EPZ Q5 Pro Review
Intro
This review and feature covers the latest from the audio brand EPZ Audio named the EPZ Q5 Pro ($49). The Q5 Pro is coming hot off the heels of a very successful run from the OG EPZ Q5 (Q5 Review) which for quite some time took my top spot for single dynamic driver earphones under $75. To be 100% honest, I’m not sure how the Q5 Pro is going to flat-out beat the Q5 in auditory ability. I really don’t. Now, I haven’t actually received the Q5 Pro yet but figured I’d begin this intro (like most reviews) preemptively with a hint of anticipation behind my words. If I’m being honest, I’m kind of excited and I can’t wait to hear the difference, or lack thereof. I love budget sets that people can actually AFFORD! I love top notch sound for people who cannot spend $200- $300 on a top-of-the-line mid-fi single DD. Who can afford that? 3% of the world’s population? I champion these brands willing to offer actual R&D, and actual sound engineering, along with meaningful changes/upgrades, with an actual pursuit to perfect their product performance. So many brands make these cheaper sets by slapping a driver in a shell and calling them amazing. If you don’t know yet, that’s not EPZ. EPZ goes that extra mile to craft and create something worthy of their name. I champion these types of brands… and so should you.
EPZ
EPZ really has made quite the name for themselves since their inception into the earphone ecosphere that I call the Audioverse (I know, it’s a ridiculous name, but it’s what I call it). Think about the sets that EPZ has come out with over the last few years. Look at their dongle dacs too. This brand has gone from win to win and hasn’t slowed down! I’ve reviewed a number of their products over the course of the last couple years, and it’s been rewarding watching the escalation of EPZ go from relative obscurity to a bona-fide “BIG-DEAL” within the audio world. It’s cool to see. I think their 1st huge success was obviously the EPZ Q5 but look at reviews of their earphones and dongle dacs… they are all good! They all compete very well. So, we at MBA have reviewed a couple handfuls of their products, and I’ve personally reviewed a number of them myself. MBA has reviewed the EPZ G10 (G10 Review), EPZ Q1 Pro (Q1 Pro), EPZ Q5 (Q5 Review), EPZ X-Tipsy Star One (Star One Review), along with a few of their dongle dacs. Those being the EPZ TP20 (Pietro’s TP20 Review), EPZ TP20 Pro (TP20 Pro Review), EPZ TP30 (Pietro’s TP30 Review), and the EPZ TP50 (TP50 Review). I have yet to test out any of their more expensive sets yet hopefully one day that can happen. However, EPZ has superseded all expectations. When you have the right people, the right minds, the correct experience, and when you have the resources to conduct meaningful R&D and then implement that precious work so that those crafty ideas and features actually materialize as a product… you have something special.
Competition
I just received the Q5 Pro, and I just put them on the burn-in station, and I’ll leave them there for a couple days but from what I’ve just heard, this set has what it takes to go up against some of the best in the price point. No doubt about it. EPZ is only asking $49 for the Q5 Pro. The OG Q5 had an initial MSRP of almost double that! Like a figurative fist-bump to the entire audio community… they released this set for under $50!! Have I ever told you that it’s a good time to be a hobbyist? Anyways, I just conducted a review of one of the best budget earphones that money can buy in the Kefine Klean (Klean Review). It also costs a mere $49. This is going to get interesting folks. Beyond the Klean there is a huge number of awesome sets that I don’t have the time or the patience to list out here. Just take my word for it. There’s a multitude of fantastic iems and my journey with this set is to find out where the Q5 Pro stands against some of those sets. Can it stand up against some of the best? Is it worth the $49 that EPZ is asking? I do have a number of sets within the price point on hand and in my collection to compare against and so I look forward to that.
Let’s get going
So, I have some questions which need answered and I plan to find those answers in the form of an enormous playlist of test tracks as well as doing some casual listening over the next couple weeks. This is going to be fun. So, I think I’m ready to do a deep dive now, let’s get it going. The EPZ Q5 Pro everyone…
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Q5 Pro Pros
-I love the ergonomic shape
-Slick design
-Nice unboxing for $49
-Very clean sound across the mix
-Bright leaning yet never too shouty or sharp
-Nice control over the spectrum
-Very detailed
-Separation & imaging are among tops in class
-Soundstage width
Q5 Pro Cons
-Shape may not fit everyone (pro for me though)
-Not everyone enjoys a brighter sound
-Bassheads or even moderate bass-bois may want to keep looking
-Not the most natural timbre
-Note weight is leaner than it is thick
Gear used for testing
–iBasso DX240 with Amp8 MK2
Packaging / Accessories
Unboxing
EPZ always provides a pretty darn good unboxing relative to the price of their iems. The same is true of the Q5 Pro. The box is all black yet there is a stylish golden colored sleeve which is pretty neat looking. Open the box and you’ll see the EPZ Q5 Pro attached to the cable while sitting in foam cut-outs. Next to the earphones is the “Accessory” box. Inside the accessory box is the carrying case. Open the carrying case and you’ll notice the eartips. Next to the carrying case is some reading material, as well as a cleaning cloth to wipe your fingerprints off of your precious Q5 Pros. The package itself isn’t the most extravagant but of course this set only costs $49 too. It’s actually nice unboxing folks. EPZ covers all bases, and they always have.
Eartips
EPZ provides three pairs (S, M L) of eartips in total. They are actually white silicone eartips with a semi-wide bore, a firm flange and a rigid stem. In fact, there really isn’t much at all that would differentiate these eartips from KBear 07 tips. They are basically the same. The only difference is that the EPZ tips are only slightly less firm on the flange then KBear 07 tips which makes the 07’s easier to seal in my ears. I like the idea of semi-wide bore tips with the Q5 Pro as I do feel the bass seems to dial-in and sound more concentrated, more solid. Whereas narrow bore tips broaden the note body in the bass, not flabby, but less defined. To a very small degree. Like I said I use KBear 07 tips with this set and I’ve been very happy with the way the Q5 Pro sounds. Anyways, EPZ provides quality eartips 2hich should be able to be used with any number of earphones.
Carrying case
Like I mentioned, EPZ added a nice zipper case into the packaging. Nothing that will blow your mind, but for $49 it is not a guarantee any brand will provide a case, or any additional accessories for that matter. In fact, most brands do not offer cases at these prices. EPZ knows that a good unboxing matters. That said, the case provided is a black case, nicely sized, perfect for a front pocket. It’s covered in what I assume is some sort of faux leather. The zipper actually does work which is not a guarantee. I can fit the Q5 Pro, the cable and some tips as well as the TP35 from EPZ (Review coming). So there’s good enough room.
Cable
EPZ thought this cable out. The cable provided is lightweight, not too thick either. It’s a very nice looking white 2-pin 6N Single-Crystal-Copper cable which terminates in a 3.5 single ended jack. The cable has golden accent fittings, and I love the milky white sheath which covers the cable. Very nice to look at. However, I feel this cable was well thought out. EPZ knew they couldn’t add in some beefy cable that weighs too much as the Q5 Pro is very lightweight. They needed a functionally light cable that wouldn’t pull on your Q5 Pro when they are in your ears. Also, the Q5 Pro does lean on the brighter side (generally) and so using a fully copper cable does help to tamp down some of those brighter hues. It’s a general rule of thumb in the hobby that fully copper cables do help well to add some slight warmth, less intensity up top. There is no science that I know of that backs this however, full disclosure. Anyways, I think the cable is a nice addition. As much as I love beefy and fat cables, it’s a solid functional choice by EPZ. However, I have a lot of balanced sources which require me to swap cables at times. When I did, I went with the cable that came with the Letshuoer S12 2024 Edition, a BQEYZ 4.4 cable which came with one of their sets and the cable that came with the Yanyin Canon. I went back and forth between each, and you’ll see that in the pictures. Not that any if you care. All of these cables have a 4.4 balanced connection capability. Again, the included cable works wonderfully for any 3.5 single ended listening.
Build / Design / Internals / Fit
Build Quality
The build quality of the EPZ Q5 Pro is about the same as the OG Q5, it’s pretty nice. Just like the OG, the Q5 Pro shell is made entirely of 3D printed resin in a very ergonomic style. This is one area that EPZ really has down. The build is very nice. EPZ also states that the all aerospace-grade aluminum faceplate not only looks awesome on this set of earphones, but it also doubles as a rear acoustic cavity using harmonic suppression which is supposed to eliminate or reduce any internal resonances ultimately helping the sound to come across cleaner, tighter and more refined. You’ll also notice a rear vent in the middle of the faceplates which are incorporated to help the Q5 Pro’s air intake and pressure relief. The nozzles are not long but take a very tight angle back to the ear hole which (in my opinion) is very comfortable. Beyond that the nozzles aren’t very long and come in at about 6mm in width. There is also a female 2-pin socket at the top which was a welcome change from the mmcx connectors on the last set. Honestly, this build is not going to blow your mind. I personally feel it’s pretty great when you couple. In just how ergonomic and functional the build is. Add to that, the build is very cool looking. I feel that EPZ did another great job on this set and its build is up to its price point.
Design
As far as the actual look and aesthetic, the Q5 Pro is once again a total looker. The Q5 always got compared to the Meze Advar, and rightfully so as the design was very similar. Well, EPZ changed things up a bit and added a slick looking faceplate which really pops against the shell color. By the way, you can purchase the Q5 Pro in either white or black. Obviously my set is the white version. However, I really do like either color. White-on-gold or black-on-gold are both great contrasting colors and always works. I think the design and aesthetic is very cool for this price point and will look dope in anyone’s ear as they stroll down the road. In fact, I’ve yet to see an ugly design by this brand. Look at all of their sets! They all look sweet! Anyways, I won’t go too far with this but another solid design by EPZ, in my opinion.
Internals
EPZ decided to add a new driver into the fray with (this’ll be a mouthful) a Dual-Magnetic, Dual-Circuit 10mm Carbon-Ceramic-Composite Nano Diaphragm Dynamic Driver. Seriously EPZ! Can we change the name to something a bit easier? Lol. I joke, but seriously EPZ does not play around with their driver tech. However, even more impressive is the ridiculous amount of R&D and iterations that EPZ went through to get their acoustic cavity correct. So, the Q5 Pro utilizes a dual cavity design which apparently went through “56 revisions and hundreds of fine tunings” to get the cavity that they found represented the sound they wanted for this set. Friends, please stop for a moment and think about that! This set is $49! They did all of that for a budget iem! Now, can we all, as a group, give the people at EPZ a round of applause?! Who does that? It’s $49! Imagine what they will do for their more expensive iems. Anyways, it’s hard to not be impressed.
Fit / Comfort
Now we get to the fit and comfort of this set and I’ll just say that the Q5 Pro fits me “almost” like a glove. I certainly need (like any set) to find tips which work perfectly for me. Those tips are the KBear 07 tips. However, once I achieve finding a solid set of tips the Q5 Pro is one of the most comfortable iems out there for me. It sits nestled in my ears perfectly. On top of that the Q5 Pro is as light as earphones get. It’s very lightweight. So, while I have no clue how well the Q5 Pro will fit you, I cannot imagine it wouldn’t work in your ears too.
Drivability
Output power
The EPZ Q5 Pro is rated with an impedance of right around 24 ohms and a sensitivity of around 109 db’s, give or take. What this means is that the Q5 Pro is without question a very sensitive set, and a set that doesn’t require a megaton of output power from your source device. I actually used the Q5 Pro with many sources over the course of my time with them and I can tell you that my cheapest & weakest dongles drive this set easily and to very good volume. Even my iPad and the low power KZ AZ20 or Fiio UTWS5 both works like a charm. Really a very sensitive set. So please don’t think you need anything profoundly powerful to enjoyably listen to the Q5 Pro. Having said that, I will say with certainty that the Q5 Pro does scale to a degree with more power. No doubt there is a point where they plateau, but adding juice will tighten up the bass significantly (remember that) and more power will add control to the treble region. This is something I surely noticed. Another thing I can comfortably say is that I don’t really get distortion with either higher volumes or more (reasonable) power. I still used high gain on my dongle dacs (I have never changed them off high gain) and they really do sound great. Like the EPZ TP50 or TP35, the Aful SnowyNight, the Simgot Dew4x, Moondrop Dawn 4.4, and many more. They sound great folks. Give them some power and things tighten up and the Q5 Pro will reward you. I found my daps to be the best, especially the Shanling M6 Ultra and Fiio Q15. Both different tonalities but both awesome with this set. More on that next.
Source pairing
So, the Q5 Pro is a brighter sounding set. No doubt about it. Very dynamic, very expressive and clean too. For me, the Q5 Pro is better with a warmer device. However, this is not true across the board. You DON’T have some prerequisite need to have a warmer source device. Please don’t listen to reviewers who say you do. They don’t have your taste, or ears. The Q5 Pro will sound good with most source tonalities. In the last paragraph I just stated how great this set sounds with both the M6 Ultra and the Q15. Two totally different source tonalities. One slightly more neutral and one warmer. Both amazing with this set. So please don’t go out and buy a warmer device just for this set. Folks, “synergy” ONLY MEANS that the earphone and the source “sounds good” to you and your subjective ears when paired together. That’s synergy. Synergy is not some magical connection that a set of earphones and a source device have. That’s silly. Synergy is synergy… to you. I actually found that the Q5 Pro did very well with some more neutral devices like the Dawn 4.4 or the iBasso DX240. Sounded awesome. So, forgive me if I sound harsh concerning synergy as I really don’t mean to. Synergy is true from person to person. However, people are going out and spending their money on devices because other people are telling them (in reviews, groups, threads) that synergy is met with only particular devices.
What do you need?
Like I said, maybe a decent Dongle Dac at the most. If you have a dap that you like or a dac/amp that you love, then you are in business. That said, even if you are new and only have a smartphone with a 3.5 jack, you should be fine. This set is very sensitive folks. Yes, they scale well with power, but please don’t think this is a requirement to owning them. EPZ made sure that this budget iem was able to be played from most any source for both beginners and those who have been in the hobby for awhile.
Sound Impressions
Note: I just want to preface this portion of the review with a couple things. First off, I did burn-in the Q5 Pro for around 3-4 days. I did do an initial listen when I got them and I did notice the highs were slightly less controlled then when I was finished with the burn-in. Now, that “3-4 days” was an arbitrary amount of time. I just put them on and left them. Folks, these drivers could settle in two hours! I really don’t know. However, I do know that it certainly helped. Also, I listen primarily to flac or better files stored on my devices. I do very little streaming. I did swap cables to a 4.4 balanced cable, and I did use KBear 07 tips. Also, my music software of choice is UAPP (USB Audio Player Pro).
What does it sound like?
The EPZ Q5 Pro sounds like I thought they would sound. Understand, this set is essentially a “part two” of the original Q5. What did the original Q5 sound like? Well, slightly brighter than dead neutral, dynamic, bigger macro-dynamics, and it had a nice balance but also a lean note profile. That’s exactly what I would first say about the Q5 Pro. It is an ever-so-slightly brighter sounding set with equal parts bass and treble. I’d say it’s slightly V-shaped to U-shaped (to my ears anyways) with any source device I use them with. They are a hair brighter than some other sets on the market or compared to common tunings nowadays. However, there are some comparable sets. Sets like the Simgot EW200. However, “brighter” doesn’t have to mean shouty, sharp, shrill or uncontrolled. Keep that in mind. The Q5 Pro carries quite a bit of energy with it. Not just dynamic expression either, but also flat-out volume as this set is very sensitive. However, again, that energy comes across with very good control. EPZ does a very good job of presenting an energetic sound with all of its inflections coming across tidy, kempt, agile, with solid cadence, rhythm, but also very exciting. The Q5 Pro is very much like that. A fun sound in that regard, a detailed sound, and a split between analytically astute and musically inclined. Really a well-balanced set no matter how you look at it. Also, fantastic for the price. No doubt about that. Just hear me when I say that the Q5 Pro does have some brightness and less warmth than the OG Q5.
Condensed Sound Between the 20’s
Really quick, I honestly don’t know why I add in this section. But it’s basically a quick preview, or an overview of some of the highlights of each 3rd of the mix (bass, mids, treble) in a condensed and pint-sized manner. I will go into much greater detail in the next sections.
Pint sized look at each 3rd of the mix
Beginning with the low-end, I find the Q5 Pro to have a moderate level of bass rumble and slam. This is a faster bass, reasonably detailed, transients move along speedily, and when a track calls on some robust playback, the Q5 Pro will sound robust. What it’s asked to do, it’ll do. Plus, the bass sounds much better with more output power from your source. The midrange has a slightly leaner note weight, neutral in tonality, clean across the board, some denseness to each note too. I don’t feel the lower midrange is really all too recessed either. Hence the possible “U-shaped” sound. The mids have great presence, some crispness, nicely defined, great control, and they have nice transparency. Now, the treble can be bright or “on the brighter side”, but nicely balanced with the low-end. I don’t feel the treble is the “focus” necessarily. Also, the treble doesn’t feel or sound too sharp to my ears. There’s some body to treble notes, some bite, some edge to them which is nice to hear. Also, the Q5 Pro carries some nice details so long as the track isn’t too complicated. Other than that, details shine through very well. Separation of instruments is well done, Imaging is easy to discern, and the stage is probably above average. Maybe. Honestly, this is a nicely tuned set. Perhaps it’s a slightly polarizing set too. I mean, you have to enjoy a slightly brighter sound. So please keep that in mind.
Bass Region
The low-end is a joy to listen to per the type of tuning that EPZ gave the Q5 Pro. This is not a fun, bombastic, and meaty presentation. It isn’t that. The Q5 Pro hangs its hat in speed, agility, impactful punch, and the bass region really does rise to the occasion with certain tracks. The bass can extend nicely too. This isn’t a flat-out weak bass either. I’d simply say it’s a tasteful low-end which doesn’t seek to overwhelm the mix in warmth or oversaturate the mix with loss of definition. This low-end is actually nicely defined and not even close to one-noted. Attack at each note is fairly concise and quick. The decay through sustain is also on the quicker side. Not as atmospheric as the Kefine Klean nor as fast or as textured as a set like the KZ PR3 for example, which seems to be able to attack and recover a hair faster, by a small margin. That said, the Q5 Pro bass can take on quicker passages of low-end music fairly easily actually, for a single DD. Not much can trip this set up and trust me I tested that. Anyways, the Q5 Pro carries a more crystalline note edge, not fuzzy, not soft, and each note does have an element of roundness to them. These aren’t wide and flat notes. Again, concise, hard edged, punchy, with some low-end vibrance and they are very ductile and dexterous for a $49 set. Also, the Q5 Pro low-end will rise to the occasion on heavier bass tracks and reciprocate with adequate boom & rumble to carry most genres.
Sub-bass
The lowest of the lows present some decent haptic vibrational feel to my music. Obviously, this set wasn’t made to rattle your eyeballs loose. Yet there’s some meat there. Still enough emphasis to carry most genres. In the same breath, the Q5 Pro isn’t even hinting at being a basshead style. Not a chance. EPZ crafted and tuned a more mature sound, almost clinical, refined even. At least for a set costing under $50. To check the extension, I listen to a track like “Tell Me What’s On Your Mind” by The Decemberists. Some sets will rattle with guttural depth here. However, the Q5 Pro does that but there’s a certain edge of pointed vibrance to the sound. A bassy luster, if you will. Just simply less emphasized or forward. Yes, it’s haptic, and yes, it’s palpable, yet with less reverb resonance and lingering harmonics. A nicely neat and shipshape sound which offers enough droning rumble to feel the low-pitch growl of a bass guitar, or the fullness of a clean bass drop etc. Overall, the sub-bass isn’t the most evidently emphasized, but it is mature enough in that it doesn’t sound like a one-noted mishmash of sub level bass either.
Mid-bass
Now, the mid-bass actually has some passable fullness and some level of enjoyable boom, but what it does very well is provide a decently textured punch. While the sub-bass is a hair more elevated, the mid-bass still offers some decent slam. Certainly, less emphasized than many budget sets which are tuned for a more fun and even more V-shaped style. The mid-bass is actually fairly compact and tight, no real extra fat to each note. Certainly not as lean as some BA bass sets, and not as textured and agile as some planar bass. Instead, the mid-bass has the organic timbre, yet in a more concise and defined package. Albeit slightly softened at the note edge on some tracks. But still quick. You’d think I was describing a weak bass here but there’s nothing frail about it. It’s just perceivably quicker in attack through decay. For instance, you aren’t missing out on the full bounce and depth of a kick drum or the edgy drone of a bass guitar. Those notes are there yet in a tidier and more well-defined duration. Now, bassheads will want nothing to do with the Q5 Pro, this much I can promise. Some may even say bass lite. I’d say, mature with a slight dosage of fun.
Mid-bass cont…
Listening to a track like “Calling Your Name” by Jon Batiste I hear some nicely rounded notes when the bass hits. However, I also hear a well separated and clean sound. Not overdone or overcooked as the mid-bass mostly minds its own business and doesn’t really intrude on other areas of the mix. Like I said, there’s some vibrance there, a clean edge, and the mid-bass decays nicely. For the most part. Another track is “Move Along” by The All-American Rejects. This track I use for testing because the kick drums are massive, and the 1st notes you hear out the gate. So, it makes it easy and quick to test. I like tracks like that. Anyways, the kick drum has that tacky initial snap on attack followed by a moderate hollow boom of resonance. Not as earth shaking as many sets but the bass has enough gusto to satisfy. Beyond that, the mid-bass doesn’t bleed a whole lot into the midrange. Just a touch. I’ll cover that in the next section.
Downsides to the Bass Region
Those who enjoy a deep and bulbous slam are not going to get that here. This is not even close to a bass head iem. EPZ saw to it to keep the low-end clean and free of too much masking energy. Now, on some ultra hard bass jams you’ll hear a little bit of that, but that’s particular to the recording and most sets will sound the same in that regard. Honestly, if you want a fun and bigger low-end then the Q5 Pro is not going to appeal to you. Again, this is a less intense low-end with just enough muscle to sound gratifying when a track calls for it. Basically, the bass will not inflict its will on the whole mix and color different areas too much. One thing I didn’t mention in the last couple paragraphs was the fact that more amperage cleans up this bass. Off of my iPad the bass is less defined, less clean, and a hair less distinct. Once I add some juice everything tightens up nicely though. So please keep that in mind if you only have less powerful sources. To be perfectly honest, the bass is nice, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. The sound of the low-end has just enough rumble and slam to come across fun on fun tracks yet orderly enough and tight enough for faster bass music.
Midrange
One thing which I noticed was that the midrange does sound a hair more forward then the previous Q5. In fact, one of the first things I did after burn-in was go back and forth between the two. It was, and still is evident that the midrange has a titch more prevalence in the sound field. I wouldn’t say “mid-forward”, but I would say that there’s good energy in this region. Notes sound more etched out with a slightly more acute substance to each note. Maybe it’s the fact that the midrange sounds a hair more rounded with better dimension. I definitely hear a sprightliness to the sound too, but that spirited sound never crosses the line to harshness for me. I’d call it composed luster. Mostly in the upper-mids. In truth, notes in this region actually receive a faint casting of warmth from the low-end, but it’s not much. I certainly wouldn’t call the midrange rich, or thick and the Q5 Pro is the polar opposite of veiled. However, note density isn’t bad at all for the price with nice texture to midrange notes.
Mids cont…
This is a clean midrange which does well for a single DD. The Q5 Pro is well able to pull off all the little micro-dynamics within my music in a convincing way for a $50 set. Depending on the track of course. Still, $50 or not… the Q5 Pro shows off a more transparent sounding midrange with nice details, clean note lines, and is more vibrant across the mids than anything else. To add to that, I also don’t hear an extremely shouty sound either. Just a nicely tuned set for those who enjoy a set that champions clarity and resolution over mellifluent musicality. Of course, this is not to say the Q5 Pro isn’t “musical” either. I’d say it’s balanced in that regard as well between analytical style exactness and rhythmic tunefulness.
Lower-midrange
Like I said, the low-end provides the most subtle warmth, which adds some meager low-mid weight to each note. However, this will not be enough bass overlap to create what I would consider a lush sound. Just a slight cast of warmth across a neutral canvas. Males do have an edginess to them at times with a very faint recession. In fact, I hesitate even calling it recessed as male vocalists do stick out with solid presence against the rest of the mix. There’s some crispness to the lower midrange which carries on-out through the whole scope of the mids. The lower midrange has very nice clarity with enough smoothness and warmth to not consider the sound “dry”. However, there’s enough crispness and exuberant energy to not consider the low-mids flat or dull. Just a nice sound in this area if you enjoy males with a hint more pointed energy and a leaner profile. Males like Dermot Kennedy in the track “Rome” has a lean yet very clean and vibrant presence. Perhaps his voice isn’t 100% organic with the Q5 Pro, but it is very nice sounding with nothing too knife edged or grainy like other sets. In fact, I’d say the same thing with almost all male vocalists; very clean, a pinch more vibrant, not warm, not soft, not thick, but on the leaner side with a very localized crisp edge at the crest of their notes. It’s a fine line that the Q5 Pro walks where that crispness doesn’t seem to ever cross the sharp or grainy line. I wouldn’t call male vocalists the strong suit of the Q5 Pro. Yet in the same breath the low-mids carry excellent details and sound very clean.
Upper-Midrange
Now, the upper-mids are certainly more forward, lustrous, and there definitely is some shimmer to both female vocalists as well as instrumentation in this region. The upper-mids carry a sheen of brightness which provides air to the sound, snap to percussion, edge to acoustic guitar etc. There’s an elated feel to this set, as though the upper midrange almost casts a glow over the sound field. I really want to specify that this “glow” or “luster” rarely comes across blatantly shouty or piercing. Don’t get me wrong, the Q5 Pro has its shouty moments, but they are really held in check well. This audio game is always a give and take. Yes, the upper mids are very transparent, airy, clean and transient tight. Yet at times you’ll hear that one note that got away and may come across a hint harsh. It happens to the best sets tuned this way. Anyways, females sound awesome. Certainly, lean in note body but also pristine, shimmery, like Gracie Abrams in the song “Let it Happen”. Her soft and svelte voice sounds like it’s on a pedestal, highlighted, out front and feather soft. Even though the Q5 Pro has a slightly brighter sound, it still shows off and conveys emotion. Every inflection is perfectly rendered, and each note is perfectly contoured. All instruments follow this path. Slightly more elated sounding, not as rich but also effortlessly clean, tidy and very detailed. I would say that the sound is a pinch too bright to call it organic, but it really is a very nice tuning job for this type of sound. Just like the OG Q5, but better, cleaner, more controlled. The Q5 Pro has great instrument separation too with some decent depth to midrange notes.
Downsides to the Midrange
Without question there will be those who do not agree with this tuning. Folks, look at all the warmer “meta” tuned sets which have come out lately. These sets are coming out in rebuke of brighter and more strident pinna rises, with more bass, smooth across the board, easy listening, fun. I suppose we all have a different idea of what “fun” is. I know we reviewers like to tell you what “fun” is. However, there will be plenty who really don’t want this type of analytical musicality. Yes, I said “analytical” and “musical” in the same sentence. Anyways, the midrange can get sharp in the right track. However, 98% of the time the Q5 Pro represents great control of the mix. It’s clean, open sounding, well separated, glass lined, never grainy and rarely sharp. So, fans of warmer or darker sounding sets may want to pass, and that’s perfectly fine. We are all very much different. Beyond that, note weight is not very thick, or lush, which some hobbyists would rather have. Beyond those things, the timbre isn’t the most organic or accurate. However… We Know This! The same as the Q5 yet even less bass presence. Not the most timbre accurate due to the subtle thinness and slight brightness. This is not at all a problem to me because I truly enjoy this set and have been for a couple weeks now, alot. Anyways, there’s things to consider here. I think for what the Q5 Pro is and for how it was tuned…the midrange is very nice. Very well done.
Treble Region
The treble has a definite gleam to it. There’s good brilliance in the treble that balances very well with the low-end. Folks, this is a treble which is most certainly elevated in emphasis. There’s some very nice sparkle in the treble with a very chimey sound to it. Very airy, very transparent, very well detailed for a $49 single DD, and it has nice crispness and bite to treble notes. I could almost say that this treble is for those treble bois who don’t have the cash to plop down on more expensive sets. Despite those nice words, this set will not be for the treble sensitive… at all!
Tasteful Brilliance
In my opinion, the treble is really the focus of the Q5 Pro, but it is done in a tasteful way. In a mature way. We say that bass is either sloppy, bullish, bloated or it’s… mature. Same deal with the treble. Just like the bass, treble can also mask over other frequencies and mute out other regions. Especially when that treble is so boosted and you’re jamming out to a treble driven song. With all that said, the Q5 Pro never seems to cross the line into something more akin to forced resolution. EPZ is too good for that. I actually really like how well manicured the highs are here, even with the emphasis. Truly a mature treble. Like I said earlier, the Q5 Pro is actually even brighter than the OG Q5 yet somehow, I found the OG Q5 to be less controlled up top, with more of those piercing notes which almost catch you off guard. Yes, it’s boosted and yes, the Q5 Pro carries a treble focus. However, there’s enough of that nuanced note control, note body, and note definition to not come across out of control and sloppy.
Examples
The Q5 Pro captures every little micro-dynamic shift and micro-detail within my music. With ease. Tracks like “Evil Twin” by Lindsey Stirling was quite awesome on this set. I love a set which can get bright, brilliant, with great biting notes yet not come across shrill or raucous. That’s how the Q5 Pro replays this track. Every note is rounded and very well contoured. Details are very easy to pick out. It sounds very vibrant and with a ton of sparkle. Just a very energetic and lively treble response. Another track is “Magnetic Fields, Pt. 1” by Jean Michel Jarre and it’s absolutely littered with treble activity. If any song was going to make me throw this set out of my ears, it’d be this track. Folks, I never once winced, and I could pick apart each note. The Q5 Pro showed off good separation, clean lines on everything, it has some vibrant snap and nice crunch. Now, I don’t want to oversell here because this set does cost $49. I truly feel that for the price the Q5 Pro excels in its treble performance.
A nice treble response…
The Q5 Pro also carries fantastic treble extension along with that good treble bite and roundness. You’ll notice on the graph there’s a bump out around 14k which can at times bring a hair too much vivacious energy for some people. However, most of the time it simply helps this set to sound more spirited. Even the secondary harmonics of a cymbal strike don’t come across splashy which is very nice to hear. They remain in relatively good control. Of course, much has to do with the track you are listening to, but EPZ did a nice job of keeping the Q5 Pro treble mostly sibilance free with very little splash. I don’t hear some mishmash of treble tizz which is great for this price. I realize this will not be everyone’s favorite sound, but I feel I am speaking right now for those who do enjoy a brighter sounding set. Those warm, bassy lovers have already left. This is for the treble fans. By the way, I truly love almost all sound signatures, and I can wholeheartedly appreciate this tuning and how well EPZ dialed in the sound as they did. Extension is nice, details are great, treble separation is very good and the treble carries that nice snap, bite, and punch. Is it perfect? Well, nothing is. However, for what EPZ was shooting for they really did a nice work on this set and the treble has a lot to do with that.
Downsides to the Treble Region
Of course, this entire treble region will be a “downside” to a whole slew of hobbyists. It’s bright folks. However, in that brightness I don’t feel it’s too bright. In my honest opinion, against the current market of brighter budget sets, the Q5 Pro is hands down above the others I’ve heard. So, is it a “downside”? For many folks who truly enjoy this sound I’d say no. To others who really don’t like this type of energy I’d say yes, it’s a downside. Truthfully, the sound is quite polarizing as you’ll either love it or not. I went from meta tuned warm sets with plenty of bass to this brighter and more energetic sound. That said, I truly enjoy the treble display. It is very well detailed (as I’ve said about a hundred times), can take on even complicated treble tracks, it’s a fast treble with tight transients, and also the treble region will provide that nice treble crunch and crispness too. However, there will be those who really don’t like it. Again, that’s okay.
Technicalities
Soundstage
The overall size of the soundstage is presented above average in width in my opinion. There is a wide presence as you have good extension both ways (sub-bass / upper-treble) which creates almost a psycho-acoustically stretched sound at times. Also, there is some depth to the sound as well. I wouldn’t necessarily call the sound super deep or super well layered, but it’s very good. Remember, this set costs $49. For a $49 iem, the soundstage is very nice.
Separation / Imaging
Instrument separation is definitely one of the better traits of the Q5 Pro. Each element of the stage is compartmentalized, partitioned off, and each instrument generally carries a glass-lined and crisp distinction. Like I said, notes are leaner, not thick, not mushed together, it’s an open sound, airy, very clean, very transparent, no fuzziness or grain, transients are tight with a quick attack and decay. The Q5 Pro is analytical first and musicality second. So yes, separation is very well displayed. Also, Imaging is quite good too. For a $49 iem that is. I find it easy to place instruments and vocals and there’s an adequate amount of layering as well.
Detail Retrieval
When it comes to detail retrieval you already know the answer here because I’ve spoken of it two thousand times in this review. Details are fantastic. Whether it’s the broader macro-detail cleanliness and transparency or the micro-details and subtle little pieces of info that can get lost on more lush sets, the Q5 Pro nails it. If you are the type who enjoys the minuteia in your music, then the Q5 Pro may be for you. Details are great.
Is it worth the asking price?
This is a loaded question. First let me say, I absolutely love the sound of this set, for what it is. Is it my favorite tuning? No, it isn’t. I actually prefer some warmth (just a phase I’m in right now). Of course, brightness and leanness really don’t bother me. Now, do I enjoy the Q5 Pro? Yes, quite a lot. Just as much as I love a warm set, I love an analytical and brighter set too. I can find joy in damn near all sound signatures. I can certainly find joy in the EPZ Q5 Pro. That’s me though. You may be completely different from me. I’m willing to bet that anyone who is a warm/dark lover, a bass lover, a smoothness lover, is not going to love this set and probably wouldn’t pay the $49 to own it. For those folks it isn’t worth the money and that is understandable. You like what you like folks. Now, for me and for those who aren’t bothered by a bit of extra brilliance, those folks may be able to see the absolute beauty of the Q5 Pro and the stellar tuning job that EPZ did. It’s a matter of preference though. Not everyone prefers less low-end, less warm, and treble focused. Nevertheless, that doesn’t take away from how well tuned the Q5 Pro is… per that tuning. Folks, I say with absolute assurance that the Q5 Pro is without question worth the $49 and truthfully… it should cost more.
The Why…
Because the build style, shape, and design are very cool. Just a classy look that doesn’t get old for me. Then the unboxing is actually quite good for a $49 iem. Just the same, the tuning is very well done. You have that punchy, decently extended but also very detailed low-end which can take on most any bass track. The midrange is transparent through-and-through with a crystalline note outline, great surface texture, nice crispness without the harshness and it’s simply a composed region. Also, the treble is very nicely done for a brighter tuning. I find that EPZ took this treble right to the brink of pierce yet capped it right at that point. It’s got decent note body up top, nice crunch, good treble bite and it’s very well extended without sounding splashy and full of sheened out treble tizz. The Q5 Pro is highly detailed for a $49 single DD with very good note separation and stellar imaging. The stage is wide, tall and there’s even some depth to provide some dimension to the sound. All in all, the EPZ Q5 Pro is worth every penny and more. Nice work EPZ.
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 Q5 Pro ratings below, that would be $35-$55 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. $35-$55 is a very large sized scope of iems. So, It should be a nice surprise 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 A nice ergonomic build.
–Look: 9.5 Love the look of this set.
–Fit/Comfort: 9.6 Fit and comfort is fantastic for me.
–Accessories: 9.3 Nice unboxing, far above average.
–Overall: 9.3🔥🔥
Sound Rating
–Timbre: 8.8 Bright-natural, clean.
–Bass: 8.9 Speedy, well defined, punchy.
–Midrange: 9.2 Transparent, analytical, melodic.
–Treble: 9.7 Highly skilled, well detailed, extended.
–Technicalities: 9.6 Very nice for all technicalities.
–Musicality: 8.6 Very mellifluous per the tuning.
–Overall: 9.1🔥🔥🔥
Ratings Summary:
I don’t think there’s much to explain here with this ratings section. The Q5 Pro got a high “9.1” out of “10.0” in overall sound ratings which to me is about right. I rated the Q5 Pro against any and all iems between the prices of $35 to $55. Not sure if you’ve been paying attention but this is a very competitive price point. I think one thing which keeps the Q5 Pro of reaching a hair higher in some ratings is the tuning. Don’t get me wrong, for what it is… the Q5 Pro has top marks. However, there are other sets which would fit better with more genres, maybe a hair more versatile in that regard. Still, a “9.1” is about as high as a set can get with this style of tuning at these prices. In my opinion of course. For instance, I just reviewed the Kefine Klean in the exact same price point ($35-$55), and it scored a “9.2” overall in sound. However, the Klean serves different listeners. It’s more bassy, warmer, richer whereas the Q5 Pro is brighter, more analytical, cleaner. What it all comes down to is this… ratings are ridiculous folks. There are so many variables in how one should rate a product. I have to narrow down my ratings to certain price points because this is to help you, if that’s even possible with ratings. If I don’t narrow them down then I’d have to judge this set against the entirety of the Audioverse, and that’s stupid. Plus, it makes no sense. Anyways, take all of this for a grain of salt and just keep scrolling.
Explain Yourself!!
Not much to explain, you can see the strengths of the Q5 Pro above and you can see where it isn’t as strong from my perspective against sets between $35 and $55. The highest rating I gave it is a “9.7” in the Treble category which may raise some eyebrows. Remember, that “9.7” is against a narrow number of sets. Keep that in mind. Anyways, I could certainly see some folks who are allergic to treble thinking I’ve lost my mind over that rating. Oh well. I rated the Q5 Pro against exactly 15 other sets in this price range that I’ve established. It was the best in the treble department in my mind. I think all of the other ratings hold up and really don’t need explanation. Technically, the Q5 Pro is a beast and most certainly can go toe-to-toe with any set between $35 and $55. At any rate, a “9.1” is a fantastic rating and I feel the Q5 Pro deserves it. Nice work EPZ!
Final words on the EPZ Q5 Pro
I’ve said it many times in the past, but I only review what I enjoy. I truly don’t have the time to spend writing, reviewing, listening to something that I feel isn’t joyful to review. Who wants that? Not me. Anyways, just due to the fact that I’m reviewing this set at all should tell you that I think it’s a solid product. Also, nothing is perfect, and nothing fits everyone. I can’t believe I have to state this multiple times in every review yet here I am. Friends, this set is not going to appeal to everyone. I know this, I’m sure EPZ knows this, and you know this. This set is tuned in a very particular way. Let that sink in for a moment. Take a couple minutes. Lol. Listen, among the under $75 crowd of sets you’ll be hard pressed to find a better analytically tuned iem. Now, You WILL read other reviews or watch other reviews, and they will bash this set. I promise you. However, this is because it doesn’t fit their preferences. Let that sink in for a moment. Now, for those people that the EPZ Q5 Pro does fit their preferences… they will absolutely adore this set. This I promise. It is good for what it is. It isn’t the warmer, bassier, smoother, richer sound. No sir. This is a bright leaning, detailed, clean, transparent, well-balanced sound with high energy and nice crispness. And guess what… the Q5 Pro is flat out awesome for this particular style.
Conclusion
To conclude my full written review of the EPZ Q5 Pro I want to pass along recommendations for this set. Obviously, I’m just one man with one opinion so that’s another thing you can take with a grain of salt. Anyways, I absolutely recommend it to anyone who doesn’t have the money to step up to the $100 price point and who truly adores a brighter and more snappy sound, a detailed sound, and a very energetic sound. I’d say that it’s the best money can buy under $55 with this tuning. Again, all my opinion and also, that statement is only based on all of the sets within the price point that I’ve heard and spent time with. I can also say tell you this; in my world I am 1000% correct. Whether you align with me is another thing altogether. However, I really have to hand it to EPZ for crafting a set that bucks the trend of the market. We are seeing warm set after warm set, and we really haven’t seen many analytical style iems under $100 of late. No doubt the Q5 Pro has a particular tuning and it’s probably a bit polarizing for some people. Still, I cannot speak badly on the Q5 Pro, and I do think it is a special iem.
Thank you!
I want to thank you before I am done. It means the world to myself and my partners at Mobileaudiophile.com that you click any link and show up at our site. Our whole goal and mission is to help you and to freely speak about the hobby that we love. So, it is our great honor to write these reviews. I really mean that. Thank you so very much and I hope this review has helped even a little bit.
Other perspectives
Please, right now go and check out other thoughts about the Q5 Pro. Please don’t stop at me. Granted, in my world I’m perfectly correct about every word of this review. However, we are all very different and what’s correct to me, may not be correct for you. I feel that listening to, reading, or watching other perspectives about the Q5 Pro will certainly help you in your journey. With that I’m done. I hope each and every one of you is doing well. Stay as safe as possible and always… God Bless!!
