EPZ Q5

Ankit B

New Head-Fier
Inoffensive and Balanced Sound signature with a tip change
Pros: Neutral sound signature

Airy

Good looks, even if its a rip-off

Female Vocals
Cons: Stock Tips doesn't pair well

Thin Mid range

Thin bass response
Not often do I come across a MMCX IEM looking this good. The Ivory white in combination with Bronze colored hub inspired by Meze Advar is sure to turn heads.

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Now gets on on with the actual business of how this sounds.

In its stock form the first thing I noticed is how thin the Mid range sounded. Even on my Shanling M7 which boosts mids considerably could not save this.
I was trying to find something good but all I could notice were shortcomings.

Bass was not only lacking, but felt light and quite shy.
Male vocals were colored thin and is spiced up such that the they sound auto tuned and nasal.
Female vocals sounded quite elevated to the point of being shouty.
Can be sibilant on treble happy tracks
Would have preferred refined treble.

Something had to be done. Only logical choice was to change the tips, and Voila!!!
Switching over to Dunu S&S, brought back a decent amount bass and other regions improved significantly.
I couldn't go back to stock and will continue rest of my assessment with S&S tips.

Bass was now neutral and I couldn't feel the slam.
Treble was cut to bearable levels.
Male vocals improved and the nasal coloration was almost gone. However they still lacked the baritone-like quality.
Bands like Five finger Death punch simply sounded wrong.
So heavy metal, metal was definitely out.

In the upper mid range and treble, female vocals didn't sound shouty anymore.
Cymbals and airy instruments sounded nice with good separation.

But busy tracks didn't fare well. Separation and clarity suffered.

Details overall is mediocre at best.

Soundstage is neither intimate nor stretched.

Maybe other tips would improve it further.
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Cable could have been thicker.
A
Ankit B
Something I forgot to mention, well very silly of me.
The unit is part of a tour conducted in my country by EPZ themselves.
I haven't been paid or compensated in my way to write this review.
The thoughts are my own and unbiased

Headphones and Coffee

Previously known as Wretched Stare
Dynamic and Bright with fun and details thrown into the mix.
Pros: The Q5 look amazing similar to a Romanian manufacture we all know but different in many ways. It is a well-tuned and enjoyable IEM with good accessories.
Cons: I found it could be too bright on some equipment and at louder volumes. The cable does not seem fitting for a flagship product, in my opinion.
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The packaging is quite decent, exhibiting a touch of elegance and flair. The Q5 comes with the cable already attached. Since it's an MMCX connector, this is advantageous. Inside the box there is a case and tips. The cable has an appealing appearance, yet it is quite thin and seems inexpensive. The Q5 bears a striking resemblance to a well-known Romanian manufacturer, yet it differs in many aspects.
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The EPZ Q5's design is traditional, akin to the BLON BL05S, whereas the Meze ALBA boasts a unique and more ergonomic shape. The Q5 is resin and light while the ALBA is ceramic and slightly more robust. The only real similarities they share are the round vent and the bright V-shaped tuning; beyond that, they diverge significantly in their tuning approaches. The Q5 IEM to fit comfortably in my ears, offering a significant level of passive isolation and comfort.
Equipment used in testing. The HiFiman EF500, Burson Funk-Tempotec V6, SMSL SP200 - M100 combination. IFI audio Diablo-2, GoLink, GO bar Kensei, Gryphon, and HipDac3 as well as the Questyle M15, EPZ T20 Pro and Surfans F20/F38.

Sound Response:

Bass:
The EPZ Q5 delivers a substantial punch in the lower end, with moderate impact and depth. The rumble is tightly managed, exhibiting a quick decay. The mid-bass hits with force, offering a swift and intricately detailed punch.
Midrange:
The mids are well-positioned in front of the other frequencies, with vocals taking precedence over the instruments. The medium thickness and placement lend the mids a natural tone and texture that I find appealing. Although they are well-produced, I believe that a warmer source could enhance the enjoyment significantly.
Treble:
The high frequencies are well-managed, providing a suitable level of openness and sparkle to their extension. This delivers the appropriate amount of energy without becoming excessively sharp at normal listening volumes.
Soundstage/ Technical:
The Q5 does not present a holographic or intimate stage; rather, it resembles the acoustics of a medium-sized concert hall or club. The soundstage provides highly accurate positioning, with details that are above average, and boasts excellent separation and clarity.


Argha
Argha
Digging this IEM, mostly because of the soundstage and imaging

Asta GunaReview

New Head-Fier
EPZ Q5 : Energetic Yet Chill
Pros: +Well Tuned Bright Vshape
+Pretty Good Accesories
+One Of Best Teknicalites On The Price Range
Cons: -Maybe Too Bright For Some
-Need Changing The Stock Cable & Pair Them With Warm Dac for Refined Sound
Note: My impressions or review are purely based on my listening experience; nothing is exaggerated or diminished for any particular reason.

Another underrated gem from Epz. I describe it as "Energetic yet Chill," which aptly captures the essence of these IEMs. The sound is neutral with a treble boost; the treble is striking, extended, and airy, without any metallic harshness in the right source. For those who love high frequencies or are treble enthusiasts, this is sure to please.




Let's start with the Fitting, Build Quality, and Design: These IEMs have a unique design, though it's somewhat inspired by the Meze Advar, giving off a wannabe vibe. However, the fitting is exceptionally comfortable due to the small shell shape and resin material. In terms of build quality, it's sturdy and well-crafted, but the MMCX pins, for some, including myself, can be a deal-breaker.





Moving on to Packaging & Cable Quality: The packaging is excellent and thoughtful, including 6 pairs of eartips that are comfortable enough that there's no need for aftermarket ones. It also comes with an Epz case, silica gel, and a user manual. The cable quality is good, with a well-braided and flexible design, but as suggested by the Epz owner, it's better to replace the cable to fully unleash the potential of these IEMs.
Now, onto the Sound, starting with the Low end: The bass is enjoyable and fun, although not extremely deep and punchy. The texture and rumble are pleasant, especially with its fast bass response. Testing it with songs like Paramore's "Fast In the Cars" and Gojira's "Amazonia" showcases its capabilities.


Midrange: Here, the vocals sound natural and clean, with no hint of thinness or nasal tone. The upper mids can be a bit sibilant and shouty at higher volumes, but with the help of a warm DAC, this issue can be mitigated. Testing it with Niki's "High School In Jakarta" and Sleep Token's "Dark Signs" demonstrates its performance.


High frequencies: This is where these IEMs shine. The treble is crisp, rich, and extended. Guitar solos sound powerful, and cymbals are rendered crisply. What I appreciate the most is that despite the intense treble, there's no hint of harshness or metallic timbre. In my opinion, I prefer these IEMs over the Ew200 Simgot. Testing it with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Come As You Are" further confirms its prowess.
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Lastly, Technical aspects: These IEMs excel technically, especially considering their price. The soundstage, tested using JamesDSP app, is wide but not overly expansive. The 3D imaging is accurate, and separation between instruments is well-defined with above-average resolution and clarity. The timbre is also very natural, making instruments sound lifelike.
Conclusion: In my opinion, these IEMs could have been a new sensation upon their release, potentially surpassing the Ew200 Simgot. However, the MMCX pin issue might be a deal-breaker for some, creating a love-hate relationship. As for the question of whether these IEMs require a DAC, for me, the answer is yes! To maximize their potential, it's advisable to use a neutral or warm DAC.
Rating:

- Low: ★★★★✮
- Mid: ★★★★✮
- High: ★★★★★
- Technical: ★★★★✮ (4.7.5 /5) {☆ 0.5 point, ✮ 1 point, ★ 1 point}
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Jadedgem

New Head-Fier
EPZ Q5- Blues masters
Pros: Innovative design
Beautiful neutral/bright sound
For treble heads
For Jazz, Blues lovers
Cons: Mmcx connectors
Cable to flimsy
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EPZ Q5 review

I am an audiophile from sunny South Africa

These in ear monitors was send to me by EPZ as part of the Audio Geek Reviews South African tour. This review is totally my own opinion and I receive no compensation in any way from the company as my integrity and name are much more important than any financial gain. As this being my second shipment from EPZ It was just such a pleasure the second time dealing with them as was the first. The Q5 reached me within 2 weeks of discussing with EPZ.

Unboxing

These IEM sell for R809 in my country or $42 In the rest of the world with the summer sale now on for most stuff from the east. At full price I do expect premium packaging and accessories. These Q5’s came in a beautiful big black box with Gold insignia and looking really premium from the outside. The box magnet seals on the one side and I am starting to like this way of packaging and wish other companies would follow suit. When you open the lid the two ceramic looking monitors peek at you from their display black sponge. On the side is another box with your storage case inside. Also included by EPZ was some extra ear tips for the other reviewers on the tour which is such a nice gesture and which I am grateful for.

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Specs

Dynamic driver- 10MM dual magnetic circuit dual cavity ceramic carbon Nano piezoelectric horn

Frequency Range- 20-20KHZ

Main process- Resin 3D printing resin cavity

Sensitivity- 109db(±1db)

Impedance- 26Ω

Plug Diameter- 3.5MM

Headphone plug type- MMCX

Wire- 4-core single crystal copper plated with silver

Cable length- 1.2M



Connectivity

When buying these, EPZ gives you the option of a normal 3.5mm cable and I only see a no mic option for both the black and white versions of the Q5 and I would have preferred the option of a balanced 2.5mm or 4.4mm termination at this price just because I have to knit pick. I hooked these Q5’s up to my LG V20 and Huawei P40 lite. I also connected it to its companion according to EPZ namely the TP20 Dac/Amp. You can also connect it to any other source which has a 3.5mm out port. I also connected it to my Samsung Galaxy tablet.

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Look & Build

EPZ really did well at trying an innovative design away from the normal resin printing and giving this monitor a ceramic look. The design reminds me of my Sennheiser IE900’s and I hate the mmcx connectors on the Q5 just as I hate them on my Sennies. The only con I could find on these was the cable. I really expected a bit bigger and more heavy cable with maybe a gold and black braid to add to the beautiful Piano Black color of the monitor. I think a balanced cable in that braid would be a welcome upgrade.

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Sound

With the box with Black and Gold insignia reminding me about a good single malt I immediately went to my Whiskey Blues playlist on Tidal and man was I in for a treat. The high notes on the guitar in Stevie Ray Vaughan- Tin Pan Alley never sounded more prominent and the space around the guitar was divine. One of my favorite blues songs is Doug Macleod- Bring it on home and the harmonica sounded so unrestricted and open. Experiencing what a treat these are on Blues music I broke out a full album listen of Muddy Waters at New Port 1960 and thoroughly enjoyed that performance.

I had a premonition these will be good for female vocals so I went for Sinead O’ Connor- You cause as much sorrow because it is a song where her vocals are not so prominent and you have to listen adeptly for subtle changes in the dynamic range of her voice that a decent monitor will reproduce beautifully and it was a test that the Q5 did not fail. Still in the mood for some warm female voices I hopped over to Fleetwood Mac- dreams and listening to a hypnotizing Stevie Nicks remind Lyndsey Buckingham what he had. I can only describe the sound as so mellow and easy to listen to.

After having such a stunning reproduction of the voices I wanted to see how these do with Jazz and I skipped to one of my all-time favorite albums which is The Cotton Club Soundtrack By John Barry and I was blown away with the performance. Another artist that intrigues me a lot is a local musician here in my country by the name of Carlo Mombeli and his album I press my spine to the ground made for a rather nice wide genre representing listening session. Carlo’s obscure bass focused Jazz was mesmerizing to say the least.

These are your typical Chill on a Sunday evening with some Jazz and a nice single malt kind of earphones.



Conclusion

These Q5 will find a special place in every Blues lover’s collection. They work really nice for Jazz, Classical and most genres that do not require big amounts of low end. I think at the now less than 40% sales price it makes the Q5 a nice addition to any audiophile collection.
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briantbrain

New Head-Fier
All-Arounder Entry Level King!
Pros: + Engaging power from low to high frequencies
+ Clear, no issues with clarity
+ Neutral sounding
Cons: - Entry-level cable quality
- MMCX connector (some people might prefer 2-pin)
- Extended treble could be longer
- Bass and sub-bass feel short (depends on preference)
- Micro-detail is nothing special
After previously reviewing its sibling, the EPZ Q1 Pro released in 2024, it turns out that EPZ also released the Q5 in late 2023. I thought the Q1 Pro would be an improvement over the Q5, but why is the Q5 slightly more expensive? And graphically, there doesn't seem to be a noticeable difference. However, the Q5 is quite surprising for its price range.
Let's dive into the EPZ Q5.

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==DISCLAIMER:==​

All impressions and reviews are subjective and adhere to the belief that "I'll only lie to my savings; I'll be honest in my reviews." Agree? Alright. Disagree? Alright. Because I review out of desire and enjoyment, not out of necessity.
  • But if you say this because you're using it now? Oh, definitely not. I'm a true audiophile hobbyist who will always be honest without bias. Don't believe it? Read until the end, and we'll dissect the pros and cons.
  • But if you say this because it's new, probably just during the "honeymoon" phase? In this hobby, which is truly "dark and full of toxins," it will always be like that until the end of time. Human desires truly have no end.
  • But it's better to listen and understand, right? Absolutely.
Important!! I suggest you still audition it yourself, maybe my ears need to visit an ENT specialist or you need to (haha).

==THIS POST IS FOR:==​

  • What's my recommended IEM around $50?
  • An IEM with a safe tonal balance in all aspects, engaging power, and suitable for all-around use?
  • Just want to read the review.

==MY DAILY DRIVERS:==​

  • Symphonium Crimson
  • Kinera Verdandi
  • Sennheiser IE900
  • Fiio Q15
  • HibyDigital M300

==TESTED USING:==​

  • YouTube Music
  • Tidal
  • Hiby M300
  • Fiio Q15
  • Lenovo Office Laptop (what series is this)
  • EPZ Q5
  • EPZ Q1 Pro
  • Simgot EW200

==LET'S DIVE IN WITHOUT FURTHER ADO:==​

*Unboxing:*
Surprisingly, for about $8 more, they provided a better IEM box and decent accessories compared to the Q1 Pro. Here's what's inside:
  • The IEM itself (I chose the white color, and it's indeed beautiful)
  • 2-braid cable (a decent cable for its price range, not as prone to tangling as other entry-level IEM cables)
  • 2 types of eartips with 3 sizes for each type (quite useful)
  • Manual
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*Fitting:*
The combination of white and gold on the front, which I thought would make it an open-back IEM, turned out to be not, but it makes this IEM look beautiful. The shell is made of lightweight plastic with a good finish, making it not seem like this IEM is only about +/- $35. The IEM body and small nozzle don't cause any discomfort when worn and are comfortable for long periods.

*Bass:*
The low frequencies have energy but don't cause ear fatigue. You can feel the punchiness of the bass, but it feels shallow, not too deep. The impact produced by the sub-bass is also relatively fast, with a short rumble. This makes the bass impact from songs feel more exciting. It's a typical bass and sub-bass from a single dynamic driver that I think is quite suitable for many people's ears. Despite that, there's no harsh or muddy sound from the bass produced. Clean low frequencies.

*Mid:*
Sweet and melodious. The vocals sound natural without any added spices. The sound is similar to the presentation of the Q1 Pro, with vocals slightly more forward but without elevation in the lower mids. This makes male vocals in the low register not sound heavier, making them sound more "real" as they naturally would. The natural mid timbre, especially good snare drum and guitar sounds, make the midrange frequencies of this IEM even more enjoyable to listen to, especially with no vocal sibilance to disturb.

*Treble:*
Fun and engaging treble. This IEM can be said to have a W-shape character, with treble that has enough power to make us feel the sparkling and tinkling treble without feeling sibilance. Perhaps this is what sets it apart from one of its competitors in a similar price range, the EW200. The Q5 can present treble that feels safer without losing the sparkling impression in its price range, whereas the EW200 still feels a bit piercing to some people. Like most IEMs in its price range, the Q5 has relatively short but decently extended treble that allows you to hear percussion sounds.

*Clarity:*
Clear, with no sibilance, unclear sounds, or muddiness in any aspect.

*Soundstage:*
Average, not considered large but not intimate either.

*Imaging:*
Good instrument separation in this IEM makes it easy to pinpoint each instrument in a song. Unfortunately, this is not supported by micro-detail, which is considered average and below that of the Q1 Pro.

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==COMPARISON:==​

Because I was confused about these two lineups of EPZ IEMs at a similar price, let's just compare both, the Q1 Pro and Q5, oh and let's add the Simgot EW200 since the prices are similar:
  • *Unboxing:*
Q5 wins slightly, with a box and accessories (case, eartips, cable) that are more thoughtful for the customer. EW200 and Q1 Pro come with just average boxes.
  • *Fitting:*
Draw. All feel equally good, but I'd choose the Q5 slightly better because of its size and weight. The plastic material also feels more comfortable than the Q1 Pro and EW200.
  • *Bass:*
Q5 and EW200. They both have the same engaging power with bass quality and quantity that are almost similar. Meanwhile, the Q1 Pro has a more relaxed tuning.
  • *Mid:*
Q5. Melodic and more natural vocal tuning than the Q1 Pro. Meanwhile, the EW200 still has some sibilance in some songs.
  • *Treble:*
EW200. I prefer piercing treble. That's all, haha.
  • *Clarity:*
Q5. Natural timbre with engaging power makes the Q5 the best of the three.
  • *Soundstage:*
Q5 and EW200, slightly better than the Q1 Pro.
  • *Imaging:*
Q1 Pro. It has the same good instrument separation as the other two, but the Q1 Pro has better detail.

==CONCLUSION:==​

  • The Q1 Pro, released later than the Q 5, is not an upgrade from the Q5.
  • The EW200, as a favorite single dynamic driver in this price range, seems to have to yield to the Q5 because it feels more like an all-rounder. The only reason to prefer the EW200 might be if you're a treblehead.
  • Having sound and tonal qualities that can be considered better than the Q1 Pro in all aspects (except micro-detail), the Q5 feels more worthwhile, especially with just an $8 difference in budget.
  • However, different tonalities could be an option for some people who prefer a relaxed sound but with detail, you can choose the Q1 Pro, or a more fun and energetic sound, you can choose the Q5.

That's all.
Trust your ears.
Bye.

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EPZ Q5
Pros: Vocals Are Fairly Natural,, Build Quality, Fit, Price and Value
Cons: Clarity and Presence Of Base Guitars and Drums Isn't The Best, Male Vocals Are On The Thin Side, There's Better Offers In The Q5's Price Range.
Disclaimer:
I purchased the EPZ Q5 in the recent 11/11 sales through the official EPZ store on AliExpress.
I wasn't payed for this review.
All thoughts and opinions on the Q5 are my own.

Introducing the
EPZ Q5:

The Q5 has an all resin build, a single 10mm Carbon Nano Dynamic Driver, the Q5 connects via an MMCX cable, with a standard 3.5 termination, also comes with a pocketable case, and two sets of S/M/L silicone tips.
Has 109db of sensitivity
25 Ohms Of Impedance, and 20-20khz frequency response.

Additional Sources, Cables and Tips Used:
Xduoo XP2 BAL
Xduoo XQ50 Pro2 DAC
SMSL HO100
Xduoo MT-602
Truthear Shio DAC
Fiio BTR3k

Stock MMCX cable from the Lun Sheng YE02
Tips,
Large Feaulle H570
Large Kbear 07
Large white stock tips from the Simgot EA1000

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The Sound..
The EPZ Q5 has a rolled off sub bass, a light lower mids presentation, and a thin upper mids and lower treble, with the upper treble being more the star of the show.

Moving into the sub bass, mids, and treble

Sub Bass:
The sub bass is rolled off, with little impact or presence, which doesn't really give the Q5 any real sense of depth, or weight to the sound.
There's slightly better presence in the lower mids, but they aren't all that prominent either.

Mids:
The Mids are also thin, but are still somewhat natural, with female vocals sounding a little better than male vocals.
There isn't a lot of warm in the mids either.
They're not too forward, so they're not going to be fatiguing either.
Definition and detail is okay, average, but could be better.

Treble:
The treble is a little better than the lower mids and upper mids, giving some clarity to vocals and instruments, but they are still on the thin side, but with a bit of air, which gives female vocals a nice presence, but male vocals still come across as thin.

Comparisons:
The EPZ Q5 vs TRN Conch (stock red nozzles, with a 1.5mm square of foam in the nozzles), Simgot EA500 (stock red nozzles)

Vs TRN Conch,
The Conch is a little warmer, with the roughly 1.5mm square of foam I put in the stock red nozzle of the Conch, otherwise it is very similar to the Q5.
The lower mid bass is a little thicker, warmer and has slightly better texture, and gives more authority to kick drums, a little better clarity to base guitars.
The upper mids and lower treble are similar to the Q5, although vocals sound a little warmer on the Conch.
Upper treble is pretty well the same on both the Q5 and Conch.

Vs Simgot EA500,
stock red nozzles.
The EA500 has better all round technical ability, better detail resolution, better imaging, better tonality, and more impact than the Q5 when it comes to drums, and more clarity and detail in base guitars, better vocals, it's just flat out a better IEM all round.

Conclusion:
The EPZ Q5 is a pretty reasonable IEM at its price range, but it isn't the best I've heard within the $20-$100 range, not by a long shot.
Also with more new options available like the ARTTI R1, which is also a far superior IEM in every way to the Q5, as well as others like the Juzear Clear, I think the Q5 has a lot of competition, that is miles ahead of the Q5.
It isn't going to be among my top 5 recommend IEM's in the $20-$100 price range, but it's still an okay IEM, if you are more into genres like
k-pop, and want a little bit of air with female vocals.
Anyway, that's my review and comparisons of the EPZ Q5, so thanks for reading my review, you can see a more in depth comparison of the Q5, with IEM's such as the Simgot EA500 Kiwi Ears Cadenza, Fiio FD11, and Moondrop Chu II on my YouTube channel, youtube.com/@AudioReviewsDownunder

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