EPZ Q1 Pro

Disclaimer : This unit was provided by EPZ for review purposes. But that doesn’t affect my review by any means.

Build and comfort : Q1 pro has a very beautiful hand painted resin shell. The nozzle is metal built. When you hold this iem you can feel that attention to details has been given. It's not a custom mold yet they provided slight curves so that they are very comfortable in your ears. You can wear them hours after hours, no fatigue at all. They don’t pop out of your ears. They just blend in.

Accessories:

• Soft pouch
• Iem + cable
• 3 pairs of eartips
• User manual
• Qc certification

Specs :
>Product name: Q1Pro
>Main process: 3D printing cavity + hand-painted panel
>Unit: 10MM dual cavity dual magnetic circuit PU+LCP liquid crystal molecular dome diaphragm
>Frequency response range: 20Hz-20Khz
>Sensitivity: 100db(+-3db)@Vrms
>Impedance:32Ω@1kHz
>Total harmonic distortion: <0.5% (@1kHz, 100db)
>Plug diameter: 3.5mm
>Headphone plug type: 0.78MM double pin
>Wire: 4-core single crystal copper
>Cable length: 1.2M

Setup used for testing: Ibasso DX170, ifi micro idsd BL, CX-Pro dongle, cayin ru7.

Let's address the elephant in the room. How does it sound? It sounds good.

Treble: The treble is nicely done in this iem, though it has some peak in the upper treble region, but that’s ear piercing by any means.

Mids: Mids are very nicely done. Vocals sound natural, and have a natural timbre. If you can pair up with something like cayin ru7 it will be cherry on top. As it adds lushness and note weight in the vocals.

Bass: I love the bass of this iem for its price. It has a deep bass. I mean you can really feel its depth. Not muddy and bass head, But enough to satisfy quality bass lovers as well. Having a single DD to do it all you need to choose between texture and depth. Epz went with depth.

Imaging is good in this iem for the price. You can identify the instruments but its struggles when both bass guitar and drums are played together.
It has an okay sound stage. It feels like instruments are playing in a very close proximity to each other.

Verdict : It's an easy recommendation over the competition. For the price I don't have much of a complaint except the golden color on the vent might chip off.
For best results you can pair it up with a warm source. Sounds very musical.

INTRODUCTION:
EPZ may be a new name on my radar, but according to the online chatter, they've been around since 2019. My initial encounter with the brand was their Q5, which, while catching some flak for its design resemblance to a certain popular IEM, managed to garner positive reviews for its sonic performance. They maintain a well-stocked AliExpress store and boast a respectable collection of offerings. Their 530 has recently piqued my interest as a compelling mid-fi option, and you can expect me to delve into some of their portable DACs in the future.

Today, however, we set our sights on a more budget-minded contender: the EPZ Q1 Pro. While I typically steer clear of the sub-$30 realm, will EPZ defy expectations and produce a diamond in the rough? Let's embark on this listening journey together and see if the Q1 Pro can rewrite my preconceptions.

FOREWORD:

The gear on hand has undergone at least 10-15 hours of use before it was assessed.
No EQ is ever applied in my reviews.
For the sake of convenience, I try my best to use a stock setup. Not everyone has access to personal ear tips or cables. If personal ear tips, cables, or accessories are used, you will be notified.
As I try to be objective, my claims inevitably will be subjective and biased to my personal preference. I cannot stress more that you should take this with a grain of salt for we have different perceptions to sound and what we hear.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Maker: EPZ
Model: Q1 pro
Drivers: 1x 10mm LCP+PU dynamic driver
Impedance: 32 ohms
Sensitivity: 100db

PACKAGING & DETAILS:

The Q1 Pro's presentation adheres to a minimalist aesthetic. Clad in black with contrasting blue fonts, the packaging prioritizes functionality over flamboyance. While the legibility of the blue text could be improved,

the essential details are clearly displayed on the back. Unsurprisingly, the included accessories are kept to a bare minimum, which is perfectly reasonable considering the budget-friendly price tag. Let's now dissect the contents of this unpretentious package.

CASE:

The included pouch prioritizes portability over ultimate protection. While it easily slips into a pocket, it wouldn't fare well against significant pressure or a nasty fall. However, its presence at this price point is a welcome addition, offering a convenient way to store and transport the Q1 Pro.

EAR TIPS:

The Q1 Pro arrives with three pairs of silicone eartips. While a wider selection would have been ideal, it's difficult to find fault at this price. The provided tips are fairly generic, but for seasoned audiophiles who practice the art of "tip rolling," feel free to experiment with premium eartips to further personalize the listening experience.

APPEARANCE:

Eschewing the typical utilitarian aesthetic of budget IEMs, the Q1 Pro surprised me with its eye-catching design. Crafted through a 3D resin printing process, the smooth, translucent blue housings (though color preference is subjective, of course) boast a sleek and contemporary look. A strategically placed vent hole ensures proper pressure relief for a comfortable listening experience.

CABLE:

The Q1 Pro adheres to a no-frills philosophy when it comes to the cable. While lacking in extravagant aesthetics, it doesn't disappoint in terms of build quality. The cable exhibits a reassuring sturdiness, suggesting longevity with proper care.

Thankfully, it also minimizes cable tangles and microphonics, ensuring an unhindered listening experience.

COMFORT:
The Q1 Pro excels in the realm of comfort, offering a secure and snug fit that remained fatigue-free even during extended listening sessions. The lightweight shells contribute to this luxurious experience, practically disappearing into your ears and eliminating any fear of accidental dislodgement. While isolation falls within the average range, allowing a subtle presence of ambient noise at comfortable listening volumes, it proved perfectly adequate for my home recording sessions. Even during a marathon 3-hour listening stint, the Q1 Pro remained a paragon of comfort.

SOUND IMPRESSIONS:

The Q1 pro was paired with the following sources:

• Cayin RU6
• EPZ TP50
• Fiio M11 LTD plus
• Centrance Dacport HD
• Ovidius b1
• Hiby FC6
• Fiio K9

TECHNICALITIES:
Sure, the Q1 Pro's technical specs might not blow the roof off the audiophile convention. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find some hidden gems that make these IEMs sing.

The soundstage isn't a cramped shoebox, but it won't leave you feeling like you're lost in a concert hall either. It's got decent depth, instruments layered front to back believably, but the width stays firmly in "standard IEM" territory.

Imaging is average. Instruments sits where they belong in the mix, but don't expect any surprise discoveries hiding on your favorite tracks. These guys aren't gonna reveal secret notes you never noticed before.

Now, here's where the Q1 Pro truly shines – timbre! These IEMs are like sonic chameleons, capturing the natural essence of every instrument. It's what you'd expect from a good single dynamic driver – pure, unadulterated realism.

Separation might not be the star of the show, instruments preferring a more cohesive presentation than a completely isolated one. But hey, that just means the music flows smoothly instead of sounding like a disjointed orchestra.

Look, at this price point, the Q1 Pro's technical performance punches well above its weight. It's hard to find fault with these guys. They might not be the ultimate beast technically, but they're a damn fine listen.

BASS:
The bass walks a tightrope between keeping things fun and funky, without ever venturing into the boomy abyss. You get a satisfying punch and thump, delivered with a pleasingly round character. Transients, the little kicks of the bass, might not be lightning-fast, but they stay grounded in realism.

The sub-bass takes center stage compared to its mid-bass brethren. Think of it as a deep, subterranean growl that emerges when the music demands it, clean and controlled. There's a hint of bleed into the mids, an unavoidable consequence of this emphasis, but it never becomes overbearing.

MIDRANGE:
Let's talk about the mids, the heart and soul of the music. The Q1 Pro thankfully avoids the dreaded recession, where vocals get lost in the mix. Instead, they take their rightful place, front and center. Both male and female singers are rendered beautifully, with a natural, transparent quality. There's no artificial sweetness or added richness here, just pure, unadulterated clarity. These IEMs deliver a smooth, detailed midrange that lets the music shine through.

TREBLE:
The Q1 Pro treads carefully in the treble region. It doesn't reach for the stratospheric highs of some IEMs, opting for a safe and controlled approach. This translates to a fatigue-free listening experience – even for those with sensitive ears. Cymbals and hi-hats shimmer with a pleasant crispness, but avoid any harshness or sibilance that can make them sound like a swarm of angry bees. Imagine a gentle summer breeze rustling through leaves, rather than a screeching fire alarm.

COMPARISONS:
Simgot EW200
Here's the thing – while both lean towards a Harman-style tuning, the Q1 Pro does it with a finesse the EW200 can't quite match.

Visually, the Q1 Pro wins hands down. Its build quality feels more premium. But sound is subjective, so let's delve into the sonic landscape. The Q1 Pro takes a more measured approach to the mids, avoiding the overly emphasized Harman signature that might fatigue some listeners with the EW200. The Q1 Pro's vocals have more body and weight, making them a joy to listen to.

Technical prowess might not be the top priority for these IEMs, but even here, the Q1 Pro holds its own. It delivers a more well-rounded performance compared to the EW200. Remember, your experience may vary, but for me, the Q1 Pro is the clear winner in the sub-$50 arena.

TEST TRACKS:
Here are some tracks I usually listen to when reviewing:

That’s the way of the World by EWF
Africa by TOTO
The Girl in the Other Room by Diana Kral
Balmorhea album All is wild, All is Silent
Sila by Sud
Smooth Escape by D’Sound
Never too Much by Luther Vandross
P.Y.T by Michael Jackson
Ain’t no Sunshine by Eva Cassidy
Shoot to Thrill by AC/DC
Another one bites the Dust by Queen
Good times bad times by Edie Brickell
Alice in Wonderland by Bill Evans
Ain’t it Fun by Paramore
Redefine by Incubus
Far Away by Nickelback
Lovesong by Adele
Lingus by Snarky Puppy
Harvest for the World by Vanessa Williams
Love Bites by Def Leppard
No Such Thing by John Mayer
As by Stevie Wonder
Whip Appeal by Babyface
Ain’t Nobody by Chaka Khan
Futures by Prep
Landslide by Fleetwood Mac
Every Summertime by NIKI
SADE tracks
AC/DC tracks
Queen tracks


And many more… I always listen to High resolution format, being the least quality 16bit/44khz FLACS be it offline or online.

VERDICT:
The Q1 Pro isn't your typical harman-flavored IEM. It avoids the pitfalls of overly saturated ChiFi sound, however technical prowess isn't its calling card. Think of it as a sonic entertainer rather than a cold, analytical machine.

For listeners who crave pure technical fireworks, there are other options out there. But if you prioritize pure musical enjoyment, the Q1 Pro is a hidden gem. Its smooth, natural timbre is the star of the show, making music a genuinely delightful experience, even if it cuts a few corners on the technical side.

Here's the bottom line: if you're looking for a fantastically musical IEM under $50, the Q1 Pro is a no-brainer. It's perfect for music lovers, movie buffs, or anyone dipping their toes into the world of hi
gh-fidelity sound.

Thanks to EPZ for sending the Q1 Pro my way – until next time, ciao!

as sign thanks to Epz aka Tony Liu for sending me a gift later. I just want to do a complete review of the IEM EPZ Q1 Pro. I hope people become more familiar with this bad boy

it's been more than two weeks and I still feel the vibe using this iem, for the price under 60 dollar, the tonal and technical qualities are really top notch for my taste

Note: this is purely an impression from my ears and nothing has been exaggerated or subtracted.

Fitting: This iem is the winner, I even dare say that for under 60usd there is no iem that is as good as the fitting of the EPZ for me yeah, the deepfit is . made from medical grade 3D resin and the fit on the ear is really comfortable. Good build quality, solid, super beautiful resin, blue motif.

Cable: for those of you who got non-mic, be happy, because the non-mic version of this iem is really good, 4 braid. different from the type of mic, it looks like a cheap PVC cable.

Eartips: also no cans, the 3 L, M, s that come with it are soft, no cans, like the design kz product... the eartips also don't actually need to be replaced with an aftermarket product, cuz the quality of these items is still pretty good.

OK, moving to the sound

start from LOW yes. In my opinion, the low/bass in this iem is just moderate, not big like Rhapsody, but the drum beats still feel punky, and the rumble here is pretty good. Decay is also fairly fast in its price class for chasing fast paced songs, it's still up to speed, but it's not the fastest in its class. test song Tool - Ticks & Leeches.

Mid. Here, in my opinion, the mid is the most special, it's not thin but not too thick either, it still feels sweaty when listening to songs like IU - Secret Garden. Ayu's voice was lilting. For Kpop or Jpop fans, it's still considered a must buy. Note here that the vocals still feel has a peak or sibalance, especially at the higher volume, but it's not that noticeable, it's still considered safe.

The highs on these iems are still extended but not piercing, especially the eartips are replaced by divine velvet. The splash of cymbals, the pluck of the guitar, and especially the friction of the violin are really delicious. test song Cover Racer x -Technical diffucilaties - by Unlucky morpheus. The sound of the instrument is very powerful and makes you addicted.

Moving on to the final technicality. In the price range, this IEM is one of the best in its class, the soundstage is wide. I tested surround using the JamesDSP application, equivalent to level 2, aka wide, 3D imaging is good for hearing right, left, top and bottom, front and back, very accurate, suitable for games, especially FPS. , the separation is fairly good, the sound of the instruments sounds clear, separate and doesn't pile up. resolution above average has a good sense of clarity and detail.

Conclusion, in my opinion, this IEMs has the potential to become a new fry that beats the Conch or any iem exist, with fun, energetic tonalities but no metallic sounding, and above average technicality so the price is considered very good, but because of limited stock in my country escpesly it's a bit difficult and people run to another IEMs, hopefully people realaze its really good as people say












Low ★★★★☆, Mid ★★★★✮, High ★★★★✮. technical ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ rate 4.8. {☆ 0 points, ✮ half points, ★ 1 point}

INTRO


This is my full review of the EPZ Q1 Pro from the IEM company EPZ. I'm honest I have very little knowledge about EPZ and didn’t really know that they created as many products as Portable dongle and IEM to the budget realm. Supposed EPZ making competitive and budget friendly products to the audio world.


Disclaimer


I would like to thank EPZ Audio for arranging a unit for me. My opinions are unbiased, and I haven't been influenced or instructed to praise these IEMs. Every detail in this review is actual experience made by listening for hours everyday.




Specifications


Driver : 10 mm PU + LCP liquid crystal molecular dome diaphragm DD

Frequency response : 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Impedance: 32 Ω @ 1kHz

Sensitivity: 100 dB/Vrms

Cable: 2-pin 0.78 mm LEONI 4-core single-crystal copper cable 3.5 mm


Build and Comfort


The design of Q1 Pro is eye-catching because of how beautiful they made the faceplate is. The shells made from medical grade 3D printed resin. The comfort is excellent. It fits my ears perfectly. The lightweight of Q1 pro contributes for long extended use.




Sound Aspects


Source used :

Realme 9 Pro

Jcally AP7

Ibasso DC04 pro


This iems spend 50-60 hours of burn in before taking details
of this review


Bass


It has well controlled and presented bass. The sub-bass is more prominent than midbass. Definitely this is not for basshead people out there. Midbass lacks punch and weight but subbass rumbles deep. It also have a tight and fast bass quality.


Mids


Midrange are a bit recessed and the mild bass bleeds contributes some way to the natural and organic body of male vocals and added warmth to the mids. But still quite linear, which makes the note weight thick. As for instruments, they sound natural and organic. The mids have a relaxed and smooth presentation across the frequency spectrum.


Treble


The highs is not as we wanted airy, but it has great treble extension without being bright. As for the lower part of the treble, it sounds smooth and relaxed. Just a forgiving and musical treble presentation contributes to a non-fatiguing long listening sessions.


Technicalities


Soundstage is above average of the asking price, providing in terms of good depth and tallness.
Imaging and layering is good but nothing special with it. But it feels a bit foggy in background when bass is produce or midrange instrument it give slight blur definition of instruments but the combination of aspects of technicalities of this one is impressive hear it yourself trust your ears.





Conclusion


EPZ Q1 Pro is a commendable option for budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable pair of earphones. While it may not compete with premium models, it stands out in its price category, delivering a satisfying audio experience with a comfortable fit and durable build. Considering the affordable price, it offers excellent value for money. It's a solid choice for those seeking engaging, enjoyable and decent audio quality without breaking the bank.

Disclaimer

• Huge thanks to EPZ for providing a unit of the EPZ Q1 Pro for me to review. I really do appreciate it. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own, and are not influenced in any way.
• Please take this review with only a grain of salt, as everyone's hearing, fit, and gears may differ, so our experience may be different.

Price(MSRP)

• $35

Source(s)

• It is not hard to drive but also far from the easiest to drive. However, any cx dongle should work fine. When using them on my JM6 Pro, I never have to exceed 40%.
  • FiiO KA13
  • Truthear Shio
  • JCally JM6 Pro

Ear tips

• Dunu S&S

Unboxing and Quick Summary





Packaging

• EPZ Q1 Pro
• Soft carrying pouch
• Standard selection of ear tips.
  • 3 pairs of generic silicone ear tips (S, M, L)
    • Looks and feels like a 07 clone, which are pretty decent.
• 4-core single crystal copper wire
  • Stock cable build quality is decent for the price.
  • Doesn't tangle often and is very comfortable to use.
  • Connectors on the 3.5mm and the 2pin feels very cheap though.

Build Quality

• Build quality is very good, shell is made entirely out of resin with the nozzle being metal. Lightweight yet very solid and sturdy.

Fit

• Nozzle length is average but is on the thinner side.
• Fits is excellent. Very lightweight and the shell is super comfortable.

Tonality

• Harman

Bass

• Sub bass is a bit more prominent compared to the mid bass.
• Has a good, deep rumble to it and also good control.
• However, it lacks a bit of slam and impact.
• Furthermore, it can get a little thin as well due to the scooped mid bass.
• Overall, the bass is decent, nothing too outstanding but not bad for the price either.
• Quantity is just sufficient, just enough to be engaging but definitely not for bass heads.

Midrange

• Lower midrange is very clean, slightly recessed, with only a hint of warmth to it.
  • Male vocals sounds a little bit on the thinner side, lacking some lushness and weight to them.
• Upper midrange is very energetic and smooth.
  • Female vocals are very forward but they can be a little shouty to some.
• Note weight is slightly on the thinner side, but not overly thin due to the slightly elevated mid bass.
• Most instruments do sound great without any oddities, timbre is quite natural as well.

Treble

• Treble is on the relaxing and smoother side without being overly dull.
• Treble extension is mediocre but natural. Personally would still prefer a bit more air.
• Not really sparkly or airy in anyway.
• Details in the treble can be perceived somewhat fine but can be slightly hidden due to the relaxed treble presentation.

Technicalities

Resolution

• Resolution and detail retrieval is quite good for the price.

Soundstage

• Soundstage is decently wide and open, but not exactly expansive due to the average treble extension.

Imaging

• Imaging and accuracy also decent.
• While not holographic and not pinpoint, I can still approximately tell where the sound is coming from.

Separation

• Separation and layering is good, I have no issues with congestion even on busier tracks.

Comparison

EPZ Q1 Pro vs Simgot EW200

• The main differences between these 2 IEMs are the bass and treble region.
  • Bass
    • The EW200 slams a bit harder, thus sounding a bit punchier and weighted.
    • The EW200 easily takes the win here in my books.
  • Treble
    • The EW200 is noticeably brighter, airier but also harsher and more sibilant.
    • The totally depends on personal preference, but I prefer a smoother, more relaxing listen.
  • Technicalities
    • Due to the brighter signature of the EW200, details are immediately more perceivable on the EW200.
    • Driver quality on the EW200 is slightly better too in my opinion, other aspects such as imaging and layering is a clear cut above the Q1 Pro.
• As a conclusion of this comparison, it all comes down to personal preference.
  • The Q1 Pro is easily more comfortable for longer listening session while the EW200 has a lot more excitement in the treble.
  • Personally, the EW200 is more "wowing" and impressive at first listen but it gets fatiguing fairly easily, and I somehow always go back to the Q1 Pro quite often, so the Q1 Pro is the pick for myself.

Conclusion

• Overall, the EPZ Q1 Pro is a very solid, entry-level Harman style IEM that is fairly easy to listen to if you're used to the Harman signature. Although the accessories are not much, they are very useful in most cases and should be sufficient for the price.

Non Affiliated Link

• If you are interested after reading the article, feel free to check out the non affiliated link below.

• Aliexpress:
  • https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006467098821.html

Thanks for reading!

DISCLAIMER

I bought the EPZ Q1 Pro from Aliexpress at a discounted price.

It can be gotten here: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006467098821.html (no affiliate links). Do note that there are 3 variations available for purchase - a mic version, non-mic version and a DSP USB-C variant.




SPECIFICATIONS

• Driver configuration: 10 mm PU + LCP liquid crystal molecular dome diaphragm DD
• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Impedance: 32 Ω @ 1kHz
• Sensitivity: 100 dB/Vrms
• Cable: 2-pin, 0.78 mm; LEONI 4-core single-crystal copper cable; 3.5 mm termination
• Tested at: $32.60 USD

ACCESSORIES

Other than the IEM, these are included:
- 3 pairs of silicone eartips
- Cable
- Carrying pouch

For a $30ish IEM, the accessories are admittedly disappointing.




We have only one selection of silicone tips (no foamies or alternative silicone types are included). Thankfully, these tips are quite comfortable in terms of fit.




The stock cable is a LEONI 4-core single-crystal copper cable, and only comes in a 3.5 mm termination. This cable is well-braided in a Litz concept, and is supple, with a chin cinch. Microphonics are minimal.




There's no case provided, with just a small drawstring pouch included. It is made of a velvety material, which promises to prevent scratches, but it won't survive compression or a drop for sure.

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


BUILD/COMFORT



The Q1 Pro definitely is a looker, and has one of the most fetching faceplates for a budget IEM, with a purplish cosmic hue. The shells are fashioned from dermatological-friendly medical-grade resin, utilizing 3D-printed DLP high-precision (0.25 um) cut housings.

Comfortable is top-notch, with excellent ergonomics. There's an inner concha protrusion for grip, with no weird protrusions. To top it off, the Q1 Pro has is very light.



I did not find any driver flex on my pair.

Isolation is below average, in view of the vented acoustics.


INTERNALS

The Q1 Pro's engine is a 10 mm PU + LCP liquid crystal molecular dome diaphragm DD, housed within a double cavity and double magnetic circuit.


DRIVABILITY

I tested the Q1 Pro with the following sources:
- Apple dongle
- Cayin RU7
- Chord Mojo 2
- Fiio KA11 dongle
- Fiio KA17 dongle
- 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, though it would benefit a bit from amplification, in terms of bass tightness, soundstage and dynamics.


SOUND & TECHNICALITIES


Graph of the EPZ Q1 Pro via IEC711 coupler. 8 kHz is a coupler artefact peak.

The Q1 Pro sports a consumer friendly Harmanish tonality, which should be a crowd pleaser.

This is a sub-bass focused IEM. It is not for bassheads though, as the sub-bass extension isn't the deepest, or with the greatest rumble. Bass speed is nimble with mild mid-bass bleed, with bass texturing being bang average.

The lower midrange is just a tinge recessed, but not overly so. The slight mid-bass bleed adds heft and lushness to this region. With a 9 dB ear gain, the upper mids are pushed forwards and are just at the edge. At louder volumes (Fletcher Munson curve), this can be somewhat shouty, but at lower to moderate volumes, it is quite well-behaved.

The Q1 Pro isn't the most extended in the treble. It is thus safe in the upper treble, with minimal sibilance. It should be a suitable pairing for all but the most treble-sensitive, with no splashiness of high hats or cymbals.

Timbre is relatively natural. In terms of technicalities, the Q1 Pro has average soundstage width, though height and depth are quite good. Imaging is decent but not pinpoint, and micro-details and instrument separation are about average. The Q1 Pro is thus more of a musical than technical beast.


COMPARISONS

Comparisons were made against other budget single DDs. Planars, hybrids and pure BA IEMs are omitted, as the different transducers have their own pros and cons.



7Hz Salnotes Zero 2

The Zero 2 is a warmer IEM, with more bass and a slightly less pronounced treble. The Zero 2 has a worse fit due to its angular-shaped shell with sharp edges. The Zero 2 is also tougher to drive.

The Zero 2 has a wider soundstage, but lags behind in micro-details, imaging and layering.


Simgot EW200

The EW200 is another archetypal Harmanesque set, which is a bit more zealous in the upper mids and treble. Thus, the EW200 may be more fatiguing for the treble-sensitive or anti-pinna gain gang.

Timbre is more metallic on the EW200, with a thinner note weight. The EW200 is superior in micro-detailing, imaging and clarity. The EW200 is however, easier to drive.


CONCLUSIONS

The EPZ Q1 Pro is a decent entrant to the budget single DD fray. It bestows a musical soundscape, with a consumer-friendly Harmanish signature, that should be an all-rounder for most music genres. The shells are drop-dead gorgeous, with excellent comfort. Timbre is natural, in addition to minimal sibilance in the treble.

While the upper mids hit about 9 dB ear gain and may be at the edge between forwardness and fatigue, if used at moderate volumes (Fletcher Munson curve), this region should be relatively well-behaved. Do note that the Q1 Pro is not a technical tour de force - it pursues a musical and agreeable profile, over an outright analytical signature. Think of it as a "musical" sidegrade that showcases the other side of the coin compared to more technical - but harsher - benchmarks like the Simgot EW200.

It is by no means perfect, but does more things right than wrong. Folks who have been around the block and back with higher-end IEMs might want to keep their powder dry. But with the alluring looks and relatively affordable pricing, the Q1 Pro will make a suitable gift or even an introductory set for those new to the CHIFI IEM rabbithole.

The EPZ Q1 Pro is my second iem from epz it has a gorgeous 3D printed resin shell with hand-painted panel, with
single 10MM dual cavity dual magnetic circuit PU+LCP liquid crystal molecular dome diaphragm driver with a frequency response range of 20Hz-20Khz and sensitivity 100db(+-3db)@Vrms, Impedance:32Ω@1kHz
Total harmonic distortion: <0.5% (@1kHz, 100db)
and a good quality single ended 3.5mm 4 core single crystal copper cable 0.78MM 2 pin connector.




The Epz q1 pro is a good all rounder iem with well balance sound, attractive looking shells, light and compact ideal for on the go or daily use. The tuning however is pretty much avarage, nothing really notable or stands out that make this a little special. the sub bass and mid bass are well balance but it lacks note weight or a little punch, vocals are not recessed but are a bit forward which i like and natural sounding, unlike the epz q5 which scales very well the q1 pro does not, on higher volumes upper mids and treble gets too energetic harsh, shouty and i hear sibilance on some tracks with every hit of the crash cymbals or some high note female vocals.



I was expecting the Q1 Pro to be the fun sounding little brother of the Q5, but its not the case. it still a very well made good looking iem and i would recommend this to a friend who is starting in this hobby and looking for his first pair of earphones, but if you already have like 5 or more sets of iem then for sure the Q1 pro will be more of a sidegrade than an upgrade to your existing collection.

EPZ Q1 PRO Unboxing vid:

Thank you again @angledac store for swapping this one in place of the ND X12 free of charge. They didn't have to do this all if they played the Ali way. So all points for the store are definitely recommended to buy from in my eyes. There are far far worse stores on Ali kuch if you remember the sour audio store drama with the GK10S. So Thank you!

But I'm here to speak about the EPZ Q1 Pro a +-30 USD Single DD. And give you my impression and review about it. I have to say of the jump the shell is really well made no doubt about that we all have seen other brands having paint ship issues. The only cons i have are the cable but what you expect for the price and the tips but there i have to say there perfect for the tuning of the IEM excellent choice of a the bore of the tip. Fit Is comfy and they fit easily into my ears even though I have really narrow ear channels.

Configuration :1 x 10mm LCP+PU DD
Sensitivity : 100dB
Impedance : 32 Ω
Cable :1,2m 4-Core Single crystal copper silver plated
Shell: Resin 3D printed

Tonality: It takes on a U shape ish sound with a tad of warmth, the Low and The Upper mids run until the brilliance part is more prominent than the mids.

Bass Is quite well balanced and doesn't really overpower anything for me, The Sub-bass and the Mids-bass are quite equal, the present one does not jump out over the other. They are nice tacitly, punchy but I missed a bit of that thumpy that other IEM bring to some other sets. There is a slight bleed in the lower mids which gives this IEM some Color and Warmth but i’m not sure everybody will like this. But okay, it is 30 USD. We can't expect everything to be perfect. But is for the bracket really well tuned.

Mids: Since they are a bit recessed and the bass bleeds a bit in it give it some way a bit more of an organic feeling to a male vocal also a bit of warmth coming in. They're quite linear, which makes the note weight quite good. As for instruments, they sound quite normal and organic. Even if the mids are recessed they can still come across normal without jumping out and asking for attention. For me, leaving the mids very relaxed, organic and a tad warm.

Treble: is sufficiently bright and on the safe site of being shouty. Even though it had a pinna in my measurement of 11dB it doesn't feel that way. It sounds more like 8-9. To me while the EA1000 can be shouty to me. do i throw EA1000 under the bus hell no. Hi hats had a nice crash but not overdone or like a weird sound to them. Even female vocals come across quite normally. Some sets can be really hard on my ears. That i’m sitting there are i’m listening to my wife after a new IEM comes in the mail of music it’s a fine line guys. We know that lmao. Sorry for the female IEM lovers, you're the best

For the image somewhat narrow. The layering of notes was quite okay, nothing on that but 30 bucks, we all want it to sound like a 200 IEM that’s just not possible. it’s okay and does get the job hell yea does outperform some IEM in the bracket hell yea. But there are also others that are on par or have better qualities in some areas. it’s all gonna depend on what you are looking for and what library of music you have.

But all said and done I can recommend this set at the price of 30 USD. Phuh that's hard to say cuz the market of single DD’s are so competitive. The bracket of 20-50 is filled with good single dd's. I just can’t pick one above the other. if you don’t like shouty then EA500 might not suit you but then there are others of course.

"When the words leave off, music begins"

~~Heinrich Heine, 19th century German poet and literary critic


EPZ Audio is one of the recently established audio companies from China as it was inaugurated five years ago as an independent audio company. All their products are quite appealing in both construction quality and tuning that they are able to offer them at a reasonable price for budget-conscious audio enthusiasts out there. This is actually my third product review from them and I'm willing to share my assessment to the audio community.



This is EPZ Q1 PRO, it has a single dynamic driver like its predecessor, the EPZ Q1. But unlike its predecessor, the Q1 PRO has a new type of dynamic driver that EPZ implemented. The dynamic driver that was fitted in this set is 10mm dual chambered, double magnetic set-up with composite diaphragm consisting of LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) and PU (Polyurethane). With the combination of these materials in a diaphragm, it will provide better rigidity and flexibility to deliver a deep bass, crisp and clear treble while maintaining a natural sound.



The driver was encased in a 3D-moulded resin shell chassis and it is rated to be hypoallergenic. EPZ offers many colour options on this set and what I have here is the colour blue variant on its faceplate that looks pretty attractive with its colour hues. The shell takes a UIEM-style contour that will give a better to almost all ear sizes and is somehow quite compact. There's a vent hole at the top of the cavity base part of the shell where it allows to escape excess air pressure generated by the dynamic driver. The EPZ Q1 PRO utilises a 0.78mm 2-pin connector as its interlocking mechanism as it is stable and easy to detach.



EPZ Q1 PRO's stock cable is a 4N monocrystalline copper and it was braided to assure a stable and uninterrupted flow of signal transmission and greatly reduces signal interference. The cable quality is quite supple and flexible to handle and it looks durable enough. Its termination plug is a 3.5mm single ended one and it is a gold-plated one.



As for fitting and comfort, this set snugly rests well into my lugholes without any issues at all due to its compact size and choice of a proven form active. It provides an excellent passive noise isolation as it is able to block some unwarranted external noises from the outside.



To unbox an EPZ product, it makes its customers pleasant to unpack the contents given how its products are well-presented. The EPZ Q1 PRO has a medium-size rectangular box in an all black colour with silver blue prints on it.



Here are the following contents inside of EPZ Q1 PRO's packaging box:

• Pair of EPZ Q1 PRO IEM transducers
• Stock cable
• Velvet cloth storage pouch
• Three (3) pairs of balanced bore silicone ear tips in different standard sizes.
• Paperwork like user's manual and Q.C. stub

On power scaling and sensitivity, this set is easy to amplify as sources with decent power output like smartphones, tablets and laptops are enough to drive it. Even in power output akin to low gain mode will deliver a full range sound with good dynamics.



To determine its sound profile, the EPZ Q1 PRO takes an u-shaped sound profile with a tad of warmth on its tonality. Lows and upper-mids up to presence part of the treble region are a bit more prominent than midrange on its overall audio frequency.



(Frequency graph was provided by @baskingshark , credits to him)


LOWS/BASS:

The bass quality on this one is quite well-balanced as both sub-bass and mid-bass were equally presented in this frequency section. It has a punchy, tactile and slightly thumpy bass response that will be enough to most audio enthusiasts out there although I noticed that there's some slight bass bleed, as it makes the tonality of the midrange on this set a bit coloured.

Sub-bass has a perceivable presence as I definitely felt its rumbling and reverberation coming from instruments like drum machines, synthesisers and low toned bass guitars. Mid-bass has an ample texture to give a good note weight on instruments and male vocals. Bass guitars have broad and resonant sounds on every plucking, fretting and slapping on its strings, violas have warm and solemn sound on them that will add some colour in a string section in an orchestra ensemble, bass kick drums have thudding and sonorous sound on them and capable enough to come along with fast double bass kicks from rock and metal tracks, and then on bass to bass-baritone vocals, they have enough depth and dark tone to have a fairly dense and dusky sound.


MIDRANGE:

The midrange presentation is a bit recessed on its overall frequency range presentation but it is quite linear, slightly energetic, a tad warmth and somehow a well-balanced texture on its note weight that will be beneficial for vocal flexibility and natural sound on most instruments.

On male vocals, due to some warmth on it, it adds some organic tone and timbre on most types of male voices albeit I wish that it had some more depth on them. Baritones have smooth and warm sound on their vocal while tenors have some brassy, emotive and ringing tone from them whether its lyric, dramatic, spinto or heldentenor. Countertenors have smooth, tender and expressive vocal quality as they project their falsettos. As for female vocals, contraltos have enough depth to give a plush, smokey and rich sound on their voices while mezzo-sopranos have smooth and glowing sound on their vocals. Meanwhile on sopranos, they have a shining and silky sound that has enough airiness on their vocals particularly on coloraturas and lyric types.

As for instruments, it seems that most of them sound natural and pleasant to listen to with their distinctive tonal colour. On strings, guitars have balanced and enough sparkle on their tone while violins have lustrous and introspective sound on every motion on its bow strings. Brasses like trumpets, trombones and horns, they sound full, dramatic and resounding respectively. On woodwinds, piccolos have graceful and hollow sound while concert flutes have rich and poetic sound on every blowing on its notation. On percussives, tom-toms have warm and resonant sound, snare drums have clear and rattling sound on every stroke, field drums have venerable sound, and last ones are the kettledrums have substantial and resonant sound. Pianos appears to have an even and well-balanced tone as it is capable of distinctive articulate clarity on its sound.


HIGHS/TREBLE:

The treble response of this set has a sufficient brightness while maintaining some smooth characteristics. The upper-mids up to presence part of the treble region are quite accentuated to give more clarity, definition on some female vocals and attack instruments without any instances of sibilance or harshness albeit treble-sensitive folk should stay caution on this set but I think that they will managed to handle those elevation of these said frequencies


On the brilliance part of the treble, its airiness seems to have a moderate extension as cymbals have a lustrous and undulating sound while hi-hats have its discernable shortened buzzing sound. Celesta have a mellow and golden sound in any note register with a hint of warmth, and glockenspiels seem to have more lustrous sound than brilliant or shimmering sound on them.


SOUNDSTAGE, IMAGING AND OTHER TECHNICALITIES:

The sound/speaker stage perception that this set appears to be more of just average to above-average head room as it has average lateral span, decent height reach and good depth distance from front to back. On imaging, it projects a concave-like stereo presentation in a not so well-defined layering of dynamics and frequency tones of specific instruments and vocals although it has good separation of elements in an audio track as I was able to locate the placement of particular instruments.

Coherency of its composite driver is excellent in my opinion in how it performs on its transient speed without any distortion at all. Resolution capabilities of this one is also quite well-regarded as it has good macro-dynamics to have a solid note texture while having a decent micro-detail retrieval as it able to extract some nuances and subtleties of vocal ends (vibrato, falsetto, vocal fry or other types vocal pitches and modulation) and notation attacks of some instruments (bow gripping on violins and violas, tremolo on strings instruments etc.).


PEER COMPARISONS:

ZIIGAAT NUO

● Like the Q1 PRO, it's a single dynamic driver with LCP material on its diaphragm. It is also encased in a 3D-printed resin shell chassis in a modified UIEM-style form factor similar to TANCHJIM OXYGEN. On its packaging, it doesn't include any carrying case or even a pouch for storage.

● On tonal aspect, NUO has a U-shaped sound signature similar to the Q1 PRO as it also has punchy bass, ample warmth on midrange and slightly similar treble presentation albeit its bit more brighter given how intensity of it shimmer and a presence of sibilances on some tracks. On technical capabilities, both sets are almost similar with the exception of stereo imaging in which the NUO presents a typical two-dimensional stereo presentation.


7HZ ZERO II

● 7HZ's entry-level single dynamic driver IEM with composite materials on its diaphragm like polyurethane. It has an unusual angular shaped composite resin shell chassis and compared to Q1 PRO, you can choose different ear tips as 7HZ's is quite generous on including a quantity of ear tips inside of its packaging box. Its stock cable is a bit inferior and it doesn't have any form of storage case.

● On tonality, ZERO II has a mild-U sound profile which makes it even more balanced and almost neutral sounding than the Q1 PRO. It has a punchy and precise bass response, similarly textured midrange but less recessed in presentation and smooth and balanced treble response although Q1 PRO is a little bit brighter by hair. In technical aspect, ZERO II is almost similar to Q1 PRO with the exception that the latter presents a more concave-like stereo imaging and its struggles a bit more on some complex tracks.


SIMGOT EW200

● Another competitor of Q1 PRO as this set was also a single dynamic driver one. It also uses a composite type of diaphragm and it was coined as “SCP diaphragm” as it is composed of LCP and DLC (Diamond-like carbon) and it was encased in an all-metal alloy shell. It also has a better storage case for protection.

● Like most SIMGOT sets that I've tested so far, it still follows a Harman-variant U-shaped sound profile with SIMGOT's tuning modifications that somehow deviates to the usual standard Harman target curve. Compared to Q1 PRO, It has a more tighter, incisive and rumbly bass response with a lean mid-bass presentation, a less warmer but transparent and energetic midrange presentation, and a brighter and crisper treble quality that gives an occasional shrill and dry sound, particularly on female vocals. On technicalities, both sets have its strong and weaknesses as they were trading blows on one another , while EW200 has a bit better layering, separation and micro-detail retrieval, Q1 PRO has better depth and more solid macro-dynamics.



EPZ Q1 PRO is another solid product offering from EPZ that might gain some more traction in the audio market as they develop their reputation as a consistent portable audio manufacturer. With a high quality composite material dynamic driver that were implemented in a beautiful and eye-catching resin shell chassis with finely-tuned tonal quality and a budget friendly one, this is indeed one of my solid recommendations for entry-level sets.



EPZ Q1 PRO is now available at EPZ's official online store in ALIEXPRESS, you can check out the unaffiliated link below.

★★EPZ OFFICIAL STORE - ALIEXPRESS★★


For more reviews on EPZ products, you can visit the links below.

■ EPZ Q5

■ EPZ K1

SPECIFICATION:

MODEL: EPZ Q1 PRO
IMPEDANCE: 32Ω
SENSITIVITY: 100dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 20Hz – 20KHz
CABLE LENGTH: 1.2M
PIN TYPE: 2-PIN CONNECTOR
PLUG TYPE: 3.5mm
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*



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 TEAM EPZ for providing this review unit. I truly appreciate their generosity and trust towards me and other reviewers.