Note: My impressions or review are purely based on my listening experience; nothing is exaggerated or diminished for any particular reason.
Another underrated gem from Epz. I describe it as "Energetic yet Chill," which aptly captures the essence of these IEMs. The sound is neutral with a treble boost; the treble is striking, extended, and airy, without any metallic harshness in the right source. For those who love high frequencies or are treble enthusiasts, this is sure to please.
Let's start with the Fitting, Build Quality, and Design: These IEMs have a unique design, though it's somewhat inspired by the Meze Advar, giving off a wannabe vibe. However, the fitting is exceptionally comfortable due to the small shell shape and resin material. In terms of build quality, it's sturdy and well-crafted, but the MMCX pins, for some, including myself, can be a deal-breaker.
Moving on to Packaging & Cable Quality: The packaging is excellent and thoughtful, including 6 pairs of eartips that are comfortable enough that there's no need for aftermarket ones. It also comes with an Epz case, silica gel, and a user manual. The cable quality is good, with a well-braided and flexible design, but as suggested by the Epz owner, it's better to replace the cable to fully unleash the potential of these IEMs.
Now, onto the Sound, starting with the Low end: The bass is enjoyable and fun, although not extremely deep and punchy. The texture and rumble are pleasant, especially with its fast bass response. Testing it with songs like Paramore's "Fast In the Cars" and Gojira's "Amazonia" showcases its capabilities.
Midrange: Here, the vocals sound natural and clean, with no hint of thinness or nasal tone. The upper mids can be a bit sibilant and shouty at higher volumes, but with the help of a warm DAC, this issue can be mitigated. Testing it with Niki's "High School In Jakarta" and Sleep Token's "Dark Signs" demonstrates its performance.
High frequencies: This is where these IEMs shine. The treble is crisp, rich, and extended. Guitar solos sound powerful, and cymbals are rendered crisply. What I appreciate the most is that despite the intense treble, there's no hint of harshness or metallic timbre. In my opinion, I prefer these IEMs over the Ew200 Simgot. Testing it with Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and "Come As You Are" further confirms its prowess.
Lastly, Technical aspects: These IEMs excel technically, especially considering their price. The soundstage, tested using JamesDSP app, is wide but not overly expansive. The 3D imaging is accurate, and separation between instruments is well-defined with above-average resolution and clarity. The timbre is also very natural, making instruments sound lifelike.
Conclusion: In my opinion, these IEMs could have been a new sensation upon their release, potentially surpassing the Ew200 Simgot. However, the MMCX pin issue might be a deal-breaker for some, creating a love-hate relationship. As for the question of whether these IEMs require a DAC, for me, the answer is yes! To maximize their potential, it's advisable to use a neutral or warm DAC.
Rating:
- Low: ★★★★✮
- Mid: ★★★★✮
- High: ★★★★★
- Technical: ★★★★★ (4.8/5) {☆ 0.5 point, ✮ 1 point, ★ 1 point}
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