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EPZ Q1 Pro Review: Clean, Crisp & Smooth

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Epz Q1 Pro

Disclaimer:

The EPZ Q1 Pro was sent to me with a discount from EPZ, for which I am grateful!

However, the review will still be 100% honest and, in no way, biased.

This review comes immediately after those of the EPZ x Tipsy Star One, which cost more than double. Obviously, I will also compare them with them, plus the Q5 and the EW200 (which I have yet to do a review of).

The old EPZ Q1 was basically just basses, they were a very poorly released model. I bought them on offer for around 20 USD but they were absolutely not what I expected. The shell was great but they suffered brutally from driver flex. These are exactly the opposite.

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.

Tech Specs:

Packaging:

Front Box
Back box
unboxing
Really nice first look
what inside
accessories and manual

We return to the packaging for entry level products (one of the most refined on the market). As a presentation, I think it is even better than the Star One packaging. Opened like a jewelry box, we find the EPZ Q1 Pro (as beautiful as two turquoise stones) with its cable already connected; underneath, instead, we find the box with the accessories.

We therefore have:

SPC cable
MIC
Tips

For the general quality, I think the accessories are right. The cable is a little thin but its lightness undoubtedly makes it comfortable. The tips will almost certainly satisfy you, they are the best stocks you can find already included.

Compared to the equipment seen on Star One, which costs much more, we are faced with practically the same equipment.

Design/Build quality:

With the EPZ Q1 Pro, they have definitely outdone themselves. The build quality, from my point of view, is of high quality. Comparing them with the Star One, we have a very similar shell quality. They differ a little in shape but they are extremely refined.

Gorgeous
great shell
Stunning faceplates
Venting
Nozzle
DD LCP+PU
Connectors
Reflection

The particular thing about the Q1 Pro is the 0.78mm connector integrated perfectly into the body. It’s the first IEM I’ve seen that completely includes the connector and it seems like a refinement that requires a certain build quality. The nozzle is totally made of metal (I would say the same as that of the Q5).

The hole on the back of the IEM is a ventilation hole; I didn’t find any other holes on the IEM. Speaking of the beauty of the shell, we are at very high levels, in my opinion. The only thing that seems slightly off is the white lettering/labeling. The faceplates are beautiful and they are also all different as they are handmade.

Initial sound impression:

The brightest EPZ for the moment (among those I own). One thing I am sure of from the first moments of listening is that it is the softest in terms of bass while pushing more on the high frequencies without becoming harsh but by raising the volume, the more sensitive might find it a bit on the limit. The voices are always very accurate. Later, we will see graphically that, in reality, they should not be extremely different.

But I usually don’t look at graphs because, more often than not, they don’t tell everything. From what I can hear, they are nothing like the Star One, which is superior in terms of sound quality, image, layering, and soundstage. The DD used is different and certainly the quality is different. They are more like the Q5, even if they don’t reach their level.

Final sound impression:

Equipment used for testing above

Device:

Software:

DAC:

I must admit that at first glance I found it a little bright for my tastes but I came from decidedly warmer IEMs so it took my brain a while to understand. Honestly, for the price requested, I think it is an excellent IEM, premium shell, discreet cable with different possibilities and good tips. Very focused on the voices. 

Thanks to ToneDeafMonk
Thanks to ToneDeafMonk

Comfort & Fit:

Regarding comfort, it is very similar to other EPZ IEMs. We are starting with the Star One, a very similar-shaped, light cable. The most comfortable ones remain the EPZ Q5. I’ll leave you two photos of how they look in my ears.

Updating: Due to bad weather, I wasn’t able to take outdoor photos of how they fit.

360 Overview

Tips Rolling?

In this case, I didn’t feel the need to change stock tips. They were excellent and immediately allowed me a perfect seal. However, since it is already quite bright, the most suitable tips are those included or, in this case, similar ones. But the Tri Clarion tips were the most comfortable for me and also helped the soundstage slightly; instead, the highs remained unchanged but less compressed. I think wide bore tips are more suitable to keep the soundstage wide.

Treble

They are very bright compared to what I am used to from EPZ; in reality, they do not differ much from the others but the less present bass contributes to a brighter result. Despite everything, it is difficult for them to become harsh or imprecise. There is a good amount of detail and a decent amount of air. I think those more sensitive to treble might find them at the limit. If the Simgot EW200 is considered spicy, this is definitely not suitable for you.

Mids

The mids are not excessively recessed, and the voices stand out quite well with a very good representation, perhaps slightly thin, lacking a little thickness and a touch more warmth. I feel that the musical instruments are a little further back but in the correct tone. The cymbals have the correct tone. I would like stringed instruments to have more thickness.

Bass

The bass is decidedly more delicate than the other EPZs. They aim for naturalness and extremely high quality. The bass is extremely clean and precise but it lacks a bit of presence for my taste. The subbass is also much softer on my ear. I had read about people who compared them with the EPZ Star One, but I absolutely cannot tell you that they are the same. They are like day and night. Two different IEMs that only resemble each other aesthetically. They probably look more like the Q5 but have more depth in the notes.

Soundstage and Imaging 

For an IEM like this in this price range, the soundstage is too good to be true. Regarding image and layering, I find the Q5 superior but given the price difference, it’s okay. However, they have excellent performance for the cost. Knowing the quality of the driver included in the EPZ Q5, I would have said that the one in the Q1 Pro is better. In any case, based on the tracks you listen to, the soundstage seems wider or rather, some elements are further away. Listening to some tracks, I notice some details and nuances that I don’t hear with other IEMs. I think the result is excellent for the asking price.

Comparison:

vs EPZ Q1

I didn’t like the EPZ Q1. Maybe mine arrived defective; however, there was a strong driver flex on only one. The vent was present but probably closed. The sound was practically only bass, very warm. I’ve never reviewed them but in my case, I wouldn’t have been able to give more than 3/10.

vs EPZ Q5

The Q5 is the one that most resembles the Q1 Pro. However, the Q5 have better sound performance; in my opinion, they are warmer and more musical. The bass hits slightly heavier and gives an excellent soundstage sensation. Mine has undergone an upgrade with a balanced cable. As tips, I use the original ones or the Dunu S&S ones, which add soundstage. In reality, although similar, they are two different things, both very valid.

vs EPZ x Tipsy Star One

Faceplates + Sun

I read that EPZ x Tipsy Star One sounded similar but from the first listen, I agreed that this was absolutely not the case. The background of Star One is very dark, it highlights the voices like a few IEMs and the low range is one of the most enjoyable I’ve heard. They are like day and night. We can only compare them as equivalent in terms of construction quality.

Conclusion:

So Beautiful
Hand Made faceplates
Shape

In conclusion, this entry-level version of EPZ represents a good choice for more advanced treble lovers. If you already own the Simgot EW200 and find it bright, you should look elsewhere. For the 38 USD that is requested, we are faced with a very balanced IEM. My preference for slightly warmer sounds influences my opinion in reviews, and I prefer the other EPZs. However, you can be confident that they are IEMs with exceptionally clean and clear tuning and sound. These are not suitable for bassheads because they are very fluid and soft. Even in terms of vocals and musical instruments, we are close to perfection; only a little extra weight is missing.

If you want something balanced and above-average, this is the IEM for you.

​​Great job, EPZ! Another banger!

8.5/10

Pros: 

Cons: 

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