Qingyin QY-20

Introduction
 
I’d like to thank Jim at HCK audio on Aliexpress for providing me the Qingyin Y20 at a discounted price in exchange for an honest review.
 
 
REVIEW
 
**NOTE** There seems to be a defect in my right housing, causing pressure/suction on the ear and not getting a seal unless I use long foam tips. This may be my unit, so I will review with foam tips inserted.
 
Specifications
                                                                                                       
 
    1. Product Name: QingYin-20 in ear earphone  
    2. Drive unit : Dynamic and Balanced Armature hybrid drive unit ED29689 Knowles
    3. Brand: QingYin
    4. Model: QingYin-20
    5. Earphone type: In-ear
    6. Impedance:18Ω 
    7. Headphone sensitivity:110dB
    8. Frequency range: 20-20000Hz
    9. Interface: 3.5mm Gilded
   10.Cable Length: 1.2m±5cm
   11.Headphone plug type: Line type
   12.Color: Silver, Gold
   13.Whether with mic and remote: No
 
Accessories/Packaging
 

1. Case
2. 3 Pairs of Silicone tips S/M/L
3. Clip
4. Ear inserts/spacer

 

 

 
 
 
 
The QY-20 comes in a fabric binded box, akin to something you’d find covering a hardcover book. The front adorns a Qingyin Technology logo in gold. With the back listing the specifications (In Chinese).
 
The presentation is well done, with the earphone case storing the accessories within. The tips included remind me a bit of Auvio and Dunu tips, which are of slightly better quality than most standard included tips.
 
 
Housing/Fit/Isolation
 
A golden colored metal alloy composes the housing, which also has grooved circle texture along it. These grooves make the QY-20 easy to grip.
 
The nozzles are a bit long, which could provide challenges for a good fit/seal for some. Otherwise, the fit is comfortable and provides good isolation.
 

 
 
Cable
 
The QY-20’s cable is above average and looks like a cable you would find on more expensive IEMs. Clean lines that look silver plated (but probably aren’t) run the length of the cable. The texture is not slippery, and it is easy to detangle.
 
Sound Review
 
Testing Gear (in order of quality)
 
LH Labs Pulse X Infinity 2.0
LH Labs Geek Out V2+ Infinity
Axon 7
Asrock Fatality amped onboard DAC/amp
 
Music used for testing
Steve Vai, Katatonia, Lamb of God, Sia, Cypress Hill, Dog Fashion Disco, Tremonti
 
Amplifier Needed?
 
No
 
Sound Signature
 
Balanced. Slight bass boost, a slight mid dip, controlled upper peaks with good extension across the spectrum.
 

 
 
 
 
Bass
 
A strong, steady bass presence extends through the bass frequencies. While nowhere near basshead levels, there is quite a bit more bass on tap than what a single BA would provide on its own. The DD/BA tandem work well together, and I’m easily able to enjoy deep bass rap beats, courtesy of Cypress Hill and their “IV” album. 
 
Midrange
 
Mids come through nice and clear with above average quality here. Male vocals come through with no recession or bass bleed. I really like the vocal clarity. Some brightness can occur at times, but nothing grating.
 
Based on my uncalibrated measurement with foam tips, there is a noticeable dip in the 2-5k region which does not appear on the official FR. A slight boost in that region does add a nice effect by bringing drums a bit more forward, but it is not needed.
 
Feedback on the QY-20 noted that it sounded similar to the Etymotic ER4S with a bit more bass, and based on the official FR graph, they do look quite similar. I have not heard the ER4S myself so I can’t confirm.
 
Treble
 
The Knowles driver shows its strengths in the QY-20’s upper mids and highs. Extension is better than most in this price range, and drop off doesn’t occur until the very high frequencies. I did not experience much fatigue during listening sessions, making the treble just right to my treble sensitive ears… fully present but not overdone.
 
 
Soundstage, Imaging, Resolution
 
Soundstage is slightly above average for the price range, with an expected width and depth. Separation and imaging blend together a bit compared to higher tier offerings, while resolution is very good. Some brightness did occur at times, but they were source and song dependant.
 
Comparisons
 
LZ-a2 vs. QY-20: The a2 is smoother all around with more bass and less treble. The QY-20 is a bit more detailed and extended, but lacks the bass punch. If you liked the a2 and wanted more extension you may really like these.
 
Simgot EN700 vs QY-20: The EN700 is getting a bit of attention lately, and for good reason. It is a detailed, mid centric IEM that reminds me of the Ostry KC06. The QY-20 has much more sub and midbass, making a more pleasing listen to me. The EN700 has more pronounced mids, a better soundstage, and equal to slightly better clarity.
 
Conclusion
 
Having never heard of Qingyin before, I can now say that I’m interested in what they have to offer product wise. The QY-20 sits in a crowded hybrid ~$50 price bracket and does very, very good performance wise for the price. Unfortunately, my pair has a possibly defective right housing (it caused bad seal/pressure in my left ear as well when tested. Foam tips fix this). I’m hoping this is a one off issue and that they all aren’t like this.
 
You can purchase the Qingyin QY-20 here:
 
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/New-QingYin-20-In-Ear-Earphone-Dynamic-And-BA-Hybrid-Drive-Unit-HIFI-DIY-Kill-SE315/1825606_32662405867.html
 
Some pictures provided by HCK Audio