Disclaimer:
Finally, EPZ has brought the successor of the Q5, the EPZ Q5 Pro, which brings some important improvements. In the first version, the Achilles heel of these IEMs were the MMCX connectors. A couple stopped working earlier than expected but EPZ promptly replaced them. Finally, the new model is in my hands.
Actually, there are also more performing models like the P50 that I hope to receive soon to test. EPZ always puts in a lot of effort, especially in tuning, and I’m very curious to see what they can do with a higher budget.
However, the review will still be 100% honest and in no way biased.
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:
- New 10mm carbon nano-composite diaphragm
- 3D-printed resin shells
- 3D-printed acoustic cavity
- Frequency response range: 20–20 KHZ
- Sensitivity: 109db (±1db)
- Impedance: 24 ohm
- Plug diameter: 3.5mm or 4.4mm
- Connector type: 0.78mm
- Cable: 6N – OCC
- Cable length: 1.2M
Packaging:
The new EPZ Q5 Pro has nice packaging but objectively speaking, those of the first Q5 were on a whole other level in terms of beauty. These are not aspects that really matter but the difference is visible. In terms of box, it is not a level up. As for the packaging, it remains of a high level. Inside we do not find great news in terms of accessories but always:
- EPZ Case
- Eartips similar to BGVP 07
- Cable with 2 pin 0.78mm terminals
- Manual & QC
What I immediately noticed is the non-excellent quality of the cable. Its feeling is very cheap and resembles some internal wiring of some electronics. In this accessory, the quality is not up to the set.
Design/Build quality:
The new EPZ Q5 Pro features more or less the same build quality. Even the shapes and geometries have remained unchanged and fit the same way as the old Q5. The new model has undergone an aesthetic update in the ventilation hole part, a decision mostly taken to differentiate itself from MEZE. Honestly, I preferred the previous aesthetics but the current one is fine too. The 10mm driver has undergone an upgrade and has gone to a driver with a carbon ceramic coated diaphragm. The most important improvement of this set is without a doubt the 0.78mm 2-pin connector. The old MMCX gave me some problems and if it is not of quality, it risks creating problems. Finally, the problem is solved definitively and makes the EPZ Q5 Pro a more resistant model.
Initial sound impression:
The EPZ Q5 Pro did not give me the same feeling of harmony as the Q5 that had literally captivated me as soon as I put them on. These, in a certain sense, reveal more details and are definitely more technical but their trebles are decidedly spicy for any ear. There is a good explosion of details but the pleasant and silky sound present in the original Q5s has vanished a bit. They are both excellent but the vibes of the Q5s and the very pleasant sensuality of that driver are not present in these. I do not think it is a question of drivers but more of tuning that they have chosen for the latter. A sound slightly less rich in emotions but which presents more details in a certain sense is colder. I could define the civecchie as romantic and the latter as cold of feelings.
Tips & Cable Rolling:
As for the included Eartips, the 07 model is fine; even if it is nothing special for this model, they are more than spot on. There is no real reason to upgrade but if you have tips at home that can tame the treble and emphasize the bass, then definitely try them. I put the Divinus Velvet because I found them very good on the Q5 but other models are also very good. I particularly recommend liquid silicone models such as the EPZ M100 or the Soundcocoon.
Instead, I did not replace the cable because, even if it is ugly, it does its job more than perfectly. Maybe it will not last very long but I have several spare ones. As for the power, a balanced output is not necessary.
Equipment used for testing:
Device:
- OSX
- POCO M4 Pro
Software:
- Amazon music UHD 24bit 96kHz
DAC:
- EPZ TP35 (pretty analytical-thin)
- Creative Soundblaster G8
- Fosi SK02 (pretty nice)
- Muse Hifi M4
- Fiio KA11 (nice bass response)
- Fiio KA17
- Fosi DS2
- Simgot DEW4X
- EPZ TP50
- Creative SoundBlaster X5
- Creative SXFI Amp (great soundstage and note weight)
Final sound impression:
I took a few weeks between the Q5 and the Q5 Pro and honestly, my preference goes towards the old model. The main reason, I think, is the tone and brightness of the tuning that, even if more technical, does not give the same emotions as the old one. It is not so much the graphic difference but I think the warmth that it manages to transmit. The different driver could also be the cause. In some way the notes seem to have a lower weight and give a feeling in a certain slightly subdued tone. I realize that for those who do not own both, this difference will be difficult to notice.
Let’s say that pairing it with the EPZ TP35 dongle, I feel that it is not in top form. Being a bright IEM, using a less analytical source could undoubtedly help.
In fact, I dusted off the good old Creative SXFI Amp that emphasizes low range and stage, bringing the two models more or less on the same level. I can assure you that they totally change faces. So in my opinion, less analytical sources are to be preferred.
The Fiio KA11 is also excellent, raising the performance of the low range significantly compared to the EPZ TP35. If you choose the right combination, the quality makes a crazy leap.
Treble
The trebles are, in my opinion, more resolute and present than the old Q5 Pro. Although from some graphs it doesn’t seem so, the perception of the trebles becomes spicier. It seems like the extension is less limited and reaches new heights. It’s not an amount of brightness suitable for all ears so I advise you to evaluate carefully. If you are a treblehead, you will certainly appreciate the extra sparkle, but on some tracks you may experience some sibilance. To be honest, if you don’t overdo the volume, it’s unlikely that the trebles will become harsh and sibilant.
Mids
The EPZ Q5 Pro’s mids are particularly pleasant but certainly not the most exciting; in a certain sense, I sometimes feel them a bit cold and thin. Especially if we take the old Q5 as a comparison, the comparison for my personal tastes does not hold up. The sensation of fullness and also warmth is missing. Yes, obviously they are more analytical and some details shine through better.
Bass
I think we can say that there is a slight greater emphasis on the sub-bass with a slight improvement in the speed and definition of the bass, which is less prone to bleeding. It is not the kind of invasive bass but always composed, good texture. Although a greater extension towards the mids would probably have improved the performance of the latter.
Soundstage and Imaging:
I have mixed opinions but I think the old EPZ Q5 had a more openback faceplate that somehow widened the soundstage a lot. In some ways, the internal structure is also different and the positioning of the driver inside the new cavity certainly creates important differences. In terms of layering and imaging, more or less the differences are minimal. The weight of the notes instead is higher on the old model until a dongle is found that ties in particularly well with the new EPZ Q5 Pro.
Fast Comparison:
vs EPZ Q5
For this Pro version, you could have done absolutely more, starting from the accessories. In terms of sound, the product has a U-shaped tuning with a bright, natural timbre but it loses a bit of emotion and thickness of the notes. I can tell you that I still love the first model as if it were the first day because even today their performance for the price range is absolutely incredible.
vs Kefine Klean
If you prefer a more V-shaped tuning but at the same time more casual and less technical, you are on the right IEM. The Kefieìne Klean shows off a build quality that puts many IEMs in this price range to shame. Together with the Kefine Delci, they are currently the best entry-level. I recommend reading the full review.
Conclusion:
Conclusions are often the result of the personal tastes of those who listen. I want to clarify this because online you will find other opinions of equal value, even if different. The EPZ Q5 Pro is currently sold at at least 50 USD or more, while the old Q5 is even at 39 USD on sale. The difference is audible only if you own both so whoever you choose, you will go on two excellent choices. Based on your sound tastes, you can choose slightly better or slightly worse. In both cases, the choice will be excellent, especially if you have more sources to try You will realize for yourself that the EPZ Q5 Pro is sensitive to the source. Based on what you have, you will have a result that sounds closer to the original EPZ Q5 but with a more precise and sharp sound.
In any case, if you want a single driver rich in macro and micro details, you are in the right place but remember that many manufacturers now offer highly competitive products in the $50 segment.
8.1/10
Pros:
- Price/performance is pretty good
- Shell quality is the same with some mods
- Nice packaging
- Removable 0.78mm pin cables
- Brighter tuning
- More technical
- Better Macro & Micro details
- Quite wide Soundstage for a single DD
- Easy to drive (you don’t need anything expensive)
Cons:
- Trebles can be spicy and sibilant
- Cable quality
- Less pleasant tuning
- Note weight
