QoA Gimlet is here for our review. And these are my initial observations of the QoA Gimlet app on the iPad Pro while listening to Apple Music. Good in electronics, and the bass is the second-best (vibrating and powerful) of the recent budget options (Shozy T1 First Impressions and Kiwi Cadenza Review). The midrange is sparkling, but the treble is dull. The ability to drive is important (making it harder to match the volume of others, but hey, it’s QoA, they react after amping). As far as layering goes, it’s somewhat above average.

A bass won’t bleed out when it hits. The midrange, with its slightly bright tone, is excellent, but the highs are lacking. There is also a lack of 3D imaging.   

Pros__

Fast basses

Mids

B level technicalities

Instrument separation

Cons__

Blurry background

OK soundstage

Priced higher than it should

Demanding power

The Sound

Good layering and OK to good other technicalities when powered up. Instrument separation is OK but it outclasses some budget pieces in metal music without disturbance and this is worth a B rating. 

Bass

Thumpy and hard hits with adequate midbass that doesn’t interfere with tracking or positioning. It gains energy thanks to a quick bass response, especially at high power levels. Because of its dynamic response, the bass in question has the potential to produce an amazing effect. The rich tone of the sound gives it a lively personality, even though it doesn’t have enough intensity to really hook you. Because of its natural tone, the Gimlet can make such a deep sound without distorting the lows. When it comes down to it, the Gimlet’s default reaction to the vast majority of songs is an upbeat and energizing one.

Mid

I feel like I’m getting $20 worth of music for free at the halfway point. The Gimlet’s low, wide, and strong pitch draws attention to the music while still sounding accurate and slightly rich. It’s not great music, but there are plenty of instruments, and it’s strong and loud. Even so, the mids fill out the soundstage and give the track a bit of a body. Even though some instruments may be louder than others, the performance as a whole leans forward and focuses on the upper middle of the audible spectrum. One could say that the vocals are the song’s “cutting knife,” slicing through the instruments.

Treble

Definitely not a winner but more than just OK. I would rate its treble with B- albeit it’s darkness at trebles which I don’t like.

Comparisons

vs KBear Qinglong: Gimlet’s tinny treble and overall brightness make it a more favorable option than Qing. The soundstage is adequate, particularly in light of how it compares to Qing. In comparison to Qing, Gimlet features less of a focus on the midbass. As a result, it’s developing to possess a more airy, easygoing vibe than Qing.

vs Tin Hifi C2: Detail projection is one notch worse, but the thin trebles persist. Soundstage is wide as C2. Drums have more weight and are boomy in where needed. A little airy than C2, the Mech Warrior, but technicalities aren’t obviously better than it.  

vs Celest Audio Pandamon: Not as clear as Pandamon for sure. But the ear comfort and calmer nature is definitely a score. Pandys great ability is to combine dynamics, neutrality and clarity together in the semi open design. Gimlet has a thing or two to learn from it.

QoA Gimlet Review

Verdict

Hello darkness, my old friend. I’ve come to see you in the whole Final and BGVP again. QoA Gimlet is looking up to them too. Regardless of how amateur and dark it may appear, Gimlet – probably named after Piglet, Queen of Audio’s modest budget iem of 2022. I would strongly recommend the Gimlet to you if you are searching for an in-ear monitor (IEM) and your criteria includes modern sound tuning, enjoyable ergonomics, and an affordable price.