EPZ P50 Review
Intro
Hello, this review and feature covers the latest from EPZ Audio named the EPZ P50. Friends, I am overly curious about this iem. I have been a fan of the EPZ operation for quite some time now. I’ve watched them grow within the iem community since their 1st couple sets and have cheered them on ever since. I actually picked the P50 up on sale for roughly around $180 although they seem to go on sale frequently. For review purposes I will consider the P50 a $150-$200 iem. Now, the P50 is a tribrid set which includes five drivers in total. To be exact that’s one dynamic driver, two balanced armature drivers, and two planar magnetic drivers. Folks, EPZ really went out on a limb with the P50 as cohesively tuning a five driver tribrid set is not the easiest thing to do whilst also keeping the cost under $200. I haven’t actually gotten my hands on the P50 yet, but I’m very intrigued by the idea of them. Especially after reviewing earlier sets from EPZ and witnessing the quality of tuning and price to performance benefits of all of EPZ’s offerings. At any rate, I realize I’m a bit late to the party on this one. I’ve read other’s thoughts; I’ve heard their praise. Basically, I had to pick a pair up for myself just to confirm what others are saying. In truth, I don’t like to hear anything about any set I review prior to review, but I honestly had no intention of getting the P50, that is… before the bug hit me… Lol. Anyways, tracking says they are a day away. We shall see folks.
EPZ
I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise that EPZ is pushing the boundaries for what they can provide for the least amount of cost to the consumer. After all, that’s what they’ve been doing since their inception. Ya know, the 1st set that I reviewed from EPZ was their EPZ Q5 (Q5 Review) and it blasted past my expectations. For a bright W-shaped sound that has a dynamic and fun nature it was awesome at the cost. Next, I reviewed the EPZ G10 (G10 Review), which is supposedly a “gaming” iem that really replays music even better. Then the EPZ X-Tipsy Star One (Star One Review) came along, and it is still a very good iem at the cost. In fact, that one slid under everyone’s radar. Truly a special sound albeit a very particular sound. Next, I featured one of the best sub $50 iems on the entire market in the EPZ Q1 Pro (Q1 Pro Review). That set competes against iems twice its price with ease. After those iem reviews I completed a handful of dongle dac impressions from EPZ. Those being the EPZ TP50, TP20 Pro, and the EPZ TP35. Lastly, I reviewed the follow up from the lauded Q5 called the EPZ Q5 Pro (Q5 Pro Review). Once again, we have an even more refined and even less expensive version of its predecessor, the Q5. Folks, the common thread is value, and the common thread is performance. EPZ does nothing by accident, friends. Each product is well thought out, well built, and each product is in the conversation for the best in their respective price points. If this wasn’t true, I wouldn’t waste the time to type it out. Oh, by the way, the P50 just arrived. This should be interesting.
I’ve had the P50 in my ears for a few hours and I am already very happy with what I hear. Without question I will review this set. I only review what I enjoy and so I was glad to hear what I’m hearing. I am going to let the P50 burn in for about four to five days and then begin critical listening. So, I’d say we will reconvene in about two weeks. Now, without further ado, the EPZ P50 everyone…
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P50 Pros
-Build Quality is really impressive
-Design is absolutely dope!
-Unboxing is fitting for its cost
-Semi-rich note weight is very nice to hear
-Very well balanced tonally, energetic, mid-forward
-Very textured, pristine, and solid note density (that’s a great mix)
-Fast, well defined bass region with solid depth
-Snappy, lively, technically gifted, and airy midrange
-Treble has nice crispness, nice bite, some good punch, palpable texture
-High resolution sound
-Highly detailed, well separated sound field, Imaging is spot on
-Wide, deep and holographic stage
-Overall, a very cohesive performer, which is great for a tribrid
P50 Cons
-Timbre isn’t what I’d call perfectly natural
-Bass region could use some gusto (nobody says “gusto”)
-Some glare in the upper-mids at times
-Warm, rich, or dark lovers are not going to enjoy
Gear Used for Testing
-EPZ TP50
-Kiwi Ears Allegro Pro
-Shanling H0
-Ifi Go Blu
-Aful SnowyNight
-Fiio Q15
-Fiio JM21
-iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
-Shanling M6 Ultra
-Many more not listed…
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
I am a sucker for a good unboxing experience and EPZ provides that with the P50. In my opinion of course. The P50 arrived at my home in a semi-large (what’s semi-large Chris?) rectangular black box which has a sleeve. On the sleeve is what appears to be a spectrogram of wavy lines engraved into the center. You’ll also notice an off-center ornate orange sticker which has the name as well as some other info on it. Anyways, take the sleeve and you’ll get to a classy looking black box with “EPZ” in the center. Take the top off and right away you’ll see the gorgeous P50 staring right back at you in foam cut-outs along with the beautiful round carrying case also sitting nestled in foam cut-outs. Under the lid is a nice artistic rendering of wavy lines and a short saying all graphically imposed on a textured surface. It’s very nice looking. Take out the foam layer and you’ll find the cable, the cable adapters, and all of the eartips. Honestly, it’s a very nice unboxing friends. EPZ did a nice job of presenting their P50.
Eartips
EPZ chose to go with (pretty much) the same eartips as you’ll find with many sets. They added in six pairs of the same eartips(2xS, 2xM, 2xL). To be exact, they are a white silicone eartips with a black stem, very firm flange, rigid stem, and a semi-wide bore size. Really, they are great tips for use with the P50. Namely, Simgot uses these tips a lot. They are actually almost identical in build, feel, size, weight, and bore size to the KBear 07 tips, just a different color. They’re basically KBear 07’s. At any rate, they are very nice tips that I used for a while for critical listening. However, for the majority of my time with the P50 I actually went with my new favorite eartips, the Hiby WG01 tips. I also used the Divinus Velvet wide-bore tips and the Dunu S&S tips too, but they simply didn’t sound as nice as the included tips. I suppose it would’ve been nice to see a few different styles of eartips, but that’s me being overly picky. Not bad at all.
Carrying Case
I love this style of carrying case. The EPZ P50 comes with a very nice cylindrical case. The case is black in color, cladded in a faux leather material, very nice to the touch and obviously made well. I love the orange stitching against the black of the case. You’ll notice a stylish and classy “EPZ” etched into the center. The case top is held in only by friction. That said, it stays in very well. It’s just tight enough to never come off. Couple that with the friction provided by the faux leather material and you have yourself a well-functioning case. I really enjoy this one. It isn’t too large and isn’t too small. Easily enough room to store your P50’s with the cable, some eartips, and the cable adapters. Basically, you can store everything that comes packaged fairly easily. So, it’s a very nice size and looks dope. I love good inclusions.
Cable
Now, the cable will either be one you love, or not. I personally, love some things about it and don’t live a few things, well, one thing. At any rate, I did not cable swap. I kept the packaged cable for all critical listening. So, the included cable is a white in color, 2-pin, 1.2m long cable. It’s made of 6N OCC silver plated copper which comes with right angle modular adapters in 3.5 single ended and 4.4 balanced jacks. I love that. Very functional and very stylish. EPZ states that they used pure silver for the plating. All fittings are made of 304 stainless steel, which was nice to see. The cable has a very nice braiding although it isn’t the fattest cable. Also, the insulation is slightly less forgiving which makes rolling it up and storing not the easiest thing to do without the cable springing apart. Sometimes. That’s the only real downside. Beyond that, it’s a very nice cable for this price point. I love the right-angle connectors, and the use of stainless steel is a gorgeous touch.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
As far as build quality is concerned the EPZ P50 is made to be light and not have a fatigue problem over long periods. So, EPZ decided to make the Shells out of an EPZ self-developed DLP3D printing process using skin friendly resin materials. Also, to keep things light and also very sturdy at the same time EPZ chose 7-series aviation-grade aluminum for the faceplates. I applaud the thinking here. Sure, they could’ve made this set out of a bunch of different materials, but the use of resin and aluminum is always good for a very light and comfortable iem. I find the build to be very ergonomic, fitting wonderfully in my ears. Now, the faceplates actually have a semi-open back design as well. First off, it’s a slick look, but also the design helps in the tuning of the P50. Usually, an open back sound will come across airier and more open. Not only that but the aluminum used helps tremendously to eliminate undue cavity resonances for a cleaner and more precise sound. The nozzles are about average length too. However, for whatever reason EPZ chose not to place a “lip” at the end of the nozzle. I don’t know why. That said, it does provoke some tips to pull off at times. So, I’d choose your tips wisely. That’s the only odd decision concerning the build, everything else is functionality meets durability. It’s light, easy on the ears, and it’s made of some solid resin and a nice aluminum faceplate. A+ on the build.
One more thing about the build
I’ve seen a couple of folks mention the build isn’t that great. I thought that was a puzzling thing to say. How exactly is the build supposed to be better while maintaining an ergonomic and lightweight design? My word, I think this set is very well built. For a resin set with an aluminum faceplate, I don’t see how it could be better. As honest as I can be. It feels ridiculously solid, very substantial. Not patting myself on the back, but I have had my hands on a huge amount of iems and in no way would I call the build… bad. Folks, you have to consider who iems are “functionally” for. Yes, for those who casually listen. But really, iems are generally used by… artists on a stage. They don’t want some all-alloy beefy set dragging on their ears for 3 hours. I think the build of the P50 is very nice. No, it isn’t made entirely out of titanium and no it isn’t built like a tank. The P50 is built for someone to use and be happy using. Shoot, the cable is the exact same situation. It’s made to be light. Not heavy. It’s made to jot pull on the iems. I understand EPZ and their choices. Heck, the Q5, Q5 Pro, Star One, and many other EPZ sets are exactly the same. They are always light, and they’re light for a REASON. It’s not a big deal but I just wanted to push back on that a little bit.
Design
This is one area where EPZ absolutely hit the ball out of the park! What a beautiful design language. In truth, I’ve always enjoyed EPZ’s super lightweight and usually fairly simple designs. However, the P50 is much more intricate than usual. The P50 has a very sophisticated design, almost a cyber punk style yet way classier. I adore the colorway with the silver base color on the faceplates yet with the large circular cut-out vent windows with golden colored mesh underneath. It’s so slick looking! Now, I could see how the design may not be to everyone’s taste, I get that. Not everyone digs a set that has this type of styling. That said, I think it’s a slick looking iem.
Internals
This brings us to what’s inside of the P50. One of the main reasons I needed to hear this set revolves around the driver configuration. As I said prior, EPZ outfitted the P50 with five drivers in total over three distinct types of drivers. We call this type of set a “tribrid” configuration. To be exact, the P50 incorporates one 10mm PEK+PU composite dynamic driver which covers the entirety of the low-end. For the midrange EPZ went with two “EPZ customized” 32257 balanced armature drivers. Also, covering the treble region EPZ used two “EPZ customized” micro planar magnetic drivers. Next, EPZ went with what they refer to as a three-way frequency division which is just a fancy way of saying that they used individual separate tubing from each of the driver divisions. This helps in many ways to produce a much cleaner sound, less crosstalk or mishmashing of the spectrum and anti-interference. It’s a nice layout for sure as EPZ used each driver to their particular strengths while successfully dividing each 3rd if the mix in a very cohesive manner.
Drivability / Pairings
Output Power
The EPZ P50 is rated with an impedance of right around 20 ohms as well as a sensitivity of about 106 db’s, give or take. This translates to a very sensitive iem. I had zero troubles bringing the P50 to good volume as well as good dynamics from even less powerful sources. For instance, I had no problem using my Android phone, my iPad, the Fiio UTWS5, KZ AN01 amongst other less powerful source devices. Now, it almost goes without saying but the P50 definitely scales well with a bit more output power from your source device. I don’t feel there’s some monumental change or anything, but there’s certainly a difference with the P50’s overall sound quality with either less or more power. I don’t think you need 100 watts of pure power or anything, and you don’t need some amazing desktop setup, but the P50 certainly goes through a tightening-up of the spectrum. Namely in the bass region as well as a hair more bite within the treble region. As per usual, the P50 does benefit from more power and better source devices.
Source Pairing
Now, I feel that finding the right source with the P50 is a much more beneficial thing to figure out. I say that because the P50 is somewhat picky about which source you choose. I don’t think it’s strictly about tonal differences in your source device either. For instance, using the warm/neutral Shanling M6 Ultra the P50 is absolutely awesome. Whatever it is about the M6 Ultra just fits the P50 so very nicely. Yet when I go to the Fiio Q15 the P50 sounds a bit dull. Not overtly so, just a hair less dynamic, less energy at the edges. Having said that, I’ve never uttered those words concerning the Q15, ever. It’s far from a dull source. Anything but that actually. It’s simply the way it pairs with the P50. That said, the iBasso DX240 sounded fantastic to my ears, as did the Fiio JM21. On the flipside, the Shanling H0 also sounded less dynamic. Once again, the H0 has great energy. I could keep going, but I’ll spare you of that. Anyways, there doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason for me. Who knows, maybe I just had an off day for critical listening. Now, I do feel there’s a bit of a tonal preference that I have from my sources with the P50. I feel that a very slight warmth helps. Certainly, a less intense treble region and a smoother overall sounding source helps… in my mind. However, it all comes down to what you enjoy. You may feel the exact opposite of me. So, I’d simply try out sources until you find one that meshes well with the P50. Also, if you can find a source with some decent power output it’ll help.
Sound Impressions
*Note: before I dive into the sound portion of this review, I first want to preface that with a few things. First, I did burn in the P50 for roughly around 4-5 days. Also, I mainly used the Hiby WG01 eartips for critical listening. I listen to flac or better files which are stored on my devices. Also, I mostly use UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro) as my Android music player.
What’s it sound like?
The EPZ P50 has a W-shaped sound signature with a very solid balance of the spectrum to my ears. However, there’s also a very real balance of musicality and technical ability as well. I’d probably characterize the P50’s tonal color as warm/neutral. To an extent, that’s slightly dependant on the track. I feel that if there’s some warmth in a recording the P50’s bass will show up rendering the sound a hair warmer. There’re many instances where I’d even say its dead neutral as well. So… warm/neutral. At any rate, EPZ did a wonderful job tuning the three different driver types in a way that melts them into each other for a very unified and copasetic sound. It’s a very cohesive sounding set, which was one of the aspects of the P50’s tuning that I was most worried about going into this review. The P50 also has a very clean sound (especially the midrange). It’s a highly resolute sound, and a nicely detailed sound too. This is not a V-shaped, big bass, big treble, guilty fun set. Instead, the P50 sounds mature, fairly transparent, even nuanced, with moderate levels of emphasis at the edges (bass/treble). In my opinion EPZ definitely succeeded in tuning the P50 in an energetic yet also measured way. Having said that, to my ears the P50 actually comes across closer to a “mid-centric” or “mid-focused” tuning. Fantastic for vocalists. In the same breath, the rest of the mix isn’t left out. You could say that the bass region doesn’t have the emphasis that some may enjoy, and the treble possibly isn’t as brilliant as some would like. However, there is a nice balance which works nicely for most genres. I don’t know if I’d go so far as to say the P50 is an all rounder type set… but it is very solid across the board for $185.
Sound cont…
I suppose what I like the most about the P50 is… well… there’s a number of things that I like about the P50. For one, the P50 sounds relatively close to what I would call “organic”, but not quite. It’s close. Of course, please tell me what “organic” sounds like. Basically, it’s different for everyone. However, I hear absolutely nothing which I would call artificial, sibilant, or metallic. And while the sound isn’t perfectly organic “timbre wise”, it also isn’t grainy, coarse, boxy, wonky, weird, or any other word describing a timbral issue. Also, the sound has well placed dynamic energy. It’s a clever tuning. Macro-dynamics are very expressive while never coming across as too strident or sharp. It’s got controlled energy, not sloppy, and again… not grainy, and not too edgy or coarse either. The sound is smooth in body, crisp at the edges, and very fluid for being a less bass infused sound. It’s still a fun sound whilst also remaining mature and measured. Also, I love the note weight. For a closer to neutral sound without a huge lift in the bass region, the P50 has a very nice “semi-rich” or “lean-lush” note weight. Again, a clever tuning. It’s one where you could either get lost in its musical clutches or you can zero in on some of the finer details. Really a nice sounding set. That’s if… it fits your preferences, of course.
Condensed Sound Between the 20’s
In my opinion the P50 has a slightly weighted, slightly elevated bass region. It’s defined, it’s clean, and it never veils the mix. The P50 has an enriched midrange. It’s forward in its placement, it has precision, never blunted, and it’s a full-bodied midrange. I’d say that the P50’s treble region carries a slight sparkle, some bite, some slight haptic punch, while also uplifting the rest of the mix just enough. It isn’t so enhanced or lifted up top that the treble comes across bright either. Just enough to counterbalance the bass region. It’s decently detailed, nice separation, and fairly good extension too. Again, the P50 has a smoother sound, yet also an energetic sound. However, the P50 never seems to become fatiguing. There’s nothing sharp, nothing shrill, and I don’t hear any odd timbral issues which plague so many iems. I notice adequate crispness and a focused bite when called upon along with a quicker transient attack through sustain. In all honesty, the P50 does a lot of things very well and in a very cohesive and symbiotic way. I’m not trying to hype this set either. That’s not my intent. In fact, I don’t think that the P50 will suit everyone. There are certainly those who will take issue with some of the P50’s attributes. Of course, those characteristics which some people may not enjoy are also the very things that will make others fall in love with it. As with anything.
Bass Region
The bass region is one of tight and barely moderate slam, certainly sub-level focused and less authoritative than I’d probably enjoy. Not that I have a problem with the bass region either. It’s simply different than I’d like. That said, the P50 gets judged as a whole and not for its individual parts. At any rate, I will say, the bass region does have some rumble and some boom, but it isn’t the most concise and refined low-end that I’ve ever heard. As if it’s missing that last little bit of concrete and pointed snap. I’m telling you, it’s so close for me. Of course, this rarely, if ever bothers me. I’m sure many will love the output here. However, the P50 offers a relatively soft attack, less compacted with a slightly less acute initial hit. Slightly dulled in the face of a completely non-dull spectrum as a whole. Though the bass can keep up with just about anything I throw at it without many issues at all. I find the bass to be reasonably defined, nicely layered, and it has some nice texture, and the bass has solid note density. I think the issue is that when you have a less bulbous low-end (at these prices) you are probably expecting a very snappy, rigid, and laser defined bass. Now, it’s not that the P50’s bass isn’t defined either, because it is. For me it could use a bit more mid-bass robustness, some palpable solidity, because the sub-level rumble is there, it does its part very well. Please don’t take this as a rebuke either. The P50 truly does a lot very well. The bass region is clean, layered, textured, and it has a tight attack through decay with just a hint less meat and lively energy to it then I’d like, as well as being a touch too soft on attack.
Real Quick…
Real quick, please understand that I am being overly picky right now. I mean, ridiculously picky. In truth, the bass region isn’t bad at all. Id’s ay 80% of prospective buyers wouldn’t even consider what I said above. The thing is, the P50 is such a nice sounding iem in so many aspects and it is so close to perfectly wrapping up its sound signature. IT’S SO CLOSE! Truly a wonderful job by EPZ. It simply needs a hair more mid-bass punch, and weight. That’s it. Beyond that, the bass is fine folks. I could listen all day long with no problems whatsoever and be perfectly content. We reviewers blow so many things out of proportion. Also, we review “subjectively”. Please don’t ever confuse any reviewer’s thoughts as though they are “objective”. These are opinions folks. I think I was so jacked up that the P50 sounds so great across the board that the one subtle infraction in the bass kind of sticks out in my mind. So, unless you are a diehard bass fan and need more boom to go with your music, then I wouldn’t say “disregard” what I said above, but disregard what I said above. Lol.
Sub-Bass
The sublevels of the low-end rumble pretty deep. Obviously, EPZ wasn’t tuning the P50 to any basshead standard, but the P50 holds its own and shows up in a meaty way whenever a track calls for it. I happen to like this quite a lot. It means the sub-bass isn’t coloring the mix or mudding the waters (so to speak) by default. It’s a clean sub-bass with nice note projection and the P50 can reach fairly substantial and guttural depths. Again, the bass region as a whole is certainly anchored by the sub-bass region and I can hear this on a track like “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar. That bass drop kicks in with a convex, weighted, gravity laden and sonorous drone. It runs deep people. Thankfully, this is the type of track which testifies to what I’m talking about. The P50 can get it folks. Yes it takes a very deep track to pull it out of the P50 but… it’s definitely there. Another good thing is that the P50’s sub-bass isn’t going to create a muddy atmosphere. It isn’t so bulbous that it congests the bass region. It’s actually fairly taut and at least mildly aggressive with adequate haptic feedback as well.
Mid-Bass
The mid-bass on the other hand doesn’t seem to be quite as robust as the sublevels. There are many tracks I could point to where I simply don’t get that satisfying slam that I’d like. Stuff like kick drums for example. The track “Glass House” by Kaleo begins with big earthy and resonance filled kick drums. What I expect is a big and cavernous hollow boom and thud but what I get with the P50 is a slightly dull rendition of that. It has less tackiness in the initial attack, less snap, less of that pointed energy on the initial hit. Now, please don’t confuse me here because there are many sets which replay in this way. Also, I’m sure that many people will be perfectly fine with the output here. However, I suppose I could use some more emphasis in this region. Most of the time. There are other moments where the sub-bass comes along and helps out the mid-bass to where the sound is actually great. Tracks like “Comedown” by Bush highlights this. On the P50 it sounds full, deep, and the bass sounds rounded and full. Having said all of that, the mid-bass is also well layered, it’s nicely defined with a clean note outline, it isn’t fuzzy. Perhaps a hair soft on attack, but it’s tight in its decay. This helps the P50’s mid-level bass to take in more complicated bass tracks rather well. Like “Hysteria” by Muse. Folks, the P50 handles it with no issue. Every note is rendered well. I guess it all comes down to what you prefer, obviously. However, in the end I do believe a hint more muscle in this region would have put it all together wonderfully.
Downsides to the Bass Region
The biggest downside is what I spoke on already. That is, a bit less mid-bass emphasis than I’d like. The bass is a hair duller than some would like as well. It’s as though I’m missing that last little bit of added snap and weight. Again, I don’t think this is even remotely close to a deal breaker and most people won’t even acknowledge what I’m speaking on. So definitely bassheads will not find a home with the P50, or even moderate bassheads for that matter. Beyond that, there is some softness to the sound down low. Not all the time either. It’s a track-by-track basis where the softness will sound more unnaturally pillowy or not. Still, the bass has speed, has a quick decay, it’s well defined, textured, and it has some nice layering of sound.
Midrange
The midrange on the EPZ P50 is without question the crown jewel of the tuning. In my opinion. I really enjoy the measured forwardness to this region. It isn’t “too forward” or too “in your face”. It’s forward enough to provide vocalists and instrumentation some very good presence. Especially vocalists. I am one who seeks out sets with good vocal capabilities and the P50 has that in abundance. Now, having said that, the midrange does have an edge to it. There is some zest to the region. So, it isn’t perfectly natural or all organic, as far as timbre is concerned anyways. To my ears, the structure of each note is close to natural, the body to each note, not too thick, not thin, and clean-lined. However, the timbre is what I’d call “off-natural”. Maybe a hair more elated and vibrant at the edges or a pinch too much peppery edge to be perfectly natural. Very nice though. Also, it isn’t an overtly warm sound and so it isn’t what one would usually consider “lush”. However, I also hear really nice musicality out of the P50’s midrange. Though I haven’t had a day with this set where I wasn’t loving the midrange presentation. So, the mids are what I’d call “lean-lush”, meaning, they aren’t overly thick or so full bodied that notes lose the air gap in between notes, sounding blunted. They’re actually dense enough in their dynamism, but leaner and cleaner due to tighter transients and glass-lined outline. So, lean but rich, very clean and fairly precise too. I hear very good note definition without the sound becoming analytical or clinical.
Good qualities…
There really is a myriad of good qualities about this midrange. The perfect blending of musicality meets technical abilities is one of its strengths. I hear nice detail retrieval within the mids due to the clean presentation, the black background, and the forward nature of the midrange yet without it sounding overly brightened or cold sounding. No doubt there are plenty of sets which achieve this, but the P50 has a wonderful way of bringing it all together while not sounding off-putting. Beyond that, the sound field within the range leans heavily towards holographic and very well layered. Perhaps a lot has to do with the aluminum back plate and the tailored acoustic cavity, the semi-open design, and the use of multiple drivers which are of good quality. Also, I don’t want to gloss over the fact that the cohesiveness is very well done for a set at this price. EPZ got the timing perfect, the cadence right, and they feathered each transition into each other like an amalgamated and coalesced union of parts becoming one whole. Okay, that was a bit dramatic, but you know what I mean. Tribrid configurations aren’t the easiest thing to homogenize into one perceived melody. I find the P50’s midrange to be very melodic on one hand and resolute and technically astute on the other.
Lower-Midrange
The low mids come across fairly well. I mean, they are nicely condensed and bold enough to bring authoritative intonations to a man’s voice while not coming across too wide, too warm, or too velvety in the process. Once again, the note body has a very lean-lush approach and I don’t hear any lack of energy, or liveliness. The lower mids steal only a sliver of warmth from the low-end and use every bit of that warmth to bring upon a very easy to listen-to and easy to get engulfed in sound. Instruments pay off nicely too. Albeit some instrumentation could use a hair more warmth, but for the most part the sound in the low-mids is forward, harmonious, resolute, and reasonably well defined. There are some lower register males which could also sound better with proper warmth and weight, but males generally come across nicely. Like Alex Warren in his hit track “Ordinary”. The P50 executes this track very well. From the soft acoustic strumming at the outset of the track to Alex’s clean and clear vocals. Just enough body to feel rounded, resounding, and set apart from the rest of the melody surrounding those vocals. Honestly, pick a male vocalist. How about David Draimen of Disturbed in their cover of “The Sound of Silence”. Friends, the P50 100% nails it. Every up and down change of pitch sounds unsullied and tidy, even the growling lower register notes feel strong. He goes from delicate to powerful and the P50 doesn’t stray from its vocal proclivity. Really a nice lower midrange.
Upper-Midrange
Looking at the upper-mids you’ll certainly notice a slightly brighter sound, without it coming across “bright” per say. You’ll hear a more forward sound, without calling it “too forward”. I very much enjoy the upper-mids and how they portray female vocalists as well featured, highlighted, and beautifully prominent in the mix while sitting dead center within the sound field. Females have such a natural and rhythmic quality and a smooth flow whilst keeping a more effervescent cadence. In my opinion, the P50’s upper-midrange gives you the best of both worlds where musicality and technical ability coincide in a very charming and copacetic way. Maybe for some the pinna gain may come across a hair sharp in certain tracks, but I honestly have not had an issue. How nice is it to hear a tuning which exhorts a sense of vitality and liveliness yet with such a nice and aqueous fluidity. I don’t hear anything too bright or anything resembling fatigue. Listening to a voice like Margo Price in the track “Hey Child” the P50 truly shines. Many sets will exaggerate the higher register moments or even come across metallic, or edgy. The P50 has this uncanny elegance with a voice like hers. So very fluent while sounding embossed within the mix. Another example is Ilsey‘s beautiful vocals in “Yellow Roses” which once again shows off the P50’s penchant for putting a female voice on a pedestal while also capturing the emotion from the song. Really a job well done, females are great on the P50.
Instruments
Instrumentation generally sounds correct in tone while only missing some of the weightier lower midrange warmth at times. However, I honestly never notice unless I am zeroing in on those moments in a track. I really haven’t heard anything which comes across as artificial, too vivacious, or any truly odd timbre. Perhaps the upper midrange can exhibit a hair more zest and edginess then what I’d consider natural, but I still never hear anything outright harsh. Anyways, percussion borrows from the treble to provide some snap and crunch with cymbals, some recoiled “pap” with snare drums, the tackiness on the initial pop on a kick drum. Acoustic guitar sounds mostly tuneful, yet some harmonics can sound a hair clipped. However, they do sound forward and very clean. Piano is also what I’d call tuneful as well. You have that harmonious resonance that comes across with such a solid presence. I mean, there are obviously some tracks recorded less forward in the mix or less enthused, but mostly piano is very nice to the ear. Woodwind instruments all sound very ethereal and euphonic to the ear. Of course, these are all drastic generalizations. I’d have to go through every track note by note to really explain the areas that the P50 succeeds, and areas where it could use some changes. By-and-large the P50 has the body, the fluidity, the crispness, and the vibrance that it takes to replay instruments in a songful and pleasant way. Generally.
Downsides to the Midrange
The biggest gripe which most folks will have is the lack of bass influence in the mids. There is a slight lack of grunt weight which rears its ugly head at times. There are certainly some instruments as well as baritones which sound a hair off from a real earthy and organic sound. Like Avi Kaplan in “First Place I Go”. He’s the deep bass singer from Pentatonix and I find with the P50 his voice carries somewhat of a lean vibrance following the crest of most of his vocal notes. You don’t have that gravelly and chasmic bass influencing his sound. I’d also say that the P50 will likely come across a hair too elated and sharp in the pinna gain area…maybe. Actually…definitely. I know so many people who only enjoy very warm, syrupy and heavy weighted midranges. There’s also plenty of folks who are very sensitive to this area. Also, I spoke very highly of the P50’s midrange but I also want to keep it real. Friends, there are sets within the P50’s price range which can also capture the same mellifluous sound, and some even more so. I just think that the P50’s ability to not just come across musical and silvery, but the P50 is also very well detailed, great instrument separation, and the stage is mostly holographic with very good layering for the cost. So it does separate itself from the pack fairly well.
Treble Region
The treble region is ushered in by two micro planar magnetic drivers which really do a solid job of capturing the finer details, the subtle little micro-dynamics within a song. Now, I wouldn’t say that they cover this area as well as a nicely tuned EST driver. However, those are also much more expensive usually and also, the micro planars do a fine job in their own right. I find that tone and timbre is better than I would’ve guessed. The treble has adequate crispness, it has some crunch too (though not class leading), and the treble has better note body than I would’ve thought as well. I suppose having not just one, but two planars employed to separate the top end is a fantastic way to go about it. This isn’t some glittery, chimey, or tinsley treble. It has some sparkle, but it isn’t the type which boosts those brilliant harmonics adding lustre to any track. In fact, I’d almost say the treble is rather safe. It isn’t boosted to the stars, it isn’t overly bright, and it doesn’t force any focus its way. No sir, this treble success is motivated by good and quality drivers tuned in a smart way. This is a very cohesive treble which falls right in line with the tuning. That’s it. A solid job by EPZ.
Technical stuff
I find that detail rendering to be very well done for the cost and for the tuning. What I mean is what I just got done saying a few sentences ago. The P50 isn’t boosted past comfort in an attempt to draw out the minutiae. There’s absolutely no forced resolution. Actually, detail retrieval is good despite that. This is a treble region which actually has good note body. I mean, notes have some authority, some haptic feedback, they sound voluminous and well contoured. The structure to treble notes is substantial. Of course, there are some oddities with the treble, like the upper register of a violin may sound a hair clipped, but these are so small in the face of a nice overall tuning up top. Also, that was one track that made me write that note. The great majority of the time I simply noted only solid remarks. Back to the point, so detail retrieval is nice, but also is instrument separation. Yes, the note body is solid and rounded, but that doesn’t cramp up the region. Notes still have just enough air to sound distinct. Also, there is some layering going on up top along with very nice imaging of the sound field. Maybe not tops in class, but very nice.
Treble Head?
Now, this is not by any means a “treble head” type of display. Yes I am speaking rather highly of the treble, but I wouldn’t think treble-bois would find it perfect. Shoot, I don’t find it “perfect”. In truth, the upper treble extension is about average and the P50 doesn’t exhibit tons of clean edged bite either. Not that it lacks any, but it doesn’t have that satisfying crunch all the time. Perhaps to an extent, but really, I find the treble to have very nice note control, very uncluttered, but also pretty smooth. Not to the point of sounding blunted, but smooth enough to never sound coarse, knife-edged, or crunchy enough to be a treble-head’s dream. It’s pleasant, and also, the treble fits the overall tuning wonderfully. It isn’t overcooked, it isn’t overly rambunctious, and it never seems to go harsh. Beyond that, the secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike do not come across tizzy or splashy and most instruments come across with enough body and enough brilliance to never sound dull or boring. At least for me.
Downsides to the Treble Region
I don’t have much here because I don’t find anything inherently “wrong” with the treble region. The only things I can come up with are subjective issues that some hobbyists may have. Like I said, treble bois, or treble heads aren’t going to consider the treble amazing. I think they can respect it, but they won’t be in love. This is a musicality lovers treble. It’s fluid, smooth, timbre is well done, notes have some slight punch, some body, and they never come across too sharp. This isn’t for those who like to push the needle on what their ears can handle. Those folks may be the ones calling this borderline safe treble… boring. However, personally I like what EPZ did here and the choice of two planars taking up the treble was a great way to go. I feel the treble counters the bass perfectly and only compliments the midrange.
Technicalities
Soundstage
I keep going back and forth about whether the soundstage is average or above average in its overall size, or perceived dimensions. It’s such a subjective thing to judge. Well, it’s all subjective, but you understand. I guess a lot has to do with the track, of course. I can tell you one thing for sure; the soundstage is very good. Why do I say that? I say that because the stage has a definite holographic quality with very good depth of field. Again, every track can display something different. However, in tracks that I know like my middle name the P50 definitely carries a sense of depth or dimensionality and roundness of individual layers of that depth. Very nice for the cost. That said, it isn’t necessarily a huge or grand stage. I suppose one of the things which trips me up is how closely intimate the stage can sound. The midrange is drawn forward which brings the whole presentation closer to the listener. Having said that, the stage does have solid height. Maybe it’s just some psycho-acoustic trickery at work, but the stage is very nice whether it’s average or above average in size. I can report for sure that… nothing sounds congested or cramped. Perhaps in some really crazy complicated tracks things might sound a hair mashed together, but in most songs the P50 shoes off a nice stage.
Separation / Imaging
Instrument separation is nice. There are definitely iems within its price point which are airier, more open, more analytical and which have a drier and more separated sound field. Yet for the P50’s tuning I can’t complain at all. The sound is clean, transient tight, it has nice layering, and the sound has enough air to create some space between elements of the stage. I’m not saying it’ll blow your mind or force you to focus on many different areas at once. This is still a very musical sounding set. However, technically the P50 is good. Separation is nice. Imaging follows suit. In fact, the P50’s imaging ability is even better. The only stipulations are seriously bass heavy tracks which will mask the sound a bit, or extremely complicated songs. Beyond those things the P50 is very precise on where elements of the stage are positioned. I have a feeling this set would be great for gaming in that sense.
Detail Retrieval
As I’ve alluded to pretty much this whole review, detail retrieval is very nice. The P50 has tighter transients, a more resolute sound, very clean, great micro-dynamic illumination, but most importantly the tuning keeps a very good balance without any one area dominating anything else. A tuning like this simply makes it easier to actually hear the minutiae within my music. As honest as I can be, I’m not really missing anything with this tuning. I’d at least say that the P50 is definitely above the average set when it comes to detail retrieval. To have an even better set in this regard you’d have to change the tuning to something that isn’t as melodic and musically inclined. We don’t want that. Detail retrieval is nice.
Comparisons
Simgot SuperMix 4 ($149)
I simply adore this set. I reviewed the SM4 last year (SM4 Review) and have consistently said that the SM4 is surely one of the better iems that money can buy under $200. Of course, that is a highly subjective thing to say and not everyone agrees with me about that. That said, the SM4 is the logical set to include in a comparison with the P50. There are some differences, but they both seem to attract similar listeners. Now, the SM4 is also a multi-driver hybrid set, but the SM4 takes that a step further as it’s actually a quadbrid iem. No doubt this fact blew me away when I first found out about the SM4. So, the SM4 consists of one DD, one BA, one Planar, and one Piezo. The fact that this is a quadbrid iem under $150 is quite surprising. To be clear, I don’t think any of these two sets are necessarily better than either one. They are different enough to somewhat complement each other and both sets have a very high sound value.
Differences
First off, the P50 is a bit more expensive at $180. Keep that in mind. Now, both sets are made with a mix of resin and aluminum, both are about the same size, both sets are light in the ear, and both iems fit nicely. Of the two, I definitely like the design of the P50, though I’m sure many may prefer the simple aesthetic of the SM4. Without a doubt the P50 comes with a more elaborate unboxing with a better case, and a better modular cable. Again, both are solid values for the money.
Sound Differences
To begin, this comparison will be very generalized and not very “in-depth”. I hope you understand. Anyways, the SM4 is slightly warmer, with more lift at the edges, better extension both ways. The P50 is more balanced across the mix, closer to neutral in tonal color. In the bass, the SM4 has a more hearty, robust, and more dense sub-level rumble and a more slam infused mid-bass. Though the P50 has the cleaner, snapper, more refined, better textured, and better-defined bass region. Not taking anything away from the SM4 either. It too is nice technically. The midrange of the SM4 has more of a richness to it with less intensity towards the upper midrange. I know the graph would say otherwise. I’d say the P50 has more crunch, better detailed, better holographic layering of the mids, but also less musically inclined, by a small degree. Really both sets aren’t very far apart in the midrange folks. The treble of the P50 is cleaner, it’s more sprightly, more energetic, better note body. With the SM4 you get a less vibrant sound in this region but it’s also a hair faster too as well as better extended into the upper treble. Technically, the P50 does seem to win out as it is a hair more analytical in nature. The sound balance is better on the P50, details are easier to hear, transients are a hair sharper, quicker too. Sound separation is a bit easier to detect. Also, the stage is a hint more holographic. I would say that the SM4’s stage seems a bit wider to my ears. Of course, I’m literally cutting hairs here. Both sets are phenomenal for what they were tuned to be.
Final thoughts on this comparison
Honestly, pick your poison folks. I can’t say enough good things about both sets. They both replay the spectrum a little bit differently, yet they are also both very similar. It’s almost two different variations of the same tuning. I couldn’t possibly say which one I like better. I can say that right now I’m a bit more into the P50 as it is relatively new, and I’ve been so engrossed in it of late. However, the SM4 is a high-quality tuning, and it does some things that the P50 doesn’t do as well, and vice versa. Both are price to performance sets for sure.
Is it worth the asking price?
You get a high quality tribrid iem under $200. Let me think… um…yes, the P50 is worth the cost. Without a doubt in my mind I feel that the $180 it takes to own the P50 will be well worth the cost. With that in mind I cannot leave this section without stating that there are a number of sets which compete for those dollars within the price point. In fact, competition may be the P50’s greatest hurdle. Unquestionably, the $150 to $200 price point is absolutely stacked with high value iems. Not just hybrids either. There’s many great planar magnetic iems, great single dynamic driver earphones too. I’m talking sets like the Simgot SuperMix 4 (SM4 Review), the Fiio FD15 (FD15 Review), the Celest Relentless (Relentless Review), the Hidizs MP145 (MP145 Review), the Kiwi Ears Aether (Aether Review), the QOA Adonis New (Adonis New Review), the Kiwi Ears KE4 (KE4 Review), the Hiby Yacht 10 (Yacht 10 Review), KZ Sonata (Sonata Review), the BQEYZ Cloud (Cloud Review), Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition (S12 2024 Edition Review), and the list keeps going. I know I missed a lot folks but I don’t have the patience to keep finding links. At any rate, the competition is knocking at the door of the P50. The cool thing is that the P50 is slightly different in its own way. EPZ really did a solid job of giving the P50 its own sound to a degree and any similarly tuned sets within the price point are not exactly to the caliber of the P50. For me, even in the midst of all of the amazing iems within the range, the P50 is a standout set which is worth every penny.
The Why…
Well, for starters the unboxing is very nice for the cost. Great case, great cable, stylish packaging, a bunch of tips. Also, the P50 has such a functional but also durable build. It’s very light, sturdy, well built, and the fit is very ergonomic. Also, the design is flat out cool. I don’t know how else to say it. It’s a very dope look. The EPZ P50 is a tribrid set too! With very nice drivers, I might add. Truly a well-built, well designed, and well put together package. However, it’ll always come down to the sound. The P50 has a wonderful balance across the mix. It has a snappy, tight, well defined bass region which can keep up with any track. The midrange is so clean, so smooth, well detailed but more importantly vocals are flat out awesome on this set. Beyond that, the mids have a very well layered and nicely textured sound too. Also, the treble is non-fatiguing, has nice bite, it has good note body, it’s vibrant, and it too is highly detailed. Technically, the P50 is a very competent set as it illuminates details nicely, instruments sound well separated, transients attack and decay quickly, Imaging is spot-on, and the stage is very full and holographic to my ears. Not only is the P50 worth every dime, but I also definitely recommend this set.
Ratings (0-10)
Note: all ratings are based upon my subjective judgment. These ratings are garnered against either similarly priced sets or with similar driver implementations or styles with the unique parameters of my choosing. In the case of the EPZ P50 ratings below, that would be $150-$200 iems of any driver configuration. Please remember that “ratings” don’t tell the whole story. This leaves out nuance and a number of other qualities which make an iem what it is. A “5-6” is roughly average and please take into consideration the “lot” of iems these ratings are gathered against. $150-$200 US iems of any driver style or configuration encompasses an enormously large scope of iems, and it’s also extremely competitive. It should mean something pretty special to see a rating above a “9.0”. My ratings are never the same and each set of ratings tells a different story. Each time you read one of my ratings will be unique to that review. Basically, I create a Rating that makes sense to me.
Aesthetic
–Build Quality: 8.8 Built well.
–Look: 9.3 Simple, clean, classy.
–Fit/Comfort: 9.3 Fit and comfort is great for me.
–Accessories: 9.3 Great case, great cable, nice presentation.
–Overall: 9.2 🔥🔥🔥
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 8.9 As natural as 3 different drivers can sound.
–Bass: 8.8 Tight, fast, well defined.
–Midrange: 9.7 Musical, engaging, technically very good.
–Treble: 9.1 Non-offensive, clean, detailed, vibrant.
–Technicalities: 9.1 Technically a very good set across the board.
–Musicality: 9.1 Very musical sound.
–Overall: 9.1🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
To summarize the ratings above I’d like to first state that I rated the P50 against any and all iems between the prices of $150 and $200. That means, any driver configuration. Before I explain anything I simply hope this is understood. I did not rate the P50 against every iem on planet earth. That would make no sense. I rate based on what a consumer may be looking for around the price point of the P50. That makes sense to me, and I believe it’s the most helpful way to go about rating anything in this hobby when it comes to prospective consumers. That is the only good reason that I’m still doing any rating at all. In any case, please do not take these ratings at face value. Always, with every rating provided by any reviewer anywhere; please take those ratings like a grain of salt. Now that is out of the way, I don’t really feel there is much to talk about here. The ratings pretty much speak for themselves. That is, the P50 is a very solid set.
Explain Yourself!
I don’t really have much to explain away though I should add that the P50 is certainly one of those sets which should be rated as a whole. In individual categories it may not rate as high as a number of sets while as a whole I find the P50 to be better than a “9.1”. In any event, I could definitely see some folks asking about the “Midrange” rating. Being that I gave the P50 a. “9.7”. That basically means that the P50 is right up there with the best in class. Most certainly, that is certainly arguable. So, I get it. I could also see some people taking issue with the “Musicality” rating. Traditional “musical” sets usually carry a warmer tonality, usually smooth, dynamic, and usually carry a hair more bass emphasis. Now, the P50 isn’t exactly warm, and they could use some bass influence on the sound and so I could see where some may take issue. However, I won’t go back on that as the P50 certainly has a musical side that is very good. Beyond those ratings I don’t think there’s anything else I’d change.
Conclusion
To conclude my review of the EPZ P50, I want to say that I really enjoy this set. I’ll be honest, at the very 1st listen it didn’t agree with me. There was a hint of metallic timbre, although after about 10 minutes of listening that went away. After that point every session has been really nice. Now, the P50 will not be for everyone, and I do hope you read my review and others reviews thoroughly to know if the P50 fits your sound profile. Honestly folks, this set is quite special. I find the P50 is a very easy recommendation from my perspective. I also want to thank anyone who clicked this link to check out my review of the P50. Well, or any content at mobileaudiophile.com. We greatly appreciate your support. Our website is growing very well, and it cannot be done without you. Thank you for spending the time to read our thoughts.
Other Perspectives
now that you’ve read my thoughts about the P50, please go and check out someone else’s. We are all so very different and it will only help you to check out all perspectives. Just because I enjoy something doesn’t mean that the next person will enjoy it. I can only report my own subjectively-objective thoughts. Also, there are so many good reviewers who are only looking to help you as I am. No doubt this hobby is the most subjective hobby on the planet and we as people are so very diverse in what we enjoy. So please, click some more links and help out other websites too. with that said, I think I’m done folks. Again, thank you. Please take good care, stay as safe as possible, and always…God Bless!
