Q5 in soundstage, imaging, micro-detailing and layering. Timbre is a bit less natural on the Kima Classic, and it has a more recessed midrange.

The Kima Classic is however, better accessorized.


Simgot EA500

The EA500 has 2 tuning nozzles to furnish a Harmanish tone versus a neutralish bright lilt. Thus, it is more versatile as such.

The EA500 is more subdued in the sub-bass but more zealous in the upper mids on both tuning nozzles. Thus, the EA500 can come across tonally as brighter and more fatiguing/sibilant.

Both are technical sets, but the EA500 is a hair ahead in technicalities, boasting of better imaging, instrument separation and micro-details.


CONCLUSIONS



In a nutshell, the EPZ Q5 is a solid entrant to the budget single DD game. It features a bright V-shape tuning with excellent technical chops. Ergonomics, accessories and drivability are its strong suits, in addition to a fast and clean bass, with nice resolution.

Some areas are a letdown, specifically to do with its façade - namely the MMCX connectors, driver flex and the glaringly obvious Meze doppelganger looks. Additionally, the Q5's tuning lies on the brighter side, and may not be the cup of tea for our treble sensitive brethren. Consumers wanting a lush and thick note weight might also have to consider alternatives.

By and large, the Q5's forte is its technicalities, and it is relatively affordable for an introductory transducer for those new to the hobby. It is definitely one to consider in the conversation for users looking for a bright analytical budget single DD.

"Music is life itself"

~~Louis Armstrong


The portable audio market is now populated with myriads of audio companies since its renaissance from the previous decade due to globalisation. And some of these products became more accessible to the people who wants a product that is cheap and affordable yet it could give a good performance for its asking price. The rise of Chinese audio companies shouldn't be ignore of their presence in audio/visual market segment as they became a force to be reckoned with.

About this audio company that produces this set to be featured on this product review, EPZ became an independent company in 2019 and under their portfolio, they have an over a decade of extensive experience on research and development and manufacturing process as they were once part of OEM company that was a technology-based that produces and supply certain acoustic parts and some hardware components to other audio brands. They specialise on acoustic technology and 3D-printing processing that became staple factor and feature of their products.



This is EPZ Q5, its their latest model for the entry-level segment. It has single dynamic driver and it is of a fine quality as it has a circumference of 10mm with a diaphragm made of ceramic carbon nano that makes unusual to be implemented in a product in this price range segment. With this type of driver, it offers a better tensile strength and quite fairly light that it is able to deliver a more responsive sound vibrations with lower distortion for richer, more accurate, better resolution and coherent sound quality.



The drivers were encapsulated in a medical-grade, skin friendly resin shell housing which underwent via 3D-printed process that was meticulously design for better performance with its acoustic chamber that will handle the resonance and able to dampened and releases some excessive air pressure from the sound waves generated from it. If we look upon its design cues, we will instantly notice that it takes some inspiration from other established audio brands like Meze, Westone and Shure. On its faceplate, it has a similar aesthetics with Meze Advar while on its cavity base, it takes some form factor from Westones and Shure IEMs albeit it has a thicker stem on its nozzle. EPZ uses a MMCX connector as its interlocking mechanism for better flexibility and proper ergonomic design on its shell chassis.



As for fitting and comfort, EPZ Q5 sits comfortably well in my lugholes that I don't experience any discomfort during my long listening session or even on my daily physical activity. It has a good passive noise isolation as it was able to block a substantial amount of noise coming from the outside surroundings. There is one thing that I should address on this, in a stock eartips with balanced bore, there's a slight driver flex on every insertion to my lugholes but when I change its stock ear tips to other types of stock ear tips which are smaller and with flatter profile, I don't experience it anymore.



Regarding its stock cable, it has a 2-core of mono crystalline silver-plated copper wiring that were insulated in a clear PVC coating with a gold-plated 3.5mm termination plug at its end. Upon ordering this product, you can choose a termination plug of your choice either a 3.5mm SE, 4.4mm balanced or 2.5mm balanced.



As for its product packaging and its unboxing presentation, it has a black-coloured square-shaped box with a copper hue on its print to give that elegant and minimalist design cues. The presentation itself on how we will open is quite unique as it has split-style opening although the execution of its functionality is pretty flawed due to lack of clearance of some of its proportion that causes some minor obstruction.



These are the following contents that we will find inside:

■ Pair of EPZ Q5 IEMs

■ Stock cable

■ Oval-shaped zippered IEM storage case

■ Three (3) pairs of flat ear tips in different standard sizes.

■ Two (2) pairs of balanced bore ear tips in different standard sizes.

■ Paperwork like Q.C. stub and instruction manual.



Power scaling-wise, this set is pretty easy to amplify that we only need a decent volume level from our multimedia portable device sources like smartphones, tablets and DAPs. A medium amplitude level in a normal gain mode will be enough to deliver a dynamic and a full-range sound that was quite satisfying to our hearing.



When it comes to its tonal aspect, EPZ Q5 has a U to V-shaped sound profile depends on the ear tips that I'm using as they have some noticeable variable sound output particularly on some emphasis of its bass presence and upper-mids. This tuning is quite uncommon nowadays and yet it is quite a pleasing sound that has a warmth on it and at the same, it has an energetic sound.


(This graph was provided by @baskingshark , thanks to his effort)




LOWS/BASS

As I mentioned about its warm and energetic tonality, some part of its warmth quality is in the low frequencies as it has a little emphasis on mid-bass part but it is still on the balanced side of tactility and on the punchy side. And this is not definitely a basshead's bass quantity as it doesn't have an enough slam, volume and depth to have that boomy sound.

It has a good sub-bass presence as I evidently felt those reverberations and rumbling sound from instruments like synthesisers, octabasses, low tone bass guitars and drum machines from the tracks of my favoured music genres like synth-pop. old school hip-hop, RnB and classic rock. Mid-bass has a substantial texture to give a bit more body on bass guitars, bass kick drums, cellos and bass-baritone vocals.

Here are some of the sound characteristics of each instrument and vocal in regards to tonal colour.

Bass guitars - resonant, sombre and has a decent weight on every pluck of its strings.

Bass kick drum - sustaining, resonant and thudding sound. Capable of projecting a fast double bass kick drums from extreme metal tracks.

Cellos - warm, rounded and lustrous sound. Its notation is usually range mainly on bass clef.

Bass-baritone vocals - simply espresso-like as it maintains a balanced sound but it seems that it has a less darker tone and not depth enough.



MIDRANGE:

No matter what I do some ear-tip rolling on this set, It still has a noticeable recessed presentation in this particular frequency part on how most instruments and vocals were presented in the mix. But at least, it doesn't sound too lean as it has some semblance of texture on them while maintaining a translucent, clean and crisp sound.

It is given that EPZ Q5 favours more on female vocals and instruments like strings, woodwinds and some percussives. Male voices sound fairly decent on this one as it has a enough note weight to give depth and density to their vocal qualities though a tad leaner in my liking.

Here are some of my observations of sound characteristics of each vocal types and instruments:

Vocals:

Baritones - they have smooth and velvety sound which is more suitable to light and lyric baritones which have milder and sweet tone, while the more deeper ones like Kavalier baritone, Verdi, dramatic and noble baritones, they are quite a tad mellow, and less powered sounding in contrast of their natural timbre and tonality but it has a sufficient depth and volume.

Tenors - they have a dazzling and spiciness sound. Lyric tenors like Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras will have their distinctive warm, shimmering and graceful sound. Lightweight or Leggero tenors fare even better on this set. Spinto and dramatic tenors have those ringing and emotive sounds but their tones were less darker and a tad lighter.

Countertenors - they actually sounds great in this one has it has tender and coppery sound on this set as I enjoy to listen Andreas Scholl, Philippe Jaroussky, King Diamond of Mercyful Fate, Daron Malakian of System of a Down and Geddy Lee of Rush.

Contraltos - As they have these husky and smoky vocal qualities but I also noticed that they have somewhat lack of richness and lush vocal texture as it is borderline to be a lean sounding as I listen to Anggun, Annie Lennox and Toni Braxton.

Mezzo-Sopranos - They have a tender, fiery, light and glowing sound that makes them more captivating and comforting to listen.

Sopranos - Due to the energetic nature of this set. It gives a more expressive and brighter vocal quality of this particular voice type. Dramatic sopranos have powerful and more emotive with sufficient texture, lyric sopranos have some fullness with added brightness on them, soubrette sopranos have its tender and sweetness on their vocal characteristics and coloratura sopranos have a silvery and shimmering sound as they execute their agile vocal passage.


Instruments:

Guitars (acoustic/electric) - They have a crisp, bright and a more emphasis on presence tone.

Violins - Bright, metallic and shrilly sounding on every bow strokes.

Trumpets - Brilliant, vivid and penetrating sound characteristics.

Trombones - Metallic and intense sounding.

Flutes - Penetrating, clear and bright sounding

Piccolos - Intense, brilliant and light sounding.

Field drums - Hard, sonorous and penetrating sound on every stroke.

Snare drums - Sharp, precise and dry sounding.

Kettle drums - Deep, resonant and mellow sound.

Pianos - they sound bright, clear and lively.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

EPZ Q5's treble response is on the brighter side as it has a noticeable upper-mids and presence range boost to give a sense of clarity and detail, sharper attacks of percussion and rhythm instruments and better vocal lucidity but at expense of having an occasional shrilly and tad piercing at the vocal tails. Sibilance is somehow well-controlled and jarring was kept minimal.

For a single DD set, it has a good amount of air and is well-sparkled on its harmonics. Cymbals have a shimmering, metallic and sizzling sound while hi-hats has rather bright and buzzing sound. Glockenspiels have shrilly and penetrating sound and celestas have a glistening and glassy sound from them.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING & OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

This is one of its strongest assets and it is quite uncommon to see a single DD set with good technical capabilities especially in the entry-level segment. it has an above-average size of its overall dimensions which give me a moderately spacious head stage as it has fairly natural wide span, a good height reach and satisfactory depth and distance between from and row.

As for imaging, it projects a concave, two-dimensional stereo presentation as I was able to panned out the placements of instruments and vocals in a sonic canvas. Separation is good for single DD as all the elements have a good spacing on each other and it also decent layering of frequencies and tones of each instrument and vocals in the mix that even some of the complex tracks are well-played and it doesn't sound congested and disorganised.

It has an excellent coherency of its driver performance as it was able deliver a fast transient response and a very crisp and clear sound output.

Resolution capabilities is quite remarkable as it has solid note texture along with sharp definition on retrieving some nuances and detail from an audio track.


PEER COMPARISONS:

QOA GIMLET

■ GIMLET has a 10mm LCP driver and it was encased in a metal alloy. Its shell design has a UIEM-style form factor and also has a classy look like the Q5 (even the colourway of both sets are similar). This uses a proven 0.78mm 2-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism.

■ As for tonality, GIMLET has a warmish, mild u-shape sound profile. It has more punchy and tactual bass response, less recessed and more warmer and lusher midrange, and then on treble part, it has more smoother and less brighter response and treble air is tad limited. As for technicalities, it has a good sound/speaker stage but imaging and layering isn't particularly impressive compare to Q5.


TINHIFI C3

■ Like the Q5, C3 is also a single DD albeit its dynamic driver is made of composite materials. It was encapsulated in an acrylic UIEM-style resin shell and it uses a 0.78mm 2-pin connector as its detachable mechanism.

■ TINHIFI C3 has a U-shaped sound signature which follows a Harman target curve with some slight modification particularly on the low frequency to make it a bit warm. It has good sub-bass presence while maintaining a substantially textured mid-bass. It has a tad recession on the midrange but still fairly balanced as it has an ample warmth while maintaining a crisp and glint quality. It has a noticeable boost upper-mids while maintaining a smoother treble response although it has a meagre treble air compared to Q5. Technical capability-wise, If I compare both sets, Q5 is a bit more refined between them but C3 was able to perform pretty decently as it has a good sound/speaker staging and up to par separation and layering capabilities.


SIMGOT EA500

■ EA500 is a phenomenal set on its own right and it was considered as the "gold standard" of proper implementation of a good single DD set. Its shells chassis are entirely made of metal alloy and it has a detachable tuning nozzles for different sound profile to choose from.

■ As for tonality, EA500 offers two types of tuning, a more familiar typical Harman tuning and a SIMGOT "in-house" tuning that these sonic profiles align with a U-shaped sound. On the Harman tuning mode, it has more emphasis on sub-bass and a less textured mid-bass, a leaner midrange which sounds less expressive and lack of emotive on vocals and less airy and a bit dull treble response. The SIMGOT tuning mode is a bit more texture, more dynamic and very vivid sound but at the expense of slight sibilance. On technicalities, both EA500 and Q5 are quite comparable in that matter as they can trade blows on one another especially in resolution capabilities. EA500 has a more solid macro-dynamics while Q5 has sharper definition on detail retrieval.


As I conclude my review on EPZ Q5, despite of soms controversies that thrown at this set due to its uncanny resemblance of a certain product from a more establishes brand, EPZ did a good job on this set on how they tuned this one to have engaging sound which is likeable enough for casual listeners who wants an engaging and fun sounding and a budding audio enthusiast who wants a clarity and details with capable technical capabilities for their listening leisures.

This set is definitely a good recommendation for listeners who want a more coloured tonality as it has an sufficient warmth while having a bright sound.


This product is now available in EPZ Official Store on ALIEXPRESS, there's an unaffiliated link down below.

Link :

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805604304671.html?gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: EPZ Q5
IMPEDANCE: 26Ω
SENSITIVITY: 109dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 20KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2m
PIN TYPE: MMCX CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm, 2.5mm, 4.4mm
DRIVER UNIT(S): (1) DYNAMIC DRIVER


Some Tracks Tested: ( * = 16-bit FLAC, ** = 24-bit FLAC, *'* = MQA, '*' = DSD, *'= .WAV)

Alison Krauss -When You Say Nothing At All *
Jade Wiedlin - Blue Kiss**
Led Zeppelin - When The Levee Breaks **
Mountain - Mississippi Queen *
Queen - Killer Queen **
Guns N' Roses - Patience *'*
Eric Clapton - Tears in Heaven '*'
Sergio Mendes- Never Gonna Let You Go '*'
Pearl Jam - Daughter **
Roselia - Hidamari Rhodonite *
Assassin - Fight (To Stop The Tyranny)*
Celtic Frost- Visual Aggression *
New Order - Blue Monday *
The Corrs- What Can I do (unplugged version) *
Jimi Hendrix Experience - Voodoo Child *
The Madness- Buggy Trousers *
Metallica - Motorbreath **
Mariah Carey- Always Be My Baby *
Destiny's Child - Say My Name *
Malice Mizer- Au Revoir *
Mozart - Lacrimosa *
New York Philharmonic Orchestra - Dvorak- Symphony 9 " From the New World." *
Eva Cassidy - Fields of Gold (Sting cover)*
Michael Jackson - Give In To Me *
Exciter - Violence and Force *
Diana Krall - Stop This World **
Debbie Gibson - Foolish Beat *'*
The Sisters of Mercy – Lucretia My Reflection**
Suzanne Vega – Luka **
Lauren Christy – Steep *
Ottoman Mehter - Hucum Marsi *
Diana Damrau - Mozart: Die Zauberflöte*
Type O Negative - Black No.1 *
Felix Ayo - Vivaldi: Presto **
Three Tenors - Nessum Dorma *
Mercyful Fate - Witches' Dance *

P.S.

I am not affiliated to EPZ nor receive monetary incentives and financial gains as they provide me a review unit for an exchange of factual and sincere feedback from yours truly.

Once again, I would like to send my gratitude to EPZ for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.

EPZ Q5 Review​

EPZ Q5 Review ​

Intro​

Hello, this is my full review of the EPZ Q5 which comes fresh from one of the newer up & coming audio brands… EPZ. If I’m being completely honest, I knew very little about EPZ and frankly didn’t really know that they created as many products as they have. Apparently EPZ is quite well known in China. Well, here in the States we don’t always get the latest and greatest within the audio game. I saw that the Q5 was on sale and was able to pick it up for the low cost of $45-$47.

EPZ​

Located in Shenzen China, the original company was actually founded way back in 2008! That took me by surprise. They specialize in R&D, 3D Resin printing of both universal and custom high-res earphones & true wireless, among other ventures and specialties. Apparently, they have their own independent R&D team and production towards micro-speakers, military earphones, and work closely with many well-known brands for production, supplying finished designs as well as acoustic components. Their team has many years under their belt and expertise in acoustic structure, acoustic device selection, calibration and tuning as well.
However, it wasn’t until 2019 that the audio brand “EPZ” was actually founded & established. Since then, they have been really doing a fantastic job by the looks of their website in creating unique designs, all 3D printed and gorgeous in my opinion. This is a very condensed view of a company which has been in this game for quite some time and now I am very interested in learning more about them.

Similar but not the same​

I do have to add one little blurb before I move on. It has gone around the audio community that the Q5 has stolen the design of the Meze Advar. I just want to squash this ridiculous gripe before we move on. Basically… I don’t care and really it doesn’t matter much. This is a very common occurrence to which if you are actually paying attention happens all the time. The truth is, it’s a good design friends. Also, it isn’t exactly the same, just similar in many regards. Actually, it’s pretty darn close… Lol. Still, it’s different enough to easily overlook. Also, again… I don’t care, at all. Okay, can we move on now? Oh, one more thing, I wouldn’t write any of that if the Q5 wasn’t a very nice set. Let’s just get that out of the way and get on with the review. The EPZ Q5 everyone…

Gear used for testing​

–Fiio UTWS5

–Ifi Go Blu

–Hidizs S9 Pro

–Moondrop Dawn 4.4

–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2

–Shanling M6 Ultra

​

Packaging / Accessories​

Unboxing​

I have to say, EPZ gives a pretty damn impressive unboxing for $50! I mean, the box alone is impressive. At first, I was wondering how to work it to even open it all up. Thankfully I stepped back before I gorilla-tore the whole thing up. So, the box itself is very impressive as you open from the inside out by pulling both inner halves outward. This will bring the underneath contents to the forefront. Very cool and ridiculously unique at these prices.

The box is rather large, black and has golden colored writing with a cool looking design (see pictures). Inside you’ll see the slender box containing the reading material with the phrase “Five years of prosperity and glory“. This obviously alludes to the five years that EPZ has been an audio enterprise. Next to the earphones you’ll see the earphones themselves in cardboard cut-outs along with the case underneath that. Inside you’ll see the eartips as well as the cable. Under the earphones there is a smaller box with reading material and a plastic baggy containing a nice cleaning cloth. All in all, the unboxing is much better than I would have thought at this price. Definitely a “pro”… Nice work EPZ!


6.6x

6.6x

< 1x

Eartips​

Included are two sets (S, M, L) of eartips. Both sets are of nice quality I would say. One of the sets is a head scratcher but still nice. I’ll start with the head scratcher. These tips are some ultra-tiny black silicone tips that feel very soft to the touch. The black tips have a semi-wide bore and have an odd shape. They are shallow fit eartip with a flat face to them, or a blunted face. The flange is decently firm, but I wish EPZ would’ve added some larger versions of these tips. They are very small. The other tip set is a white silicone tip with a semi-wide bore, firm stem, & firm flange. It’s much like KBear 07 tips and are actually quite nice. I use the large size white silicone tips and I feel they do well with the EPZ Q5.

However, after many rounds of going through every eartip in my collection I found some that work. I actually ended up using the KBear 07 large yellow tips. I simply couldn’t get a perfect seal with the white silicone tips without playing with them and fiddling around with them for a while. Using the 07’s I got a seal right away. I just felt the need to bring that up.

Cable​

The cable that EPZ added to the accessory count is a very elegant cable. It is also pretty thin and light with a glossy white color and golden accents on the hardware. Truly a gorgeous little cable. There isn’t much info regarding this cable other than its a 1.2m MMCX Silver-plated Copper cable. Certainly, this is a great cable for stage purposes. It’s very lightweight and won’t pull on the earphones during use. Also, the sound is great with it, and it looks very nice attached to the Q5. However, I decided to use a different cable for balanced purposes. The cable I chose is a 4.4 Balanced FAAEAL MMCX cable which is 4-Cores of OFC Copper. It’s really pleasant looking paired with the Q5 with its nicely braided cloth covering. Perfect for use with balanced sources and looks dope with the Q5 attached. What’s best is the sound is great with the FAAEAL cable.

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Build / Design / Internals / Fit / Drivability​

Build Quality ​

The Q5 resembles a nicely ergonomical iem for stage purposes as they’re perfectly built for the human ear. Made completely of “self-developed” skin friendly resin by way of 3D Printing. You’ll notice the trend of “self-developed” when referring to EPZ’s earphones. EPZ actually develops much of their products in-house and they provide the patent #’s as well. The build is very solid friends. EPZ did a very nice job of creating earphones which don’t feel cheap or weak. Instead, they have a robust feel to them with very nice faceplate areas which I’ll explain later. The nozzles are made with a nice bronze colored alloy and finish with an all-metal grill. The nozzles are of medium length as well. I’m impressed by the build.

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Design ​

Now is where we get into the weeds a bit. I’ve already mentioned this, but I will again. Many on social media have commented on the distinct look of the Q5. They happen to resemble a very popular iem, the Meze Advar. Let it be known that… I could care less. Truly. This is a common occurrence in chifi as this wasn’t the first time an earphone resembled another. Also, it certainly won’t be the last. Who cares?! Okay, for the second time… Moving on.

Anyways, the look is pretty dope. The Q5 has that tight fitting design that sits perfectly in the ear. All black except for a very slick looking golden faceplate which features a concave alloy circle which has a vent port in the middle and “EPZ Audio-Started in 2019” imposed around the vent. The contrast is awesome, and the look is all class. Really a well-designed unit that looks good on the ear. No, it won’t win any design awards but it’s nice. Again, good job EPZ!

Internals​

During the process of review, I have come to really respect this company. They develop many of their own materials and the Driver is no exception. In fact, under Chinese utility Patent #: CN201920080514.0 you will see that they developed this driver in-house. The Driver in question is a 10mm Ceramic Carbon Nano Dynamic Coil with a Dual-Cavity & Dual Magnetic design. By all accounts it appears that EPZ knows what they are doing. I find the driver to be of good quality. You don’t hear any distortion or weird artifacts in the edges of music. Again, this is a dual-cavity design which was 3D printed using both resin and metal materials.

SPECIALLY DEVELOPED DUAL MAGNETIC & DUAL CAVITY DYNAMIC DRIVER
EPZ Q5 adopts a specially developed 10mm dynamic driver unit that features a dual-magnetic circuit and dual-cavity design. This dual-magnetic system of Q5 provides both internal and external magnetic circuits. They are made up of high-quality Carbon-Nano composite (CNT) diaphragm. The dual-Cavity design manages the air-pressure buildup inside the cavity and helps the pair to produce a clean sound with wide extensions and lower distortion.
EPZ Promotional​

Click to expand...

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Fit​

The fit is flat-out great. At least for me. Of course, I have to imagine that the Q5 would likely fit the great majority of hobbyists quite well. The shape alone is perfect to sit inside of an ear and does so very snuggly. Isolation is also very good with the Q5 in my ears. Obviously, this may not be the same for you. So, speaking for myself, I have zero issues at all with isolation, sound leakage or fit. Really EPZ nailed this design and build.

Drivability​

I honestly didn’t have a problem driving the Q5 with any source I used. With an impedence of 26 ohms and a sensitivity of 109 dbs; driving them is really no issue. Perhaps my iPad was a bit weak, but it still drove this set well. Even using the Fiio UTWS5 with MMCX adapters I found the driving power to be more than enough. Listening with the Ifi Go Blu was a treat for my ears as they have nice synergy. Not that lesser powerful sources are bad sounding. It’s just that the Q5 reacts great with the warmer and more lush presentation of the Go Blu making this pair fantastic for mobile listening. Especially using 4.4 balanced.

Dongle Dacs ​

As far as Dongle dacs are concerned I really think everyone should give the Moondrop Dawn 4.4 a chance. Boy does it sound wonderful with the Q5 and truthfully it sounds pretty great with anything attached to it. Truly one of the highly underappreciated dongles. I find the synergy between the Q5 really matches well with the Dawn which uses the Cirrus Logic CS43131 dac chip which also happens to be the same chip within the Go Blu. I used the Q5 with a couple other dongle dacs and had somewhat similar results, but the Dawn certainly brought upon a great listening session.

Daps​

I would have thought that the iBasso DX240 with its amazing ES9038 Pro dac chip and the iBasso Amp8 Mk2 attached would’ve melded better with the Q5, but I did hear some slightly processed timbre up top for whatever reason. So, pairing with the Shanling M6 Ultra was easily my favorite listening method for just lounging and soaking in the music. That velvet chip, the AK4493SEQ is a flagship level chip that is utterly smooth yet completely resolving which is perfect for the Q5. Also, more power seems to bring out the best in the Q5, though it isn’t required.

In the end​

Like most sets, a little more juice helps (to a degree) but like most sensitive iems in this range it isn’t necessarily needed and there is a power-cap to what you will hear. Using a moderately powerful dongle dac is perfectly fine. In fact, I’m sure most mobile phones would do the trick so long as they have at least a decent level of juice or driving power. If the Fiio UTWS5 can drive this set well at 50mw @32 ohms than I’m sure most any dongle will suffice. Still, if you can get your hands on a nicely organic dongle like the Dawn 4.4 then you are in business and also in for a treat.

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Sound Impressions​

Note: I just want to preface this entire sound impressions portion of the review with a few things. First, I burned the Q5 in for roughly 50-60 hours. I don’t always hear a valid difference, but for this set I certainly did. The upper mids had a slight glare prior to burn-in that was all but gone after. I kept checking periodically with the same song (as I do) and the moment I noticed the sound leveling out I stopped the process. Also, I primarily listen using flac or better files which are stored on my devices. I usually listen using UAPP but sometimes with Hiby Player and I do occasionally also use Poweramp as well.

Condensed Sound report​

Now this is where the Q5 earns its stripes folks. Of course, the Q5 will not be a favorable tuning for everyone, let’s just get that out of the way. Still, I do think that anyone who is a fan of a more airy and transparent sound will likely enjoy what EPZ has created in the Q5. What I hear is a mostly U-shaped sound and some may even consider it to be W-shape to a degree as well. One thing is for sure… EPZ knows how to tune a set of earphones with very nice tonal qualities. The timbre is pretty nice as well, though not completely organic, I’d call it “off-natural”. There are slight timbral issues within the midrange, but they are peanuts in the face of the overall tuning.

Honestly, it’s very pleasant-sounding earphone to my ears with a “technically musical” sound in that the Q5 does have a sense of musicality while not skimping on the finer details. In fact, the technicalities are very well done for a single DD at this price. You have an energetic sound with an unfatty, yet rich note weight and slightly thinner but also full macro-dynamics. I realize these descriptions sound dissimilar and contradictory, but I sat for quite a while trying my best to explain what I hear, and I stand by my words. Let’s put it this way, the sound is certainly not dull, thin, or dry to my ears, but it also isn’t super thick and warmly weighted.

Between the 20’s​

As far as what I hear between the 20’s; I happen to really enjoy the sound of the Q5 in each 3rd of the spectrum, though each 3rd also has some subjective qualms. Predominantly, the bass is tight and brisk with a punchy and nimble type of dynamism. This isn’t an ultra-guttural or ultra-deep, dark or ultra-bellowing type of bass but there is nice density and texture. The bass certainly isn’t devoid of presence as I don’t feel it lacks at all to my ears. More mature than basshead but also not bass lite. The midrange has a forward and ubiquitous presence for both male and females. However, there is the slightest tinge of that processed metallic sound at the note outlines of more energetic passages of music. This is more a rarity and not the norm. For the most part vocals come across sounding nicely represented. The midrange has nice detail retrieval and great transient speed as well with good separation. The treble has pretty nice clarity and also offers a nicely detailed replay with good note definition and a smooth overall body. Not the most pinpoint yet still has decent bite up top.

If this is all the further you read just know that the EPZ Q5 is not a basshead set, not a treble head earphone, and it isn’t entirely mid centric either. Instead, the Q5 strikes a nice balance across the mix and doesn’t entirely favor any one area. Closer to neutral than anything with some shades of warmth, the Q5 has a breathable sound with air in the mix. Macro-dynamics aren’t going to blow you away but the Q5 still comes across musical while balancing its very well composed technical abilities. This set sounds nice folks.

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Bass Region​

The bass is altogether tidy and pretty stout & not at all overly boosted. You won’t feel the Q5 bumping in the backs of your eyelids. It isn’t made for that type of fun. That said, the Q5 isn’t without some thump. It just hedges more on the side of speed and punch. Clearly the bass is not the focus on this set and clearly EPZ wanted a bass that did its job and got out of the way. For instance, you won’t hear this bass muddying up the midrange. In the same breath you also won’t feel some instrumentation the same as some more emphasized sets down low and won’t get the same fullness of notes as some sets. I feel it’s a nice trade-off but that is just me. If we are simply talking timbre in the nether regions, then I’d say that the Q5 is well to do. There is an evident distinction between sub & mid bass with a layered and macro-detailed approach.

Sub-bass ​

The sub-bass is definitely the focus of the low-end tuning, but it isn’t 100% evident through listening all the time. Listening to the track (that I always use) “Groove” by Ray Wylie Hubbard, I certainly hear a dense enough drone to the bassline which carries this track. It’s decently weighted and there is some haptic feel that is rather nice. Understand that this isn’t a bass that is over elevated. However, I’ve read reports that this is a very light bass. Friends, I really don’t hear that. It just isn’t an ultra-thick Bass-Boi caliber low-end. It’s actually very well emphasized in a mature way. “2040” by Lil Baby & Lil Durk flat out bumps with the Q5. It hits very well. No doubt about it. Granted this track hits hard with most any set, but still… the Q5 certainly doesn’t lack in sub-bass authority and tactile rumble. Again, it isn’t the focus and I think it’s paramount that we understand the distinction before buying.

Mid-bass ​

The mid-bass carries slightly less authority than the sub-bass, but I will repeat just about everything I’ve said in the “sub-bass” category. However, the mid-bass is slightly leaner with a soft leading edge of attack and quicker decay to my ears. Not at all hollow and not fuzzy either. Actually, the Q5 really doesn’t disappoint. I think you begin to see the slight lack in some tracks with some usually beefy bass guitars which may come across a hair less full on the Q5. Again, I think the trade-off is worth it though as the Q5 is tight enough to offer a punchy yet defined sound that handles quicker bass passages really well. Still, I don’t feel the Q5 lacks and on blatantly heavy bass jams the Q5 can rise to the occasion and offer some head-bobbing fun.

“On Melancholy Hill” by the Gorillaz begins with an energetic bassline that comes across with moderate levels of oomph listening with the Q5. Not as assertive and swollen as some sets but the sound comes across very clean and prominent enough to carry this track nicely. Let me repeat that I am not let down with the bass quantity here. It’s simply not so protrusive and obese as some earphone’s bass. I enjoy that the mid-bass stays in its lane and lets the rest of the mix thrive without drowning the entire spectrum in veil or the inflated plump of too much mid-bass. “All My Life” by Lil Durk actually hits with authority on the Q5, straight out the gate. This track actually hits hard on most sets, but again, the Q5 does this Hip-Hop track justice with a nice boom.

Downsides to the bass-region​

If I were to pick apart the bass region, the clear issue would be with bass head types who want that overtly dominant bass. The Q5 is not that but instead the bass is a part to a nicely tuned whole. Also, I would say that the Q5 could use a bit more concrete density whether it has an emphasized bass region or not. I could say that extension down low could be a bit more extended and robust but that is really a subjective matter for the listener. However, to counter all of that, the bass is not one-noted, it is fast enough for quick basslines yet atmospheric enough too. The bass can slam yet it gets out of its own way and works great for multiple genres.

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Midrange​

The midrange comes across pretty crisp with very nice resolution in that it has a clean note edge throughout the midrange, for the price that is. I feel that EPZ tuned the Q5 in a very open and clean manner without the slightest of veil and very nice energy. We have lush-lean & clean macro-dynamics. The sound has air to it. The midrange comes across mostly neutral with a hair more warmth toward the low-mids. I also find the midrange to have very nice separation between instruments and voices while having good note definition for the price. For the most part the Q5 is capable of producing clean vocals that aren’t super recessed and aren’t congested sounding either. Perhaps a hint too thin for some and if I’m really stretching, I’d say some slight metallic timbre in more energetic tracks in the upper-mids.

Lower-midrange ​

Beginning with male vocals I think these can go either way. You’ll either enjoy them or not. Now, I’m not the type who needs ultra thick and weighted male vocals. It’s nice to hear but I can look past it so long as some measures are taken to produce a nicely highlighted and defined male voice. This happens to be the case for the Q5. The sound is mostly uncolored and isn’t really warm or thick in note weight but also…they aren’t thin either. Somewhere in the middle is where the Q5 resides. Thankfully the lower-mids aren’t hazy from bass bleed and don’t sound artificial either. On the track “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” (U2 acapella cover) by Home Free I can quite literally hear every type of male voice. Baritones are firm and deep enough and tenors sound eloquent with a bit more levity to them. Both sound great and not thin or dry to my ears. They come across “lean-lush” to me.

To be honest I find no real issues with males as I personally enjoy them listening with the Q5. There is a richness, even in the leaner note structure and the sound is actually close to natural as far as the cadence and dictation of a male voice. Perhaps on some higher pitched males within ballad type songs you may get some very slight coarseness or a metallic type of note edge, but this is in no way something that I’d label a con. Also, for the price this is not out of the ordinary. Honestly, I would probably say that the lower mids are pretty much organic in timbre. Most instruments in this area come across just fine without any exaggerated coloration to my ears.

Upper-Midrange ​

The upper-mids are basically where female vocalists reside, though this isn’t necessarily a constant. You will find female voices range across the midrange. On the Q5, for the most part, I find females more forward than lower-mid males by a pinch and there is more of a shimmer to most females. I find good note cleanliness which can sound soft and honeyed, yet just as easily come across symphonic or elegantly golden & resounding in ballad style tracks. “High” by Caitlyn Smith is one song which covers both. Her voice goes from softly feathery or even velvety as the track gains life to powerful and bold in the chorus section. At the same time there is a ton of commotion in the melody which surrounds her voice. The instrumentation is relatively clean with nice separation while the inflections and modulations in her voice sound very distinct and defined.

Instruments in the midrange​

Most instruments come across fairly naturally except those which reside closer to the upper-mid range, and it depends upon the instrument as well. Generally, the Q5 does a very nice job of recreating instrumentation. Also be aware that my comments about instruments using the Q5 are gross generalizations. So many things may impact the sound and alter your perspective including the type of music, quality of the recording, the source I’m using, heck even the eartips I’m using make a big difference. Again, these are very general blanket thoughts. This review would be much larger if I broke everything down further.

I find piano plays well and sounds very tuneful and melodious when needed. Strings sound relaxed with nice harmonics to my ears though I could use a bit more of that sharpness and bite. Violin is a hint thin but also edgy and satisfying. Percussion has good punch & pang for stuff like snares, tambourine, timpani and cymbals which attack with a nice wet-edged clang & pap. The Q5 does percussion well in my opinion. Cymbals for instance, I don’t hear anything that comes across splashy or anything odd in timbre & nothing stands out as blatantly bad or artificial or glaring. It stands to reason that a more balanced tuning would have a better chance at a more realistic sound and the Q5 does that. There is some brightness and the Q5 could use a bit more mid-bass rise but in general the Q5 does instruments very well.

Downsides to the midrange​

Some of the gripes I could see folks having about the midrange on the Q5 would be that it can come across thinner in body across the midrange than some may be used to. I’ve already expressed that I think the note weight is fine but I’m sure others may not always enjoy it. Like I said before, I find the Q5 almost “lean-lush”… if that makes any sense. Also, timbre may not be perfectly natural as you climb the midrange. Perhaps a hair more warmth would be a bit closer to organic but honestly folks, we all have different interpretations of what “Organic” or “Natural” is so… Just pretend I didn’t write that. I don’t hear any horrible peaks or glaring areas of shoutiness. I don’t hear any real pronounced sibilance either. It sounds nice.

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Treble Region​

Benefits the tuning​

I find the treble region to really benefit the overall tuning of the Q5. It balances very well with the other areas of the mix while uplifting the entire spectrum. I wouldn’t call the treble extremely emphasized but it makes its presence felt and isn’t underwhelming. It isn’t emphasized in a “treble head” way or in an overtly “over-saturated” or “forced resolution” type of manner either. It comes off pretty naturally (there’s that natural word again) and easy on the ears while in the same breath there is some bite to treble notes and a forward presence. There is outstanding detail retrieval for a budget single Dynamic Driver iem. At the same time, it’s also not analytical or dry. There is some wet mixed in there, some tackiness, some bright punch and a good sheen to the upper portions of the mix. To keep perspective, we are talking about a budget set but based on other sets in the price point… EPZ did a very nice job up top.

Air & Separation ​

The treble region has actual separation and air which permeates other areas of the frequency and like I said, it uplifts the rest of the frequency as well. Resolution is pretty good for what it is, but it doesn’t have perfectly knife edged definition as the overall experience is smoother than anything. There is very nice shimmer and shine which adds a different element to the sound. On top of that I hear pretty nice extension past 10k which can be heard in the secondary harmonics of cymbals which don’t come across splashy or tinsley. Trumpet sounds forward and pretty robust or full. Listening to electric guitar is not a wincing affair as the bite and texture in the sound is accompanied by decent weight to notes and not an ear-killer. However, as I said in the beginning of this paragraph, there is air and separation which helps these instruments to not sound like a fuzzy mishmash of treble sheen.

Examples ​

I usually listen to Billy Strings tracks as his banjo play, fiddle, acoustic guitar and mandolin play can all resonate within the treble arena and usually do so at crazy speeds. Take either of the tracks “Ice Bridges” or “Secrets” (among many others, these are the two I mainly used from him) while listening with the Q5 and a decent source and I’m sure you’ll be pleased with the speed at which the Q5 is able to attack & decay at. Granted this is a single DD treble and won’t compete with the likes of some planars or BAs for speed but the combo of agility and timbre is pretty nice to hear. “Bishop School” by Yusef Lateef is another track littered with treble activity and for the most part the Q5 is able to replay everything with good separation and imaging while not blending sounds.

What you won’t hear is anything truly harsh. I should say that I don’t hear anything that I consider harsh as there aren’t any undue peaks that throw off the overall timbre and tuning. You shouldn’t hear any really egregiously obvious sibilance either. For the most part the treble is pretty smooth in body. It’s crisp when it needs to be and is altogether a non-offensive treble… for me.

Downsides of the treble region ​

If there were some downsides, then I would say that some folks may want even less treble emphasis for a warmer overall sound. We are all very much different and I’m sure that there will be those who would like less brightness up top. Also, in more complicated tracks the Q5 can lose a little bit of its resolution but of course we should expect this. Honestly there isn’t much to complain about, the treble is airy, it sparkles at times, it isn’t too bright or fatiguing, it has a smoother overall sound, and it offers nice details. EPZ did a nice job.

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Technicalities​

Soundstage ​

Listening to “Hook” by Blues Traveler it is instantly noticeable that the soundstage of the Q5 has good width with a sense of space and openness. Certainly, above average in that regard. Height is about average I’d say (whatever that means) and there is some depth for layering. Overall, the stage is presented nicely with an open feel which is very well done for a single DD at this price. You have nice separation of elements in that stage, decent to good extension in all directions, with all the sound emphasis in the right places within the frequency to create a psycho-acoustic stage that doesn’t feel congested… at all. Even on complicated tracks I don’t feel the claustrophobia of a small stage.

Separation / Imaging ​

Separation is very well done within any track that isn’t ultra congested. There are obviously limitations to any set, even the good ones. I’d say that the Q5 can handle more than most and can fend-off blending of sounds like instruments & vocals better than most. Again, you have a perceivably tight transient attack & decay, a clean and resolute sound, a good-sized stage and it isn’t the thickest note weight in the world. These attributes do help to add some separation of instrumentation while creating pretty nice distinctions providing the recording is of decent quality and the source is adequate. Imaging is the same, as everything (instruments) is where it should be. I would actually consider imaging a “Pro” of the Q5. There’s nice layering brought on by a nice depth of field, good width of stage and very good control for the price. Except in ultra busy tracks.

Details​

The detail retrieval of the Q5 is extremely good for a single Dynamic Driver earphone at this price. I have zero problem hearing the subtleties within my music. Both macro & micro details are able to become illuminated within this very well controlled replay. Whether it be fingers on an instrument, breath in a mic or the person coughing 10 rows back in my favorite live track, the EPZ Q5 does an admirable job at presenting those small details. The Q5 has a nice balance and there isn’t really any one frequency acting as the major. You don’t have bass covering over the mix or treble sheen cascading over everything else. Possibly in extra bass heavy tracks you’ll obviously not hear everything else, but honestly, who cares about detail retrieval in ultra bass heavy songs? For the tracks that really matter, or the tracks that generally attract those who enjoy the finer details… the Q5 will surprise some people.

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Is it worth the asking price? ​

For the awesome sale price of under $50 (at the moment) and the MSRP of $77, the EPZ Q5 is priced very competitively to pretty competitively. In truth I don’t feel there are many sets which are similarly tuned that can outright render the Q5 obsolete. Obviously, if you enjoy a different tuning then this is a moot point and the Q5 probably isn’t worth it for you. However, for those who like a warm/neutral technically savvy iem with a penchant for musicality and a great balance… the Q5 may just be the set to get.

Of course, there are quite a few iems within the price point that challenge the need for a set like the Q5. Sets like the Simgot EA500 (EA500 Review HERE), Fiio JD7 (JD7 Review HERE), Truthear Hexa (Hexa Review HERE), Letshuoer DZ4 (DZ4 Review HERE), Celeste Pandamon (Pandamon Review HERE) and these are just to name a few around the original MSRP of $77. Trust me there are many more. If we are talking about the sale price ($48) then this is a no brainer, I truly don’t think there is much competition around the $50 price point. Being that the price has been around $50 for a long time now, I think this is the price point to judge this set by. Also, obviously the Q5 will not be for everyone, and it does have some drawbacks but ultimately it is a good option among some of the better iems it is priced around.

The Why… ​

Why? Well, first off, the Q5 is a well-built iem that is very ergonomically shaped, featherlight weight with a very appealing and understated appearance that looks dope in the ear and will likely seat well in most anyone’s ears. The unboxing is really creative, and you receive nice accessories too. However, these are just figurative “Icing on the cake” because the true reason the Q5 is worth the cost to own them is that the sound is really well tuned.

Nothing sounds exactly like the Q5 as the balance across the mix is great with a very organic warm/neutral sound that is just as musical as it is technical. Nothing is left out within this tuning as every area of the mix has representation. Detail retrieval is top notch for what the Q5 is, the soundstage is better than I would’ve expected, imaging is spot on, separation is great, it’s clean, resolute and nothing jumps out as offensive or fatiguing. There are things that could be better and subjective little gripes which won’t jive with everyone but as far as I’m concerned… the Q5 is worth every last penny. In fact, if you can… Buy two.

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Ratings (0-10)​

Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the EPZ Q5 ratings below, that would be $40-$80 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5” is exactly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $40-$80 US is a decent sized scope of iems and so seeing a 9 should probably be pretty special. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings it will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.

Aesthetic ​

-Build Quality: 8.2

-Look: 8.9

-Accessories: 9.7

–Overall: 8.9

Sound Rating​

-Timbre: 8.9

-Bass: 9.1

-Midrange: 9.1

-Treble: 9.5

-Technicalities: 9.7

–Overall: 9.3

Ratings Summary:​

You should all know how I feel about ratings by now, if ever you have read my reviews, then you know I don’t 100% agree with the efficacy of ratings. So much is left to broad interpretation as nuance, context, and the intricate spirit of my review may be lost to… some numbers. I spend a large amount of time on “ratings” and probably waste too much time debating against myself over a handful of judgments ranging from 0 to 10. Please remember that these are solely my thoughts, based against sets that I’ve actually heard and gotten to know well enough to make an opinionated judgment. With that said, I should at least explain why I gave the Q5 what I did.

Questionable​

First off, the pool of $40 to $80 iems is a large one. This is easily one of the most competitive price brackets in all of audio. That said, one area I may have to explain myself is the “Build” category. I expressed how well built the Q5 is in my review and surely, I believe so. Still, at these prices there are better built sets, even though an 8.2 is still very good. However, for those who take ergonomics into play (which is part of the build), perhaps I could’ve given the Q5 a higher score. Basically, I left out comfort and fit and mostly gauged the “Build” by the actual structural integrity of the Q5. Either way the Q5 build is solid.

The next thing which I could argue against is the “Bass” category. Honestly for many this could be far too high, and others may say it’s a bit low. If you are a basshead then this might as well be a 2.0. If you love a tight and mature bass with just enough slam, extension, clarity and speed then the score of 9.1 is probably a bit shy in comparison to what is out there. I honestly feel that “Treble” & “Technicalities” are right where the Q5 needs to be. Possibly “Timbre” & “Midrange” could be a few points higher but there is some thinness and metallic artifacts at notes edge in the midrange but a 9.1 is pretty damn good if you ask me. I could see raising the “Timbre” category a bit as well.

The whole, not the parts…​

In the case of the Q5, I think one of the Key metrics that doesn’t get represented in the ratings is the most important thing of all concerning the Q5. If you ask me, its main selling point is just how well the Q5 pulls all the parts together as one coherent and melodious whole. Breaking the Q5 down to individual parts is not the best way to judge this set. This is a set which truly needs to be heard as a whole. It’s the whole audio salad my friends, and it’s all the parts brought together in a mellifluous coherency of sound which is the real way the Q5 should be judged against its peers. This is what I mean about the efficacy of ratings, they don’t tell you the whole story and this is something I want to try my best at getting right.

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Conclusion​

To conclude my full written review of the EPZ Q5, I have enjoyed my time with this set and feel it’s a good option within the price point. I am very curious to see what else this audio brand has to offer if one of their budget-oriented sets sounds like this. So, thank you to some of my friends in the community for Introducing this brand to me and hopefully I was able to Introduce EPZ to some more folks in the in the hobby too.

One thing that I always make sure to mention is to please check out other reviews of the Q5. Do not just read mine and stop there. We all have differing opinions, and we all are very much different in how we perceive the auditory abilities of these audio devices. We don’t all have the same gear and sources, we don’t all have the same taste in music and taste in sound and we all haven’t been down the same audio journey, which really matters. Heck, we don’t all have the same hearing abilities. So, it makes sense to read, listen to, or watch other reviews and try to get a firm understanding of what you are getting. In fact, at Mobileaudiophile.com we usually have different “takes” over multiple sets. Pietro also reviewed the Q5 HERE. With that, I thank you, the reader, for clicking onto this review. It always means a lot and my greatest hope is that it helps you. Take care and God Bless!