HZSound EP-001
HZSound is a new IEM company out of China which recently launched their first IEM, the EP-001. There has been an explosion of excellent new audio gear coming out of China in the past year or so, and HZSound makes a strong introduction with the affordable yet nicely tuned EP-001. For ~$25, you get an above average selection of accessories, and a clear balanced sound that tilts towards some bass enhancement.
Build Quality:
The ringed alloy exterior shell gives a nice appearance to the design. The cable isn’t groundbreaking in design or quality, but it doesn’t make much noise. Although the shell may seem big, I was able to fit them securely in my ear quite easily. Although light in weight, the EP-001 feels (and sounds) like a higher quality IEM than the price suggests.
Accessories:
Specification
The entire package was very well done. The case and 4 types of tips provided (memory foam tips as well) are normally not found often in this price range, and they’re a welcome addition. None of the tips provided the best sound quality however…
Sound Quality:
Surprisingly clear and better balanced than the Xiaomi Pistons (also ~$25). The EP is very tip dependent however.
Wide bore tips made treble sound harsh. Memory foam ruined detail. The other tips didn’t cut it either. It wasn’t until I tried Heir type narrow bore silicone tips that the sound rounded itself out nicely. Bass is boosted but pleasing. Mids and vocals remain at the forefront and clear, albeit slightly recessed. Midrange and treble remain smooth and non-fatiguing. Treble does drop off in extension somewhat, but not as much as most bass enhanced sets.
Thoughts:
For their first outing, HZSound did a great job with the EP-001. It should definitely get some recognition as a solid budget choice. I’m looking forward to more quality designs from HZSound in the future.
The HZSound EP-001 can be found at Lendmeurears.com. Thanks to them for the review unit!
http://www.lendmeurears.com/hz-ep001/
HZSound is a new IEM company out of China which recently launched their first IEM, the EP-001. There has been an explosion of excellent new audio gear coming out of China in the past year or so, and HZSound makes a strong introduction with the affordable yet nicely tuned EP-001. For ~$25, you get an above average selection of accessories, and a clear balanced sound that tilts towards some bass enhancement.
Build Quality:
The ringed alloy exterior shell gives a nice appearance to the design. The cable isn’t groundbreaking in design or quality, but it doesn’t make much noise. Although the shell may seem big, I was able to fit them securely in my ear quite easily. Although light in weight, the EP-001 feels (and sounds) like a higher quality IEM than the price suggests.
Accessories:
- 1X hardcase
- 1X 3.5 mm to 6.5mm adaptor
- 3 pairs of single flange tips (S,M,L)
- 1 pair of biflange tips
- 1 pair of foam tips
- 1 carbiner
- 1X watertight case
Specification
- Driver: 12.5mm CCAW dynamic drivers
- Frequency Range: 20-20, 000 Hz
- Impedance: 16 Ohm
- Sensitivity: 100 dB
- Distortion: <1%
- Plug: 3.5mm stereo, gold-plated
- Cable: 1.2m
The entire package was very well done. The case and 4 types of tips provided (memory foam tips as well) are normally not found often in this price range, and they’re a welcome addition. None of the tips provided the best sound quality however…
Sound Quality:
Surprisingly clear and better balanced than the Xiaomi Pistons (also ~$25). The EP is very tip dependent however.
Wide bore tips made treble sound harsh. Memory foam ruined detail. The other tips didn’t cut it either. It wasn’t until I tried Heir type narrow bore silicone tips that the sound rounded itself out nicely. Bass is boosted but pleasing. Mids and vocals remain at the forefront and clear, albeit slightly recessed. Midrange and treble remain smooth and non-fatiguing. Treble does drop off in extension somewhat, but not as much as most bass enhanced sets.
Thoughts:
For their first outing, HZSound did a great job with the EP-001. It should definitely get some recognition as a solid budget choice. I’m looking forward to more quality designs from HZSound in the future.
The HZSound EP-001 can be found at Lendmeurears.com. Thanks to them for the review unit!
http://www.lendmeurears.com/hz-ep001/
