Disclaimer:
The EPZ G10 was sent to me for review purposes from EPZ, for which I am grateful!
However, the review will still be 100% honest and in no way biased.
It seems that after the success of the Epz Q5, there is another IEM from them that deserves to be mentioned.
I’m not an audiophile; I’m just a guy that likes to test out different IEMs and DACs and spends a lot of time listening to music.
So I’m not going to use super-technical words to review it, but I will do my best to describe it.
EPZ G10 Technical specifications:
- Dynamic unit: 10MM dual cavity dual magnetic circuit, PU+LCP liquid crystal molecular sphere top diaphragm
- Sensitivity: 100db (± 3dB)
- Frequency range from 20Hz to: 20KHz
- Impedance: 32 Ω
- Plug diameter: 3.5MM
- Earphone plug type: 0.78MM dual pin
- Wire: 4-core single crystal copper silver plated
- Cable length: 1.2M
- Microphone: Yes
- Carbon fiber fluorescent panel
- 3D printing chamber technology
- 360 ° omnidirectional noise reduction microphone
- Price: 40 – 45 USD
EPZ G10 Packaging:
I immediately admit that even though the packaging is less impressive, it is still well made with attention to detail. I’ve honestly received more expensive IEMs with cheaper packaging. However, it is not the cartoon that interests us fans.
Inside, we find various accessories, such as:
- Soft carrying bag
- 0.78mm 4 core cable
- 3.5mm splitter audio/mic
- UV light (really necessary?)
- 6 pairs of tips (1 Set seems to be like Kbear 07 tips)
- Manual + Warranty
Some accessories will seem strange to you for the UV light, but you should know that the EPZ G10 has paint under the resin that reacts to UV lights. The effect is extremely cool; however, a significant amount of light is needed to maintain the effect for less than 30 seconds. The rest of the accessories look very similar to those already seen on the Q5. The cable is similar but also has the microphone.
All in all, the package is well supplied and complete, and from this point of view, it is difficult to find better value in this price range.
EPZ G10 Design/Build quality:
The Epz G10 out of the box shows the construction quality of the shell; we are at very high levels from my point of view. The resin seems thick and sturdy, the finishes are perfect, and I don’t see any imperfections. The shape of the shell for my ears is perfect; there is no discomfort, but just some difficulty finding the right position to find the perfect seal. In the back, there is a small metal cone that acts as a pressure vent. The cable could be of higher quality, without a doubt, but more than sufficient. The tips are of two types: double flange, which in my case is too small in all sizes, and others similar to the beloved Kbear 07.
The resin has a purple color which under the sun’s rays allows the driver to shine through, which vaguely reminds me of the one used on the Tanchjim One (another great DD single). With macro photos, the paint that reacts to UV rays almost looks like fibers trapped under the resin. I don’t know if it’s normal but under the sun they don’t become fluorescent but only with a UV flashlight, which makes everything even less sense. I hope this coloring hasn’t had too much of an impact on the cost because on an actual level it doesn’t react unless you have intense UV light sources.
EPZ G10 Initial sound impression:
I have to admit that, at first, I was a little disappointed. After the EPZ Q5, it is difficult to be more surprised. However, these suffer greatly from positioning, or at least I noticed this in my ears. I had to use the largest size of tips, as in the others, I had very little margin to have a perfect seal. If you can’t find the seal, the sound will even seem neutral, and the tonality will not be very intriguing, especially in voices that seem cold and devoid of body. After I found the precise spot, the sound followed in the footsteps of its sister EPZ Q5, although not at its level.
The highs are nice and crisp but never annoying; I would have no problem using them for several hours to listen to music or even to play video games. The mids don’t drive me crazy, and the overall tonality doesn’t please me on some tracks. Instead, the bass pops out massively, only with perfect tips. Let’s be clear: this is not a set for bassheads. The tuning is decidedly V-shaped.
Final sound impression:
Equipment used for testing above
Device:
- iMac
- Redmi Note 7 (MIUI-Based)
Software:
- Foobar2000 24bit 192kHz (iMac)
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz (Both)
DAC:
- LessFox Da1 (AK4493EQ)
- F.audio KS01 (ESS)
- EPZ TP20 (Dual Cirrus)
- Hidizs XO (Dual ESS)
- Hidizs S9 Pro
- Hidizs S9 Pro Plus
- EPZ TP30 (Dual ESS)
My impressions are given using the original accessories.
In my opinion, this is a well-tuned Harman set.
After several hours of listening to the EPZ G10, I find them making more and more sense. I read from other enthusiasts that they also have the Simgot EW200, which is decidedly similar; in fact, looking at the graphs on Squiglink, the graph is practically identical up to the high frequencies. Theoretically, the Simgot should be slightly airier and brighter. Since the EW200 has been praised by many fans, I think that these too will find their share of the market. In this case, I think the one with the most aggressive price will win, but currently they differ by a few dollars.
Epz G10 on Game:
Being a set suitable for gaming, I decided to put it to the test with COD Warzone on PlayStation 4. I must say that the result is excellent; thanks to the clarity of the treble, noises created by enemies can be heard in advance. The 3D effect in the game is well reproduced and allows you to quickly locate enemies in space. The microphone works well (or at least the others hear me well), but I would have preferred those new cables that have the microphone attached right under the earpiece that goes up from your cheek. However, I must admit that in that case, it would have only been possible to use them for gaming or change the cable to use them as normal headphones. I appreciate the splitter for splitting audio and microphone input.
Treble
The treble region got a touch of air and sparkle without being harsh or sibilant, which is really pleasant in this price range. The trebles are precise, smooth, and detailed. All instruments sound coherent and pleasant. Personally, I would have given it a few extra touches of airiness to make it even more detailed, but it is already a great set for clarity and the perfect set for gaming.
Mids
The mids sound decidedly clean and detailed, but on the Q5, they’re a little bit more engaging. The voices, for my taste, are good enough. Voices have less silkiness than Q5. On very complex tracks, I struggle to feel real congestion, but with rock, I can sense some. If you consider the price range, I struggle to criticize them.
Bass
There is definitely emphasis on the low frequencies, and the bass is well defined, quite fast, and impactful. Nice sub-bass extension! In the tracks where it is required, the bass is decidedly powerful and heavy.
Soundstage and Imaging
The soundstage is quite wide, giving you the 3D imaging effect you need for gaming. Good layering, transparency, and speed. They are certainly very good for their price range. I have listened to Jazz, R&B, Pop, EDM, & Chill music, and I think it is also the most suitable for this IEM. It is definitely not suitable for classical and quiet musical genres.
Comparison:
The most sensible comparisons would be made with the Simgot EW200 but unfortunately I don’t own it, so the main comparison will be with the EPZ Q5 which, in my opinion, is superior in general sound quality.
Vs EPZ Q5
If you don’t need gaming headphones, then get the EPZ Q5 directly. They have the fun factor and a lot of energy, which is a little less in the G10. More immersive bass, vocals that are more present and in front of you, but also more sparkling highs I suggest you read my review of it.
vs CVJ Konoka
The CVJ Konoka is difficult to compare; their haptic driver works but does not return the desired result. The overall sound is mediocre when compared to the EPZ G10. Now they have released an updated version, which I am curious about, but I don’t know if I will have the opportunity to try it. Having said that, buy them only if you are driven by curiosity.
vs BGVP P05
The prices are similar, but the BGVP P05 is a decidedly more serious and neutral set. Although they are not 100% to my liking, if you don’t like V-shaped IEMs in this price range, you could consider them. The bass is definitely more natural, and the soundstage seems to be more immersive.
EPZ G10 Conclusion:
In conclusion, the EPZ G10 are, from my point of view, excellent for gaming; I found them much better than a set I previously used. From now on, they will be set for online games. But if you are going to listen to more music, I definitely recommend you take into account the EPZ Q5, which is slightly better in sound quality! Currently, the price difference is minimal, but if one were to receive a large discount, she would have the upper hand over the other.
As far as I’m concerned, the EPZ G10 is another IEM with an excellent DD and spot-on tuning.
8.5/10
Pros:
- Price / performance
- Shell quality and resin are really good
- Good packaging
- Fluo resin shell
- Removable 0.78mm cable
- High quality nozzle (same of Q5)
- Neutral and crystal sound
- Clean and punchy Bass
- Crispy treble
- Pretty immersive sound
- Game effects seems more audible
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Not impressive like the Q5 at nearly the same price
- Thin female voices (cold tonality)
- The left piece got fewer fluorescent pigments.
- Fluorescent paint not really needed
- Fingerprints on shell
